Written by Danielle Roman
Updated - October 26th, 2023
Cold laser therapy is growing in popularity for its versatility in treatments and its effectiveness in healing through the use of very little levels of light. Due to the little amount of light needed, it won’t generate as much heat to damage your skin hence the treatment being coined “cold”. Other names for cold laser therapy include low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), soft laser biostimulation and photobiomodulation.
Commonly used to treat pain relief, inflammation, tissue repair, and sometimes, facial skin rejuvenation. You may recall some celebrities bragging about their glowing Jabbawockees-Esque LED cosmetic mask that treats their skin on social media. While this is a form of cold laser therapy using LED masks, this may not entirely have the same healing power lasers do. So if you’re really looking for some heavy-duty treatment, it’s better to approach a certified doctor or treatment provider to help you out.
That being said, there is still room for research into Cold Laser Therapy. You should never use any form of this treatment if you are pregnant, or have cancerous tumours or debris. While it is a painless form of therapy, the process affects different people differently, so we highly recommend that you have a consultation with your doctor before DIYing your own therapy.
TENDLITE Red Light Therapy Device
Our Pick
Benefits
- FDA Approved
- Battery charger included
- Comes with safety glasses
Drawbacks
- One-minute timer can be disruptive
Terraquant TQ Solo Ultimate Cold Therapy Laser System 2
Premium Pick
Benefits
- Class 1M laser
- Three laser programs
- Red light therapy
- Infrared SLDs
- Comes with adapter
- Two pairs of safety glasses
- Protective case
- Comprehensive manuals
- FDA Approved
Drawbacks
PROALLER Cold Laser Red Light Therapy Device
Best Value
Benefits
- Two laser pointers of varying penetrative power
- Ergonomically designed for comfort
- Five-hour battery life
- Simplistic functions
- Lifetime warranty
Drawbacks
- May not be able to deliver enough penetrative power for very deep tissue damage
The Best Cold Laser Therapy Devices
1. Our Pick: TENDLITE Red Light Therapy Device
Gadget Features Inspired For You
Simple to Operate | Lightweight | Ergonomic | Portable
Benefits
- FDA Approved
- Battery charger included
- Comes with safety glasses
Drawbacks
- One-minute timer can be disruptive
2. Premium Pick: Terraquant TQ Solo Ultimate Cold Therapy Laser System 2
Gadget Features Inspired For You
Great for Beginners | Simple to Operate | Professional Grade Therapy
Benefits
- Class 1M laser
- Three laser programs
- Red light therapy
- Infrared SLDs
- Comes with adapter
- Two pairs of safety glasses
- Protective case
- Comprehensive manuals
- FDA Approved
Drawbacks
3. Best Value: PROALLER Cold Laser Red Light Therapy Device
Gadget Features Inspired For You
Pet Friendly | Rechargeable | Lightweight | Budget Friendly
Benefits
- Two laser pointers of varying penetrative power
- Ergonomically designed for comfort
- Five-hour battery life
- Simplistic functions
- Lifetime warranty
Drawbacks
- May not be able to deliver enough penetrative power for very deep tissue damage
4. HD-MAX Portable Cold Laser Therapy Device
Gadget Features Inspired For You
Pet Friendly | Quick & Effective Results | Extremely Safe
Benefits
- Class 3B device
- Comes in an entire kit
- Battery life of up to four hours
- Powerful cold laser penetrative power
- Versatile uses
Drawbacks
- Kit is bulky, can affect portability
5. Mademax Cold Laser Physiotherapy
Gadget Features Inspired For You
Budget-Friendly | Lightweight & Compact
Benefits
- Two laser pointers
- Four power levels
- LED screen
Drawbacks
- Control needs some getting used to
6. ATANG Cold Laser Therapy Device
Gadget Features Inspired For You
Pet Friendly | Durable Material | Versatile Uses
Benefits
- Two laser levels
- Three modes
- Rechargeable
- Comes with a power adaptor
- Powerful penetrative laser power
Drawbacks
- The use of more than one coloured light may require extra investment in safety goggles
7. SINORIKO Cold Laser Red Light Therapy Device
Gadget Features Inspired For You
Durable | Pet Friendly | Long Battery Life | Comfortable
Benefits
- Clinical-grade performance
- Four timer modes
- Four power levels
- Two laser levels
- Lightweight
Drawbacks
- No stand to enable hands-free use
Buying Guide
When it comes to convalescing under your skin, it’s normal to be more cautious of the treatments you partake in. There are always new low-level laser therapy devices popping up on the market, so here is a guide we’ve put together to help you with your own research. It can get confusing especially when product descriptions are filled with medical jargon — especially when you’re new to the process. Here’s what you should look out for:
Laser Power
With great (laser) power, comes a great risk of eye damage. Sure, a powerful laser is essential for an effective cold laser therapy treatment, but it’s still important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Just to start off, avoid Class 4 lasers completely — those bad boys will tear your eyes apart, and cause fire and accidents. Yikes!
