Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) outcomes vary by individual. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking photosensitive medications.
Affiliate Disclosure: Red Light Finder may earn a commission from studios or products linked in this article at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on independent research and firsthand evaluation.
Quick Answer: The best red light therapy studios in 2026 are Next Health (multiple locations across LA and Chicago), HigherDOSE (New York City flagship), and Perspire Sauna Studio (Los Angeles metro). Expect to pay $30-$75 per session or $99-$299/month for unlimited memberships. Most studios now offer full-body beds (like the NovoTHOR), targeted panel sessions, and combination therapies pairing red light with infrared sauna or cryotherapy.
Red light therapy has gone from niche biohacker obsession to mainstream wellness staple. According to Grand View Research, the global photobiomodulation market is projected to reach $1.47 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual rate of 14.6%. A 2024 survey by the Global Wellness Institute found that 38% of wellness consumers in major U.S. metros had tried red light therapy at least once, up from just 12% in 2021.
If you live in Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago, you're in luck. These three cities have the highest concentration of dedicated red light therapy studios in the country. But with dozens of options in each city, finding the right studio matters. Equipment quality, wavelength specifications, session protocols, and pricing all vary wildly from one location to the next.
This guide breaks down the best studios in each city, what to look for, how much you'll actually pay, and how to get the most out of every session. If you're new to the therapy entirely, start with our Complete Guide for the science behind how it works.
How We Evaluated Studios
Before diving into city-by-city picks, here's what we looked at. Not every red light therapy studio is created equal, and the difference between a great experience and a mediocre one often comes down to equipment and protocol.
Evaluation Criteria
- Wavelength range: Clinical research supports wavelengths between 630-670nm (red) and 810-850nm (near-infrared). Studios using devices outside these ranges or without published specifications were flagged.
- Device quality: Full-body beds like the NovoTHOR and medical-grade panels from Joovv, PlatinumLED, and BioLight outperform consumer-grade devices by a significant margin. Irradiance (power density) matters more than session length.
- Staff knowledge: Can the staff explain wavelengths, dosing protocols, and contraindications? Or do they just point you at a bed and set a timer?
- Pricing transparency: Hidden fees, aggressive upselling, and confusing membership tiers are red flags.
- Client reviews: We analyzed hundreds of Google, Yelp, and ClassPass reviews, weighted toward the last 12 months.
- Combination offerings: Studios that pair RLT with complementary therapies (infrared sauna, cryotherapy, IV drip) scored higher for convenience and value.
For a deeper dive into what separates good studios from great ones, check our guide on how to choose a red light therapy studio.
Best Red Light Therapy Studios in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is ground zero for the red light therapy boom. The city's wellness culture, celebrity endorsements, and year-round sunshine obsession have created a market with more options than anywhere else in the country. Here are the standouts for 2026.
Next Health — West Hollywood and Century City
Next Health operates two flagship locations in LA and has become synonymous with clinical-grade wellness optimization. Their West Hollywood location on Melrose Avenue offers both targeted LED panel therapy and full-body NovoTHOR sessions.
What makes it stand out:
- Medical-grade Infrared LED therapy with wavelengths at 630nm and 850nm
- NovoTHOR whole-body light pod delivering calibrated doses across the entire body in 15-minute sessions
- On-site medical staff who can customize protocols for specific conditions (joint pain, skin rejuvenation, athletic recovery)
- Combination packages with IV therapy, cryotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygen
- Walk-in friendly with same-day availability most weekdays
Pricing: Single LED sessions start at $50. NovoTHOR sessions run $75. Monthly memberships with unlimited access start at $199/month. First-time visitors can usually grab a discounted trial session for $35.
Best for: Anyone who wants a clinical, data-driven approach. Next Health attracts professional athletes, entertainers, and biohackers who want measurable outcomes, not just a relaxing glow.
Learn more about Next Health and their multi-city expansion.
Perspire Sauna Studio — Multiple LA Locations
Perspire has scaled aggressively across Southern California with locations in Toluca Lake, Studio City, Westlake Village, Manhattan Beach, and several other neighborhoods. They blend full-spectrum infrared sauna with red light therapy in a single session.
