Start Here: Light Therapy 101 + Buyers Guide

What Is Light Therapy?

With light therapy, you're aiming to improve your health or body through the use of light. This light is applied to the body and it requires particular wavelengths (colors) and sufficient power.

Want more information on Far Infrared Therapy Products? Feel free to contact us.

Many different types of light therapy exist. Spending time in the sun is one form of light therapy. Tanning beds is another example. Though lately, some types of light therapy have seen a surge in popularity.

Red light therapy and infrared sauna therapy are the two forms of light therapy that are becoming widely used due to their low cost, ease of use, scientific backing and effectiveness.

Red light therapy, also called "Low-Level Laser Therapy" (LLLT) or "photobiomodulation" in scientific circles, uses red and invisible infrared light to achieve a biological effect. Infrared saunas also use infrared light.

This red and infrared light is part of the "light spectrum". The light spectrum is made up of infrared light (which makes the sun feel hot on your skin), visible light (all colors of the rainbow that you can see with your naked eye including red), and ultraviolet light (which can lead to sunburn).

Many different methods exist to administer light therapy. Lasers, filaments in a bulb and more recently LED's. The technological advancements we have seen with LED's (and the resulting drop in prices) is the main driver pushing light therapy out of the scientific labs and into the home.

We've written a very extensive blog post about the red light therapy basics - which use LEDs and lasers - to influence your body's biology.

Light Therapy vs Red Light Therapy?

Light therapy refers to the use of various different wavelengths (or colors) from the light spectrum to achieve a biological effect. You can see that light spectrum below:

Red light therapy uses the red part of the visible light spectrum, and a tiny part of the infrared spectrum referred to as "near infrared" light (compared to infrared saunas which typically use far infared light).

Light therapy, on the other hand, might use blue light, green light, red, ultraviolet light, or even a combination of light. Think of red light therapy is a subcategory of light therapy. Or better yet: red light therapy is one type of light therapy.

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Red Light Therapy does not just include visible red light (600-700nm light) - it also refers to the invisible near infrared light out to ~ nm

Light Therapy vs Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas are another type of light therapy. Infrared saunas use most of the infrared light spectrum, which can be subdivided into the near, middle, and far infrared light. Sometimes, infrared saunas also emit a tiny portion of red light, creating a red glow inside the sauna.

Near, middle, and far infrared have different biological effects. Most of the near, and all of the middle and far infrared heat your body.

One way way this works is due to the fact that water inside your body absorbs infrared light. The body temperature rises as a result and you sweating, which has it's own health benefits.

Infrared saunas - as a form of light therapy - has unique health benefits. Other types of light therapy also have health benefits, which are covered below:

Who Is Light Therapy For?

If you're asking "who is light therapy for" then the answer is simple: everyone. Just like exercise at the right intensity is good for everyone, and a healthy diet is good for everyone, the same is true for light therapy.

All the different types of light therapy, such as red light therapy, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lights, infrared saunas, and sunlight have their own unique benefits.

Red light therapy has 8,000+ studies backing it and has benefits for sports performance and recovery, sleep quality, countering inflammation, decreasing disease risk, and boosts well-being, skin health, wound healing, and brain health, just to name a few.

Hundreds of studies on saunas show benefits for lowering disease risk (heart disease, Alzheimer's, airway conditions), helping you lose weight, improving skin health, enhancing well-being, boosting sleep quality, and more.

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The bottom line is this: If you're human, you'll benefit from light therapy.

Does Light Therapy Work?

Since the early s, thousands of studies have been carried out on light therapy. At first, sunlight and ultraviolet light were deemed the most important and heavily researched.

In the s, the first lasers were used for enhancing health. These lasers commonly used red and near-infrared light. Since the s, LEDs have become much more affordable and have started to be used in consumer products.

As stated before, more than 8,000+ studies have been performed on mostly red and near-infrared light. Most of these studies have been included in a spreadsheet on light therapy that you can read online, from Vladimir Heiskanen. In that spreadsheet, 90%+ of studies show positive results.

Also, hundreds, if not thousands of studies have been published on sauna therapy, mostly finding very positive outcomes.

So, yes, there's overwhelming evidence that light therapy works. Anecdotal evidence supports this, with hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who had their lives changed after buying red light therapy panels or an infrared sauna.

Next up, let's explore how it all works:

How Light Therapy Works

Light therapy works through many different mechanisms. Different types of light of the light spectrum penetrate your body tissue at different distances.

Infrared light, for instance, can travel up to several inches into the body. Red light penetrates well but . And other types of light, such as blue or parts of the ultraviolet light spectrum, stay on the skin's surface.

Light penetration into the skin -

Source

Red and infrared light can travel into your cells. In the cell, the light affects the "mitochondria" - the energy-producing factories of your cells. One or multiple steps of that energy-creation process can be influenced by red and infrared light, thereby leading to higher energy production.

Blue light, on the other hand, has biological effects as well. For instance, blue light can inhibit bacteria formation in your skin. And, when the blue light enters your eyes, it signals to your brain that it's daytime. Your eyes are not just a camera to see the world but a portal to the clock in your brain that tracks time.

Ultraviolet light, also has various effects. Ultraviolet light can be divided into ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB). UVA makes you feel more relaxed when it hits the skin, improves circulation, and helps build brain-signalling compounds such as serotonin and dopamine when it hits your eye. UVB aids the creation of vitamin D in the skin.

What Are The Side Effects of Light Therapy?

Though the side-effects are rare and rather minimal, light therapy can have side-effects when used improperly. Anything in life has side effects when used incorrectly. Water can kill you if you drink too much of it, too much exercise can lead to over training, injuries and elevated stress levels.

Too much ultraviolet light from the summer sun leads to sunburn. Almost any type of light can be abused. Blue light with it's stimulating effect can keep you up at night. Red light can make you tired and lower your energy levels when you overdo it. Infrared light can make your skin look worse if you sit inside an infrared sauna for hours per day.

If you follow the guidelines that come with your light therapy device you should not have any issues. But if you have any serious health problems always check with your doctor before starting a new form of therapy.

How Do I Use Light Therapy?

How you use light therapy depends on the device you are using. For instance, you would use a red light therapy panel ideally four to five days per week, for 10-20 minutes a day. But all of that depends on how large your device is and also the power output.

Targeted devices - such as red light therapy laser devices - often put out high amounts of energy in a small area, so treatment times are a lot shorter.

Blue light treatment for acne is typically used for around 10-30 minutes a couple times a week.

Infrared Sauna sessions often run for 15-40minutes, 1-4 times a week.

Though again, there are a lot of variables you need to consider. The state of your health, the device you are using, your goals, time of day etc.

Broadly speaking, most light therapy devices have to be used several times per week. And, for the light therapy to work, your body will have to be exposed to the light.

What Light Therapy Device Should I Buy?

This question is like asking a hardware store sales rep what tool you should purchase?

The answer is simple - it depends.

It depends on what you're trying to achieve. Fortunately for us, there are many different light therapy 'tools' on the market. And even better, we have an excellent guide below that will help you find the best light therapy product for your needs.

