Orion Edge 2

Orion's second-generation Edge packs 12 dual-chip medical-grade LEDs emitting 660 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared light into a 6 x 4 x 1.5 inch body weighing 0.6 kg. A 10,000 mAh battery gives a stated 1.5-2 hours of cordless use, and the device adds a built-in digital timer, a tabletop stand, an updated cooling system, and an ambient Aura mode. It ships in two finishes, Onyx Black and Slate, at $369.

The format is the trade-off. With a palm-sized emitter and Orion's recommended 3-12 inch working distance, the Edge 2 treats one small area at a time - a knee, a cheek, a forearm - so anyone planning half-body or full-body sessions will outgrow it quickly. It is also priced close to entry-level 60-LED corded panels, and its 1-year warranty is half what Orion offers on the Pro series. As a travel device or a first step into the category, though, its cordless convenience is the point.