Dark and gloomy days can leave you feeling the winter blues, but there are lots of way to tackle them. Investing in a SAD lamp, light box, or sunrise alarm clock can help you feel a little lighter, brighter and more energized.
If you've already tested sunrise alarm clocks and discovered the powers of light therapy, you will love SAD lamps. These can be placed by your bed, on your desk (top tip: they make great ring lights), or simply in your living space. As long as they can provide you with 10,000 lux of light (the clinically recommended amount), you should start to feel the difference.
I've scrolled through hundreds of SAD lamps, reading reviews of everything the market has to offer. The results are these, nine lamps. They're perfect for different purposes and backed-up with plenty of shining recommendations.
Note: Seasonal Affected Disorder is a medical condition. If you are struggling, speak to a medical professional. SAD lamps are recognized as a form of treatment, but you should always seek expert advice.
The best overall
This is the best of the best. It's 99.3% UV-free and offers 10,000 lux at 12 inches, so you have a lot of freedom for where it can sit. It's quite big if you're short on space, but nevertheless worth it.
The best design
This is the slickest and sleekest light therapy lamp on the market. It's slim and streamlined with a slightly warmer hue (3,500 Kelvin). However, it's not fully adjustable, and quite expensive.
The best value
This is one of the cheapest SAD lamps on the market and yet it looks like one of the nicest. The surface area is 11.5 inches, a good 2.5 inches less than the best, but it's still bright. You'll just need to use it for longer.
The best alarm clock
There's plenty of good sunrise alarm clocks, but this is the most versatile. The max lux level is only 300, so you'll need to use it for longer, but it works seamlessly with your circadian rhythms.
Best for desks
Perfect for your office desk, this stylish design offers 10,000 lux. You'll need it at 6 inches, so closer than other models, but it's adjustable and makes a great light for video calls.
Best color rendering
If you want to switch between warmer and cooler tones, the Verilux is an excellent investment. It's a little tricky to adjust compared to others, so is best kept in one place.
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Best portable
Don't let the Aurora's dimensions deceive you. This compact and portable SAD light is one of the brightest on offer (24,000 lux). That's too much for most people, but good for bursts of light.
Best budget
You won't find a better SAD lamp for under $100. This is fully adjustable with a range of settings. Its biggest flaw is the slightly cheap feeling body.
Best floor light
Tall and slim, this is a subtle light to keep in any room. It emits light upwards, so not directly into your face. Whilst this creates a sense of daylight, it maxes out at 5,000 lux, which is too weak for most people.
The best SAD lamps 2024
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The best SAD lamp overall
Buy it if
✅ You want a quick fix: this only needs 30 mins exposure
✅ You'll keep this at your desk: it makes a good lamp
✅ You want adjustability: this can change heights
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're on a budget: this is quite expensive
❌ You'll move this around a lit: it's bulky
❌ You don't like assembly: this needs a tool kit to put together
The bottom line
🔎 Carex Day-Light Classic Plus: 30 minutes with the Carex gives you all the exposure you'll need. It's reasonably priced and adjustable, but not the most portable.
You only need to mention Carex to anyone who is remotely interested in SAD lamps to get a nod of approval. Their Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp is one of the most popular models on the market and it's easy to see why.
The Day-Light Classic Plus can issue 10,000 lux of light in a 12 inch radius. This is perfect for any work set-up. Combined with the swivel height adjustor (a particularly popular feature), this is an office essential. You only need it on for 30 minutes to get the maximum effects of light therapy.
Out of over 3,000 Amazon reviews, the Day-Light Classic has a solid 4.3 star rating. It comes highly recommended as a top-quality, highly effective model. Reviewers generally scored it highest for brightness and value. The wide, light screen throws out a significant amount of light, which you might expect given the price tag. One final, added bonus, is that this comes with a five year guarantee.
I started looking for issues that people had with the Day-Light classic and, whilst there weren't many, I did spot a few. The swivel only goes up and down. You can't move the screen to the left or right, and to do so you need to move the entire (quite bulky) stand. It's relatively heavy, so this isn't something you would want to do often. People who are always adjusting their position would do prefer a more portable SAD light.
The best SAD lamp for design
Buy it if
✅ You care about design: this is beautiful
✅ You want quick exposure: this only needs 30 minutes
✅ You like a warmer white: this is yellower than others (3,500 Kelvin)
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're short on space: this is big
❌ You're on a budget: it's expensive
❌ You want adjustability: the stand is fixed
The bottom line
🔎 Northern Light Technologies Boxelite: slim and streamlined this big light is perfect for quick exposure. You'll need a lot of space and a generous budget for it though.