Red Light Therapy Buyers Guide

When it comes to buying a Red Light Therapy Device, we highly recommend watching the excellent video below:

Otherwise read on to find out more.

Goals - What Are You Trying To Achieve?

The first thing to ask yourself is:

'What do you want from a red light therapy device'?

• Are you looking for something you can take with you to the gym? If so a small handheld device or a body wrap may be best.
• Are you looking for something to help treat a joint problem? Then a purpose built device may be best suited?
• Is anti-aging and skin rejuvenation your goal? Then a LED Mask should be considered.
• Or do you want full body benefits that you can use in your own home? Then a large Body Panel is the best pick.

A device for the joints, or one for the mask? Choose the right tool for the job.

Are you looking for help with hair loss? Or to treat a brain disorder?

What about travelling? Do you need something portable?

How tech savvy are you? Are you happy using apps and navigating menus? Or are large buttons with simple options better for you?

How much space do you have? Maybe a LED Mat is better than a large panel array if you're limited on this front.

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There is a lot to consider. So take the time to think through what you want from a red light therapy product. And rewatch that video above to get some more ideas as to what is available.

Types of Red Light Therapy Products

When it comes to different Red Light Therapy Devices, you can break the key differences down into various groupings:

• Targeted vs Full Body

This is rather straight forward.

Is the device small and designed to treat one small 'targeted' area (such as a handheld torch, a helmet for the head, or a mask for the face),

Or is at a larger device designed to provide more light coverage (i.e. a wall panel, or a handheld LED array).

What you're trying to achieve will determine the best approach you take here.

Targeted or Full Body?

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One key point to note here is that a larger full body device can also be used as a targeted device. But this doesn't work in reverse.

For instance, a large wall panel can be used for full body systemic benefits, but also to treat that sprained ankle, or for facial treatments.

It's also important to note that the line between 'targeted' and 'full body' is rather blurred. For instance you could go with a Table Top panel - an array with 60-100 LEDs - and this would be perfect for facial treatments and that sore knee. But if you want to treat the entire body, then it's going to take a lot longer than a larger 600 LED Body Panel.

• Battery Powered vs Cabled

Next up you need to consider how you want to do perform your treatments?

Do you want to be able to move around the house or the gym when doing your treatment? Or are you happy standing in the same place for 10-20minutes.

If you want to move around while doing your treatment, then you will need to go with a battery powered device.

A battery powered device means you are limited to a much smaller and or lower powered device compared to a large mains powered panel array.

Let's say your goal is to help with recovery after a knee surgery, or to improve skin rejuvenation in your face. Then you could consider a battery powered product like the Kineon Move+ Pro for the joint recovery, or a JOVS 4D face mask for the beauty benefits.

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However if you're looking for a larger, higher powered, more cost effective device, then a corded plug in device is better suited.

• Panels vs Mat vs Beds

When it comes to the larger 'devices', there are 3 key types you can choose from:

1. A LED Mat
2. A Panel
3. A 'Bed' or 'Booth'

These are ranked from smallest to largest, and also cheapest to most expensive.

Typically the larger devices put out more power as well, but that isn't always the case.

An LED Mat - A lower cost way to benefit from RLT

An LED Mat can be rolled up between use, but it does require laying directly on top of the mat. You're not going to get the same light coverage you would from say a panel or a bed. Plus the power output is typically quite low. These can be purchased for $500 - $+

The 'sweet spot' - A Red Light Panel. Offering power at a good price point.

A panel is the 'sweet spot' for many people as it offers great power, great coverage, it's simple to use, doesn't take up much space (most people hang them on the wall or the back of a door) and comes in at a great price point (around $500 - $ depending on size).

The ultimate solution! If you have the money...

Finally the 'Beds' or walk in 'Booths' provide the best coverage and the most time efficient way to get a full body red light therapy treatment.

The downside is their large size (not great for those in small apartments) and the price (these start at $30,000 and go up to $120,000)

Power Output

There are two things that matter when it comes to red light therapy, the first is the wavelength (and we'll discuss this in more detail below) the second is the irradiance, or power density.

Think of this as the amount of light being emitted from the source. The brighter, more powerful the light, the more light photons and energy entering the body.

Now finding the optimal therapeutic power output is still a complex, and some what controversial topic (you can read more about this here). But we do know that an underpowered light is not going to provide the penetration and energy to create a beneficial effect.

So no, those red LED's from the Christmas decoration shop are not going to cut it.

You need to ensure you're getting a device that is putting out a therapeutic amount of light. And if you're wanting to treat deeper into the body (i.e. a knee joint) then typically a higher powered light is going to work better.

Alex testing power output & wavelengths with his spectrometer device

In our reviews we use a device called a spectrometer to accurately measure the real world power irradiance figures from various red light therapy devices.

We also publish all of our results in our free product database. It's important to note that often our tested figures differ a lot from the companies claimed figures (it's not uncommon to see marketed figures 2-5x higher than what we test in our reviews).

Wavelengths: Red Light, Near Infrared Light, Blue Light....

Power output is one key metric to look at when buying a Red Light Therapy Device, the other is the wavelength or 'color' of light being emitted from the light source.

Different wavelengths of light create different effects on the body. X-Ray light for instance can be damaging. UV-B rays help the body synthesise Vitamin-D.

Scientists discovered that light in the red and invisible near-infrared spectrum are absorbed by our cells mitochondria, in turn creating more ATP. This is one of the reasons why red light therapy is so beneficial.

The optimal wavelengths for this benefit range from ~600nm (red light) through to ~nm (near-infrared light). But what is interesting is that specific wavelengths within this range have shown unique benefits.

805-810nm light for instance has shown a lot of benefit around recovery and sports performance.

-nm light is well documented to help with various brain disorders.

Red light around 620- 670nm appears to be the most efficient for cellular ATP increases.

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So when it comes to buying a light therapy device it's critical that it is emitting light in these wavelength ranges. How do you know if it is? Fortunately the companies marketed numbers are quite reliable here, but like we do with the power readings, we also test the real world wavelengths in all of our reviews.

Red Light On A Budget

Finally we have budget.

Sure a $120,000 medical grade NovoThor may have it all, but if it's out of your budget you need to look elsewhere.

With so many options in the red light therapy market, there is something to cater for all. If you look at the panels at one end you have premium full body products with advanced touch screen control panels, remote controls, motorised stands and great warranty periods.

On the other side we have budget options with smaller treatment areas, the two key wavelengths, basic control systems and no fancy bells and whistles.

At the end of the day though, if the device is putting out the correct wavelengths with a decent amount of power, then it will work.

Our Shopping Tool does a great job of helping you find the right product for your budget.

Otherwise check out our reviews or comparisons looking at options for those on a tight budget.

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Don't let a tight budget limit you from benefiting from Red Light Therapy. Small, yet effective products can be had for as little as $100.

