Pocket-sized sun: light therapy with the Beurer TL 20
The TL 20 daylight lamp from Beurer brings light into the winter darkness: the compact light therapy lamp impresses with its simplicity and practicality.
If it doesn't really want to get light outside all day, the mood is similarly gloomy and fatigue is correspondingly high, a light therapy lamp can help. In autumn and winter, most people simply lack sufficient light, and a morning light shower with a daylight lamp is an uncomplicated and side-effect-free way to counteract this.
You can find out more about the topic of light therapy and the answers to the most frequently asked questions here:
The Beurer TL 20: Sun in tablet format
I'm a big fan of practical things. This definitely includes the TL 20, as the handy daylight lamp has everything I expect from a light shower without any of the frills.
Thanks to the compact tablet format in DIN A5 size (exactly: 21 x 2 x 13 cm), I can simply put the TL 20 in my pocket and don't have to do without my daily extra dose of daylight even when travelling. There is also no need to read the instruction manual, as the operation of the light is self-explanatory. There is a single button to switch it on and off - that's it.
Source: Anna Sandner
The stand is also practical. The small orange base can be attached to the back to save space. If I want to set up the lamp, I can choose between landscape and portrait format. To do this, I simply insert the holder into the corresponding groove.
Source: Anna Sandner
Source: Anna Sandner
What the TL 20 does not have, however, is a function for dimming the light. I also have to do without a timer and a control app. If you value these additional functions, you may find the TL 100 product test interesting:
Small but powerful
The illuminance, measured in lux, is decisive for the effect of a daylight lamp. With 10000 lux, the TL 20 provides sufficient power. For comparison: normal room lighting has an intensity of around 300 to 500 lux. Due to the small illumination surface (16.5 x 8.5 cm) of the TL 20, I have to sit very close to the device to reach the full lux level. The illuminance decreases with increasing distance from the light source. However, this can be compensated for by using the device for longer.
The manufacturer gives the following recommendations for the TL 20: At a distance of 10 centimetres, a minimum application time of 30 minutes is specified to achieve the desired effect. If the distance is doubled, the application time doubles to one hour with the resulting reduction in illuminance to 5000 lux. At a distance of 30 centimetres, only 2500 lux reaches the retina of your eyes, which is why Beurer recommends two hours of use.
Since the lamp is on my desk and I work during the light shower, I keep it at a distance of around 30 centimetres so that it doesn't get in my way. However, it can then shine on me for several hours so that I get sufficient illuminance. The important thing for me is that I don't run up a horrendous electricity bill. Fortunately, with the TL 20 I don't run any risk here as it is equipped with LEDs.
The big sister TL 30 can do a bit more
As the TL 20 is unfortunately no longer readily available on the market, it is also worth taking a look at the TL 30. It is identical to the TL 20 in almost all respects, but has a larger illumination area (20 x 12 cm instead of 16.5 x 8.5 cm) without having significantly larger external dimensions (2 cm more per side). It also comes with a practical bag for transport.
If you're interested in my experiences with light therapy in general, you can read about them in my "tried and tested" series. I treated myself to a daily light shower for a fortnight. You can find out whether it improved my mood and alertness here:
In a nutshell
A pocket-sized sun that I no longer want to do without
The Beurer TL 20 is a practical, compact daylight lamp in DIN A5 format with good value for money. It is ideal for travelling and can be easily slipped into your pocket. With 10000 lux illuminance, it offers effective light therapy, but due to its size it requires close positioning or longer application times. I am impressed by the lamp's simple handling and energy efficiency. However, it lacks additional functions such as a dimmer, timer and app control.
Pro
- Compact design suitable for travelling
- Good value for money
- energy-efficient LEDs
- Sufficient illuminance of 10000 lux
- Flexible stand for landscape and portrait format
- Simple operation with just one button
Contra
- Longer application times required with greater distance
- No app control
- No integrated timer
- No dimming function
- Small lighting area requires close positioning
Header image: Anna Sandner
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Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
