Last Updated On December 27th, 2021
For many people, a lack of light in the winter, particularly lower natural light levels, can easily lead to the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This disorder affects the body in different ways including decreasing energy levels and mood, interfering with your circadian rhythm, increasing symptoms of depression, and a lower quality of health overall. Fortunately, the bright lights of a SAD lamp are designed to mimic daylight and can help reduce SAD, or even jet lag symptoms when used for 30 minutes to an hour a day. So we created this list for the best SAD lamp in the UK so you can say goodbye to your winter blues.
Best SAD Lamp Reviews – Top 9 Picks
1. Beurer TL30UK (Editor’s Choice)
Our Editor’s Choice for the best light therapy lamp is the Beurer TL30UK. We love its slim and portable structure that is easy to use and backed by a medical device certification.
Features
The Beurer SAD light therapy lamp provides 10,000 lux at a 10cm distance. The slimline LED screen has an easy to use one-button operation function, is highly portable, and comes with a felt travel bag for added protection during transport.
The Beurer TL30UK also comes with a three-year warranty to back its high-quality German craftsmanship. The built-in adjustable stand can be used in either a portrait or landscape position.
Unfortunately, the basic design of this SAD lamp doesn’t feature a timer, only has one brightness level, and requires you to sit at a closer distance, or for a longer period of time to achieve the best results. However, this is to be expected with a more portable device.
- Certified Medical Device
- German quality
- 3-year warranty
- Felt carry case
- Slim profile
- The absence of a timer may be an issue
- Light may not be adjustable
- Closer distance may be needed
2. TKLake LED Spectrum (Best Adjustable)
The TKLake LED Spectrum is the best adjustable option on our list. Both its brightness and camera position are highly adjustable.
Features
The TKLake LED Spectrum features variable levels of brightness that can achieve 5600, 1100, and 3200 lux. The light produced by the LED anti-glare screen is energy-efficient and flicker-free for the best light therapy experience possible.
The stylishly slim design of the TKLake LED Spectrum SAD light is lightweight and portable and has an easy access one-touch control button. A highly adjustable and detachable stand arm enables nearly 45-135 degree angle positions for optimal exposure.
According to reviews, the TKLake LED Spectrum may not reach the full 3200 lux as promised and the stand may be less durable when compared to other products.
- 3 brightness settings
- Highly adjustable stand
- High-intensity light
- Slim profile
- Lightweight and portable
- May not reach full 3200 lux
- The stand may be less durable
3. Mlife Portable (Best Value)
Our best value choice for a SAD lamp is Mlife Portable. It is highly adjustable and easy to control.
Features
The Mlife Portable LED light therapy lamp features 10 variable brightness settings that reach up to 10,000 lux. It has three versatile colour options that include a cool, natural, and warm setting so this lightbox can easily be used as a bedside lamp or night light as well.
This SAD light also features 15, 30, and 45-minute timers to help you keep track of your light therapy sessions and is easily controlled via the included remote control. For hanging, there is a fold-out stand and a mounting bracket on the back.
The Mlife Portable has a thinner shell casing which may prove to be more fragile and the lux rating, or distance from light required to achieve 10,000 lux, is unknown so we recommend sitting super close for optimal results.
- Great value
- Portable
- Remote control
- 3 lighting modes
- 10,000 lux
- Thinner shell may be more fragile
- Unknown lux rating so you may need to sit quite close
4. Lumie Vitamin L (Best Portable)
The Lumie Vitamin L SAD light is next up on our best sad lamp for the UK list. It is our top choice for the best portable SAD lamp and has a high-quality design.
Features
The Lumie Vitamin L lightbox produces 10,000 lux at a 16cm distance and 1,800 lux at a 50cm distance. The large LED surface features a slim design and a rippled diffuser that helps it to produce even and warm white light for effective light therapy treatment.
This Lumie SAD lightbox has a built-in durable and stable stand that facilitates portrait or landscape orientation with ease. Vitamin L is medically certified, mains powered and comes with a three-year warranty guaranteeing its high-quality construction.
Cons for the Lumie Vitamin L include it being less adjustable with only one brightness level and not having a timer function.