The safest class of lasers especially for personal use is Class 1M lasers. Provided that you don’t shine it through a magnifying glass or in anyone or any animal’s eyes, you’re in safe hands. With regards to specific wavelengths to look out for, there hasn’t been a specific one identified. However, most at-home cold laser therapy devices use 600nm – 680nm for shallow laser penetration power (great for surface wounds, bruises, etc) and 800nm – 860nm for deeper penetration (great for joint pain, or inflammatory-related ailments). For better peace of mind, there’s no harm in consulting a professional for an opinion, especially if you plan to use this for your pet.
FDA Clearance
Having an FDA Clearance is a seal of approval from professionals, but it also means that the product tends to be a little on the pricier side. FDA basically gets professionals to test the medical product numerous times to ensure that it’s safe for use and that the benefits it’s advertised to provide exceed potential risks. There are a couple of FDA approved products on our list too, like the TENDLITE red Light Therapy Device and the TerraQuant TQ Solo Ultimate Cold Therapy Laser System 2.
However, this is just an optional thing to look for if you just need the extra assurance on the product you want to buy. As long as you are confident about the device and you’ve had experience using them before, you should be fine without approval. Plus, if you plan to use it on animals, it’s relatively safe to get a low-level laser therapy device without FDA clearance without experiencing negative side effects.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of painkillers, going under anaesthesia and acupuncture needles, cold laser therapy might be the solution to your situation. There are many LLLT devices for varying treatments and are the new non-invasive alternative to many medical procedures now. Tendlite and Proaller are our top picks if you’re looking for a reasonable yet effective option. Just take note that Tendlite provides a single laser wavelength while Proaller provides two. TerraQuant TQ Solo is great and safe for general use due to its low laser power, but the price tag may turn a lot of heads the other way. Other than that, we recommend MadeMax Cold Laser Physiotherapy device for effective healing and pain relief too.
Hopefully, our article has assisted you in the search for the right LLLT device for you or for your pet. Remember that while these products may be cleared and tested to provide listed benefits, it is not definite and may vary from person to person. Consulting a professional for advice is still the best route to go whenever in doubt.
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 & 1M | Safest lasers for personal use Low power, minimal damage to eye Available over the counter |
| 2 | Similar to Class 1 lasers Weaker than Class 1M lasers Available over the counter |
| 3 &3B | Moderately strong laser power Will cause substantial damage to the eye Usually has a system to switch off automatically |
| 4 | Strictly for professional use Will cause damage when used improperly Shorter treatment durations Compulsory to have an auto-shutdown system to prevent accidents |
FAQ
Of course, you can! Dentists, Doctors, Physiotherapists, Dermatologists and even Acupuncturists are starting to integrate low-level/ cold laser therapy into their practice. We highly recommend those interested in starting out LLLT consult professionals for expert advice before attempting to purchase a device to use at home. It is vital to understand the condition of your ailment, and if LLLT is an appropriate treatment.
The FDA has approved low-level laser/ cold laser therapy treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, muscle & ligament sprains, chronic pain, arthritis, and inflammatory-related diseases. Cold lasers are effective because the lasers are able to penetrate through the tissue to promote cell regeneration, and wound healing, improve blood circulation and reduce pain. The light helps to get to the damaged cells quickly and maximises healing. LLLT or Cold Laser Therapy have notably been used to deliver similar benefits to acupuncture therapy minus the needles. It helps with tissue regeneration and pain relief too. It’s a great alternative for anyone who hates needles or prefers a non-intrusive and drug-free treatment. Cold Laser Therapy has also been used on pets — but we highly recommend consulting with a vet before DIY-ing.
Recently, cold laser therapy has been effective in cosmetic concerns such as acne, scars, eczema, and more. It encourages skin rejuvenation by targeting the laser on the affected areas. It’s important to make sure the device you’re getting is made for use on the face since the skin is thinner and you are using it so close to the eye region. It is recommended to have this be done by a professional cosmetologist or dermatologist instead to ensure safety and minimise risk.
It’s extremely safe as it is non-invasive and pain-free. Avoid looking into the laser light or shining on others’ eyes at all costs, no matter the wavelength of the laser. In fact, some acupuncturists use LLLT for customers who don’t like needles because the lasers can penetrate the acupoints without having to use needles. Most laser therapy devices come with a user manual that provides precise instructions on how to use them. It is important to follow the instructions before using, especially if you are new to using laser treatment on your own.
A reformed impulse-buyer. Post-purchase cognitive dissonance? Can't relate! I can't purchase anything without doing thorough research. If I could put "Investigative Skills" in my resumé, you bet I would. Awarded UWA Global Excellence Scholarship.