When I wrap up a grueling workout, the first thing I do after downing a whey protein shake is head to the sauna for some much-needed rest and relaxation. While I appreciate the traditional high-humidity experience I get at my local gym, some people prefer the less-intense environment of an infrared sauna. If this sounds like you, the SaunaBox Solara may just be your ticket to better recovery thanks to its inclusion of infrared heat and red light therapy—all boxed together in a budget-friendly profile.
RELATED: What Is Red Light Therapy?
In this SaunaBox Solara review, I’ll peel back the curtain on this indoor sauna designed to fit in apartments and smaller spaces. From its footprint to its features, value, conveniences, and performance, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this formidable one-person unit that delivers excellent bang for your hard-earned buck.
We Sweat ALL the Details When We Test Saunas
The GGR team includes certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, CrossFit competitors, and competitive athletes. When we sit through sweaty sessions searching for the best home saunas, our squad uses a 1-to-5 scoring system to assess specific criteria based on our sauna testing methodology.
Some key factors we evaluate include:
- Construction: Is the sauna made with high-quality materials? Or, are there durability and functionality concerns due to poor design choices or cheap components? To earn a 4 or higher in this category, the sauna must be made with durable woods like hemlock or cedar.
- Footprint and Portability: How much room does the sauna take up? Is it a portable sauna that you can easily pack up and take on the go? Or, is it more of a “set it and forget it” unit that you’ll leave in one spot for good? To earn a 3 out of 5, a sauna must comfortably fit the listed capacity without taking up too much space.
- Performance: Does the sauna heater operate efficiently, or do you have to wait a while for the unit to reach your desired temperature? Are there extra features that enhance your sauna experience like dynamic programming, smart controls, aromatherapy, or sound therapy? For a sauna to earn at least a 3 out of 5, it must reach its highest setting in about 35 minutes.
- Value: Is the price justified based on the build quality and performance? Does the sauna lack high-end features that make it overpriced compared to its competitors? To score at least a 3-out-of-5 rating, the price must justify the build quality and performance compared to competitors.
RELATED: Infrared Saunas Buyer’s Guide
A Quick Look at the SaunaBox Solara
The SaunaBox Solara is a compact, one-person home sauna model designed to deliver a powerful heat experience at a reasonable price. While its footprint resembles that of an oversized refrigerator, don’t let its size fool you. This infrared sauna provides near-, mid-, and far-infrared wavelengths (plus medical-grade red light therapy), giving you a full-spectrum sauna experience without taking over your training space. Full-spectrum capability is uncommon at this budget-friendly price point, so getting all three wavelengths (plus red light therapy) means you can enjoy more robust therapeutic benefits.
Constructed using Canadian hemlock, the Solara features a reflective glass door for privacy, an integrated Bluetooth speaker system, and a heater that uses ultra-low EMF infrared panels. Capable of reaching 150 degrees Fahrenheit, this 172-pound unit takes about 30 minutes to set up, according to SaunaBox. The Solara has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and can accommodate users up to 6 feet, 6 inches tall.
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Earning strong praise from our product testers for construction and durability, this indoor sauna boasts an attractive, modern aesthetic that combines a sharp, black exterior with natural wood elements inside. One of the few knocks against the Solara, however, is that it only comes with a one-year warranty. That said, we appreciate that SaunaBox offers financing options, and this product is HSA/FSA eligible, meaning you can use pre-tax funds from your health savings or flexible spending account to lower the out-of-pocket cost.
Before You Buy
- Although this sauna heats up quickly, it maxes out at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. That should be plenty hot for most users, but if you prefer a higher range, you should look at a traditional sauna.
- In addition to full-spectrum heat, the Solara delivers 660nm and 850nm wavelengths of red light therapy. Some of the potential benefits of red light therapy can include reduced inflammation1, accelerated wound healing2, hair growth3, and pain relief4.
- The Solara is designed with low-EMF heating panels for a safe sauna experience. Furthermore, this product carries an ETL certification, which means it’s verified to comply with strict electrical and safety requirements.
- Your sauna will be delivered curbside in two boxes that weigh roughly 220 pounds in total. If you aren’t keen on putting it together yourself, Solara offers professional delivery for an additional fee. This hands-off experience includes full professional assembly by a trained two-person team.
RELATED: Cold Plunge vs Sauna
SaunaBox Solara Video Review
Is the SaunaBox Solara Worth It?
With a listed price of roughly $3,000, the SaunaBox Solara is actually quite affordable at less than half the cost of the average infrared sauna ($7,620). Of course, that comes with a big caveat: it only fits one person. So, this is only an ideal option for folks who want to enjoy a solo sauna experience. That said, you can reap some valuable rewards by investing in a full-spectrum sauna like the Solara.
“Saunas not only provide benefits like better blood flow and decreased stress, but they also can help you detox through increased sweating, boost your physical endurance, support muscle recovery and growth, and have positive effects on your cognitive function,” says Dr. Michelle Koolaee—double board-certified professional in internal medicine and rheumatology.
