Written by Emma Cronan, Writer
If you’ve used a sauna before, you know the relaxing, refreshed sensation you feel after stepping out of it, having sweated out your body’s toxins. You may be wondering, how can I get that feeling at home? At-home infrared saunas have become increasingly popular and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all with different perks. Some are collapsible and can be used on the go, some can stay indoors or outdoors, and others can fit multiple people.
We’ll share our six favorite infrared saunas, along with why they earned the superlative we’ve assigned them. Additionally, we’ll list some aspects we liked about each product and each sauna’s potential drawbacks.
Along with highlighting our favorite infrared saunas, we’ll cover what to look for when buying a sauna, the benefits of infrared saunas and how they work, and safety tips. We’ll finish up with some frequently asked questions.
The Best Infrared Sauna is…
The Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna earned our pick for the best infrared sauna due to its EMF shielding and comfort features for two people.
Best Infrared Saunas
- Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna – Editor’s Pick
- Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna – Best Portable Infrared Sauna
- Dynamic Andora 2 Person Low EMF 6 Heating Panel – Best Low EMF Infrared Sauna
- SereneLife Infrared Home Spa – Best Budget Infrared Sauna
- LifePro Sauna Blanket – Best Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 5-Person Sauna – Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna
Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna – Editor’s Pick
Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Sauna
A perfect sauna for two people and includes features like Bluetooth speakers.
SunHome Saunas Score
5.00 / 5
Why the Sun Home Equinox™ Earned Editor’s Pick
The Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna earned the Editor’s Pick spot because although it’s pricey, we feel that it ticks every box for someone searching for an at-home infrared sauna. This sauna comfortably fits two people, is made of eco-friendly and non-toxic wood, and includes EMF shielding.
Additionally, this sauna comes with Bluetooth surround sound speakers, Celliant heat covers, and a comprehensive warranty that includes seven years for cabinetry and heaters and three years for controls. According to Sun Home Saunas, this product was designed by doctors and has been endorsed by health practitioners and athletes, which should provide you with some peace of mind. For avid sauna-goers, we think the Sun Home Equinox™ is worth the splurge.
Our Take: Just looking at the sleek design of the Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna makes us want to step inside and relax.
What We Liked
- Aesthetically pleasing – The Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna is a luxury product, and its beautiful exterior reflects that. If you want a sauna that will look nice in your home, we think this one is a great choice.
- Built-in speakers – This sauna comes with built-in Bluetooth surround sound speakers, so you can listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook of your choice during your time in the sauna. These speakers may facilitate a more relaxing environment.
Potential Drawbacks
- Expensive – Even though this sauna has many incredible features, we know it’s still far too expensive for many people. The Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna costs 7,000 dollars, so if you’re shopping on a budget, you may want to keep searching.
- Not customizable – Despite its perks, this sauna is not very customizable, even at its higher price. There is no option to add any extra features or to change the color or the wood stain, which may be a drawback for some customers.
Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna – Best Portable Infrared Sauna
Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna
The Heatwave Rejuvenator is a portable sauna that can easily achieve a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. It has three heating panels and takes only a few minutes to fold and unfold.
Heatwave Score
4.40 / 5
Why the Heatwave Rejuvenator Earned Best Portable Infrared Sauna
The Heatwave Rejuvenator earned Best Portable Infrared Sauna because you should be able to easily fold it up and store it anywhere, or bring it with you on the go. The manufacturer says that this sauna can be set up in just one minute and can be folded up and put away just as easily.
We really like this portable infrared sauna because not only is it convenient, but it is inexpensive, safe, and has a maximum temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Its three carbon heating panels are made to evenly distribute heat within the sauna, so your entire body can benefit from the advantages of a stationary infrared sauna.
Our Take: The Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna is inexpensive and folds up easily, making it a great option for those with smaller budgets or living spaces.
What We Liked
- Price – This infrared sauna costs around 100 dollars, which is a fraction of the price of most at-home saunas. Plus, it has a low EMF and comes with a foldable chair and other accessories. If you’re not ready to commit to an expensive at-home infrared sauna yet, we suggest you check out the Heatwave Rejuvenator.
