Saunas have long been used to promote overall well-being and recovery, and infrared saunas are quickly growing in popularity, as they can help raise the body’s temperature from within. They use a lower external temperature and rely on infrared light to heat your body, which may make them more energy-efficient and tolerable for those sensitive to high temperatures.
While home saunas can be a great recovery tool, traditional saunas are very expensive, and many home gym owners aren’t ready to drop thousands of dollars on a large, outdoor sauna. That’s where lightweight, portable, and budget-friendly saunas come in, and our team is continually testing as many as we can get our hands on.
In this Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna review, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about this space-saving personal sauna, which we named the best budget option in our guide to the best infrared saunas. I’ll explain the pros, cons, and everything you need to know to decide if this is the right sauna for your needs.
Tested by a Recovery Expert
Every review we publish is based on extensive, hands-on testing from our team of experts, which includes certified personal trainers, strength coaches, gym owners, and fitness enthusiasts.
For this review, our tester was Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, who you may know as the lead reviewer for our Garage Gym Reviews Everything YouTube channel.
Lindsay has tested dozens of recovery products, including a variety of cold plunges and saunas, so she understands what makes a good sauna. After using the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna, she followed our sauna testing methodology to determine a final product score. Our methodology assigns a score of 1 to 5 for the most important testing categories, including:
- Footprint: Since many saunas are quite large and bulky, we need to consider how much space you’ll need. Portable units, like the Smartmak, often receive higher scores for this category, as they’re quite easy to move and store between uses.
- Durability and construction: This looks at the quality and overall construction. If a sauna feels cheap, it’ll receive a low score, while durable, well-built units receive higher scores.
- Performance: We measure a sauna’s performance by how long it takes to reach its maximum temperature and how well it holds that temperature. Since many saunas can have varying heating times based on their size and heating method, we compare our results to the heating time claimed by the manufacturer, rather than the average sauna we tested.
- Features: We look for add-ons that make the sauna easier to use, like mobile phone control, timers, display screens, built-in speakers, and more.
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. ”
A Quick Look at the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
The Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna is a portable, personal-sized sauna that uses infrared technology to raise your body’s temperature, providing a variety of health benefits. Smartmak makes a variety of saunas and home spas, and in this review, we’re looking at its portable far infrared sauna.
While traditional saunas work by heating the air around your body, infrared saunas use a combination of heat and infrared light to raise your body’s core temperature. This has been shown to be a beneficial tool that may reduce post-workout soreness1, improve cardiovascular health2, improve detoxification3, and more.
RELATED: Infrared Sauna Benefits
The temperatures reached by infrared saunas are typically around 120 to 140 degrees, which is lower than those in traditional sauna rooms that often reach temperatures of up to 195 degrees.
The wavelengths from the infrared light provide additional warmth by penetrating the skin and heating the water molecules within your body, allowing you to elevate your body’s temperature without relying on external heat. Infrared saunas often feel similar to sunlight on your skin (without the UV damage) on a warm day, while the extreme temperatures found in traditional saunas can be quite uncomfortable.
Smartmak’s portable infrared sauna is a budget-friendly, high-quality option for those who aren’t ready to purchase a full-sized unit. You simply sit in the included foldable chair, zip yourself in, and you’re ready to enjoy a relaxing sauna experience.
Before You Buy
- The sauna reaches its maximum temperature in about 20 minutes, slightly faster than many others we’ve tested.
- Optional arm pockets let you keep your arms out of the sauna, perfect for reading or using your phone.
- The included foldable chair is small and flimsy, so you may wish to use your own chair.
Is the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna Worth It?
While this portable sauna tent is priced to fit nearly any budget, it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. Here’s who we think should consider purchasing it, and who should look for something else.
