Sauna bathing has been used for centuries in diverse cultures for hygiene, health, social, and spiritual purposes. The benefits of saunas are well-known and reported by many, becoming an essential practice in gyms and beauty facilities.
Infrared saunas have emerged in the last decade as an enjoyable and convenient way to reap the potential therapeutic properties of saunas. While the evidence is beginning to come to light, some of the suggested properties include detoxification, increased blood circulation, pain reduction, and improved cardiovascular function, among others.
For this reason, we have undertaken the task of unveiling some of the best infrared saunas on the market, helping to enhance relaxation and optimize your wellness at home.
Best infrared sauna: shortlist
- HigherDose — best overall infrared sauna
- Lifepro — best indoor infrared sauna
- Sun Home Saunas Equinox™ — best full spectrum infrared sauna
- Golden Designs Dynamic "Lugano" — best infrared sauna for home with low EMF
- Golden Designs Maxxus — best 2 person infrared sauna
- Sun Ray Saunas Grandby — best infrared sauna for outdoor use
- Sunlighten — best one person infrared sauna
- Heat Healer — best infrared sauna with red light therapy
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Comparing the best infrared saunas
| Product | Price | Capacity | Technology | Temperature | Certification | Warranty |
| HigherDose | $7999.00 | 2 or 3 person | Infrared | N/A | N/A | 5 year warranty |
| Lifepro | $1999.99 | 1 person | Infrared | 41–104 °F (5–40 °C) | ETL, CE, and RoHS | 2 year warranty |
| Sun Home Saunas Equinox™ | $7000.00 | 2 person | Full spectrum infrared | Up to 165 °F (73.8 °C) | N/A | 7 year warranty |
| Golden Designs Dynamic "Lugano" | $2499.00 | 3 person | Infrared | 118–132 °F (47.7–55.5 °C) | N/A | 5 year warranty |
| Golden Designs Maxxus | $3499.00 | 2 person | Infrared | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sun Ray Saunas Grandby | $5235.00 | 3 person | Infrared | Up to 140 °F (60 °C) | ETL/CSA Certified | N/A |
Best infrared sauna 2024: overview
Thanks to their ease of maintenance and convenience, infrared saunas are great options to install at home. These saunas may help to soothe the body and unwind after a busy day, promoting recovery and relaxation. However, it may be challenging to choose one that is compatible with your lifestyle.
With indoor and outdoor options, blankets, or different light spectrum options, what is the best infrared sauna? Discover our ranking and find out the best product for you:
1. HigherDose — best overall infrared sauna for at-home use
HigherDose features a full spectrum of infrared rays to detoxify and de-stress the body from the daily grind. Unlike the traditional sauna, the use of far-infrared light directly heats the body, raising its temperature, and holding the promise of helping with muscle recovery and relaxation.
Crafted with wood and charcoal gray, this sauna creates a comfortable and enjoyable environment, with an upgraded entertainment system and chromotherapy lights to enhance the experience. Additionally, the product is low on EMF (electromagnetic field), setting a golden standard for radiation emissions when it comes to at-home saunas.
The sauna has a capacity for 2 or 3 people, depending on the selected design, and benches can be removed to create more space inside the cabin.
It is available for $7999.00 and includes a 5-year warranty
Affordable sauna alternative
HigherDose delivers a convenient and enjoyable sauna experience in a blanket. The device is designed with charcoal, clay, and magnet, delivering heat therapy in a comfortable environment for solo use.
It is available for $699 and includes a 1-year warranty.
Tap into the benefits of infrared light for a relaxing and rejuvenating self-care experience.
2. Lifepro — best indoor infrared sauna
Amidst the hustle and bustle of today’s life, finding holistic ways to de-stress and soothe the body may be quite daunting. Fear not, as Rejuvacure comes to the rescue. With far infrared technology, the sauna is engineered to enhance blood circulation, relieve joint and muscle pain, and promote relaxation.
Infrared saunas are types of sauna heated by metallic or ceramic elements that produce a small spectrum of light, referred to as far-infrared. This light penetrates the body, heating it and fostering several benefits. Some research suggests that it may help manage pain, as well as improve exercise performance in athletes.
The sauna can be adjusted with a temperature control panel and includes a built-in chromotherapy light with 7 light options to enhance the relaxing experience. Additionally, the brand highlights its commitment to quality by holding certifications such as ETL, CE, and RoHS.
It is available for $1999.99 and includes 2 years of warranty.
