May. 06, 2024
However, you should always check with a healthcare provider before using a sauna—especially if you are pregnant, on certain medications, prone to lightheadedness or dizziness, sensitive to heat, or have heart issues or menopause symptoms, says Cole.
Infrared saunas can reduce inflammation, support immunity, alleviate chronic pain, enhance brain function, boost heart health, reduce stress, and improve sleep , says Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, DC, a functional medicine doctor. One long-term study found that using a sauna nine to 12 times per month (or about three sessions per week) was even associated with a reduced risk of dementia .
To find the best infrared saunas on the market, we spoke with top functional medicine experts who helped us determine the key features to look for . Then, we researched dozens of popular products from best-selling brands. We also tested three expert-approved infrared saunas on this list, evaluating each one based on setup, capacity, effectiveness, ease of use, comfort, maintenance, features, and overall value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, shopping and safety tips, and more.
Traditional saunas or steam rooms heat the air around you to increase your body temperature and induce sweat, which creates a hot and humid environment that may lead you to feel lightheaded or dehydrated. If you want the benefits of a traditional sauna without the uncomfortable high heat, consider investing in an infrared sauna. It relies on infrared light to penetrate your skin barrier, raising your body temperature and inducing sweat, creating a more relaxing, stress-relieving experience— more on the benefits below .
Best Overall
Dynamic BarcelonaInfrared Sauna
View On Amazon
$1,900
View On Wayfair
$1,799
View On Nurturemobility.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Offers magnetic locking system
Chromotherapy lighting
Low-EMF
Cons
Requires a dedicated circuit and outlet
May be too tight for two larger people
Key Specs
Dimensions: 39 x 36 x 73 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Temperature Range: Up to 151 degrees F | Features: Two speakers, auxiliary connection, chromotherapy lighting, towel rack, magazine rack, phone holder, internal lights | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best if you want a high-quality, low-EMF, far infrared sauna for one or two people.
Why We Love It
After several months of thorough testing, we were shocked by the price of Dynamic Sauna’s Barcelona Infrared Sauna. Compared to most full-sized, two-seater saunas, this one is quite budget-friendly without sacrificing quality, durability, and effectiveness. Plus, we love the added features, including two speakers with an auxiliary connection, chromotherapy lighting, a phone holder, and more.
Since this is a far-infrared sauna, you don’t get the benefits of near- and mid-infrared wavelengths. But research suggests that far infrared works on the deepest level to potentially normalize blood pressure, treat chronic pain, and more. Throughout testing, we found that this sauna helps us feel relaxed, get better sleep, and recover after exercise.
Despite its durable and heavy-duty design, this sauna only took one drill, two people, and 56 minutes to assemble—a straightforward setup. When it’s time to use, all you have to do is select your desired time and temperature, and wait about 25 minutes for the sauna to preheat to its max temperature of 151 degrees. We also noticed that the heating is even and consistent since there are six carbon heaters throughout.
Potential Flaws
“This home sauna is definitely worth the money—it's been a game changer in my life. I use it almost nightly as part of my winding down routine and it's been helping my sore muscles.” —Jenni May, Verywell Fit product tester
Best Infrared Sauna Blanket
HigherDose Sauna Blanket
View On Higherdose.com
$699
View On Nordstrom
$699
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
$699
Our Ratings
Pros
No installation required
Low-EMF
Portable
Cons
Sauna insert is sold separately
Not full-spectrum
Key Specs
Dimensions: 36 x 71 inches | Capacity: 1 person | Temperature Range: Up to 158 degrees F | Features: Remote control, eight temperature settings, layers of crystal and clay | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best if you want to enjoy the benefits of infrared heat without having to purchase a full-size sauna.
Why We Love It
When we tested the best infrared sauna blankets, HigherDOSE’s Sauna Blanket was the most comfortable, high-end one that we tested. It’s super simple to use—plug it in and set it to your desired time and temperature (up to one hour and 158 degrees). And when your sweat sesh is over, wipe down the easy-to-clean polyurethane leather with a disinfectant wipe and fold up the blanket to store it under your couch, in your closet, or just about anywhere.