Great for:
- Individuals who want a smaller at-home sauna
- Anyone living in a smaller space
- Wellness enthusiasts looking for recovery on a budget
Not recommended for:
- Larger individuals who need a more spacious option
- Those looking for a full-body sauna experience
- Anyone who prefers a traditional full-size sauna or a steam sauna
Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna Specs
| Cost | $198.99 |
| Dimensions | 27.6″ L x 31.5″ W x 37.8″ H |
| Maximum temperature | 140º F |
| Material | Cotton |
| Power requirements | 110 volts |
| Features | Foldable chair, heated footpad, built-in timer, remote control |
| Warranty | Lifetime for consumer or home use |
Experience Using the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
Our tester, Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, was impressed with her experience, especially for a budget-friendly sauna. It heats up quickly, and while it’s not a traditional sauna box that you step into, it covers most of your body.
The unique design requires users to sit in a chair and zip themselves up in the sauna, almost like using a small tent. Your head remains exposed, and you can leave your arms out, too, if you want to do something with your hands while you break a sweat.
“Honestly, it looks so goofy, but I kind of liked it,” says Lindsay. “I was sitting in a ‘comfortable’ chair and was able to look at my phone thanks to the arm pockets, which made the time pass much more quickly.”
RELATED: History of Saunas
Sauna users accustomed to larger, traditional saunas, where they can stretch out and get comfortable, may not enjoy the smaller size. However, if you’re simply looking for the benefits of using an infrared sauna at a fraction of the price, we think this is a great deal.
Footprint
This portable sauna earns 4 out of 5 stars for its footprint. With dimensions of 27.6 inches long by 31.5 inches wide by 37.8 inches tall, you don’t need much space to use this, and it’s easy to stow away when you’re done with it.
Unlike traditional saunas, which are typically large, bulky, and difficult to move, we appreciate the smaller footprint. This is an excellent choice for anyone tight on space, or who doesn’t want a sauna the size of a small shed permanently on display in their yard.
Durability and Construction
Our tester gave this 5 out of 5 stars for durability and construction, which is a high score for such an affordable unit. The exterior is made of a durable cotton fabric, and the interior is lined with waterproof fabric to prevent excessive sweat absorption.
While Smartmak includes a foldable chair, Lindsay noted that it’s a little small.
“This was comfortable for me, especially after trying some very uncomfortable wooden sauna seats. However, I’m only 5’4” and around 130 pounds,” she explains. “I could see someone bigger than myself feeling like the seat is too small.”
This doesn’t impact the durability of the sauna itself, and you can always come up with a DIY solution using your own chair, but we wanted to point this out.
RELATED: Sauna Maintenance
Features and Extras
This one-person infrared sauna provides more than you’d expect at this price point, and earns 4 out of 5 stars for features and extras.
There’s a convenient remote that you can use to control the temperature, and the exterior of the sauna has a storage pocket that’s easy to reach. This makes it easy to adjust your settings without having to unzip yourself and climb out of the sauna.
It also comes with a heating foot pad, allowing you to warm the bottom of your feet while you relax.
Heat Performance
For heat performance, we’re looking at how quickly a sauna reaches its maximum temperature, as well as how well it holds that temperature. Once again, the Smartmak punches above its weight class here and earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating.
Lindsay said the sauna took about 20 minutes to reach its maximum temperature, which she says is close to the industry standard, and even a bit faster than other high-end saunas she’s used in the past.
She added, “Even when I had my arms out of the sauna, using the arm pockets, the temperature didn’t drop! It was able to maintain the desired heat the whole time.”
RELATED: How Long Should You Stay In a Sauna?
Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna vs 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.”
While we love the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna, we know that not all users will want to sit on a small, potentially awkward chair while they relax. If you’re looking for something even smaller and potentially more comfortable, consider the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket—another portable one-person sauna.
Unlike the tent design used by Smartmak, the HigherDOSE blanket is more like a sleeping bag. You simply lie down, zip yourself up in the sauna, and you can fully relax while enjoying the benefits of heat therapy. You’ll end up lying in your own sweat, but saunas are sweaty regardless, so this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Those who don’t mind sitting or anyone shopping on a budget should choose the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna, while the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket is best for anyone who prefers to lie down for a more relaxing experience.
