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 a one-hour period.
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 lamps and 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!