- Easily portable and foldable – This sauna folds up easily, so you can bring it with you on the go or put it away when you don’t plan to use it. The Heatwave Rejuventor’s foldable design means you won’t need to take up extra space in your home.
- Indoor and outdoor use – Since this sauna is portable, you can use the Heatwave Rejuvenator inside or outside your home. We think this versatility increases the value of an already well-priced infrared sauna.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not a luxury model – While we really enjoy the price and practical aspects of this sauna, we know it’s not for everyone. Luxury shoppers will probably prefer a sauna with more features, such as a speaker or chromotherapy. They also may want a sauna that will look nice in their home.
- Could be less comfortable – Although this infrared sauna comes with a foldable chair and some other accessories, the Heatwave Rejuvenator might not be as comfortable as non-foldable saunas. In this sauna, you have limited mobility since it’s somewhat small, so you’re unable to spread out into your most comfortable position. That said, how comfortable someone feels in this at-home sauna will be a personal judgment.
Dynamic Andora 2 Person Low EMF 6 Heating Panel – Best Low EMF Infrared Sauna
Dynamic Andora 2 Person Low EMF 6 Heating Panel
This sauna has six heating panels, a chromotherapy lighting system, and several other features that make it a good choice. Its sleek design fits two people and is easy to use.
Dynamic Saunas Score
4.70 / 5
Why the Dynamic Andora Earned Best Low EMF Infrared Sauna
A sauna with low EMF (electric and magnetic fields1) means that there is a low level of energy that surrounds the infrared sauna. Some research suggests that too much EMF exposure may lead to cancer, though the evidence is not yet conclusive.1 That said, many people may still want to prioritize getting a low EMF infrared sauna. According to the World Health Organization2, no harmful side effects have been reported from low EMF exposure.
The Dynamic Andora 2-Person Low EMF 6 Heating Panel is our favorite sauna with a low EMF. Along with a safe EMF level, this infrared sauna has other appealing features, including a chromotherapy lighting system with up to nine different color options and a built-in MP3 auxiliary connection with speakers
Our Take: We love that the Dynamic Andora not only promotes safe EMF exposure but also incorporates other features that make this a quality product for those who plan to use it regularly.
What We Liked
- Energy efficient – The Dynamic Andora is made to evenly distribute heat throughout the entire space so that heat is not wasted, making it energy efficient. If you’re hesitant to buy an at-home sauna because you don’t want to waste energy, this sauna could solve that issue.
- Fits two people – Another great perk we like about this at-home sauna is that it fits two people, so you can relax and unwind with a partner or friend. Even if you want to use the sauna by yourself, the increased dimensions allow you to spread out and move around.
- Sleek design – The Dynamic Andora has a sleek, aesthetically pleasing design. We anticipate many homeowners will enjoy the look of this sauna and won’t feel like it sticks out poorly in their homes.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not for budget shoppers – Although this sauna is a great value choice, it’s not ideal for people shopping on a tight budget. This product costs around 2,300 dollars, which may be more than you’re willing to spend on an at-home sauna.
- Indoor use only – Another potential drawback of the Dynamic Andora is that you can only use it indoors. If you’re looking for a sauna that you can use outside as well, then you might enjoy a portable option like the Heatwave Rejuvenator.
SereneLife Infrared Home Spa – Best Budget Infrared Sauna
SereneLife Infrared Home Spa
The SereneLife Infrared Home Spa is an affordable option for those with limited space and budget. This sauna has a foldable chain, a food pad heating mat, and an easy-to-use wired controller.
SereneLife Score
4.40 / 5
Why the SereneLife Earned Best Budget Infrared Sauna
The SereneLife Infrared Home Spa is our Best Budget pick because of its affordable price, costing just over 200 dollars. This budget-friendly infrared sauna includes a foldable chair, a wired controller to manage settings, and even a foot pad heating mat.
We think this sauna is a great choice for those who are on the go or have limited space in their home since it collapses and folds up easily. If you’re shopping on a budget but still want some great perks for your at-home sauna, we think the SereneLife is a fantastic choice.
