Buying guide with health notes

SAD lamps: the lux figure alone is not enough

10,000 lux sounds unambiguous, but it is not. The figure applies at a distance set by the manufacturer. The size of the light-emitting surface, your seating position and the instruction manual decide whether a model suits your daily routine.

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Before you buy: Do not only compare the highest lux figure. Check at what distance it is reached, how large the light-emitting surface is and whether you can sensibly set up the lamp at your usual spot.

Products with their own detailed analysis

32 SAD lamps put into context

Each model leads to a detailed source analysis with data, limits of use, comparison, FAQ and a visible source base. The selection is not a ranking list.

AYOlite light glasses

AYO

AYOlite light glasses

for portable light use without an app and without a fixed seat, not a substitute for a SAD lamp with a documented measuring distance

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Compare models by lighting task

The table is not a ranking. It helps you match design and intended use.

ModelBrandBest suited toReview
Beurer TL 30 SAD lampBeurerfor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
Beurer TL 100 2-in-1 LED SAD lamp and mood lightBeurerfor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
Beurer TL 50 SAD lamp made of plastic for simulating…Beurerfor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
medisana LT 460 SAD lamp, daylight lamp with 10,000 luxMedisanafor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
Beurer TL 45 Perfect Day SAD lampBeurerfor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
Beurer TL 41 Touch SAD lamp with touch buttonBeurerfor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
Beurer TL 95 SAD lampBeurerfor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
Lumie Dash compact light therapy lamp 10,000 lux, glare-freeLumiefor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
Beurer TL 90 SAD lampBeurerfor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
Beurer TL 85 SAD lampBeurerfor a bright light session at close rangeDetails
AYOlite light glassesAYOfor portable light use without an app and without a fixed seat, not a substitute for a SAD lamp with a documented measuring distanceDetails
Trayvespace SAD lamp with gooseneck, 12 WTrayvespacefor bright light use without a documented measuring distanceDetails
Caldarax SAD lamp with six timer settingsCaldaraxfor bright light use without a documented measuring distanceDetails
Trayvespace clamp-on SAD lamp 18 WTrayvespacefor bright task lighting at the desk, not classed as a medical deviceDetails
Luminette 3 light therapy glassesLuminettefor portable light use with fixed intensity levelsDetails
Philips Wake-up Light HF3519/01 wake-up lightPHILIPSfor waking up with slowly brightening light, not for bright light use during the dayDetails
Philips Wake-up Light HF3651/01 wake-up lightPHILIPSfor a slow light start in the morning, not for bright light use during the dayDetails
LIORQUE kids' alarm clock with sleep trainer and night lightLIORQUEfor sleep training and a night light at a child's bed, not for light use in the morningDetails
Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light HF3532/01 wake-up lightPHILIPSfor waking up with slowly brightening light and a charging port at the bedside, not for radio and not for bright light use during the dayDetails
Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light HF3521/01 wake-up lightPHILIPSfor waking up with slowly brightening light and radio, without a charging port and not for bright light use during the dayDetails
Top Life SAD lamp, 10,000 lux according to the listingTop Lifefor a bright light source at the desk or dining table that brings a high illuminance into the field of view for a short time in the morningDetails
Wholede KJ-3133A SAD lampWholedefor additional brightening of a desk or bedside spot in the dark season, operated by remote control and timerDetails
NEEMOSI SKTL-5002 SAD lampNEEMOSIfor brightening a larger work or living area with adjustable colour temperature, set up as a table lamp with all-round emissionDetails
Easysleep LTL-A2 SAD lamp, 18 W, 10,000 lux at about 20 cmEasysleepfor a short daily light session at the desk at a fixed close distance, either standing on the base or hung on the wallDetails
Top Life TL-180, 10,000 lux at 10 cm, USB poweredTop Lifefor a short light session directly at the desk, powered via a USB portDetails
Top Life TL-1885, 15,000 lux at 10 cm, three levelsTop Lifefor a longer light session at the table, with three switchable intensity levelsDetails
Syvory YG20, compact SAD lamp with timer and three…Syvoryfor a small light spot on the table or wall, with timed switch-offDetails
JALL full-screen Wake Up Light, sunrise alarm clock…JALLfor waking with slowly rising light and sound at the bedside, not for light use during the dayDetails
MILFECH sunrise alarm clock with dimmable RGB night lightMILFECHfor waking with rising light and sound and for a night light at the bedside, not for bright light use during the dayDetails
AYO+ light therapy glasses with red light modeAYOfor portable light use without a fixed seat, not a substitute for a SAD lamp with a documented measuring distance and not as medical treatmentDetails
Mojimdo HPL601RF daylight floor lampMojimdofor bright room light next to a seat or desk, not for light use with verifiable illuminanceDetails
LIORQUE SM-02 wake-up light, sunrise up to 60 minutes, 185 lumens…LIORQUEfor a slow light start in the morning and calm sounds in the evening, not for bright light use during the dayDetails

Source archive

Earlier analyses of listings that are no longer available

These listings are currently no longer available on Amazon.co.uk. The checked assessments are kept without a price or buy button, because manufacturer details, usage limits and model differences may still be useful.

Philips Wake-up Light HF3531/01 wake-up lightOpen archived analysisYKoliron SAD lamp with gooseneckOpen archived analysisAearKing SAD lamp as floor lamp with remote controlOpen archived analysis

What sets a SAD lamp apart from an ordinary lamp

SAD lamps are designed for targeted use at a short distance. A bright living room lamp therefore does not automatically deliver the same illuminance at the eye. The manufacturer's figures and the instructions for the specific model matter more here than blanket rankings.

The distance always belongs with the figure

Lux describes the illuminance at a given point. If the distance doubles, much less light arrives. So do not read the figure in isolation. A compact lamp can suit a small workspace, but often requires a shorter seating distance than a model with a large surface.

One model put into context properly

A manufacturer data sheet exists for the Beurer TL 30. It is the right starting point for dimensions, operation and the illuminance stated by the manufacturer. It does not imply any therapeutic effect, and it is not a purchase recommendation for every person. If you take medication, have eye problems or are being treated for a mood disorder, you should clarify use with a medical professional beforehand.

Wake-up lights are something different

A wake-up light simulates a sunrise. It can make the morning more pleasant, but it does not replace a SAD lamp with clearly stated illuminance. If you are looking specifically for a SAD lamp, you should not throw both device groups into one comparison list.

Further reading: colour temperature explained, lumens and room size and our source and rating rules.

How to read manufacturer figures correctly

The figure of 10,000 lux without a distance is incomplete. Look in the instructions or data sheet for the measuring distance and for a recommended duration of use. The size of the light-emitting surface also counts. A larger surface is often easier to align in everyday use, while a compact lamp may fit better on a small workspace.

Using it safely does not mean staring into the light

The lamp typically sits to the side in front of you. You do not need to look directly into it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you have an eye condition, light-sensitive skin, bipolar disorder or take medication that causes light sensitivity, you should seek professional advice before self-treatment.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Open only the answer you need right now.

Is a SAD lamp a treatment?

It is a device with a specific light output. Whether and how it is used for health complaints is a medical question.

Do I always need 10,000 lux?

No. What matters is the relationship between illuminance, distance and duration as described by the manufacturer.

Can an ordinary LED lamp do the same?

It can make sense for general room lighting. But it is not automatically designed for the targeted use of a SAD lamp.

What is the right distance from a SAD lamp?

What counts is the distance that the manufacturer gives together with the stated illuminance. If you increase the distance, much less light reaches your face.

More topics on SAD lamps