The Solara is certainly a strong contender for one of the best infrared saunas based on its build quality and multiple modes of delivering therapeutic benefits. While we’d be remiss without pointing out the one-year warranty and short ceiling height, we’re confident that you’ll be pleased with your purchase based on our experience with this well-priced unit.
Great for:
- Solo recovery sessions
- Wellness enthusiasts seeking full-spectrum infrared heat and red light therapy in one unit
- Apartments or smaller home gyms, as the Solara has a compact footprint (35” W x 37” D x 63” H)
- Anyone wanting a plug-and-play sauna without complicated installation or wiring
Not recommended for:
- Outdoor use
- Couples or families
- Those seeking a portable sauna
- People who want traditional high-heat sauna temps (the Solara only heats up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit)
SaunaBox Solara Specs
| Price | $3,000 |
| Dimensions | 35” W x 37” D x 63” H |
| Temperature Range | Up to 150º F |
| Capacity | 1 person |
| Product Weight | 172 lbs |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Using the SaunaBox Solara
Something of a sauna savant, GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele sat inside the Solara for several sweaty sessions so she could give us a full-spectrum review. She was highly impressed by its construction, quick assembly, and consistent performance. Let’s dive into the details so you can better understand the Solara’s strengths and weaknesses.
Construction, Footprint, and Portability
Measuring 63 inches high, 37 inches deep, and 35 inches wide, the Solara features a compact design that may give you pause about comfortability and functionality. However, Lindsay poured some cold water on that theory.
“I actually like the idea of a smaller sauna for a home gym owner because it allows you to fit it basically anywhere,” she explains.
Meanwhile, one of our other product testers—who is 6-feet tall—was pleasantly surprised with their Solara experience.
“I thought I would be very cramped inside of it, but it was actually quite enjoyable,” they note, rating the footprint and portability at a perfect 5 out of 5. “The only downside is that you cannot extend your legs, which I always do in saunas. However, the dimensions are space-saving, and I can definitely see this living in anyone’s training space without much hassle.”
RELATED: Ultimate Sauna Guide
Earning a strong construction score of 4 out of 5, the Solara is made with Canadian hemlock—a highly rated sauna wood that does not get hot to the touch.
“It basically doesn’t absorb that heat,” Lindsay says. “You can comfortably sit back on the bench and not feel hot wood on your back while you’re trying to relax.”
The Solara has six ultra-low EMF (electromagnetic field) heating panels that surround the interior, plus a reflective glass door for extra privacy. We also appreciate that it ships in four pre-assembled panels with pre-installed clips, allowing you to get everything set up in roughly 30 minutes. Overall, the Solara has an attractive, modern design with a fully black exterior that contrasts well with some of the interior’s natural wood elements.
Features
The SaunaBox Solara is packed full of user-friendly features that support muscle recovery, relaxation, and a host of other health benefits. We rated it at a 4 out of 5 in this category, with one of our product testers noting that the controls “were accessible and easy to use.”
In addition to full-spectrum infrared heating, the Solara delivers medical-grade 660nm red light therapy—a nice bonus for recovery enthusiasts, especially in this price range. This form of low-level laser therapy can help promote healing and muscle recovery5. Lindsay pointed out, too, that SaunaBox smartly designed the Solara so that you will get direct red light on your skin from all angles rather than solely having a panel directly in the front or rear.
RELATED: Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Another feature we appreciate is the built-in Bluetooth speaker system. This allows you to connect your phone or other device and stream music or your favorite podcast during your session.
“They may not be JBL-quality speakers, but they’re really good,” Lindsay says. “The Bluetooth connected easily and I was able to play my music loudly.”
Performance
The most critical component of a sauna is its heater, and thankfully, the Solara is equipped with a high-quality system that earned a perfect 5-out-of-5 score from our squad.
“Minutes after turning it on, the heat rose to over 130 degrees,” one of our product testers reported.
Capable of reaching 150 degrees Fahrenheit, you can control the Solara via a mobile app. Although it won’t get as hot as a traditional sauna, some folks may prefer the less-intense heat of an infrared sauna.
“If you are looking for a one-person infrared sauna that has near-, mid-, and far-heating capabilities, comes with red light therapy, and is comfortable to use, this is probably my favorite one that I have tested,” Lindsay adds.
RELATED: SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro Review
SaunaBox Solara vs 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.”
The SaunaBox Solara and the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna share many of the core features people look for in a modern at-home infrared sauna. Both units offer quick warm-up times, full-spectrum infrared heating, red light therapy, and high-quality construction designed for daily use. During testing, both models performed efficiently, providing a relaxing, rejuvenating experience.
Where the differences start to matter is in space and usability. The Solara is designed for individuals who want a dedicated recovery tool without taking up unnecessary floor space. On the other hand, the Relaxe Caldera is designed with extra interior space, making it the better choice if you want to bring someone with you for a sweat session. Whether it’s a training partner, a spouse, or a family member, the Caldera’s expanded footprint and bench layout can make shared sessions comfortable instead of crowded.