Finding The Right Red Light Therapy Device For You

Now that you know what to look for when buying a red light therapy device, where should you go to next? Here are a few resources that will help you on your way:

If you have decided on the product you want, be sure to check out our Deals Page to see if you can pick up a discount before buying. Light Therapy Insiders has managed to source discounts ranging from 5% to 10% or more on most red light therapy products.

Looking for a 'done for you' recommendation? Don't want to study the data and try and determine what is the best option for you? Then head to our Recommendations page where we outline the best product for various goals (and budgets!)

We review an extensive amount of Red Light Therapy products. And each week we're publishing new reviews (so be sure to subscribe to our list). You can see all of our reviews on our Review page. You can also check out all our video reviews on our YouTube Channel.

This database is the ultimate tool to help you find your perfect red light device. If you know exactly what you want - what size, what wavelengths, maybe even where it's shipped from - head over to our product database, adjust the filters to suit and see what remains.

Still confused after reading all of this? Head over to our Facebook Group and leave a comment.

One of the LTI team members will respond within 24 hours - if other members of the group haven't helped you!

• Keen To Learn More?

Not quite ready to buy, but keen to dive deeper into this amazing world of light therapy? Then here are a few articles and videos that we thought you may enjoy:

Unlike traditional saunas, which use wood to create heat, infrared saunas use light. ( 1 ) This allows them to work at lower temperatures. Infrared saunas are gaining popularity for their relaxation and health benefits, but choosing the best infrared sauna for home use can be daunting. It requires careful consideration of the size, cost, materials, and additional features. Luckily, we&#;re here to help.

In this article, our team of experts explores the best infrared saunas on the market, guiding you through the array of options available. From portable one-person designs to luxurious multi-person models, we highlight the nine best infrared saunas on the market so you can choose which one works best for your lifestyle.

Compare infrared saunas

Best infrared sauna overall: Sun Home Saunas Solstice 2-Person Infrared Sauna

Best infrared sauna overall

Sun Home Solstice Infrared Sauna

The Sun Home Solstice offers low EMF emissions, medical-grade chromotherapy, quality design, and FIT heating technology.

Fortune Score:

5 / 5

Check Price

Key product features

Digital control

Yes

Chromotherapy

Yes

Bluetooth

Yes

Assembly

No power tools

Shipping

Free

What you should know

The Sun Home Solstice 2-Person Infrared Sauna is our top pick for an infrared sauna because it combines safe, natural products, patented heating technology, and medical-grade chromotherapy.

• The Sun Home Infrared Sauna uses the industry&#;s most effective infrared heating system while ensuring the lowest electromagnetic field exposure.

• Costing $5,399, it&#;s at the high end for similar models. But with it you get high-quality design, innovative technology, and useful features such as Bluetooth speakers and a digital control panel.

• The Sun Home Solstice is best for athletes and active individuals looking for a sauna to aid muscle recovery.

• You don&#;t need any power tools to assemble this infrared sauna.

Check Price

Pros

Digital control panel

Requires only 120v

EMF shielding

Eco-friendly

Easy assembly

Good 7-year warranty

Cons

Expensive compared to similar models at $5,399

Requires high ceilings

Why we like Sun Home Solstice Infrared Sauna as best overall

We love the Sun Home Infrared Sauna because it fuses craftsmanship with technology.

As a start, this sauna is great for anyone looking to reap the benefits of full-body infrared heat, which has been shown to help with muscle recovery. ( 2 ) Designed and endorsed by doctors, the Sun Home Solstice uses advanced heating technology with far-infrared light (FIR). The company claims that the chromotherapy LED lights may provide additional healing benefits, such as decreased blood pressure and reduced stress levels. ( 3 ) Because they use a special EMF/ELF shielding technology, Sun Home Saunas also claims that your sauna session won&#;t expose you to high electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions. ( 4 )

This sauna earns additional bonus points for sustainability by using eco-certified eucalyptus wood. The sleek design is durable and mold-resistant thanks to the eucalyptus wood, but you&#;ll need a good amount of space to fit this in your home. It&#;s almost 7 feet tall, and you&#;ll have to leave another 7-10 inches of space above the sauna.

We love the intuitive digital control panel that lets you adjust the temperature, lighting, and sound. You can pop on a guided meditation, play your favorite music, or simply shut it all off without leaving the sauna.

While this sauna may sound like a dream come true, it does come at a high cost. At just under $5,400, it&#;s on the expensive end of home saunas. Two people can fit in it, but the interior can feel cramped. It may be more comfortable for one person at a time.

Specs

Price $5,399 Interior dimensions 50.9&#; W x 45.9&#; D x 77.7&#; H Max temperature 145&#; Seating capacity Two people Weight 522 lbs Materials Eco-certified eucalyptus Electrical 120v, 20 amp

Best infrared sauna with red light therapy: Sunlighten mPulse Aspire

Best with red light therapy

Sunlighten mPulse Aspire

The Sunlighten mPulse Aspire is a one-person sauna that lets you choose from near-, mid-, and far-infrared light

Fortune Score:

4.4 / 5

Check Price

Key product features

Digital control

Yes

Red light

Yes

Programs

6 options

Customizable

Yes

Capacity

One person

What you should know

The Sunlighten mPulse Aspire uses near-, mid-, and far-infrared light options to create seven wellness experiences. Powered by a handheld Android tablet, this sauna emits low EMFs while allowing for a personalized sauna experience.

• We love the options that come with this sauna, allowing you to tailor your sauna session to whatever type of light and heat you need that day.

• Starting at $4,499, this one-person sauna is at a higher price point than other similar one-person options.

• There are 5 FIR, 4 MIR, and  3 NIR/Red LED Light Panels.

• This sauna is best for someone looking to add variety to their regular sauna routine.

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Pros

Handheld tablet control with smart features

5 FIR, 4 MIR, and 3 NIR/Red LED Light Panels

Requires only 120v

EMF shielding

Customizable wood choices

Cons

You have to provide contact info on the website to see pricing

Relatively small interior

Tech features occasionally fail

Why we like the Sunlighten mPulse Aspire as best with red light therapy

The Sunlighten mPulse Aspire is a great sauna for any person looking to enjoy the benefits of red, or near-infrared (NIR), light. The benefits of this type of light are mainly aesthetic, such as promoting cell proliferation and skin rejuvenation. ( 5 ) With 3 NIR lights on top of the 5 FIR and 3 MIR lights, this gives you a truly complete wellness experience.

&#;Infrared saunas emit light in the infrared spectrum, which penetrates deep into the skin, which may help to stimulate collagen production, possibly improving blood circulation, and promoting cell regeneration,&#; says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician and clinical researcher. &#;This has been reported to have a range of aesthetic benefits such as smoother, more youthful-looking skin and reduced appearance of wrinkles.&#;

In our testing, we found that the two standout features of this sauna are the customizability and control. A handheld Android tablet lets you control the sauna&#;s settings, from picking which lights you want to setting a timer and controlling the temperature.

Unfortunately, with tech advances can also come problems. Some users describe the tablet not working on occasion and needing to restart it to get their sauna experience going. This, of course, isn&#;t ideal when you&#;re seeking a relaxing and meditative experience.

