Hooga Health Ultra 360 Tabletop Panel Review
Marketed as a high-powered, effective, yet affordable red light therapy device, how well does the Hooga Health Ultra 360 tabletop panel stack up against the competition?
Let’s dive in and find out.
First Impressions & Design
The Hooga Ultra 360 has a sleek, modern look. Its charcoal gray color is a departure from traditional white. The panel houses 72 LEDs, but its quad-chip design sets it apart. The panel comes with a black stand, which is included in the price.
Each lens on the panel contains four LED chips, each emitting a distinct wavelength of light. This feature is exclusive to Hooga's Ultra series (code ALEX saves!) and ensures a well-balanced and even light distribution across the entire panel.
The panel has a simple, user-friendly button interface instead of a touchscreen control system. It includes a dimming function and the option to use 10 Hz pulsed near-infrared light. The device measures 12.5 inches tall by 8.5 inches across and weighs about 12 pounds.
Benefits of the Hooga Ultra 360
This panel is well-suited for improving skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and enhancing overall skin texture. In addition to its beauty benefits, it is also effective for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting muscle recovery. The combination of wavelengths used in this device makes it a versatile option for various therapeutic applications.
Wavelengths
Hooga claims this panel emits four key wavelengths: 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, and 850nm. The distribution is evenly split, with 50% red and 50% near-infrared light. But how do these claims hold up in real-world testing?
Let's measure with my spectrometer! Here's the outcome of my test:
I found peaks at 635nm and 660nm, confirming the red light claims. 850nm had a more substantial presence on the near-infrared side, peaking at 855nm, while the 810nm wavelength peaked at around 830nm. The distribution was consistent across the panel thanks to the quad-chip LED system.
Power Output & Irradiance
The company lists an irradiance of 132mW/cm² at six inches. However, my spectrometer tests showed a peak reading of 74mW/cm² and an average of 60mW/cm² across the panel’s surface. This discrepancy suggests the manufacturer's figures were measured using a solar meter, which tends to give higher readings.
Looking at the overall power output, the Hooga Ultra 360 ranks second out of 17 tabletop panels I’ve tested, coming in just behind the BioMax panel. Its total power output is 29 watts, placing it fifth in this category. It ranks fourth when evaluating value for money, with a cost-per-watt figure of $12.40.
EMF & Sound Levels
Electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions measured 0.22 microteslas in the low-to-moderate range. While not a major concern, some may prefer lower EMF readings. Sound levels were measured at 44.5 decibels at six inches, which is relatively quiet.
Pricing & Shipping
The Hooga Ultra 360 retails for $399, but with my discount code, you can get it for $359. Shipping is free in the U.S., but international buyers should know that shipping costs can be steep. For example, shipping to Australia was quoted at $140.
It has a three-year warranty and a 60-day return period.
Stand
The included stand is a nice addition, saving buyers from purchasing a separate one. It’s adjustable with two pivot points, offering flexibility in positioning. However, the stand is made of plastic and is quite stiff, making it difficult to adjust. Once set, though, it holds its position well.
One downside is that the stand leaves black marks on surfaces, particularly noticeable on white tables. If you’re using this on a light-colored desk, expect some cleanup.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Quad-chip LEDs for a well-balanced light blend – This unique technology ensures an even distribution of wavelengths, enhancing effectiveness across different therapy applications. No other company at the time of filming has a quad-chipped panel.
- Four well-chosen wavelengths – The mix of 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, and 850nm makes it effective for skin health, muscle recovery, and inflammation reduction.
- Compact and sleek design – Its modern charcoal gray aesthetic makes it more visually appealing than traditional white panels.
- Decent power output for a tabletop panel – While not the most powerful, it still ranks high in efficiency among similar devices.
- Competitive pricing, especially with the discount – At $359 with the discount, it provides excellent value compared to other high-end models. Also, for Americans, this is FSA and HSA eligible.
- Free U.S. shipping – This saves additional costs for domestic buyers.
