9 Best At-Home Infrared Saunas for Every Space and Budget
Some people practice self care by taking baths, others practice it by cuddling up with a good book. For some, sweating it out in the infrared sauna at the local wellness center does the trick—or now, in their own homes. Thanks to innovations in at-home wellness-tech, infrared saunas are no longer just a fancy treatment provided at solely at spas and gyms. Now, there are at-home infrared saunas aplenty, allowing anyone who wants to sweat it out in the comfort of their own homes to do so.
Best infrared saunas at a glance
- Best portable: HeatWave Rejuvinator Portable Sauna ($263)
- Best portable budget: SereneLife Infrared 1-Person Sauna Chair ($170)
- Best splurge: HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna ($7,100)
- Best budget stand-up: Serenelife Infrared 1-Person Sauna ($275)
- Best 3-person: Dynamic Maxxus Sauna ($2,700)
- Best 2-person: HeatWave Ceramic Infrared Sauna ($2,709)
- Best rounded Sunlighten The Solo System Personal Sauna ($2,600)
Best infrared sauna blankets, at a glance
- Best overall: HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket ($599)
- Best budget: Vanell, Infrared Sauna Blanket ($155)
Benefits of using an infrared sauna
While typical saunas heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared rays (something the eye can't see) to penetrate into your skin and muscles, directly heating your body. According to Lauren Dal Farra, MD, cardiologist and CEO of Palm Health, that process can result in some health perks.
"During an infrared sauna session, infrared light penetrates the skin, and the core body temperature increases. The body has to work hard to cool itself and maintain thermal regulation," says Dr. Dal Farra. "As a result, the body induces sweating, vasodilates arteries, and increases the heart rate and volume of blood pumped by the heart each minute. The effect is similar to that achieved by walking at a moderate pace." Additionally, several studies demonstrate that repeated infrared thermal therapy improves vascular endothelial function. "Regular use of an infrared sauna may provide many of the same cardiovascular conditioning benefits as exercise," she says.
Self-reported benefits include, "increased relaxation, improved skin clarity and elasticity, decreased pain, and increased well-being from using the infrared sauna," says Dr. Dal Farra. Neurologist Sita Kedia, MD, the chief medical officer at Palm Health, says at-home infrared saunas may also help you sleep better at night.
"People report that regular infrared sauna sessions help improve the quality and onset of sleep. Improved sleep may be attributed to multiple factors, including increased muscle relaxation, pain reduction, decreases in cortisol, and the cardiovascular benefits of increased blood flow and circulation," says Dr. Kedia. "We also know that routine cardiovascular exercise improves quantity and quality of sleep. Saunas simulate the changes seen with cardiovascular exercise, which may be one of the primary drivers for saunas to improve sleep in individuals."
Infrared saunas vs. sauna blankets
Chances are, the word "sauna" conjures up images of a small, warm room with areas for people to sit or lie down on while they unwind. Traditional infrared saunas look like this and are designed to provide users with a designated space to relax in. But given how expensive these separate rooms can cost, brands have created alternatives that work just as well, without the hefty price tag. These options include portable infrared saunas that pop-up like a tent, smaller, dome-like structures users can lie down in, and infrared masks or belts that provide concentrated relief in the form of a wearable.
The most popular alternative is a sauna blanket, which is just a sauna disguised as a sleeping bag. Designed to be laid in, they're typically less expensive than traditional, walled-in infrared saunas and are much lighter and more portable, allowing users to relax anywhere they can find an electrical outlet.
How much does an at-home infrared sauna cost?
The price ultimately depends on model and type. Larger, permanent walk-in saunas range anywhere from the $2,500-$10,000 price range, although these are definitely at the most luxurious end of the spectrum. Portable options—which include infrared sauna blankets—can cost anywhere from $150-$700, depending on the style and model.
How to use an infrared sauna
In order to reap the potential benefits of infrared saunas, all you need to do is dedicate a tiny fraction of your day. "We observe that benefits begin at sessions of at least 15 minutes in length. Depending on your health condition, we recommend starting at 15 minutes and working up to 45-minute sessions," says Dr. Dal Farra. "If you're using the infrared sauna for cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, I recommend around four sessions per week, or 12 to 15 sessions over three weeks. The temperature of the infrared sauna is typically between 110°F to 130°F."
Best at-home infrared saunas
Best portable
While sitting in an infrared sauna tent may look a little silly, it’s a great way to reap the benefits when you don’t have a ton of space. You can set this one up anywhere you want, then fold it up after you’re finished. It’s also comfortable. Your head pops out of the top, and there are slots for your hands, allowing you to read or watch a TV show. Or, you can simply close your eyes, relax, and enjoy the feel-good heat.
