Miss having fun in the sun? Us, too. If the dreary winter days have you feeling lethargic, the best light therapy lamps might be the perfect pick-me-up to tide you over until those warm spring days finally, well, spring. These lamps emit bright light that’s meant to mimic daylight and have been proven to improve depression symptoms in people with seasonal affective disorder (also known as SAD). “These lamps work by providing artificial sunlight that helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, potentially alleviating symptoms by affecting brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep,” explains Abrah Sprung, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Parkview Counseling in Englewood, NJ.

When looking for bright light therapy lamps, you’ll want to look for ones that emit 10,000 lux (the standard measurement for the amount of light that falls on a surface) and minimize UV exposure to avoid damaging your eyes. Dr. Sprung notes that light therapy lamps designed to treat SAD usually use LED bulbs that produce bright white light or blue-enriched light, which stimulate serotonin production and regulate melatonin—without exposing your eyes and skin to UV rays. Other things to keep in mind are the design, the brightness and color settings, and how portable you want the device to be.

Our Top Light Therapy Lamps

• Best Overall: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus, $120
• Most Stylish: Bright Health 14-Inch Light Therapy Lamp, $47
• Best Adjustable: Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp, $70
• The Brightest: Northern Light Technologies Boxelite, $230
• Best Budget: Suxio Light Therapy Lamp, $20
• Best for Travel: Erligpowht Store Light Therapy Lamp, $23
• Best Floor Lamp: Verilux HappyLight Duo, $130

Before you add these SAD lamps to your Amazon cart, you should consult a medical professional. Dr. Sprung notes that people with retinal diseases or medications that make them photosensitive may not benefit from light therapy. People with bipolar disorder may also want to be particularly cautious with light therapy, since a rare side effect of light boxes can be manic or hypomanic symptoms, according to Dr. Sprung.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do light therapy lamps actually work?
• Does a light therapy lamp give you vitamin D?
• How many minutes a day should you use a light therapy lamp?
• What are some other ways to manage seasonal affective disorder?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus

Why it’s worth it: “Choosing a lamp that emits 10,000 lux is pretty standard for effective SAD treatment,” explains Dr. Sprung. “It might also be important to choose ones that produce as little UV light as possible to ensure safety.” She says that Carex is one of the brands often recommended by medical professionals since it meets both of these criteria. It provides the recommended 10,000 lux when positioned 12 to 14 inches from your face and blocks 100% of UV rays. The Carex Day-Light Classic Plus has an adjustable base, allowing you to take in the light from whatever angle and height works best for you. In addition to the light therapy setting, it also has a task light setting that allows you to use it as a regular non-therapy light source.

Screen size: 16 inches by 13 inches | Lux: 10,000 at 12 to 14 inches from the face | UV exposure: blocks 100% of UV rays

Most Stylish: Bright Health 14-inch Light Therapy Lamp

Why it’s worth it: If a traditional therapy lamp doesn’t fit your home’s aesthetic, you might find the Bright Health 14-inch Light Therapy Lamp is more your style. It looks like a regular cylindrical table lamp, but it also happens to emit 10,000 lux of white light to help combat the winter blues. It has four adjustable brightness settings and is designed to emit a balance of warm and cool light to promote comfort and alertness. The manufacturer recommends using the lamp for 30 minutes each morning shortly after you wake up and facing the lamp without looking directly at the light during your sessions.

Screen size: 8 inches by 8 inches by 14 inches | Lux: 10,000 at 4 inches | UV exposure: 100% UV-free

Best Adjustable: Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp

Why it’s worth it: This foldable lamp folds all the way down so it’s less bulky and less of an eyesore when it’s turned off. As one Amazon reviewer put it, “I wanted a light therapy lamp but didn’t want a chunky light box sitting on my table so I really like the slim design of this light.” In addition to the streamlined design, other notable features include three light intensity settings, UV-free light, a single-button control, and of course, a 10,000 lux output. Plus, if it stops working within four years of your purchase, the company will replace it at no cost.

Screen size: 3.5 inches by 1.5 inches inches by 14 inches | Lux: 10,000 at 16 to 18 inches | UV exposure: 100% UV-free

The Brightest: Northern Light Technologies Boxelite

Why it’s worth it: This extra-large LED light box emits glare-free, diffused light that will make you feel a little brighter. The large surface area of this light therapy box ensures you’re getting exposed to the expert-recommended 10,000 lux. It has a sturdy metal base and intuitive controls even your half-asleep self can manage to turn on and off. In addition to mitigating the winter blues, some reviewers found this full-spectrum light helpful in managing other conditions like fibromyalgia or sleep disorders (obviously, consult your doctor before trying light therapy for other conditions).

Screen size: 12.25 inches by 17 inches by 2.5 inches | Lux: 10,000 | UV exposure: 100% UV-free

Best Budget: Suxio Light Therapy Lamp

Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking for an effective light therapy lamp that won’t break the bank, check out the Suxio Light Therapy Lamp. Priced at $20, this slim, mirror-like device boasts three lighting settings (4,000 lux, 7,000 lux, and 10,000 lux) and USB compatibility, so you’re not tied to spots near an outlet. (Pro tip: Bring a portable battery.) Additionally, it has a built-in timer with settings for 30, 60, or 90 minutes. Plenty of reviewers confirm that it’s effective in boosting their energy levels, with one writing, “Promotes a much brighter start to the way I start my day! HUGE difference and so easy.”

