I just finished testing the new Elite lamp from Carex and am pleased with the results!
As usual, we tested the actual lux output and the flicker with our lab-grade spectrometer. In this article, we’ll review all the data and the new features that set this new version apart from its predecessors.
Let’s go!
The Overview
The Elite model has a more modern design and improved build quality compared to previous versions. It delivers over 12,000 lux at 1 foot and is slightly larger than the Classic, making it more comfortable. A standout feature is its flicker-free operation across all dimming levels.
It’s versatile, functioning as both a desk lamp and a wall-mounted light. The stand can be removed for a more compact form. Overall, the Elite ticks many boxes for an effective light therapy lamp.
Pros
Cons
The New Carex Day-Light Elite
The Elite can still be tilted to project light down from above like the Classic and Sky, but it looks much better if that’s important to you. It’s also quite effective, which we’ll review later in the test results.
Capacitive buttons on the side of the lamp control power, brightness, and an optional timer.
As usual with Carex lamps, you can title the head down to project light from above.
Carex also introduced a few exciting usability features with this lamp that I was pleasantly surprised by.
For one, you can adjust the highest by sliding the lamp head up or down.
The back of the Elite attaches via a standard-size VESA mount, so this could attach to a monitor arm.
But it also has a built-in kickstand, so you can remove the arm and use it as a smaller desk lamp!
One last thing to note is that a keyhole is at the top if you’d like to mount it more traditionally on the wall.
Overall, I prefer the build of this one to the previous models. The only issue I can see anyone having is that the power cord is a bit shorter than previous models: 5.2 ft vs. 6.3 ft on the Classic and Sky. Some folks prefer physical buttons, which the old models still have.
But okay! Enough about the lamp features; how does it compare with the previous models it’s replacing?
Testing the Elite
We placed the Elite 12 inches away from our spectrometer to measure its real lux reading over one hour.
We saw a steady output with almost no light decay, which is good!
The Elite produces a pretty average 4150K color temperature, which feels warm and similar to morning sunlight.
Testing Lux
Here’s how the lux output compares to its sister models:
As you can see, as far as lux goes, the Elite performs pretty similarly to the Classic, and the Sky still outperforms both. However, there’s one big difference that we have to touch on…
Visual Comfort
SAD lamps can be very bright, so visual comfort is a big deal. I prefer more comfortable lamps, which are usually larger, and the Elite is.
We measure comfort with a single number, which I call “Glare,” which is just the lux per square inch of the illuminated area.
So how do they compare?
Here, we see that the Elite is far more visually comfortable than the Classic, even though they emit the same amount of lux. This is because the Elite is a little bigger. I like this personally.
So, while the Sky is about 15% brighter than the Elite, the Elite is almost 90% more comfortable… you decide!
Testing Flicker
We test flicker as well if this is a concern of yours.
I’m pleased to report that the Elite performs exceptionally well here.
There were some small ripples once it was dimmed, but nothing to worry about. This is much better than the previous two Carex lamps in the “High Risk” zone.
Monitor Mounting the Elite
I recently built my own SAD lampsand mounted them over my monitor. This has been lovely! It got me thinking there must be some way to do this with the Carex Elite.
And there is!
The VESA Mount
You can attach the Elite to a monitor arm pole and position it anywhere you want over your monitors. This will cost you between $30 and $40.
A standard VESA mount fits perfectly on the Elite! I have mine mounted on its own pole, but you could mount everything to the same pole to clean things up.
You could also rock two of these bad boys! Below are some VESA mounting options to save you some time.
VESA Arm + Pole
Dual Arm VESA Pole
Overall Thoughts
I like it! For one, the Elite looks much better than its previous counterparts. The build quality and overall look are just more modern.
I was happy to see that it still puts out over 12,000 lux at 1 foot. Since it’s slightly larger than the Classic, it’s far more comfortable, making it one of the better light therapy lamps I’ve tried.
It’s also flicker-free on all dimming levels, which is phenomenal! You don’t often see that.
The Elite is multifunctional in its usability. It can be used as an above-eye-level desk lamp or mounted on the wall using the rear keyhole mount. You can also remove the stand altogether to create a slightly smaller version.
Overall, this checks many boxes for me and you, too!
Carex Day-Light Elite
Pros
Cons
- Lux: 12,400
- Circadian Light: 14,190
- Glare: 69
- CCT: 4150K
- Brightness Levels: 4
- Color Temperatures: 1
Use code OPTIMIZE15 for 15% off!
Been waiting for this, thanks!!
With the VESA mount option, could you comment on the ability to also use this as a key light for lighting video streams? Would the ambient modes work well for that, or is there something about this light that would make it a bad idea?
I’m thinking this may be able to also replace something like the Elgato Key Light, but besides less controllability, is there anything that would make this usage worse for regulating circadian rhythm?
