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By Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Expert Verified by Dr. Jen Roper, PhD, CSCS
Reviewed by Amanda Dvorak, CPT
Fact Checked by Kelly Uhler
Our thorough review process included testing several top-rated infrared saunas and assessing them against a rigorous set of criteria that includes cost, heating efficiency, ease of use, and additional features.
For this review, we relied on the expertise of quadruple-board certified physician and clinical researcher Dr. Raj and Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS. We also worked with Amanda Dvorak, a fitness editor and certified personal trainer, and Kelly Uhler, who has prior experience in health care and elder care.
Unlike traditional saunas , which use wood to create heat, infrared saunas use light. ( 1 ) This allows them to work at lower temperatures. Infrared saunas are gaining popularity for their relaxation and health benefits, but choosing the best infrared sauna for home use can be daunting. It requires careful consideration of the size, cost, materials, and additional features. Luckily, we’re here to help.
In this article, our team of experts explores the best infrared saunas on the market, guiding you through the array of options available. From portable one-person designs to luxurious multi-person models, we highlight the nine best infrared saunas on the market so you can choose which one works best for your lifestyle.
We chose Sun Home Saunas Solstice Infrared Sauna for its premium features and quality construction. With energy-efficient carbon fiber heating panels, built-in chromotherapy lighting, a Bluetooth surround sound system, and a programmable timer, it offers a luxurious and customizable sauna experience.
The Sun Home Solstice 2-Person Infrared Sauna is our top pick for an infrared sauna because it combines safe, natural products, patented heating technology, and medical-grade chromotherapy.
We love the Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna because it fuses craftsmanship with technology.
As a start, this sauna is great for anyone looking to reap the benefits of full-body infrared heat, which has been shown to help with muscle recovery. ( 2 ) Designed and endorsed by doctors, the Sun Home Solstice uses advanced heating technology with far-infrared light (FIR). The company claims that the chromotherapy LED lights may provide additional healing benefits, such as decreased blood pressure and reduced stress levels. ( 3 ) Because they use a special EMF/ELF shielding technology, Sun Home Saunas also claims that your sauna session won’t expose you to high electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions. ( 4 )
This sauna earns additional bonus points for sustainability by using eco-certified eucalyptus wood. The sleek design is durable and mold-resistant thanks to the eucalyptus wood, but you’ll need a good amount of space to fit this in your home. It’s almost 7 feet tall, and you’ll have to leave another 7-10 inches of space above the sauna.
We love the intuitive digital control panel that lets you adjust the temperature, lighting, and sound. You can pop on a guided meditation, play your favorite music, or simply shut it all off without leaving the sauna.
While this sauna may sound like a dream come true, it does come at a high cost. At just under $5,400, it’s on the expensive end of home saunas. Two people can fit in it, but the interior can feel cramped. It may be more comfortable for one person at a time.
The Sunlighten mPulse Aspire uses near-, mid-, and far-infrared light options to create seven wellness experiences. Powered by a handheld Android tablet, this sauna emits low EMFs while allowing for a personalized sauna experience.
The Sunlighten mPulse Aspire is a great sauna for any person looking to enjoy the benefits of red, or near-infrared (NIR), light. The benefits of red light therapy are mainly aesthetic, such as promoting cell proliferation and skin rejuvenation. ( 5 ) With 3 NIR lights on top of the 5 FIR and 3 MIR lights, this gives you a truly complete wellness experience.
“Infrared saunas emit light in the infrared spectrum, which penetrates deep into the skin, which may help to stimulate collagen production, possibly improving blood circulation, and promoting cell regeneration,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician and clinical researcher. “This has been reported to have a range of aesthetic benefits such as smoother, more youthful-looking skin and reduced appearance of wrinkles.”
In our testing, we found that the two standout features of this sauna are the customizability and control. A handheld Android tablet lets you control the sauna’s settings, from picking which lights you want to setting a timer and controlling the temperature.
