I almost built my own red light therapy panel back in 2018.
I’d been staring at panels priced between $1,200 and $1,500, thinking there’s no way this should cost that much for a bunch of LEDs on a board. So I started sourcing components: LEDs, drivers, heatsinks, housings. Hundreds of dollars and dozens of hours later, I gave up. Turns out building a safe, reliable panel involves way more engineering than it looks.
But that project taught me something important: the gap between what’s inside these devices and what brands charge (and claim) didn’t add up.
Fast forward to 2025. I’ve tested 8+ panels personally. I’ve noticed that some devices feel noticeably more intense than others with nearly identical specs on paper. Cheap lights from Alibaba feel completely different from premium panels, even when the spec sheets look the same.
Something wasn’t right.
So I invested over $2,500 in professional-grade testing equipment to find out what’s actually going on. This page explains exactly what I test, how I test it, and why the numbers I publish may look very different from what manufacturers claim.
In this post, you’ll discover:
- The exact equipment I use (and what each measures)
- My standardized testing protocol: distance, measurement points, ambient conditions
- What each metric actually means in plain English
- How brands inflate their specs (and the specific tricks they use)
- How to submit your panel for independent testing
I use $2,500+ in professional spectroradiometry equipment, not budget solar meters
Every panel gets a 15-minute warm-up before measurement (most reviewers skip this)
I measure at 12 inches (real treatment distance), not the inflated 6-inch standard
5-point cross pattern reveals uniformity that center-only readings hide
Manufacturer specs typically run 40-70% higher than spectroradiometer-verified values
My Testing Philosophy
Here’s the thing: I believe red and near-infrared light function like deficient vitamins for modern humans.
We evolved under full-spectrum sunlight. Today, most of us spend 90%+ of our waking hours under artificial lighting that’s missing entire chunks of the spectrum, especially the red and near-infrared wavelengths our cells depend on [R].
That makes choosing the right light therapy device a health decision, not just a purchase decision. And health decisions deserve real data, not marketing claims.
I’m not a neutral lab. I use these devices daily for recovery, sleep, relaxation, and mitochondrial support. I’m affiliated with most major brands in this space (which actually frees me from bias toward any single one). My goal isn’t to destroy brands. It’s to help you get what you actually pay for.
When I discovered that a panel I’d been gifted wasn’t performing as claimed, I didn’t write an exposé. I contacted the founder directly, and we’re working together to trace the issue. That’s the kind of reviewer I want to be.
Red and near-infrared light function like deficient vitamins for modern humans. We evolved under full-spectrum sunlight. Today most of us spend 90%+ of our waking hours under artificial lighting missing entire chunks of the spectrum. Share on XThe Equipment
I didn’t cheap out here. Every tool I use serves a specific purpose that phone apps and budget meters can’t replicate.
Hopoocolor OHSP350IR spectroradiometer (~$2,000)
This is the centerpiece of my testing setup: a professional spectroradiometer that measures across 380 to 1,050nm. That range matters because most red light panels emit at 660nm (red) and 850nm (near-infrared). Budget meters often can’t read past 800nm, which means they’re blind to half of what your panel does.
What it tells me:
- Irradiance (mW/cm²): the actual power density hitting your skin at a given distance
- Spectral power distribution: which wavelengths the panel actually emits (not just what it claims)
- Peak wavelength: whether a panel claiming “660nm” actually peaks at 640nm or 680nm
The OHSP350IR uses a 2nm bandwidth with ±0.5nm wavelength accuracy. In plain English: it can distinguish between very closely spaced wavelengths with laboratory-grade precision.
Hopoocolor HPCS330P flicker and spectrum analyzer (~450)
My second Hopoocolor device focuses on something almost no RLT reviewer measures: flicker.
All LEDs pulse to some degree. Most do it fast enough that you don’t consciously notice. But research suggests that certain flicker frequencies can trigger headaches, eye strain, and neurological stress, even below conscious perception [R].