Hey Brad! That’s a pretty cool lgiht, might have to try it out.
So I think in general it would work well, the only con vs the Elgato (this is the one I found) might be CRI and adjustable CCT. Elgato claim CRI >92% which is a very strange way to word it lol but either way I’m assuming they’re referring to CRI Ra because that’s what everyone uses. In either case the Elite scores around 85.6 CRI Ra which is okay.
Here’s a TM-30 report for the Carex Elite, much more useful than CRI.
Overall the Carex is larger so it’ll be more comfortable visually, but I’m not sure which one it brighter, probably the Elite since it uses only one color temperature, so it’s likely the more useful one for circadian alignment purposes.
Hi, Thanks for this, I’m about to pull the plug and get a Carex shipped to the UK. Day light classic plus or elite? Which should I buy?
Hey Jason! I’m a bigger fan of the Elite.
Does the dip at 480 impact the efficiency of serotonin synthesis?
I work overnights and haven’t seen the sun in months haha
I’m not sure about serotonin specifically… It’s hard to calculate. I love the Elite for it’s form factor but I’m not crazy about it’s spectrum. I’d prefer to see the SunLike spectrum we see from things like the Beurer TL95 and SOLShine, but in general large amounts of any light will do the trick!
What’s the scientific difference between using a speciality SAD lamp vs a very bright warehouse lightbulb? I’m currently using a very bright bulb off amazon (SANSI 40W 5500lm bulb) as a SAD lamp in the morning. Is there a big difference compared to a speciality one like the Carex?
I wouldn’t say there is one. More so a matter of form factor and comfort. The Elite can deliver a lot of light comfortably to your eyes without getting in the way, assuming it’s mounted. But sufficiently bright light sources of any kind can do the same!
I use a combination of SAD lamps and bright overhead lights.
Thank you for the review on Carex Elite Derek. Your work is very much appreciated.
I have enjoyed watching your youtube videos.
Good thing I visited your website before purchasing Carex Classic plus.
Keep up the good work my man.
Thank you very much Donovan!
I was looking to buy this model, but noticed that on both Carex’s own site and on Amazon the advertised lux of this model has dropped to 10,000. Did they downgrade their model, or was the one you tested also only advertised at 10,000 lux? If this changed, does it change your recommendation?
Hi Sharon! Not sure why their marketing is that way, might just be for that “10,000 lux” search term for SEO or something. As far as I’m aware it’s the same product I’ve tested.
Hi. Which therapy SAD lamp do you recommend for use with 230/240 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz. Specifically, for use in New Zealand.
Thank you!
Hi Deb! While I’m not sure what is available for you in New Zealand, our database does have an option for sorting based on 240V compatability!
Your reviews are amazing and I just purchased this Elite! After I hit the purchase button I was seeing some reviews that the off gassing from the plastics has a very strong smell. Did you encounter this or hear any rumblings or sort?
Hi Adrianna! So I’ve seen/heard that as well, all I can say is my unit had no smell! There may have been a bad batch and hopefully Carex corrects this, but I can’t say for certain one way or another :/
Well, I can confirm this is accurate. I’ve had it for about 2 weeks and it is making my entire room smell. Tried leaving outside, and even in the sun to help with the off gassing. Reaching out to Carex now for a replacement or different style and really hope they make it right.
Wow! That sucks. Thanks for reporting that.
Hello, thank you so much for these reviews! Talking about getting the Carex Elite. I was reading reviews online and some people said it had a strong plastic smell that didn’t go away. Have you experienced this? I’m really sensitive to that small and would like to avoid it but I think this would be the best lamp for me. I live in the dark Pacific Northwest in Washington state and want to get a lamp soon here now that it’s fall.
Hey Angela, my model had no smell whatsoever, but it seems some do… it’s a coin toss at this point! I’ve heard recent reports of both. I’d email them and see if it’s their stock or Amazon’s stock and maybe you can find out more details about where best to order from.
Absolutely great reporting! I only wish you would have mentioned whether or not it melted the depression away !!! Haha!
It totally helps!
Appreciate all the work that you have done. I suffer and this is going to help me and your research made my choices much easier. I want relief and it’s hard to know the right choices with with all the different products. Thanks.
Hope you find something that helps Floyd!
The Daylight Classic also allows you to use a VESA mount! Source: my Daylight classic sitting on a VESA mount arm attached to my wall right beside me 😊.
I will say it’s recessed, and I think you some mounts might be just too tight a fit from what I remember, but it absolutely does mount to one if you just remove the built in stand mount.
Great review! I’m thinking of getting the new Elite because I seem to be sensitive to the slight flicker of the Classic, although I’ve had it for years and it works quite well.
You’re totally right! I can’t believe I overlooked this.