By Alyssa Gautieri | Published Apr 25, 2022 1:41 PM

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Following recent trends toward wellness and healthy living, infrared saunas are becoming more popular. Infrared saunas can help provide many health benefits, including relieving sore muscles, improving circulation, and assisting with weight loss.

While traditional saunas heat the air, infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate the skin and heat the body directly. They also operate at a lower temperature, making them a safer choice for in-home use.

When shopping for an infrared sauna, you’re probably searching for a quality product that not only has the features you want but is also affordable and safe to use. Use this article to learn about the key characteristics of infrared saunas and to check out some of the best infrared saunas on the market.

Searching among the many saunas for the option that not only benefits your health, but that also offers the most important features and coordinates with your decor style may seem overwhelming. Before shopping, consider the sauna’s likely users, its capacity and heat source, and the safety features. Keep reading to learn more about these key considerations.

Whether looking for a sauna that helps topical healing, treats damaged joints, or improves cardiovascular health and circulation, consider the health benefits that each sauna can provide. The two main sauna types are near infrared and far infrared, both of which are relaxing. However, they differ in some of their potential health benefits.

Near-infrared saunas use infrared light that’s closer to the visible spectrum, which means they typically use fewer electric and magnetic fields (also called electromagnetic frequency, or EMF), making them safer in the long term. Near infrared saunas often are used to heal small wounds, treat damaged joints, and boost metabolism.

Far-infrared saunas, on the other hand, are reported to improve cardiovascular health, circulation, and pain and stiffness caused by arthritis, as well as being better at removing toxins and relaxing muscles. These saunas use infrared light that’s further down the light spectrum.

Before purchasing an infrared sauna, first consider the sauna’s likely occupants and its location in the home. Some saunas must be installed in one place, such as a fitness room, master bathroom, or large closet. Since this type is intended to be a permanent structure, it’s typically made of high-quality wood that complements most homes. Full-size saunas are more spacious, feel more luxurious, and usually accommodate more than one person, making them enjoyable for the whole family.

Portable options also are available, including collapsible sauna tents, blanket saunas, and dome saunas that double as furniture when not in use. Most portable options are full size, which means they usually can’t accommodate more than one person at a time. They are lightweight and compact, allowing users to easily store them or take them on the go. Moreover, they’re typically more affordable.

When selecting the right kind of heater for an infrared sauna, consider health, energy use, and temperature control. Most infrared saunas use carbon or ceramic heaters or a combination of both. Carbon heaters usually are the better option as they’re safer, more efficient, and use less energy.

Carbon heaters produce long wave infrared heat; whereas, ceramic heaters use red hot ceramic rods to disperse heat. A carbon infrared sauna heater, which operates at a lower, safer temperature, has a lower EMF. Ceramic heaters must reach at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit to provide the full sauna experience, but a carbon heater operates best between 110 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The more modern technological process used in manufacturing carbon heaters results in warmth that penetrates deeper into the skin than heat produced from a ceramic heater.

Some other options, such as dome saunas and blanket saunas, use slightly different heat sources, including infrared stones and carbon fiber heating wires. Both types also are great options for a personal infrared sauna. Most infrared saunas include multiple heating elements: compact saunas contain one to three and multiperson saunas have five to eight.

When comparing options, pay attention to the extras included with each sauna. The sauna’s additional features can make or break the final decision. For example, many users prefer a sauna with a built-in sound system, such as a radio with a CD player or Bluetooth, or one that uses a smartphone app to control music, temperature, and lighting.

Full-size infrared saunas usually contain both interior and exterior lighting, making them easier to use at night and to read or multitask in. These options usually have LED control panels to adjust the temperature and lighting. Some of the pricier options also include chromotherapy and oxygen ionizers for additional health benefits.

While the sauna’s type of heater affects safety, there’s more to it. Saunas with chromotherapy use color light to reduce swelling, accelerate healing, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and improve sleep. Oxygen ionizers are a great addition to any sauna because they purify the air to make it clean, fresh, and safe.