We also don&#;t love that you must enter your number and address to access pricing details. This information should be upfront and clear on the website so you can easily compare and contrast options.

You need a dedicated 120-volt 20-amp outlet to power the various light panels and chromotherapy. The bench has a nice curve that allows you to sit comfortably. We love the large glass door and the extra side glass panel to help you feel less enclosed in the small space.

You can choose basswood, eucalyptus, or a eucalyptus/cedar blend when purchasing your sauna. Note, though, that the choice of wood will affect the scent, cost, and weight of the sauna.

&#;Eucalyptus has been known to have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and psychological effects,&#; adds Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS. ( 6 )( 7 ) &#;Having the choice in wood type adds value to this sauna choice, particularly if you have significant stressors in life.&#;

What customers are saying

On Trustpilot, customers are happy with their experience using the Sunlighten mPulse Aspire. People credit the sauna for being effective and high quality and say the brand offers excellent customer service.

Verified reviewer Kendra F. remarked on the surprisingly easy assembly process stating, &#;The portable sauna is super easy to assemble and move around.&#;

Another verified TrustPilot reviewer, Jennifer, values the design and functionality of the sauna.

&#;It&#;s beautiful and comfortable. The lighting is nice and the tablet allows me to listen to music, listen to audiobooks, or read an online book.&#;

Jennifer, Trustpilot

However, not all reviews are glowing. TrustPilot reviewer Joseph M. reported technical difficulties, such as the mobile functions not working at times. He also noted that the sauna randomly stops running, requiring a restart.

Overall, customers express high satisfaction with their purchase, with several recommending the mPulse Aspire to others seeking a premium sauna experience.

Specs

Price $4,499 Interior dimensions 37.8&#; W x 35.6&#; D x 71.5&#; H Max temperature 167&#; Seating capacity One person Weight 432-450 lbs Materials Basswood, eucalyptus, and eucalyptus/cedar Electrical 120v, 20 amp

Best infrared sauna blanket: HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

Best infrared sauna blanket

HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

The HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket is a convenient solution for enjoying the therapeutic benefits of infrared heat therapy.

Fortune Score:

3.5 / 5

Check Price

Key product features

Portable

Yes

Preheat time

10 min

Display

1-9 heat levels

Temperature

Dial control

Assembly

None

What you should know

The HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket is a great option for anyone seeking the benefits of infrared heat without the space or budget for a standalone sauna.

• With 9 levels of heat and non-toxic materials, this sauna blanket creates a safe and portable infrared heat experience&#;but don&#;t expect it to feel as luxurious as a real sauna.

• Unlike a standard sauna that offers full-spectrum heat rays, this sauna blanket only delivers FIR rays.

• At over $699, this sauna blanket will cost you less than a stand-alone sauna. But be prepared&#;you&#;ll most likely need to purchase 1-3 inserts to make your experience more comfortable. This can add $100-$300 to the price tag.

• A sauna blanket is great for apartment dwellers and people looking for a relaxing, no-fuss, at-home FIR heat therapy experience.

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Pros

Heats in 10 minutes

Displays 1-9 heat levels

Low EMF

Portable

FSA/HSA eligible

Cons

Small interior (65&#; circumference)

One heating zone

Expensive

Optional inserts that protect the skin but cost more

Why we like HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket as best blanket

Not everyone can fit a full-size sauna in their home. We love that this model provides increased access to saunas, allowing people who live in apartments or rental homes to enjoy the benefits of infrared heat despite spatial limitations.

We found the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket to be convenient and easy to use, but you&#;ll have to do some planning to fully relax when using it. For example, its design is more like a sleeping bag than a blanket. You have to position yourself well by lying on the floor or on a bed to prevent the sleek surface from sliding around. You can easily adjust the intensity of the heat to suit your preferences with a handheld temperature dial. However, you&#;ll have limited use of your arms and hands once zipped in.

&#;Due to the construction of the blanket, this may not be ideal for anyone claustrophobic and they may want to opt for a small, portable sauna for peace of mind,&#; adds Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS.

Unlike a traditional sauna, the heat is in direct contact with your body. You may not be able to tolerate the same temperatures as a regular sauna. You can purchase inserts that act as a protective barrier for the skin through HigherDose or save money by using a towel.

While the sauna blanket offers accessibility and simplicity, the design limits access to the head and face and excludes them from the FIR technology benefits. This is even more true for individuals above six feet tall and those above average weight.

&#;Far Infrared (FIR) technology may help relieve pain by getting deep into your muscles and easing tension,&#; notes quadruple board-certified physician and clinical researcher Dr. Raj Dasgupta. &#;It might also improve your sleep by helping your body produce more melatonin, which means you&#;ll feel more relaxed at bedtime and sleep better at night.&#;

Despite some limitations, the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket provides a unique alternative to traditional saunas at a lower cost. This blanket costs $699, but a traditional sauna can cost thousands of dollars. It uses only 100-120 volts compared to the usual 120-240 volts required by standing saunas, but the experience is less immersive.

What customers are saying

Customers on Amazon are divided over this sauna blanket. Some love the convenience and ease of use, and others find it unaccommodating for larger bodies and uncomfortable on the feet.

Verified Amazon buyer Liesel R. describes the sauna as &#;uncomfortable for your feet,&#; explaining that the weight combined with the heat of the blanket can compress and fold the feet forward, &#;not allowing them to rest.&#;

Another verified Amazon customer, Jessica E., writes, &#;I loved my sauna blanket until it melted!&#; She is not the only one to comment on this technical issue.

Despite these grievances, most users are happy with their purchase and use their sauna blanket regularly. Pamela A. reports using the blanket three times per week and says it has improved her circulation and overall mood. In her words, &#;It is pricey but I&#;m glad I bought it.&#;

Specs

Price $699 Interior dimensions 65&#; interior circumference Max temperature 158&#; Seating capacity One person Weight 16.45 lbs Materials Non-toxic PU leather Electrical 100-120 volts

Best outdoor infrared sauna: Sun Home Saunas Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum

Best outdoor infrared sauna

Sun Home Luminar Full-Spectrum

The Sun Home Luminar combines smart technology with full-spectrum and FIR heaters to create a safe and luxurious sauna experience.

Fortune Score:

4.6 / 5

Check Price

Key product features

EMF/ELF shielding

Yes

FIR

Yes

App control

Yes

Bluetooth

Yes

Shipping

Free

What you should know

Sun Home Luminar is a spacious two-person outdoor sauna that combines a beautiful design with advanced technology to create a full-spectrum and full-body wellness experience.

• The Sun Home Saunas Luminar has six infrared heaters around the cabin and three under the bench. We love the added benefit of lower body heaters&#;a common oversight in other saunas.

• With the smart technology and additional infrared heating comes a high price tag. This sauna costs over $8,000.

• For those who can spend extra and have ample outdoor sauna space, the sleek design and high-end features make the Sun Home Saunas Luminar a top pick.