Pros:
- 150° F maximum temperature
- Easy to set up
- Portable and compact
Cons:
- Heating may be inconsistent
Best portable budget
On a budget? This portable infrared sauna is like having a personal spa wherever you go, and it’s just a little over $150. It includes a foldable chair so you can sit and relax while being surrounded by heat, and there’s a wired remote to let you adjust the temperature (up to 140°) and timing (up to 60 minutes). Once you’re done using it, you can collapse and fold it down for easy storage.
Pros:
- 140° F maximum temperature
- Foldable and portable
- Affordable
- Includes a chair
Cons:
- Small
- Heating may be inconsistent
Best budget
This (considerably less expensive) sauna blanket has seven layers to conduct and preserve heat. It also has a security protection switch, ensuring the blanket will automatically turn off if there’s a circuit problem. You can adjust the temperature from 86℉ to 176℉ and the time setting from 15 to 60 minutes, making it ideal to slip into after a long day of work. Unfold it onto your bed, plug it in, and let your stress just melt away.
Pros
Cons
- Have to use it lying down
Pros:
- Temperature range from 86℉ to 176℉
- 2-zone temperature control
- Security protection switch
- Affordable
Cons:
- Have to use it lying down
- Liners might not catch sweat
Best portable stand-up
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to pay big bucks to get an stand-up infrared sauna for your house. This one from SereneLife ticks off all the boxes in terms of size and function without breaking the bank. Set it up and step inside to enjoy up to 60 minutes of 140℉ of infrared heat. Your feet will be warm, too, thanks to the built-in warming pad.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Warming pad for feet
- Affordable
Cons:
- Only fits one person
- Optional seating not included
Best 3-person
If space isn’t an issue in your home, this 3-person sauna gives you a lot of room to relax by yourself or with a friend or two. The sauna has seven energy-efficient FAR infrared heating panels that evenly distribute the heat. It’s also pretty to look at, as it’s made from reforested Canadian Hemlock wood. There’s a built-in FM radio, CD and MP3 auxiliary connection with speakers, and the door has tempered glass to give you privacy.
Pros:
- Fits up to three people
- Carbon heating panels on rear, side, floor, and under the bench
- Built-in sound system and bench
Cons:
- Large
- Expensive
Best 2-person
If you and a workout buddy need a spot to help sped up your muscle recovery process, this sauna has got you covered. Its walls are made with Canadian hemlock wood to help provide more even heat distribution throughout the sauna. Additionally, it has a user-friendly LED control panel so you can adjust the setting just to your liking, full-spectrum color therapy, and an integrated sound system to let you chill out to your favorite tunes.
Pros:
- Integrated sound system
- Color therapy system
Cons:
- Large
- Expensive
Best rounded
The Solo System has everything you could want in an at-home infrared sauna. While it takes up far less space than a traditional walk-in infrared sauna (and can easily be taken apart and stored), you still get the exact same experience… but better. All three parts—the upper dome, lower dome, and pad—heat up individually, allowing you to choose different temperatures for different areas. It also has a sustainable bamboo fiber exterior (which is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and naturally deodorizing), an ergonomic design, a comfy plush memory foam pad to lie on, and nine different heat settings.
Aside from the comfort of the heat surrounding your body, it also has built-in chromotherapy lighting. You can choose from multiple different colors, which can be incredibly therapeutic, helping your body calm on a deeper level.
Pros:
- Chromatherapy lighting
- Ergonomic design
- Sustainable, natural materials
- Portable
Cons:
- Expensive
Best sauna blankets
Best overall
You might have heard about HigherDose—a luxe, private infrared sauna studio in New York City. Now, you’re able to take that experience home with you with the company’s infrared blanket. Unlike the brand’s Full Spectrum Sauna, the blanket uses Far Infrared Rays (aka, light waves) that help heat your body and may help with removing toxins. The latest version has layers of charcoal, crystals, and heat-balancing clay built into the layers as well, and is made with non-toxic fabrics.
Read the our full review of the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket here.
Pros:
- 60-minute run time
- Made of waterproof polyurethane fireproof cotton
- Foldable
- Has charcoal, clay, and magnetic layers
- Built-in crystal therapy
Cons:
- Have to use it laying down
- Expensive
Best budget
This (considerably less expensive) sauna blanket has seven layers to conduct and preserve heat. It also has a security protection switch, ensuring the blanket will automatically turn off if there’s a circuit problem. You can adjust the temperature from 86℉ to 176℉ and the time setting from 15 to 60 minutes, making it ideal to slip into after a long day of work. Unfold it onto your bed, plug it in, and let your stress just melt away.
Pros
Cons
- Have to use it lying down
Pros:
- Temperature range from 86℉ to 176℉
- 2-zone temperature control
- Security protection switch
- Affordable
Cons:
- Have to use it lying down
- Liners might not catch sweat
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