Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22 Review: Keeping Up the Verilux Reputation!

Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22

In Short


Product Name: Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22
Latest Review Date: 18 December 2019
Price Guideline: $

The Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22 is a really good SAD lamp, that would be great with a couple of minor improvements.

MY RATING: 89%

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Features


  • 10,000 lux of light – the recommended intensity level to treat SAD effectively
  • Detachable stand
  • UV Free
  • Full Spectrum Light
  • LED Lights
  • One-touch control

Product Information


  • Model – VT22
  • Lux – 10,000 at 6 inches
  • Dimensions (inches): 6.5 W x 8.5 H x 4.5 D (with stand)
  • Weight: 1 lb 4 ounces 
  • Lens Dimension (inches): 5 x 7
  • 72 LED lights
  • Three Year Warranty

In the Box


  • 1 x Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22
  • 1 x Detachable stand
  • 1 x Adapter

So How Does the Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22 Work?


Verilux are based in Waitsfield, Vermont and are a well known brand name in the production of SAD lights. The company was founded more than 50 years ago and began experimenting in the world of light therapy back in 1991.

In fact it was at this time that Verilux were testing full spectrum light therapy to treat a number of ailments. Then in 1997 Verilux started selling light therapy boxes.

But this will blow your mind:

The first light box Verilux made was called a Nutralux and it weighed 15lbs – that is ten times heavier than the current Verilux HappyLight Compact!

Veri-lux means true light and they brand themselves as the ‘Healthy Lighting Company’.

Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22

So let’s dig a little deeper:

The Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22 measures 6.5 by 8.5 by 4.5 inches and the area of the light field is 5 by 7 inches. It weighs 1lb 4ozs.

It produces 10,000 lux at six inches and the light is produced by 72 LED lights and is full spectrum and UV free.

It has a stand which can be attached to the bottom left of the light to be positioned vertically or bottom right to be positioned horizontally.

It has one button that turns it on and off and is powered via a mains adapter.


The Good


First things first:

Verilux have an excellent and long standing reputation in the world of light therapy and are a known and reliable brand name – perhaps the biggest in the light therapy world.

And the good news is:

This keeps up their normal high standards.

Thanks to the 72 LED lights the actual light is evenly distributed and very bright without being overwhelming.

Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22

It is full spectrum and UV free and obviously as it uses LED lights it will last a long time.

With a CRI of 83 and a Kelvin temperature of 5,000 you get a lot of glare-free light in an easy to handle size.

And that is another thing:

Despite this being a small SAD light it has a reasonably sized field of light.

Similar in size to a tablet (it is slightly smaller than an iPad) – this is wonderfully sleek and compact. With its detachable stand it packs completely flat taking up no space at all.

This makes it very easy to transport and you can fit it practically anywhere in your home when you want to use it.

Also the stand allows you to use this vertically or horizontally – giving your more flexibility with your light therapy sessions.

Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22

Beyond that:

This is nicely made, it feels sturdy and durable, the on/off button is tactile and it is easy to setup – with its’ one touch operation – and use wherever you want.

It might not have lots of bells and whistles but it looks nice and it is reasonably priced and comes from Verilux – so you know you can’t go far wrong with it.

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The Bad


Hands down my main problem with this is:

You need to be six inches from the light to feel the full effect of the 10,000 lux. It is very near impossible to be that close to the light.

So that means you will need to sit in front of the light for longer to feel the full effect of it. To give you an idea of what I mean I worked out the below:

  • At 6 inches you will need to sit in front of it for 30 minutes
  • At 12 inches – 60 minutes
  • At 18 inches – 90 minutes
  • At 24 inches – 120 minutes.

You see how that that could be a bit of a pain?

Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22

And something else:

The stand that comes with this leaves a lot to be desired. One, it isn’t easy to attach – certainly if you have something like arthritis I can see it being really difficult; Two, it is flimsy and; Three, it doesn’t seem well designed. The slightest nudge to adjust the angle and you are at risk of it falling over.

The stand could do with being more stable and adjustable.

This also means:

That when you press the power button, which is located on the edge of the device, you often end up pushing the light along the surface unless you stabilise it with your other hand.

Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22

Finally:

I have issues with the cord and power input. The power input is slap bang in the middle of the back of the device – the power cord sticks out at 90 degrees. This means:

  1. It is more difficult to position – you have to allow space for the cord – so for instance you could rest it against the wall or mount it on the way.
  2. It is easy to end up jamming the plug as you move the HappyLight Lucent around.

Also the cord is quite flimsy and super thin, as well as quite short, it doesn’t inspire confidence that it will last!

I would much prefer a side input for the power cord rather than one slap bang in the middle of the back.


The Beautiful


It is small, sleek and stylish. It doesn’t quite have the look of the SAD lamps that Circadian Optics design, which merge seamlessly with any decor, but it is certainly an improvement on previous Verilux SAD lights which have been a bit big and medical looking.

Verilux HappyLight Lucent VT22

And Does It Work?


Yes, this is another highly rated SAD lamp that has plenty of positive feedback if you check out the reviews. Users have reported it making a huge difference to their mood, converting them to the belief that light therapy works, increasing their energy levels and improving their sleep patterns.

SAD charity SADA have released figures showing that light therapy is effective in up to 85% of diagnosed cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is backed up by study after study that show light therapy makes a difference to those suffering with SAD:

In short – the chances are it will make a difference for you!


 ✔ Pros

✘ Cons


  • Verilux brand is well trusted
  • Nice even light
  • Full spectrum
  • UV free
  • LED lights last
  • Compact…
  • But good sized light field
  • Portable
  • Light
  • Sturdy
  • Need to be close to light to get full effect
  • Stand is flimsy…
  • Which means it isn’t always stable
  • Power input could be better positioned
  • Cord is flimsy

Conclusion


My Verdict

My Rating - 89%

89%

No frills but good SAD light

Verilux make good SAD lights there is no denying this.

This has all the hallmarks of a top quality SAD light - nice even, glare free light, portable but sturdy and all at a good price.

A couple of minor oversights, such as the stand design and the fact that you need to be very close to feel the full impact of the light, let it down slightly, but, all-in-all this will do a good job in making you feel happier and energetic.

There is a reason they call them HappyLights!

User Rating: 4.4 ( 1 votes)
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Other Options


If you want a SAD light in the same price range as the HappyLight Lucent, but better designed, I’d suggest you take a look at any of the Circadian Optics offerings.

My personal favorite is the Circadian Optics Lampu, but in all honesty they are all pretty good. Also similar is the Aura Day Light Therapy Lamp and that has a timer and variable lux feature.

For a run down of my top choices check out my Best SAD Lamps Buyers Guide.

In fact you can check out my Site Index for everything on my site on one page, or feel free to look at any of my SAD Light Reviews.

If you would like to leave your personal review or experience of this product, or if you have any questions, please leave them below. I would love to hear your feedback!

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