Check Price

Pros

App-enabled control

Full-spectrum and FIR heaters

EMF/ELF shielding

Beautiful LED lighting

Free shipping

Cons

Curbside delivery

Hard to assemble

Requires 240 volts

Why we like Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna as best outdoor

The Luminar outdoor sauna has all the features you could ask for in an outdoor infrared sauna, but they come at a cost. The Luminar is best for people with ample outdoor space and a large budget.

With its sleek black exterior, large panoramic window, and glass door, the Sun Home Luminar sauna is both inviting and impressive. Made from carbonized cedar, it&#;s built to last and endure all four seasons.

Six full-spectrum heaters line the main cabin, and an L-shaped bench makes the space feel open and endless. We love the addition of 3 FIR heaters, which are located under the bench to target your calves. Some research claims that FIR heat can improve blood pressure, increase exercise tolerance, and reduce stress. ( 8 )

Smart technology allows app-enabled control of both temperature and lighting. The temperature maxes out at 150&#;, but it can take longer to get to this temperature on cold days. Bluetooth-enabled speakers allow you to add music, guided meditations, or nature sounds to complete the experience.

Sun Home claims to have the lowest EMF/ELF levels in the industry due to shielding technology, but comparative data would help assess their validity. Nevertheless, despite a high price tag of over $8,000 and some technical hiccups that may come with the advanced technology, this sauna is beautiful and effective.

Specs

Price $8,099 Interior dimensions 50&#; W x 45&#; D x 72.5&#; H Max temperature 150&#; Seating capacity Two people Weight 870 lbs Materials All-season carbonized cedar Electrical 240v, 20 amp

Best full-spectrum infrared sauna: Sunlighten Amplify

Best full-spectrum

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Sunlighten Amplify

The Sunlighten Amplify combines full-spectrum infrared heat, chromotherapy, and technology.

Fortune Score:

4.2 / 5

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Key product features

Digital control

Yes

Chromotherapy

Yes

Low EMF

Yes

Assembly

Magnetic locks

Electricity

120 volt

What you should know

The Sunlighten Amplify sauna offers advanced features such as full-spectrum infrared technology, customizable wellness programs, and Bluetooth-enabled audio for a personalized sauna experience.

• We love that the Sunlighten Amplify sauna combines chromotherapy with full-spectrum infrared heat for simultaneous heat and light therapy.

• We don&#;t love that you need to speak with a sales rep or provide your contact information to find out the cost (which is $5,899 for the two-person, basswood model as of this writing).

• We recommend this sauna for those looking to do a lot of sweating, as it heats up more than most infrared saunas thanks to a patented heating system.

• As a bonus, you won&#;t need power tools to assemble it because it features a special magnetic locking system.

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Pros

Digital control panel

Two 500W full-spectrum heaters

Includes chromotherapy

Easy assembly&#;no power tools needed

Good warranty

Cons

Requires high ceilings

Takes 35-45 minutes to achieve max heat of 165&#;

No free shipping

Why we like Sunlighten Amplify as best full-spectrum

The Sunlighten Amplify looks beautiful from the outside, but what happens inside the lights make it really stand out. The Amplify sauna is for those who like intense heat, hence its name. So if you like to get hot and sweaty, this may be the home infrared sauna for you.

Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, adds a word of caution, though. &#;While some people may prefer to use high temperatures in a sauna, research shows that even the lower temperatures can still provide some benefits for exercise recovery.&#; ( 9 )

Sunlighten claims that its heating system maximizes the emission of high-quality infrared waves for optimal absorption by the body, although we had no way of evaluating these claims.

It also incorporates halogen heaters to ramp up the heat quickly, which we found ensures a hotter sauna experience with virtually no harmful EMFs. It takes 35-45 minutes to reach the max temperature of 165&#; but only about 20 minutes to get to the therapeutic range of 119-125&#;. Both time frames are quicker than other infrared saunas of this size.

But the sauna stands out for more than just the heating technology. We love that users can customize their sauna experience. Using a digital touchscreen, you can select from various pre-set wellness programs tailored to specific needs, such as detoxification or relaxation. You can also customize the LED chromotherapy lighting to match your mood. For example, if you&#;re looking for a calming effect, you can switch the lighting to blue. ( 16 )

If you hate to sauna in silence, you&#;re in luck. The Amplify comes with a sound system that uses Bluetooth, MP3 WMA playback, AM/FM, AUX, and USB/SD inputs with built-in speakers.

While the Sunlighten Amplify sauna offers all these impressive features, it comes at a higher price than many other home saunas. Additionally, assembly and installation may require additional time and effort, particularly for those without prior experience.

Specs

Price $5,899 Interior dimensions 45.4&#; W x 39.9&#; D x 70.3&#; H Max temperature 165&#; Seating capacity Two people Weight 456-541 lbs Materials Basswood or eucalyptus Electrical 120v, 20 amp

Best low-EMF infrared sauna: HigherDose Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

Best low EMF

HigherDose Full-Spectrum Sauna

The HigherDose Infrared Sauna is our pick for best low EMF because it combines near-, mid-, and far-infrared waves with almost zero EMF.

Fortune Score:

4.7 / 5

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Key product features

EMF

Almost zero

Chromotherapy

Yes

Heaters

Carbon/ceramic

Bluetooth

Yes

Free shipping

No

What you should know

The HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna combines full-spectrum infrared heating technology with low EMF in a sleek and stylish design that will make you feel like you&#;re at the spa.

• We love that this sauna combines full-spectrum infrared rays with low EMF into a sleek, charcoal gray design that will look beautiful in any home.

• The HigherDose sauna costs $8,999, which is at the high end for saunas of this size. But the extra cost gives you a stylish, sophisticated sauna that won&#;t be an eyesore in your home.

• This sauna is best for someone looking to show off their sauna while enjoying its many benefits.

• We love the swivel iPad holder guided meditations or for anyone who&#;d rather watch Netflix while they sweat.

• A removable bench allows you to stretch and move if you prefer that to sitting.

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Pros

Removable bench

Reaches high temperature for infrared (170&#;)

Full spectrum and chromotherapy

FSA/HSA eligible

5-year limited warranty

Cons

Expensive compared to similar models, at $8,999

Increased electrical needs for add-ons such as red-light therapy

No free shipping

Why we like HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna as best low EMF

We love any infrared sauna with low EMF emissions, but the HigherDose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna is especially notable for its high heating capabilities, full-spectrum rays, and stylish design elements.

The outside of this sauna is as beautiful as its interior. Large glass doors and windows show off the mahogany and chromotherapy lighting on the inside. The charcoal-colored exterior helps the large structure blend into your home space. While other home stand-alone saunas can look large and bulky, this one looks like it belongs.

That said, you still need ample space for this sauna. You can choose from a two-person or three-person model (the specs listed here are for the smaller one), but even the two-person model is one of the largest saunas on our list.

This sauna covers the full spectrum of infrared wavelengths. Far-infrared heaters line the back, side walls, and floor, while full-spectrum heaters line the front wall. Heaters under the benches target your calves, so every inch of your body can benefit from the infrared heat. With the chromotherapy light, it officially covers all the bases.