What makes it stand out:
- Combination infrared sauna + red light therapy in private suites
- Chromotherapy (color light therapy) integrated into every session
- Medical-grade Sunlighten mPulse infrared panels with near-infrared wavelengths
- Clean, modern facilities with a spa-like atmosphere
- Flexible scheduling through their app
Pricing: Single sessions from $39. Monthly unlimited memberships range from $99-$159 depending on location. ClassPass credits accepted at most locations.
Best for: People who want the combined benefits of infrared sauna and red light therapy in one visit. The private suite format is also ideal if you prefer privacy. For a comparison of these two modalities, read our breakdown of RLT vs Infrared Sauna.
Cienega Med Spa — Mid-Wilshire
Cienega has quietly built a reputation as one of the best medical spas in LA for light therapy, boasting over 3,250 verified reviews. Their NovoTHOR bed is the star attraction, but they also offer targeted panel treatments for face and neck.
What makes it stand out:
- NovoTHOR whole-body photobiomodulation bed with clinically validated protocols
- Over 3,250 positive reviews, one of the highest-rated light therapy providers in the country
- Dermatologist-designed skin treatment protocols
- Packages that combine RLT with facials, microneedling, and LED masks
- Convenient Mid-Wilshire location with validated parking
Pricing: NovoTHOR sessions from $65. Facial LED add-ons from $25. Package deals bring per-session costs down to around $45.
Best for: Skin-focused clients. If your primary goal is anti-aging, acne reduction, or improving skin texture, Cienega's dermatology-informed approach is hard to beat. See our article on RLT for skin for the clinical evidence.
ChillNOut — Reseda
ChillNOut is the value play in LA's red light therapy scene. Located in the San Fernando Valley, it offers full-body red light therapy alongside cryotherapy, compression therapy, and infrared sauna at prices that undercut most competitors in the metro.
What makes it stand out:
- Unlimited red light therapy membership for just $99/month
- Full-body red light therapy beds with 630nm and 850nm wavelengths
- Recovery-focused menu including cryotherapy, normatec compression, and localized cryo
- Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees
- Strong community vibe with a loyal local following
Pricing: Single RLT sessions from $30. Unlimited membership $99/month. Bundle memberships covering all modalities from $149/month.
Best for: Budget-conscious wellness enthusiasts and athletes in the Valley who want consistent access without breaking the bank. At $99/month unlimited, ChillNOut delivers arguably the best value per session in greater LA.
RVIVL — West Hollywood
RVIVL is a newer entrant that has made waves with its contrast therapy model. They combine red light therapy, infrared sauna, and ice baths in structured protocols designed around the hot-cold contrast principle.
What makes it stand out:
- Integrated contrast therapy protocols (infrared sauna to ice bath to red light)
- Premium facility design with a modern, minimalist aesthetic
- High-powered red light panels for targeted treatment
- Recovery-focused programming popular with CrossFit athletes and runners
- Convenient West Hollywood location
Pricing: Single sessions from $45. Memberships from $149/month for unlimited access to all modalities.
Best for: Fitness-focused clients who want a structured recovery protocol, not just a standalone red light session.
Best Red Light Therapy Studios in New York City
New York's red light therapy scene has matured rapidly. What started as a handful of boutique offerings in Manhattan has expanded across all five boroughs, with Brooklyn and Queens now hosting dedicated studios alongside the established Midtown and SoHo spots.
HigherDOSE — SoHo Flagship and Williamsburg
HigherDOSE essentially created the premium infrared and red light therapy studio category in New York. Co-founded by Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri, the brand has grown from a single SoHo location into a wellness empire with product lines, celebrity partnerships, and multiple studio locations.
