If you’re no stranger to stress and want to take your health and overall well-being to the next level, infrared saunas are the hottest trend.
Whether you are a professional, an athlete, a fitness junkie, or simply want to improve your wellness and health, infrared sauna treatment has something to offer you.
If you’re unfamiliar, infrared saunas are not the same as traditional saunas that get super hot or steam rooms that produce a lot of moisture. Infrared saunas use infrared waves to heat your body directly instead of warming the air inside the sauna. So, the room itself won’t be as hot. Of course, you will still sweat, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a more comfortable and luxurious way of getting the fantastic benefits of the sauna.
And the best part? Infrared saunas are no longer that fancy treatment you can only experience at your local spas, gyms, and wellness centers. Now, you can destress in a warm sauna in the comfort of your own house with at-home infrared saunas. You’ll have complete control over your sauna experience and won’t have to share with others, which can sometimes be distracting and uncomfortable.
That said, an infrared sauna is not a cheap investment. And we understand that trying and deciding which is worth your money can be intimidating. So, we’ve done the research to help you find the best infrared saunas.
How We Picked the Best Infrared Saunas
Plenty of infrared saunas are in the market right now, with even more advertisement claims you’ll find. But when deciding which sauna is worth investing in, we suggest getting it from a reputable manufacturer that only uses high-quality materials.
We also picked the best infrared sauna according to the following:
- Quality. We looked at the value you get from what you’re paying. Are the materials high-quality? Non-toxic? Will the sauna stand the test of time? And to make sure we found a sauna option for everyone, we included indoor infrared saunas and outdoor infrared saunas.
- Low EMF. Although infrared saunas are generally safe to use for most people, there are still concerns about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Hence, we opted for infrared sauna brands using low to no-EMF tech when possible.
- Size. There’s a vast range when it comes to the size of infrared saunas. So, we included space-saving 2-person saunas and bigger saunas that fit the whole family.
We used this insight to narrow down and weed out the best infrared saunas in the market while giving you a diverse range of sauna selections that fit every space and budget.
Clearlight is a top contender when it comes to infrared saunas due to its superior performance, lowest EMF emission, and lifetime warranty. Their Clearlight Sanctuary line of saunas, in particular, ticks a lot of boxes in terms of the best infrared saunas in the market.
Pros:
- Made from premium quality mahogany or basswood
- Virtually no EMF/ELF
- Chromotherapy is included
- Includes mobile app with remote connectivity
Cons:
- Large
Premium Quality
This is a great choice if you’re looking for the best-made infrared saunas for indoor use. You have two timber options—basswood and mahogany. Basswood is cost-efficient but extremely durable, can withstand high heat, and is proven odor-free and hypoallergenic. Meanwhile, mahogany has an elegant, luxurious look, is durable, and can withstand high humidity and temperature.
Both options are air and kiln-dried, preventing the wood from any warping and cracking.
The sauna is also incredibly well-designed. It looks great and feels comfortable with a reversible flat bench and built-in ergonomic backrest.
Full-Spectrum Infrared Heaters
The Clearlight Sanctuary sauna employs full-spectrum infrared technology. It has a patented True Wave full-spectrum infrared heater that generates 1,000 watts of full-spectrum infrared, with equal amounts of near, mid, and far-infrared heat to maximize each of their benefits.
Additionally, the sauna’s infrared heaters are built to last, with an estimated operational life of 30,000 hours. Even with daily infrared sauna use, you can expect the heaters to last nearly a hundred years.
Chromotherapy-Enabled
Clearlight Sanctuary’s 2-person infrared sauna elevates your sauna experience and provides even more benefits. It’s equipped with medical-grade chromotherapy lighting with 96 LED lights in an array of 12 colors. It provides additional benefits like pain relief, wound healing, improved sleep patterns, stress reduction, reduced inflammation, and treatment for seasonal affective disorder.
Designed for Safety
This infrared sauna is fitted with an effective heater and is the safest on the market. Clearlight Sanctuary earns a top spot when it comes to infrared saunas for their low-EMF design. Like all of their infrared saunas, this 2-person full-spectrum indoor sauna uses True Wave carbon-ceramic heaters that virtually cancel out both ELF and EMF.
Verdict: All in all, this sauna’s excellent performance and superb craftsmanship put it at the top of our list. As a bonus, it has many additional features to elevate your sauna experience, like the reservation mode for up to 36 hours, a tablet holder, and a built-in surround sound speaker system.
