The BioMax red light therapy panel has received an upgrade. This review explicitly highlights the BioMax 450, but the entire BioMax range—including the models 300, 450, 600, and 900—has reached its ninth generation and includes enhancements. One of the most notable new features is voice activation.
A Legacy of Quality
PlatinumLED has been a key player in the red light therapy industry for a decade. It consistently delivers high-quality panels that perform exceptionally well in reviews and comparison tests.
They have built a reputation for producing some of the best panels available, and the BioMax series has been a go-to choice for many users, including myself.
Although BioMax panels provided impressive features, there was room for improvement. Consequently, excitement grew when the 9th generation was announced. Although voice activation is the standout feature, several other noteworthy updates are worth highlighting.
Voice Activation: Gimmick or Game Changer?
At first, I was skeptical. When I heard that voice activation was the big new feature, I couldn't help but wonder—was that it? Would this add value, or was it just a flashy gimmick?
But after using it a few times, it's cool. It's surprisingly helpful in some scenarios. Is it a revolutionary, must-have feature? Probably not. But will it set BioMax apart from its competitors? That remains to be seen.
What Can Voice Activation Actually Do?
The BioMax 450 features built-in voice recognition, which allows you to control the panel hands-free. You can turn the device on and off, adjust settings, and switch between modes—all with simple voice commands.
Here are a few practical examples of how this works:
- "Turn on BioMax." – Powers up the panel without you needing to press any buttons.
- "Start session." – Immediately begins a red light therapy session.
- "Increase intensity." – Boosts the light output if you want a more substantial session.
- "Switch to infrared mode." It lets you toggle between red light and near-infrared wavelengths.
- "Set the timer for 10 minutes." – Starts a countdown for a specific duration.
- "Turn off BioMax." – Shuts the panel down when you’re done.
This feature is handy if you’re lying down and don’t want to reach over to adjust settings or if your hands are occupied. For example, suppose you’re doing a recovery session after a workout and don’t want to interrupt your position. In that case, you can use voice commands to adjust the settings instead of moving around to press buttons.
While voice activation isn’t a must-have feature, it does offer a convenient, futuristic way to interact with your red light therapy panel. It’s a small but innovative addition that helps PlatinumLED differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive market.
Would I buy the BioMax 450 just for the voice activation? Probably not. But if I were choosing between similar panels and one had this extra functionality, it might just tip the scales in its favor.
Improved Internals and Global Expansion
PlatinumLED has improved the internals of the BioMax panels through enhanced manufacturing practices to increase reliability. Whether this translates into noticeable benefits for the end user remains to be seen. I have never encountered reliability issues with the previous BioMax panels, but any improvements are appreciated.
Another big update is PlatinumLED's expansion. They now have additional warehouses worldwide, making their panels more accessible. If you're in Canada, you can enjoy free shipping (though taxes still apply). Thanks to a new warehouse in Germany, the same goes for EU customers. UK customers also get free shipping but must cover the import VAT tax.
Fully Certified Medical-Grade Device
One crucial aspect of the BioMax 450 is that it is a fully certified red light therapy panel. What does this mean? PlatinumLED has ETL certification, which allows it to sell these panels as certified medical-grade devices. Only two companies in the red light therapy space hold this certification.
The BioMax 450 is an FDA Class 2 medical device, with CE certification for the EU and CB and IC certification for electrical safety.
PlatinumLED has been in this space for a long time. Before entering the red light therapy industry, it was known for producing high-performance grow lights. It has more LED technology and panel design expertise than any other company.
Size
The BioMax 450 can be used as a tabletop panel or mounted with a stand. It measures 19 inches tall and 12 inches across, making it ideal for upper body treatments—shoulders, head, knees, and similar areas. Weighing 17 pounds, it houses 150 LEDs.
LED Technology and Wavelengths
While many companies promote dual-chip LEDs, PlatinumLED has opted to stick with single-chip LEDs. They have released statements explaining why they believe this is the better choice, and for those interested, go to their website for further details.
The BioMax 450 is modular capable, meaning you can pair it with another unit or attach it to a larger panel, such as the BioMax 900, for an expanded treatment area.
This panel emits seven different wavelengths:
Most of the power is concentrated in the 660nm red and 850nm near-infrared ranges, with smaller amounts allocated to the blue and 1060nm wavelengths.
Let's fire up my spectrometer!
When analyzing the light output with a spectrometer, it's clear that different parts of the panel emit varying concentrations of light. Moving over a blue LED reveals more blue light. Red light dominates over red-heavy areas and, similarly, near-infrared sections.
A breakdown of the power distribution across wavelengths:
- 2% to 480nm blue light
- 9% to 630nm red light
- 39% to 660nm red light
- 5% to 810nm near-infrared
- 5% to 830nm near-infrared
- 36% to 850nm near-infrared
- 4% to 1060nm near-infrared
Power Output
The BioMax 450's peak power reading was 96W/cm², and its average power output was 72W/cm²—comparable to the larger BioMax panels. Despite the slightly lower reading, this is still a strong performance for a tabletop panel.