While our team tested the two-person Caldera, you don’t have to go this route. Relaxe also offers this model in one- or three-person capacities, giving you ample flexibility to accommodate more (or less) users. For more details on our testing experience, read our full Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna review.
| SaunaBox Solara | Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna (1-person model) | |
| List Price | $3,000 | $7,998 |
| Dimensions | 35” W x 37” D x 63” H | 36″ L x 43″ W x 75″ H |
| Temperature Range | Up to 150º F | Up to 149º F |
| Product Weight | 172 lbs | 271.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 3-year comprehensive warranty |
Customer Experience
The Solara earns a 3.5 out of 5 for customer experience—a solid but unspectacular mark that stems largely from SaunaBox’s short one-year warranty. Based on our research, the average infrared sauna has a substantially longer coverage period (five years), so this is a disappointing drawback.
In addition, SaunaBox offers a 30-day return policy, which is on par for the industry. That said, there are some parameters to be mindful of before beginning a claim. To be eligible for a refund or store credit, your item must be unused, in the same condition that you received it, and in the original packaging. This is a pretty restrictive policy that essentially means you best be sure the Solara is the right fit for you before you step inside.
We do give SaunaBox a tip of the cap for providing free shipping, though. According to the company website, orders ship within 10 to 12 business days due to high demand. SaunaBox also offers expedited shipping services for one- or two-day delivery.
Ordering the SaunaBox Solara
You can order the Solara directly on the SaunaBox website. Although it’s listed for $3,000, you may be able to get it cheaper during Black Friday, Memorial Day, or other holiday sales periods. The ordering process is straightforward—all you need to do is add the sauna to your cart and decide whether you want to add professional delivery services (for an extra fee, of course).
According to the brand website, the product ships in 10 to 12 business days due to high demand. In addition to being HSA/FSA eligible, you can set up monthly payments via Klarna. This gives you some financial flexibility to add this premium muscle recovery tool to your arsenal.
The Solara will arrive securely packaged on a pallet and delivered curbside in two boxes that weigh approximately 220 pounds combined. SaunaBox is not responsible for in-home delivery or assembly unless you purchase the add-on professional delivery service.
Customer Reviews
The Solara has earned an average rating of 4.7 stars based on 31 reviews sourced from the SaunaBox website. Customers appreciate the easy assembly, integrated Bluetooth speakers, and compact design. Here are some testimonials from verified reviewers on the company site:
Final Verdict of Our SaunaBox Solara Review
The SaunaBox Solara Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna is a high-quality, high-performing unit that earned a strong overall score of 4.2 out of 5 from our team of expert product testers. If you’re a solo home gym owner, we’re confident this is one of the best purchases you can make to enhance your recovery game. From its rock-solid construction to its attractive design and reliable heat performance, you can count on the Solara to deliver an enjoyable sauna experience every time you step inside.
SaunaBox Solara
The SaunaBox Solara brings a full-spectrum sauna experience to tight spaces without the commitment of permanent installation. While it may not hit ultra-high temps like cedar cabin units, it delivers versatile heat therapy in a smart, stylish, and collapsible package that’s ideal for solo recovery sessions.
Product Brand: SaunaBox
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 3,000.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
SaunaBox Solara Review: FAQs
How often can I use an infrared sauna?
According to GGR Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, keep sauna sessions between 15 to 20 minutes. Beginners can start with two to three sessions per week to get acclimated to the infrared sauna experience. You can gradually increase the number and length of sessions, but listen to your body and avoid pushing past uncomfortable temperatures or durations.
How does infrared differ from traditional sauna heat?
Infrared saunas use infrared light to warm your body directly, allowing you to enjoy health benefits at lower temps (typically 120 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit). Traditional steam saunas, on the other hand, heat the air first and usually run much hotter.
How does the SaunaBox Pulse compare to the SaunaBox Solara?
The Pulse is a budget-friendly, portable infrared sauna that folds up and doesn’t require special wiring or installation. Conversely, the Solara is a heftier standalone unit that offers more features, including red-light therapy. Keep in mind, though, that the Pulse is roughly $2,000 cheaper than the Solara.
References
- Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
- Giannakopoulos, E., Katopodi, A., Rallis, M., Politopoulos, K., & Alexandratou, E. (2022). The effects of low power laser light at 661 nm on wound healing in a scratch assay fibroblast model. Lasers in Medical Science, 38(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03670-5
- Yang, K., Tang, Y., Ma, Y., Liu, Q., Huang, Y., Zhang, Y., Shi, X., Zhang, L., Zhang, Y., Wang, J., Zhu, Y., Liu, W., Tan, Y., Lin, J., & Wu, W. (2021). Hair Growth Promoting Effects of 650 nm Red Light Stimulation on Human Hair Follicles and Study of Its Mechanisms via RNA Sequencing Transcriptome Analysis. Annals of Dermatology/Annals of Dermatology, 33(6), 553. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2021.33.6.553
- De Oliveira, M. F., Johnson, D. S., Demchak, T., Tomazoni, S. S., & Leal-Junior, E. C. (2022). Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 58(2). https://doi.org/10.23736/s1973-9087.21.07236-1
- Ferraresi, C., Huang, Y., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance? Journal of Biophotonics, 9(11–12), 1273–1299. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201600176