The blanket emits far-infrared wavelengths and is made with layers of charcoal, clay, and amethyst crystals that help us feel relaxed and recovered after each session. And we love that, unlike the other sauna blankets on our list, this one is verified to be low-EMF—so you can feel worry-free using it daily.
Potential Flaws
“Given the fact that I used to pay at least $50 per session for an hour-long sweat, the value is worth it. And the quality of the blanket is great." —Maria Rowella, Verywell Fit product tester
Best Investment
Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna Aspire
View On Sunlighten.com
View On Northernsaunas.ca
View On Aquavisionpool.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Touchscreen control panel with ample capabilities
Speakers and chromotherapy lighting
Full-spectrum and low-EMF
Cons
Requires a dedicated circuit and outlet
Key Specs
Dimensions: 35.4 x 35.4 x 70.9 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Temperature Range: Not listed | Features: Blaupunkt stereo and speakers, touchscreen control panel, LED light panels, chromotherapy lighting, seven wellness programs, streaming services, WiFi connection, compatible mobile app | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best if you want a high-tech two-seater that’s worth the investment.
Why We Love It
Sunlighten’s mPulse Smart Sauna is easily one of the best saunas we tested—and experts agree. A huge fan of the brand, Cole recommends Sunlighten because the company conducts its own clinical research and testing—meaning its products are truly effective and reliable. During testing, we were impressed with this sauna’s high-quality design, even heating, and ample high-tech features.
We found the sauna easy to use—simply select from the six pre-programmed wellness programs or choose your own preferred time and temperature to get started. The 15 infrared heaters (near-, mid-, and far-wavelengths) quickly get to work to provide consistent heat. During our sessions, we never get bored thanks to the touchscreen control panel which lets you stream your favorite shows, send emails, listen to a meditation, and more.
Potential Flaws
“It's even better than the infrared saunas I’ve used at studios or gyms! I'm obsessed with all of the apps you can easily access via the touchscreen control panel—I never get bored.” —Michelle Parente, CYT, commerce writer and Verywell Fit product tester
While we didn’t test the following infrared saunas ourselves, we still think they’re a solid purchase after thorough research. They have features and price points similar to the infrared saunas we tested, which may fit your home and budget.
Best Budget
Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
View On Amazon
$192
View On Smartmakshop.com
View On Aeropost.com
Pros
No installation required
Portable
Heats up in five minutes
Cons
Heated foot pads aren’t temperature-controlled
Not full-spectrum
Key Specs
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from optec.
Dimensions: 27.6 x 31.5 x 37.8 inches | Capacity: 1 person | Temperature Range: Up to 149 degrees F | Features: Heating foot pads, foldable chair, remote control, hood, arm slots
Who It’s For
Best for those with a limited budget and small space.
Why We Love It
If you don’t have the budget or space for a full-size sauna, Smartmak’s Portable Far Infrared Sauna is a great option. It couldn’t be easier to use—simply open it up, place the folding chair inside, adjust the time and temperature on the remote, and wait just five minutes for it to heat up. Then, when you’re done, let the inside cool, fold it back up, and conveniently store it in your small space.
Cleaning the sauna is easy: Just wipe down the chair and throw the sauna walls right into your washing machine. It comes equipped with three carbon heating panels and a heated foot pad for even heat distribution throughout. Plus, there’s a hood to keep you warm from head to toe, as well as arm pockets so you can scroll, read, and even work while you sweat.
Potential Flaws
Best Portable
SereneLife Portable Full Size Infrared Home Spa
View On Amazon
$389
Pros
Versatile
Easy assembly
Heats up in five minutes
Cons
The brand doesn’t disclose EMF levels or wavelengths
Key Specs
Dimensions: 35.4 x 35.4 x 70.9 inches | Capacity: 1 person | Temperature Range: Up to 140 degrees F | Features: Heating foot pads, foldable chair, remote control
Who It’s For
Best for travel or if you live in a small space.
Why We Love It
SereneLife's Portable Infrared Sauna folds up and weighs less than 35 pounds, so you can take it on a trip, lend it to a friend, or easily move it around your home. Made from Oxford cloth and an aluminum-insulated film, with a metal frame that holds it all together, it’s super easy to assemble. Plus, it only takes five minutes to heat up to its maximum temperature of 140 degrees.
