If you’re looking for a home sauna, there are countless sauna brands trying to compete for your business. And with so many market options, finding the best sauna for your home can be especially challenging.
But two brands stand out from the rest when it comes to the best sauna for your home—Clearlight and Sunlighten. Both sauna brands offer high-quality models that are made of excellent materials, provide excellent performance, and are complete with advanced, innovative features.
Clearlight saunas stand out for their full-spectrum heaters and ultra-low EMF technology. On the other hand, Sunlighten saunas are best known for their furniture-quality saunas made of eco-friendly, non-toxic materials.
Which sauna brand is the best fit for you? Can’t decide yet?
This side-by-side Clearlight vs. Sunlighten comparison and review will help. In this article, we took a closer look at the two top sauna brands in the market, what they offer, and all the reasons to pick one over the other.
Basics of a Clearlight vs. Sunlighten Sauna
Deciding between a Sunlighten vs. Clearlight sauna can be tricky. They are two of the top contenders when it comes to the best infrared saunas. But an overview of each brand and comparing their respective features and perks should help you decide which is best for your needs.
First, we have Sunlighten saunas. They offer a collection of indoor and outdoor infrared saunas with varying levels of functionality and aesthetics. Sunlighten saunas are famous for utilizing both heat and color therapy or enhanced sauna experience. Each Sunlighten sauna is equipped with its patented low EMF SoloCarbon heating technology and built-in Chromotherapy.
Acoustic Resonance Therapy (ART) is also offered as an upgrade option for Sunlighten saunas. Plus, they have exclusive add-ons to bring your sauna experience to the next level. Sunlighten has anything from CELLIANT-infused sauna towels and cushions to multi-use backrests and sauna cleaning kits.
Now, introducing Clearlight saunas. The sauna company has been leading the sauna industry for over 20 years, claiming to offer both luxurious and effective infrared saunas. You can expect great build quality from Clearlight saunas. But they are particularly known for their proprietary True Wave infrared heaters that use a combination of carbon and ceramic heaters that produce the lowest EMF levels.
Clearlight saunas also stand out with their 360-degree heating. Every Clearlight sauna model is equipped with infrared heaters on the front, side, and back walls, plus another under the bench and on the floor. Lastly, all Clearlight saunas offer a lifetime warranty.
Types of Sunlighten Saunas
Sunlighten has four sauna collections, offering both far infrared and 3 in 1 (near, mid, and far infrared) saunas in varying sizes, including a portable model, and with different features and add-ons.
Here’s a closer look to see what each Sunlighten sauna has to offer.
Amplify Full Spectrum Sauna
Sunlighten Amplify saunas are a full-spectrum type of sauna to give you maximum health benefits. They can heat up to 78.3°C (172.94°F), which is considerably warmer than most infrared saunas. That’s because they use two heater types—the Sunlighten SoloCarbon far infrared heaters and full-spectrum halogen heaters.
Sunlighten’s Amplify sauna collection includes two size options—the Amplify II, which fits two people, and the Amplify III, with a 3-person capacity. Both Amplify sauna models are available in Eucalyptus or Basswood.
mPulse 3-in-1 Infrared Sauna
The Sunlighten mPulse sauna collection is a 3-in-1 sauna, the first and only sauna equipped with three different heaters providing three different wavelengths. The standard single-person Sunlighten mPulse Aspire utilizes three near-infrared heaters, four mid-infrared heaters, and six far-infrared heaters. Larger sauna models have even more infrared heaters to cover the area.
Besides the standard single-person Aspire model, you can also pick the mPulse Believe model, Conquer, Discover, and Empower, which seats two all the way up to five people, respectively. MPulse saunas are available in Basswood, Eucalyptus, and a Eucalyptus exterior/Cedar interior combination.
Signature Far Infrared Sauna
Sunlighten Signature saunas are a far-infrared type of sauna only, as opposed to the full-spectrum Amplify saunas and the 3-in-1 mPulse saunas. This collection offers simplicity and ease of using an infrared sauna at home. There are no fancy features, just quality heating with at least eight far-infrared heaters with ultra-low EMF exposure.
You can pick from Signature I, Signature II, Signature III, and Signature IV, with enough room for 1, 2, 3, and 4 people, respectively. All Sunlighten Signature saunas are available in Eucalyptus and Basswood.
Solo System Portable Infrared Sauna
Besides the typical cabin designs, Sunlighten also has a portable type of sauna, the Solo System. It’s a far-infrared type of sauna designed to look like an elongated dome. The Solo System portable infrared sauna offers a single-person infrared treatment if you don’t have the space or budget for a bigger cabin.
The Solo System is composed of a double-dome and a SoloPad, both with five and four zone-based digital heaters, respectively, for more targeted heating.
