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Have you ever heard of light therapy? Light boxes come in all shapes and sizes and are used to treat mental health conditions by mimicking natural light to give you all the benefits of being outside even if natural light is unavailable. Infrared saunas are a similar concept but they use light to create heat that is directed at your body.
There are several benefits of using infrared saunas, but they are not a cheap investment so it can be intimidating trying to decide which saunas are worth the money. You want to make sure you're purchasing your new sauna through a reputable manufacturer that uses high-quality materials. We recommend checking out Sun Home Saunas. But to also help you cut through the confusion and all of the advertisement claims you'll find, we've done the research to find the best infrared saunas. All but one of the products on our list are available on Amazon for your convenience.
The Best Infrared Saunas - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Infrared Sauna: Sun Home Equinox™ Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
- Best 2-Person Infrared Sauna: HeatWave Radiant Saunas 2-Person Sauna
- Best Luxury Infrared Sauna: DYNAMIC SAUNAS Maxxus 3
- Best Round Infrared Sauna: 1Love Sauna Dome Luxor
- Best Hemlock Infrared Sauna: Dynamic Golden Designs Andora 2-Person Sauna
- Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna: LTCCDSS Outdoor Far Infrared Sauna
- Best Infrared Sauna Blanket: LifePro Far Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Best Portable Infrared Sauna: SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa
- Best Personal Infrared Sauna: XMatch Far Infrared Wooden Sauna Room
- Best Compact Infrared Sauna: HeatWave Rejuvenator Portable Sauna
- Best Budget Infrared Sauna: Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Overall Infrared Sauna - Sun Home Equinox™ Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
SPECS
- Size: 50.9"W x 39.9"D x 77.7"H (includes 2" feet)
- Material: Eco-certified pine
- Temperature range: Up to 165 F
- Heat source: Corded electric, carbon-ceramic full-spectrum (500W)
- Features: True Wave heating, Bluetooth surround sound, medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights
This is the only infrared sauna on our list that's not available on Amazon but that's because if you're truly looking for the best overall infrared sauna, then we'd be wrong not to put the Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna at the top of our list. This sauna is doctor-designed and made from eco-certified pine wood, has Bluetooth surround sound built-in speakers, chromotherapy LED lights, and comes with a lifetime warranty. This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the key features this sauna is packed with.
Manufactured by the reputable brand Sun Home Saunas, this top-of-the-line infrared sauna also has a 3-person Equinox™ model available for family use or if you prefer extra room. So, if you're serious about getting all the benefits that infrared saunas provide, there's no better sauna on the market.
What We Like
- Made with eco-certified pine
- Doctor designed and endorsed
- Chromotherapy LED lights
- Lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
- Not for small spaces
- More expensive than most saunas on our list
BUY: Sun Home Equinox™ Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Best 2-Person Infrared Sauna - HeatWave Radiant Saunas 2-Person Sauna
SPECS
- Size: 49" x 39" x 75"
- Material: Canadian Hemlock
- Temperature range: Up to 141 F/60.5 C
- Heat source: Corded electric, carbon heaters
- Features: Sound system, touchscreen control panel
If you're going to have a sauna in your house, you'll definitely want one that is both a high-quality sauna experience and looks good. The HeatWave Radiant is made from beautiful Canadian Hemlock and bronze tinted glass. It has six carbon heating panels that will heat evenly from different angles.
This sauna can fit two people comfortably, has straightforward controls to adjust the temperature, and comes with an oxygen ionizer to make sure you're breathing clean air no matter how long you stay in the sauna.
What We Like
- Oxygen ionizer
- Compact footprint for its capacity.
- 7-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- No Bluetooth compatibility
- It will only be delivered to the street, not the location you want to set up
BUY: HeatWave Radiant Saunas 2-Person Sauna
Best Luxury Infrared Sauna - DYNAMIC SAUNAS Maxxus 3
SPECS
- Size: 63.5" x 43.3" x 74.8"
- Material: Canadian Hemlock
- Temperature range: Up to 140 F/60 C
- Heat source: AC, Maxxus low EMF far-infrared carbon heating panels
- Features: Bronze-tinted tempered glass door, full-range audio system
If you've got plenty of space and a large budget for a top-of-the-line sauna, the Maxxus from Dynamic Saunas is what you're looking for. This sauna is big enough to fit three people and is powered by seven low EMF heating panels, including one under the bench and one on the floor.
The Maxxus also has a full-range audio system that includes Bluetooth speakers and an aux cable port with touchscreen controls. Because of its size, it may take a little longer to heat than smaller saunas, but it has a high maximum temperature for an energy-efficient unit.
