The 9 Best Infrared Saunas of 2024, Expert Tested | Fortune Recommends Health (2024)

Our picks for the best infrared sauna

• Best overall: Sun Home Saunas Solstice 2-Person Infrared Sauna
• Best with red light therapy: Sunlighten mPulse Aspire
• Best with blanket: HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket
• Best outdoor: Sun Home Saunas Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum
• Best full-spectrum: Sunlighten Amplify
• Best low EMF: HigherDose Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
• Best for home: Dynamic Saunas Andora 2 Person Low EMF
• Best portable: SereneLife Portable Full-Size Infrared Home Spa
• Best budget: Dynamic Saunas Barcelona 1 to 2 Person Low EMF

Best infrared sauna overall: Sun Home Saunas Solstice 2-Person Infrared Sauna

Why we like Sun Home Solstice Infrared Sauna as best overall

We love the Sun Home 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 LEDlights 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.

Specs

Best infrared sauna with red light therapy: Sunlighten mPulse Aspire

Why we like the Sunlighten mPulse Aspire as best with red light therapy

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 this type of light 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.”

What customers are saying

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.

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.

Specs

Best infrared sauna blanket: HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

Why we like HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket as best blanket

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 the benefits of infrared heat 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,” adds Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS.

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,” notes quadruple board-certified physician and clinical researcher Dr. Raj Dasgupta. “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.”

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.

What customers are saying

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.”

Specs

Best outdoor infrared sauna: Sun Home Saunas Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum

Why we like Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna as best outdoor

The Luminar outdoor sauna has all the features you could ask for in an outdoor infrared 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.

Specs

Best full-spectrum infrared sauna: Sunlighten Amplify

Why we like Sunlighten Amplify as best full-spectrum

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 ensuresa 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. ( 16 )

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.

Specs

Best low-EMF infrared sauna: HigherDose Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

Why we like HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna as best low EMF

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 quadruple-board certified physician Dr. Raj 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 Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, 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.

Specs

Best infrared sauna for home: Dynamic Saunas Andora 2 Person Low EMF

Why we like Dynamic Saunas Andora 2 Person Low EMF as best for home

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.

What customers are saying

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.

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.

Specs

Best portable infrared sauna: SereneLife Portable Full-Size Infrared Home Spa

Why we like SereneLife Full Size Portable Infrared Home Spa as best portable

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. ( 10 )( 11 ) 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.

What customers are saying

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.

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.

Specs

Best budget infrared sauna: Dynamic Barcelona Low EMF Sauna

Why we like Dynamic Barcelona FAR Infrared Sauna as best budget

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.

What customers are saying

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.

Specs

How we test recovery products

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.

Performance (recovery effectiveness)—30%

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:

• Temperature range
• Temperature stability
• Ease of use
• Durability and material quality
• Power demand

Design and safety—30%

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.

We evaluate:

• Size
• Accessibility features
• Material safety
• Certifications
• Safety features

Value—20%

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.

Customer experience—20%

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:

• Shipping
• Assembly
• Warranty
• Customer support

What to look for in the best infrared saunas

Choosing the best infrared sauna for your budget and lifestyle requires careful consideration of several key factors.

Cost

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

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.

Size

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.

Assembly process

The assembly process is an important factor to consider when purchasing an infrared sauna, as it can impact convenience and time spent setting up the unit. Opting for a sauna with straightforward assembly that doesn’t require power tools can simplify the setup process. Many models come with clasp-together panels or pre-assembled components to streamline the installation process. However, it is always best to look into the delivery and assembly instructions prior to placing an order. Additionally, you may want to watch assembly videos before purchasing your sauna so you can be prepared when it arrives. Keep in mind most saunas require more than one person for a safe assembly process.

Electrical requirements

When buying an infrared sauna, it’s crucial to consider the electrical requirements to ensure compatibility with your home’s wiring and outlets. Many infrared saunas require a dedicated outlet. Look for saunas that operate on standard household voltage (usually 110V) and amperage (typically 15A), as this makes installation easier and eliminates the need for special wiring. If you’re unsure whether or not your home can accommodate a sauna, consult with a certified electrician before making your purchase.

Special features

Every sauna comes with slightly different features. Do your best to explore all the options before deciding which features are most important to you. Keep in mind that some features will cost more than others. Consider features such as built-in Bluetooth speakers, digital control panels, chromotherapy LED lights, and wide benches. These features can elevate your sauna experience, but make sure to stay within your budget.

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