Best Infrared Saunas in 2025
Infrared saunas heat your body directly using infrared light waves — no steam, lower temperatures, and a gentler experience than traditional saunas. They're also easier to install (just plug into a wall outlet) and cost less to operate. We've reviewed the top infrared saunas across every price range.
This guide is for anyone wanting sauna benefits at home without the complexity of a traditional sauna installation — especially apartment dwellers and people sensitive to extreme heat.
- Best Overall: JNH Lifestyles Joyous 2-Person — Low EMF, 7 carbon heaters, $1,699
- Best Full Spectrum: Linego Full Spectrum 1-Person — Near + mid + far IR, $1,299
- Best Premium: Clearlight Sanctuary 2 — Ultra-low EMF, lifetime warranty, $5,499
- Best Budget: SereneLife Portable IR Sauna — $159, foldable
- Best 1-Person: KYLIN Far Infrared 1-Person — Compact, hemlock, $999
Infrared Sauna Types: Far vs. Near vs. Full Spectrum
Infrared light exists on a spectrum, and different wavelengths penetrate your body at different depths:
- Far infrared (FIR): Wavelength 5.6–1,000 μm. Penetrates 1.5–2 inches into tissue. Produces the most sweat and cardiovascular response. Most common and affordable type. Used in 80%+ of home infrared saunas.
- Near infrared (NIR): Wavelength 0.7–1.4 μm. Penetrates deeper into tissue (2–3 inches). Promotes collagen production, wound healing, and cellular repair. Often paired with red light therapy. Uses LED or halogen emitters.
- Full spectrum: Combines far, mid, and near infrared in one unit. Most expensive but provides the broadest range of benefits. Premium brands like Clearlight and Sunlighten specialize in full spectrum technology.
For most people, a far infrared sauna provides excellent results at a reasonable price. Full spectrum is worth the premium if you're specifically interested in the skin and cellular benefits of near infrared.
What Is Low EMF and Why Does It Matter?
EMF (electromagnetic fields) are produced by all electrical devices, including infrared sauna heaters. While the health risk of low-level EMF exposure is debated, quality infrared saunas are designed to minimize it.
Look for saunas with EMF levels below 3 milligauss (mG) at the seating position — this is the threshold recommended by the Swedish TCO standard. Premium brands test below 1 mG. Budget saunas rarely disclose EMF levels, which is a red flag.
Best Overall: JNH Lifestyles Joyous 2-Person
JNH Lifestyles Joyous 2-Person Far Infrared Sauna
Price: $1,699 | Type: Far infrared | EMF: < 0.5 mG | Heaters: 7 carbon fiber panels
The #1 best-selling infrared sauna on Amazon for good reason. Seven strategically placed carbon fiber heating panels deliver even, wrap-around heat with ultra-low EMF levels verified by independent testing. Canadian hemlock wood construction with tongue-and-groove assembly means two people can build it in 45 minutes — no tools required.
At 47.3" × 39.4" × 75", it fits in a spare room corner, large closet, or basement. Plugs into any standard 120V/15A outlet. Reaches 130°F in 15 minutes, maxes at 150°F. Includes Bluetooth speakers, LED chromotherapy, digital control panel, and a 5-year limited warranty.
- Pros: Ultra-low EMF (< 0.5 mG), 7 heater panels, tool-free assembly, Bluetooth, affordable
- Cons: Far infrared only (no near IR), tight for 2 larger adults, hemlock less aromatic than cedar
Best Full Spectrum: Linego 1-Person
Linego Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Price: $1,299 | Type: Full spectrum (near + mid + far) | EMF: < 1 mG | Heaters: Carbon + ceramic
The Linego delivers full spectrum infrared at a price point that undercuts premium brands by 50%+. It combines carbon fiber panels (far infrared) with ceramic emitters (near and mid infrared) to provide the complete wavelength range. The near infrared component adds skin rejuvenation and deeper tissue penetration benefits.
Compact enough for apartments at 35.4" × 35.4" × 67". Low EMF tested. Canadian hemlock construction. Includes chromotherapy LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and a magazine rack. Assembly in 30 minutes.
- Pros: Full spectrum at a budget price, low EMF, compact, Bluetooth, fast heat-up
- Cons: 1-person only, slightly lower build quality than premium brands, shorter warranty
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Spectrum | EMF | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JNH Joyous | $1,699 | Far IR | < 0.5 mG | 2-person | Best overall |
| Linego | $1,299 | Full spectrum | < 1 mG | 1-person | Full spectrum value |
| Clearlight Sanctuary 2 | $5,499 | Full spectrum | < 0.3 mG | 2-person | Premium / low EMF |
| SereneLife Portable | $159 | Far IR | Not tested | 1-person | Budget / portable |
| KYLIN 1-Person | $999 | Far IR | < 2 mG | 1-person | Compact / budget IR |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you use an infrared sauna?
3–4 times per week is the most commonly recommended frequency. A 20-year Finnish study found that using a sauna 4–7 times per week was associated with the greatest reduction in cardiovascular mortality. Start with 2 sessions per week at 15 minutes and build up to 30–45 minutes as tolerated.
Do infrared saunas really detox your body?
Sweat does contain trace amounts of heavy metals, BPA, and other toxins — but the amounts are small compared to what your liver and kidneys process daily. A 2012 study in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that sweat contained measurable levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. However, calling infrared saunas a significant "detox" tool overstates the evidence. The cardiovascular, pain relief, and mood benefits are much better supported.
Are infrared saunas safe?
Yes, for most healthy adults. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (120–150°F) than traditional saunas (150–195°F), making them easier to tolerate and lower risk for overheating. Contraindications include: pregnancy, active bleeding or hemophilia, alcohol intoxication, severe cardiovascular disease, and fever/acute illness. Always stay hydrated — drink 16–24 oz of water before, during, and after each session.
How much electricity does an infrared sauna use?
A typical 1–2 person infrared sauna draws 1,500–2,000 watts — similar to a space heater. A 30-minute session costs approximately $0.20–0.50 at average US electricity rates ($0.16/kWh). Monthly cost at 4 sessions/week: roughly $8–16. This is significantly less than traditional saunas (4,500–8,000W heaters).