Red Light Therapy Pads vs Panels: Which is Better?

Feb 25, 2021 | Shelley Wellings

Last Updated May 1, 2026

Red light therapy has grown in popularity in recent years, with studies finding that home-use devices appear to mediate effective, safe treatments in a variety of conditions that require frequent applications.¹

As a result, an increasing number of light therapy devices and products have flooded the market, making finding the right option feel overwhelming.

As you scroll through pages and pages of products, you might notice that there are two main types of light therapy device: pads and panels. So, how do you know which one to choose?

Both systems use wavelengths of red, infrared, and sometimes blue light to stimulate the mitochondria in the body’s cells, potentially improving circulation and healing, while relieving pain. However, that doesn’t mean pads and panels benefit people in the same way.

What are red light therapy pads?

Pads are a targeted approach to red light therapy, making them ideal for people wanting to address a specific concern.

HealthLight has a range of devices each tailored to different parts of the body, such as the feet and ankles, the neck and shoulders, and even a facemask.

Knees are also a common area of treatment, with research showing notable benefits in people with knee osteoarthritis who used red light therapy. A 2024 systematic review of 10 studies in knee arthritis concluded that red light therapy can significantly reduce knee pain at rest.²

What are red light therapy panels?

Panels offer a full-body exposure option for people whose goals may be less targeted. For example, chronic pain management over a large area or circadian rhythm regulation.

Larger panels require a stand or rack for safe use, with some full-body panels exceeding 60 inches in height.

Key benefits and differences: Pads vs panels

Pads	Panels
Placed directly on the skin for more focused, deep penetration	User generally stands or sits anywhere from 6” to 14” away from the panel
Flexible, allowing them to be wrapped around joints and limbs	Full-body application allows for a “one-size-fits-all” solution, although effectiveness is impacted because of this
Can be slipped under clothing, meaning they can be used anywhere	Red light therapy cannot penetrate clothes, so bare skin is required
Eyes can be kept open, so the user can read, watch TV or work on a computer while wearing the device	Goggles or sunglasses must be worn to protect the eyes
Lightweight and portable, making them ideal for traveling	Panels are large, making them less portable, but they can be ideal for an at-home set-up

Which option is better for you?

While the answer to this is ultimately down to personal preference and circumstances, people often explore red light therapy because of a specific cause of discomfort. Common issues that red light therapy is used for include joint and back pain, arthritis, and feet pain.

If targeted relief is your goal, then having flexible pads that directly touch the skin of the problem area is likely the best option for you. This means that the light isn’t dispersed as it would be using a panel, increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

Panels do have a higher intensity of light output than pads, due to their increased size and power. However, the light dispersal that occurs in the space between the panel and the user, means that the potential benefits of this increased intensity are lost, particularly if the user wishes to target a certain area of the body.

Consider a ceiling light and a spotlight. A ceiling light may provide better overall visibility, but the spotlight offers a brighter focused light. This is the difference between panels and pads.

Whichever device you choose, ensure that it is FDA-cleared, such as all of HealthLight’s devices, and that you follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.

References

¹Gavish, L. and Houreld, N.N. (2019). Therapeutic Efficacy of Home-Use Photobiomodulation Devices: A Systematic Literature Review. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 37(1), pp.4–16. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2018.4512.

Staff Journalist (2025). Expert Interview: Does Red Light Therapy Work? A Research Review. [online] New Health Journal. Available at: https://newhealthjournal.org/news/does-red-light-therapy-work-research/ [Accessed 15 Aug. 2025].