My review of the Beurer TL35 light therapy lamp after several months of use

When I started getting seriously interested in light therapy, I was looking for a real solution to a problem that was clearly affecting my energy and my mood, simply because I was living in a dark apartment.

I chose the Beurer TL35. After using it for several years, I can give you a full, honest review based on real, hands-on experience.

Exclusive: try the interactive Beurer lamp simulator to see how easy it is to use!

Why I chose the Beurer TL35

Before buying my first light therapy lamp, I spent an unreasonable amount of time comparing models.

I wanted something:

• Compact (I didn't have much space)
• Stylish (I work right next to it)
• Powerful (10,000 lux minimum, but is that really enough? More on that below...)
• Simple to use

The TL35 ticks every box.

I immediately liked its tablet-style design. Unlike bulky lamps, it fits easily on a desk without making you feel like you're sitting in a doctor's waiting room 😊

Unboxing the Beurer TL35 lamp

The lamp arrives very well protected in its packaging.

It comes with a full user manual and usage tips depending on what you're looking for.

You also get a power adapter (cable length: 1.40m, maximum consumption: 15W), a removable stand and a protective sleeve.

I'd completely forgotten about that sleeve... I came across it again while digging out the box for this article. I'd scuffed it a bit during my many trips, when I could have kept it looking brand new!

First impressions

First surprise: the lamp is much slimmer than I'd imagined. In hand, it feels high quality and sturdy right away.

After several years of use, I can confirm that quality is genuine.

• Ultra-flat design.
• Lightweight.
• Removable stand.
• Careful finish (that German build quality is obvious at a glance).
• Incredibly simple to use.

I put it straight on my desk, next to my screen, and it blended naturally into my workspace. It even has a slightly futuristic look that I really like 😁

Features

What I love about this lamp is how simple it is to use. I think that's a hallmark of the Beurer brand: no unnecessary gadgets, straight to the point, and that's a very good thing!

• Three colour temperatures (6,500, 4,300 and 3,000 kelvins).
• Four power levels available (from 10,000 down to 2,500 lux).
• Four programmable durations (from 30 minutes to 2 hours).

In practice, I always used this lamp in the morning, at 6,500 kelvins and full power.

Being able to programme an automatic shut-off is incredibly useful, essential even. It stops you from exposing yourself for longer than you intended, and if you happen to leave the room and forget to switch it off, it won't stay on needlessly.

How effective it is, and how I used it day to day

I used this lamp for several years, and I can say without hesitation that it's effective. I clearly felt the benefits of light therapy on my energy, focus and mood in the morning.

The effect kicks in after a few days of regular use, and consistency is key to getting the full benefit. It's something I often point out: consistency is the key to enjoying the benefits of light therapy.

I wrote a full article on the effects I noticed with light therapy, which you can read here: my experience with light therapy.

My routine is very simple. Every morning:

• I'd switch the lamp on as I started working;
• I'd place it slightly to the side, to the left of my computer screen;
• I'd set it for 30 minutes or more using the built-in timer.

I didn't just sit and stare at it. I'd work, read my emails, write... while the light did its thing.

That said, I had to bring it as close as possible to my face to get the full benefit. More on that below...

The benefits I noticed

✔ Compact format and discreet design

This is one of its biggest strengths. It takes up very little space. You can use it at your desk without drawing attention.

✔ Adjustable intensity

Handy depending on your sensitivity to light.

✔ Good light diffusion

The light is even and not harsh.

✔ Simple to use

Three buttons, no complicated settings, simple and straightforward, just the way I like it.

Downsides to be aware of

✖ Compact format = smaller exposure zone

The compact format is an advantage, but it also has its limits. The exposure zone is small, and at 10,000 lux you need to stay 15 to 30 cm away, which is hard to maintain in practice if you want to do something else at the same time.

You may have noticed I'm writing about this lamp in the past tense, because in practice, while I still use it occasionally, my light therapy glasses have largely taken over.

At 10,000 lux, you'll need to keep your face right in front of the lamp to get the full benefit, or extend your session length. Instead of setting it for 30 minutes, you could leave it on for an hour or more, glancing at it from time to time to boost the effect.

The other option is to use a more powerful lamp, with 14,000 lux.

My final verdict

The Beurer TL35 light therapy lamp isn't a bad lamp, but you need to understand the limits of this format and its 10,000 lux output if you want to use it effectively.

The TL95 really has no downsides on that front. It's just a bit more expensive than the TL35.

In short: if you're happy doing your sessions with the lamp right in front of your face, without necessarily being able to work at the same time, and if your budget is tight, the Beurer TL35 remains a good choice.

But if you'd rather place it a bit further away so you can get on with other things at the same time, like I do, I'd strongly recommend the TL95.

Before you buy, I'd also strongly recommend reading my review of the Luminette 3 and my lamp vs glasses comparison so you don't miss out on this alternative.