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660 nm vs. 850 nm: Red vs. Near-Infrared Light, and What Each Does
September 27, 2026 2 min read
Short answer: Red light sits at roughly 620 to 700 nm and is visible. Near-infrared sits at roughly 700 to 1,100 nm and is invisible. Near-infrared penetrates deeper than red. The most common consumer pairing is about 660 nm and 850 nm, but the devices we carry use anywhere from 465 nm blue to 1,070 nm near-infrared, so check each device's list.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Wavelengths come from product listings. Educational only, not medical advice. See our disclaimer.
Red vs. near-infrared
- Red (about 620 to 700 nm): visible, absorbed closer to the surface.
- Near-infrared (about 700 to 1,100 nm): invisible, penetrates deeper.
- Blue (about 450 to 495 nm): a different kind of light. A few devices include it alongside red and near-infrared.
What each wavelength does for any individual is a research and medical question. Look for devices that state their wavelengths and irradiance.
Wavelengths by product we carry
| Product | Wavelengths listed |
|---|---|
| Solbasium Bright handheld | 660 and 850 nm |
| Solbasium Optix pads | 633 and 830 nm, plus heat |
| Solbasium Nova and Flex beds | 633, 660, 850, 940 nm |
| Solbasium Helios bed | 633, 660, 810, 830, 940 nm |
| LS Pro Classic bed | 660 and 850 nm |
| LS Pro Sports Performance and Portable pads | 650 and 850 nm |
| LS Pro Deep Pad (DSD120) | 850 nm rating (810 and 880 nm dual spectrum) |
| LS Pro Clinic System pads | 465 nm blue, 660 nm red, 880 nm infrared |
| LS Pro MXP Power Bed PRO | 485 nm blue, 660 nm red, 760 and 880 nm near-infrared |
| Merican beds (M4N through M11) | 633, 660, 810, 850, 940 nm, independently controlled |
| Mito Red Light MitoMIND helmet | 810 nm near-infrared |
| Neuronic LIGHT and Neuradiant helmets | 1,070 nm near-infrared |
| Mito panels, MitoQUAD belt, Body Balance System, Prism Light Pod, Vacuactivus | Red and near-infrared. See each listing for exact wavelengths. |
How to use this
- Decide what area you are treating and how deep you want light to reach.
- Look for stated wavelengths and irradiance, not only “red light.”
- Note that more wavelengths does not mean better. Check the power at each one.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
See irradiance and dose explained, and browse all devices in Every Red Light Therapy Device We Carry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 660 nm and 850 nm light?
660 nm is visible red light that stays closer to the surface, while 850 nm is invisible near-infrared light that penetrates deeper.
Are more wavelengths better?
Not automatically. Check the irradiance at each wavelength and whether it suits how you will use the device.
Read the Red Light Therapy Guide or ask our team.