Choose CORE for broader half-body light coverage, BEAM for targeted positioning, DESK for a compact panel setup, FLOW for full-leg compression with integrated LEDs, or SKIN for a wearable facial skincare routine. The right PRFRM 1 device depends on the area you want to expose, the space you have and the format you prefer.
This guide compares all five products so you can decide where to start. FLOW is a compression system with light built in, and SKIN is a facial mask: neither is a direct substitute for a panel in every situation.
Published by PRFRM 1. This is a guide to our own range, based on listed product specifications checked on 19 October 2026. It is not an independent product test or a ranking of clinical effectiveness.
1. Meet the five PRFRM 1 devices
CORE is the largest panel in this comparison. BEAM directs light towards a smaller area using an adjustable lamp format. DESK provides a compact panel option for smaller spaces.
FLOW combines pneumatic compression boots with red and near-infrared LEDs. SKIN is a rechargeable LED mask designed for cosmetic facial skincare. Start with the format that matches your main use rather than buying the most expensive device by default.
2. CORE vs BEAM vs DESK vs FLOW vs SKIN
The table gives a quick overview. On a phone, swipe within the table to compare the products. Full specifications are also set out below in a format that is easy to read without scrolling sideways.
| Compare | CORE | BEAM | DESK | FLOW | SKIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Half-body panel | Targeted lamp | Compact panel | Compression boots with integrated LEDs | Wearable LED face mask |
| Main use | Broader light coverage in a dedicated setup | Focused light placement with an adjustable stand | A smaller panel setup in limited space | Wearable foot, calf and thigh compression routines | A dedicated cosmetic facial skincare routine |
| Wavelengths | 590, 630, 660, 670, 810, 830, 850, 1060nm | 660, 810, 850, 1060nm | 480, 630, 660, 810, 830, 850, 1060nm | 660 and 850nm | 450, 590, 660, 850nm |
| Coverage | 89 × 30cm at 30cm; 119 × 61cm at 90cm | 15 × 15cm at 30cm | 35 × 30cm at 30cm | Full-leg garment: feet, calves and thighs; check fit before buying | Facial mask format; check dimensions and fit |
| Size and weight | 91 × 30 × 5.4cm; 9.5kg | Listed lamp dimensions 350 × 145mm; 5.3kg. Confirm complete stand footprint before buying. | 3.8kg; physical dimensions are not listed on the current product page—ask before ordering if space is tight. | Boot measurements and total weight are not listed on the current product page—confirm fit with PRFRM 1. | 252 × 185 × 139mm; 730g |
| Irradiance | 135 mW/cm² at 30cm | 215 mW/cm² at 30cm | 101 mW/cm² at 30cm | No comparable irradiance value published on the current product page | No comparable irradiance value published on the current product page |
| Portability | Mains powered; plan a fixed position or suitable mounting | Mains powered; adjustable positioning rather than cordless operation | Mains powered; compact tabletop format | Rechargeable wireless operation; 3200mAh battery listed | Rechargeable 2000mAh battery system |
| Controls | 1–30 minute timer, dimming and NIR pulse control | Timer and 0–40Hz NIR pulse control | 1–30 minute timer, dimming and 0–40Hz NIR pulse control | 6 chambers; 50 / 90 / 130 / 160 / 200mmHg; 3 compression modes; 10 / 20 / 30 minute timer | 84 LEDs; Renew, Clarify, Calm and Complete light modes |
| Included hardware | Panel, power supply, mounting components and user guide | Lamp, power supply, adjustable stand and user guide | Panel, power supply, adjustable stand and user guide | Boots with integrated controls, charging cable and user guide | Mask, controller, adjustable straps, charging cable and user guide |
| Price | £1,299 | £799 | £599 | £699 | £349 |
These are listed manufacturer/supplier specifications, not measurements independently verified for this guide. CORE, BEAM and DESK irradiance figures are shown at the same 30cm distance, but measurement methods and spatial averaging have not been verified as identical. Missing FLOW or SKIN irradiance data does not mean zero output. Prices can change.
CORE: broader coverage
CORE suits a dedicated home recovery space where a larger panel is practical. Its listed illuminated footprint is 89 × 30cm at 30cm and increases to 119 × 61cm at 90cm, while the stated irradiance falls with distance. Those figures describe different setups; the maximum footprint and highest irradiance do not occur together.
BEAM: focused positioning
BEAM suits someone who values directing a lamp towards a particular area. At 30cm, the listed footprint is 15 × 15cm. Its adjustable stand changes positioning convenience, while its focused area distinguishes it from the broader CORE panel.
DESK: a compact panel
DESK suits a tabletop or smaller home setup. Its listed footprint at 30cm is 35 × 30cm. Plan the working distance and a stable position as well as room for the hardware; a compact panel still needs space around it.
FLOW: compression and integrated light
FLOW suits a seated lower-body compression routine. It combines six compression chambers with 80 integrated 660nm and 850nm LEDs. Its controls include five pressure settings, three modes and three timer options. Compression pressure in mmHg cannot be compared with light irradiance in mW/cm².
SKIN: a facial skincare format
SKIN suits someone who wants a device worn over the face. Its 84 LEDs combine four wavelengths across selectable modes. Check the mask's listed dimensions and weight, how it fits and the operating instructions before deciding whether a wearable format suits you.