Affordable sauna alternative
For those seeking a budget-friendly option, Lifepro delivers an innovative and comfortable sauna product that boasts all the benefits of a regular sauna in a waterproof blanket. Engineered to soothe bodies and minds, this device may become the ultimate companion for a calming session at home.
The product is priced at $499.99 and counts with CE, RoHS, FCC, and UKCA certifications.
Enhance your sauna journey with RejuvaWrap™ an innovative blanket tailored to achieve various wellness goals.
3. Sun Home Saunas Equinox™ — best full spectrum infrared sauna
For couples seeking a product to de-stress and unwind, Sun Home Saunas may be the perfect option. With a full-spectrum heating system, the sauna is particularly engineered to liberate toxins and facilitate lymph and blood circulation.
Infrared saunas are characterized for emitting low EMF/ELF (electromagnetic field). This measure refers to invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation. When it comes to infrared technology, it is advised to opt for those saunas with less than 3 mG. Sun Home Saunas is not only a standout in relaxation but also excels in its commitment to delivering low radiation (0.5 mG) for its customers.
The sauna’s materials are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and third-party tested to ensure the best experience for users. Moreover, the product is hand-sanded and passed through several rigorous quality certifications to enhance its durability.
It is available for $7000.00 and includes a 7-year warranty on cabinetry and heaters and a 3-year warranty on controls.
Affordable sauna alternative
Sun Home Saunas delivers the therapeutic benefits of its infrared sauna in a convenient, portable blanket — a high-quality device designed for relaxation and detoxification after a busy day.
It is available for $499 and includes free shipping.
Indulge in a luxurious sauna blanket and melt away the toxins and stress of a busy day.
4. Golden Designs Dynamic "Lugano" — best infrared sauna for home with low EMF
While at-home infrared saunas may be a great option for individuals looking to enhance tranquility, they are often targeted for solo use. Golden Designs Dynamic, supported by Nordica, aims to change this limited capacity, delivering a spacious sauna for up to three people, making the product a great fit for families or friends.
Crafted with Canadian Hemlock wood planks, the sauna is energy-efficient, delivering infrared heating panels to help rejuvenate and relax the body. Customers report enjoying a myriad of benefits from sauna usage, including improvement in muscle soreness, exercise recovery, and stress relief.
This sauna also boasts a wide range of features to enrich the relaxing experience, including a Bluetooth speaker, an LED control panel, and a chromotherapy lighting system. Moreover, it can be installed in any indoor location and requires low maintenance to ensure its durability.
It is available for $4999.00 and includes a 5-year warranty.
5. Golden Designs Maxxus — best 2 person infrared sauna
Golden Designs, powered by CalmSpas, introduces a two-person infrared sauna crafted to comfort the body when it needs it the most. Utilizing Canadian Hemlock wood, the sauna aims to melt away the tension, enhancing well-being and daytime performance.
This sauna targets the therapeutic benefits of infrared light to promote circulation, enhance skin radiance, and alleviate discomfort in the body. Some studies have suggested that an infrared sauna may help to recover the body after exercise, with some individuals reporting improvement in discomfort and soreness after its usage.
The sauna delivers a top-notch product, utilizing high-quality wood and integrating advanced low EMF technology to ensure individuals can reap the benefits of the sauna without compromising their health. The product also features 6 carbon heating panels and an FM Radio to enjoy music during the session.
It is available for $3499.00 and includes a free pair of backrests. Moreover, it is also HSA/FSA-eligible.
6. Sun Ray Saunas Grandby — best infrared sauna for outdoor use
Sun Ray Sauna, supported by CalmSpas, may hit the spot for those looking for an all-season outdoor sauna. The product features a sealed weatherproof cabin and shingled roof to reap the benefits of the sauna throughout the year, optimizing wellness regardless of the season.
The sauna is engineered to achieve maximum comfort during the season, featuring eight ceramic heaters for a balanced temperature inside of the cabin, as well as an oxygen ionization system for purifying the air. These features are a big change for saunas, as traditional ones tend to heat the air, causing discomfort and overheating in some individuals.
GrandBy outdoor sauna is crafted from natural Canadian hemlock wood and includes wide bench seating for up to three individuals. Moreover, it is ETL/CSA certified and meets all US and Canadian electrical safety standards.
It is available for $5235.00 and is HSA/FSA-eligible.