Types of Clearlight Saunas
Clearlight offers two main categories of infrared saunas—far-infrared saunas that only use far infrared light and full-spectrum infrared saunas that utilize near, mid, and far-infrared heat to achieve proven sauna benefits. Lastly, they have an outdoor sauna option.
Here’s a closer look to see what each Clearlight sauna has to offer.
Sanctuary Infrared Sauna
Clearlight Sanctuary sauna models boast a sleek contemporary Italian-inspired design with tempered glass front and ceiling. The Sanctuary models are a full-spectrum infrared sauna type. They are equipped with both far infrared heaters and full spectrum heaters to utilize near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared heaters for enhanced overall health and wellness.
The Clearlight Sanctuary collection includes six sauna models. Pick the compact 1-person Clearlight Sanctuary 1 all the way to the 4-person Clearlight Sanctuary Y that doubles as an infrared sauna and hot yoga room. Two other 4-person sauna options fit varying needs—the Sanctuary C for corner placements and the ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible Sanctuary Retreat sauna.
All Clearlight Sanctuary saunas are available in two eco-certified materials—Mahogany and Basswood.
Premier IS-Sauna
Clearlight Premier saunas feature the traditional Finnish design, making them look like a traditional sauna on the outside, not to be confused with a dry vs. wet sauna. Unlike traditional steam saunas, it utilizes far-infrared heat, the longest infrared wavelength, to produce dry, more comfortable radiant heat for deep relaxation.
You can also choose from five different sauna sizes, from the space-saving Premier IS-1 sauna, ideal for personal use, to a more family-friendly Premier IS-5 that fits up to five people. Like the Sanctuary collection, All Clearlight Premier saunas are available in Mahogany and Basswood.
Sanctuary Outdoor Sauna
Enjoy home sauna benefits with an outdoor view with Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoor saunas. They are full-spectrum saunas available as a 2-person Sanctuary Outdoor 2 and a spacious 5-person Sanctuary Outdoor 5 sauna.
Both Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoor models have Canadian Mahogany interiors and Cedartec exteriors. However, unlike most Clearlight saunas, the Outdoor models only come with a lifetime warranty on components and a 5-year warranty on the cabin.
What to Look for Before Purchasing a Clearlight vs. Sunlighten Sauna
Before you decide on a brand to buy, it’s important to pick the sauna that meets your needs and preferences. So, we’ve outlined some key considerations when buying a sauna, whether you get one from Sunlighten vs. Clearlight.
Far Infrared vs. Full Spectrum
You can find two main categories of infrared saunas: far—infrared saunas and full-spectrum infrared saunas. Far-infrared saunas only use far-infrared light, while full-spectrum saunas utilize heaters that can produce near, mid, and far-infrared heat.
Ideally, a full-spectrum sauna has the advantage of the holistic therapeutic benefits of the entire spectrum. The downside, however, is that you need to sit around 2-3 inches from the infrared light to absorb near-infrared light and its benefits. And that could be uncomfortable for you.
So, choose the infrared sauna that fits your needs and preferences. Clearlight and Sunlighten do offer both far-infrared and full-spectrum infrared saunas.
Indoor or Outdoor Sauna
Infrared saunas are built in varying sizes, so they can fit virtually anywhere, inside and outside your house. Depending on your home’s available space, you can choose between an indoor or an outdoor sauna.
- Indoor sauna: Indoor infrared saunas provide a luxurious space to relax and unwind in the comfort of your home. You can place it in any unused corner of the house or inside a room dedicated to sauna use.
- Outdoor sauna: Outdoor saunas give you a dedicated, semi-private space to relax with a potentially beautiful backyard view. However, consider the power source’s proximity if you decide where to place a sauna outdoors.
That said, Clearlight offers both indoor and outdoor sauna options, so you can choose according to your preferences. On the other hand, Sunlighten saunas are not designed for the outdoors. Placing a Sunlighten infrared sauna outside will void your warranty. That said, Sunlighten has a canvas sauna cover you can purchase. Use it to cover the infrared sauna if you decide to place it outside to protect the sauna and keep the warranty intact.
Seating Capacity
Infrared saunas offer varying seating capacities or sizes, from one-person units to much larger sauna cabins that can seat up to five people, sometimes even more. Deciding on what size of a sauna to purchase depends on a couple of factors, like your budget and how many people you expect to regularly use the sauna at any one time.
But whether you choose a Clearlight or Sunlighten sauna, they have anywhere from 1-person sauna models up to 5-person saunas available.
Customizable Options
Being able to customize your infrared sauna with the materials of your choice is always a plus. And both Clearlight and Sunlighten saunas offer several material options. For instance, Clearlight indoor infrared saunas are available in both Basswood and Mahogany. Meanwhile, cabin saunas from Sunlighten are available in Basswood and Eucalyptus.
