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Independent·Affiliate-disclosed·Spec-verified·Updated August 5, 2026
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Head-to-head buyer guide

NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad vs Quasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus)

Specs, prices, editor verdict, and who should buy which - compared side-by-side.

By Ryan · Founder
Updated May 6, 2026
Quick verdict

NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad (mid, $349.9) vs Quasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus) (mid, $299–$499) - different tools for different jobs (see the per-product details below).

Compared on 4 shared specs · same category (red light).

NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad flexible red light therapy device
NovaaLab

Novaa Light Pad

A flexible red light pad you actually use 5 days a week - because it wraps over your knee while you read, instead of demanding you stand in front of a panel. 450 medical-grade LEDs, FDA Class II registered, and HSA/FSA-eligible (saves you $77-130 in pre-tax dollars on the $349 price).

PRICE
$349.9
SCORE
8.7 / 10
View at NovaaLab
Quasar MD Plus FDA-cleared red light therapy device for face
Quasar MD

Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus)

The face PBM device dermatology offices were using before "home red light" was a Shopify category. Open-air handheld design (most LED masks trap heat against your skin during sessions). FDA-cleared dual-wavelength. 15+ years of clinical-citation pedigree at a $299-499 home-use price.

PRICE
$299–$499
View at Quasar MD
The verdict

These are close picks. Both score in the same range. The right call depends on buyer profile - read the per-buyer recommendations below.

Side-by-side specs

SpecNovaaLab Novaa Light PadQuasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus)
price$349.9$299–$499
wavelengths660nm red + 850nm near-infraredRed + near-infrared (FDA-cleared)
certificationsFDA Class II registered (pain relief)FDA-cleared
warranty1-year standard, extendable to 3 years (verified novaalab.com 2026-06-22)Per Quasar MD policy - verify on quasarmd.com
returns60-day money-back guarantee60-day return policy

NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad also publishes: leds, irradiance, dimensions, weight, ledLifespan, hsaFsaEligible

Quasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus) also publishes: formFactor, sessionTime, brandHeritage

Who should buy which

Pick the NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad if

Buyers who want clinical-grade red light therapy targeted at specific joints, recovery zones, or pain points - and who value HSA/FSA-eligible hardware they can actually move around the house.

Skip if

You want a single device that delivers full-body PBM in one session (Joovv Elite 3.0 or Mito Red Pro 1500+ are the right calls), or you only want face-focused photobiomodulation (Quasar MD Plus or Bon Charge SkinShield Pro fit better).

Pick the Quasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus) if

Buyers focused on face-specific photobiomodulation - collagen, fine lines, skin inflammation - who want the longest-running brand pedigree in the category at the value-tier price point ($299-499).

Skip if

You want full-body PBM (Joovv Elite, Mito Red Pro 1500+), targeted recovery for joints (NovaaLab Light Pad), or mask-format coverage (Quasar MD 3D Mask or CurrentBody LED Mask cover more of the face simultaneously).

Go deeper

FULL REVIEW
Read the NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad review →
FULL REVIEW
Read the Quasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus) review →

Frequently asked

Which is better, the NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad or the Quasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus)?

They are closely matched on our scoring, so the right pick comes down to your priorities. The verdict and spec table above compare them on price, features, and who each one suits.

How much do they cost?

NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad: $349.9. Quasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus): $299 to $499. Prices are verified against the manufacturer; check the live links for current pricing.

Who should buy which one?

NovaaLab Novaa Light Pad: Buyers who want clinical-grade red light therapy targeted at specific joints, recovery zones, or pain points - and who value HSA/FSA-eligible hardware they can actually move around the house. Quasar MD Handheld Red Light Device (formerly MD Plus): Buyers focused on face-specific photobiomodulation - collagen, fine lines, skin inflammation - who want the longest-running brand pedigree in the category at the value-tier price point ($299-499).

Continue researching
Buyer guide
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