The best home saunas provide a peaceful place where you can sit down (or stretch out) and unwind after a tough training session or stressful day. However, between the high humidity and heat exposure, traditional models can be too intense for some people.
Luckily, the best infrared saunas dial the temperature back a bit, offering a more tolerable dry heat that can still provide many health benefits.
If you’re looking for the ultimate muscle recovery tool, our team has done the dirty work by sitting through many sweaty sessions in order to determine which saunas are worth their salt. So, whether you need a portable option, an ultra-low EMF unit (more on that later), or one with red light therapy, we’ve got you covered.
GGR Gold Pick — Best Infrared Sauna
Thanks to its above-average maximum temperature, fairly compact footprint, and straightforward assembly, the 4.4-star-rated Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna earns its place atop our list of the best infrared saunas available today.
The 6 Best Infrared Saunas
- Best Overall Infrared Sauna – Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
- Best Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna – Plunge Infrared Sauna Pro
- Best Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy – Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna
- Best Portable Infrared Sauna – Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna
- Best Infrared Sauna Blanket – HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Best Budget Infrared Sauna – Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
Current Top Deals
- Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna – Free shipping (up to a $1,500 value)
- Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna – Take 24% off for a limited time
- Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna – Up to $1,700 off
How We Selected the Best Infrared Saunas
Outdoor infrared saunas should be built with durable, weather-resistant materials that’ll hold up to the elements. Meanwhile, indoor infrared saunas should also feature high-quality wood construction with thoughtful design elements. For portable saunas, sauna blankets, and sauna tents, we assess whether they are machine-washable and if the material seems prone to rips and tears.

We assess how quickly the sauna heats up, whether it actually reaches its listed maximum temperature, and how well it maintains that temperature for a typical 15-minute sauna session. To earn a 3 out of 5, the sauna must reach its highest setting in about 35 minutes. Keep in mind that infrared saunas don’t get as hot as their traditional counterparts.

Is it a full-spectrum sauna that delivers near-, mid-, and far-infrared light? Does it include Bluetooth surround sound, color light therapy, or other tech features that enhance your experience? We award a 3 out of 5 if a sauna has a thermometer and control panel where you can easily adjust the temperature and time settings. Higher scores go to models with more robust capabilities.

Our team includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, and lifelong athletes who regularly utilize recovery tools like saunas and cold plunges to stay on top of our game. We use a comprehensive sauna testing methodology to rate each model using a 1-5 scoring scale. Categories we examine include delivery and setup, footprint and portability, and value, among others.

In addition to our team of fitness experts, we consulted with Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, to get the scoop on the safety and benefits of infrared saunas. In 2025, we helped 563 people find their ideal home sauna, so read on to see which infrared sauna can help you recover better and help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Latest Updates
In September 2026, we reviewed our list of the best infrared saunas and made a few changes based on our latest testing. The Sun Home Equinox still earns our top recommendation, but we swapped out picks that didn’t hold up in value and heat performance. New additions—like the Plunge Infrared Sauna Pro—stood out for their high scores in these categories.
Best Infrared Saunas Video Review
Best Overall Infrared Sauna: Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
The Sun Home Equinox Sauna is a full-spectrum infrared sauna, providing near, mid, and far infrared rays during a sauna session. With a controlled temperature adjustment, the sauna also features medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights and Bluetooth or auxiliary enabled surround sound.
What our tester says:
“You can feel this sauna heat up in seconds—I really enjoy using it.”
Best Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna: Plunge Infrared Sauna Pro
The Plunge Infrared Sauna Pro packs high heat, full-spectrum infrared heating, and convenient app controls into a premium Canadian hemlock cabin. We like its 175°F maximum temperature and size options, but the high cost and 240V electrical requirement are worth considering before you buy.
Best Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy: Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna
The Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna is a dual-function unit combining infrared heat and red light therapy in a space-saving design. With its low-EMF carbon heaters, sleek aesthetic, and plug-and-play setup, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to elevate their home wellness routine with minimal hassle.
What our tester says:
“It has one of the most comfortable benches I’ve ever tested. It has a nice slant-back design where two people can easily fit comfortably.”
Best Portable Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna
The Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna is designed for movability and compact storage. It has multiple zone-based digital heaters and built-in chromotherapy features.
What our tester says:
“If you can fit, you’ll be fine, but it’s not the most inclusive sauna design.”
Best Infrared Sauna Blanket: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket offers a portable and affordable alternative to installing a sauna in your home. The sauna blanket uses far infrared technology to provide heat stimulation to your entire body while you’re inside the sauna blanket.
What our tester says:
“If you love sauna sessions and need a more portable option I think this is great. I felt super relaxed and enjoyed using it.”
Best Budget Infrared Sauna: Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
The Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna is an inexpensive and portable solution for an infrared sauna. Being compact, this sauna can be folded when not in use. Available in two sizes, this portable seated sauna tent may still be a tight fit for larger athletes.