Unfortunately, with tech advances can also come problems. Some users describe the tablet not working on occasion and needing to restart it to get their sauna experience going. This, of course, isn’t ideal when you’re seeking a relaxing and meditative experience.
We also don’t love that you must enter your phone number and email address to access pricing details. This information should be upfront and clear on the website so you can easily compare and contrast options.
You need a dedicated 120-volt 20-amp outlet to power the various light panels and chromotherapy. The bench has a nice curve that allows you to sit comfortably. We love the large glass door and the extra side glass panel to help you feel less enclosed in the small space.
You can choose basswood, eucalyptus, or a eucalyptus/cedar blend when purchasing your sauna. Note, though, that the choice of wood will affect the scent, cost, and weight of the sauna.
“Eucalyptus has been known to have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and psychological effects,” adds Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS. ( 6 , 7 ) “Having the choice in wood type adds value to this sauna choice, particularly if you have significant stressors in life.”
On Trustpilot, customers are happy with their experience using the Sunlighten mPulse Aspire. People credit the sauna for being effective and high quality and say the brand offers excellent customer service.
Verified reviewer Kendra F. remarked on the surprisingly easy assembly process stating, “The portable sauna is super easy to assemble and move around.”
Another verified TrustPilot reviewer, Jennifer, values the design and functionality of the sauna.
“It’s beautiful and comfortable. The lighting is nice and the tablet allows me to listen to music, listen to audiobooks, or read an online book.”
However, not all reviews are glowing. TrustPilot reviewer Joseph M. reported technical difficulties, such as the mobile functions not working at times. He also noted that the sauna randomly stops running, requiring a restart.
Overall, customers express high satisfaction with their purchase, with several recommending the mPulse Aspire to others seeking a premium sauna experience.
The HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket is a great option for anyone seeking the benefits of infrared heat without the space or budget for a standalone sauna.
Not everyone can fit a full-size sauna in their home. We love that this model provides increased access to saunas, allowing people who live in apartments or rental homes to enjoy infrared sauna benefits despite spatial limitations.
We found the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket to be convenient and easy to use, but you’ll have to do some planning to fully relax when using it. For example, its design is more like a sleeping bag than a blanket. You have to position yourself well by lying on the floor or on a bed to prevent the sleek surface from sliding around. You can easily adjust the intensity of the heat to suit your preferences with a handheld temperature dial. However, you’ll have limited use of your arms and hands once zipped in.
“Due to the construction of the blanket, this may not be ideal for anyone claustrophobic and they may want to opt for a small, portable sauna for peace of mind,” Roper.
Unlike a traditional sauna, the heat is in direct contact with your body. You may not be able to tolerate the same temperatures as a regular sauna. You can purchase inserts that act as a protective barrier for the skin through HigherDose or save money by using a towel.
While the sauna blanket offers accessibility and simplicity, the design limits access to the head and face and excludes them from the FIR technology benefits. This is even more true for individuals above six feet tall and those above average weight.
“Far Infrared (FIR) technology may help relieve pain by getting deep into your muscles and easing tension. It might also improve your sleep by helping your body produce more melatonin, which means you’ll feel more relaxed at bedtime and sleep better at night.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, Fortune Recommends Advisor
Despite some limitations, the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket provides a unique alternative to traditional saunas at a lower cost. This blanket costs $699, but a traditional sauna can cost thousands of dollars. It uses only 100-120 volts compared to the usual 120-240 volts required by standing saunas, but the experience is less immersive.
Customers on Amazon are divided over this sauna blanket. Some love the convenience and ease of use, and others find it unaccommodating for larger bodies and uncomfortable on the feet.
Verified Amazon buyer Liesel R. describes the sauna as “uncomfortable for your feet,” explaining that the weight combined with the heat of the blanket can compress and fold the feet forward, “not allowing them to rest.”
Another verified Amazon customer, Jessica E., writes, “I loved my sauna blanket until it melted!” She is not the only one to comment on this technical issue.