Our Take: While the price is a steal compared to other infrared saunas, SereneLife still packs a lot of value in their budget sauna.
What We Liked
- Low price – If you’re looking to reap the benefits of a sauna, but you cannot afford to purchase a luxury model, the SereneLife is a great alternative. This portable sauna has everything you need to have your desired experience but at a much lower price.
- Portable – You can fold up the SereneLife can be folded so that it’s compact and easy to transport. You may want to bring your sauna with you as you travel, or you might just want to bring it to your backyard. Either way, we love how the portable design is practical and convenient.
- Different color options – This sauna can be purchased in three different color options at slightly varying prices. The color options are black, gray, and silver. We really enjoy this feature as it makes the product more customizable to the buyer’s preferences.
Potential Drawbacks
- Reduced comfort – Although the SereneLife comes with a foldable chair and a foot pad heating mat, it might not be as comfortable as the more high-end saunas. Additionally, its smaller size means it might not be practical for taller or heavier people.
- Made of plastic – Since this product is made of plastic, it runs the risk of ripping or breaking, especially compared to non-portable saunas. Although this sauna is far less expensive, it may not stand the test of time.
LifePro Sauna Blanket – Best Infrared Sauna Blanket
LifePro Sauna Blanket
A sauna blanket option which is perfect for those on-the-go seeking the benefits an infrared sauna can offer.
LifePro Score
4.50 / 5
Why the LifePro Earned Best Infrared Sauna Blanket
Rather than purchase something that takes up lots of space, you might be wondering if there are other options outside of stationary or foldable saunas. The LifePro is actually a sauna blanket, which means you can receive all of the benefits of a traditional sauna while lying down on your bed or couch.
This product includes infrared heating, two detox wraps, and a lifetime warranty. It is also available in eight color variations for customization. According to the brand, this infrared sauna blanket is designed to ease tension, support well-being, rejuvenate aging skin, and boost metabolism. The LifePro is easy to assemble and use, and it weighs less than 11 pounds, making it easy to take on the go and store away when it’s not being used.
Our Take: This sauna blanket is an innovative product that reimagines the traditional sauna.
What We Liked
- The price – The black color variation of the LifePro costs around 200 dollars, while some of the other color variations are slightly cheaper. Regardless, this is a low price compared to many larger at-home infrared saunas. If you want the benefits of a sauna, but you don’t want to break the bank, we think you may like the LifePro.
- Comfortable – Since you’re able to lie down while using the LifePro Sauna Blanket, you may find it more comfortable than sitting in a traditional sauna. This blanket is comparable in price to some portable, foldable saunas, yet the blanket seems like it would be far more comfortable than sitting in a small, portable sauna.
- Transportable – Since this product is a sauna blanket, it’s easy to move from place to place. If you travel often and want to bring your sauna blanket with you, or you want to use it in different rooms in your house, you can easily move it to your desired spot.
Potential Drawbacks
- May be uncomfortable for heavier people – Since this sauna blanket only comes in one size, it may be too small, tight, or uncomfortable for heavier people. Make sure you check the dimensions of the LifePro before purchasing if this is a concern for you.
- Your face is excluded from sauna benefits – In a more traditional infrared sauna, your face is inside of it, also reaping the sauna’s benefits. However, the LifePro infrared sauna blanket does not cover your face, which may be a drawback for some.
Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 5-Person Sauna – Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna
Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 5-Person Sauna
This infrared sauna can fit up to five people and is designed to be used outside.
SunHome Saunas Score
5.00 / 5
Why the Sun Home Luminar™ Earned Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna
The Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 5-Person Sauna earned Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna because of its flexibility to be stored outside, along with its sheer size. This large outdoor infrared sauna is meant to comfortably fit five people, doubling as a gathering space for a group activity of relaxation.
Along with its size and capacity to stay outdoors, the Sun Home Luminar™ includes medical-grade chromotherapy LED lighting, a mobile-app controlled system, additional heaters for the outdoors, heat-treated wood for durability, and a Bluetooth surround sound built-in speaker system. This sauna is long-lasting and durable, and the manufacturer claims that even if you use your sauna every day, its heaters should last over 100 years.