3. Which product should you choose?
I want broader coverage in a dedicated space
Start with CORE. It is the half-body option in this range. Check mounting, clearances and how you will position yourself before ordering. Half-body coverage does not mean complete full-body exposure in one position.
I want light directed towards a smaller area
Compare BEAM with DESK. Choose BEAM when its adjustable lamp positioning is the priority; choose DESK when a compact panel and wider stated footprint at 30cm better fit your setup.
I want a smaller panel that is easier to accommodate
Start with DESK. Its tabletop format and £599 listed price may make more sense than a larger panel if you do not need half-body coverage. Confirm physical dimensions if your available space is limited.
I want a portable compression routine for my legs
Consider FLOW if compression is what you want. Rechargeable operation avoids a fixed power connection during use. It remains a leg-worn compression system and should be used as directed, including its fit guidance and precautions.
I mainly want facial skincare
Start with SKIN. Its wearable design is more specific to facial routines than a separate lamp or panel. If you are still deciding between formats, read our LED face mask vs red light panel guide.
4. Understanding the technology before you buy
What do wavelengths tell you?
Wavelength, measured in nanometres (nm), describes the light emitted. In this range, 630–670nm entries are red light, while 810–1060nm entries are near-infrared. Some devices also include blue or yellow light. For example, SKIN includes 450nm blue and 590nm yellow; CORE includes 590nm yellow, and DESK includes 480nm blue. The full wavelength list therefore matters more than a generic “red light” label.
Near-infrared light is outside the visible range, so brightness to your eyes is not a reliable measure of the complete output. A longer wavelength list describes more options, but does not by itself prove better results. Check how wavelengths are grouped into modes and follow the device instructions.
What is irradiance?
Irradiance is light power arriving per unit area. Product specifications often express it in mW/cm²; NIST lists irradiance as power per area in SI units. It is different from total electrical power drawn from a socket.
Always read an irradiance figure alongside its measurement distance. BEAM lists 676 mW/cm² at 11cm and 215 mW/cm² at 30cm. Comparing the first number with CORE's 135 mW/cm² at 30cm would mix different distances and coverage areas. Even at equal distances, a fair technical comparison needs information about the measuring instrument, test conditions and whether a reading represents a centre point or an average.
Why distance and exposure area matter
In the published CORE data, moving from 30cm to 90cm increases the footprint from 89 × 30cm to 119 × 61cm while reducing irradiance from 135 to 70 mW/cm². This shows the practical trade-off between illuminated area and output at a particular position.
Do not turn these comparison figures into a new session prescription. Follow the supplied manual for working distance, mode, duration and eye precautions. A maximum listed output is not an instruction to use the closest possible position.
Why higher advertised power does not automatically mean better results
Electrical consumption, LED component labels and irradiance describe different things. A “300 × 5W” LED configuration is not a claim that 1,500W of light reaches your body. Nor does a higher irradiance reading establish that a product is more effective for every use.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that research into home red light devices uses different devices and schedules, making findings difficult to compare. Research about other equipment should not be treated as product-specific proof for the PRFRM 1 range. Choose on documented specifications, intended use and practical fit, with realistic expectations.
5. Buying questions and your next step
Which PRFRM 1 device is best for home use?
There is no single best option for every home. CORE suits broader coverage, BEAM focused positioning, DESK a compact panel setup, FLOW leg compression, and SKIN facial skincare. Decide on your primary use before comparing price or output.
Is FLOW a red light panel?
No. FLOW is full-leg pneumatic compression boots with integrated red and near-infrared LEDs. Its compression functionality is a separate reason to choose it; it does not provide the same setup or adaptable light coverage as a panel.
Which products work without a fixed mains connection during use?
FLOW and SKIN have rechargeable battery systems. CORE, BEAM and DESK use external power supplies. Check charging and operating instructions; portable hardware does not mean the device should be used while walking, driving or exercising.
Do I need more than one device?
No. Start with one product that matches your main routine. Additional devices may offer a different format or coverage, but owning several is not a requirement.
What should I check before ordering?
Check fit, physical dimensions, working distance, included accessories, power requirements, delivery, returns and the current warranty terms. CORE, BEAM and DESK list three-year warranties; SKIN lists one year. Our ownership FAQs also list three years for FLOW. Confirm the applicable terms before purchase.
Read the manual before use. Ask a qualified healthcare professional about suitability if you have a relevant health condition, light sensitivity or take medication that could affect your response to light. For compression, check FLOW's specific precautions rather than applying panel guidance to the boots.
Where can I get help choosing?
Read the PRFRM 1 FAQs or use the contact link on our website. Tell us your intended area, available space and whether you want a mask, panel, lamp or compression system. We can help with product selection and setup questions.
Your starting point: CORE for broader coverage, BEAM for targeted placement, DESK for compact spaces, FLOW for leg compression, or SKIN for facial skincare.
Specifications and prices checked on 19 October 2026 against the linked PRFRM 1 product pages. Details can change; check each listing and manual before purchase. Missing measurements have been identified rather than estimated. This guide provides general product-selection information and makes no guarantee of cosmetic, recovery or medical outcomes.
