Targeted Versus Full Body Red Light Therapy Devices

Published October 2026. Updated October 2026.

What targeted and full body mean on a listing

Both terms are marketing labels, not standards. In practice they describe how much of you is in front of the light at once.

• Targeted: a small light source for one area at a time. Handheld devices, belts, slippers, face masks and small panels all fall here. You bring the device to the area, or wear it.
• Full body: a large panel, a set of panels or a bed that lights most of the body from head to toe in one position. You stand or lie in front of it.

Between the two sits the compact panel on a stand or door. It covers one or two areas per position and is used at a short distance.

The comparison that matters

Cost and space are the two columns that usually decide it. Coverage matters less than people expect, because many people only ever use a device on one or two areas.

Distance changes everything

A targeted device is often used very close, so it is not directly comparable to a panel used further away. Irradiance, measured in mW/cm², drops with distance. The published AWA numbers show it clearly. The FX300 is stated at 220 mW/cm² at 1 inch, 116 at 3 inches, 83.5 at 6 inches and 43.3 at 12 inches. The FX500 is stated at 220 at 2 inches, 94 at 6 inches and 73.8 at 12 inches. See the irradiance specs for the full list.

Those numbers only describe panels at set distances. Handheld devices, belts and slippers do not come with a published distance chart on this site, so do not assume a belt and a panel are comparable on irradiance. Always check what each product page actually states.

A worked planning example

Here is the arithmetic, using example numbers for arithmetic only. They are not AWA specs and not a session recommendation.

• You want to cover 4 areas in one visit.
• Targeted device: 4 positions at 5 minutes each = 20 minutes, plus a minute to move between positions, about 24 minutes.
• Full body setup: one position at 10 minutes = 10 minutes.

The full body setup saves about 14 minutes per visit in this example. If you run 3 visits a week, that is about 42 minutes a week. Whether that is worth a much higher price and a permanent footprint depends on your schedule and your space. Many households find a smaller device they use every week beats a large one they set up rarely.

You can check the time and dose arithmetic for any irradiance figure with the dose calculator and the session time table.

Which AWA formats are targeted

Prices can change, so check the product page. The 3 in 1 torch and the belt are the clearest targeted formats on the list. The FX300 is the compact panel option. AWA does not list a full body unit today, and we would rather say so than stretch a compact panel into a claim it does not make. The device comparison page has sizes and boxes side by side.

A short decision checklist

1. Write down how many areas you want to cover per session. If it is one or two, start with a targeted format.
2. Measure the space you really have. If there is no wall or floor to spare, full body is off the table.
3. Set a budget, then check that the device you like is within it before you check anything else.
4. Think about where you will actually use it. A device you can use on the couch gets used. A device in a closet does not.
5. Read the manual for working distance and session time on any device you buy.

Common mistakes

• Assuming full body means better. It means wider coverage, a larger footprint and a higher price.
• Comparing a close range handheld with a panel at distance as if the irradiance numbers line up.
• Buying coverage you will not use, then skipping sessions because setup is a chore.
• Ignoring the outlet, wall and floor space until the box arrives.
• Reading the labels targeted and full body as standards.

Before you use any light device: read the label, follow the device manual, and use eye protection as directed. If you have any medical question, speak to a qualified professional first.

Related guides in this series

• Red light therapy buyers checklist for home use
• Red light therapy formats guide
• Targeted devices compared
• AWA FX300 and FX500 irradiance specs

Device pages

Read the full page and label for each device before you use it: AWA 3 in 1 torch, AWA belt, AWA FX300 panel. You can also browse all AWA red light therapy devices.

Frequently asked questions

What is a targeted red light device?

A targeted device lights one area at a time. Handheld devices, belts, slippers, masks and small panels are common examples. You move it, or yourself, between areas.

What is a full body red light device?

It is a large panel, a group of panels or a bed that lights most of the body in one position. It needs more space and costs more.

Is a full body device better than a targeted one?

Not in general. It covers more at once. A targeted device costs less and is easier to store. The better choice is the one that matches your space, budget and routine.

Do the irradiance numbers compare across formats?

Only when they are stated at a known distance with the same method. AWA publishes distance numbers for the FX300 and FX500 only, so do not assume other formats line up.

Does AWA sell a full body device?

No. AWA lists targeted and compact panel formats. Check the comparison page for the current list.

Sources

• FDA: General Wellness, Policy for Low Risk Devices. Final guidance dated January 2026 explaining how the agency applies its compliance policy to low risk products that support a healthy lifestyle. It is a policy document, not a statement about any one device.
• FDA: Laser Products and Instruments. States that LEDs are different from laser diodes and are not subject to the federal laser product performance standard. Helpful background when comparing device types.

Regulatory note: select devices carry FDA 510(k) clearance for specific, limited uses; most are sold as general wellness products. Read each product page and label.