Additionally, the Clearlight Sanctuary 2-person infrared sauna has a complete lifetime warranty covering the electrical components, heater, controls, audio system, and wood.
Dynamic Saunas is a top sauna manufacturer in the US that specializes in far-infrared saunas made of high-quality Canadian hemlock fir. They offer a wide range of options, but the Barcelona infrared sauna is a great pick if you’re looking for a budget-friendly infrared sauna for indoor use.
Pros:
- Efficient, low EMF infrared heating panels
- With a chromotherapy lighting system
- Made of quality Canadian Hemlock wood
Cons:
- Not full-spectrum
Durable Timber
Constructed using natural Canadian Hemlock, the Dynamic Barcelona infrared sauna is both beautiful-looking and durable. Although less expensive than other wood materials used in making saunas, Hemlock is heavy-duty, non-toxic, non-allergenic, has little to no aroma, and is resistant to shrinkage, cracking, and splitting. Dynamic Barcelona is also built solidly with thicker double panels, so the cabin heats up much quicker and wastes less energy.
Efficient Heating System
This sauna is equipped with six energy-efficient and low-EMF far-infrared carbon heating panels. The efficiently placed heating panels, including a foot heater, ensure more even heat distribution throughout the sauna.
Easy to Use
You can set up this sauna quickly with its clasp-together assembly on any level surface, like tile, hardwood, laminate, or carpet. It’s also pleasurable to use with the addition of chromotherapy lighting, MP3 connection, and interior and exterior LED control panels.
Verdict: If you are looking for a quality infrared sauna that won’t hurt your pocket, the Dynamic Barcelona infrared sauna is a solid pick. The materials used for the sauna are of great quality; they can fit almost anywhere and is a perfect size for two people.
If you are in the market for a top-of-the-line infrared sauna, Sunlighten is one of the most trusted brands out there. They offer a wide range of infrared saunas in different styles and designs. But Sunlighten’s Amplify line, in particular, is a crowd favorite for a more traditional cabin-style sauna experience.
Pros:
- Full-spectrum heating
- Built-in chromotherapy
- Solid wood construction
Cons:
- No floor heaters
Unique Heating Technology
The Sunlighten Amplify II infrared sauna is amped up with its impressive infrared heater mix. It features two 500 watts full-spectrum halogen heaters and four patented SoloCarbon far-infrared heaters. And all heaters produce ultra-low EMFs, so they are safe for you and the environment.
The SoloCarbon heaters, in combination with halogen heaters, take your sauna sessions to the next level. It creates a hotter ambient air in less time, so you sweat faster and you sweat more.
Hotter Therapeutic Heat
One appreciated feature of this sauna is its wide temperature range. While most infrared saunas can heat up the room to 140°F at maximum, the Amplify II can reach up to. You can maximize your time in the sauna with the higher heat it can produce.
Moreover, the SoloCarbon heaters are proven to be 95% emissive. In other words, 95% of Sunlighten Amplify II sauna’s heat can increase your core body temperature and is therapeutic.
Fantastic Add-ons
The sauna doesn’t have any bells and whistles. It has simple controls and no gadgets in sight. But it’s designed with a taller height and deep benches for ultimate relaxation. There’s built-in chromotherapy lighting and an option to add Acoustic Resonance Therapy (A.R.T.).
Verdict: Simple but trusty, this sauna is amazing if you’re on the market for a comfortable and spacious 2-person infrared sauna. Plus, you can pick between a sauna made using sustainable and durable Eucalyptus and FSC-certified and hypoallergenic Basswood materials.
Pros:
- Solid Hemlock construction
- Low EMF technology
- Quick clasp-together assembly
Cons:
- Far-infrared only
Double Panel Construction
Like other infrared saunas from Dynamic Saunas, the Andora features similar reforested Canadian Hemlock material. It’s non-toxic, non-allergenic, and won’t crack or split over time. The sauna also boasts double-panel construction, making it sturdy and efficient. Thicker walls retain heat more efficiently with the combined interior and exterior wood panels.
Even Heating
Aside from efficient heating, the six far-infrared heating panels also ensure even heating inside the sauna. Additionally, all carbon heaters emit low EMF and operate up to 140°F. A clear LED display and soft-touch control panel show and set the temperature, time, and settings you prefer.