Despite these grievances, most users are happy with their purchase and use their sauna blanket regularly. Pamela A. reports using the blanket three times per week and says it has improved her circulation and overall mood. In her words, “It is pricey but I’m glad I bought it.”
Sun Home Luminar is a spacious two-person outdoor sauna that combines a beautiful design with advanced technology to create a full-spectrum and full-body wellness experience.
The Luminar outdoor infrared sauna has all the features you could ask for in an outdoor sauna , but they come at a cost. The Luminar is best for people with ample outdoor space and a large budget.
With its sleek black exterior, large panoramic window, and glass door, the Sun Home Luminar sauna is both inviting and impressive. Made from carbonized cedar, it’s built to last and endure all four seasons.
Six full-spectrum heaters line the main cabin, and an L-shaped bench makes the space feel open and endless. We love the addition of 3 FIR heaters, which are located under the bench to target your calves. Some research claims that FIR heat can improve blood pressure, increase exercise tolerance, and reduce stress. ( 8 )
Smart technology allows app-enabled control of both temperature and lighting. The temperature maxes out at 150℉, but it can take longer to get to this temperature on cold days. Bluetooth-enabled speakers allow you to add music, guided meditations, or nature sounds to complete the experience.
Sun Home claims to have the lowest EMF/ELF levels in the industry due to shielding technology, but comparative data would help assess their validity. Nevertheless, despite a high price tag of over $8,000 and some technical hiccups that may come with the advanced technology, this sauna is beautiful and effective.
The Sunlighten Amplify sauna offers advanced features such as full-spectrum infrared technology, customizable wellness programs, and Bluetooth-enabled audio for a personalized sauna experience.
The Sunlighten Amplify looks beautiful from the outside, but what happens inside the lights make it really stand out. The Amplify sauna is for those who like intense heat, hence its name. So if you like to get hot and sweaty, this may be the home infrared sauna for you.
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, adds a word of caution, though. “While some people may prefer to use high temperatures in a sauna, research shows that even the lower temperatures can still provide some benefits for exercise recovery.” ( 9 )
Sunlighten claims that its heating system maximizes the emission of high-quality infrared waves for optimal absorption by the body, although we had no way of evaluating these claims.
It also incorporates halogen heaters to ramp up the heat quickly, which we found ensures a hotter sauna experience with virtually no harmful EMFs. It takes 35-45 minutes to reach the max temperature of 165℉ but only about 20 minutes to get to the therapeutic range of 119-125℉. Both time frames are quicker than other infrared saunas of this size.
But the sauna stands out for more than just the heating technology. We love that users can customize their sauna experience. Using a digital touchscreen, you can select from various pre-set wellness programs tailored to specific needs, such as detoxification or relaxation. You can also customize the LED chromotherapy lighting to match your mood. For example, if you’re looking for a calming effect, you can switch the lighting to blue. ( 10 )
If you hate to sauna in silence, you’re in luck. The Amplify comes with a sound system that uses Bluetooth, MP3 WMA playback, AM/FM, AUX, and USB/SD inputs with built-in speakers.
While the Sunlighten Amplify sauna offers all these impressive features, it comes at a higher price than many other home saunas. Additionally, assembly and installation may require additional time and effort, particularly for those without prior experience.
The HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna combines full-spectrum infrared heating technology with low EMF in a sleek and stylish design that will make you feel like you’re at the spa.
We love any infrared sauna with low EMF emissions, but the HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna is especially notable for its high heating capabilities, full-spectrum rays, and stylish design elements.
The outside of this sauna is as beautiful as its interior. Large glass doors and windows show off the mahogany and chromotherapy lighting on the inside. The charcoal-colored exterior helps the large structure blend into your home space. While other home stand-alone saunas can look large and bulky, this one looks like it belongs.
That said, you still need ample space for this sauna. You can choose from a two-person or three-person model (the specs listed here are for the smaller one), but even the two-person model is one of the largest saunas on our list.
This sauna covers the full spectrum of infrared wavelengths. Far-infrared heaters line the back, side walls, and floor, while full-spectrum heaters line the front wall. Heaters under the benches target your calves, so every inch of your body can benefit from the infrared heat. With the chromotherapy light, it officially covers all the bases.
“Chromotherapy, or color therapy, is still being studied, but some people find it helpful for things like boosting mood or reducing stress,” adds Dr. Dasgupta. “The idea is that different colors can have different effects on how we feel and even on our health.”
While this sauna only requires 120 volts and 20 amps to operate, add-ons such as red light can push you towards additional electrical requirements.
Also, the price of the sauna doesn’t include delivery. Delivery costs between $600 and $1,000 and doesn’t come with assembly. For an additional cost, you can hire someone to help you put it together, but you have to call the company to request this service.
Unlike most home infrared saunas on the market, the HigherDose sauna has a removable bench. A removable bench is a great detail for those who like to incorporate movement or stretching into their sauna session. According to Roper, research is limited on the combination of stretching during a sauna session and its potential impact on recovery. But the combination of movement and temperature helps increase circulation, which can provide various health benefits.
With a digital control system, swivel iPad holder, and Bluetooth connectivity, there are endless ways to enjoy your time in this sauna—all while minimizing any harmful EMFs.
The Dynamic Andora Infrared Sauna includes six low-EMF carbon heating panels, a chromotherapy lighting system, and a Bluetooth sound system. With its Canadian hemlock wood construction and easy-to-assemble design, it’s a durable and convenient home sauna with many desirable features.
For those seeking a luxurious home sauna experience at a relatively low price, the Dynamic Andora sauna gets the job done. This two-person infrared sauna comes with six low-EMF carbon heating panels, so you get the benefits of far-infrared heat. But it also includes chromotherapy lighting to enhance the overall ambiance. While most home infrared saunas with these features cost upwards of $4,000, the Dynamic Andora 2-person Low EMF sauna lets you have it for just over $2,000.
Technically it is a two-person sauna, but we recommend using it alone. Unless you want your damp, sweaty arms touching someone else’s, it’ll be a more enjoyable and personalized experience to use it alone.
We love the digital soft touch control panel that is accessible both inside and outside of the sauna. Using this touchpad, you can pick from various chromotherapy colors, change the temperature, and set a timer. You can also control the Bluetooth sound system and pick from a guided meditation , calming music, or a podcast. You won’t find many other home infrared saunas with all these features at this price point.
If you love high heat, note that this sauna maxes out at 140℉, which is lower than other similar models. However, infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures than steam saunas. Plus, we recommend starting with lower temperatures if you’re new to using a sauna.
Constructed from thick Canadian hemlock wood, our evaluation found the sauna to be durable, well-insulated, and energy-efficient. Many saunas boast an easy assembly process, but this one actually is simple. Because it uses magnetic panels that clasp together, you can complete assembly in less than an hour with two people. You don’t need any special wiring, so you can plug it in and start using it almost immediately after assembly.
While the Dynamic Andora sauna offers numerous benefits, potential buyers should consider its size and space requirements before purchasing. You’ll need adequate room to assemble the sauna, and space above and around the sauna for safety getting in and out.
Customers on Amazon love this sauna due to the ease of assembly, performance, and quality of the experience. Users repeatedly confirm that the sauna comes two to three people can complete the setup quite quickly.
Sharon G. is among the 85% of Amazon reviewers who rated the sauna highly.
“I love the colorful mood lighting options as well as the Bluetooth speaker system. It truly makes for a wonderful at-home spa experience! This purchase is well worth the money spent for us!”
Another verified Amazon user, Jason S., praises its functionality. “It worked great and heated up to temperature in about 35 minutes.”
However, a few customers said their new sauna came with cracks in some wood panels. Another noted that even after a few hours, the sauna didn’t reach the max temperature of 140℉.
Overall, customers are happy with their Dynamic Andora saunas and find it is well worth the cost and provides them with many health benefits.
The SereneLife Full Size Portable Infrared Home Spa is a convenient and compact sauna for at-home use. Featuring a foldable chair, foot pad heating mat, and remote control for timer and heat settings, it is our pick for the best portable sauna.
Imagine if, for under $400, you could enjoy all the benefits of infrared heat, from improved relaxation and sleep to reduced stress and improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. ( 11 , 12 ) Well, you can.
This portable sauna delivers all of these health benefits and more at a fraction of the cost of a standard sauna. It might not look as sleek or feel as luxurious as the larger wooden models, but if space and funds are limited, this sauna gets the job done. We love that this sauna makes the benefits of infrared heat more accessible to people of various economic backgrounds.
According to the user manual, it only takes 5 minutes to reach 131°F. (The listed max temperature is 140°F, but customers report that it rarely gets that high.) While slightly on the lower end of the spectrum, 130-140°F is still considered a therapeutic range for infrared heat. However, many users say it takes closer to 15 minutes to heat up, and it’s difficult to get the temperature to stay above 120℉. It likely comes down to how well insulated you can keep the cabin.
The sauna puts out 1300 Watts of power and uses FIR heating from the roof and a heated foot pad. It comes with a folding chair and handheld remote, so you control the temperature and time from the inside. When done, simply unzip the zipper door and make your way out.
Things to consider: If you are taller than 5”10”, you won’t be able to stand in this sauna. It’s 70’9” tall, so you’ll have to duck slightly to avoid the overhead heater, then stay seated.
With assembly taking less than 10 minutes and a low cost of operation compared to other saunas, it’s easy to see why the SereneLife Full Size Portable Infrared Home Spa is our best portable sauna. But with affordability comes less durability. The more you use this sauna and assemble and disassemble it, the shorter its lifespan.
It’s clear from the reviews that people are satisfied with this sauna. The heating technology is generally effective, assembly is easy, and the cost is accessible.
“The FIR direct heat does not heat up the rest of the room…nor do I have excess moisture from steam; I like the dry heat that feels targeted at me.“
Another user, Kimmie G. says she loves the interior red light and finds the interior space “nice and cozy.”
However, one unhappy Amazon user notes the heat function becoming less effective over time: “Temps were progressively falling lower and lower, session over session.” They attributed this to insulation issues but found the problem difficult to solve. Another noted they measured very high EMFs, making the sauna less safe than other infrared saunas with protective EMF shielding.
The Dynamic Barcelona sauna provides far-infrared heating technology with low EMF, making it an affordable option for home use. With its compact design and efficient heating system, it’s suitable for users seeking a convenient and effective infrared sauna experience.
Whenever you can get a luxury sauna experience on a budget, it’s a win. This sauna is a huge step up from the portable saunas without being very expensive. While it is a tight squeeze for two people, it can accommodate one person comfortably.
We appreciate the easy assembly, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient design. Using natural hemlock wood, this sauna is lighter (250 pounds) than most one- to two-person home infrared saunas. This is important, given you and one or two friends will be putting each panel together. Luckily, you won’t need any power tools because the panels click into each other. That said, you’ll still need space and time (reportedly, less than one hour) to put it together.
Once assembled, check the door. Some users claim the door doesn’t close well, leading to heat leaking out. As long as construction is successful and all the parts are intact, the door should close securely allowing the thick insulated walls to keep all that infrared heat in. But don’t rush the assembly process or the sauna may have trouble maintaining higher heat.
We love the practical two-way soft touch control panel that allows you to control temperature and timing from inside or outside the sauna. An iPhone shelf, reading light, and magazine rack encourage you to get comfortable while you’re enjoying your session. However, the flat wood bench and walls aren’t the most ergonomic.
Ultimately, you’re here for the heat. Six infrared carbon low EMF energy-efficient heating panels line the sauna. Amazon claims these heaters are 30% larger than saunas heated by ceramic tubes and penetrate skin 40% more, maximizing the therapeutic benefits.
While not as sleek as some of the pricier models, this home infrared sauna packs therapeutic levels of heat at a lower cost than the competition. Maintenance is also easy: Simply wipe the sauna down with a wet cloth and you’re done.
Customers on Amazon love the ease of use, value and comfort of using this easy-to-assemble sauna, but almost everyone says to stick with just one person using the sauna at a time.
Verified Amazon buyer Chris Q. raves, “It works like a dream!” She notes that the sauna heats up to 151℉ in about 15 minutes, though she says she is hesitant to lean back, noting that is where the heat comes out.
Unfortunately, some Amazon customers notice inconsistencies in the time it takes to heat the sauna. Due to occasional design flaws that may come with self-assembly, heat can escape around the door making it hard for the sauna to stay evenly and consistently warm.
Overall, the majority of users are happy with this sauna and feel the benefits, making it worth the cost.
Recovery is essential, not just for athletes but for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether through heat therapy in a sauna or cold therapy in a cold plunge tub , these methods can significantly enhance your recovery process. Choosing the right infrared sauna involves considering a range of factors to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Our process is comprehensive, combining physical product testing with expert input to assess everything from effectiveness and ease of use to durability and safety standards.
You can read our full recovery product testing methodology here.
A high-quality infrared sauna should deliver on its promise of aiding your recovery process. Performance encompasses various critical aspects, including the ability of saunas to reach and maintain desired temperatures for heat therapy. Our testers assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the saunas as well as the user’s recovery experience.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
Alongside effectiveness, design is paramount for a positive recovery experience. It factors in how these therapies support and enhance the user’s overall well-being, whether sitting in a sauna or immersed in a cold plunge tub. The health and safety aspects are also critical, especially for products used in close contact with the body or for therapeutic purposes like saunas. This category scrutinizes the measures and features implemented by manufacturers to protect users from potential hazards while also assessing the health-promoting aspects of the saunas.
This category delves into the intersection of quality, performance, durability, and the financial investment required to identify saunas that offer significant health and wellness returns without the financial burden. This offers a holistic view of the sauna’s worth by balancing the initial investment against the quality, benefits, and ongoing costs associated with its use. This approach helps consumers make informed decisions, identify saunas that meet their recovery needs, and represent a wise and sustainable financial investment.
The overall purchasing and ownership experience can significantly impact satisfaction with a sauna. This category focuses on consumers’ journeys, from initial interest to post-purchase support. The assessment goes beyond the physical attributes and considers the entirety of the process, including shipping, customer support, assembly, and more.
Our factors in this rating include:
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to emit heat instead of a stove, as in a traditional dry or steam sauna. Infrared saunas specifically use far-infrared radiation. While the heat emitted by an infrared sauna is much lower than that in a traditional sauna, typically ranging from 104°F to 140°F, infrared heat can also penetrate the skin deeper than the heat of a traditional sauna. ( 13 )
Infrared saunas come in various forms, from luxurious walk-in saunas to portable, pop-up saunas and even blankets.
Choosing the best infrared sauna for your budget and lifestyle requires careful consideration of several key factors.
When purchasing an infrared sauna, considering cost is essential to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your investment. While higher-priced models may offer additional features or superior build quality, it’s important to weigh these benefits against your budget and intended usage. By finding a balance between cost and features, you can ensure that you’re getting a sauna that meets your needs without overspending.
Safety is paramount when selecting an infrared sauna, as it directly impacts your well-being during use. Assessing safety features such as low EMF emissions, tempered glass doors, and proper ventilation helps mitigate potential risks associated with prolonged sauna sessions. Prioritizing safety ensures a worry-free and enjoyable sauna experience while safeguarding against potential hazards.
When choosing an infrared sauna, size and capacity play crucial roles in ensuring comfort and usability. Consider the dimensions your space can accommodate, and whether you intend to use your sauna alone or with one or more people. Whether opting for a compact one-person sauna or a larger multi-person model, selecting the right size is critical to ensuring you will be able to use your sauna how and where you want.
Mini Sauna The assembly process is an important factor to con