What it tells me:
- Flicker index: a 0-to-1 score measuring how much the light output varies per cycle (lower = better)
- Flicker percent: the difference between peak and trough output as a percentage
- Flicker frequency: how many times per second the light pulses
This meter also doubles as a visible-range spectrometer (350 to 800nm), giving me a second set of readings to cross-reference against the OHSP350IR in the red wavelength range.
Cornet ED88T Plus EMF meter (~$190)
This device measures 3 types of electromagnetic fields at treatment distance:
- RF (radiofrequency): shouldn’t be an issue with panels, but worth confirming
- Magnetic field (ELF): the main concern. Some panels with cheap drivers produce elevated magnetic fields
- Electric field: less commonly discussed but measurable
Most quality panels produce minimal EMF at 12+ inches. But I’ve seen budget panels with surprisingly high readings, exactly the kind of thing you’d never know without testing.
Satic Shield EMI meter (~$200)
This device measures dirty electricity: high-frequency voltage transients that travel along your home’s wiring. Some panel power supplies generate significant dirty electricity, which means the panel could affect other electronics (and potentially your biology) even when mounted across the room.
This isn’t something any other RLT reviewer measures, as far as I know.
Supporting tools
I round out the setup with a few simpler instruments:
- Power meter (~$50): measures actual wall power draw in watts. Useful for calculating electrical efficiency (how much wall power converts to therapeutic light output)
- Phone-based lux meter: quick reference readings for ambient light confirmation
- Phone-based sound meter: some panels emit an audible hum from their drivers. Worth documenting
The Testing Protocol
Consistency matters more than any single measurement. Here’s exactly how I test every device.
Testing environment
I test in my office with blackout curtains drawn. Before each session, I confirm near-zero ambient light with my lux meter. Room temperature stays between 68 and 74°F (panel output can shift with extreme temperatures).
Warm-up period
This is a step most reviewers skip (and it matters).
LEDs change output as they heat up. A cold panel reads higher than a warm one. I power on each device for 15 minutes before taking any measurements. That gives the LEDs and drivers time to reach thermal equilibrium, the state they’ll actually operate in during your 10 to 20 minute treatment session.
Pro Tip: If you’re comparing panels yourself, always let them run for at least 15 minutes before measuring. Cold readings can inflate output by 10-20% compared to stabilized performance.
Measurement distance: 12 inches
Most competitors measure at 6 inches. I chose 12 inches for 3 reasons:
- It’s closer to real-world usage. Watch anyone use a full-body panel. They’re sitting or standing about 12 to 18 inches away, not 6
- 12 inches captures real treatment-distance performance. A panel that looks great at 6 inches but has a narrow beam angle may disappoint at actual usage distance
- It differentiates my data. You can compare my 12-inch readings to competitors’ 6-inch readings and draw your own conclusions about how each panel’s output drops with distance
I use a fixed measuring stand to maintain exact distance. No eyeballing.
The 5-point cross pattern
For each device, I take readings at 5 standardized points across the panel face:
[Top]
|
[Left]--[Center]--[Right]
|
[Bottom]Why 5 points? A center-only reading hides the full story. Many panels have a “hot spot” in the middle where irradiance peaks, while edges drop off significantly. The 5-point cross captures center performance, horizontal uniformity, and vertical uniformity in a pattern that’s fast enough to execute across many panels while still revealing meaningful differences.
For each point, I take 3 consecutive readings and average them to reduce measurement noise.
What I report:
- Center irradiance (the spec most comparable to manufacturer claims)
- Average irradiance across all 5 points (the spec that actually matters for your treatment)
- Uniformity ratio (lowest reading ÷ highest reading, closer to 1.0 = more even coverage)
Flicker measurement
Separate from irradiance testing, I run the HPCS330P for flicker analysis at the panel’s center point. I capture:
- Flicker index and flicker percent
- Dominant flicker frequency
- Waveform pattern (sinusoidal, square wave, etc.)