What makes it stand out:
- Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna with integrated red light therapy
- Red Light Face Mask sessions using their proprietary LED mask technology
- Beautifully designed spaces that feel more like a high-end boutique than a clinic
- Signature "DOSE" protocol combining infrared, red light, and sound healing
- Strong brand with a loyal, engaged community
- Celebrity clientele and endorsements (not that this matters clinically, but it speaks to quality)
Pricing: Infrared sauna + red light sessions from $65 for a single. Monthly memberships from $199. Face mask sessions from $40.
Best for: The aesthetics-conscious wellness consumer who values experience design as much as outcomes. HigherDOSE has nailed the intersection of effective therapy and aspirational branding.
Body by LAMP — Midtown East
Body by LAMP takes a more clinical, no-frills approach to red light therapy. Founded by a physical therapist, the studio focuses on targeted photobiomodulation for pain management, injury recovery, and athletic performance.
What makes it stand out:
- Physical therapist-founded with evidence-based protocols
- Medical-grade PlatinumLED BioMax panels delivering high irradiance at 660nm and 850nm
- Targeted treatment protocols for specific conditions: chronic pain, tendinitis, post-surgical recovery
- Consultation included with first visit to design a personalized treatment plan
- Partnerships with several NYC physical therapy practices for referrals
Pricing: Targeted sessions from $45. Full-body sessions from $65. Monthly packages from $175 for 8 sessions.
Best for: Anyone dealing with chronic pain, recovering from injury, or seeking a therapeutic (rather than wellness) approach. Read about the clinical evidence for RLT and pain relief to understand the research.
LightStim Lounge — Flatiron
LightStim, known primarily as a device manufacturer, opened a dedicated treatment lounge in the Flatiron District. It's essentially a showroom-meets-spa where you can experience their full product line in a professional setting.
What makes it stand out:
- Full line of LightStim professional-grade devices
- LightStim ProPanel full-body treatments
- FDA-cleared devices for wrinkle reduction and pain management
- Expert staff trained specifically on LightStim technology and protocols
- Try-before-you-buy model if you're considering a home device purchase
Pricing: Sessions from $50. Multi-session packages available with discounts. Some sessions include product consultation and home device demos.
Best for: People considering a home RLT device purchase who want to try professional equipment first. Also excellent for facial-focused treatments using LightStim's FDA-cleared wrinkle reduction technology.
Restore Hyper Wellness — Multiple NYC Locations
Restore operates studio-format locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the outer boroughs. Their franchise model means you'll find a relatively consistent experience across locations, though individual franchise quality can vary.
What makes it stand out:
- TheraLight 360 full-body light therapy beds at most locations
- Combination offerings with cryotherapy, IV drip, mild hyperbaric oxygen, and compression
- Standardized protocols across all locations
- Walk-in availability at most studios
- Clean, professional facilities with a corporate wellness feel
Pricing: Single RLT sessions from $40. Monthly memberships from $149. Multi-modality memberships from $199-$299.
Best for: Corporate professionals who want convenient, no-appointment-needed access to RLT combined with other recovery modalities. The multiple Manhattan locations make it easy to fit a session into a lunch break.
CryoFuel — Upper East Side
CryoFuel on the Upper East Side has carved out a niche as the go-to recovery studio for Manhattan's fitness crowd. Their combination of whole-body cryotherapy and red light therapy draws marathon runners, triathletes, and gym regulars.
What makes it stand out:
- Full-body red light therapy beds with dual wavelength output (630nm + 850nm)
- Post-cryo red light protocols designed to enhance recovery outcomes
- Strong sports medicine connections with referrals from NYC orthopedic practices
- Experienced staff with exercise science backgrounds
- Convenient UES location near Central Park running routes
Pricing: Single RLT sessions from $45. Cryo + RLT combo sessions from $75. Monthly unlimited from $179.
Best for: Endurance athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want recovery-focused RLT combined with cryotherapy. The Central Park proximity makes it a natural post-run recovery stop.
Best Red Light Therapy Studios in Chicago
Chicago's red light therapy market has been growing steadily, though it's still smaller than LA or NYC. The city has a strong functional medicine and chiropractic community that has helped drive adoption, and several national brands have opened Chicago outposts in the last two years.