Luxurious Comfort
The Dynamic Andora brings your infrared sauna experience to a relaxing breeze with its luxurious features. The design itself looks sleek with the large clear tempered glass door and side windows, making it an eye-grabbing addition to any home. Additionally, the built-in MP3 connection adds a nice touch if you want to play something calming in the sauna. Meanwhile, the chromotherapy lighting system provides plenty of other wellness benefits.
Verdict: If you don’t mind the full-spectrum requirement and find a far-infrared sauna more than sufficient, this unit is another worthy option for 2-person use.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 sauna
- Elegant modern design
- Full-spectrum heating
Cons:
- Expensive
2-in-1 Sauna
If you need a sauna and a workout space in one, the Clearlight Sanctuary Yoga infrared sauna offers a 2-in-1 experience. The sauna room comfortably fits up to four people. But with the ergonomic removable benches, you can turn it into a hot room where you can do yoga, work out, lift weights, or simply lay on the wooden floor while getting your therapeutic dose of infrared heat. It’s designed with total flexibility in mind.
Effective Heater Placement
For infrared saunas, heater placement is critical to achieving more even heating throughout the room. And in the Clearlight Sanctuary Yoga infrared sauna, you are surrounded by infrared heat. Full-spectrum heaters are placed on the front wall, while far-infrared heaters are on the side walls, back wall, and floor.
And all heaters are proprietary TrueWave hybrid carbon-ceramic heaters that deliver optimal performance at the lowest ELF and EMF levels.
A Few Extra Perks
It enhances your sauna experience further by adding color light therapy, beautiful ambient lighting, built-in charging and audio station, digital keypad controls, a tablet/smartphone control app, a 36-hour programmable timer, and a reservation mode.
Verdict: If you need a larger space to hang out with a couple of friends while getting some time in the sauna, the Clearlight Sanctuary Yoga infrared sauna allows up to four people. It’s a spacious medium-sized sauna that has every feature you need in an infrared sauna and then some, and it is stunningly gorgeous to boot.
Pros:
- Near zero EMF heating panels
- Comfortable 6-person capacity
- With chromotherapy lighting
Cons:
- It can be too space-consuming for the indoor space
15 Heating Panels
The sauna is fitted with carbonTECH far-infrared heaters that produce low or near zero EMF. It’s rated to heat up 30% faster and penetrate the skin 40% better than saunas with ceramic heaters.
There are 15 heating panels carefully placed throughout the sauna for a wider and softer heat evenly distributed throughout the sauna—three on each side wall, four on the back wall, three on the floorboard, and one under the bench.
Spacious and Comfortable
The infrared sauna is made of reforested Canadian Hemlock with a beautiful natural finish, which is great for retaining heat and a spacious interior. At full capacity, the sauna can comfortably seat six people. You’ll also love the reversible bench that you can turn into a recliner when the sauna isn’t at full capacity for increased comfort; perfect for relaxing while getting your time in the sauna.
Wide Range of Accessories Included
You’ll enjoy the wide range of fitted features in the Dynamic Monaco infrared sauna. It has a tempered glass door and two additional glass panels on the front wall, making the sauna look sleek and modern. There’s also a drop-down 15-inch LCD monitor with a DVD player and Bluetooth stereo, so you can watch your favorite shows or listen to relaxing music from inside the sauna. The sauna is also fitted with chromotherapy and reading light, and there are two separate control panels and LED displays placed left and right of the sauna for your utmost convenience.
Verdict: The Dynamic Monaco infrared sauna is for indoor use only. And given its size, it can take up a lot of space. But if space isn’t an issue, it’s a top choice when it comes to big-sized saunas that can fit up to six people. The spacious unit is a great buy for enjoying the benefits of the sauna with family and friends.
Pros:
- Medical-grade chromotherapy included
- Reversible ergonomic bench
- Low EMF full-spectrum heaters
Cons:
- Expensive for its size
Built to Last
The Clearlight Sanctuary’s outdoor infrared sauna is built to withstand the harsh environment of the outdoors. It’s constructed with a combination of engineered Cedartec wood exterior with a sleek grey finish and mahogany interior.
Made of the highest quality materials and a complete lifetime guarantee, you can expect your investment to last a lifetime.
Flawless Craftsmanship
The quality materials are paired with an innovative Clearlight Sanctuary’s outdoor infrared sauna design, giving you a state-of-the-art addition to your outdoor space. The sauna is hand-sanded and is fitted with a doctor-designed reversible recliner bench and a Chiropractor-designed ergonomic backrest for optimum comfort.