But besides the timber choice, there are other customizable options for your infrared sauna, like add-on wellness perks.
Infrared therapy, on its own, already offers plenty of benefits, from detox and weight loss to improved circulation and overall health. But you can enhance every sauna session further and get even more wellness benefits.
Other sauna add-ons and customizations you might want to consider:
- Vibration Resonance therapy (VRT): VRT, also known as Acoustic Resonance therapy (ART), is available as an upgrade option for all Sunlighten cabin saunas and Clearlight saunas, except for Sanctuary Yoga, Sanctuary Retreat, Premier IS-5, and Outdoor 5 models.
- Halotherapy: Available as an add-on for Clearlight saunas.
- Red light therapy: Available as an add-on for Clearlight saunas.
- Aromatherapy: Available as an add-on for Clearlight saunas.
Clearlight saunas also have the advantage of customizing or upgrading a far-infrared sauna, like their Premier collection, to have full-spectrum heaters.
Sauna Features
Certain sauna features and accessories can be useful. Plus, they always sweeten the deal when offered by manufacturers for free. For example, an infrared sauna and light or color therapy go well together, and many saunas offer both.
That said, all Sunlighten saunas include built-in medical-grade Chromotherapy. Clearlight Sanctuary models, both indoor and outdoor options, have the same built-in Chromotherapy feature, while the Clearlight Premier has it as an upgrade option.
Other sauna features to look for:
- Digital controls: Both Sunlighten and Clearlight saunas feature an easy-to-use digital control panel with programmable timers. Sunlighten has an Android-powered control pad, while Clearlight saunas have dual digital controls and a Smartphone app control for ease of use.
- Sound systems: Listen to your favorite podcast or play relaxing meditation music during your sauna session. Both Clearlight and Sunlighten cabin saunas have premium sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Health and wellness programs: Sunlighten mPulse saunas have the advantage of six pre-set wellness programs using each of the three infrared wavelengths. It allows you to customize your sauna session and take advantage of each wavelength’s varying benefits.
- Ergonomics: Clearlight saunas are designed with built-in reclining backrests for ultimate comfort. Meanwhile, if you want to recline comfortably inside a Sunlighten sauna, you’ll need to purchase their multi-use sauna backrest.
Size of the Sauna
You’ll find infrared saunas in a variety of sizes. Besides deciding the seating capacity of a sauna before buying, it’s also important to check the dimensions. It’s especially true if there are any space limitations where you plan to place the sauna.
To give you an overview, the smallest 1-person sauna from Clearlight is the Premier IS-1, which has an exterior dimension of 40 x 44 inches. On the other hand, the smallest 1-person Sanctuary sauna, which is the Signature I, measures 37.80 x 39.76 inches. In other words, although both sauna models are designed for one-person use, the Sanctuary sauna would be a much better space-saving option.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the largest sauna sizes from both brands. Clearlight’s Premier IS-5 has an internal dimension of 78 x 42 inches. Meanwhile, Sunlighten’s mPulse Empower model measures 79.92 x 64.8 inches. It means that while both saunas seat up to five people, the Sunlighten sauna proves to be more spacious inside.
Price
Sunlighten and Clearlight don’t release pricing unless requested. Understandable since each unit is configurable based on your needs and preferences. The final price will be based on your choice of timber, accessories you want to add, and other perks you include.
That said, expect to pay high-end prices for high-end sauna builds like the ones from Sunlighten and Clearlight, around $3,500 to $4,000 upwards, depending on the sauna size.
Reviews
Infrared saunas are huge investments. And each brand will always claim that they have the best sauna in the market. So, before spending thousands of dollars, it’s always smart to check infrared sauna reviews or complaints from sauna users who have purchased and used the sauna you’re planning to get.
For many sauna users, the ultra-low to no electromagnetic field exposure from Clearlight saunas is a huge pro in terms of safety and health. Sunlighten’s innovation is also well-liked by seasoned sauna users, particularly their 3-in-1 infrared heater, which is one of its kind.
Clearlight vs. Sunlighten Conclusion
In this comparison and review, we used our experience with saunas plus researching the two top sauna brands, their websites, their product offerings, their claims, and the experiences of customers who have purchased from these companies.
With that said, there is no single best infrared sauna for everyone. The better sauna in Clearlight vs. Sunlighten saunas honestly depends on what you’re looking for in an infrared sauna.
If you want the lowest EMF levels for safety, pick Clearlight saunas. If you want virtually every creature comfort and gadget in your infrared sauna, get a Sunlighten.
If you want to add more wellness modalities to your infrared sauna, Clearlight saunas have optional VRT, Halotherapy, Red light therapy, and Aromatherapy. If you want a portable infrared sauna, Sunlighten has one.
