I Tried Novaalab Red Light Pad & Here’s What Happened (2025 Review)

As someone who has spent years training athletes and dealing with my own share of post-training aches and pains, I’ve always been curious about red light therapy and have tried several products.

Between my regular weightlifting sessions, grappling training, and the occasional overreach in the gym, recovery tools have become essential parts of my routine.

When the Novaalab Light Pad started gaining traction in the fitness community, I knew I had to put it through its paces.

Red light therapy isn’t new, NASA has been using it for decades, and the research supporting its benefits for pain relief and tissue healing continues to grow. But with so many devices flooding the market, it’s tough to separate the legitimate tools from the overpriced gadgets.

After testing the Novaalab Light Pad for over a month, here’s my honest take on whether it’s worth your investment.

What is the Novaalab Light Pad?

The Novaalab Light Pad is a flexible red light therapy device designed for at-home use. It combines red light (660nm) and near-infrared light (850nm) wavelengths to target pain relief, inflammation reduction, and tissue healing.

Unlike large panel systems that require you to sit or stand in front of them, this pad can be wrapped around specific body parts for targeted treatment.

The device measures 15.7″ x 9″ and features an array of red and near-infrared LEDs that can be used on virtually any part of the body.

What sets it apart from basic red light devices is its adjustable frequency settings, allowing users to choose between steady light or pulsed modes ranging from 1-999 hertz.

The company markets it as a solution for over 30 health conditions, which honestly made me skeptical initially. As a coach, I’ve learned to be wary of “miracle cure” claims.

However, the science behind red light therapy for pain relief and tissue healing is well-established, so I was willing to give it a fair assessment.

Novaalab Light Pad Review

Design and Build Quality

The Novaalab Light Pad feels like a mid-range device. The flexible silicone housing is durable enough to handle regular use, and the LED array is evenly distributed across the pad. It’s not going to win any design awards, but it gets the job done without feeling cheap.

The pad includes velcro straps for securing it to different body parts, which is practical but not particularly elegant.

After a month of use, the velcro still holds strong, though I suspect it might lose some grip over time with frequent washing.

One area where the design could improve is the controller. While functional, it feels a bit plasticky, and the buttons require more pressure than I’d like.

The remote control is a nice touch, but the range is limited—you’ll need to be within about 6 feet of the device.

Ease of Use

This is where the Novaalab Light Pad shines. Setting it up is straightforward: plug it in, strap it on, and select your preferred settings.

The learning curve is minimal, which I appreciate as someone who doesn’t want to fiddle with complicated protocols after a hard training session.

The flexibility of the pad makes it easy to conform to different body parts. I’ve used it on my knees, lower back, and shoulders with good results. The straps hold it securely in place, allowing you to move around during treatment.

However, the corded design can be limiting. While the 6-foot cord provides decent range, I found myself wishing for a wireless option during longer sessions.

Performance and Effectiveness

Here’s what matters most: does it actually work? After using it consistently for over a month, I can say it provides noticeable benefits, though not the dramatic results some users claim online.

For acute soreness from training, I found 20-minute sessions at steady light helpful for reducing inflammation and speeding recovery.

The warmth is gentle but penetrating, and I consistently felt less stiffness after use. For chronic issues like the occasional lower back tightness that comes with years of weightlifting, the benefits were more subtle but still present.

According to Novaalab’s internal surveys, 94% of customers report pain relief within the first four weeks of regular use, and based on my experience, this seems reasonable for minor to moderate issues.

The adjustable frequency settings add versatility, though I found the steady light mode most effective for my purposes.

The pulsed modes didn’t provide noticeably different results despite the company’s claims about different frequencies targeting different conditions.

Battery Life and Hardware

The Novaalab Light Pad is corded, so battery life isn’t a concern. The power consumption is reasonable, and the device runs cool enough to use safely for extended periods.

The LED array appears well-constructed, with no dead spots or flickering after a month of regular use.