Next Health — Lincoln Park
Next Health brought its clinical wellness model to Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, and it's quickly become the benchmark for red light therapy in the city. The Lincoln Park location mirrors the LA flagship with the same equipment, protocols, and medical staff approach.
What makes it stand out:
- Same medical-grade equipment as the LA locations (NovoTHOR, targeted LED panels)
- Integrated wellness testing: bloodwork, hormone panels, genetic testing paired with therapy recommendations
- On-site medical professionals who can prescribe personalized RLT protocols
- Full suite of complementary therapies: IV drip, cryotherapy, ozone therapy
- Premium facility in a walkable Lincoln Park location
Pricing: LED sessions from $50. NovoTHOR from $75. Memberships from $199/month. New client packages available.
Best for: Chicago clients who want the most clinically rigorous red light therapy experience in the city. If you want data, testing, and customized protocols rather than a generic session, Next Health is the clear choice.
Perspire Sauna Studio — River North and Lincoln Park
Perspire's Chicago expansion has brought two locations to the city, both in high-traffic neighborhoods. The River North studio, in particular, has become a popular spot for the after-work wellness crowd.
What makes it stand out:
- Private infrared sauna suites with integrated red light therapy
- Chromotherapy options in every suite
- Medical-grade Sunlighten panels
- Easy online booking and ClassPass integration
- Clean, well-maintained facilities consistent with the LA locations
Pricing: Single sessions from $39. Unlimited memberships from $109/month. ClassPass credits accepted.
Best for: The infrared sauna + red light therapy combo seeker. If you enjoy the sauna experience and want to add RLT without visiting two separate studios, Perspire delivers both in one private session.
Restore Hyper Wellness — Gold Coast, Lakeview, and Wicker Park
Restore's franchise model has planted three locations in Chicago's most popular neighborhoods. The Gold Coast location is the most established, but Lakeview and Wicker Park have gained strong followings since opening in late 2024.
What makes it stand out:
- TheraLight 360 full-body light beds
- Multi-modality offerings (cryo, compression, IV, red light) under one roof
- Standardized experience across all three Chicago locations
- Corporate wellness partnerships with several downtown Chicago employers
- Walk-in friendly with extended evening hours
Pricing: Single sessions from $40. Monthly from $149. Corporate and group rates available.
Best for: Busy professionals who want flexibility across multiple locations. With three studios, you can pick whichever is most convenient on a given day.
CryoBar Chicago — West Loop
CryoBar has operated in Chicago's West Loop for several years and added full-body red light therapy beds in 2025. Their focus remains cryotherapy, but the RLT addition has broadened their appeal.
What makes it stand out:
- Full-body red light therapy bed with medical-grade LEDs
- Strong cryotherapy expertise with experienced technicians
- West Loop location convenient for the restaurant row crowd
- Combo protocols designed around cryo + RLT for maximum recovery benefit
- Loyal local following with strong word-of-mouth reputation
Pricing: Single RLT sessions from $35. Cryo + RLT combo from $65. Monthly packages from $129.
Best for: West Loop residents and workers who want affordable recovery therapy. The cryo + RLT combo at $65 is one of the better value propositions in Chicago.
SweatHouz — Lincoln Park
SweatHouz is a franchise concept that pairs infrared sauna pods with cold plunge and red light therapy. Their Lincoln Park location opened in early 2025 and has quickly drawn a fitness-forward clientele.
What makes it stand out:
- Private pods with infrared sauna and integrated red light therapy
- Cold plunge available for contrast therapy
- Modern, tech-forward booking and check-in experience
- Competitive introductory pricing to build membership
- Extended hours (6am-10pm) accommodating early morning and late evening sessions
Pricing: Single sessions from $40. Monthly unlimited from $119. Intro offers sometimes as low as $29 for first visit.
Best for: The contrast therapy crowd in Chicago. If you want hot (infrared + red light) and cold (plunge) in a single visit, SweatHouz makes it easy.
What to Expect at Your First Session
Walking into a red light therapy studio for the first time can feel intimidating. Here's what a typical first visit looks like, regardless of which city or studio you choose.