In addition, the sauna boasts furniture-grade cabinetry, a thick glass door, double-pane glass front windows, and no VOC vinyl flooring. And finally, it uses tongue and groove construction, making assembly an easy clasp-together process.
Constant Infrared Heat
The number and placement of heaters in this sauna ensure that you get a constant infrared heat concentrated on your body. Two full-spectrum infrared heaters are placed in the front walls, each offering a full 500 watts. The rest are far-infrared heaters placed conveniently on the side walls, back wall, the floor, and under the bench next to your calves.
With the high-output heaters concentrating the heat exclusively on your body and not overhead, which will only heat the air, it maximizes the benefits you get.
Verdict: Not all infrared saunas are suitable for outdoor use. But the Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoors has the makings of the best outdoor infrared sauna. And for added convenience, the sauna features a 36-hour programmable feature, a reservation mode, Bluetooth surround sound with speakers and a smartphone control app.
What Are the Benefits of Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas can benefit your health and well-being in a number of ways. Some of these sauna benefits apply to other types of saunas, but many are specific to using an infrared sauna. For example, you will enjoy more sweating at lower temperatures when choosing an infrared sauna. Because infrared saunas operate at much lower temperatures, many people will find them more comfortable to use. But while it emits a much softer heat, it can still make you sweat buckets because infrared heat has the ability to reach deep within the body, increasing your core body temperature.
Other benefits associated with infrared sauna use include accelerated detoxification, increased blood flow, central nervous system improvement, and boosted metabolism.
Near, Mid, Far, and Full-Spectrum Infrared Saunas—Is There a Difference in Benefits?
There are three wavelengths of infrared light when it comes to infrared saunas—near, mid, and far infrared lights. Then, there is the full-spectrum infrared, which is a combination of the three wavelengths.
Each infrared type affects the subcutaneous fat layer of your body differently, giving them unique healing properties and health benefits. For example:
- Near-infrared
As a shorter wavelength, near-infrared rays mostly penetrate the topmost layer of the skin or the epidermis. So, among its helpful benefits are wound healing, skin renewal, and tissue growth.
That said, near-infrared light can get too warm on the skin when used on its own. So it’s not recommended to choose this kind of sauna. The best way to get the benefits of near-infrared light is in combination with other wavelengths.
- Mid-infrared
Mid-infrared light gets deeper into the body compared to near-infrared, making it more effective in terms of helping improve blood flow. When used regularly, this type of infrared sauna can help reduce muscle and joint pain.
- Far-infrared
This type penetrates the body deepest, and its primary responsibility is to fully activate the sweat glands, raising the core body temperature. Hence, a far-infrared sauna is most effective in terms of detoxification, rejuvenation, improving sleep, increasing blood circulation, and deep relaxation.
Lastly, there is the full-spectrum infrared, the type of sauna we recommend. You can experience all three wavelengths at once, maximizing the benefits of every sauna session.
Who Should Choose an Infrared Sauna vs. Other Sauna Types
There are diverse types of sauna—traditional sauna (also called ‘Finnish sauna’), steam sauna (also called ‘steam bath’ or ‘Turkish bath’), and infrared sauna. Each type will give a different sauna experience and a few unique benefits.
Infrared saunas are considered superior by many because, instead of heating the air or producing a lot of steam inside the sauna, it heats the body at a more cellular level. As a result, you will sweat more intensely at a much lower temperature inside an infrared sauna. Hence, infrared saunas are ideal for those who can’t handle high levels of heat but still want to reap the sauna’s benefits.
What to Look for In the Best Infrared Sauna?
There are some specific terms and specs you need to look for when it comes to picking the best infrared saunas. Here are some key features you’ll have to decide on.
- Size
Infrared saunas come in a vast range of sizes, and it’s important to choose one that fits your home space. Choosing the ideal sauna size is especially critical if you want to set it up indoors with limited space.
If you’re short on space, a 2-person infrared sauna is ideal for personal use. On the other hand, if you have ample room to work with, consider the number of people you expect to use the sauna at the same time. A larger model will ensure that there’s enough room for everyone to relax and stretch out.
- Material
When it comes to infrared saunas, choosing the right materials is critical for both your comfort and the durability of the sauna. Look for a sauna made of high-quality wooden paneling and built to last. Cedar and Hemlock are two great options to consider, as they are comfortable and durable. Cedarwood, in particular, is a superb choice because of its moisture and temperature-change resistance and natural antibacterial properties.
- Heating Technology
Infrared saunas use a range of heating technology. Two of the most common you’ll find are ceramic heaters and carbon fiber panels.