Now it’s time to review some of the top options. Whether it’s a spacious wooden sauna, portable sauna tent, or blanket sauna, our top picks include some of the best infrared saunas to suit a variety of needs.

Designed to comfortably fit two people, the SunRay Sierra Sauna not only offers more legroom than comparable models but also includes movable ergonomic backrests. Carbon nano heaters evenly disperse heat to prevent uncomfortable hot zones, while an oxygen ionization system makes it easier to breathe.

This spacious red cedar sauna is easy to install, and its natural aesthetic complements many home styles. Use its dual LED control panel to adjust the temperature, set a timer, and control the interior reading lamp and exterior recessed lighting. Users can relax inside as they listen to the FM radio or select their own music on the MP3 or CD player. However, it doesn’t include Bluetooth technology.

Get the SunRay sauna on Amazon, on SunRay Saunas, or at Walmart.

Whether looking for an at-home sauna that tucks away or a portable sauna for on-the-go use, this lightweight Zonemel portable sauna includes everything required for quick and easy setup. The sauna tent is designed to fold, so it can be taken on vacation or stored.

This infrared sauna comes to temperature in just 5 minutes, and its three carbon heating panels disperse heat evenly. Control the temperature and time of the sauna and the foot pad simultaneously. Hand access zippers make it possible to read, scroll, or watch mobile content while inside. At the end of a session, the sauna tent can be washed in the washing machine.

While more comfortable seating options are on the market, the sauna’s foldable chair can be removed and double as a camping or beach chair. The moisture-resistant fabric allows for outdoor use, although it is delicate and requires care.

Get the Zonemel sauna on Amazon.

Step into this spacious Jacuzzi Clearlight Sanctuary sauna to enjoy low-EMF, far-infrared heating technology on the back wall, sidewalls, under the bench, next to the calves, and in the floor, as well as low-EMF full spectrum front heaters. The high-tech sauna also includes healing chromotherapy and energy-efficient LED lights. With all these quality attributes, this sauna has a much higher price point than many competitors’ products.

This two-person sauna can be controlled via an app. Reservation mode allows users to set a timer for the sauna to turn on up to 36 hours before use. Charge a tablet or smartphone inside the sauna, or play music via Bluetooth or the included MP3 jack. The sauna has ergonomic backrests and a door handle that doubles as a smartphone cradle.

The Italian-inspired sauna comes in two eco-certified wood options: a mahogany exterior with a cedar interior or basswood interior and exterior. Constructed from high-quality materials, this luxurious sauna complements any home style, although at 450 pounds, it’s quite heavy.

Get the Jacuzzi Clearlight sauna on Jacuzzi Saunas.

Enjoy evenly dispersed heat with heating panels on the rear wall, on each side, under the bench, and on the floorboard that provides foot reflexology. Made from reforested Canadian hemlock wood and energy-efficient heating panels, this sauna is constructed with the environment in mind. The spacious interior is designed to fit two people comfortably.

A touch-control panel makes it easy to control temperature and time functions. While inside, users can use the interior reading lamp or listen to music with the MP3 and speaker system. This easy-to-assemble sauna can be safely installed on carpet or in any indoor location, including basements, bathrooms, and walk-in closets. Although some durability issues have been reported, the Maxxus is a good all-around choice at a competitive price point.

Get the Maxxus sauna at The Home Depot.

Available in black or gray, this full-size sauna is not only portable, it’s also attractive. This sauna is easy to set up and break down, so users can quickly set it up as needed, pack it for a trip, or keep it up for an extended period.

Ideal for one person, this sauna includes an adjustable timer that controls the built-in carbon crystal healing plate and footpad. The double zippered opening makes it easy to enter and exit the sauna tent. Its collapsible chair fits into the tent and folds small when not in use; however, the chair is a bit small and could be more supportive.

Get the Anysun sauna tent on Overstock or at Walmart.