The power adapter is compact and doesn’t generate significant heat, which is reassuring for a device you might use daily.

The overall electrical design seems solid, though I’d appreciate more robust strain relief where the cord connects to the pad.

Price

At around $300-400 depending on promotions, the Novaalab Light Pad sits in the mid-range for red light therapy devices. It’s significantly cheaper than large panel systems but more expensive than basic handheld units.

For the features and build quality, the price feels fair but not exceptional. The 2-year warranty provides some peace of mind, though I’d prefer to see a longer warranty period at this price point.

How to Use Novaalab Light Pad

Using the Novaalab Light Pad is straightforward:

1. Preparation: Clean the treatment area and ensure the pad is clean and dry.
2. Positioning: Place the pad directly on the skin or over thin clothing. Secure with the provided straps.
3. Settings: Choose your preferred mode (steady or pulsed) and intensity level using the controller.
4. Duration: Start with 10-15 minute sessions and gradually increase to 20-30 minutes as tolerated.
5. Frequency: Use 1-2 times daily for acute issues or 3-4 times per week for maintenance.

The company recommends consistency over intensity, which aligns with my experience. Regular, moderate sessions seem more effective than occasional long treatments.

Novaalab Light Pad Benefits

Noninvasive Pain Relief

The primary benefit I experienced was reduced post-training soreness. Unlike NSAIDs or topical pain relievers, red light therapy doesn’t interfere with the body’s natural inflammatory response, it just helps modulate it.

This is particularly valuable for athletes who need inflammation for adaptation but want to manage excessive soreness.

The pain relief isn’t immediate like with medication, but it builds over time with consistent use. I found it most effective for muscle soreness and joint stiffness rather than acute injuries.

Versatile Applications

The flexible design allows treatment of various body parts, from large areas like the back to smaller joints like wrists or ankles. As someone who deals with different problem areas depending on training focus, this versatility is valuable.

I used it successfully on my knees after heavy squat sessions, my lower back after deadlift days, and my shoulders during periods of increased pressing volume. The results were consistent across different applications.

Portability and Convenience

While not as portable as some newer devices, the Novaalab Light Pad is reasonably convenient for home use. It’s light enough to move between rooms and doesn’t require a dedicated setup like larger panel systems.

The ability to use it while sitting or lying down makes it easy to incorporate into evening routines or while watching TV. However, the corded design limits true portability.

Nonpharmaceutical Alternative

For those looking to reduce reliance on pain medications or anti-inflammatories, red light therapy offers a compelling alternative. It doesn’t provide the immediate relief of pharmaceuticals, but it also doesn’t carry the side effects or dependency risks.

Who Is Novaalab Light Pad For?

Athletes and Active Individuals

The Novaalab Light Pad works well for recreational athletes dealing with training-related soreness and minor injuries. It’s particularly useful for those who train frequently and need consistent recovery support.

Chronic Pain Sufferers

People with arthritis, chronic back pain, or other persistent conditions may find regular use helpful for managing symptoms. The gentle nature of the treatment makes it suitable for daily use.

Recovery-Focused Individuals

Those interested in optimizing recovery and performance may benefit from incorporating red light therapy into their routine. It complements other recovery modalities like stretching, massage, and proper sleep.

Budget-Conscious Buyers

For those wanting to try red light therapy without investing in expensive panel systems, the Novaalab Light Pad offers a reasonable entry point with legitimate therapeutic potential.

My Experience With Novaalab Light Pad

Over the past month, I’ve integrated the Novaalab Light Pad into my recovery routine, using it 4-5 times per week after training sessions.

My typical protocol involved 20-minute sessions on whatever body part felt most beat up from that day’s training.

The most noticeable benefits came after leg training. My knees, which occasionally ache after heavy squats or Bulgarian split squats, felt markedly better after consistent use.

The improvement wasn’t dramatic, and I’d rate it as a 20-30% reduction in stiffness and soreness, but it was consistent and cumulative.