- 3-year warranty
- Reputable Lumie brand
- Large light surface
- Stable stand
- Rippled diffuser
- Single brightness level may not be sufficient
- The absence of a timer may be an issue
5. Beurer TL41UK (Best with Fold-Out Stand)
Beurer’s TL41UK SAD light is another great medically certified device to make our best SAD lamps list. It has a sturdy base and a more substantial, yet stylish structure.
Features
The Beurer TL41UK light therapy lamp produces 10,000 lux at a 20cm distance making it highly effective at treating SAD. The LED lights have an estimated 10,000-hour bulb life. Unlike some of the other options on our list, the Beurer TL41UK has a wider, flattened teardrop design style that’s more decorative.
It features a single button operation switch that is easy to use. A fold-out stand is built into the back but the Beurer TL41UK also has the necessary components for it to be mounted on your wall with ease.
However, it’s worth noting that this SAD light does lack a timer, is less adjustable, and less portable.
- Large light surface
- 10,000 lux at 20 cm
- Easy to use
- Fold-out stand
- Sturdy design
- May be less portable
- May not have a timer feature
- May be less adjustable
6. WELTEAYO Adjustable (Best with Memory Function)
The WELTEAYO Adjustable SAD light is a great portable daylight option that comes equipped with highly adjustable settings.
Features
The WELTEAYO’s bright light produces between 1250 and 7100 lux with its five varying levels of light intensity. It features an adjustable colour that ranges from warm to natural to white with its four settings. It also has four timer settings with a memory function for quick and easy use. All settings are adjustable using a front touch panel.
This lamp has an integrated fold-out stand with portrait and landscape options. It uses a mini USB port for charging the built-in battery and it has a 50,000 hour LED lifespan.
Unfortunately, the WELTEAYO may have a looser charging port and the sensitive touch buttons could result in unwanted setting changes if you accidentally brush up against the lamp.
- 5 brightness levels
- Timer with memory function
- Adjustable colour
- Portable design
- 50,000 hour LED lifespan
- Charging port may be looser
- Buttons may be too sensitive
7. Azhien Blue and White (Best with Blue Light)
The Azhien Blue and White is a great option on our best SAD lamps list for anyone with sensitive eyes looking to improve their mood.
Features
The Azhien Blue and White lamp produces 10,000 lux at 10cm and 2500 at 20cm. It has both a blue and white light option. Light intensity from blue light is less harsh on the eyes and it is estimated that 200 lux blue light can achieve the same as 10,000 lux white light. This lamp features five brightness levels, an easy to set countdown timer clock ranging from 10 to 60 minutes, a convenient one-touch memory function, and easy to read controls.
Azhien Blue and White SAD lamps come with an adjustable stand arm capable of vertical or horizontal orientation, a 2-year warranty, and are mains powered.
With the Azhien lamp, you will have to sit at a closer distance to receive the full effect and there are reports of the stand being less sturdy.
Dimensions: 25.5x18x1.7cm
- Blue or white coloured light
- Easy to read controls
- 2-year warranty
- 5 brightness levels
- Countdown timer
- Closer distance may be needed
- The stand may be less sturdy
8. Duronic SADT2 (Best for Home Use)
The Duronic SADT2 lamp is a great choice if you are looking for an extra-large light screen to speed up your SAD treatment sessions.
Features
Duronic SADT2 lamps produce 10,000 lux of light at 20cm, which we think is a comfortable range for use. They feature bevelled edges and a decorative silver frame with an adjustable stand arm and wall mount option attached to the back of the device.
The Duronic SADT2 is a certified medical device and has an estimated 8,000 hour LED lifespan. It has a large one-touch switch operation hidden on the top that makes it super easy to use and comes with a one year warranty.
Keep in mind, the Duronic SADT2 has a shorter LED lifespan and is less portable.
- Extra large size
- Easy to use
- Stylish design
- 10,000 lux at 20 cm
- 1-year warranty
- LED lifespan could be longer
- May be less portable
9. Lumie Arabica (Luxury Choice)
The Lumie Arabica is the top luxury choice on our best light boxes for SAD list. This lightbox is great for home use and comes from the reputable Lumie company, a leading light therapy brand.
