9 Best SAD Lamp that Users Felt Most Effective On Use

Is this new dark season getting on your nerves? A quick hack is to get yourself a SAD lamp.

SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder is common in masses these days. The apparent reason for this is insufficient sunlight and nothing way serious. However, what it lends you in return is insomnia, depression, and often mood drops.

You are not alone in this mood spinning boat; we too came across it. Unbelievable, but the SAD lamp worked out as a game-changer in the situation. That’s why we have picked up the best SAD lamps from the market today.

We were hoping you could benefit from the tried products, and so here they are.

Our Pick

Verilux HappyLight VT10
Certain reasons aided us in spotting the Verilux Happylight lamp on the 1st rank. They are:

  • Portability
  • Compactness
  • Easy setup
  • Brightness and intensity
  • Simple settings
  • Affordable
  • One year warranty

We didn’t mean to mention that you should only opt for it alone. It’s a recommendation from our end so you can get the most out of a SAD lamp.

Comparing the Best SAD Lamps

Product Name

Weight

Dimension

Adjustable or Not

Verilux HappyLight VT10

1.5 pounds

6.3 x 3 x 7.4 inches

No

Miroco Light Therapy Lamp

1.46 pounds

8.7 x 6.7 x 0.4 inches

Yes

Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp

1.3 pounds

14 x 1.5 x 3.5 inches

Yes

Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp

9.35 pounds

12 x 15.75 x 31.13 inches

Yes

TheraLite Light Therapy Lamp

1.5 pounds

2.1 x 5.3 x 9.2 inches

Yes

Day-Light Classic Bright Light Therapy Lamp

1 pound

4 x 21 x 16 inches

Yes

Flamingo 10,000 Lux

10.58 pounds

7 x 2.5 x 13 inches

Yes

Northern Light Technology Travelite

2.87 pounds

7 x 2.5 x 13 inches

No

Best SAD Lamps You Can Easily Trust

1. Verilux HappyLight VT10 – Best SAD lamp Overall

Verilux HappyLight VT10
Nothing can be more valuable than this lamp if you mean to have versatility and aesthetics at affordable prices. Verilux is one of the leading brands in SAD lamps with Happylight from the compact-sized categories.

The bright light coming from the lamp is just right to deal with insomnia and mood drops. Reviewers have noticed changes, and they are pretty sure it’s working. Far away from complexities, it has a single button to operate, which makes it convenient.

It’s best to position on your working spots, including office or home office desk. The stand behind has the credit to make it stand stable. With 6.3 x 3 x 7.2 inches, it settles easily on a crowded desk.

Pros
  • Compact and portable
  • Bright and effective
  • Simple settings
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Cannot be titled

Our Take

Outranking other lamp makes it has won the race of the best SAD lamp. Surely it deserves this position, offering pretty efficient features. It’s effective in real-time and does get you in good moods. Also, it’s not expensive. If that’s your first trial with a SAD lamp, you can try this one.

2. Miroco Light Therapy Lamp – Best Portable SAD lamp

Just as regarded to take in use the SAD lamps for 30 minutes or less, this lamp does the job really well. It has got 30 minutes timer. A 2-sec press gets it set while the next press cancels it.

The 10,000 lumens bright lamp is free from UV lights. Neither your skin nor your body is at risk with this lamp on. Also, you can adjust the brightness level that varies from 0 to 100 percent. Get the percentage that makes you feel contented.

At the backside of the lamp is a stand. That said, you can make the lamp stand at any angle to have the maximum light. Compactness and portability go hand in hand as it measures 8.7 x 6.7 x 0.4 inches.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Brightness levels
  • Memory function
  • Attractive wood shell frame
Cons
  • Doesn’t shows the percentage of brightness

Our Take

Several things make this lamp the best SAD lamp. It includes memory function, user-friendliness, and also straightforward yet decent looks. Place it next to your bed or desk; it does no harm to the backdrop.

3. Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp – Best SAD Lamp for Depression

Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp
If you want a simple yet elegant SAD lamp on your table, the Circadian Optics lamp is undoubtedly going to get you that. It comes with a slim, sturdy, and foldable design. When needed, you can take this lamp outdoors with you.

The brightness levels of the lamp make it exquisite. All you need is to adjust its percentage your way. You can also mount it on the wall, all thanks to the setup and a long cord. Take note; it should be placed 8-12 inches away from your face.

Whether sleep sickness, down energy levels, or improving focus, this SAD lamp is helpful for everything. It allows you to relax for a long day.