- Adjustable stand included – Unlike some competitors, Hooga includes a stand, providing better usability.
Cons:
- The stand is stiff and can leave black marks. While functional, adjusting it requires effort and can leave residue on surfaces.
- No touchscreen controls – Some users prefer a more modern interface with finer control settings.
- Limited brightness adjustment—It offers only 10%, 50%, or 100% brightness levels, which lack the finer granularity seen in some competitors.
- EMF levels could be lower – While in a safe range, some high-end competitors achieve even lower EMF emissions.
- A basic manual with minimal educational content—New users might find it lacking depth compared to more detailed guides from other brands.
- High international shipping costs—Buyers outside the U.S. may find the shipping fees less appealing overall.
How It Compares to the Competition
Platinum LED Biomax 300
- This panel is larger and more powerful than the Hooga Ultra 360, making it a strong contender for those who want maximum intensity.
- It features seven different wavelengths, covering a broader spectrum than the Hooga panel, which could benefit users looking for a wider range of therapeutic effects.
- The premium build quality gives it a sturdy, high-end feel, and it includes advanced control features, such as independent control over red and near-infrared light.
- However, these premium features come at a much higher price—around $650, nearly double the cost of the Hooga Ultra 360.
- Additionally, the stand is not included, meaning you'll have to spend extra if you want one, increasing the overall cost.
Mito Red Light MitoPro 300X
- This panel is priced at $70 more than the Hooga Ultra 360, making it slightly more expensive.
- It offers six wavelengths, including 590nm amber light, which some users believe enhances skin benefits.
- One of its most significant advantages is its touchscreen control system, which allows for more precise adjustments and a more effortless user experience.
- Unlike the Hooga Ultra 360, the MitoPro 300X allows independent control of red and near-infrared light, giving users more flexibility in treatment.
- Despite its extra features, the overall power output is not as strong as the Hooga panel, which could be a drawback for those prioritizing intensity.
Rojo Refine 180
- It is a compact and portable option, making it ideal for those who need a smaller panel that can be moved easily.
- It features five wavelengths and includes smart preset modes, which provide automated settings for different treatments.
- One standout benefit is free international shipping, which makes it a more appealing choice for buyers outside the U.S., where Hooga's shipping fees can be steep.
- However, it is still slightly more expensive than the Hooga Ultra 360, priced at around $400.
Each of these panels has its strengths. However, when considering value for money, power output, and performance, the Hooga Ultra 360 holds its own, especially for those looking for a high-quality panel without the premium price tag.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Hooga Ultra 360 is a well-rounded tabletop red light therapy panel with a competitive price, solid power output, and unique quad-chip LED technology.
While it’s not perfect—mainly due to its stiff stand, minor EMF levels, and lack of touchscreen—it offers excellent value for the price. If you’re looking for a powerful yet affordable tabletop panel, this is a strong contender, especially if you’re in the U.S. and can take advantage of free shipping.
Other competitors might be worth considering if you want additional wavelengths, more control options, or an even more powerful unit. However, for most users, the Hooga Ultra 360 meets all the proper criteria and delivers solid performance at a great price.
Items Mentioned In This Article:
🔥 If you want a Hooga panel, use code ALEX and the following link: https://aferg.co/hooga-rlt
🔥 For a Mito Red panel, click here: https://aferg.co/7d221, code ALEX5
🔥 For a PlatinumLED Bio 300, here: https://aferg.co/redled - a unique discount code is generated after you click the link
🔥 For a Rojo Refine, click here: https://aferg.co/rojo-rlt - code ALEX
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Alex Fergus wrote this blog post. Alex is an ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Professional, and certified Superhuman Coach who continues to expand his knowledge base and help people worldwide with their health and wellness. Alex is recognized as the National Record Holder in Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing and has earned the title of the Australian National Natural Bodybuilding Champion. Having worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade, Alex now researches all things health and wellness and shares his findings on this blog.
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