Carbon fiber infrared heaters are known for emitting low EMF, faster heat-up time, and efficient heat distribution. On the other hand, ceramic heaters offer a high emissivity rating and a more even heat distribution.
In this case, consider the type of heating technology for your infrared sauna that’s right for you.
- EMF
EMF exposure is of particular concern for some users when it comes to purchasing an infrared sauna. While it’s worth noting that infrared saunas produce very low amounts and types of EMF radiation and are generally safe to use, it’s still smart to check the EMF levels a sauna produces for your overall safety.
According to the US Environmental Protection Authority, the safety limit of EMF in saunas is at 3mG (milligauss). So, to reduce your exposure to EMF and minimize potential harm, choose a low EMF infrared sauna that’s within this level or even lower.
- Safety and Controls
Make sure the infrared sauna you’re considering has adjustable and accurate temperature control. Some models come with advanced temperature control systems, which may include a digital display and remote control for your convenience.
Pick an infrared sauna with a few safety features, such as an auto shut-off and a temperature range that doesn’t exceed the 140°F limit.
- Price
Infrared saunas come in a range of prices, so you can always find one within your budget. Check out our home sauna cost guide to give you an idea.
Keep in mind that the bigger the sauna, the more expensive it will be. That said, a high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean a higher quality product. We suggest settling on a budget that you feel comfortable with, then looking for good-quality infrared saunas with the features you’re looking for within that range.
Also, consider other factors, such as the warranty, when shopping for an infrared sauna.
Considering these factors, you’ll find the best infrared sauna to suit your needs and enjoy a luxurious sauna session in your home.
Infrared Sauna FAQs
Q: Is using an infrared sauna daily safe?
A: Using an infrared sauna provides plenty of therapeutic benefits, but using them in moderation is safe and smart. But how frequently you use the sauna will depend on your preferences and needs. If you’re looking forward to using an infrared sauna daily, it’s generally safe to do so. Some people may experience more favorable benefits when using the sauna daily, while others prefer to use the sauna a couple of times a week.
With all of that said, it’s important to take proper precautions to avoid the risk of dehydration. Listen to your body. If you start feeling dizzy, it’s a sign to step out of the sauna. Ultimately, you want to use the sauna as an enjoyable and safe way to help boost your well-being.
Q: Is installing/setting up an infrared sauna easy?
A: Most infrared saunas are designed with a clasp-together DIY assembly, so no power tools are required. Generally speaking, setting up an infrared sauna is uncomplicated, following the manufacturer’s step-by-step installation guide.
Q: Is a full-spectrum or far-infrared sauna much better?
A: Far-infrared saunas only use far-infrared heat. Meanwhile, a full-spectrum sauna emits all three wavelengths—near, mid, and far infrared. Hence, a full-spectrum sauna is a superior option, giving you three varying benefits from each wavelength.
Q: Who shouldn’t use an infrared sauna?
A: While using an infrared sauna for most healthy people is generally safe, some individuals should avoid it. These include:
- People with heat sensitivity or have a history of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.
- Pregnant women. The high temperatures in the sauna can potentially cause overheating and dehydration, which can negatively affect a developing fetus.
- People who are using certain medications, such as antihistamines and blood pressure medications. They increase your risk of dehydration and overheating inside the sauna.
And if you have any underlying health concerns, we suggest talking to your physician before using an infrared sauna.
Q: Are there negative effects of infrared saunas?
A: While using infrared saunas is generally considered safe, you should be aware of some potential risks and negative effects. Dehydration is a common negative effect of infrared saunas, especially when overdoing it. Unlike traditional saunas, an infrared sauna emits a more tolerable heat. And that often leads to spending much longer time in the sauna. But while the infrared heat feels softer, you still sweat heavily, which can cause dehydration or overheating after a while. So, it’s important to remember to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session.
Also, there is a potential risk of EMF exposure associated with infrared saunas. We recommend choosing a sauna that emits low or virtually zero levels of EMF to limit your exposure.
Conclusion
While there are many fitness centers and gyms with saunas, it’s great to have an infrared sauna for your personal use in the comfort of your home. Although it’s not a cheap investment, buying a home sauna will pay dividends for your health and well-being.
And when picking the best infrared saunas, consider your space, use case, and budget. It will help narrow down your options, and then you can select a high-quality infrared sauna option, preferably with low or no-EMF exposure, that can last for several good years.