Before Your Session
- Wear minimal clothing. Red light doesn't penetrate fabric. Most people wear underwear or shorts. Some go fully nude in private rooms. The less fabric between you and the light, the better.
- Remove makeup, sunscreen, and lotions. These can reflect or absorb light before it reaches your skin. Clean, bare skin gets the best results.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water before and after, especially if combining RLT with infrared sauna or cryotherapy.
- Bring eye protection if the studio doesn't provide it. Most do, but ask when booking. Direct exposure to high-intensity red light can cause eye strain.
During the Session
- Full-body bed sessions typically last 10-20 minutes. Panel sessions may run 15-30 minutes depending on the target area and irradiance of the device.
- You'll feel gentle warmth but nothing close to a sauna. Near-infrared wavelengths (850nm) penetrate deeper and may produce a subtle warming sensation in muscles and joints.
- Most people find sessions deeply relaxing. It's common to nearly fall asleep during a full-body bed treatment.
After the Session
- No downtime required. You can return to normal activities immediately.
- Some people notice improved mood and energy within the first session. Skin and pain improvements typically take 8-12 consistent sessions to become noticeable.
- A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B found that participants receiving 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks showed a 36% reduction in fine lines and measurable improvements in skin elasticity. Consistency is the key variable.
For a comprehensive overview of what red light therapy can and can't do, see our RLT Benefits guide.
How Much Does Red Light Therapy Cost in 2026?
Pricing has become more competitive as the market has matured. Here's a summary of what you'll pay across all three cities.
| Los Angeles | New York City | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Session (full body) | $40-$75 | $45-$75 | $35-$65 |
| Single Session (targeted) | $30-$50 | $35-$55 | $30-$50 |
| Monthly Unlimited | $99-$249 | $149-$299 | $99-$199 |
| Per-Session (with membership) | $15-$30 | $20-$40 | $15-$30 |
| Combo Session (cryo + RLT) | $55-$85 | $65-$95 | $55-$75 |
A few pricing patterns worth noting:
- New York is the most expensive market, running 15-25% higher than LA and Chicago on average. No surprise there.
- Chicago offers the best value for unlimited memberships, with several studios at or below $129/month.
- LA has the widest price range due to the sheer number of options, from budget-friendly $30 sessions in the Valley to $75+ premium sessions in West Hollywood.
- ClassPass and Mindbody credits are accepted at many studios across all three cities, which can bring effective per-session costs down significantly.
For a granular breakdown of costs including home device comparisons, read our Cost Breakdown.
How to Choose the Right Studio for You
Not sure which studio fits your needs? Here's a decision framework.
Choose a clinical studio (Next Health, Body by LAMP) if:
- You have a specific medical goal (pain management, post-surgical healing, skin condition)
- You want staff with medical or therapy credentials
- You're willing to pay more for personalized protocols
- You want complementary testing (bloodwork, body composition) to track progress
Choose a wellness studio (Perspire, HigherDOSE, SweatHouz) if:
- Your primary goal is general wellness, stress reduction, or recovery
- You enjoy the sauna + RLT combination experience
- Atmosphere and design matter to you
- You want a membership that covers multiple modalities
Choose a value studio (ChillNOut, CryoBar Chicago) if:
- You plan to do 3+ sessions per week and need affordable unlimited access
- You don't need medical guidance for your sessions
- You're already familiar with RLT and just need access to quality equipment
- Location convenience in your specific neighborhood is a priority
Key Questions to Ask Any Studio Before Committing
- What specific wavelengths do your devices emit? (Look for 630-670nm and 810-850nm)
- What is the irradiance (power density in mW/cm2) at treatment distance?
- How old are your bulbs/LEDs? (LED output degrades over time; studios should replace or test panels regularly)
- Can you customize session length and distance based on my goals?
- What training do your staff have in photobiomodulation protocols?
The Science: Why These Wavelengths Matter
Red light therapy works through a process called photobiomodulation. Photons of specific wavelengths are absorbed by chromophores in your cells, primarily cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria. This stimulates ATP production, reduces oxidative stress, and triggers a cascade of cellular benefits.