What our tester says:
“This held my set temperature the entire time. Even when I had my arms out of the sauna, using the arm pockets, the temperature didn’t drop. ”
Other Infrared Saunas We Researched
We looked at a lot of saunas, both infrared and traditional, when testing out the best of this muscle recovery tool category. Here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t make our top picks.
- SunRay Evansport 2-Person Infrared Sauna: Packed with features like Bluetooth audio, an LED control panel, and recessed lighting, this sauna looks promising, but we haven’t had a chance to test it out yet.
- Radiant Sauna 2-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna: This sauna from Radiant Saunas boasts six carbon heaters, but customers complain that the sauna doesn’t get warm enough.
- LifePro Portable Far Infrared Sauna Blanket: Although a decent budget-friendly option, this sauna blanket doesn’t cover your arms like other sauna blankets.
GGR Infrared Sauna Testing Results
Our team follows a rigorous testing process in order to understand where a sauna stands out and where it falls short. While the overall score provides an accurate overview of its capabilities, we want to peel back the curtain and show you exactly how every model fared across all of the categories we assess.
Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Are Infrared Saunas Safe?
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Infrared Saunas
There are quite a few things to consider when buying an infrared sauna. Since saunas, in general, can be pricey investments, make sure to do your research on the best saunas before making your final purchase.
Size
How much room you have for an infrared sauna is going to be a big factor in the options you have available. Make sure to look at each sauna’s exterior dimensions to determine if its footprint will fit in the space you’ve set aside for it. There are portable and compact options, too, such as infrared tents and blankets. You can also consider indoor or outdoor saunas, although infrared saunas are more often made for indoor usage.
RELATED: SaunaBox Go Review
The interior space of a sauna is just as important. Many infrared saunas can hold one or two people, but if you want to seat more at once, you may want to consider a larger sauna. Also consider that the maximum capacity of a sauna may be a tight fit. For example, if a sauna says it seats three people, it probably seats two comfortably, but for three people, you’ll be pretty crammed inside.
Cost
Your available budget will be a big factor, as infrared saunas can range from a couple hundred dollars for portable sauna tents, to over $7,000 for large five-person sauna rooms. Fortunately, lots of infrared saunas have financing options available, so you’ll rarely need to drop thousands of dollars all at once on a sauna. You may even be able to use FSA/HSA funds to pay for the sauna.
Also, the value needs to make sense for the infrared sauna you’re considering. If a sauna is particularly pricey, there should be a reason behind it. It could be larger, made with finer materials, or have a lot of extra features that make the cost worth it. Find the sauna with the most value to you with a price point you’re able to afford.
Performance
Infrared saunas can vary a bit in their peak temperature, but the best temperature for an infrared sauna is typically between 140 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Because the infrared heaters start producing infrared rays immediately, infrared saunas can warm up fairly quickly, reaching their top temperature within 20 to 30 minutes, getting you through the sauna experience quicker.
RELATED: Dry Sauna Benefits
Features and Amenities
Infrared saunas can have quite a few additional features and amenities, depending on the product. Common additional features include a temperature control panel (along with remote control through a Wi-Fi connection), Bluetooth or auxiliary sound support, and even LED lighting.
Sometimes, the LED lighting can be adjusted through different colors, which is associated with chromotherapy lighting—an alternative medical treatment that supposedly can help alter the moods of patients. It has also often been regarded as pseudoscience. However, as scientists have developed more of an understanding of electromagnetic fields and radiation, more research has been done11 on this unique treatment.
RELATED: Wet Sauna Vs Dry Sauna
Electrical Requirements
Before you plunk down a few thousand dollars for an infrared sauna, you’ll want to make sure your living space is actually set up to use it. In particular, you should check if you have the right electrical outlets for the sauna, or if you’ll need to call in some help to install new power sources.
Thankfully, many of the saunas we’ve come across utilize common 120V outlets found in most homes. Some models, however, require a 240V outlet, which you may need an electrician to install. Obviously, these installation prices vary based on the company and your location; we spent $1,600 on an outlet installation to test some outdoor saunas in the past. This is a potential cost that you’ll want to factor into your budget, as well.
Infrared Sauna Maintenance Tips
Types of Infrared Saunas
Rather than warming the air around the user, infrared saunas use infrared bulbs and heaters to warm the body directly. Though the key here is the infrared heat source, you should be aware that different models operate at different wavelengths. Here’s a breakdown of the wavelengths used in these saunas:
Near-Infrared Sauna (700-1,400 nanometers)
There is some evidence showing12 that near-infrared saunas can help promote collagen production, faster wound healing, and enhanced skin elasticity.
Mid-Infrared Sauna (1,400-3,000 nanometers)
These wavelengths penetrate deeper than their near-infrared counterparts and are often found as part of a full-spectrum infrared sauna rather than as a standalone product.