7. Sunlighten — best one person infrared sauna
Sunlight elevates the sauna experience with a customizable light therapy system that combines infrared and red light therapy to de-stress, heal, and energize the body. The product comes with an app to streamline the sessions, including six different modes to customize wavelength options and session duration.
This product is designed to uphold both durability and aesthetics, incorporating a tight-sealing magnetic system and LED light panels to enjoy a quiet, relaxing, and comfortable experience. Moreover, the sauna also features chromotherapy lighting, which has been suggested to enhance mental well-being.
Sunlight is crafted sustainably with eucalyptus and basswood, featuring noise-reducing and hypoallergenic properties.
The product is available from $2000.00, however it does not disclose full pricing in their website.
8. Heat Healer — best infrared sauna with red light therapy
Heat Healer introduces a unique sauna with red light therapy, PEMF, and infrared heat to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. This unique combination of light aims to optimize wellness, especially after periods of stress or body fatigue.
This product benefits from the properties of a traditional sauna and enhances its action with the help of red light therapy. This type of light has been linked to a myriad of benefits, including potential improvement of skin health, as well as inflammation and swelling relief. This combination makes Heat Healer the perfect match for active individuals or exercise enthusiasts.
The sauna uses 36 LED lights with a wavelength of 660 nm and an intensity of 11mw/cm2. Moreover, it is designed with low levels of EMF and independently tested against the FCC standards for all electronic radiated emissions. Although the product page suggests it may be suitable for up to an hour of exposure time, longer sessions may not be suitable for everyone.
The product features eco-friendly materials, including vegan leather, velvet, bamboo and cotton. It is available for $2498.00 and includes a 5-year warranty.
How we compiled our list of the best infrared saunas
While traditional saunas have served for centuries as a holistic health practice, a new wave of saunas, specifically infrared saunas, is gaining popularity online.
These types of saunas aim to use infrared light to optimize wellness, with several brands claiming benefits such as enhancing skin health, post-workout recovery, and improving cardiovascular health. But with so many providers and suggested properties, what criteria are paramount for selecting and ranking the top-rated infrared saunas?
| Price | Brand transparency | Number of users | Spectrum coverage |
| $1999.99–7999.00 | Disclosure of manufacturing practices and additional certification | Single, double, or triple cabins | Far, full-spectrum and the addition of other light technologies (red light therapy or Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) |
- Price. Our selection encompassed brands that deliver competitive prices without compromising quality and safety.
- Brand transparency. Selecting an optimal sauna also involves considering the overall transparency of its provider. We have considered manufacturing practices and additional certifications.
- Number of users. We evaluated the dimensions of each sauna and selected various indoor and outdoor saunas tailored to different preferences, encompassing single, double, or triple-person cabins.
- Spectrum coverage. Our selection includes saunas with various types of infrared radiation, including near, mid, far, and full-spectrum options. Moreover, we also considered advanced light technologies such as red light therapy or PEMF.
Expert opinions: the primary benefits of infrared saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared radiation (IR) to generate heat. IR is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths that are longer than visible light, mimicking the effects of a traditional sauna. It has been suggested that infrared rays are absorbed by the tissue, generating heat inside the body and leading to potential benefits:
- Body recovery. Infrared saunas may have a positive impact on body recovery, particularly after exercise. A small study with male basketball players suggested that a post-exercise infrared sauna session improved subjective soreness in muscles. Moreover, some limited evidence points out that saunas may have a positive effect on the neuromuscular system in healthy, physically active men, aiding in recovery from strength and endurance training.
- Cardiac function. Traditional saunas have been associated with improved cardiovascular health. Various studies suggest that its usage may reduce the risks of cardiac disease as well as stroke incidence. As for infrared saunas, a meta-analysis of their usage (60°C) was linked with a short-term improvement in certain parameters of cardiac function.
- Musculoskeletal conditions. Infrared saunas have shown some promise in aiding various musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. For this reason, they may become a holistic support to chronic pain. However, further research is needed to elucidate its potential.
Is it safe to use infrared saunas?
Infrared saunas are generally safe and offer an optimal way to de-stress and relax. However, individuals should exercise caution upon its usage. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with pre-existing medical conditions should always consult with a healthcare professional. Some other considerations involve:
- Alcohol consumption. Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, leading to potential headaches and discomfort. Therefore, individuals should avoid drinking alcohol during sauna bathing. Moreover, hydration should always be a priority before, during, and after the session.