Our Take: The Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 5-Person Sauna can fit up to five people, which means it can also double as a social gathering space.
What We Liked
- Large design – Unique to other saunas on this list, the Sun Home Luminar™ can fit as many as five people. This could make it a great space for at-home spa nights with friends.
- Outdoor use – The Sun Home Luminar™ is designed to be used outside. This way, you can keep your sauna in your backyard, and it won’t take up space in your home.
- Ultra-low EMF – This sauna has ultra-low EMF shielding, which means it is safe to use. There is some evidence that suggests high EMF exposure may be linked to certain cancers, which is why we think this design feature is highly appealing.2
Potential Drawbacks
- High price – The Sun Home Luminar™ is a large infrared sauna, with a price point to match. This sauna costs nearly 10, 000 dollars, which means it might not be a realistic purchase for many people.
- Protection plan not included in the original price – While Sun Home Saunas does offer a three-year or five-year protection plan for this product, these plans are an added charge. The three-year protection plan costs just under 600 dollars, while the five-year protection plan is priced at nearly 1,000 dollars. Since customers are already paying a lot for the actual sauna, the additional cost of a protection plan could be a drawback.
What to Look for in an Infrared Sauna
Size & Capacity
When looking to purchase an infrared sauna, you’ll need to consider the size and how many people it accommodates. For instance, are you looking for a sauna that fits one person or one that can fit several people?
You also will want to check the dimensions of the sauna to make sure it fits the height of the people who will use it. Checking the dimensions will also help you determine if the sauna will fit where you want it to in your home.
Lastly, you should ensure that the sauna you’re looking to purchase is meant to be used either indoors or outdoors, depending on where you plan to put it. Some saunas can be used in both spaces, but it’s good to know this ahead of ordering one.
Type of Heating Technology
You may also want to consider whether a sauna uses a carbon or ceramic heater3. Old-style ceramic heaters don’t distribute heat very evenly throughout the sauna, which may lead to heat-related health problems.3
On the contrary, carbon heaters are considered much safer, reducing the chance of these potential health issues because they distribute heat more evenly along the heater’s wavelengths.3 Another benefit of choosing a carbon heater over a ceramic heater is that carbon heaters have a shelf life that is 10 to 20 times longer than the shelf life of a ceramic heater.3
Learn More: Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna
EMF Levels
EMF stands for electric and magnetic fields, and they are the areas of energy that surround an electrical device, such as an infrared sauna.1 Some research points to a possible link between certain cancers and too much EMF exposure, but the evidence is not conclusive.1
The United States Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) advises no long-term EMF exposure exceeding 2.5 milligauss or short-term exposure exceeding 25 milligauss4. Even though there’s no conclusive proof between EMF exposure and cancer, having an infrared sauna with a lower EMF is still helpful for ensuring peace of mind and that you remain safe while using it. Furthermore, there are no reported adverse health effects from low EMF levels.2
Additional Features
When searching for an at-home infrared sauna, you may want to consider whether or not your potential purchase comes with additional features. Some examples of these extra features may include LED lighting or chromotherapy, built-in speakers, or a touchpad that controls the settings.
While none of these features are necessities, they may be something you’d enjoy in your future home sauna.
Durability
You’ll want to read over the materials used to construct a sauna before purchasing it. If a sauna is made with quality, durable materials, it should last longer than a cheaply-made product. A well-made, high-quality sauna should last around 30 years5, especially if it’s cared for properly.
Warranty
Before you purchase a sauna, we suggest that you take a look at the product’s warranty. Especially when purchasing a more expensive sauna, you’ll want to make sure that the product has some sort of warranty in the event the product breaks or stops working. Typically, you can find the product’s warranty listed with the product details on the manufacturer’s website.
Infrared Sauna Benefits
- May help long-term health conditions – There is some research suggesting that saunas could help with long-term health conditions6 such as high blood pressure, heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, headache, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. That said, the studies are limited so more research is needed to find more conclusive evidence.
