Best SAD Lamps

Best SAD Lamps

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.


As research into Seasonal Affective Disorder continues to expand, the demand for tools capable of addressing common symptoms is increasing. SAD lamps offer an excellent form of easy-to-access therapy for people who suffer from low moods during the colder and darker months of the year. However, selecting the right product among a wide range of options can be challenging. That’s why we created this list to help with your search.

To find the right SAD lamps, we considered multiple factors, including:

  • Design
  • Brightness
  • Ease of Use
  • Functionality

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews, and comparing features to come up with this list.

SAD Lamp Reviews

Lumie Vitamin L (Editor’s Choice)

Medically rated and proven to support those with seasonal affective disorder, this SAD lamp produces 10,000 lux of brightness to reduce the symptoms of winter blues. Designed as a slimline rectangle, this model is excellent for portability, with a collapsible stand so users can set it up anywhere. Suitable for use in both portrait and landscape mode, the 20 x 28cm surface area uses a rippled diffusion method to create a relaxing glow.

The Lumie Vitamin L therapy lamp simulates the natural illumination of sunlight to enhance energy, mood, and focus. Created with energy efficiency, this model features cool white LEDs with no UV impact. Though the manufacturer recommends using this item for 30 minutes at a time to get the result, it’s mains-operated, so you can leave it on as long as you like.

This lamp is registered with the Medical and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, and it looks fantastic in any room, with a modern, minimalist appearance. Weighing only 830 grams, you can also easily slip the product into a bag to take with you to work or school.

Pros:

  • Registered with the Medical and Healthcare Regulatory Agency
  • Relaxing rippled effect
  • Natural cool white LEDs with no UV
  • Mains operated for constant performance
  • Portable and lightweight design

Cons:

  • The power cord could be a little loose at times
  • The bulbs may be too bright for some users

Lumie DESKLAMP (Luxury Choice)

Ideal for work, reading, or relaxing, this SAD lamp is a wonderfully versatile product. The high-contrast light comes with an adjustable neck for focused tasks, as well as touch control, so you can adjust the brightness level whenever you choose. There’s also a removable diffuser so you can create a softer glow for night-time activities.

Certified as a medical device and tested according to the highest healthcare standards, this Lumie DESKLAMP delivers a phenomenal 10,000 lux performance. The product looks simple and modern, so it can fit well with any office or bedroom aesthetic. There are a total of four light levels to choose from, and the LEDs are enriched with blue elements for results similar to the sun. The manufacturer recommends using the item for 30 minutes with the diffuser on or 60 minutes without it.

Lightweight and flexible, users can easily position the item to give them the best results according to their specific needs. Moreover, this solution is mains-operated, so you don’t have to worry about running out of energy during a therapy session.

Pros:

  • Removable diffuser for a higher impact
  • Touch controls for ease of use
  • Four brightness levels to choose from
  • 10,000 lux performance
  • Adjustable and flexible neck

Cons:

  • The design may be too large for some users
  • The touch controls can be a little unresponsive

Beurer TL30UK (Best Value)

Designed for people on the move, this model comes with its own dedicated travel pouch and a lightweight, portable structure. This SAD lamp is small enough to sit easily on any desk or table without taking up the necessary workspace. Moreover, it comes with an adjustable stand, so users can change the angle of their illumination at will.

Suitable for portrait or landscape use, this Beurer TL30UK light is a simple and effective tool for combatting the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. The product simulates natural daylight with a 10,000 lux performance at a distance of 10cm. The item has also been recognised by medical experts as a valuable tool for SAD.

Easy to use, this item utilises single-button operation. Plus, this solution is energy efficient, with high-quality, flicker-free LEDs without any UV impact. The light has a simple minimalist design and includes a mains adapter in the box.

Pros:

  • Mains powered for consistent performance
  • UV-free and flicker-free LEDs
  • Energy-efficient performance
  • Included storage and travel pouch
  • 10,000 lux at a distance of 10cm

Cons:

  • The illumination may be too bright for some users
  • The mains cable could be too short

Lumie Bodyclock Glow (Best for Bedrooms)

Combining the medical performance of a SAD lamp with the practicality of an alarm clock, this versatile model is ideal for any bedside table. The attractive dome-shaped design is an appealing addition to most bedrooms, with a matte black finish on the bottom and a multi-colour bulb so you can create different atmospheres at different times.

The Lumie Bodyclock Glow lamp helps users to wake up feeling happy and healthy. There are three settings for 20, 30, or 45-minute sunrise experiences. Plus, users can choose from a range of 10 wake/sleep sounds. Tap control snooze functionality and an easy-to-use touchscreen make it simple to set your alarm to suit your needs.

Medically proven to treat SAD symptoms, this product also comes with an integrated clock, so you can keep track of the time. The lighting is fully dimmable for sleeping sessions, and the mixed LEDs create realistic sunrise colours. There’s also a power failure backup system in place so you can still hear your alarm on time if the energy goes out.