For my chronic lower back tightness, the results were more subtle but still present. Twenty-minute sessions before bed seemed to help with morning stiffness, though the effect wasn’t as pronounced as with acute muscle soreness.

The device integrates well into my evening routine. I typically use it while reading or watching TV, making it easy to be consistent. The gentle warmth is relaxing, and I never experienced any adverse effects or discomfort.

However, I did notice some limitations. The corded design occasionally got in the way, and the velcro straps sometimes shifted during longer sessions. For someone as active as I am, these minor inconveniences added up over time.

Novaalab Light Pad User Reviews

Looking at real customer feedback, the experiences are generally positive but varied:

“My husband and I have been using the NovaaLab therapy pad for 3 months now for hip pain and foot pain with excellent results. My husband has a 35-year-old injury to his foot that he has had to take prescription anti-inflammatories for off and on over the years. The red light therapy has given him such good results that he no longer needs daily anti-inflammatories.”

Another user reported: “I was skeptical at first, but after using it consistently for knee pain from running, I noticed a significant improvement in my recovery time. The pain relief isn’t immediate, but it builds up over time.”

However, some users expressed concerns about customer service: “Customer reviews were generally positive and people noted improvements in the appearance of their skin. Still, there were complaints about the quality of the customer service when there were issues.”

On Trustpilot, NovaaLab maintains a 4-star rating based on over 2,200 reviews, indicating generally satisfied customers despite some service issues.

Novaalab Light Pad Alternatives

Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt

From my testing, the Hooga belt shares a similar ethos of simplicity and portability with the Novaalab Light Pad but with a more refined design for wearable convenience.

It operates with the clinically proven 660nm red and 850nm near-infrared wavelengths, which I’ve found effective in reducing muscle soreness and joint pain.

Its key advantage over the Novaalab pad lies in its dedicated belt-like form factor, which wraps securely around areas and allows for truly hands-free operation during light movement. While the Novaalab also uses straps, the Hooga’s design feels more purpose-built for wearability.

However, the Hooga lacks intensity adjustments and app connectivity, features that the Novaalab (to a limited extent) offers in its frequency settings. Additionally, the velcro on the Hooga can show wear over time.

If your primary need is targeted, on-the-go therapy for specific muscle groups or joints, and you appreciate simplicity, the Hooga belt is a strong, budget-friendly contender. My Hooga review goes into detail about my experience.

Kineon MOVE+ Pro

I’ve used this device extensively, particularly for my chronic knee issues from grappling and heavy squats, and it has consistently delivered outstanding results.

What sets the Kineon apart is its combination of 660nm red LEDs with deeper-penetrating 808nm infrared lasers. This laser technology provides a level of precision and depth that standard LEDs simply can’t match, making it exceptionally effective for chronic joint pain and significant tissue healing.

The Kineon MOVE+ Pro’s modular design with three individual light modules and adjustable straps allows for incredibly versatile and targeted application to various joints and muscles.

Its hands-free operation is truly liberating, enabling me to move freely during quick 5-15 minute sessions, unlike the corded Novaalab.

The build quality is exceptional, featuring durable plastic and glass modules rather than the more common plastic housing found in many portable devices.

While its price point is higher than the Novaalab Light Pad, the Kineon’s superior efficacy, robust construction, and enhanced convenience make it a worthy long-term investment for athletes and individuals prioritizing peak recovery and pain management.

It’s the device I recommend to my athletes looking for the most effective, convenient option available. My Kineon review goes into detail about my experience.

MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt

Unlike the broader, more flexible design of the Novaalab Light Pad, the MitoQUAD is engineered for a more intense and targeted approach to these specific areas, often featuring a higher concentration of LEDs and different power outputs.

Its unique selling proposition often revolves around its four distinct wavelengths of light, which can include not only the common 660nm and 850nm but additional red light wavelengths like 630nm and 670nm or deeper near-infrared at 940nm.