The 1Love Sauna Dome Premium Zero Infrared Sauna has two dome sections and a mat that can be independently controlled for a customizable experience, plus insulated curtains and a pillow for additional comfort. Users keep their head outside this dome sauna to reduce the chance of overheating.

Therapeutic infrared stones intensify the overall experience. They store heat and may provide Eastern medicine benefits, although the benefits have not been proven. Built for portability and easy storage, the 1Love Sauna doubles as furniture once placed upright with all the components nesting inside the larger dome.

Get the 1Love sauna on Amazon, on 1Love Health, or at Walmart.

Constructed with both aesthetics and the environment in mind, this four-person sauna is made from natural hemlock. Feel the warmth from eight carbon heating elements, including a reduced wattage floor and lower bench heater to prevent any burning sensation. The walls are double-paneled to retain heat and conserve energy.

Use the dual interior and exterior control panel to control the temperature and lighting, including the chromotherapy lighting system for added health benefits. Listen to music with the built-in MP3 or Bluetooth connection with speakers. While the Dynamic Saunas Bergamo Edition sauna is easy to assemble, it must plug into a dedicated 20-amp 120-volt outlet, which may require the help of a certified electrician.

Get the Dynamic Bergamo sauna on Amazon, on Dynamic Saunas, or at Walmart.

As they unwind, users can listen to music or the radio with the integrated sound system or grab a magazine from the convenient magazine rack inside this Radiant Saunas three-person corner sauna. Recessed lighting and ergonomic backrests ensure users are comfortable, while adjustable roof vents bring in outside air for easier breathing. Easy-to-operate LED lights provide stress-relieving chromotherapy.

Made from high-quality Canadian cedar, this attractive sauna fits snugly in a corner. The seven low-EMF heaters warm up quickly and distribute heat evenly throughout the sauna. While this model is higher quality than others, it’s also slightly more expensive than competitor units. It’s also more complicated, and installing it may require help and extra time.

Get the Radiant Saunas sauna on Wayfair, at The Home Depot, or on Amazon.

Every REVIIV Sauna Blanket is built with five layers of infrared heat for the ultimate detox, and the manufacturer claims an average 30-minute session in this portable sauna blanket can burn up to 600 calories. As users lie down and relax, they can adjust the temperature from the comfort of inside the blanket using the easy-to-access controller.

At the end of a session, the sauna blanket folds neatly for storage in its convenient carrying bag. Due to its size, taller individuals may not be able to enjoy all the benefits this blanket can provide.

Get the Reviiv sauna blanket on Amazon.

Our top pick for most typical home users is the SunRay sauna because it provides a relaxing sauna experience, chromotherapy, and a sound system all at a great price point. The Zonemel sauna is an excellent choice with its low price point and useful features, including a foot heater and easy-to-use remote.

To accommodate shoppers looking for a permanent fixture with lots of features or those who want a more portable option, we considered different sizes, materials, and heat sources. We also researched each sauna’s heating source, the amount of power it uses, and its overall quality. The models’ ease of assembly and takedown also weighed into our decision-making.

A good option for one person may not be ideal for another, so we included budget-friendly options as well as more expensive wooden saunas from top manufacturers in the industry, who often work with customers to create custom saunas. We looked at how each model can meet the needs of different users and included an option for almost every type of user.

We’ve covered a lot of information about the best infrared saunas, but you might still have some questions. Keep reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about infrared saunas.

Their myriad benefits include improving relaxation, sleep, detoxification, weight loss, enhanced circulation, and relief from sore muscles and joint pain.

It depends on your purpose for the sauna. For example, infrared saunas operate at a lower, safer temperature environment than dry saunas, but the infrared wavelengths penetrate more deeply into the body for a more vigorous sweat.

Far-infrared saunas are more efficient, safer, and require less heat to penetrate the skin than full-spectrum saunas.

Near-infrared saunas have lower EMT and use infrared light that is closer to the visible spectrum. The two options also offer slightly different health benefits.

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