What We Like
- Bronze tinted door and windows
- Floor heating panel
- Sustainably sourced lumber
What We Don't Like
- Requires AC power
- Difficult assembly
Best Round Infrared Sauna - 1Love Sauna Dome Luxor
SPECS
- Size: 32" x 18" x 72"
- Material: PU Leather
- Temperature range: Up to 194 F/90 C
- Heat source: Corded electric, ZERO EMF carbon fiber heating wire
- Features: 2 FIR Domes, 1 FIR Mat, pillow, 2 insulated curtains
Round saunas take a different shape than others for reasons that go beyond aesthetics. In normal saunas, there are corners and "dead space" areas around the bench or chair that pull heat away from you. The round shape is meant to eliminate the extra space.
The 1Love dome is a simple design that puts together the qualities of portable saunas and sauna blankets with the idea of a dome shape to eliminate dead space. The result is a very high heat capacity. We also love the ZERO EMF technology 1Love uses as its heating element.
What We Like
- ZERO EMF technology
- 2 dome sizes
- Infrared mat lets the heat rise from the ground up
What We Don't Like
- You have to lie down to use it
- Some users find the mat uncomfortable
Best Hemlock Infrared Sauna - Dynamic Golden Designs Andora 2-Person Sauna
SPECS
- Size: 47" x 43.1" x 74.4"
- Material: Canadian Hemlock
- Temperature range: Up to 130 F/ 54.5 C
- Heat source: Corded electric, low EMF far-infrared carbon heating panels
- Features: Bluetooth/Aux audio system, easy touch controls
Dynamic Andora sauna is a great choice for anyone looking for a two-person sauna. Like the other non-portable saunas on our list, the Andora is made of hemlock wood and has low EMF carbon heaters. It is equipped with an audio system and easy touch controls to adjust temperature and timers.
What we like most about the Andora is the energy efficiency of its heaters. Powering a large sauna can use a lot of electricity. To combat this, the Andora only uses six heating elements. But even so, the heating should be even and effective up to 130 F or 54.5 C.
What We Like
- Energy efficient
- Tempered glass door and windows
- Easy assembly
What We Don't Like
- Heavy
- Low maximum heat
BUY: Dynamic Golden Designs Andora 2-Person Sauna
Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna - LTCCDSS Outdoor Far Infrared Sauna
SPECS
- Size: 57.9" x 40.5" x 81.1"
- Material: Canadian Hemlock
- Temperature range: Up to 149 F/65 C
- Heat source: Corded electric, far-infrared epoxy heating plates
- Features: Bluetooth audio system, touchscreen controls
If you have the space and the budget we highly recommend a nice outdoor sauna like the LTCCDSS outdoor sauna. It is made of high-quality Canadian Hemlock and the interior design is both functional and beautiful. The interior bench has enough space for two or three people depending on how much you're willing to squeeze, and there are 9 low EMF heating plates.
This sauna is Bluetooth compatible, and can weather temperatures below freezing and other elements like rain. This unit is being sold directly from the manufacturer as well so you'll get a little bit of a discount for a top-tier sauna.
What We Like
- Weather proof
- Low EMF
- Beautiful design
What We Don't Like
- Large footprint
- Expensive
BUY: LTCCDSS Outdoor Far Infrared Sauna
Best Infrared Sauna Blanket - LifePro Far Infrared Sauna Blanket
SPECS
- Size: 71"× 71"
- Material: Pu Leather
- Temperature range: Up to 176 F/80 C
- Heat source: Corded electric, silicone heating wires
- Features: Head towel, 5 detox wraps
Sauna blankets give you the benefits of infrared saunas without actually having to set anything up or sit uncomfortably. You can use the LifePro sauna blanket while you're laying on your bed reading or sitting on the couch watching your favorite show. The key is versatility.
What we love about the LifePro specifically is the Pu leather material that keeps the silicone heating wires insulated and traps heat around your body. This blanket folds to a very compact size and comes with five detox wraps that will stimulate circulation even if you're not in a position to use the sauna blanket.
What We Like
- Pu leather material
- Large size
- Versatile heating element
What We Don't Like
- No warranty
- Silicone wires aren't as durable as other heaters
BUY: LifePro Far Infrared Sauna Blanket
Best Portable Infrared Sauna - SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa
SPECS
- Size: 27 x 31 x 37 in.
- Material: Heat Reflective PVC
- Temperature Range: Up to 140 F/60 C
- Heat Source: Corded Electric, Low EMF Carbon Fiber Heating Panels
- Features: Foldable Chair included, Heating Foot Pad
The SereneLife portable infrared sauna is everything you need from a sauna that you want to take with you on the go. It is lightweight, has a simple remote control system, and shouldn't take long to set up after you get the hang of it. This is a full-spectrum sauna that collapses into a rather thin unit with a carrying handle attached.
