Skip to content
Full Body Foot Ankle Wrist Back Knee Shoulder

Shop by Body Area

View All Products

Body Map

Explore Devices

What is Red Light Therapy? Learn the basics of red light therapy and how it fits into everyday wellness routines. How Red Light Works Explore how red and near-infrared light interact with the body at a cellular level. Safety & Best Practices Learn how to use red light therapy safely and build it into your routine.

Warranty & Returns Learn about warranty coverage, returns, refunds, and what to do if there’s an issue with your DEPOWIN product. Orders & Shipping Get information about order processing, shipping, delivery, tracking, and common order questions. Product Support Find product guides, troubleshooting help, care instructions, and answers to common product questions.

Our Story Discover why DEPOWIN was created and what shapes the way we approach everyday wellness. Our Mission See our commitment to making everyday wellness simpler, more accessible and easier to use. Our Technology Explore the technologies behind DEPOWIN products and how we approach thoughtful product design.
BEGINNER GUIDE

Red Light vs Near-Infrared

Learn how visible red light and near-infrared light differ—and why wavelength is only one part of how a device delivers light.

THE SIMPLE DIFFERENCE

Two Wavelengths. Different Optical Profiles.

Both wavelengths are commonly used in photobiomodulation, but they do not behave exactly the same as they travel through tissue.

660 nm

Red Light

660 nm red light is visible and tends to be more surface-focused than longer near-infrared wavelengths.

Visible to the eye More surface-focused
850 nm

Near-Infrared

850 nm near-infrared light is invisible to the eye and behaves differently as it travels through tissue.

Invisible to the eye Different propagation profile
USING BOTH

Why Combined Red & Near-Infrared

Using two wavelengths does not automatically make a device better. Irradiance, treatment time, distance and device design still matter.

Irradiance Light intensity at the treatment area.
Treatment Time How long light is delivered per session.
Distance Placement changes light reaching the skin.
Device Design Layout and geometry shape coverage.
660 nm red light optical profile
660 nm only More surface-focused
850 nm near-infrared optical profile
850 nm only Deeper optical profile
Combined 660 nm and 850 nm optical coverage
Combined Broader, layered coverage
BEYOND WAVELENGTH

Wavelength Is Not the Whole Story

The same wavelength can be delivered very differently depending on the device and treatment conditions.

Irradiance

Irradiance

How much optical power reaches a given area.

Treatment Time

Treatment Time

How long the light is delivered during each session.

Distance

Distance

Distance can change the amount and distribution of light reaching the treatment area.

Device Design

Device Design

Coverage, LED layout and geometry can also affect how light is delivered.

QUICK COMPARISON

660 nm and 850 nm at a Glance

Characteristic
660 nm
850 nm
Visibility
Visible red
Invisible near-infrared
Relative optical profile
More surface-focused
Different / deeper propagation profile
CHOOSING A DEVICE

Look Beyond Wavelength Alone

Instead of choosing a device based on wavelength alone, consider wavelength together with irradiance, treatment time, coverage area and device design.

Learn How to Choose a Device
NEXT ARTICLE

How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?

Learn how session duration, frequency and consistency fit into a practical red light routine.

Join our email list

Get exclusive deals and early access to new products.
© 2026 DEPOWIN, Powered by Shopify

Your cart is empty

Have an account? Log in to check out faster.

Continue shopping