Far-Infrared Sauna (3,000-100,000 nanometers)
One summary of published evidence13 suggests there is preliminary support that far-infrared sauna therapy can help people with chronic pain, systolic hypertension (the top number on your blood pressure reading), and congestive heart failure.
Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna (700-100,000 nanometers)
These saunas offer the full range of infrared wavelengths to penetrate the skin deeply, so you can reap the wide-ranging benefits.
Best Infrared Saunas FAQs
What is the top-rated infrared sauna?
We’ve tested dozens of infrared saunas, and our top pick is the Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna. It offers full-spectrum infrared heating, which uses three infrared wavelengths (near, mid, and far) to offer more comprehensive treatment. It’s also made from durable kiln-dried eucalyptus wood, comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and includes chromotherapy lights and Bluetooth speakers.
What type of infrared sauna is best for health?
The wavelengths that the different types of infrared saunas emit (near, mid, and far) all have different health benefits. A full-spectrum infrared sauna uses all three and, therefore, can provide a vast array of health benefits. Near-infrared wavelengths can promote collagen production, cell regeneration, and wound healing9. Mid-infrared wavelengths10 can help improve blood flow and reduce joint and muscle pain. Far-infrared wavelengths10 also help with muscle pain relief and can help improve heart health, aid weight loss, and promote detoxification, as well.
What are the downsides of infrared saunas?
Infrared sauna use can lead to some health risks, such as dehydration, overheating, dizziness, and increased heart rate or blood pressure. Dr. Michelle Koolaee, who is double board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology, recommends consulting with your doctor first “if you’re sick or have a fever, dehydrated, intoxicated, pregnant, or have cardiovascular conditions.”
How do you pick the right infrared sauna?
To pick the right infrared sauna, consider your budget, the seating capacity, and any additional features you may want, like Bluetooth speakers and chromotherapy lights. Look at how hot the sauna can get, as well. Infrared saunas typically heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, though some go up to 165 degrees or higher. You’ll also want to consider electrical requirements—some infrared saunas require a 220V or 240V outlet, which an electrician will need to install.
Is it OK to use an infrared sauna every day?
For most healthy adults, it’s OK to use an infrared sauna every day. However, some people may need to dial it back to three to four days per week. Additionally, according to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, you should pay close attention to how long you spend in the sauna.
“Keep sauna sessions to 15 to 20 minutes and pay attention to how you’re feeling,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Stay hydrated before, during, and after, and avoid going in on an empty stomach or right after intense exercise. If you start to feel dizzy or overheated, step out and cool down—it’s not worth pushing it.”
References
- Miah, T., & Kamat, D. (2017). Current Understanding of the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. Pediatric annals, 46(4), e172–e174. https://doi.org/10.3928/19382359-20170316-01
- Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 32(1), 41–52.
- Jari A. Laukkanen, MD, PhD; Tanjaniina Laukkanen, MSc; and Setor K. Kunutsor, MD, PhD. Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. August 2018.
- Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 32(1), 41–52.
- Kihara T, Miyata M, Fukudome T, et al. Waon therapy improves the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure. J Cardiol. 2009;53(2):214-218. doi:10.1016/j.jjcc.2008.11.005.
- Umehara M, Yamaguchi A, Itakura S, et al. Repeated waon therapy improves pulmonary hypertension during exercise in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Cardiol. 2008;51(2):106-113. doi:10.1016/j.jjcc.2008.01.004.
- Genuis SJ, Birkholz D, Rodushkin I, Beesoon S. Blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study: monitoring and elimination of bioaccumulated toxic elements. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2011 Aug;61(2):344-57. doi: 10.1007/s00244-010-9611-5. Epub 2010 Nov 6. PMID: 21057782.
- Taylor, K., & Tripathi, A. K. (2025). Adult Dehydration. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Armstrong, L. E., & Johnson, E. C. (2018). Water Intake, Water Balance, and the Elusive Daily Water Requirement. Nutrients, 10(12), 1928. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121928
- Lee, J. Y., & Park, D. H. (2012). Characterization of bacterial community contaminating floor of a hot and dry sauna. Journal of Bacteriology and Virology, 42(4), 313-320.
- Azeemi ST, Raza SM. A critical analysis of chromotherapy and its scientific evolution. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2005 Dec;2(4):481-8. doi: 10.1093/ecam/neh137. PMID: 16322805; PMCID: PMC1297510.
- Li, W. H., Seo, I., Kim, B., Fassih, A., Southall, M. D., & Parsa, R. (2021). Low-level red plus near infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro. International journal of cosmetic science, 43(3), 311–320. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12698
- Beever R. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Can Fam Physician. 2009 Jul;55(7):691-6. PMID: 19602651; PMCID: PMC2718593.

























































