The Complete Guide to Cold Lasers for Home Use
Everything you need to know to select the right therapy laser for home treatment.
No laser on the market has exceptional, proprietary technology. They all work on the same proven principle—photobiomodulation—using light to stimulate cellular energy production. The differences are power, wavelength, build quality, and support. We sell more brands than anyone, so we have no reason to push one over another.
Recommended Systems for Home Use
Based on thousands of consultations, these are the systems we recommend most. Every purchase includes safety glasses, personalized training, treatment protocols, and unlimited support.
| System | Class | Power | Wavelengths | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avant LZ30z Pro
Most Popular
|
Class 3B | 2,400mW | 808 + 637nm | Best overall home system, chronic pain | $7,875 |
ATPmax XD
Best Value
|
Class 4 | 32W | 2 wavelengths | Fastest treatments, best power-per-dollar | $10,950+ |
TerraQuant TQ Solo
|
Class 1M | 15W peak | 905, 875, 660nm | Entry-level, eye-safe, no Rx needed | $2,495 |
PowerMedic 1500
|
Class 3B | 1.5W / 3W peak | 808nm | Simple, powerful, portable | $3,995 |
Avant LZ30 Z-Home
|
Class 3B | 1,300mW | 808 + 637nm | Best value dual-wavelength | $5,425 |
TerraQuant MR4 Pro
|
Class 1M | 25–50W peak | 905, 875, 660nm | Multiple probes, eye-safe power | $5,995–$8,995 |
EVOlaser
|
Class 4 | 9–30W | Up to 4 | Entry Class 4, built-in protocols | $9,950–$14,995 |
|
ATPmax XT
|
Class 4 | 42W | 3 wavelengths | Multi-area, deep tissue, chronic | $14,950 |
ReGen Laser
Gold Standard
|
Class 4 | 32–84W | Up to 6 (450–1064nm) | Premium, temp monitoring, 5-yr warranty | $16,950–$54,950 |
All systems include safety glasses, training, and protocols. We price-match any authorized dealer.
Laser Classes: 1M vs 3B vs 4
Class 1M
Up to 500mW equivalentEye-safe by design using super-pulsed technology. No goggles technically required, though we include them.
Pros
- Cannot damage eyes—safest option available
- No prescription needed
- Ideal for households with children
Cons
- Longer treatment times
- Super-pulsed only (no continuous wave)
Price range: $2,495–$8,995
Class 3B
Up to 500mWThe sweet spot for home use. Enough power for effective treatment without prescription requirements.
Pros
- No prescription needed
- Both pulsed and CW available
- Strong power-to-price ratio
- Cannot burn tissue
Cons
- Requires eye protection
- Longer treatments than Class 4
Price range: $3,995–$8,550
Class 4
500mW to 60+ WattsProfessional-grade power for the fastest treatments and deepest tissue penetration.
Pros
- Fastest treatments (3–8 min per area)
- Deepest penetration
- Multiple wavelengths standard
- Best for severe or chronic conditions
Cons
- Requires doctor's prescription (easy to obtain)
- Higher investment
- Can cause heating if misused
Price range: $9,950–$54,950
Which class should you choose? For most home users treating 1–2 areas, Class 3B provides excellent results at moderate cost. Class 4 makes sense for severe conditions, multiple treatment areas, or when short treatment times matter.
Technical Specifications Explained
Wavelength
Wavelength determines penetration depth. Measured in nanometers (nm).
Recommendation: Prioritize 808–810nm for general use. Multi-wavelength systems offer more versatility.
Power Output
Measured in milliwatts (mW) or watts (W). Higher power means shorter treatment times.
Pulsed vs. Continuous Wave
Continuous Wave (CW)
Steady beam output. Faster tissue saturation. Preferred for nerve damage and neuropathy.
Pulsed
Intermittent output with recovery periods. Additional cellular healing benefits. Preferred for musculoskeletal conditions.
Recommendation: Buy a system that offers both modes for maximum flexibility.
FDA Clearance & What Lasers Treat
Under current FDA standards, cleared cold lasers are indicated for three primary benefits:
Pain Control
Temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis, muscle spasm, stiffness
Inflammation Reduction
Promotes relaxation of muscle tissue, reduces swelling in treatment area
Increased Blood Flow
Temporarily increases local circulation to support natural healing
The underlying science is photobiomodulation: specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by mitochondria, stimulating ATP production—the cellular energy that drives tissue repair. With 28% of Americans experiencing pain at any given time, home laser therapy has grown steadily over the past decade.