Screen size: 6.8 inches by 5.11 inches by 0.59 inches | Lux: 4,000, 7,000, or 10,000 | UV exposure: not specified

Best for Travel: Erligpowht Store Light Therapy Lamp

Why it’s worth it: Keeping your light therapy regimen going when you’re traveling is easier with this slim, portable lamp—it’s roughly the size of a book and measures less than an inch deep, so it won’t take up much space. Even if you don’t intend to travel with this light, the lightweight design makes it easy to move around the house or take along to work. It has three brightness levels, with a maximum output of 10,000 lux at the highest setting. It’s UV-free and has a built-in timer that allows you to set the light for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Reviewers say it’s easy to use and many note it’s even improved their sleep quality.

Screen size: 6.69 inches by 5.11 inches by 0.59 inches | Lux: 10,000 at brightest setting | UV exposure: 100% UV-free

Best Floor Lamp: Verilux HappyLight Duo Floor Lamp

Why it’s worth it: “Verlilux has a wide selection of HappyLights in all different shapes and sizes and is a go-to brand in the industry for light therapy lamps,” shares Barbara Jean Ferri, LCSW, an owner and mental health therapist at Solum Life Therapy in Durango, Colorado. We particularly love the flexibility of the Verilux HappyLight Duo, a flexible floor lamp with five brightness settings and three color settings. If you’re using it for light therapy, opt for the daylight setting (which delivers 10,000 lux) and sit about 12 inches away. When you’re not using it for light therapy, This can be used as a task lamp to reduce eye strain or just provide a cozy light in your room. The user manual notes that if you’re still feeling lethargic after consistent use, you can turn up the brightness, move closer to the lamp, or increase the amount of time you’re using it. And if you start to feel jittery or overstimulated, it’s probably time to take a break or turn the brightness level down.

Screen size: 10 inches by 10 inches by 45.3 inches | Lux: 2,500 to 10,000 | UV exposure: 100% UV-free

Frequently Asked Questions

Do light therapy lamps actually work?

Yes, light therapy lamps do work. “Light therapy lamps are proven to ease symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other issues related to a disruption in circadian rhythm, or the sleep/wake cycle,” explains Ferri. She notes that these issues tend to be more common during the winter when daily exposure to natural sunlight is usually more limited in the northern hemisphere.

While they do work, Ferri also notes that they may not ease depressive symptoms for everyone. “It’s a relatively low investment that is holistic and well-tolerated, but it’s only one approach to SAD,” she explains. “I’d suggest tracking your mood and symptoms over the first two weeks with a therapy lamp. If there’s been no improvement, it’s time to see a mental health or medical professional for more treatment options.”

Does a light therapy lamp give you vitamin D?

No, they do not. “Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when our skin is exposed to UVB rays. Therapy lamps do not emit UVB rays as that could potentially damage our eyes and skin,” says Ferri. To increase your vitamin D levels, you can incorporate foods high in vitamin D—like salmon, egg yolks, and tuna—into your diet or take a supplement. If you opt for a supplement, be sure to check with your doctor for dose recommendations to ensure it won’t affect any other medications you’re taking.

How many minutes a day should you use a light therapy lamp?

It depends. “Most experts recommend using a light therapy lamp for about 30 minutes per day, but it really depends on the intensity of the light,” says Sprung. “Light boxes with 10,000 lux are recommended for 30 minutes per day but if you have a lower lux you may need to spend longer using it. For example, 5,000 lux is recommended between 45 and 60 minutes while a 2,500 lux lamp is recommended between 1 to 2 hours of light exposure per day.”

Most lamps have a user manual with a suggested amount of time for use. You should also consult a medical professional to see how many minutes a day of light therapy they recommend. If you start to feel like the lamp is hurting your eyes or making you feel edgy, it’s probably a good idea to reduce your exposure with shorter sessions or reduced brightness.

What are some other ways to manage seasonal affective disorder?

“Try and get outside,” says Ferri. “I completely understand how challenging that can feel when it’s cold and your energy is low, but there’s no single product out there that compares to natural sunlight and moving your body when you’re depressed.” She also recommends connecting with other people for support and activities and potentially taking vitamin D supplements during the winter months.

Dr. Sprung suggests people with SAD consider cognitive behavioral therapy to change negative thought patterns associated with SAD. “Medications, such as antidepressants, may also be useful, especially in severe cases,” she notes.

Meet the experts

• Abrah Sprung, PhD, PMH-C, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder at Parkview Counseling in Englewood, NJ
• Barbara Jean Ferri, LCSW, an owner and mental health therapist at Solum Life Therapy in Durango, Colorado

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies.

For our list of the best light therapy lamps, we considered factors like brightness, UV exposure, price, and ease of use. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from psychologists with specializations in sleep medicine. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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