&#;Chromotherapy, or color therapy, is still being studied, but some people find it helpful for things like boosting mood or reducing stress,&#; adds quadruple-board certified physician Dr. Raj Dasgupta. &#;The idea is that different colors can have different effects on how we feel and even on our health.&#;

While this sauna only requires 120 volts and 20 amps to operate, add-ons such as red light can push you towards additional electrical requirements.

Also, the price of the sauna doesn&#;t include delivery. Delivery costs between $600 and $1,000 and doesn&#;t come with assembly. For an additional cost, you can hire someone to help you put it together, but you have to call the company to request this service.

Unlike most home infrared saunas on the market, the HigherDose sauna has a removable bench. A removable bench is a great detail for those who like to incorporate movement or stretching into their sauna session. According to Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, research is limited on the combination of stretching during a sauna session and its potential impact on recovery. But the combination of movement and temperature helps increase circulation, which can provide various health benefits.

With a digital control system, swivel iPad holder, and Bluetooth connectivity, there are endless ways to enjoy your time in this sauna&#;all while minimizing any harmful EMFs.

Specs

Price $8,999 Interior dimensions 47&#; W x 44&#; D x 74&#; H Max temperature 150&#; Seating capacity Two people Weight 350 lbs Materials Engineered wood and mahogany Electrical 120v, 20 amp

Best infrared sauna for home: Dynamic Saunas Andora 2 Person Low EMF

Best infrared sauna for home

Dynamic Andora 2 Person Low EMF

The Dynamic Andora sauna uses six dynamic low EMF far-infrared carbon heating panels to provide even, calming heat.

Fortune Score:

4.5 / 5

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Key product features

Digital control

Inside/outside

Wood

Hemlock

Chromotherapy

Yes

Bluetooth

Yes

Assembly time

45 minutes

What you should know

The Dynamic Andora Infrared Sauna includes six low-EMF carbon heating panels, a chromotherapy lighting system, and a Bluetooth sound system. With its Canadian hemlock wood construction and easy-to-assemble design, it&#;s a durable and convenient home sauna with many desirable features.

• The Dynamic Andora sauna combines low EMF far-infrared carbon heating with double-paneled sauna walls so the cabin is well-insulated and energy-efficient.

• It may not be the most stylish and modern-looking sauna, but at the $2,100 price point, it&#;s much more affordable than comparable models.

• Two people can fit inside, but if you don&#;t want to be touching another person, you&#;ll likely prefer to sit in it by yourself.

• This sauna is great for anyone looking for a luxurious, stand-alone home infrared sauna experience at a lower price than other saunas of the same size and features.

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Pros

Soft touch control panel

Requires only 110 volts, 15 amp

Low EMFs

Energy efficient

Easy assembly

Cheaper than comparable models

Cons

Not as sleek as other models

Only goes up to 140&#;

Relatively small for two people

Why we like Dynamic Saunas Andora 2 Person Low EMF as best for home

For those seeking a luxurious home sauna experience at a relatively low price, the Dynamic Andora sauna gets the job done. This two-person infrared sauna comes with six low-EMF carbon heating panels, so you get the benefits of far-infrared heat. But it also includes chromotherapy lighting to enhance the overall ambiance. While most home infrared saunas with these features cost upwards of $4,000, the Dynamic Andora 2-person Low EMF sauna lets you have it for just over $2,000.

Technically it is a two-person sauna, but we recommend using it alone. Unless you want your damp, sweaty arms touching someone else&#;s, it&#;ll be a more enjoyable and personalized experience to use it alone.

We love the digital soft touch control panel that is accessible both inside and outside of the sauna. Using this touchpad, you can pick from various chromotherapy colors, change the temperature, and set a timer. You can also control the Bluetooth sound system and pick from a guided meditation, calming music, or a podcast. You won&#;t find many other home infrared saunas with all these features at this price point.

If you love high heat, note that this sauna maxes out at 140&#;, which is lower than other similar models. However, infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures than steam saunas. Plus, we recommend starting with lower temperatures if you&#;re new to using a sauna.

Constructed from thick Canadian hemlock wood, our evaluation found the sauna to be durable, well-insulated, and energy-efficient. Many saunas boast an easy assembly process, but this one actually is simple. Because it uses magnetic panels that clasp together, you can complete assembly in less than an hour with two people. You don&#;t need any special wiring, so you can plug it in and start using it almost immediately after assembly.

While the Dynamic Andora sauna offers numerous benefits, potential buyers should consider its size and space requirements before purchasing. You&#;ll need adequate room to assemble the sauna, and space above and around the sauna for safety getting in and out.

What customers are saying

Customers on Amazon love this sauna due to the ease of assembly, performance, and quality of the experience. Users repeatedly confirm that the sauna comes two to three people can complete the setup quite quickly.

Sharon G. is among the 85% of Amazon reviewers who rated the sauna highly.

&#;I love the colorful mood lighting options as well as the Bluetooth speaker system. It truly makes for a wonderful at-home spa experience! This purchase is well worth the money spent for us!&#;

Sharon G., Amazon

Another verified Amazon user, Jason S., praises its functionality. &#;It worked great and heated up to temperature in about 35 minutes.&#;

However, a few customers said their new sauna came with cracks in some wood panels. Another noted that even after a few hours, the sauna didn&#;t reach the max temperature of 140&#;.

Overall, customers are happy with their Dynamic Andora saunas and find it is well worth the cost and provides them with many health benefits.

Specs

Price $2,100 Interior dimensions 48&#; W x 42&#; D x 75&#; H Max temperature 140&#; Seating capacity Two people Weight 319 lbs Materials Natural reforest Canadian hemlock wood Electrical 110v, 15 amp

Best portable infrared sauna: SereneLife Portable Full-Size Infrared Home Spa

Best portable

SereneLife Portable Home Spa

The SereneLife Portable Full-Size Infrared Home Spa is a low-cost, portable infrared sauna that can be used at home, or on the go.

Fortune Score:

3.5 / 5

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Key product features

Portable

Yes

Heater

FIR sauna box

Max temperature

140&#;

Remote control

Yes

Assembly

No power tools

Sauna chair

Included

What you should know

The SereneLife Full Size Portable Infrared Home Spa is a convenient and compact sauna for at-home use. Featuring a foldable chair, foot pad heating mat, and remote control for timer and heat settings, it is our pick for the best portable sauna.

• We love the convenience of this portable sauna, which achieves the same therapeutic benefits as other infrared saunas in a more compact and accessible package.

• You can&#;t beat the reasonable $389 price tag.

• The SereneLife Portable sauna is best for someone with limited space and a tight budget who still wants a true stand-alone sauna experience.

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Pros

Remote control for temperature and time

Max temperature 140&#;

Portable and lightweight

Requires only 120v

Easy assembly

Cons

No EMF shielding

Flimsy design

Small interior

Why we like SereneLife Full Size Portable Infrared Home Spa as best portable

Imagine if, for under $400, you could enjoy all the benefits of infrared heat, from improved relaxation and sleep to reduced stress and improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. ( 10 )( 11 ) Well, you can.