EMF measurement
With the panel running at full power (after warm-up), I measure:
- Magnetic field (mG) at 12 inches (treatment distance)
- Magnetic field (mG) at 6 inches (for comparison)
- Magnetic field (mG) at contact (worst case)
- Dirty electricity (GS units) before and after powering on the panel
Data recording
Every measurement gets logged with the date, ambient temperature, firmware/model version if visible, and any notes about the panel’s condition. Raw data stays on file so I can re-reference it if a manufacturer questions my results.
What Each Metric Means
If you’re not sure what these numbers mean, here’s the quick translation.
Irradiance (mW/cm²)
The single most important spec. Irradiance measures how much light power hits each square centimeter of your skin at a given distance.
Higher irradiance = shorter treatment times to reach the same dose.
A panel delivering 50 mW/cm² at 12 inches gives you a therapeutic dose of 10 J/cm² in about 3.3 minutes. A panel delivering 20 mW/cm² takes 8.3 minutes for the same dose. Not a huge deal for a single session, but it adds up over months.
The formula: dose (J/cm²) = irradiance (mW/cm²) × time (seconds) ÷ 1,000
Spectral output
Which wavelengths the panel actually emits. A panel claiming “660nm + 850nm” might actually peak at 645nm and 830nm. Those differences matter because the target molecule in your cells (cytochrome c oxidase) has specific absorption peaks [R].
My spectroradiometer generates a spectral chart showing exactly where each panel’s output peaks. No guessing.
Flicker index and flicker percent
Two ways of measuring how much the light output fluctuates per cycle.
Some people notice flicker-related discomfort (headaches, eye strain) even at frequencies their eyes can’t consciously detect. If you’re sensitive, these numbers matter.
EMF readings
Electromagnetic fields measured in milligauss (mG) for magnetic fields. Most guidelines suggest keeping chronic exposure below 2 to 3 mG. I measure at treatment distance so you know what you’re actually exposed to during a session.
Dirty electricity
Measured in Graham-Stetzer (GS) units. Clean power sits below 50 GS. Some panel power supplies can push readings above 200 GS. Worth knowing if you’re health-conscious enough to buy a red light panel in the first place.
Uniformity ratio
My own metric. Lowest reading ÷ highest reading across the 5-point grid.
Why Manufacturer Specs Lie
“Lie” might sound harsh. Some brands genuinely don’t know their numbers are inflated. But the result for you stays the same: the specs on the box often don’t match reality.
Here’s how it happens.
The solar meter problem
Most brands measure irradiance with solar power meters (also called pyranometers). These devices read all wavelengths of light and sum them together.
The problem: red light panels emit narrow-band light at specific wavelengths. A solar meter catches ambient light, reflections, even infrared heat, and adds it all into one inflated number.
A professional spectroradiometer (like my OHSP350IR) reads only the actual emitted wavelengths. In my experience, manufacturer-claimed irradiance typically runs 40 to 70% higher than spectroradiometer-measured values.
That’s not a rounding error. That’s the difference between a 10-minute and a 20-minute session to reach the same dose.
Manufacturer-claimed irradiance on red light panels typically runs 40-70% higher than spectroradiometer-measured values. That's the difference between a 10-minute and 20-minute session. Share on XThe distance trick
Some brands measure at 0 inches (contact with the panel) or 3 inches. Nobody uses a panel at 0 inches.
Always check what distance a brand uses for their specs. If they don’t disclose it, assume the number looks better than reality.
The peak vs. average trick
A single reading at the panel’s center (the brightest point) can be 40 to 60% higher than the average across the full panel face. Brands report the peak. My 5-point cross pattern reports both, so you know the difference.
The cold measurement trick
LEDs output more light when cold. Some brands measure immediately after powering on. After 15 minutes of operation (your actual usage condition), output drops as the LEDs and drivers heat up. I measure after a 15-minute warm-up to capture real-world performance.
What I’ve found so far
I’ve already discovered a panel that didn’t perform as its specs claimed. Rather than calling the brand out, I contacted the founder directly. We’re actively working together to trace the root cause, whether it’s a manufacturing variance, a spec sheet error, or something else.
