An infrared sauna is a sauna that uses infrared light to create heat. These are also called far infrared saunas, where “far” refers to where the waves fall on the light spectrum.
A traditional sauna heats the air, which then warms your body. An infrared sauna warms you directly, at a lower air temperature, which makes it easier to tolerate for people who cannot stand the heat of a conventional sauna. The appeal of any sauna is that it causes heavy sweating and a raised heart rate, similar to a moderate workout.
Studies have looked at infrared saunas in relation to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure and have found some evidence of benefit, but larger and more thorough studies are needed. If you are thinking about a sauna for enjoyment and relaxation, read on: below we compare eight popular infrared saunas for one person, two people, larger groups and a portable option.
| Product | Our Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best overall
Dynamic Saunas Elite 1-Person Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
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Best for 1-2 people
Dynamic Saunas Barcelona 1-2 Person Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
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Best for two (even heat)
Joyous 2-Person Home Infrared Sauna with Chromotherapy Light |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
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Best feature set
Heat Wave Coronado 2-Person Hemlock Deluxe Infrared Sauna |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
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Best plug-and-play
Dynamic Saunas Venice 2-Person Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
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Best for 2-3 people
2-3 Person Far Infrared Corner Sauna, Canadian Hemlock, 1800W |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
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Best for four people
Tranquility 4-Person Hemlock Sauna with Carbon Infrared Heaters |
VIEW ON AMAZON | |
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Best portable
ZONEMEL Portable Infrared Sauna, 1 Person, with Heating Foot Pad and Chair |
VIEW ON AMAZON |
Best Infrared Sauna Reviews in 2026
Best 1-Person Infrared Saunas
1. Dynamic Saunas Elite 1-Person Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy
The Elite is a compact one-person far infrared sauna made of Pacific clear cedar with a tempered glass door and a clasp-together assembly. Four carbon PureTech ultra-low EMF panels heat the cabin to a recommended 118 to 132 degrees F, and a Bluetooth music system and red light therapy add to the experience.
- 4 carbon PureTech ultra-low EMF heating panels
- Pacific clear cedar with tempered glass door
- Heats up to 140 degrees F, ideal 118-132 degrees F
- Bluetooth music system with built-in speaker, red light therapy
- Compact enough for a bedroom, basement or home gym
- Clasp-together assembly without special tools
- Cedar wood and glass door look and smell like a proper sauna
- Red light therapy and Bluetooth music are included
- Costs far less than the two-person models while still being a full wooden sauna
- Only fits one person
- The price is still well above that of portable options
Our Verdict: The best choice for most households that just want a proper wooden infrared sauna for one person.
2. Dynamic Saunas Barcelona 1-2 Person Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy
The Barcelona is a handcrafted Canadian hemlock sauna with room for one or two adults, built with double-panel walls and six low EMF carbon heating panels for faster, more efficient heating. Inside, chromotherapy lighting, Bluetooth and built-in speakers add to the experience.
- 6 low EMF carbon PureTech panels
- Canadian hemlock with interior of 36 x 32 x 67 inches
- Chromotherapy lighting, Bluetooth, MP3 Aux input
- Heats up to 135 degrees F
- Fits two people, or one who wants plenty of room
- Double-panel walls help hold heat and save energy
- Chromotherapy lighting and good sound system add to the atmosphere
- Well reviewed by a large number of buyers
- Costs significantly more than the 1-person Elite
- Takes up quite a bit of floor space for a 1-2 person sauna
Our Verdict: A top-rated 1-2 person sauna that offers a comfortable amount of room, with strong owner feedback.
Best 2-Person Infrared Saunas
3. Joyous 2-Person Home Infrared Sauna with Chromotherapy Light
Joyous offers a 2-person Canadian hemlock sauna with seven strategically placed carbon fiber far infrared heaters for even heat. A thinner dual-wall design keeps it compact and efficient, and chromotherapy lighting and LED controls complete the package.
- 7 carbon fiber far infrared heaters
- Canadian hemlock, thinner dual-wall construction
- Chromotherapy light
- Easy-to-assemble design with LED controls
- Seven heaters distribute the heat evenly
- Compact dual-wall design saves space in the room
- Easy assembly for a two-person sauna
- Chromotherapy lighting is included
- Priced a little higher than some of the other two-person models
- Offers fewer extras than the Coronado
Our Verdict: A strong two-person sauna with even heating, good for couples who want a straightforward setup.
4. Heat Wave Coronado 2-Person Hemlock Deluxe Infrared Sauna
The Coronado is a well-equipped 2-person sauna built of solid Canadian hemlock, with six carbon heaters, chromotherapy lighting, an oxygen ionizer and a sound system with an AUX input. A bronze-tinted tempered glass door and simple buckle connectors keep the build secure and assembly easy.
- 6 carbon heaters, up to 140 degrees F
- Chromotherapy lighting and oxygen ionizer
- Sound system with AUX input
- Bronze-tinted 8 mm tempered glass door
- Feature-packed, including an ionizer and sound system
- Solid hemlock construction and a tempered glass door
- Buckle connectors make assembly simple
- Steady, even heat from carefully positioned heaters
- Roughly the same price as larger, more spacious saunas
- Many extras you may not use
Our Verdict: A great all-round two-person sauna if you want extras like an ionizer and chromotherapy.
5. Dynamic Saunas Venice 2-Person Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna
The Venice is a no-frills 2-person sauna with six low EMF carbon heating panels, reforested Canadian hemlock construction and an MP3 auxiliary connection. It runs from a standard 110V, 15 amp plug-and-play connection, so no special wiring is needed.