Pros
  • Durable built
  • Bulb has a long life
  • Adjustable brightness
  • Slim and portable
Cons
  • Tips over easily

Our Take

The sleek and stylish body becomes the focal point of everyone watching it. As per the reviewers, it is effective for SAD. The long-lasting bulb also makes it a worthy choice and the best SAD lamp. Circadian Optics has this outstanding deal at a fair price.

4. Philips SmartSleep HF3500/60 – Most Versatile SAD Lamp

Philips SmartSleep HF3500/60
Philips has nailed it with this lamp, and that’s for sure. It comes packed with multiple features that other lamps at the same price do not.

The spherical design consists of the timer and brightness setting buttons. You can easily adjust the light. Also, when your mood turns out for reading within 30 minutes of using it, you can go for it. It radiates high brightness.

A smart lamp like this wakes you up in the morning. However, the downside comes along. It comes installed with a piercing beep of the alarm. Neither sound could be changed, nor does it stop before rounding a minute.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Adjustable brightness
  • Reliable alarm
  • Showcase time
Cons
  • No volume control

Our Take

Philips smartsleep features plenty of features that general SAD lamps out there don’t. Take the timer, for instance. It pumps you with fresh energy by waking you with up adequate light. However, get ready for the loud beep, which is a bit annoying.

5. Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp – Best SAD Lamp for Improving Sleep

Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Has your night shift cracked your head? This light therapy box will surely attend to your issue. Made to last, it is built with sturdy material while coming with five years of countable warranty. With that said, manufactures have your back against defects.

Just as you change your sitting area or position, you can also adjust its height. One of the factors that make it the best SAD lamp is that. You can have the light straight from the lamp.

Its brightness levels are very well adjusted, cutting off UV rays for 99.3%. So, while treating your SAD, don’t take the stress of your skin damaging. Paying a bit more, however, turns out one of its downfalls. Not to mention, it’s worth it.

Pros
  • Large in size
  • Adjustable neck
  • Block UV rays
  • Glare-free light
Cons
  • Expensive

Our Take

Showering glare-free light, this lamp works like wonder. It addresses sleeping issues, jet lag, and depression really well. It’s the best SAD lamp if you have enough bucks.

6. TheraLite Light Therapy Lamp – Best Budget-friendly SAD Lamp

TheraLite Light Therapy Lamp
It’s in no way wrong to look for a cheap-priced option for the best SAD lamp. You can get one at a very reasonable price. Consider the Theralite lamp to get the job done. The 6 inches lamp is as compact as it fills the bill.

The stand of the lamp makes its movement convenient. That means you can move it up or tilt down to best suit you. Safe and practical, this lamp is never a health threat.

10,000 lumens brightness which is exactly needed for SAD, it has that. Whether you sit on your laptop for working or reading with a book in hand, you’ll get the right amount of light.

Pros
  • Pretty bright
  • Can be placed in different positions
  • Safe light
  • Cost-effective
Cons
  • Lack instructions

Our Take

Bright, adjustable, and cost-effective, this SAD lamp comes with a valuable package. As it is compact so you can also carry it while traveling. Also, it is sturdy, so it stands the test of time really well. We’ll highly recommend it for first-time buyers of the SAD lamp, at least.

7. Day-Light Classic Bright Light Therapy Lamp – Best SAD Lamp for Plants

Day-Light Classic Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Picking a SAD lamp that works equally great for you as for your plants is no bad idea. But for that, you should consider Carex Daylight’s classic bright lamp. Having 10,000 LUX brightness, this SAD lamp also aids plants to grow in the best possible way.

Suggested is to use the lamp for not more than 60 minutes a day. The manufacturers are of the opinion. Better to take this into consideration.

The legs of the lamp are adjustable, so you can better adjust the lamp. Pull it up or rest it down; balls are all in your court. It shakes at the tallest position, however. Stay mindful of the fact.

Pros
  • Large size
  • Modifiable legs
  • Safety standard-based
  • Enough brightness
Cons
  • Unstable legs

Our Take

Carex bright light is the best SAD lamp as usage of it has shown appropriate results. It’s a large size as compared to other SAD lamps available in the market. Giant, however, one worthy model it is.

8. Flamingo 10,000 Lux – Best Floor SAD Lamp

Flamingo 10,000 Lux
One rare and creative model is the Flamingo SAD lamp. Unlike the other lamps in the list, it isn’t meant to stand on the table but on the floor. If your desk usually stays crowded, this one’s perfect for you.

With the large adjustable lamp head, make things work in your favor. No matter if you head it up or move down, it will work perfectly fine. It gives off the right amount of lumens, i.e., 10,000, to deal with insomnia and so on effects of the dark season.