This portable sauna delivers all of these health benefits and more at a fraction of the cost of a standard sauna. It might not look as sleek or feel as luxurious as the larger wooden models, but if space and funds are limited, this sauna gets the job done. We love that this sauna makes the benefits of infrared heat more accessible to people of various economic backgrounds.

According to the user manual, it only takes 5 minutes to reach 131°F. (The listed max temperature is 140°F, but customers report that it rarely gets that high.) While slightly on the lower end of the spectrum, 130-140°F is still considered a therapeutic range for infrared heat. However, many users say it takes closer to 15 minutes to heat up, and it&#;s difficult to get the temperature to stay above 120&#;. It likely comes down to how well insulated you can keep the cabin.

The sauna puts out Watts of power and uses FIR heating from the roof and a heated foot pad. It comes with a folding chair and handheld remote, so you control the temperature and time from the inside. When done, simply unzip the zipper door and make your way out.

Things to consider: If you are taller than 5&#;10&#;, you won&#;t be able to stand in this sauna. It&#;s 70&#;9&#; tall, so you&#;ll have to duck slightly to avoid the overhead heater, then stay seated.

With assembly taking less than 10 minutes and a low cost of operation compared to other saunas, it&#;s easy to see why the SereneLife Full Size Portable Infrared Home Spa is our best portable sauna. But with affordability comes less durability. The more you use this sauna and assemble and disassemble it, the shorter its lifespan.

What customers are saying

It&#;s clear from the reviews that people are satisfied with this sauna. The heating technology is generally effective, assembly is easy, and the cost is accessible.

&#;The FIR direct heat does not heat up the rest of the room&#;nor do I have excess moisture from steam; I like the dry heat that feels targeted at me.&#;

R.C., Amazon

Another user, Kimmie G. says she loves the interior red light and finds the interior space &#;nice and cozy.&#;

However, one unhappy Amazon user notes the heat function becoming less effective over time: &#;Temps were progressively falling lower and lower, session over session.&#; They attributed this to insulation issues but found the problem difficult to solve. Another noted they measured very high EMFs, making the sauna less safe than other infrared saunas with protective EMF shielding.

Specs

Price $389 Interior dimensions 35.4&#; W x 35.4&#; D x 70.9&#; H Max temperature 140&#; Seating capacity One person Weight 24 lbs Materials Oxford Fabric, Aluminium Insulated Film, Metal Alloy Frame Electrical 120v

Best budget infrared sauna: Dynamic Barcelona Low EMF Sauna

Best budget infrared sauna

Dynamic Barcelona Low EMF Sauna

The Dynamic Barcelona sauna uses far- infrared heating with low EMF, making it our pick for best infrared sauna for those on a budget.

Fortune Score:

4 / 5

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Key product features

Low EMF

Yes

Heating

Far-infrared

Chromotherapy

Yes

Bluetooth

No

Assembly

Easy clasp

What you should know

The Dynamic Barcelona sauna provides far-infrared heating technology with low EMF, making it an affordable option for home use. With its compact design and efficient heating system, it&#;s suitable for users seeking a convenient and effective infrared sauna experience.

• The standout feature of this sauna is its eco-friendly construction that is easy to assemble and energy-efficient.

• We love that a low EMF infrared sauna is available for under $2,000&#;more than half the cost of other infrared home sauna models.

• No power tools are needed for assembly.

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Pros

Under $2,000

Low EMF

Auxiliary socket for mp3 or radio

Easy to assemble (under 45 minutes)

Roof vent

Soft-touch control panel

Cons

Small for two people

Self-assembly can lead to insulation problems

Inconsistent heating

Flat bench isn&#;t ergonomic

Why we like Dynamic Barcelona FAR Infrared Sauna as best budget

Whenever you can get a luxury sauna experience on a budget, it&#;s a win. This sauna is a huge step up from the portable saunas without being very expensive. While it is a tight squeeze for two people, it can accommodate one person comfortably.

We appreciate the easy assembly, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient design. Using natural hemlock wood, this sauna is lighter (250 pounds) than most one- to two-person home infrared saunas. This is important, given you and one or two friends will be putting each panel together. Luckily, you won&#;t need any power tools because the panels click into each other. That said, you&#;ll still need space and time (reportedly, less than one hour) to put it together.

Once assembled, check the door. Some users claim the door doesn&#;t close well, leading to heat leaking out. As long as construction is successful and all the parts are intact, the door should close securely allowing the thick insulated walls to keep all that infrared heat in. But don&#;t rush the assembly process or the sauna may have trouble maintaining higher heat.

We love the practical two-way soft touch control panel that allows you to control temperature and timing from inside or outside the sauna. An iPhone shelf, reading light, and magazine rack encourage you to get comfortable while you&#;re enjoying your session. However, the flat wood bench and walls aren&#;t the most ergonomic.

Ultimately, you&#;re here for the heat. Six infrared carbon low EMF energy-efficient heating panels line the sauna. Amazon claims these heaters are 30% larger than saunas heated by ceramic tubes and penetrate skin 40% more, maximizing the therapeutic benefits.

While not as sleek as some of the pricier models, this home infrared sauna packs therapeutic levels of heat at a lower cost than the competition. Maintenance is also easy: Simply wipe the sauna down with a wet cloth and you&#;re done.

What customers are saying

Customers on Amazon love the ease of use, value and comfort of using this easy-to-assemble sauna, but almost everyone says to stick with just one person using the sauna at a time.

Verified Amazon buyer Chris Q. raves, &#;It works like a dream!&#; She notes that the sauna heats up to 151&#; in about 15 minutes, though she says she is hesitant to lean back, noting that is where the heat comes out.

Unfortunately, some Amazon customers notice inconsistencies in the time it takes to heat the sauna. Due to occasional design flaws that may come with self-assembly, heat can escape around the door making it hard for the sauna to stay evenly and consistently warm.

Overall, the majority of users are happy with this sauna and feel the benefits, making it worth the cost.

Specs

Price $1,900 Interior dimensions 39&#; W x 36&#; D x 73&#; H Max temperature 140&#; Seating capacity One to two people Weight 250 lbs Materials Hemlock wood Electrical 110 volt, 15 amp

How we test recovery products

Recovery is essential, not just for athletes but for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether through heat therapy in a sauna or cold therapy in a cold plunge tub , these methods can significantly enhance your recovery process. Choosing the right infrared sauna involves considering a range of factors to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Our process is comprehensive, combining physical product testing with expert input to assess everything from effectiveness and ease of use to durability and safety standards.

You can read our full recovery product testing methodology here.

Performance (recovery effectiveness)&#;30%

A high-quality infrared sauna should deliver on its promise of aiding your recovery process. Performance encompasses various critical aspects, including the ability of saunas to reach and maintain desired temperatures for heat therapy. Our testers assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the saunas as well as the user&#;s recovery experience.

