Can I use a cold laser at home without a prescription?

Yes. Class 1M, Class 2, and Class 3B lasers are available for home use without a prescription in the United States. Class 4 lasers require a doctor's prescription for home purchase—easily obtained from your physician, chiropractor, or other licensed provider. All classes are safe when used as directed with appropriate eye protection.

How much does a home cold laser cost?

Quality home cold lasers range from $2,495 to $20,000+. Entry-level Class 1M systems like the TerraQuant TQ Solo start around $2,495. Mid-range Class 3B systems run $5,425-$7,875. Class 4 systems start around $9,950. Avoid very cheap devices (under $500) as they typically lack therapeutic power.

What's the difference between Class 3B and Class 4 lasers for home use?

Class 3B lasers output up to 500mW and don't require a prescription. Treatment times are 5-15 minutes per area. Class 4 lasers range from 500mW to 60+ watts, offering faster treatment times (3-8 minutes) and deeper penetration. Class 4 requires a doctor's prescription for home purchase, which is easily obtained from your physician or chiropractor.

Is home laser therapy as effective as professional treatment?

Yes, when using quality equipment. The therapeutic effect comes from the light itself, not who operates the device. Home users with proper training achieve the same results. The advantage is unlimited treatments—daily use often produces faster results than weekly professional visits.

What conditions can I treat with a home cold laser?

FDA-cleared cold lasers are indicated for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis, muscle spasm, relieving stiffness, promoting relaxation of muscle tissue, and temporarily increasing local blood circulation. Common applications include back pain, knee pain, arthritis, neuropathy, tendinitis, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, and wound healing.

How do I know if a cold laser is legitimate?

Check for: FDA clearance/registration, power output of at least 100mW (ideally 500mW+), wavelength in therapeutic range (600-1100nm), established manufacturer with clinical research, proper safety classifications. Avoid devices on Amazon/eBay without FDA documentation, 'quantum' or 'scalar wave' claims, or very low prices (under $500).

What's the return on investment for a home laser?

Professional treatments cost $50-150 per session. At 2-3 treatments weekly, that's $400-1,800/month. A $5,000 home laser pays for itself in 3-12 months. For chronic conditions, home ownership typically saves $5,000-15,000+ over 5 years versus professional treatment.

A Guide to Cold Lasers for Home Use

Buying a cold laser for home use can feel overwhelming. Conflicting claims, technical jargon, and aggressive marketing make it hard to know what actually matters. This guide cuts through the noise with straightforward advice based on 20+ years selling every major brand.

Here's the truth: 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 lie in power, wavelength, build quality, and included support. Understanding these factors is all you need to make a smart choice.

Because we sell more brands than anyone else, we have no incentive to push one product over another. Our goal is matching you with the right laser for your specific situation. If you need guidance after reading this guide, call us at (800) 388-0850.

Note: This guide focuses on human home use. See our separate guides for veterinary lasers, equine lasers, and professional office systems.

Why Buy a Home Laser?

The economics of home ownership are compelling for anyone who needs regular treatment:

Professional Treatment

Cost per session:$50-150
Sessions per week:2-3
Monthly cost:$400-1,800
Annual cost:$5,000-20,000

vs

Home Ownership

One-time cost:$2,500-15,000
Sessions per week:Unlimited
Monthly cost:$0
Break-even:3-12 months

Beyond economics, home ownership offers:

Convenience: Treat anytime—morning, night, weekends—no scheduling
Consistency: Daily treatment often produces better results than weekly visits
Family use: One device treats multiple household members
Long-term value: Quality lasers last 10+ years with minimal maintenance

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 promote healing

The underlying science is photobiomodulation: specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by mitochondria, stimulating ATP production—the cellular energy that powers tissue repair. With 28% of Americans experiencing pain at any given time, it's no surprise home laser therapy has become increasingly popular.

5 Questions Before You Buy

1

Are you treating a human or animal?

This guide focuses on human use. Animals don't legally require FDA-cleared equipment, but you still need proper specifications. See our veterinary or equine guides for animals.

2

What's your budget?

With cold lasers, you get what you pay for. Higher-priced units offer more power, more wavelengths, and shorter treatment times.