This multi-wavelength approach is designed to target a wider range of cellular processes for enhanced pain relief, inflammation reduction, and recovery in the core.

From a user experience perspective, the MitoQUAD belt is typically designed for hands-free use, similar to the Hooga belt, allowing you to secure it around your midsection while engaging in other light activities.

However, its specialized design means its application areas are more limited compared to the versatile Novaalab pad, which can be wrapped around almost any body part.

If your primary need is intensive, targeted therapy for your lower back and abdominal region, and you appreciate a multi-wavelength approach, the MitoQUAD could be a compelling option, but be aware of its narrower scope of use compared to the Novaalab’s adaptability.

My Mito Red Light Therapy review goes into detail about my experience.

Frequently Asked Novaalabs questions

How long should I use the Novaalab Light Pad?

I generally recommend starting with shorter sessions, around 10-15 minutes, especially when you’re new to red light therapy or targeting a sensitive area. This allows your body to gradually adapt.

As you become accustomed to the treatment and understand how your body responds, you can progressively increase the session duration to 20-30 minutes. Remember, consistency is often more critical than the sheer duration of a single session.

Can I use it over clothing?

While direct skin contact offers the best and most efficient penetration of the red and near-infrared light, you can certainly use the Novaalab Light Pad over light clothing.

Think of it this way: a thin layer of fabric will absorb a small percentage of the light, slightly diminishing the overall effectiveness.

However, if comfort or modesty is a concern, a thin t-shirt or a light pair of athletic shorts won’t entirely negate the benefits. For maximum results, especially when targeting deeper tissues for pain relief or muscle recovery, I always advise applying the pad directly to the skin.

How often should I use it?

The frequency of use depends on your specific goals and the nature of the issue you’re addressing. For acute conditions like post-workout muscle soreness or minor injuries, daily use once or twice can help accelerate the healing and recovery process.

For general maintenance, optimizing recovery between training sessions, or managing chronic issues like persistent joint stiffness, using the Novaalab Light Pad 3-4 times per week is typically sufficient to see sustained benefits. Listen to your body and adjust as needed.

Is it safe for daily use?

Yes, red light therapy, particularly with devices like the Novaalab Light Pad that use clinically validated wavelengths (660nm red and 850nm near-infrared), is generally considered very safe for daily use.

This is a noninvasive, low-risk therapy that works by stimulating natural cellular processes without harmful UV rays or excessive heat. The Novaalab pad includes safety features to prevent overheating, ensuring a comfortable experience.

I’ve personally used red light therapy devices almost daily for months on end to manage my own training demands, and I’ve never experienced any adverse effects. Always adhere to the recommended session durations to ensure optimal and safe use.

When will I see results?

Patience and consistency are paramount when it comes to red light therapy. While some users, myself included, may experience initial improvements in pain relief or reduced stiffness within the first 1-2 weeks of consistent use, the more profound and lasting benefits typically become noticeable after 4-6 weeks.

For skin-related improvements (though not the primary focus of the Novaalab pad), it might take even longer, often 6-8 weeks, as collagen production and cellular turnover are slower processes. Stick with your routine, and the results will follow.

Summary

The Novaalab Light Pad is a competent red light therapy device that delivers on its basic promises. It provides legitimate pain relief and recovery benefits, though not the miraculous results some marketing materials suggest.

The build quality is adequate, the price is reasonable, and the ease of use makes it accessible for most people.

However, after testing both devices extensively, I believe the Kineon Move+ represents a better investment for most active individuals. Its superior build quality, hands-free operation, wireless design, and more efficient treatment protocols make it worth the additional cost.

For those specifically interested in the Novaalab Light Pad, it’s a solid choice that will provide benefits with consistent use. Just manage your expectations and understand that recovery tools like this work best as part of a comprehensive approach that includes proper training, nutrition, and sleep.

If you’re serious about incorporating red light therapy into your routine and want the most effective, convenient option available, the Kineon MOVE+ Pro is the clear winner.