Next to Carex, Northern Light Technologies make some of the best Light Therapy products on the market. The Boxelite is one of the most stylish options on the market. The screen is big (nearly 15 x 12 inches), but the whole box is slim with a minimalistic black frame. If looks aren't enough to persuade you, this comes with a seven year warranty (that's seriously good).
As with the Carex Day-Light Classic Plus, you won't need this on for long to take full advantage of the Boxelite's effects. 30 minutes is plenty of time to benefit from its 10,000 lux of UV-free light. Fourteen inches is one of the biggest ranges we have in this list, which is particularly useful for deep desks and large homes. Paired with an 8 ft cord, you have a lot more flexibility in where you can place the Boxelite. However, if you have a small home, this will dominate the room.
The hue of the Boxelite is warmer than others. It measures at 3,500 Kelvin, which, translated into reality, means it's less of a fluorescent white and more of a gentle yellow.
Reviewers didn't criticise this often, but when they did, it all fell on similar topics. The first is customization. This is an expensive SAD light, but the only settings are on and off. Although this might be all you need, there are plenty of other models on the market which have color and brightness options. The second, more niche issue people had with the Boxelite is construction. This wasn't something raised by customers, but when other expert reviewers had tested this by knocking it onto the floor repeatedly, for example, they found that it didn't hold itself well. One commented on screws coming loose every time it was knocked over. SAD lamps are best left still, but if you're clumsy, this might not be the one for you.
The best value SAD lamp
Buy it if
✅ You want a small option: this is compact
✅ Your budget is $100: this is great value
✅ You want an ultra-bright light: this can sit in the corner of the room
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a screen: this is a pyramid
❌ You want quick exposure: this has a small surface area
❌ You want a gentle light: this is intense
The bottom line
🔎 Northern Light Technologies Luxor Mini: this petite pyramid is ultra-bright (too much for some). The small surface area means it's slower, but it looks great in the corner of a room.
If your budget sits at around $100, you might be at a loss for finding a good SAD light. Thankfully, Northern Light Technologies has designed this petite pyramid for just over $100.
The shape doesn't lend itself quite as well to being a desk lamp as the other screen SAD lamps do, but this works in its favor. The Luxor Mini looks great on a bedside table or in the corner of the room. The subtle, modern aesthetics are simple but shining.
As a result of its size, you'll need more time around the Luxor Mini to feel its full benefits. This is still as bright as the best SAD lamps on the list, but it simply doesn't have the surface area to work within 30 minutes. It's also worth noting that this compensates for size with brightness. A number of reviewers found this too bright to look at. They couldn't sit it on a desk even if they wanted to. Some called this 'radiant'; others called it 'overkill'.
I noticed lots of people end up buying multiple versions of this to place around their house. Aesthetically, it seems pretty perfect. Functionally, it is certainly powerful, but there are a number of people who struggled with the bulb. Whether they were changing it or the bulb came loose, this is certainly something to be aware of.
The best alarm clock SAD lamp
Buy it if
✅ You want to sort out your sleep: this helps you wake up naturally
✅ You'll use different color options: this has over 30
✅ You need a radio: this is multifunctional
Don't buy it if:
❌ You'd only use this at your desk: it's better first-thing
❌ You don't need an alarm: that's the main function
❌ You're on a budget: this is expensive
The bottom line
🔎 Philips SmartSleep Wake Up Light: this helps you set your day up for success, naturally waking you up with 300 lux of light. If you don't need an alarm clock, this is an expensive SAD light, if you do, it's ingenious.
At Homes & Gardens, we're sleep obsessed and we've made no secret about it. Having tested the best sunrise alarm clocks on the market, we were eager to get a good SAD alarm clock in this guide too and Philips makes the best.
This double-duty appliance helps wake you up naturally, gradually working through the thirty light settings (starting as red), as it emulates a sunrise and then blasts an alarm. Whilst it truly shines in the morning, the range of light settings is great for offering a little extra boost in the evening or on dark days.
User reviews rave about the SmartSleep. Some people suggested adjusting the wake-up time to suit your needs, which is easy, but very important. Reviewers also enjoyed the radio and alarm sounds, which are natural and not too jarring first thing in the morning. If you choose snooze, the lights reset and start to wake you up slowly again. Using light to do this is immeasurably useful for setting your circadian rhythm at the start of the day, so, whilst this might lack the strength of some other SAD lights, the time at which it exposes you to light is priceless.
