Joovv Solo 3.0 Review: Is This Red Light Therapy Panel Worth The Cost?

Red light therapy devices are all the rage right now, and there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll be discussing one of the more established brands in the industry: Joovv.

Joovv is a popular red light therapy brand amongst celebrities and pro athletes. Its flagship product is the Joovv Solo 3.0 – an expensive device with a $1,300+ price tag.

While the benefits of red light therapy are phenomenal, is the Joovv Solo worth the hype? If you’re in a rush and want to skip straight to our answer, click here.

Before we dive into this Joovv Solo review, let’s cover everything you need to know before buying an at-home device.

What to Consider Before Buying a Red Light Therapy Device

The first question you want to ask yourself is: what am I looking to get out of red light therapy?

Red light therapy has many phenomenal benefits, but it’s not a miracle therapy.

To decide if red light therapy is for you, let’s look at some of the potential benefits of red light therapy:

• Speeds up your body’s natural healing process and provides pain relief
• Stops hair loss and stimulates hair growth
• Enhances cognitive function and combats neurodegenerative diseases
• Reduces body fat and cellulite
• Aids in muscle recovery, boosting athletic performance
• Rejuvenates your skin, stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation, and improves your overall skin health
• Helps with sleep problems by regulating the circadian rhythm

If you’re someone who’s suffering from skin conditions, the issues that come with aging, or any physical ailments involving inflammation, red light therapy may be right for you. Studies also support the anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy, so the impacts go beyond surface-level benefits [1, 2].

However, if you don’t need any additional cellular enhancements because you’re young or not experiencing any problems, red light therapy may not be for you. Instead, exercising, which can be free, may be more beneficial to you and if you’re on a budget.

How to Choose the Right Red Light Therapy Device For You

Before you buy a red light therapy product, consider the price point, your overall needs, and how much space you can dedicate to the device.

What’s Your Budget? 

If you’re on a budget, know that red light therapy can be costly. Most devices are exorbitantly priced, and you want to get the most out of your money. Plus, with the lack of definitive product-specific research on red light therapy, you could be taking a bit of a gamble, depending on the brand’s reputation. 

What Are Your Individual Needs?

If you’re not bothered by any day-to-day ailments, you may not see the benefits of red light therapy. This also applies to those who do not have skin problems. Of course, many people praise red light therapy for its potential anti-aging benefits, which is a clear selling point even if you don’t have acne, joint pain, or any of the other issues mentioned above. 

How Much Space Do You Have?

Red light therapy devices come in different sizes, and you’ll need a decent area to conduct your sessions. A full-body device will, for example, require more space than a face-only product. At the same time, a smaller, more portable model might not offer the results you’re after (and can be more annoying to use since the coverage is much smaller).

What Is The Joovv Solo 3.0?

The Joovv Solo 3.0 is a red light therapy device that is suitable for moderate, daily treatment. It’s an upgraded version of the Joovv Solo 2.0, offering a broader treatment range and a sleeker design. The Joovv Solo 3.0 is also 25% lighter because of its polycarbonate alloy frame.

The Joovv 3.0 promises to be a safe, at-home light therapy device that provides cellular benefits through red and near infrared light.

When you purchase a Joovv device, it comes with protective eyewear and your choice of a boot stand, mount system, or nanowall system. There are also upgradeable kits to take your red light therapy to the next level. But, if you want anything other than the boot stand, you’ll have to shell out a few hundred dollars more.

What Makes The Joovv Solo Stand Out

Let’s look at some of the features of this Joovv red light therapy device and how it compares to its previous version, the Joovv Solo 2.0.

Multiple Setup Options

Joovv offers three different setup options, giving you the choice to choose one that fits your personal needs. While the Boot Floor Stand is the default option, you can upgrade to a Nano Wall System or a Door Mount System.

Nano Wall System

When you purchase a Joovv Solo 3.0, you can choose a nanowall system. It’s about 60.75 inches tall and weighs 6.8 lbs, with base dimensions of 8.75 x 5.94 inches. The design sticks out about 1.625 inches out from the wall.

The nanowall system secures your device on your wall with adjustable treatment options. It’s solid for limited spaces and allows you to expand up to the Elite Kit option offered by Joovv.

If you want more out of red light therapy in the future, the nanowall system allows multiple devices for more results. Of course, there is an added cost for the wall mount system; it adds around $200 to your purchase cost.

Door Mount System

Joovv’s door mount system is the second option available for installment. It’s the most popular amongst consumers, and there’s an oversized door kit sold separately if your door is larger than average, up to 96″.