Features
This Lumie desk lamp is able to provide 10,000 lux at 25cm, which is pretty far thanks to its enlarged size. Its cool white light, produced by two natural daylight fluorescent bulbs, makes the Arabica great for use as a wake-up light or something to get you over an afternoon slump during the winter months.
The Lumie Arabica SAD light is mains powered and features a sturdy stand on the back that facilitates both a portrait and landscape position. This medically certified SAD lamp also has a one-button operation.
Be aware, the Lumie Arabica is less portable, does not have a timer function, and is not recommended for people with light-sensitivity issues.
- Luxury quality
- Leading Lumie brand
- 10,000 lux at 25cm
- One button operation
- Certified Medical Device
- May not be recommended for photosensitive people
- May be less portable
- The absence of a timer may be an issue
Buyer’s Guide
That’s all for our SAD lamp reviews. Now let’s explore some of the finer traits and how SAD lamps can be beneficial so that when the time comes, you can wipe out your winter blues with ease.
What to Look for in a Seasonal Affective Disorder Lamp
Settings
Not all SAD lights are created equal when it comes to settings. Some SAD lights only have one setting and one button for easy functionality. However, some of the best SAD lamps allow you to adjust the brightness and colour of the light. Some SAD lamps also have timers to help you stay in front of the light for a specific amount of time. If you are looking for a wake-up light or a night light as well we recommend choosing a light with adjustable settings to produce the desired light intensity effects.
Intensity
The intensity of a SAD lamp is measured in lux. 2,500 to 10,000 lux is a normal range for most SAD lamps, however, the best SAD lamps may have up to 7,000 lux to enable a more rapid light therapy session.
Most of the products on our best SAD lamps list feature UV-free LED light which is energy-saving and flicker-free. There is also one UV-free fluorescent bulb option on our list but they tend to be more fragile, use more energy, and are more likely to flicker.
For most 10,000-lux lights, 30 minutes uninterrupted per day is recommended to enhance your mood. Feel free to gradually increase this time until you achieve the desired effects.
Distance From Box
The distance you need to sit from SAD lights to achieve 10,000 lux is called the lux rating. This distance is important because it affects your overall comfort level during use. We think some of the best SAD lamps have a lux rating of more than 10cm.
Size and Portability
For the most part, SAD lights are designed for either at-home use or increased portability. Will you want to travel with your SAD lamp for an improved mood on the go? Or would you prefer a larger lamp to keep at home?
What Is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a common health issue that affects people in the winter months when there are fewer daylight hours. SAD can decrease your energy, affect your weight, lower your overall mood, and even interfere with sleep only compounding the symptoms overall. Interestingly, it is estimated that women are disproportionally affected by SAD.
How Do SAD Lamps Work?
The best SAD lamp in the UK is designed to simulate natural, outdoor sunlight in order to reduce SAD symptoms and increase your mood. SAD lamps are usually placed on a bedside table, desk, or counter but many can also be hung. Wherever you place it, the idea is to sit next to it so the light can affect your retina and send signals to your body to increase serotonin and more, which in turn increases mood.
So, do SAD lamps really work? Absolutely! Just sit next to one for 30 minutes up to an hour a day, depending on the brightness, and most people start seeing positive health results within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Who Can Benefit From a SAD Lamp?
The best SAD lamps not only have the ability to help diminish seasonal affective disorder symptoms but can also help reduce symptoms resulting from poor quality sleep and jet lag. The bright light on SAD lamps can help reset your body clock, increase your energy level, and help you fall asleep faster and for longer.
The Perfect SAD Lamp for You
Before you decide on the best SAD lamp in the UK for you let’s quickly review our Editor’s choice.
The Beurer TL30UK medically certified SAD light features quality German craftsmanship backed by a three-year warranty, produces 10,000 lux at 10cm, has a slim and highly portable design, and comes with a felt carry case.
While it doesn’t have a timer or adjustable brightness levels and has a closer lux rating, its basic design is still a great option when it comes to getting rid of your winter blues on the go.
Which light therapy SAD lamp will you pick?