We also like that this portable sauna includes a heated foot pad for even heat distribution, as well as a foldable chair to keep you comfortable. There’s also a handy remote control for mid-session time and temperature adjustments.
Potential Flaws
We Tested the 7 Best Heated Blankets for Cozy Recovery Days at Home
Best Outdoor
Enlighten RUSTIC 5 Peak Sauna
View On Enlightensauna.com
View On Kitchenbathquest.com
Pros
Spacious and durable
Bluetooth speakers and chromotherapy lighting
Five-person capacity
Cons
Pricier than other options
Hefty assembly required
Key Specs
Dimensions: 81.5 x 61.5 x 96 inches | Capacity: 5 people | Temperature Range: Up to 149 degrees F | Features: Bluetooth speakers, chromotherapy lighting, cup holders, towel rack, magazine rack, built-in backrest, internal lights
Who It’s For
Best if you have a large backyard and a multi-person home.
Why We Love It
Enlighten's Rustic Five Peak Sauna lets you clock in sweat sessions with up to five friends and family members right from your backyard, thanks to its sustainable, weather-resistant Canadian cedarwood exterior, asphalt shingle roof, and double-pane tempered glass. The sauna is equipped with adjustable vents and 12 low-EMF carbon heaters for even, full-spectrum infrared heating throughout.
We love that it features a convenient digital controller, Bluetooth speakers, chromotherapy lighting, cup holders, a towel and magazine rack, and more—making it well worth the investment. If you’re looking to create an outdoor oasis, you’ll also love the ergonomic backrests and deep benches for extra comfort as you sweat.
Potential Flaws
Best Personal
HeatWave 2-Person Deluxe Ceramic Infrared Sauna
View On Amazon
$2,199
Pros
Spacious and durable
Integrated sound system with auxiliary connection
Chromotherapy lighting
Cons
Not full-spectrum
Key Specs
Dimensions: 44.5 x 35 x 69 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Temperature Range: Up to 140 degrees F | Features: Integrated sound system, chromotherapy lighting, towel rack, external lighting, LED control panel
Who It’s For
Best if you want a personal sauna with room to stretch and recline, and also fit two people.
Why We Love It
While HeatWave'sDeluxe Ceramic Sauna can technically fit two people, we think the space is best used for one person to stretch, recline, or do legs up the wall (viparita karani in yoga). It’s slightly smaller than our favorite two-person sauna, Sun Home’s Equinox Sauna, but around $3,000 cheaper—making it more accessible for different budgets.
It's also durable and sleek, made out of Canadian hemlock wood that's known to be scratch-resistant, structurally stable, and even hypoallergenic. Inside you’ll find five ceramic far-infrared heaters, an integrated sound system, and chromotherapy lighting to set the mood. There’s also an accessible panel that lets you easily adjust time, temperature, and interior and exterior lighting.
Potential Flaws
From Microwavable Magic to Targeted Therapy, We Tested the Best Heating Pads
Best Two-Person
Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
View On Sunhomesaunas.com
Pros
Full-spectrum and low-EMF
Bluetooth speakers and chromotherapy lighting
Easy to assemble
Cons
Requires a dedicated circuit and outlet
Pricier than other options
Key Specs
Dimensions: 45.4 x 39.9 x 70.3 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Temperature Range: Up to 165 degrees F | Features: Bluetooth speakers, chromotherapy lights, programmable 24-hour timer, reservation mode
Who It’s For
Best if you want a full-spectrum, low-EMF sauna for two people with a high temperature range.
Why We Love It
A full-spectrum sauna with ample space for two people, Sun Home’s Equinox Sauna lets you and your guests reap the benefits of all three infrared wavelengths. It’s built with a total of six high-wattage heaters that provide quick and even heating throughout, up to 165 degrees—the second-highest temperature range on our list, next to HigherDOSE’s Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna. Plus, this sauna has EMF-blocking technology to reduce radiation exposure.
We love that it’s crafted out of durable, sustainable pine wood that’s made to last, and has an easy assembly thanks to the magnetic locking technology that snaps the wooden walls together. Plus, the sauna is equipped with a Bluetooth surround-sound speaker system as well as chromotherapy lights for an enjoyable sauna experience.