For a more in-depth look, read our HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket full review.
| Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna | HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket | |
| Cost | $198.99 | $699 |
| Dimensions | 27.6″ L x 31.5″ W x 37.8″ H | 71″ L x 32″ W |
| Maximum temperature | 140º F | 175º F |
| Material | Cotton | Waterproof polyurethane leather |
| Power requirements | 110 volts | 100-120 volts |
| Features | Foldable chair, heated footpad, built-in timer, remote control | Optional inserts available, FSA/HSA eligible |
| Warranty | Lifetime for consumer or home use | 1 year |
Customer Experience
For the overall customer experience, Smartmak earns 4 out of 5 stars.
The company offers a lifetime warranty for consumer or home use, claiming that they’ll gladly fix any issues or send replacement parts if needed. However, at the time of writing, the portable infrared sauna isn’t listed on the Smartmak website, only its Amazon store, so we’re unsure if the same warranty applies.
Customer service can be reached via email, phone, WhatsApp, or the contact form on Smartmak’s website.
Ordering the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna
Ordering the sauna is smooth and easy, especially when shopping on Amazon, where Prime members may receive free shipping at checkout, depending on their location.
While Smartmakshop.com also advertises free shipping on portable saunas, this one isn’t currently available for purchase on the site.
Customer Reviews
Overall, this portable sauna has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 316 reviews at the time of writing. Most users are happy with their purchase, though some report receiving a faulty sauna that they had to replace.
Final Verdict of Our Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna Review
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, portable infrared sauna for home use, this is one of the better options on the market. Compared to other portable saunas, it’s very affordable, and our tester found it to be comfortable and effective.
Larger users may not like the small chair, and your head and arms will be exposed. However, it’s a fraction of the price of traditional saunas, and we think the value is very high for what you’re getting.
- The sauna has a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but uses infrared light to further elevate your body’s core temperature.
- It includes a portable folding chair to sit on, but it’s a little small and flimsy.
- Our tester found that the sauna reached its maximum temperature in about 20 minutes, which is faster than many competitors.
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.
Product Brand: Smartmak
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 198.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.3
Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna Review: FAQs
Do portable infrared saunas really work?
Yes. In addition to providing a warm environment, the infrared light further raises your body’s core temperature, allowing you to heat your body without the need for a traditional sauna.
Is a far infrared sauna worth it?
Yes. An infrared sauna can be a great alternative to more expensive options, with plenty of budget-friendly, portable options available on the market that are accessible to most budgets.
What are the downsides of infrared saunas?
Compared to traditional saunas, infrared saunas are typically a bit drier, as you don’t have any way to add steam. While they raise your body temperature using infrared light, some may also prefer the feeling of a warm traditional sauna to an infrared sauna.
Do infrared saunas use red light therapy?
No. While the two are similar, red light therapy uses different wavelengths and typically doesn’t increase your body temperature. Far infrared heating is specifically designed to raise your core temperature without needing additional external heat.
Are saunas good for weight loss?
While saunas are often used for a variety of health purposes, like weight loss, detoxification, relaxation, and more, saunas don’t support weight loss. They’ll make you sweat and lose water, but fat loss comes from a calorie deficit, not external heat.
References
- Ahokas, E. K., Ihalainen, J. K., Hanstock, H. G., Savolainen, E., & Kyröläinen, H. (2023). A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biology of sport, 40(3), 681–689. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.119289
- Kihara, T., Miyata, M., Fukudome, T., Ikeda, Y., Shinsato, T., Kubozono, T., Fujita, S., Kuwahata, S., Hamasaki, S., Torii, H., Lee, S., Toda, H., & Tei, C. (2009). Waon therapy improves the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure. Journal of cardiology, 53(2), 214–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjcc.2008.11.005
- Crinnion W. (2007). Components of practical clinical detox programs–sauna as a therapeutic tool. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 13(2), S154–S156.