$2,500-$4,000 Entry-level: Class 1M, basic Class 3B

$4,000-$8,000 Mid-range: Full-featured Class 3B

$8,000-$15,000 Professional: Entry Class 4

$15,000+ Premium: High-power multi-wavelength Class 4

3

Have you tried laser therapy before?

If not, we recommend trying professional treatment first. This confirms it helps your condition and lets you experience proper technique. Ask about the equipment and dosage so we can recommend similar home systems.

Tip: Try a Class 3B or 4 system. Very low-power devices (under 100mW) may take months to show results, giving a misleading impression.

4

How important is safety?

All therapy lasers are safe when used correctly with eye protection. However:

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

We include safety glasses with every system.

5

What support do you need?

Consider what's included:

Training: Phone/video onboarding
Protocols: Treatment guides for conditions
Technical support: Ongoing help
Warranty: Coverage period

Every ColdLasers.org purchase includes personalized training and unlimited support.

Technical Specifications Explained

Wavelength

Wavelength determines penetration depth. Measured in nanometers (nm).

600-700nm Red 1-2cm depth

800-860nm Near-IR ★ 3-5cm depth

900-1100nm Infrared 5cm+ depth

Recommendation: For general use, prioritize 808-810nm. Multi-wavelength systems offer more versatility.

Power Output

Measured in milliwatts (mW) or watts (W). Higher power = shorter treatment time.

<100mW Avoid May never reach therapeutic dosage

100-500mW Class 3B 5-15 min treatments

500mW-10W Class 4 Entry 3-8 min treatments

10W-60W+ Class 4 Pro 1-5 min treatments

Pulsed vs. Continuous Wave

Continuous Wave (CW)

Faster tissue saturation
Best for nerve damage, neuropathy

Pulsed

Additional healing benefits
Best for musculoskeletal conditions

Recommendation: Buy a system that offers both modes for flexibility.

Laser Classes: 1M vs 3B vs 4

Class 1M

Up to 500mW equivalent

Eye-safe by design using super-pulsed technology. No goggles technically required.

Pros

Safest option—impossible to damage eyes
No prescription needed
Great for households with children

Cons

Longer treatment times
Super-pulsed only (no CW)

Best for: Safety-conscious users, first-time buyers
Price: $2,495-$8,995

Class 3B

Up to 500mW

The sweet spot for home use. Enough power without prescription requirements.

Pros

No prescription needed
Both pulsed and CW available
Excellent power-to-price ratio
Cannot burn tissue

Cons

Requires eye protection
Longer treatments than Class 4

Best for: Most home users, chronic pain
Price: $3,995-$8,550

Class 4

500mW to 60+ Watts

Professional-grade power for fastest treatments and deepest penetration.

Pros

Fastest treatments (3-8 min)
Deepest penetration
Multiple wavelengths standard
Best for severe/chronic conditions

Cons

Requires doctor's prescription
Higher investment
Can cause heating if misused

Best for: Chronic conditions, multiple areas, time-sensitive
Price: $9,950-$54,950

Which 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 time is a priority.

Our Recommendations

Based on thousands of consultations, these are the systems we most frequently recommend:

Best Entry-Level TerraQuant TQ Solo $2,495

Best Value 3B Avant LZ30 Z-Home $5,425

System	Class	Power	Wavelengths	Modes	Price	Best For
TerraQuant TQ Solo	1M	15W peak	905, 875, 660nm	Super-Pulsed	$2,495	Entry-level, safety-first
PowerMedic 1500	3B	1.5W / 3W peak	808nm	HyperPulsed	$3,995	Simple, powerful, portable
Avant LZ30 Z-Home	3B	1,300mW	808 + 637nm	Pulsed + CW	$5,425	Best value dual-wave
TerraQuant MR4 Pro	1M	25-50W peak	905, 875, 660nm	Super-Pulsed	$5,995-$8,995	Multiple probes, eye-safe
Avant LZ30z Pro Most Popular	3B	2,400mW	808 + 637nm	Pulsed + CW	$7,875	Best overall Class 3B
EVOlaser	4	9-30W	Up to 4	Pulsed + CW	$9,950-$14,995	Entry Class 4, protocols
ATPmax XD/XT Best Value	4	32-42W	2-3	Pulsed + CW	$10,950-$14,950	Best power-per-dollar
ReGen Laser	4	32-84W	Up to 6	Pulsed + CW	$16,950-$54,950	Premium, temp monitoring