Pros:

  • Alarm clock functionality included
  • Light-sensitive display to adapt to your room
  • Multiple sunrise and audio sound settings
  • Tap-control snooze and touchscreen control
  • Mixed LEDs to create a realistic sunrise effect

Cons:

  • The speaker quality might not be ideal for some users
  • The interface could be difficult to use at first

Beurer TL90UK (Best for Ease Of Use)

Measuring 34 x 34 x 58cm, this model is ideal for people who want plenty of exposure to fresh, natural light as a way of tackling their SAD symptoms. The tabletop lamp is energy-saving thanks to built-in low-power LEDs, which are completely UV free. The bulbs are also flicker-free to reduce the risk of visual discomfort.

Easy to use and powerful, the Beurer TL90UK only has one button to press. There’s also a built-in treatment timer system to show you how long you’ve been exposed to the light in fifteen-minute intervals. At a 15cm distance, this product simulates daylight with 10,000 lux power and is medically recognised as an effective therapeutic product.

The design comes with an adjustable component on the back, so you can tilt it forwards or back to suit your needs. There’s also a sturdy stand included for floor or tabletop positioning.

Pros:

  • Large and attractive design
  • UV-free, low-energy LED bulbs
  • Flicker-free lighting performance
  • 10,000 LUX at 15cm distance
  • Medically certified with a treatment tracking component

Cons:

  • The lighting may be too bright for some users
  • It might be too large for some

Gemoor Therapy (Best Small)

Simple but effective, this SAD full-spectrum lamp can imitate different types of natural sunlight without UV issues or radiation. There’s both a cold and warm illumination mode, so you can switch between options based on the time of day or your mood. The product also comes with a 90-degree rotating stand, so you can position it where you need it most.

With four brightness levels to choose from, the Gemoor therapy lamp can adapt to suit anyone suffering from a seasonal affective disorder. There’s also a built-in timer with a 15, 30, 45, and 60-minute setting, so users can keep track of their therapy sessions. The smart-touch button controls also make setting up your device quick and convenient.

With a lighting performance of up to 10,000 lux, this product is ideal for replicating the full experience of being out in the sun. The compact design also means you can easily take your device with you wherever you go.

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight for portability
  • 90-degree rotating stand
  • Cold and warm lighting modes available
  • Four different brightness levels
  • Built-in timer for tracking your therapy

Cons:

  • The touch buttons may not be very responsive
  • The power connection socket might get in the way for some users

Albina UV-Free (Best Design)

Available in various colour options to suit your home design, this beautiful SAD lamp looks fantastic in any space. With an attractive geometric wood frame, this product stands out from most alternatives, blending in with other contemporary accessories. The high-quality 10,000 lux bulb is UV free and comes with a selection of four brightness options to choose from.

Multifunctional and diverse, this Albina UV-Free SAD lamp has a cool white illumination for a soft and strain-free experience. The item also comes with a USB port at the bottom, so users can charge their phones while using their devices. There are also multiple ways to control the lighting, either using the remote or the touch button system.

A convenient timer comes included within the product, allowing users to set their therapy sessions from 10 to 90 minutes. There’s also a memory function so the device can automatically remember the settings of any previous session.

Pros:

  • Convenient memory function
  • Easy-to-use touch and remote control options
  • Adjustable brightness levels
  • Attractive modern design
  • In-built timer

Cons:

  • The brightest settings may be too high for some users
  • The instruction booklet might be difficult to follow

How to Choose a SAD lamp

Light therapy is a common solution for people suffering from a seasonal affective disorder. However, not all lamps are designed to deliver the high level of illumination these individuals need. When choosing your product, it’s worth making sure it’s medically certified as a therapeutic solution for SAD sufferers.

Other points you might want to consider when exploring your options include:

Design

Today’s SAD lamps can come in a wide range of different forms, from aesthetically-appealing products intended to add to your home aesthetic to simpler models. When choosing your preferred item, make sure you think about not just how attractive the solution is but whether it’s practical too.

A smaller product with an included transport pouch could be ideal for people who want to take their therapy system with them to work or when they travel. Alternatively, you may want to look for a lamp with an adjustable stand or flexible neck so you can direct the flow of light.

Brightness

Most approved SAD lamps come with up to 10,000 lux of power; however, the distance at which you can achieve this level of brightness can change. For instance, for some products, you need to be 10cm away from the surface of the LEDs to get the best results.

Aside from checking how close you need to be to your product, it’s also worth looking at whether you can adjust the brightness when necessary. Some people may prefer to start with dimmer illumination and work their way up to something more powerful.

Ease of Use

Simplicity is crucial when using a therapeutic device, and most of the best SAD lamps come with one-button operation. A touch control system allowing you to adjust certain settings or switch your light on or off instantly can be useful.

Certain products will also come with remote control, so you can change brightness levels from a distance. Check your purchase also includes easy-to-follow instructions on how long you need to expose yourself to the illumination to get the best results.

Functionality

Certain SAD lamps will come with bonus features and capabilities which allow you to get more from your investment. For instance, there are products which can mimic the appearance of a sunrise or sunset, as well as items with multiple bulb colours to choose from.

Some of these solutions will also come with features like alarm clock settings and the ability to set a timer to run the lamp for a specific period.

Summary

Our top pick from this list was the Lumie Vitamin L medically-rated and certified SAD lamp. This product can deliver up to 10,000 lux of brightness at 16cm and has a relaxing rippled effect. Portable and lightweight, it’s easy to take with you on the move, and it looks good in a range of different environments.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *