The 6 Best Infrared Saunas for Every Budget and Lifestyle

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Harnessing the power of infrared is a (relatively) newer 19th-century concept. However, archaeological evidence suggests that trapped heat therapy via sauna predates even rudimentary plumbing systems by hundreds of years. Today we get to enjoy the best of both worlds: You can relax in saunas that use tech as old as time, or you can sweat out the toxins in an infrared sauna that has a look and feel straight from Star Trek.

And if you’re fortunate enough to have the spare income to house such a splurge, you may want to consider several reasons beyond the aesthetics alone to have an infrared sauna, rather than a traditional steam sauna in the home. “Infrared saunas work by emitting infrared light rays, which have a longer wavelength than visible light. These wavelengths penetrate body tissues and cause a heating effect,” says Dave Candy, DPT, a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy.

The main benefits of an infrared sauna? Infrared rays can penetrate deeper into body tissues than a normal sauna, Candy says, adding that “because an infrared sauna uses radiant heat, it can heat the body tissues without significantly heating the surrounding air, which can make it more comfortable for the user.”

I can personally attest to that perk of infrared saunas, having stepped into both numerous traditional steam saunas, and most recently, an infrared sauna that closely resembled our top pick, the Sun Home Equinox, at my local health club. The air didn’t feel as hot and stifling, but my body’s reaction was definitely still comparable. As a result, I was able to tolerate a much longer sweat session in the infrared sauna. Most importantly, I felt crisp and relaxed afterward. If you’re ready to invest in having the best infrared sauna within your own home, we’ve rounded up the top brands to suit every budget, living space and health concern. Here are our selections:

Our Picks for the Best Infrared Saunas:

• Best Overall Infrared Sauna: Sun Home Equinox Full-Spectrum 2-Person Sauna
• Best Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten Amplify Sauna
• Best Portable Infrared Sauna: HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket
• Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Sauna
• Best Low EMF Infrared Sauna: Dynamic Andora 2-Person Infrared Sauna
• Best Budget Infrared Sauna: Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna

Best Overall Infrared Sauna: Sun Home Equinox Full-Spectrum 2-Person Sauna

Key Features:

• Number of people: 2
• Dimensions: 50.9 inches x 77.7 inches x 45.9 inches
• Highest temperature: Up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heat/power source: 500W infrared heaters; plugs into a 120 volt/20 amp outlet
• Extra features: Bluetooth surround sound speakers, chromotherapy lights
• Price at time of publication: $7,000
• Financing available: Yes, via Affirm (0–15% APR)
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: 7-year limited lifetime warranty for cabinetry and heaters; 3-years warranty for controls

Sun Home Saunas craft high-quality temperature therapy products like their infrared saunas and Cold Plunge Pro. They are known to build items that last and provide a top-of-the-line experience while doing so, something evident in the online reviews. Those who left feedback online near-universally gave the sauna 5-star reviews (there’s a lone 4-star exception), citing its construction, efficiency and therapeutic benefits. Relief of joint pain was a common refrain in reviews, as well as the ease of assembly and how quickly the sauna can heat up for use.

The Sun Home Equinox Sauna is slightly taller than others on the market to allow for comfortable use for taller individuals who don't want to feel cramped. Though the only available wood is pine, the sauna can reach astoundingly high temperatures and has a premium surround sound system with Bluetooth speakers to add to your experience.

Pros:

• Cited as the only infrared sauna to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit
• Includes chromotherapy lighting (color light therapy)
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Luxury infrared sauna with a price tag to match

Best Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten Amplify

Key Features:

• Number of people: Two to three, depending on model
• Dimensions: Amplify II–45.9 inches L x 50.9 inches W x 77.7 inches H, Amplify III–45.9 inches L x 62.3 inches W x 77.7 inches H
• Highest temperature: 165 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heat/power source: Two 500-watt full-spectrum heaters and four far-infrared heaters; plugs into 120-volt outlet (20A circuit required)
• Extra features: Chromotherapy system, premium sound system, Celliant heater covers
• Price at time of publication: Amplify II $8,049, Amplify III $8,749
• Financing available: Ally Lending (6, 12 or 18 months)
• Shipping: 7-10 business days
• Warranty: 7-year residential limited lifetime on cabinetry and heaters, 3 years on controls, 1 year on stereo

The Sunlighten Amplify sauna features full-spectrum heating designed to deliver the benefits of all types of infrared: near, mid and far. Near helps to really heat your body up directly, while far infrared penetrates deep into tissues. In addition to four infrared heaters, the Amplify sauna includes a pair of 500-watt full-spectrum halogen heaters for hotter ambient air temperatures inside the cabin. Sunlighten also uses SoloCarbon coating on its infrared heaters to maximize mid and far infrared.

You can choose between the two-person Amplify II or the three-person Amplify III. Each Amplify sauna also includes a chromotherapy system and a Blaupunkt media player with built-in speakers. And for the ultimate full-spectrum experience (metaphorically), we suggest pairing your infrared sauna with a cold plunge tub or ice bath.

Pros:

• Full-spectrum/far infrared heating system with six heaters
• Eucalyptus or basswood options
• Designed to heat up quickly

Cons:

• No floor heaters

Best Portable Infrared Sauna: HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

Use code HDBFCM for 20% off on HigherDOSE products through Cyber Monday!

Key Features:

• Number of people: 1
• Dimensions: 71 inches x 71 inches
• Highest temperature: 158 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heat/power source: 100-120 Volts  
• Extra features: Hand-held controller, crystal layer
• Price at time of publication: $699
• Financing available: Yes, via Affirm
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

All the health benefits of an infrared sauna but in a package the size of a sleeping bag? Sign us up. Indeed, the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket really is akin to a high-tech sleeping bag, enveloping your body from shoulders to toes in heated bliss. All you need is access to a safe outlet. 

This infrared sauna blanket is composed of several layers: a non-toxic PUI leather layer on top, then a far infrared layer, a layer of crystals, charcoal and magnetic material, followed by a heating crystal layer and finally a bottom layer that is low in frequency currents, which adds to the blanket's safety. This blanket has eight temperature settings and is designed to be used in 30 to 45-minute sessions.

Check out our HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket review for more information. 

Pros:

• Won’t usurp the extensive floor space of a full-size infrared sauna
• Water-resistant layers and design help to contain moisture from sweat
• Crystal and magnetic layers add extra potential health benefits

Cons:

• One of the pricier infrared sauna blankets

Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Sauna

Key Features:

• Number of people: 5
• Dimensions: 83 inches x 82 inches x 52 inches
• Highest temperature: 150 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heat/power source: Three far-infrared heaters, six full-spectrum heaters; plugs into a 240 volt outlet
• Extra features: Remote-controlled adjustable heat, surround sound speakers, chromotherapy lights
• Price at time of publication: $9,599
• Financing available: Yes, via Affirm (0–15% APR)
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: 6-year limited warranty on carbon heaters; 1 year for all other components

Grabbing shade under a cabana is nice and all, but an outdoor sauna adds visual appeal and then some to your backyard oasis. Sun Home's five-person outdoor infrared sauna is an especially impressive way to entertain poolside company. The sauna’s patented, full-spectrum infrared heaters are paired with chromotherapy lights. Unlike a super steamy sauna, infrared saunas offer a room with a view, especially with this sauna's panoramic glass windows. Crafted with Japanese carbonized wood, this sauna is built to maintain ideal sauna temperature levels even while the temperatures outdoors drop.

Extra features on this sauna sweeten the deal even further: Chromotherapy, Bluetooth surround sound, mobile app controls and exterior lighting all add additional elements of luxury to this outdoor sauna. 

Pros:

• Bluetooth surround sound system with premium built-in speakers and iOS/Android smartphone app for controls
• Complete lifetime warranty on every spa component
• Medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights part of sauna package

Cons:

• May be difficult to find space, given the sauna’s size
• One of the priciest home infrared saunas

Best Low EMF Infrared Sauna: Dynamic Andora 2-Person Infrared Sauna

Key Features:

• Number of people: 2
• Dimensions: 48 inches x 42 inches x 75 inches
• Highest temperature: 140 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heat/power source: 6 infrared carbon low EMF energy efficient heating panels; plugs into 110 volt/15 amp outlet
• Extra features: MP3 auxiliary connection and two speakers and pre amp
• Price at time of publication: $2,332.39
• Financing available: Yes, via Amazon Visa
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: N/A

The Dynamic sauna brand has gained some steam in part because models can be found inside Costco stores. However, if brick-and-mortar shopping isn’t your style, you can also turn to Amazon to nab the Dynamic Andora.

Like the other saunas on our list, Dynamic Andora is a sleek sauna with penetrating heat, but low levels of EMF (electromagnetic fields associated with electrical power, also sometimes known as “radiation”). The infrared sauna, which can be financed if approved for the Amazon Visa credit card, is designed for two. Reviewers said assembly of the sauna, which features Canadian Hemlock wood, was straightforward.

A touch temperature control panel and an LED display with a built-in MP3 aux connection make it easy to tailor your sauna experience. Just be aware that while you can bring tablets like a phone inside an infrared sauna for some time without worries of damage, the device could eventually overheat.

Check out our Dynamic Andora Infrared Sauna review for more information.

Pros:

• Energy-efficient design
• Solid build of tempered glass for the door and windows
• Reviewers said sauna is easy to unpack and assemble

Cons:

• Not a particularly robust maximum heat

Best Budget Infrared Sauna: Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna

Key Features:

• Number of people: 1
• Dimensions: 27.6 inches x 31.5 inches x 37.8 inches
• Highest temperature: 140 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heat/power source: Corded electric, carbon fiber nano heaters
• Extra features: Reinforced portable chair, heating foot pad, preheating pad
• Price at time of publication: $177.99
• Financing available: Yes, via Affirm (10–36% APR)
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: N/A

We won’t lie. You’ll kind of look like a magician’s assistant about to be “sawed” in half when using a portable infrared sauna of this variety. But if you can get over how goofy (or cool, depending on your take) you look, a portable sauna like the Smartmak is a way to get all the health benefits of an infrared sauna without breaking the bank.

Despite this infrared sauna’s simplicity of design, you get exactly what you need from it thanks to a carbon filter with nano heaters for even heat across your body. The sauna is about as easy to set up as a tent, and likewise is portable. A foldable chair and heated foot pad are also included to help you settle into your home spa set-up.

Pros:

• Portable and packable when not in use
• In the sauna, your hands and head are free so you can use devices or read
• A preheating pad helps speed up the heating process

Cons:

• Requires you to be stationary, sitting
• Unless you have room to house it, sauna has to be assembled after each use

Why Buy an Infrared Sauna?

The health benefits of regularly engaging with a traditional steam sauna are fairly well-established by research and include reduction of risk of cardiovascular distance, pain relief and alleviation of certain skin ailments. But should you opt for the infrared sauna experience? Or is it just another fad? Albeit research on infrared saunas is more limited, Doctor of Physical Therapy Nathan Kadlecek says studies on the benefits are similarly promising, writing that “...some research has suggested that infrared saunas might improve vascular function, boost the immune system, and facilitate recovery after strenuous exercise.” There have also been studies touting the anti-inflammatory effect of certain infrared therapies.

Registered holistic nutritionist Taylor Osbaldeston says the deeper sweating many people can achieve thanks to the less intense sensation of heat within an infrared sauna compared to a traditional one offers benefits as well. “Deep sweating can aid in flushing out toxins and metabolic waste, promoting post-workout recovery and potentially reducing muscle soreness, enabling athletes to bounce back quicker for their next training session,” she says. Beyond quicker recovery, the deep heat penetration may also enhance athletic performance by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles, Osbaldeston adds.

How Do Infrared Saunas Work?

“Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas directly warm your body, promoting increased blood circulation and inducing a deep, detoxifying sweat,” Osbaldeston says.

Infrared saunas are able to directly warm the body by penetrating the body’s tissues with infrared radiation. But wait—isn’t “radiation” the last thing you’d want to subject your body to? Well, it’s not that simple. Although there are concerns about the amount of radiation the average adult should be exposed to, infrared saunas emit a negligible dose of EMFs, which are also found in electrical devices like power lines, cell phones and household appliances. EMFs, short for electromagnetic fields, is the commonly used term to describe such radiation with regard to infrared saunas. Technically speaking though, the electromagnetic forces within an EMF are caused by electromagnetic radiation.

Dr. Dave Candy did note however that those with an elevated risk to high levels of EMFs, such as X-Ray technicians, may need to be more mindful about their cumulative exposure to EMFs.

Are Infared Saunas Worth it?

Deciding whether the cost of a piece of fitness equipment is justified means making a value judgment. How do the benefits compare with the expense?

In the case of infrared saunas, the potential benefits cited by doctors and other health experts include detoxification, improved immune system and more vigorous blood circulation. Although it's difficult to put a dollar value on better health, making fewer co-pays for trips to the doctor and buying less cold medicine would be a financial plus. So you can weigh those factors against the one-time cost of buying an infrared sauna, as well as the cost of electricity to power it and any incidental expenses.

If you wanted the benefits of using an infrared sauna without buying one, there would still be costs involved. A gym membership with sauna access could cost $50 or more per month, and taking infrared sessions at the gym would be less convenient than doing it at home.

With few things in life having no cost whatsoever, your decision about an infrared sauna comes down to weighing financial considerations against the potential for better health and better quality of life.

How to Choose the Best Infrared Sauna for You

Here are some of the major considerations to take into account as you compare the various styles and models of infrared saunas:

• Blanket vs cabin. Sauna blankets are cheaper by far than cabin-style saunas that you actually sit or lie in and are much more portable. On the other hand, cabin saunas offer a full-body experience with more sophisticated electronics and features.
• Spectrum coverage. A combination of near, mid and far energy emitted simultaneously (full spectrum) is believed to offer a fuller range of health benefits.
• Low EMF. Look in the product specifications for the mG (milligauss) level, which ideally should be less than 3 mG—and the closer to zero the better. Fortunately, infrared saunas tend to have lower EMF levels than traditional saunas.
• Price and value. Make sure to factor in warranty coverage as well as price. Longer, more generous warranty terms offer more protection if the sauna breaks down or has a manufacturer's defect.

Cleaning Your Infrared Sauna

Naturally, where there’s sweat, there’s smells, so you’ll want to keep your infrared sauna clean and sanitized. The specific cleaning process will depend on the model, and you should always consult the manufacturer’s direction, but in general, a simple wipe down after each use should do the trick, with a deeper cleaning every few weeks if you use the sauna frequently.

You can also prevent your infrared sauna from getting as mucked up by diligently washing it off before each use.

Infrared Sauna FAQs

Are infrared saunas safe?

Infrared saunas are generally safe, Candy says. However, people with certain health conditions, including heart disease or high blood pressure, should always consult with a physician before using an infrared spa.

Is it OK to sit in an infrared sauna every day?

As to whether it is safe to use it every day, it really comes down to a risk-benefit analysis. The effects of EMF exposure are really cumulative according to our experts, so you have to consider if the benefit you gain by using it daily is worth the additional EMF exposure over using it perhaps a few times per week. You also need to take your personal health conditions into consideration. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider regarding the appropriate frequency for you to use an infrared sauna.

Is it better to use an infrared sauna in the morning or at night?

“There isn't definitive research indicating a specific optimal time to use an infrared sauna,” says Kadlecek. “However, many people find that a morning sauna session helps them wake up, while others prefer to use the sauna in the evening as a way to relax before bed.” In other words, it’s a matter of personal preference and individual schedules.

How long do infrared saunas last?

The highest end infrared saunas, like those of Clearlight, stand by the claim that you should never have a problem with the sauna component by covering them with lifetime warranties. The exterior however has a shorter five-year warranty. With proper maintenance, you can extend the longevity of your infrared sauna, regardless of the price range.

Do you burn calories while sitting in an infrared sauna?

For the most part, you’re losing water weight, not burning fat, unfortunately. Your metabolic rate does get raised as core body temperature and heart rate rises, however, the fat-burning effect is negligible, Candy says. “It's not significant enough to be used as a reliable weight loss method or in place of exercising,” Candy says.

Final Thoughts

Correlation isn’t causation, of course, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s related that Finland—a country in excess of one sauna per two people—was named the happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row. After all, saunas are known to alleviate symptoms of depression among their other host of terrific benefits, including overall improved of cardiometabolic health. Just remember that sitting in an infrared sauna, or any type of sauna, isn’t a magic cure for well being. Proper nutrition and exercise are key to living a long and healthy life. An infrared spa is simply an excellent additional tool to have on hand for deep detoxification, sweat and serenity.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.