- Could soothe sore muscles and relieve physical pain – Infrared saunas provide increased blood circulation7, which could help soothe sore muscles and relieve pain.
- Promotes relaxation – A 2021 study8 found that warming your body may help decrease the severity of anxiety, depression, and stress. So, if you’re experiencing heightened symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress, using a sauna may help.
- Can help you sleep better – A 2019 study9 found that by promoting relaxation, saunas may help people sleep better.
- May improve complexion – Infrared saunas are reportedly able to increase the production of elastin and collagen10, which could improve your complexion. In a 2006 study, researchers provided 20 participants with daily far infrared treatment for six months, and what they found was that after the six-month period, all the participants noticed improvement in their complexions.10
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
Compared to a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna functions a little differently. Traditional saunas are heated by burning wood or conventional electric heating, heating the air around you. On the other hand, infrared saunas use infrared light waves to warm up your body directly as opposed to heating the air around you.6
Infrared Sauna Safety Tips
When you use an infrared sauna, you’ll want to follow specific tips to ensure you’re using the item safely.
- Start at a low temperature – When you first start using an infrared sauna, keep the temperature low, starting below 110 degrees Fahrenheit.7
- Limit your time – When you first start using the sauna, you may only want to use it for five or 10 minutes.7 Eventually, you’ll build up a tolerance and may be able to stay inside longer. In general, though, you should stay in the sauna for 30 minutes at most and only use it three or four times a week.7
- Drink a lot of water – Since you’ll be sweating a lot in an infrared sauna, it’s important that you drink water before, during, and after your sauna session.7
- Shower after using the sauna – It’s advised that you shower after using your sauna so that you can clean off the sweat and toxins you sweated out.7
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of infrared sauna is best?
The best kind of infrared sauna is one with a low EMF level (like the Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna). Additionally, the right sauna should fit your budget and your personal preferences for comfort and extra features.
Which saunas are the healthiest?
Saunas with low EMF levels are the healthiest as there is a possible link to health risks like cancer, though the research is not conclusive yet.2 According to the EPA, people should not expose themselves to more than 25 milligauss in a short-term period or more than 2.5 milligauss over a long-term period.4
Are home infrared saunas any good?
Yes, home infrared saunas can be good, but it’s important to do your research before buying anything. Look at independent consumer reviews on sites like Amazon to see what multiple customers are saying. If you notice a trend that the product rates well, then it’s likely a smart purchase.
Emma Cronan
Writer
About Author
Emma is an Editorial Intern for Sleep Advisor. She collaborates with the editor and staff writers to come up with article ideas, create article outlines, and write for the website.
Combination Sleeper
- 1. “Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF): Health Concerns”. Connecticut Department of Public Health. 2008. –
- 2. “Radiation: Electromagnetic fields”. World Health Organization. 2016. –
- 3. “Carbon vs Ceramic Infrared Saunas”. Good Health Saunas. Webpage accessed November 8, 2024. –
- 4. Xiang, Angela., Xiang, Hui. “Mapping the electromagnetic field in front of a microwave oven”. Journal of Emerging Investigators. 2019. –
- 5. “Guide to Buying an Infrared Sauna for Home Use”. Divine Saunas. 2024. –
- 6. Bauer, Brent A. “What is an infrared sauna? Does it have health benefits?”. Mayo Clinic. 2022. –
- 7. “Infrared Saunas: What They Do and 6 Health Benefits”. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. –
- 8. Mason, Ashley E., et al. “Feasibility and acceptability of a Whole-Body hyperthermia (WBH) protocol”. International Journal of Hyperthermia. 2021. –
- 9. Hussain, Joy N., Greaves, Ronda F., Cohen, Marc M. “A hot topic for health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey”. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2019. –
- 10. Lee, Ju Hee., Roh, Mi Ryung., Lee, Kwang Hoon. “Effects of Infrared Radiation on Skin Photo-Aging and Pigmentation”. National Library of Medicine. 2006. –