Quick disclosure: We make Photira. This comparison sticks to publicly available specs and FDA clearance data — you can verify every number here independently.
The Short Version
Therabody, the company behind the Theragun massage guns, entered LED skincare with the TheraFace Mask ($649.99) and later launched a more affordable version, the Mask Glo, at $299.99. The Glo trades some LED count and battery life for a lower price and a built-in scalp massage feature. Photira, at $199, sits below both — without the massage function, but covering the same core wavelength categories.
Spec-by-Spec
| Photira | TheraFace Mask Glo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $299.99 (regular $379.99) |
| FDA Status | 510(k) cleared (K254007) | FDA cleared |
| LED Count | 144 | 504 |
| Wavelengths | Red 630 ± 5 nm, Blue 465 ± 5 nm, Red+NIR 850 ± 5 nm | Blue 415nm, Red 633nm, Red+Infrared 633/830nm |
| Session Length | 5 / 10 / 15 min (recommended 10 min, 3x/week) | 12 min daily preset (4 min per wavelength) |
| Extra Features | None — mask only | VibraWave scalp massage (3 settings) |
| Weight | ~355g | ~514g |
| HSA/FSA Eligible | Not currently | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year limited |
Where TheraFace Mask Glo Pulls Ahead
504 LEDs is more than triple Photira's 144, which Therabody markets as more even full-face coverage, including around the eyes and mouth. The scalp massage add-on is a genuine point of differentiation — no LED mask in this comparison set includes it. HSA/FSA eligibility can also make a real difference in out-of-pocket cost if you have either account type.
Where Photira Pulls Ahead
The price gap is the headline: $199 vs. $299.99 (or $379.99 at full price) for devices covering the same three wavelength categories — red, blue, and red+near-infrared. Photira is also lighter at roughly 355g vs. 514g, which matters for longer sessions.
A Note on LED Count
More LEDs generally means more even light distribution across the face, but LED count alone doesn't determine treatment efficacy — wavelength accuracy, irradiance, and session duration all factor in. Neither company publishes independent third-party irradiance testing, so LED count is a reasonable proxy but not the whole picture.
Bottom Line
Both are FDA-cleared. TheraFace Mask Glo is the more feature-rich option if scalp massage and higher LED density matter to you and your budget allows for it. Photira covers the same core wavelength categories at a lower price point without the extras. Verify Photira's 510(k) K254007 clearance directly on the FDA's public database — and do the same for any device before buying.
Related Reading
Photira LED Face Mask — $199
FDA-cleared (510(k) K254007) for wrinkles and mild-to-moderate acne. Red, Blue, or Red + near-infrared, one mode at a time; 10 minutes, 3 times a week. Unopened returns within 30 days; 1-year warranty.
FAQ
How much does the TheraFace Mask Glo cost?
$299.99, compared with Photira's $199 everyday price.
Is Photira FDA-cleared?
Yes — 510(k) K254007, listed under SZ KKS Silicone&Electronic Co., Ltd., cleared for wrinkles and mild-to-moderate acne.
Which mask should I choose?
It depends on your priorities: budget, light modes, and which indications are actually FDA-cleared for each device. Compare the cleared indications — not just the marketing — before deciding.