Potential Flaws
Best Three-Person
Sunlighten mPulse Conquer
View On Sunlighten.com
View On Northernsaunas.ca
View On Aquavisionpool.com
Pros
Touchscreen control panel with ample capabilities
Speakers and chromotherapy lighting
Full-spectrum and low-EMF
Cons
Requires a dedicated circuit and outlet
Pricier than other options
Key Specs
Dimensions: 70.6 x 47.6 x 78.5 inches | Capacity: 3 people | Temperature Range: Not listed | Features: Blaupunkt stereo and speakers, touchscreen control panel, LED light panels, chromotherapy lighting, seven wellness programs, streaming services, WiFi connection, compatible mobile app
Who It’s For
Best if you want a three-person, full-spectrum, low-EMF sauna with streaming capabilities.
Why We Love It
Another pick from Sunlighten, a brand highly recommended by Cole, the mPulse Smart Sauna Conquer has a spacious interior and ample features to elevate your at-home sauna experience. This full-spectrum, low-EMF sauna is equipped with 20 infrared heaters that generate quick and even heating. Plus, we love that it has integrated LED light wall panels that emit red light, which is known for its skin healing benefits.
One of the most impressive features is this sauna’s touchscreen control panel that lets you stream Netflix, YouTube, and more; connect to your email account; and select from seven pre-programmed wellness sessions. And despite all that, the assembly is relatively straightforward thanks to the sauna’s magnetic locking system. If you have the space and budget, we think this pick is truly worth the investment.
Potential Flaws
We Found and Tested the 11 Best Massage Chairs to Help You Relax and Unwind
Best Low-EMF
HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
View On Higherdose.com
View On Rehabwares.com
Pros
Full-spectrum and low-EMF
Sleek and durable design
Chromotherapy lighting
Cons
Requires a dedicated circuit and outlet
Pricier than other options
Key Specs
Dimensions: 52 x 48 x 77 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Temperature Range: Up to 174 degrees F | Features: Sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, swivel iPad holder, chromotherapy lights, removable bench
Who It’s For
Best for daily use or for those concerned about EMF levels.
Why We Love It
HigherDOSE's Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna employs carbon and ceramic heaters emitting near-, mid-, and far-infrared light for a holistic experience. We love that it’s low-EMF—limiting your exposure to electromagnetic fields and making it especially safe for daily use, says Cole.
Plus, this sauna has the highest temperature range on our list (up to 174 degrees), so you can work your way up to the ultimate sweat session. Beyond advanced heating, there’s also a sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, an iPad holder to keep you occupied, and chromotherapy lights for deeper relaxation. We also love that the bench is removable, giving you extra space for in-sauna stretching.
Potential Flaws
Best Far Infrared
Dynamic Saunas Maxxus 3 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Carbon Canadian Hemlock Sauna
View On Amazon
$2,699
View On Dynamicsaunasdirect.com
Pros
Low-EMF
Easy assembly
Spacious and durable
Cons
Requires a dedicated circuit and outlet
Takes a long time to heat
Key Specs
Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 75 inches | Capacity: 3 people | Temperature Range: Up to 140 degrees F | Features: LED control panel, radio with auxiliary and USB connection, chromotherapy lights
Who It’s For
Best if you want a three-person far infrared sauna at a relatively cost-effective price.
Why We Love It
Far infrared saunas emit the longest wavelength which penetrates the skin barrier more deeply and can potentially alleviate pain, stimulate metabolism, and deliver some cardiovascular benefits. Dynamic Sauna’s Maxxus Far Infrared Sauna features nine low-EMF carbon heating panels throughout, for even heating up to 140 degrees.
We love that it can fit three people, like Sunlighten’s mPulse Smart Sauna Conquer, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s also incredibly durable, thanks to the Canadian Hemlock wood construction and bronze-tinted tempered glass door and windows—leaving us even more shocked by the price. There’s also an LED control panel, colored lighting, and a radio with auxiliary and USB connections.
Potential Flaws
Our final selects are our favorite options on the market for those seeking a durable, easy-to-clean option with electromagnetic or EMF shielding capabilities. (The potential adverse effects of EMF are still being studied, but our picks minimize exposure out of caution). And yes, every one of these infrared saunas will make you sweat!
Want more information on Infrared Domes? Feel free to contact us.
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