The Best Red Light Therapy Devices For Athletes 2024
Panels, handhelds, belts, and more to boost your muscle recovery.
There’s a good chance that when you saw that first burst of red light across social media for the first time you thought to yourself: What in the world is that for?
But after gaining an understanding of how red light therapy works and noticing your favorite athletes using it, those thoughts might have turned to: Should I try this out for myself?
If you’re a committed athlete that doesn’t like to be bogged down with muscle pain, DOMS, and stiff joints the short answer is absolutely.
By using targeted red and near-infrared light to stimulatecell energy production, red light therapy boosts your body’s natural recovery process, repairing and replenishing muscle tissue.
Athletes that incorporate red light therapy into their recovery routines feel fresher from one workout or competition to the next, while also noticing a bump in overall endurance and performance.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best red light therapy devices for athletes in 2024.
What Type of Athlete Should Use Red Light Therapy?
If you follow any of your favorite professional athletes on social media, you’ve likely seen them with red light shining on their legs or arms at some point, touting the importance of recovery.
But these red light devices aren’t just for professional athletes.
Nowadays, athletes and active individuals of any stripe and sport can benefit from incorporating red light therapy into their muscle recovery routines.
Red light therapy devices stimulate the mitochondria in your cells to increase function and energy production, which boosts muscle repair and rejuvenation.
In other words, red light therapy helps to repair your muscles faster from one workout to the next.
It’s hard to think of an athlete that wouldn’t benefit from using red light therapy, as the red light can be used to maintain peak athletic performance and target any sore muscle or stiff joint on your body.
Many athletes use red light therapy to help them stay on track with personal fitness goals, whether this is training for a marathon, crushing workouts at the gym, or any other personal best you’re chasing.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Recharge Health FlexBeam
The Recharge Health FlexBeam features a flexible and wearable design that fits snug to the contours of your body for maximum efficiency. This red light device utilizes powerful wavelengths in a 3 light pod design with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Shop at Recharge Health: Recharge Health FlexBeam
For $60 Off Use Coupon Code: CompressionAthlete
Recharge Health’s FlexBeam has 3 easy-to-use preset programs and 3 sets of durable Velcro bands that allow you to use FlexBeam anywhere on your body. This red light device comes with a hardshell carry case, 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 2-year warranty.
Why We Like It: The wearable 3 pod design makes it perfect for athletes and the flexible design and Velcro bands allow you to comfortably treat any area on your body.
2. Kineon MOVE+ Pro
The Kineon MOVE+ Pro features advanced red light technology with safe and powerful Class 1 infrared lasers and deep red LEDs. This red light therapy device utilizes a convenient and versatile design that can be used on multiple areas of your body.
Shop at Kineon: Kineon MOVE+ Pro
Kineon’s MOVE+ Pro targets joint pain, inflammation, and stimulates healing with a 3x module configuration with 2 emission areas per module. This red light therapy devices comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30 day at-home trial.
Why We Like It: The most versatile and targeted option on our list. It can be used all over the body, but we especially recommend for targeting joint pain and inflammation.
3. Mito Red Light MitoPRO Series
The Mito Red Light MitoPRO Series features a highly effective design that utilizes the four most bio-active wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. This red light device offers a 60-day trial period and impressive 3-year warranty coverage.
Shop at Mito Red Light: Mito Red Light MitoPRO Series
Mito Red Light’s MitoPRO Series provides a flexible user experience with six different size options, customizable session times, and the option to use red and near-infrared light individually or together.
Why We Like It: Offered in an incredible 6 different size options, this panel option is super customizable to your spacing needs and treatment preferences.
4. Mito Red Light Mobile
The Mito Red Light Mobile features a convenient on-the-go design that fits in the palm of your hand and delivers the same powerful red and near-infrared wavelengths. This red light device weighs a mere 1.5 pounds and runs for up to 3 hours on a single charge.
Shop at Mito Red Light: Mito Red Light Mobile
Mito Red Light’s Mobile has a wireless and rechargeable design that works great for spot treatments on your knee, ankle, elbow, etc. This red light device comes with a 60-day trial period and a 1-year warranty.
Why We Like It: Amazing that it fits in the palm of your hand, this lightweight spot treatment option is effective and super easy to use, transport, and store.
5. Mito Red Light MitoPOD
The Mito Red Light MitoPOD features a signature triple-chip diode that pairs 660nm red light to stimulate collagen production, enhance cellular repair, and increase blood flow with 810nm and 830 nm near-infrared for deep tissue muscle recovery.