The flicker and glare-free lamp throws even light your way. That means your eyes aren’t at stake with this lamp. It is also UV rays proof, by the way.

Pros
  • Excellent for winter blues
  • Functional
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Looks pretty cool
Cons
  • Light base

Our Take

This large size lamp frees you from the hassle of sitting before the SAD lamp for an extended period. Thirty minutes are enough for absorbing this light. It’s best to go for if you are bored with the typical desk-style SAD lamp.

9. Northern Light Technology Travelite – Best SAD Lamp for Office

Northern Light Technology Travelite
Northern Light offers optimal light of 10,000 LUX. This light is quite effective for different reasons, including insomnia, low energy levels, and sadness. If the months at the end of the year hit you badly, this one’s going to help you unexpectedly.

This is one of the best SAD lamps with a stand behind. So, you can take it handy whenever and wherever you want. However, it costs you high for what it offers. As compared to other SAD lamps, it is expensive with fewer features.

Compactness lies within. It measures 7 x 2.5 x 13 inches that makes it portable. Featured with an aluminum frame and long-lasting incandescent bulb, it lasts for years.

Pros
  • Can be used for reading
  • Scratch-resistant frame
  • Easy to operate
  • Seven years warranty
Cons
  • Expensive

Our Take

It illuminates the room to the best. You can also take this SAD lamp for reading. The bright lamp has a balanced light that doesn’t hurt the eyes at all. For the features it offers, it is on the pricier side.

Guide to Buy the Best SAD Lamp

Although every SAD lamp model copes with the effects, some essential pointers still need your peek. That’s what will transition your SAD lamp into the best SAD lamp.

Spot of Lamp

Spot of your home, where you are about to place SAD lamps, keeps the secret of your buy. It tells you what size of lamp you can really adapt. One should be spacious enough to house the lamp.

Dimension

Never overlook the overall measurement of your SAD lamp – especially the screen size. It is suggested to trust a lamp 12 by 15 inches. The clinically recommended time of the SAD lamp is 60 minutes a day. The greater the screen size, the less you’ll have to spend the time before the lamp.

Light Intensity

Studies show that the regular light of the home is, more often than not, 150 lumens. This figure has a vast difference from that of the sun produces, 50,000 lumens. The point is to get a SAD lamp that at least comes with 10,000 lumens. You can only feel effectiveness with such a numerical figure.

Price

For a beginner, we really don’t recommend going for $100 bucks or more SAD lamps. It is because tricky to analyze for one if the lamp actually works. Look for a cheap SAD lamp instead to make yourself better understand the value. If you aren’t a novice with the buying, get yourself a fully modified lamp, which of course, comes at a price.

Additional Features

Out there are multiple SAD lamps with timer, alarm, adjustable stand, and brightness. However, one thing is for sure that you cannot get all these in one deal. The best is to pick up a SAD lamp with your priority features.

Pro-Tips for Using SAD Lamps

SAD lamps aren’t regular lamps. They need sophisticated handling. Once go through the section to keep yourself safe and sound from the mishap.

  • The SAD lamp works best in the morning before the sun rises. If mornings went missed, take them in use in the evenings.
  • If your SAD lamp consists of a large screen, 30 minutes are more than enough for you in a day. In the latter case of small size, 60 minutes a day is an appropriate time.
  • Keep your SAD lamp at a safe distance of 12-18 inches. It is the safe use of the lamp.
  • Never ever directly look into the SAD lamp. This may harm your eye.
  • To get the best results out of SAD lamps, get yourself exposure to sunlight in the day hours.
  • Once before getting started with the lamp therapy, make an appointment with your consultant. He/she can better guide you if you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use the SAD lamp?

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. This disorder comes into play in the dark months of a year – probably the last ones. You get insomnia, mood drops, low energy level, and depression in this particular type of disorder. If this ever happens to you, use the SAD lamp.

Do sad lamps give you a tan?

Most SAD lamps out there come with an almost negligible percentage of UV rays. That said, you can never get sun damage, nor a tan with a SAD lamp.

Is SAD lamp effective for Vitamin D deficiency?

SAD lamps have never been a source of Vitamin D. That’s because they filter out UV rays prior to radiating the light. And, if one lacks UV rays, there’s no way possible to treat your vitamin D deficiency.

Where should I position the SAD lamp?

SAD lamps get you the best results when placed at a distance of 12-18 inches from your face. Some experts also suggest maintaining a distance of 16-24 inches. At this distance, the light won’t get straight into your eyes.

Conclusion

Getting the best SAD lamp is crucial as one treats the darkness disorder with it. That’s the reason we picked out only tried and best models. Get yourself one and turn on your happy mode in the dark days too.

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