That’s the approach I take. Honest data, communicated directly. I’d rather help a brand fix a problem than score outrage clicks.
Submit Your Panel for Testing
Want independent data on a device I haven’t covered yet? Whether you’re a brand looking for credible third-party testing or a consumer who wants the real numbers on a panel you already own, I’m open.
What I test
Every submission gets the full protocol: spectroradiometer irradiance, spectral analysis, flicker metrics, EMF readings, dirty electricity, and uniformity mapping.
What you get
An honest, data-backed assessment published to the Outliyr audience. I’ll share raw data with brands who request it.
A few things to know:
- I publish honest results regardless of outcome. If a panel underperforms, that goes in the review
- I’m not a paid testing lab. I test devices that are relevant to my audience
- If I find an issue, I’ll contact you directly before publishing, giving you a chance to investigate
- Turnaround depends on my testing queue, but I prioritize devices my readers ask about most
Interested? Reach out here.
About My Credentials
I’m Nick Urban, a Certified CHEK Practitioner, Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach (Level 2), and an instructor for the Optimal Health, Longevity, & Biohacking Certification Program at The School of Biohacking.
I’ve spent 10+ years testing health and performance tools, everything from nootropics to cold plunges to red light panels. I’ve personally used red light therapy since 2019, starting with a cheap cannabis grow light that definitely didn’t deliver the same experience as a dedicated panel (and yes, I tried it anyway).
I’m not a physicist. I don’t pretend to know everything about photonics. But I do know how to set up a standardized testing protocol, follow it consistently, and report exactly what the instruments show. When I don’t understand something, I reach out to researchers and engineers who do.
That combination of real equipment, consistent methodology, and honest reporting matters more than any single credential.
What spectroradiometer do you use?
The Hopoocolor OHSP350IR, which measures across 380 to 1,050nm with 2nm bandwidth and ±0.5nm wavelength accuracy. This covers both red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) wavelengths that budget meters miss.
Why do you measure at 12 inches instead of 6?
12 inches reflects how people actually use full-body panels. Measuring at 6 inches inflates numbers and hides beam angle weaknesses. My 12-inch readings give you treatment-distance performance data.
How long do you warm up panels before testing?
15 minutes minimum. LEDs output more light when cold, so measuring immediately after power-on inflates readings by 10 to 20%. I wait for thermal equilibrium to capture real-world performance.
Why are your irradiance numbers lower than the manufacturer’s?
Most brands use solar power meters that catch all wavelengths (including ambient light and heat). My spectroradiometer reads only the actual therapeutic wavelengths. The difference is typically 40 to 70%.
Can I submit my panel for testing?
Yes. Contact me with the device name, model, and any specs you’d like me to verify. I prioritize devices my readers ask about most.
Do you measure EMF from red light panels?
Yes. I use the Cornet ED88T Plus for RF, magnetic, and electric fields at multiple distances, plus the Satic Shield EMI meter for dirty electricity. Most reviewers skip these measurements entirely.
Have questions about my testing process? Want to suggest a panel for review? Email me at nick@outliyr.com or leave a comment below.
Independent Test of Light Therapy Devices
Humans today are bathed in the wrong wavelengths of artifical blue light constantly, without adequate balance of red and infrared. Although I always advocate optimizing natural sunlight exposure first, supplying targeted wavelengths of light can make a dramatic difference for many people.
It’s as easy as grabbing a panel, flipping it on, and enjoying a passive session. In theory. First, you need the right device, and many don’t match their marketing specs. Unfortunately, the meters required to quantify and test light therapy systems are outrageously expensive.
So brands get away with misleading consumers. Some of the best panels are not the most expensive; some of the cheapest panels are not the worst.
My goal is to test and work with as many manufacturers as possible to fix the industry. To make better light for all a reality. If you have a panel, you’re curious about a panel, or want me to test your product and publish the results, please reach out!