An Expert-Backed Guide To Sun Lamps & 8 Top Options

Recommended by diagnostic radiology specialist Ben E. Paxton, M.D., the NorthStar 10,000 delivers 10,000 lux of white light therapy to help combat the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, depression during the winter months, and other mood disorders. The briefcase-size machine comes with a handle for easier maneuvering, but it's large enough to be used by multiple people at once. You can sit further from this light source than other, smaller models, and still reap the same benefits.

What reviewers say:

One customer who has had this light box for over 20 years insists that it still works as good as new to treat his Season Affective Disorder (SAD). "My wife and I both noticed a difference in my moods as well as my sleep patterns as a result of using these lights," he says.

Paxton appreciates that this Day-Light Sky lamp offers a maximum UV-filtered white light. The 10,000 lux model has been optimized to be flicker-free, so it can also help shed some light on your workspace and illuminate everyday tasks. It also comes in a task lighting mode, so you can easily switch back and forth between using it as a SAD lamp and a standard light fixture.

What reviewers say:

"I use the light on the high setting for about 15-30 minutes," one reviewer writes of how they use the multi-purpose light. "Sometimes I forget and get caught up reading something and go over the recommended time. This does not really seem to make much of a difference since I am using it so early in the morning. Many times I will switch over to the low setting after I have had it on high for 15-20 minutes. It is a really nice task light."

For a more budget-friendly option, Paxton recommends the 10,000 lux TheraLite Aura. It has four light settings (including task lighting) that can effectively support a healthy circadian rhythm and comes in at a fraction of the price of more expensive models.

What reviewers say:

"What a mood-lifter! This light is powerful! It's great for Seasonal Affective Disorder and also as a work light at the sewing and craft table. It adjusts with a knob so you can aim the light across the room or down to your work surface," writes one reviewer.

While white light better mimics the sun's warmth, Paxton says that yellow light can also be soothing in lower doses. This affordable UV-free lamp touts both yellow and white light options, comes in four levels of brightness (you can adjust it from 25% to 100% brightness) and is packaged in a lightweight, portable case. It's a fair amount smaller than the other options on this list; reviewers note it's about the size of a Kindle.

What reviewers say:

"Love this product! (I'm) from Michigan where the winter is really harsh without the sun. I’ve been having this on at random times of the day every day and have noticed that I feel better in these gloomy days. Easy to dim and the two colors are very nice," writes one reviewer.

This Philips lamp came highly recommended by our experts, including Paxton. He says the alarm-meets-lightbox emits a warm glow that resembles that of a sunrise—plus comes with preprogrammed guided meditations. You can program the light to turn on at the time of your choosing (it transitions from soft red to bright yellow) and then emit a calming alarm noise, such as birdsong. Many sleep experts note that waking up with a gentle sunrise clock, sans a harsh phone alarm, is better for your sleep-wake cycle. Happy reviewers agree, noting that it helps them wake up feeling more energized.

What reviewers say:

"This wake-up light massively improved the quality of my sleep. It is so satisfyingly well-designed!" one reviewer writes.

This Doraubia light comes recommended by Lizz Kinyua, M.D., a physician with a focus on mental health. A great entryway into light therapy, it has a sleek round design and emits light at 10,000 lux. It simulates three types of natural daylight—daylight, warm light, and natural light—to effectively help you to combat gloomy moods and rainy days. There is also little risk of eye damage as the lamp is UV-free. Plus, you'd never guess it's a light therapy box at first glance.

What reviewers say:

With over 6,000 Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars, this model comes highly recommended—though the biggest complaint is that it isn't very durable for year-after-year use. "I really like both the look and functionality of this light! I bought it to use as light therapy for my seasonal depression, and I feel it has helped me gain those feel-good hormones I normally get from the sun. I really like that it has 3 colors of light and 4 levels of brightness and the remote," notes one reviewer.

This wood-framed sun lamp is one of the best-looking on our list, but it's so much more than an attractive design. Like several others here, the DayBright Light Therapy Lamp provides the recommended 10,000 lux, full-spectrum, UV-free light. It also comes with a convenient remote control with presets and toggles so you can mimic the sunlight at different times of the day.

What reviewers say:

Reviewers appreciate that it's easy to adjust the color and brightness of this aesthetically pleasing light. "I do feel better when I use it," one reviewer writes. "I didn't think light can do that."

This model from Circadian Optics provides the recommended 10,000 lux of brightness to help the winter blues, regulate sleep, improve focus, and boost energy. It'll last approximately 50,000 hours, which is longer than many fluorescent bulbs, according to the manufacturer. It also produces a uniform, dot-free stream of light that's comparable to the noonday sun.

What reviewers say:

"I bought two different lamps for my family for Christmas. This was my family's favorite one because it is the easiest to use. It is very portable and can be adjusted to shine down on you by bending it when placed on a higher surface, or directly at you when placed on a surface like a table," one reviewer writes of the adjustable lamp.