The system comes with a pole kit with eight assembly parts, so it’s relatively easy to install. It’s an excellent option for those who are in small, cramped spaces and can only use their door to hang the device. It’s best for doors between 77″ and 84″.

Also, it’s upgradeable to allow multiple devices if you want to ramp up your red light therapy benefits. But, these kits don’t come cheap. The door mount costs about $100 extra. 

Boot Floor Stand

The boot floor stand is also a popular and easy way to install the Joovv Solo 3.0. It’s the least expensive option available when you’re choosing your mounting system because it comes with the Joovv light therapy device at no extra charge.

It’s also easy to assemble with the least amount of parts. All you need to do is slide the panel into the stand. Once done, the device will stand on its own, and you can begin using your device.

If you’re someone who’s not savvy with assembly, this option by Joovv requires the least amount of work to get the device up and running.

Recovery Mode For Athletes

Joovv devices feature Recovery+ mode, which they claim optimizes the body’s natural healing and recovery process. While Joovv devices allow the option of continuous red or near infrared light, Recovery+ mode delivers red and pulsed NIR light waves.

This pulse technology, Joovv claims, improves athletic performance and recovery more than continuous light treatments. Joovv states that pulsating near infrared light allows cells under oxidative stress (trigged by your workout) to briefly respond better to light for maximum results.

However, the study that Joovv cites doesn’t exactly back that claim up.

While researchers noticed differences between pulsed light and continuous light, they ultimately concluded that “further work is needed to define these effects for different disease conditions and pulse structures”. They also noted that the “best” type of light depended on treatment goals. For example, pulsed light was better for wound healing and post-stroke management, while continuous light was better for nerve regeneration [4].

Ambient Mode For Sleep

Joovv’s Ambient mode is designed for those with sleep issues. Because we’re exposed to blue light most of the day (and especially those working on a computer for long periods), Ambient mode may provide balance and help regulate your circadian rhythm.

When enabled, Ambient mode delivers red light at a lower intensity before bedtime. It acts as a replacement for blue light. There’s also no need for eye protection, as the near infrared option is deactivated. 

With Ambient mode, you can set the intensity of the light with your smartphone via Bluetooth connection. The settings range from 100% (½ the power of a typical Joovv session) to 25% (⅛ the strength of a regular red light session).

Ironically, using your smartphone to enable this setting defeats the purpose of eliminating blue light exposure in the first place.

In our opinion, this is a cool and unique feature that other red light therapy devices don’t offer. But, we have to ask ourselves: is this feature necessary or beneficial? If you’re looking to improve your sleep quality, you can get a red LED light bulb for under $10 (or use a free blue light blocking app). There’s no need to spend $1,300+ on a red light therapy device.

Red and Near Infrared Light For The Best Results

Most red LED light therapy devices come with red light alone. However, Joovv Solo devices come with red light and near infrared light, giving you flexibility in your treatment. At this price point, it’s not so much an added perk as an essential feature, though.

The Joovv Solo 3.0 offers red light at 660 nm and near infrared light at 850 nm, which are ideal wavelengths to see results.

Having two light therapy options increases your treatment regimen, targeting multiple problems and not just skin care.

Lightweight Frame For Easier Setup

Installing a red light therapy panel can be a hassle, which is why it’s excellent the Joovv Solo 3.0 weighs 25% less than the Joovv Solo 2.0.

While most installations recommend two people, the Joovv 3.0 is entirely possible to set up by yourself, as the device weighs just 14 lbs. This slight adjustment benefits those who may live alone or want an easy installation to begin treatment right away.

Easy-to-Use Interface with Bluetooth Connectivity

There are just five buttons on the Joovv Solo 3.0’s control panel for easy navigation:

• Power On/Off
• Start/Pause
• Session Beeper
• Start/Stop Dimming
• Recovery+ mode

You can also connect the device to a Bluetooth-compatible smartphone to change the settings while you’re 16 to 24 inches away (per Joovv’s recommendations) to avoid fiddling with the product.

Increased Range

Older Joovv models recommended treatment distances of 4 to 6 inches for the best results. The Joovv Solo 3.0, however, now offers a more flexible range of 16 to 24 inches.

What are the benefits of a longer treatment distance?

The greater range allows you to, for example, enjoy low-intensity red light while reading before bedtime instead of being right next to the device.

Joovv claims that, despite a larger treatment range, the device is just as effective. They were able to increase the range by increasing device power output and improving device optics.

According to Joovv, this new design allows for 4x the range of the Joovv Solo 2.0, while using fewer resources with more balanced light distribution. Depending on how often you use it, and how long your sessions last, you can expect higher energy costs at home as a result.