On the subject of strength, this is only 300 lux (10,00 is normally the recommended amount for SAD lights), so if you don't maximise on light in the morning, you'll need it close to you for a long time. The SmartSleep also comes with lots of functions (including the radio and alarm) that you might not need. If you wouldn't use these, don't pay a premium for them. There are other options in this list.
The best SAD lamp for work
Buy it if
✅ You want color options: this is available in 5 different hues
✅ You want adjustability: this is customizable
✅ You want strength: this is bright, but not too vibrant
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're on a budget: this is expensive
❌ You have large rooms: this is better at a desk
❌ You have low shelves: this is quite tall
The bottom line
🔎 Lumie Task: the iconic brand delivers on substance and style with a desk light that just so happens to help with SAD. The only drawback is the price.
Lumie makes a range of lights for sleep, mood, and energy, but their Task Light is one of the best. The modern, minimalistic design is available in a range of subtle and elegant colors.
Whilst the tall light could sit high above your head in a workshop, the stand, angle, and brightness are all completely adjustable. At 5.9 inches from your face, the Lumie task emits 10,000 lux of light, helping to alleviate winter blues in just 30 minutes. Once you've had your rays for the day, you can switch modes, so that this becomes a normal desk lamp.
Lumie's online reviews are outstanding. They're coming close to a household name thanks to how gentle they are on the eyes and the high-contrast options. Everyone comments on the sleek and minimalist design. It's ergonomic and feels sturdy, without being cumbersome. The interface is also really sleek. Sliding your finger over the logo controls the intensity of the light. It's a responsive and luxurious feature. However, the Lumie Task might not be for everyone.
The main consideration to make is price. Lumie makes one of the most expensive SAD lamps on the market. I struggled to find reviews where owners were left unconvinced of the Lumie's value, but $250 is a lot to spend. It's also pretty tall, so you need to make some space in your home for it.
The best SAD lamp for color rendering
Buy it if
✅ You want to light a whole room: this is a floor lamp
✅ You want different warmth levels: this has three
✅ You to emulate daylight: this has a setting for that
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want an easy set-up: this needs assembling
❌ You're short on space: floor lights can be bulky
❌ You want this in your office: a desk lamp will be better
The bottom line
🔎 Verilux HappyLight Duo: height, color, and light-adjustable, the Verilux is an excellent floor lamp for a range of homes. It just takes a little while to assemble.
Whilst most SAD lamps sit subtly on a desk, there's no reason they shouldn't stand proudly in every room. Verilux makes one of my favorite models: it's modern, minimalistic, and easily adjustable.
The Verilux boasts three different warmth levels and five brightness levels. To adjust these, all you have to do is touch the lamp. It's incredibly easy. If you simply want some more daylight in your home, this has a daylight setting which can deliver the clinically recommended 10,000 lux of light.
For $150, this is a reasonably priced SAD lamp. It's UV free with an elegant goose neck. On Amazon, the energy efficiency scores well, as does the brightness and maneuverability. This would have five stars from everyone (including the experts) if it was just a little easier to assemble. Almost all reviews mention some form of difficultly with assembly. The helpful tip, if you're asking, is that the lamp's body needs telescoping to insert it into the base. If you do that, you won't have any issues.
The best portable SAD lamp
Buy it if
✅ You want a bright lamp: this is ultra-bright
✅ You will move this around: it's lightweight
✅ You're short on space: this is compact
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're sensitive to light: this is close to blinding
❌You'll have this at a desk: it's not easy to adjust
❌ You'll move this often: it can get quite hote
The bottom line
🔎 Aurora Lightpad Mini: this small screen offers 13 angle options and multiple brightness settings. It's great if you're always on the go, but it's extremely bright — too much for most people.
The first thing to note about the LightPad Mini (aside from its cute, compact size) is just how bright it is. When Aurora designed this to be petite, they didn't compromise on power. It offers well over the clinically recommended 10,000 lux dose, providing 25,000 easily and without any UV. There are multiple brightness settings, but even on the lowest, this is incredibly vibrant. It's almost blinding.
The tiny dimensions are brilliant if you're often travelling or if you want to pack this away at the end of the day. It's smaller than a tablet, so won't demand much space at all. Many people commented on how lightweight this is too: it's easy to position, lift, and move to suit your SAD light needs.
However, if you'll often be picking this up and packing it away, you need to know that this gets hot. Wait for it to cool before trying to do anything with it. The manufacturer will even warn you about this.
