Verilux HappyLight Liberty 5K Review

Our Recommendation

The smallest light in the Verilux range with an excellent price to make it well worth your consideration.  This device is tiny in size which limits its features and usability and we found it a little too bulky to be considered for travel use. The 5000 Lux output mean longer treatment times are necessary to gain the same effectiveness as other models and thus we would consider this more of an aid than a proper treatment for those with severe SAD. It is well reviewed on Amazon.com with over 1000 reviews at an average rating of 4.3 stars although I suspect most of the reviews come from more casual users. We think it is better to spend a little more for a higher output model.
Price: $24.99 at Amazon
Lux: 5000
Bulb Type: CFL
Size: 6.3 x 3 x 7.4 in
Weight: 1.5lbs
Price last updated: 2024-04-19

Our Ratings

56
Look and Design
8
Build quality
7.5
Performance
2.5
Features & Ease of use
1
Value For Money
9

Pros
– Small, and compact
– Lightweight
– Nice tint to the light
– Inexpensive

Cons
– Only 110V
– No brightness settings
– No timer
– Stand offers no tilt
– Only 5000 Lux output at 8 inches
– 5 minutes needed to achieve full brightness

5.6
Sale
Overview
7,932 Reviews
Overview
  • USA BASED – Verilux, with over 60 years as your Healthy Lighting Company, is the creator of the original HappyLight brand with live customer support located in Vermont.
  • UV-FREE, FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT – Delivers up to 10,000 lux (light level) intensity for effective light therapy. Lens dimension: 20 sq in.
  • EASY TO USE, COMPACT DESIGN – Simple on/off button makes operation easy. Smaller size ideal for frequent, longer session times and perfect for desktop or kitchen table.
  • IMPROVE SLEEP, MOOD, FOCUS, ENERGY – Bright light from the HappyLight Compact light therapy lamp provides signals to the body to help you feel energized, focused, and revitalized.
  • SAFE AND NATURAL LIGHT THERAPY – Non-invasive and drug-free; perfect for office workers, seniors, shift work, jet lag, insomnia, and sunlight deprivation.

Analysis and review

Manufacturer

Verilux is a manufacturer based in Vermont and was originally founded in 1956. A prolific manufacturer of light therapy lights, they have many different options in their range. They look to provide environmentally friendly lighting solutions to improve their customers quality of life and well being.

Look and Design.

Although the companies promotional materials tout this lamp as being highly portable we found that the unit is small but not highly portable. The unit feels kind of chunky due to its 3-inch depth. It would be easily stored away when not in use but we wouldn’t recommend it for traveling. The light does look nice and is lightweight.

The Verilux HappyLight Liberty stand is built in and has no way to change its position or angle. This is irritating as the light only shines straight ahead which means you need to place it on something in order to get it shining into your eyes.

There is one switch on the unit, an on/off switch which is located on the back of the unit and is easily accessible.

As with most of these lights, the manual is a small affair with just the basic information in it.

Setup and Ease of use

The unit is powered via the mains and we found the power cord it comes with slightly too short. There is nothing to attach, you simply plug it in and press the on/off switch to turn on the HappyLight.

Performance

With a claimed Lux output of 5000 at around 8 inches distance from your eyes this light is not on par with the most of the lights designed for treating SAD. 8 Inches is a very short distance to have a light from your face and you would need to spend a large amount of time under this lamp to meet doctors recommendations. We also note that the bulb needs approximately 5 minutes to achieve full brightness which is negative.

The color of the light is a nice bright white and is comfortable to be in front. We wouldn’t recommend this for people looking for a light to treat SAD however for general use, perhaps as a reading light, we think this is an excellent choice.

After extended use, we noticed that the plastic was getting warm. Although we don’t think this is a problem, if you plan to use it and then carry it with you this should be noted.

Features

No extra features on this basic model. Just an on/off switch on the back of the unit. A lack of a timer is frustrating and as mentioned earlier the stand doesn’t have any form of adjustment.

Price

This cost of this light is very good at $24.99 including shipping. This puts it right at the bottom end of the market and is a price that will rarely be matched, however, its lack of features and maximum of 5,000 Lux output means that we feel it is priced about right and consider it good value for money.

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