Luminomania
Which light therapy glasses should you choose? Luminette vs AYO, my verdict
Torn between the Luminette and the AYO? I'll give you my verdict right away, then explain why.
I was lucky enough to own and use the Luminette 3 for several months, and today I use the AYO+ every day. So I know what I'm talking about.
If you want a simple, affordable device, the Luminette does the job very well. If you want to know when to do your session, for how long and at what intensity, with sessions tailored to your bedtime, wake-up time, sleep and schedule, the AYO glasses are the better fit.
Black Friday: a promo code available on the official AYO website currently gives you 20% off the AYO+, until 1 December.
What the Luminette and the AYO have in common
Both are light therapy glasses. The light sits close to your eyes without blocking your view, and you're free to move around during your session: have breakfast, get ready, work, brush your teeth...
That's the big difference with a lamp, which you have to sit in front of. I go into detail in my lamp vs glasses comparison.
They share the same goal: sending your brain a light signal in the morning to help your body clock when the days get shorter. But the day-to-day experience is very different. I spotted four concrete differences.
Difference no. 1: the colour of the light
The Luminette gives off a bluish white light, whereas the AYO emit blue light.
Both are effective, both are safe and meet strict standards. Don't overthink it. If you want to understand what the colour of the light changes, I've written a guide on the light spectrum in light therapy.
For the record, the AYO were the glasses used in the study published in 2026 with 182 employees. It showed that this morning blue light works on sleep and fatigue.
Difference no. 2: comfort and stability on the nose
Here, for me, the AYO win hands down.
Their weight rests on and behind your ears. The Luminette rests entirely on your nose. On me, it left a really unpleasant red mark after a few days.
Difference no. 3: red light
The AYO can also emit red light. I use it in the evening to unwind as part of my bedtime routine.
It's a nice extra, but not essential. What matters most is still blue light in the morning.
Difference no. 4: the AYO app
See the AYO+ glasses and their price on the manufacturer's websiteThe AYO come with an app. You don't have to use it: the glasses work without a smartphone, just like a Luminette. But it would be a real shame to skip it, because the app and its ability to control the glasses are what make all the difference.
When should you wear your glasses?
That's THE question with light therapy glasses. The usual rule is "in the morning, when you wake up". But we wake up at different times, we sleep badly some nights... and we end up improvising. To make your sessions effective, you have to work out how and when to use them.
With the AYO, you give the app your sleep times, your work hours and your goal, for example waking up naturally at 6:30 without an alarm. It then suggests a precise window for your session. And if your schedule changes, so does the recommendation.
Much more than a session time
The app goes further:
- tips on the best time for your coffee, focused work or a workout;
- notifications to remind you of your morning, evening and bedtime routines;
- a view of your progress. Seeing it keeps you motivated, and consistency is what counts.
And if you like to control everything, there's Biohacker mode. You create your own sessions there, each with its own duration, intensity and colour, blue or red.
When travelling or working shifts
If you travel or work irregular hours, the app tells you when to seek light and when to avoid it, so you get back on track as fast as possible. You can do this with a Luminette too, but you'll have to work it all out yourself. I explain how in my jet lag guide.
In fact, the app is what lets you get the most out of light therapy. I cover it in detail in my review of the AYO app.
Luminette or AYO: which should you choose?
Choose the Luminette if:
- you want a simple device, no smartphone needed;
- your budget is tight.
It's still a good way into light therapy: check the Luminette 3 price on Amazon.
Of course, you can also use the AYO without the app. But in that case, honestly, you might as well get the Luminette.
Choose the AYO if:
- you want to give yourself the best chance of feeling the effects of light therapy;
- you want to understand and fine-tune your light and sleep routine;
- you want glasses that are comfortable to wear.
It's a subjective opinion, but I also find them far better looking and more discreet. You can order the AYO+ glasses from the manufacturer's website.
Black Friday: a promo code available on the official AYO website currently gives you 20% off the AYO+, until 1 December.
My verdict
Personally, I think the app makes all the difference.
The AYO aren't just glasses. They also come with a programme that guides you and tailors your sessions.
To go further, read my full reviews of the AYO+ glasses and the Luminette 3.
My other reviews
Affiliate links: a purchase through these links earns me a small fee, at no extra cost to you.