Here's why wavelength specificity matters so much when choosing a studio:
- 630nm (visible red): Penetrates roughly 2-3mm into tissue. Effective for skin conditions, wound healing, and superficial inflammation. A 2023 systematic review in Lasers in Medical Science found that 630nm light reduced acne lesions by an average of 46% across 14 clinical trials.
- 660nm (visible red): Slightly deeper penetration at 3-4mm. The most-studied wavelength for skin rejuvenation and collagen production.
- 810nm (near-infrared): Penetrates 3-5cm into tissue. Reaches muscles, tendons, and joints. Critical for pain management and athletic recovery applications.
- 850nm (near-infrared): Deepest tissue penetration at 4-6cm. Reaches deep muscle tissue and has been studied for neurological applications including traumatic brain injury recovery.
Studios using devices that only emit visible red light (630-660nm) without near-infrared (810-850nm) are missing half the clinical benefit. The best studios offer both wavelength ranges simultaneously.
A 2025 meta-analysis published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery analyzed 47 randomized controlled trials and concluded that dual-wavelength protocols (red + near-infrared) produced statistically superior outcomes compared to single-wavelength protocols across pain, skin, and recovery endpoints.
For a complete breakdown of wavelength science, see our guide on red light therapy wavelengths explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I do red light therapy for best results?
Most clinical research supports 3-5 sessions per week for the first 4-8 weeks, followed by 2-3 sessions per week for maintenance. Each session typically lasts 10-20 minutes for full-body beds. More is not always better. Excessive exposure can actually produce diminishing returns due to a biphasic dose response known as the Arndt-Schulz curve. For a detailed scheduling guide, see how often you should do red light therapy.
Is red light therapy safe? Are there side effects?
Red light therapy has an excellent safety profile. The most commonly reported side effects are mild and temporary: slight skin redness, headache, or eye strain (if goggles aren't worn). A 2024 review in Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery covering over 5,000 participants across 78 clinical trials found no serious adverse events attributable to red light therapy at standard therapeutic doses. However, people taking photosensitizing medications or those with active cancerous lesions should consult their physician before starting treatment.
Can I do red light therapy at home instead of going to a studio?
Yes, and many people do. Home devices from companies like Joovv, PlatinumLED, and Rouge have become increasingly powerful and affordable. A quality full-body panel system runs $1,500-$4,000, which pays for itself in 12-18 months compared to studio memberships. The tradeoff is that studio-grade equipment (especially full-body beds like the NovoTHOR) typically delivers higher irradiance and more uniform coverage than home panels. For a comparison, see our guide on at-home vs studio red light therapy.
Does red light therapy actually work, or is it placebo?
The clinical evidence is substantial and growing. Over 5,000 peer-reviewed studies have been published on photobiomodulation. The strongest evidence exists for pain reduction (particularly osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain), wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and inflammation reduction. The evidence for claims like fat loss, cognitive enhancement, and hair regrowth is more preliminary but promising. Our RLT Benefits guide breaks down the evidence level for each claimed benefit.
What's the difference between red light therapy and infrared sauna?
They're related but distinct modalities. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths (630-850nm) delivered by LEDs or lasers to stimulate cellular processes. Infrared saunas use broader infrared wavelengths (primarily far-infrared at 3,000-10,000nm) to heat the body and induce sweating. The mechanisms of action are different: RLT works through photobiomodulation at the cellular level, while infrared saunas primarily work through thermal effects. Many studios offer both, and they complement each other well. For a full comparison, see our RLT vs Infrared Sauna guide.
Related Reading
- Red Light Therapy Benefits: What the Science Actually Says
- Red Light Therapy vs Infrared Sauna: Which Is Right for You?
- Red Light Therapy Cost Breakdown 2026
- Complete Red Light Therapy Guide
- Next Health Lincoln Park Chicago
- How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy?
- At-Home vs Studio Red Light Therapy 2026
-- The Red Light Finder Team