The total wattage output for the panel is 77.6 watts, reinforcing its efficiency.
Using the Light Therapy Insiders shopping tool, I filtered for tabletop panels I have personally tested. Sorting by total power output, the BioMax 450 ranks first, outperforming the previous generation's BioMax 300.
In terms of value, it is third, trailing behind the exceptionally well-priced Hooga tabletop panel, which lacks the power of the BioMax 450.
If you're considering a new red light therapy panel, this one stands out in both performance and features.
Price, Shipping & Taxes
The price of the BioMax 450 is USD 799. Using my discount link (no code) will save 5%, bringing the price to USD 759. This is a fair price, given the panel's strong power output and additional features compared to similar panels on the market.
Shipping Costs:
- USA: Free
- Canada: Free (but taxes apply)
- Europe (EU): Free (shipped from Germany)
- UK: Free, but import VAT tax must be paid
- Australia & New Zealand: High shipping costs apply
For those outside the US, Canada, UK, or Europe, it's worth checking shipping costs before purchasing.
It has a 3-year warranty and a 60-day return period, but be warned there's a potential 20% restocking fee.
Included in the Box
When you purchase the BioMax 450, you’ll receive:
- A power cable
- A hanging kit (for mounting options)
- A door hook (for a more straightforward setup)
- A pair of protective glasses
- A user manual
- Manual and cheat sheet for voice command
- A remote
Stand Options
The BioMax 450 can be mounted in various ways. It includes a standard hanging kit and door hook, allowing easy hanging on a door or wall. However, if you prefer a more stable and freestanding setup, PlatinumLED offers additional stand options:
- Tabletop Stand: Allows the panel to stand upright on a desk or counter.
- Mobile Rack Stand: A rolling stand for easy height adjustments and mobility.
The stand is sold separately, so if you plan on using this panel in a specific setting, consider adding a stand to your order.
My Pros and My Cons:
My Pros:
What do I like about this panel?
• The assurance and peace of mind that comes with the certifications.
• The seven wavelengths. No other panel on the market offers such a variety. Including blue light brings added benefits for acne and skin health, and the 1060nm near-infrared light is a standout feature.
• PlatinumLED was also one of the first to introduce touchscreen controls, which have only improved over time. The voice control feature is another unique touch, though I'm curious how widely it will be used.
• Another plus is the halfway timer beep, a handy feature that lets you know when to switch sides during treatment.
• Lastly, PlatinumLED offers great power output at a competitive price. Free shipping to the USA, Canada, Europe, and the UK adds significantmore value.
My Cons:
• The seven wavelengths are significant, but most power is concentrated in 660 and 850nm, leaving fewer LEDs emitting the other wavelengths. Some might see this as a marketing move rather than a balanced light spectrum.
• The 9th generation update feels more like a facelift than a revolutionary upgrade. If you already have an 8th Gen BioMax, you likely don't need to rush out and buy this.
- Another drawback is that power output cannot be adjusted for individual wavelengths. While PlatinumLED lets you control red and near-infrared intensity, Rojo's panels allow wavelength-specific adjustments, a nice feature missing here.
- Uneven Light Distribution: light distribution is uneven across the panel. There are noticeable spikes and drop-offs in power output, which is evident in how light concentration appears on the body. The main reason is the balance between the wavelengths and the use of single-chip LEDs.
- No Preset Modes: Session settings cannot be saved, so you must manually adjust them every time.
- Lastly, while PlatinumLED offers free shipping to most of the Western world, Australian and New Zealand customers face high shipping costs.
Should You Buy the BioMax 450?
This panel offers great value. It's well-sized, powerful, scientifically backed, and easy to use. If you own the 8th gen panel, there's no urgent need to upgrade. But if you're coming from an older model, the added 1060nm light might make it worth considering.
Alternative Options
If you’re looking for a smaller and more budget-friendly panel, consider the BioMax 300. It’s the same height but narrower, offering a compact alternative with the same core features. If you want something larger without a huge price jump, the BioMax 600 extends coverage while keeping costs reasonable.
Block Blue Light Power Panel Pro
This panel uses dual-chip LEDs, ensuring a more balanced light output across five wavelengths. Unlike BioMax, the power is evenly split across these wavelengths rather than concentrated in just two. It also includes pulsing features and has better international shipping options, making it a solid alternative for those outside the US and Europe.
Rojo Refine 360
The Rojo Refine 360 is a smaller panel with 120 dual-chip LEDs. It includes pulsing, customizable wavelength intensities, and preset modes—features missing from BioMax. Despite being smaller, it’s an impressive choice at just USD 500 after applying the ALEX discount code.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a new red light therapy panel, the BioMax 450 is a strong contender. However, since other brands offer different features, it’s always worth checking out the alternatives. Explore my full reviews to find the best panel for your needs.
Items Mentioned In This Article:
1. PlatinumLED BioMax - a unique code is generated after you click the link
2. Block Blue Light - code ALEX saves
3. Rojo Light Therapy Refine - code ALEX saves
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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.