Shop at Mito Red Light: Mito Red Light MitoPOD
Mito Red Light’s MitoPOD provides convenient full-body therapy in an easy-to-use design that’s incredibly comprehensive and effective. This red light device is lightweight (15 lbs), portable, has a convenient 1-20 minute timer.
Why We Like It: A super relaxing and effective whole-body option for receiving RLT and a great method to incorporate into your everyday routine.
6. Mito Red Light Advanced Therapy Belt
The Mito Red Light Advanced Therapy Belt features a versatile and mobile design with a high-quantity LED chip construction (1,215 per belt!) for maximum results. This red light device has a lightweight feel and works great on your lower back, abdomen, quads, and more.
Shop at Mito Red Light: Mito Red Light Advanced Therapy Belt
Mito Red Light’s Advanced Therapy Belt can be worn plugged in or with a battery that provides between 2 – 6 hours on a single charge (depending on intensity level). This red light device offers 5 intensity levels and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Why We Like It: Great for on-the-go treatment in a comfortable belt design that’s perfect for targeting your back, as well as other areas on your body.
7. Mito Red Light Full Body Mat
The Mito Red Light Full Body Mat features an impressive triple-chip diode design for 3,740 LED chips in total that eliminate dead space and deliver maximum results.
Shop at Mito Red Light: Mito Red Light Full Body Mat
Mito Red Light Full Body Mat has a portable design that’s lightweight (only 7 lbs) and folds for convenient on-the-go use. This red light therapy device works great for yoga and meditation practices and can be stacked with full body panels for complete body coverage.
Why We Like It: If you’re looking to get your RLT while active (yoga, meditating, etc.) this is the best option for you.
8. NovaaLab Deep Heeling Pad
The NovaaLab Deep Heeling Pad features a lightweight design with a Velcro strap for versatile placement on the body. This red light device is great for your back, knees, neck, wrist, hands, and more.
Shop at NovaaLab: NovaaLab Deep Heeling Pad
For 10% Off Use Coupon Code: CompressionAthlete
NovaaLab’s Deep Heeling Pad has a flexible design with 360 degrees of red light therapy. This red light device comes with a standard US power plug, 60-day guarantee, and 2-year warranty.
Why We Like It: A very versatile and effective option that you can use laid flat or wrapped securely around a body part.
9. NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad XL
The NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad XL features an extra large healing area with easy to use patented remote control. This red light device can relieve your whole back at once and is great for other larger body parts and application areas, as well.
Shop at NovaaLab: NovaaLab Deep Heeling Pad XL
For 10% Off Use Coupon Code: CompressionAthlete
NovaaLab’s Deep Healing Pad XL comes with an adjustable strap for convenient placement, a 60-day guarantee, and an impressive 2-year warranty.
Why We Like It: The large and flexible treatment area makes it super easy to incorporate into your daily life, whether laying it flat or over the back of a chair.
10. NovaaLab Laser Strap
The NovaaLab Laser Strap features a patented hands-free design for convenient red light therapy treatment anytime and anywhere. This red light therapy device can be comfortably strapped to practically any joint or area of your body that requires treatment.
Shop at NovaaLab: NovaaLab Laser Strap
For 10% Off Use Coupon Code: CompressionAthlete
NovaaLab’s Laser Strap comes with both long and short stretchy straps for adjustable application and can be bundled with up to 3 laser devices based on your needs, preference, or specific area of application.
Why We Like It: A customizable spot treatment option that allows you to add up to 3 devices to match your needs and preferences.
11. Sun Home Pro 1800W Red Light
The Sun Home Pro 1800W Red Light features a powerful and targeted red and near-infrared treatment that can target any body part. This red light device has a digital control panel with a built-in timer and comes with door hook and pulley for easy hanging.
Shop at Sun Home Saunas: Sun Home Pro 1800W Red Light
Sun Home Pro 1800W Red Light sports 360 high-grade 5-Watt LED lights with a 660nm to 850nm wavelength range proven to provide therapeutic benefits. This red light device has internal heat-dissipating fans, a 100,000+ hour lifespan, and a 5-year warranty.
Why We Like It: This is a high-quality remote controlled panel option that provides you with full body treatment and comes with an impressive warranty.
12. Sun Home Pro 300W Red Light
The Sun Home Pro 300W Red Light features a powerful and targeted red and near-infrared treatment that can target any body part. This red light device has a digital control panel with a built-in timer and adjustable stand.