Similar to other portable saunas you'll need to stay seated in the SereneLife sauna, but it comes with a foldable chair and hand-access zippers that let you hold a book or your phone without letting out the heat.
What We Like
- Timer can be set up to 60 min.
- Hand-access zippers
- Low EMF heating panels
What We Don't Like
- Not as aesthetically pleasing.
BUY: SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa
Best Personal Infrared Sauna - Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Sauna Room
SPECS
- Size: 32.3" x 32.3" x 66.93"
- Material: Canadian Hemlock
- Temperature range: Up to 140 F/60 C
- Heat source: Corded electric, low EMF carbon far-infrared plate covered with epoxy
- Features: Interior beam for hanging clothes, Bluetooth audio
If you're looking for a sauna with all of the high-end features but want it to be as compact as possible for personal use then the Xmatch sauna is the choice for you. This sauna is made of hemlock, has Bluetooth audio, and has a durable glass door.
What sets the Xmatch sauna apart from the rest is the interior design. It makes good use of a narrow space to keep the footprint tight. One person can fit comfortably but you won't be able to squeeze anyone else in. It also has an interior beam for hanging clothes or towels.
What We Like
- Small footprint
- 8 low EMF heating plates
- Interior LED reading lamp
What We Don't Like
- Will be too tight for larger users
- 10 min. pre-warm up
BUY: Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Sauna Room
Best Compact Infrared Sauna - HeatWave Rejuvenator Portable Sauna
SPECS
- Size: 28" x 33.5" x 38.1"
- Material: Stitched polyester
- Temperature Range: Up to 150 F/65.5 C
- Heat Source: Corded electric, low-EMF carbon heating panels
- Features: Folding chair, 1-year warranty, foam floor mat
You might have noticed that portable and compact saunas all seem to have a similar shape and look. This is true and it's because infrared heat needs to be a certain distance from your body to be effective and the box design of saunas like the HeatWave Rejuvenator allows the heating elements to have that space.
What makes each unit unique is the material and features. You have to sit down in these units so they typically come with a folding chair, but the Rejuvenator also includes a foam floor mat for your feet and the stitched polyester material will hold heat better than other materials in its class.
What We Like
- Stitched polyester
- Carbon heating panels
- 1-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Need to stay seated
- No hand-access zippers
BUY: HeatWave Rejuvenator Portable Sauna
Best Budget Infrared Sauna - Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
SPECS
- Size: 27.6" x 31.5" x 37.8"
- Material: Cotton with waterproof PVC coating
- Temperature range: Up to 140 F/60 C
- Heat source: Corded electric, carbon fiber nano heaters
- Features: Reinforced portable chair, heating foot pad, preheating pad
Top-of-the-line infrared saunas can cost a significant amount of money. But if you're looking to get the same health benefits without breaking your budget then you have options. In our opinion, the best is Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna.
This sauna is a simple design, but it comes equipped with carbon fiber nano heaters that will heat evenly. It is also easy to set up and is portable enough to take with you if you find yourself on the go. The Smartmak also comes with a foldable chair and heating foot pad for your comfort.
What We Like
- Portable
- Carbon nano heaters
- Preheating pad to speed up the heating process
What We Don't Like
- Requires you to sit
- You have to assemble it for each use
BUY: Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
FAQs About Infrared Saunas
Are infrared saunas worth it?
Infrared saunas have health benefits, but they are not a magic way to lose weight. If you're looking for weight loss then a sauna will not produce results. But if you're looking to lower your risk of heart disease and decrease your brain's stress hormones then a sauna is worth it.
Do infrared saunas burn belly fat?
No. Saunas make you sweat which means the majority of the weight you lose from sauna use is water weight. The best way to burn belly fat is with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
What type of sauna is the healthiest?
Infrared saunas are considered safe and have a few health benefits like lowering your risk of heart disease, relieving pain, and decreasing stress hormones. Saunas that use other heating methods like wood fire or steam could carry health risks so infrared is the safest choice.
What is better: steaming or using an infrared sauna?
Both streaming and infrared saunas have potential health benefits, but Infrared saunas use light to heat your body directly which is generally safer than steam-producing heat or wood fires.
How do you clean an infrared sauna?
Infrared saunas can be cleaned similarly to how you would clean a tile floor. Vacuuming the floor and bench areas will help you prevent debris and dust build-up while wiping the surfaces down with an appropriate cleaning agent will remove bacteria and other substances.
About the Author
Cory is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition coach. After spending six years as an educator and coach, Cory joined the ACTIVE team as a staff writer turning his passion for education toward helping ACTIVE readers live their best, healthiest lives.
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