Comparison

Panel vs mask: which should you buy first?

If your goal is broad body coverage and practical full protocols, start with a panel. If your goal is face-only consistency and fast sessions, start with a mask.

Decision framework

Factor	Panel wins when...	Mask wins when...
Coverage	You want trunk/legs/back exposure.	You only care about face/neck routines.
Session practicality	You prefer fewer repositioning steps over full protocols.	You need very short, habit-friendly sessions.
Budget path	You want one core device and future modular expansion.	You want a lower total setup footprint.
Dose control	You measure at distance and tune routines.	You value guided presets and simple routine flow.

Key takeaways

Choose by adherence: the best device is the one you will use consistently.
Choose by target area: panel for broad coverage, mask for face-specific use.
Use the dose calculator before purchase to estimate realistic time commitment.

Continue with ranked reviews, panel long-form reviews, and mask long-form reviews.