Admittedly, we’re a bit skeptical of these claims and don’t necessarily see the increased treatment range as an upgrade.

As you stand farther away from the device, the light loses more and more power. Even with the increased wattage and “better optics”, it’s questionable that you’ll be getting the 100 mW/cm² irradiance – the industry gold standard. It sounds like a cool perk, but it may be another unnecessary expense that drives the price of the Joovv Solo 3.0 up.

Does The Joovv Solo 3.0 Pass Our Internal Checklist?

No, the Joovv Solo 3.0 does not pass our internal checklist.

While the device is easy to use, there are enough negative reviews mentioning poor customer support that prevent us from fully recommending this Joovv red light panel. We’ll share some screenshots with you in the next section.

Additionally, the inbuilt fans are somewhat noisy. This feature may not be a deal-breaker for many, but we thought it was worth mentioning. As someone who likes to meditate during my red light therapy sessions, I prefer a quiet atmosphere, and the Joovv Solo does not offer that.

What Others Say About The Joovv Solo

For total transparency, we’ve scoured the internet to find the best reviews of the Joovv Solo 3.0. We understand there will be both positive and negative reviews, as everyone has a different experience. It’s also important to be aware of any issues that may arise. After all, this is a significant investment!

Let’s dive into the reviews we’ve found online.

While most reported seeing visible benefits, one of the biggest complaints about Joovv is the price compared to what they offer. You can benefit more from a device with more features at a lower price, such as the MitoPRO Series. 

Plus, the higher price point doesn’t always translate to more support once you purchase a Joovv. While some people reported positive experiences with customer service, many mentioned not-so-great experiences.

The MitoPRO Series: An Alternative To The Joovv Solo?

While the Joovv Solo 3.0 provides various features and benefits, it’s expensive and may not be worth the cost for most consumers. Joovv is a company with an established reputation and high marketing costs (as witnessed by their expensive sponsorships and partnerships). It’s evident that they’re passing part (if not most) of that cost to their customer base.

With that in mind, we recognize there are alternatives, such as the MitoPRO Series, with similar features that offer a better value. Because Mito Red Light, the company behind the MitoPRO Series, isn’t as well-known as Joovv (aka they spend less on advertising), they’re able to offer their customers a much better price.

The MitoPRO 1500 is most comparable to the Joovv Solo 3.0 and comes with a smaller price tag and more features. It also provides greater flexibility than the Joovv Solo 3.0 with more wavelength options. For example, the MitoPRO 1500 offers red light at 630 nm / 660 nm and near infrared light at 830 / 850 nm – these are four of the most bio-active wavelengths, so you can rest assured you’re maximizing your results. The Joovv Solo 3.0 offers only 660 nm red light and 850 near infrared light.

Despite costing less, the MitoPRO 1500 has 300 LED lights (150 red, 150 near infrared), while Joovv Solo 3.0 only has 150 lights (76 red, 74 near infrared). The MitoPRO 1500 is also bigger at 42 x 10 x 3 inches, while the Joovv Solo 3.0 is only 36 x 8.75 x 2.34 inches. This larger size translates into broader coverage, so you’re once again getting the most out of your red light therapy device.

However, the MitoPRO 1500 is twice the size and weighs 30 lbs compared to Joovv Solo 3.0 at 14 lbs, which may require two people to install the device. Yet, it provides more coverage and more wavelengths for optimal benefits.

Here’s a quick comparison between the Joovv Solo 3.0 and MitoPRO 1500:

In all, the MitoPRO 1500 provides the best value, with twice as much to offer as the Joovv Solo 3.0.

That’s why we recommend you check out the MitoPRO Series, especially if you’re on a budget.

For a limited time, we’ve managed to secure a 5% off discount for our readers. You can claim it by clicking the button below.

Learn more about this red light therapy panel in our MitoPRO review.

Our Verdict

Red light therapy solves the problems we face as we age. Whether it’s acne, wrinkles, scars, or the body’s natural healing process, red light therapy boosts cellular regeneration, benefitting the entire body.

In this Joovv Solo 3.0 review, we uncover the benefits this device can bring, as it combines both red and near infrared light. Red light is best for skin-depth ailments and cellular health, while NIR light is best for neurological disorders and deep injuries.

However, we cannot thoroughly recommend the Joovv Solo 3.0 because it’s unnecessarily expensive and not worth the exorbitant cost. Other red light therapy devices like the MitoPRO Series offer twice as much for less.

Check out the MitoPRO Series for a more valuable (and affordable!) red light therapy solution.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/
3. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/photoimmunotherapy-video 
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2933784/