Shop at Sun Home Saunas: Sun Home Pro 300W Red Light
Sun Home’s Pro 300W Red Light utilizes commercial-grade LED lights with a 660nm to 850nm wavelength range clinically proven to provide therapeutic benefits. This red light device has internal heat-dissipating fans, a 100,000+ hour lifespan, and a 5-year warranty.
Why We Like It: A high-quality remote controlled panel option that’s easy for you to move around from room to room, fit on a desk, etc.
Red Light Therapy Device Top Picks: Side by Side Comparison
Here, you can see how our red light device picks compare to one another.
We’ve highlighted some of the key features that we find most helpful when it comes to choosing between red light devices, so you can see how these options stack up.
Of course, the basic features of the device, such as its method of application and price will help determine if it’s the right fit for your target area and budget.
While additional features, such as its battery life and warranty duration, among other features, will help you narrow in on the device that’s best for you.
Product | Application | Price | Battery (Hours) | Warranty (Years) |
Targeted | $549 | 1.5 | 5 | |
Targeted | $699 | 4 | 1 | |
Full Body | $369 - $3,399 | Power Cord | 3 | |
Targeted | $269 | 3 | 1 | |
Full Body | $1,499 | Power Cord | 1 | |
Targeted | $499 | 6 | 1 | |
Full Body | $999 | Power Cord | 1 | |
Targeted | $600 | Power Cord | 2 | |
Full Body | $1,200 | Power Cord | 2 | |
Targeted | $300 | 1.5 | 2 | |
Full Body | $1,699 | Power Cord | 5 | |
Full Body | $779 | Power Cord | 5 |
What Role Does Wavelength Play in Red Light Therapy?
The wavelength listed on your red light device corresponds to the type of light that’s emitted.
Red light wavelengths fall between 630nm and 640 nm, while infrared light wavelengths fall between 800nm and 900nm.
Red light energy has proven effective in mitochondrial stimulation to boost circulation, cellular turnover, and anti-inflammatory emissions.
Infrared light energy penetrates your skin tissue at a greater depth for therapeutic pain management, cellular pH equilibrium promotion, waste byproducts elimination, as well as boosting cell membrane permeability and nutritional absorption.
All the red light devices on our list emit both wavelengths to boost overall effectiveness.
Deciding Between Targeted or Full Body Red Light Therapy
One of the really great aspects of red light therapy is how easy it is to apply.
Wide, whole-body applications from a red light panel are effective, so long as your skin is exposed to the light.
And if you’re looking to treat a specific area, a targeted therapy device worn right against your skin can provide a more precise treatment.
Both methods have proven to be effective, so consider what area(s) of your body you’re looking to treat and how you might prefer to deliver the red light therapy.
Always Choose a Red Light Device with a Warranty
We always look for products that come with warranties as a mark of quality and commitment to making sure you get great value for your money.
All the red light therapy devices on our list come with a warranty.
That being said, some warranty durations are longer than others.
Go with the duration that feels right in relation to your investment and expectations for the product.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Athletes?
Incorporating red light therapy into your muscle recovery routine is as simple as flipping the switch on your red light device and letting the red light bathe over your target area.
Red light therapy devices produce both red and near-infrared light. The red light you can see but don’t feel, while the infrared light is energy you can’t see but feel as a gentle heat.
Red light therapy is typically done post-activity, whether a workout, competition, or other physical activity, though it can also be incorporated before your workout as a warmup.
Using red light therapy both before and after physical activity has shown beneficial results.
It’s generally considered that 10 to 20 minutes of red light therapy is a suitable treatment duration.
And consistent use, such as utilizing red light therapy a few times a week, will help you reap full and noticeable benefits.
Many athletes that incorporate red light therapy into their routines report experiencing faster recovery times, less muscle soreness, better sleep, enhanced muscle tone, and an improved general well-being.
What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Athletes?
Part of the reason why red light therapy has become so popular is thanks to its wide application and ease of use.
The key selling point, however, has to do with the many benefits that users have noticed after continued use.
For athletes, the key benefit of red light therapy is enhanced cellular function and energy production (ATP).
Muscle tissue has an abundance of mitochondria, as it’s needed to power all of your movements, and this abundance of mitochondria is what makes muscle tissue especially responsive to red light therapy.
In other words, red light and near-infrared light stimulates the mitochondria in your cells, which in turn helps your cells perform more efficiently and leads to a wide range of benefits, including muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and increased athletic performance.
Additionally, red light therapy increases blood circulation, which helps your muscles flush out waste and fluid build-up while receiving nutrient rich blood.
This is key to faster muscle recovery post-activity but can also increase your athletic performance when used prior to activity.
Learn everything you need to know about red light therapy in our complete guide.