Quick Decision Guide

Maximum safety, no Rx

→ TerraQuant TQ Solo or MR4

Best value for chronic pain

→ Avant LZ30 Z-Home

Best overall home system

→ Avant LZ30z Pro

Fastest treatments, deep penetration

→ ATPmax XD or XT

Treatable Conditions

Home cold lasers treat pain and inflammation associated with many conditions. All systems include protocols; we help find protocols for conditions not 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

Search our research database →

What to Avoid

🚫 Very Low Power (<100mW)

Devices under 100mW may never reach therapeutic dosage. Many cheap Amazon/eBay devices fall here—they're expensive laser pointers.

🚫 LEDs Marketed as "Lasers"

LEDs are not lasers. They're less focused and penetrate less deeply. Check specs carefully.

🚫 Pseudoscience Claims

Be skeptical of "quantum waves," "scalar waves," "zero point energy." Legitimate lasers work through photobiomodulation—well-understood science.

🚫 No FDA Documentation

Legitimate human therapy lasers should have FDA clearance. Ask for documentation.

🚫 Prices Under $500

Quality therapy lasers require precision components. Devices under $500 cut corners that matter.

Trusted Brands We Carry: Avant, TerraQuant, Multi Radiance, Thor, Biophotonica (ATPmax/ReGen), EVOlaser, PowerMedic, 3B Scientific

Safety & Contraindications

Cold laser therapy is extremely safe when used correctly. Avoid laser therapy in these situations:

Eyes

Class 3B/4 can damage retina. Always wear provided safety glasses.

Cancer

Don't use over known tumors. Cellular stimulation could affect growth.

Thyroid

Avoid direct application over thyroid gland.

Pregnancy

Not recommended over pregnant uterus. Safe elsewhere.

Pacemakers

Avoid direct application over implanted electronics.

✓ Safe Over: Metal implants, pins, plates, plastics, stitches—these are NOT contraindications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Class 1M, 2, and 3B are available without prescription. Class 4 requires a doctor's prescription—easy to obtain from your physician, chiropractor, or other licensed provider.

Quality home lasers range $2,495-$20,000+. Entry Class 1M starts ~$2,495. Mid-range Class 3B runs $5,000-$8,000. Class 4 starts ~$10,000. Avoid devices under $500.

Yes, with quality equipment. The effect comes from the light itself. Daily home use often produces faster results than weekly professional visits.

Many notice improvement within 1-3 treatments for acute issues. Chronic conditions typically need 8-12 treatments before significant change. Consistency matters.

Lasers produce coherent, focused light that penetrates deeper. LEDs produce diffuse light for surface treatment. For deep tissue (joints, muscles, spine), lasers are more effective.

Absolutely. One laser can treat the whole household with no limit on uses. A $7,000 laser shared by four people effectively costs $1,750 per person.

Warranties vary from 1-5 years. Every ColdLasers.org purchase includes personalized training, protocols, and unlimited phone/email support.

Why Buy a Home Laser?

Professional Treatment

Home Ownership

FDA Clearance & What Lasers Treat

Pain Control

Inflammation Reduction

Increased Blood Flow

5 Questions Before You Buy

Are you treating a human or animal?

What's your budget?

Have you tried laser therapy before?

How important is safety?

What support do you need?

Technical Specifications Explained

Wavelength

Power Output

Pulsed vs. Continuous Wave

Continuous Wave (CW)

Pulsed

Laser Classes: 1M vs 3B vs 4

Class 1M

Pros

Cons

Class 3B

Pros

Cons

Class 4

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendations

Quick Decision Guide

Treatable Conditions

Spine & Back

Upper Body

Lower Body

Arthritis

Soft Tissue

Other

What to Avoid

🚫 Very Low Power (<100mW)

🚫 LEDs Marketed as "Lasers"

🚫 Pseudoscience Claims

🚫 No FDA Documentation

🚫 Prices Under $500

Safety & Contraindications

Eyes

Cancer

Thyroid

Pregnancy

Pacemakers

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Choose Your Home Laser?