Treatable Conditions
Home cold lasers treat pain and inflammation associated with a broad range of conditions. All systems ship with treatment protocols; we help locate protocols for conditions not covered in standard documentation.
Spine & Back
- Cervical pain
- Lumbar pain
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Whiplash
Upper Body
- Shoulder injuries
- Rotator cuff
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel
- Wrist injuries
Lower Body
- Hip pain
- Knee sprain
- Patellar tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- TMJ arthritis
- Swollen joints
Soft Tissue
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Sprains & strains
- Trigger points
- Fibromyalgia
Other
- Neuropathy
- Headaches / migraines
- Wound healing
- Shingles
- Bone regeneration
5 Questions Before You Buy
Are you treating a human or animal?
This guide is for human use. Animals don't legally require FDA-cleared equipment, but you still need proper specifications. See our veterinary or equine guides.
What's your budget?
With cold lasers, you get what you pay for. Higher-priced units deliver more power, more wavelengths, and shorter treatment times.
Have you tried laser therapy before?
If not, consider trying professional treatment first. It confirms the therapy helps your condition and lets you experience proper technique. Ask about the equipment and dosage so we can recommend a comparable home system.
Tip: Try a Class 3B or 4. Very low-power devices (under 100mW) may take months to show results, giving a misleading first impression.
How important is eye safety?
All therapy lasers are safe when used correctly with eye protection. The classes differ:
- Class 1M: Cannot cause eye damage (safest option)
- Class 3B: Requires eye protection; cannot burn skin
- Class 4: Requires eye protection; can cause heating if misused
Safety glasses are included with every system we sell.
What support do you need?
Consider what ships with the device: phone/video onboarding, treatment protocols for your condition, ongoing technical support, and warranty length. Every ColdLasers.org purchase includes personalized training and unlimited support.
What to Avoid
Very Low Power (<100mW)
Devices under 100mW may never reach therapeutic dosage. Many cheap Amazon and eBay devices fall here—they're expensive laser pointers, nothing more.
LEDs Marketed as "Lasers"
LEDs are not lasers. They produce diffuse light that penetrates less deeply. Check specifications carefully before purchasing.
Pseudoscience Claims
Steer clear of "quantum waves," "scalar waves," and "zero point energy." Legitimate lasers work through photobiomodulation—well-understood physics and biology.
No FDA Documentation
Any legitimate human therapy laser should have FDA clearance or registration. Ask the seller for documentation before you buy.
Prices Under $500
Quality therapy lasers require precision optical components and proper engineering. Devices under $500 cut corners that affect therapeutic outcomes.
Safety & Contraindications
Cold laser therapy is extremely safe when used correctly. Avoid laser therapy in these situations:
Eyes
Class 3B and 4 can damage the retina. Always wear the provided safety glasses during treatment.
Known Tumors
Do not use over known cancerous tumors. Cellular stimulation could affect growth.
Thyroid
Avoid direct application over the thyroid gland.
Pregnancy
Not recommended over a pregnant uterus. Safe for use on other areas of the body.
Pacemakers
Avoid direct application over implanted electronic devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Class 1M, 2, and 3B are available without prescription. Class 4 requires a doctor's prescription—easy to get from your physician, chiropractor, or other licensed provider.
Quality home lasers range from $2,495 to $20,000+. Entry Class 1M starts around $2,495. Mid-range Class 3B runs $5,000–$8,000. Class 4 starts around $10,000. Avoid devices under $500.
With quality equipment, yes. The therapeutic effect comes from the light itself, not who holds the device. Daily home use frequently produces faster results than weekly office visits.
Many people notice improvement within 1–3 treatments for acute issues. Chronic conditions typically need 8–12 treatments before significant change. Consistency matters more than any single session.
Lasers produce coherent, focused light that penetrates deeper into tissue. LEDs produce diffuse light suited mainly for surface treatment. For deep tissue work—joints, muscles, spine—lasers are more effective.
Yes. One laser treats the entire household with no limit on uses. A $7,000 laser shared by four people works out to $1,750 per person—hard to beat.
Warranties vary from 1 to 5 years depending on the manufacturer. Every ColdLasers.org purchase includes personalized training, treatment protocols, and unlimited phone and email support for the life of the device.
Professional treatments run $50–150 per session. At 2–3 sessions per week, that adds up to $400–1,800 monthly. A $5,000 home laser pays for itself within 3–12 months. Over 5 years, home ownership typically saves $5,000–15,000+ compared to ongoing professional treatment.
Ready to Choose Your Home Laser?
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