Here&#;s what we&#;re looking for:

• Temperature range
• Temperature stability
• Ease of use
• Durability and material quality
• Power demand

Design and safety&#;30%

Alongside effectiveness, design is paramount for a positive recovery experience. It factors in how these therapies support and enhance the user&#;s overall well-being, whether sitting in a sauna or immersed in a cold plunge tub. The health and safety aspects are also critical, especially for products used in close contact with the body or for therapeutic purposes like saunas. This category scrutinizes the measures and features implemented by manufacturers to protect users from potential hazards while also assessing the health-promoting aspects of the saunas.

We evaluate:

• Size
• Accessibility features
• Material safety
• Certifications
• Safety features

Value&#;20%

This category delves into the intersection of quality, performance, durability, and the financial investment required to identify saunas that offer significant health and wellness returns without the financial burden. This offers a holistic view of the sauna&#;s worth by balancing the initial investment against the quality, benefits, and ongoing costs associated with its use. This approach helps consumers make informed decisions, identify saunas that meet their recovery needs, and represent a wise and sustainable financial investment.

Customer experience&#;20%

The overall purchasing and ownership experience can significantly impact satisfaction with a sauna. This category focuses on consumers&#; journeys, from initial interest to post-purchase support. The assessment goes beyond the physical attributes and considers the entirety of the process, including shipping, customer support, assembly, and more.

Our factors in this rating include:

• Shipping
• Assembly
• Warranty
• Customer support

What to look for in the best infrared saunas

Choosing the best infrared sauna for your budget and lifestyle requires careful consideration of several key factors.

Cost

When purchasing an infrared sauna, considering cost is essential to ensure that you&#;re getting the best value for your investment. While higher-priced models may offer additional features or superior build quality, it&#;s important to weigh these benefits against your budget and intended usage. By finding a balance between cost and features, you can ensure that you&#;re getting a sauna that meets your needs without overspending.

Safety

Safety is paramount when selecting an infrared sauna, as it directly impacts your well-being during use. Assessing safety features such as low EMF emissions, tempered glass doors, and proper ventilation helps mitigate potential risks associated with prolonged sauna sessions. Prioritizing safety ensures a worry-free and enjoyable sauna experience while safeguarding against potential hazards.

Size

When choosing an infrared sauna, size and capacity play crucial roles in ensuring comfort and usability. Consider the dimensions your space can accommodate, and whether you intend to use your sauna alone or with one or more people. Whether opting for a compact one-person sauna or a larger multi-person model, selecting the right size is critical to ensuring you will be able to use your sauna how and where you want.

Assembly process

The assembly process is an important factor to consider when purchasing an infrared sauna, as it can impact convenience and time spent setting up the unit. Opting for a sauna with straightforward assembly that doesn&#;t require power tools can simplify the setup process. Many models come with clasp-together panels or pre-assembled components to streamline the installation process. However, it is always best to look into the delivery and assembly instructions prior to placing an order. Additionally, you may want to watch assembly videos before purchasing your sauna so you can be prepared when it arrives. Keep in mind most saunas require more than one person for a safe assembly process.

Electrical requirements

When buying an infrared sauna, it&#;s crucial to consider the electrical requirements to ensure compatibility with your home&#;s wiring and outlets. Many infrared saunas require a dedicated outlet. Look for saunas that operate on standard household voltage (usually 110V) and amperage (typically 15A), as this makes installation easier and eliminates the need for special wiring. If you&#;re unsure whether or not your home can accommodate a sauna, consult with a certified electrician before making your purchase.

Special features

Every sauna comes with slightly different features. Do your best to explore all the options before deciding which features are most important to you. Keep in mind that some features will cost more than others. Consider features such as built-in Bluetooth speakers, digital control panels, chromotherapy LED lights, and wide benches. These features can elevate your sauna experience, but make sure to stay within your budget.

FAQs

What is the best brand of infrared sauna?

Determining the best brand of infrared sauna can depend on various factors such as personal preferences, budget, and specific features desired. Some well-regarded brands in the infrared sauna market include Sunlighten, SereneLife, Sun Home Saunas, and Dynamic Saunas. It&#;s essential to research each brand thoroughly, considering factors like build quality, assembly process, heating technology, customer reviews, and warranty coverage, to find the option that suits your needs.

Which infrared sauna has the lowest EMF?

Sunlighten and Sun Home are often mentioned as brands that focus on reducing EMF levels in their infrared saunas. It&#;s essential to review the specifications provided by each manufacturer and consider independent testing results to determine which sauna model has the lowest EMF emissions for your needs.

Are infrared saunas worth it?

Whether infrared saunas are worth it depends on individual preferences, health goals, and budget. Infrared saunas have been associated with health benefits such as improving relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, and improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic health. ( 8 ) ( 10 ) ( 11 ) One study found that frequent sauna usage may help prevent dementia, while another found sauna use improved muscle recovery after a resistance training workout. ( 12 ) ( 2 ) Regular sauna use has also been associated with improved symptoms of chronic pain and depression. ( 13 )

When it comes to saunas, customer reviews are clear: People feel better&#;both physically and mentally&#;after regular sauna use. Just make sure you consult with a healthcare professional prior to using a sauna in order to determine if infrared sauna therapy aligns with your wellness goals.

Are infrared saunas safe?

Yes, infrared saunas are generally safe for most people when used properly. ( 14 ) However, individuals with certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular issues, low blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, or pregnancy should consult with a healthcare professional before using one. ( 15 ) Additionally, it&#;s essential to follow manufacturer instructions and avoid prolonged sessions to prevent overheating or dehydration.

&#;As we age, our ability to regulate our body temperature becomes more impaired,&#; adds Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS. &#;So, older adults should be particularly careful with their sauna exposure.&#;

Our experts

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM

Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. An active clinical researcher, Dr. Raj currently is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, and the Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine Residency at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai.

Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS

Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, is an Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science in from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in Exercise Science and Biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since .

Amanda Dvorak

Amanda Dvorak is a Fortune Recommends writer and editor. A garage gym owner who is passionate about working out and healthy living, she has four years of experience writing product reviews for fitness and nutrition websites. Amanda is currently studying to become a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).

Kelly Uhler

Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one&#;s health, safety, and quality of life.

Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS

Fortune Recommends Writer

About Author

Rachel Tavel is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association), Forbes Health Advisory Board Member and writer. She earned her BA from Bowdoin College and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from New York University.

Sources

• 1. Mayo Clinic. What is infrared sauna? Does it have health benefits? Accessed April 18, .

  2. Ahokas EK, Ihalainen JK, Hanstock HG, Savolainen E, Kyröläinen H. A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biol Sport. ;40(3):681-689. doi:10./biolsport..

  3. Mahoklory, S. S., & Hoda, F. S. (). The Effects of Chromotherapy on the Stress Level of Patients With Hypertension. Jurnal Berita Ilmu Keperawatan, 15(1), 1&#;7. https://doi.org/10./bik.v15i1.

  4. Lennart Hardell, Cindy Sage, Biological effects from electromagnetic field exposure and public exposure standards, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy,
     Volume 62, Issue 2, , Pages 104-109, ISSN -,
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