- 6 low EMF far infrared carbon panels
- Full 2-person capacity
- Reforested Canadian hemlock
- 110V/15 amp plug and play, MP3 auxiliary connection
- Plug-and-play on a standard 110V outlet
- Low EMF carbon panels from a known sauna brand
- Simple, uncomplicated design
- Real hemlock construction
- The most expensive 2-person sauna here
- Fewer extras, such as lighting, than comparable models
Our Verdict: A sound, simple two-person sauna from a trusted brand, but the price is high for what it offers.
Best 3 and 4-Person Infrared Saunas
6. 2-3 Person Far Infrared Corner Sauna, Canadian Hemlock, 1800W
This corner sauna seats two to three people and makes good use of a room corner, with an outer size of about 47 x 47 x 75 inches. It is built of Canadian hemlock with tongue-and-groove joints for quick assembly, and seven low EMF heating plates driven by 1800 watts reach temperature in about 20 to 30 minutes.
- 7 low EMF heating plates, 1800W
- Corner design, 47.2 x 47.2 x 75.2 inches outside
- Canadian hemlock, tongue-and-groove assembly
- Seat weight capacity 660 lbs
- Corner shape saves floor space for a 2-3 person sauna
- Quick heat-up in about half an hour
- Highest owner rating in the group
- Tongue-and-groove build assembles easily with two people
- Costs less than comparable branded saunas
- Not a household name, so after-sales support is less certain
- Needs a clear corner of the room and ceiling height around 6 feet
Our Verdict: A space-saving, well-rated sauna for a small group, a great choice if you do not mind a lesser-known brand.
7. Tranquility 4-Person Hemlock Sauna with Carbon Infrared Heaters
The Tranquility is a roomy four-person sauna with deep benches along the side walls, a total of nine carbon heaters (in the back wall, benches, floor and both side walls) and 2220 watts of power. It operates up to 140 degrees F and includes a built-in radio with CD player and MP3 input.
- 9 carbon heaters, 2220 watts
- Seats four on extra-deep benches
- Inside dimensions of about 67.5 x 35 x 68.5 inches
- Built-in radio with CD player and MP3 input
- Seats four comfortably on deep benches
- Nine heaters, including floor and bench heaters, surround you with warmth
- Built-in audio system
- A good choice for families or a home gym
- The most expensive model in this roundup
- Needs a large indoor space and a more powerful electrical supply
- Owner feedback is more mixed than for the leading models
Our Verdict: Only worth it if you really need to seat four people, and you have the room and wiring for it.
Best Portable Infrared Saunas
8. ZONEMEL Portable Infrared Sauna, 1 Person, with Heating Foot Pad and Chair
ZONEMEL’s portable sauna is a foldable tent-style sauna that you sit in with only your head outside, which makes it the cheapest way to try infrared heat at home. It includes three carbon heating panels, a separate heating foot pad and a foldable chair, with a total heating power of 1050 watts.
- Portable, foldable tent with carry strap
- 3 carbon heating panels plus a heating foot pad
- 1050 watts total heating power
- Foldable chair included, hand-access zippers for reading
- A small fraction of the cost of a wooden sauna
- Folds up for storage or travel
- Heating foot pad and chair are included
- Plug into a standard outlet and relax
- Hand-access zippers let you read or use a tablet
- Not as durable or spacious as a wooden cabin
- You sit with your head outside, so it feels different from a sauna room
Our Verdict: An affordable, foldable way to try infrared heat before you commit to a full-size sauna.
What Is the Difference Between an Infrared Sauna and a Steam Sauna?
An infrared sauna warms you directly with infrared energy, in a way that is similar to the heat of the sun but without the ultraviolet rays. A traditional or steam sauna heats the air and, in a steam room, adds moisture. If you have a steam room, you may want to read whether you need a dehumidifier in that space.
Types of Infrared Saunas
Infrared energy is classed as near, middle or far infrared. Saunas sold as far infrared are designed to generate mostly the far wavelengths, and these are the most common type for home use. Panels are usually made from carbon or ceramic, and you will see both types in the models above.
Benefits of Infrared Saunas
- Quick warm-up. Many infrared saunas heat up in around half an hour, while traditional saunas can take over an hour.
- Space efficient. They are compact and can fit in a small space, often only about 4 by 4 feet.
- Safer and more comfortable. They operate at lower air temperatures, around 110 to 140 degrees F, compared with up to about 190 degrees F in a traditional sauna.
- Lower cost. Installation costs less than that of a traditional sauna, steam room or hot tub.
- Cleaner. There is no need for high humidity, which lowers the risk of mold and mildew.
- Easy installation. Most can be put together by a homeowner in a short time, and many plug into a standard outlet.
- Energy efficient. A typical session costs just cents in electricity.
How to Find the Best Infrared Sauna for You
With so many saunas on the market, it helps to know a few principles. First, it is wise to consult a doctor before you start, especially if you have a medical condition. Then compare saunas on these points:
- Heating panels. Carbon or ceramic panels from reputable sources usually give the best emissions, and low EMF panels are a good feature to look for.
- Size and capacity. Think about how many people will use it, and measure the room, including the ceiling height.
- Electrical needs. Many home saunas plug into a standard 110V outlet, but larger models can need more power.
- Wood and build. Hemlock and cedar are popular choices, and thicker, double-wall construction retains heat better.
- Extras. Chromotherapy lights, speakers and ionizers are nice, but they add to the cost.
- Price. Higher cost often means better quality, but a more modest sauna is far better than none.
Related guides
A sauna is a big purchase, so measure the room and check the electrical requirements before you order. For more ways to relax at home, see our shower massage panel guide or our infrared sauna benefits article.