The best budget SAD lamp
Buy it if
✅ You're on a budget: this is good value for money
✅ You'll use this all day: it has different settings
✅ You'll move this around: it's easy to lift
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want luxury finishes: this is a little cheap
❌ You have delicate interiors: this is bulky
❌ You want quick results: this is quite small
The bottom line
🔎 Theralite Aura: an affordable option which delivers on capacity without much compromise. It's just a little basic.
Budget-friendly and SAD lamps don't tend to go together. However, Theralite's Aura is an excellent, relatively affordable option. If you're looking for a functional and compact lamp, you won't find a better option than this one.
There are plenty of things to love about the Theralite. It's light enough to easily move around your desk or room. It's easy to assemble and adjust, so setting it up and using it would be easy, even for beginners. The design, although a little bulky, is simple enough to blend in to almost any interior.
Another noteworthy feature is the power of the Theralite. It can provide the clinically recommended 10,000 lux of light at 12 inches. That's as good as models which are three times sthe price. It's also UV-blocking, another feature more commonly found in premium machines.
The only thing worth noting is that the screen is a plastic panel rather than glass. Although this diffuses light naturally, it feels a little cheap and can get quite hot. Overall, this is an excellent option for beginners, but just lacks the premium features you might seek out in models triple the price.
The best SAD floor lamp
Buy it if
✅ You want daylight-style brightness: this faces the roof
✅ You want a tall lamp: this is 71 inches high
✅ You want customization: this has five brightness levels
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want quick results: this isn't very bright
❌ You need intensity: this is only 5,000 lux
❌ You're short on space: this is tall
The bottom line
🔎 Trond Floor Lamp: this adds 'daylight' to your room by lighting upwards, rather than directly. It's a more subtle and stylish method, but misses the clinical levels of light by 5,000 lux
I think of the TROND as a floor light which just happens to double up as a light therapy lamp too. At 71 inches tall, it cuts a svelte silhouette, blending subtly into any room, whether you choose the black or silver colorway.
What makes the TROND truly stand out is the way in which it brings light to a room. The bulbs face upwards, rather than directly at you, meaning you have a more natural sense of daylight in the room, rather than a vibrant, fluorescent white. You can even dim the daylight style to a warm light if you want to add a little atmosphere.
The TROND is compatible with smart plugs, so you can set it on an automatic timer and is easy to pick up and move around the room, placing it exactly where you want it to be. That's because it's crafted from durable aluminium, so it's very lightweight.
As this is so large, it will probably cover all the lighting you need for one room. The light is ultra-bright and lots of people say that it's credible as daylight. However, it's worth noting that the brightest setting is only 5,000 lux, which is half of the clinically recommended amount. There's also no UV filter, so even though this isn't directly facing you, I'd still be careful of where you place it.
How to choose an SAD lamp
The two most important factors to consider when choosing a SAD lamp are light intensity and distance. The clinically recommended amount of light for a SAD lamp to produce effective results falls at 10,000 lux. If your light isn't as bright as that, you'll need to use it for longer, closer to you, or it simply won't have any effect.
Alongside the lux measurements, you'll often be given a distance. This is how close the light needs to be to you for you to feel the effects. A greater distance offers you more flexibility in where you can place your SAD light in your room. A shorter distance can be more limiting, but if you keep yours in an office or on your desk, you're highly likely to be close enough to it by default.
There are, of course, other factors to consider, such as size, budget, and additional extras. Consider the space that you have: if you'll have this on a desk, you might want a small or portable option. If it will sit in a room, a floor light might be better.
You can pay more money for more light settings, timers, alarm clocks, and adjustable features, but make sure that they're relevant to the way that you will use the SAD light.
FAQs
What size light therapy lamp do I need?
A good surface area for SAD lamps to have is generally around 180 inches (12 x 15). If you have a larger surface area, you'll be exposed to more lux and so won't need to use your SAD lamp for as long. If you have a smaller lamp, you might want to buy a couple of them.
How many lux do I need for light therapy to work?
The clinical recommendation for lux is 10,000. If your lamp has less than 10,000, you might need to buy more than one to increase your exposure.
How long do I need to use a light therapy lamp for?
Health professionals generally recommend half an hour a day. This doesn't have to be in one sitting and it's good if you can get light on your skin in the early morning.
How we review SAD lamps
At Homes & Gardens, we are meticulous in how we recommend products. Normally, we like to test every product before we recommend them to you. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test these myself, but instead I have put days of research into finding the best on the market.
I have read thousands of expert and customer reviews, searching for validation of claims and criticisms. I now know these SAD lights better than some people who use them every day. If you need to know anything about them, you can guarantee that I've told you here. If you're interested in our reviewing and recommending process, you can read more on our page which details how we test.
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