- Hypotension. Blood pressure may decrease in saunas. Caution should be exercised in those individuals who suffer from low blood pressure or are on medication to lower blood pressure.
- Semen production. A few studies have reported that high body temperatures may potentially impair sperm production. However, the potential damage is reversible after ceasing sauna usage.
Infrared sauna alternatives
While infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body, other forms of light therapy are also gaining momentum in the wellness community. Red light therapy uses light in the visible spectrum to offer myriad benefits, some of which overlap with those delivered by infrared saunas.
Red light therapy, used alone or in combination with near-infrared light, has shown some promise to reduce inflammatory acne and support skin rejuvenation. This underscores the potential of red light therapy devices for the face to enhance and nourish skin health.
In addition, red light therapy devices may be used to support muscle recovery and alleviate pain. While further research is needed to elucidate the full potential of red light therapy, the emerging evidence suggests that various red light therapy panels and other gadgets may have therapeutic benefits.
Infrared saunas vs. traditional: what's the difference?
Infrared and traditional saunas are a form of thermotherapy believed to play a role in metabolic processes, activating heat shock proteins and reducing inflammation. Moreover, it has also been suggested that the heat of these saunas can widen blood vessels, potentially improving circulation.
Exposure to heat is suggested to impact certain physiological processes that are similar to those seen during exercise, including induced sweating and improved circulation. However, infrared and traditional saunas differ in their mechanism of action:
| Temperature | Heating system | Heating time | Maintenance | Settings | |
| Infrared saunas | Lower temperatures 113–165.2 °F (45–74°C) | Use infrared radiation to penetrate body tissues | 10–15 minutes | Low maintenance | Individual settings |
| Traditional saunas | Higher temperatures 176–212 °F (80–100°C) | Air is heated to warm the body | 20–30 minutes | High maintenance | Built for public or group use |
How to choose the best infrared sauna?
While many embark on the mission to hunt the best infrared sauna, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. These types of saunas are tailored to the preferences and needs of many users, offering a wide spectrum of options. Amidst the large variety of saunas, some key criteria should be considered:
- Space and size. It is essential to consider the dimensions of the device and its compatibility with your needs. Blankets are the best option for those who enjoy using heat therapy in their room, while two or three-person saunas are more suitable for spacious houses or outdoors.
- Temperature. Temperature is key to achieving a comfortable and pleasant experience in a sauna. Selecting saunas with customizable panels is essential to benefit from the properties of these types of saunas without experiencing overheating.
- EMF radiation. EMF is a type of radiation generated by the electrical components of the sauna and is associated with potential health hazards at excessive levels. Even though limited exposure is generally safe, it is always best to select infrared saunas that utilize low EMF levels.
- Certification. Saunas are not screened or approved by the FDA, generating doubts about their sourcing and overall production. Opting for saunas with certification may help to increase trust in the provider.
Best infrared sauna 2024: conclusion
Infrared saunas are becoming a sensation on the market due to their potential to boost wellness and straightforward upkeep, making them the perfect product to enhance relaxation at home. With numerous options available, individuals can find saunas tailored to their preferences and needs, with some integrating technologies like red light therapy to amplify the overall effects of infrared light on the body.
Even though evidence is still limited, some studies have shed light on the promising potential of infrared saunas to assist in body recovery, pain relief, or help to manage stress, making it an essential product to revitalize the body.
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FAQ
Do infrared saunas help you lose weight?
There is inconsistent data. Minor changes may be seen after usage however this could be due to water loss from sweating. But these devices should not be used as a weight loss management tool. If you are facing struggles with weight, you should consult with your healthcare provider.
Are infrared saunas worth it?
Yes. Infrared saunas are an optimal way to use saunas without the discomfort of overheating. Selecting the most suitable one will depend on a variety of factors including budget, space, health conditions, and preferences.
Are infrared saunas safe?
Yes. Saunas are generally safe to use for healthy individuals, as long as they follow the recommended guidelines indicated by the provider. However, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals or those with a pre-existing medical condition should consult with a healthcare professional on its usage.
Is it OK to use an infrared sauna every day?
Most providers discourage using infrared saunas every day. However, each product may have specific guidelines on the most suitable application of these products. Moreover, individuals with health conditions should always consult with a healthcare provider on saunas’ usage and frequency.
6 resources
- Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation.
- Infrared Physics & Technology. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review.
- Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education. Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain.
- Biology of Sport. A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training.
- Photonics and Lasers in Medicine. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications.
- Photodermatology & Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
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