Best infrared saunas: picks by situation
Infrared cabins are the most-bought home sauna in the US, and the market runs from $1,000 flat-packs to $14,000 full-spectrum rooms. Rather than one "best," here's the pick for each situation, with the reasoning.
The short list
| Situation | Pick | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Clearlight Sanctuary 2 | $6,799 | Lifetime residential warranty, best-documented low EMF, full spectrum |
| Most trusted brand | Sunlighten mPulse | $7,000-$12,000 | Longest track record, lifetime heater warranty, dealer network |
| Best value full spectrum | Sun Home Equinox II / Luminar | $4,899-$8,000 | Tester favorite, red light included, in-home service |
| Best under $3,000 | JNH Lifestyles Ensi+ 2-person | $2,899 | Plug-in 120V, carbon heaters, strong reviews; short warranty |
| Best with long trial | Relaxe Caldera 2-person | $5,499 | 365-day trial, 3-year comprehensive warranty, red light |
| Best portable | Relax Sauna Black Pro | $2,300 | 170°F in minutes, packs away, loud fans |
| Best outdoor infrared | Sun Home Luminar 5 / Peak Denali | $9,000-$14,000 | Weather-rated shells, full spectrum |
| Cheapest way in | MiHIGH or HigherDOSE blanket | $349-$699 | Not a cabin, but the same far-infrared idea for a tenth of the price |
How we chose
These come from the same data as our rankings: price, years in business, independent review volume and rating, and the actual text of the warranty. We then layered on what the three big test teams (Fortune, Garage Gym Reviews, Men's Fitness) found when they sat in them, which we summarized in what reviewers agree on. We don't test cabins ourselves, and brands can't pay for a place here; the sponsored slot is labeled and separate.
The picks in detail
Best overall: Clearlight Sanctuary 2
Clearlight is the brand other brands get compared to. The Sanctuary line uses full-spectrum heaters (far, mid and near infrared), publishes EMF and ELF testing in more detail than anyone else, and backs indoor cabins with a lifetime residential warranty that covers heaters and controls, not just the wood. The cost is real: $6,799 on sale for a two-person, and the regular price is higher. If you're buying once and want to stop thinking about it, this is the one. Clearlight details.
Most trusted: Sunlighten mPulse
Sunlighten has been selling infrared saunas since 1999 and has a dealer network and showrooms, which matters if you want to sit in one before buying. The mPulse series lets you dial the mix of near, mid and far infrared per program. The SoloCarbon heaters carry a lifetime warranty; wood and electrical get seven years. It's priced like the Clearlight and the two are the usual head-to-head; see our comparison. Sunlighten details.
Best value full spectrum: Sun Home
Sun Home is newer (2020) but it's the brand that review teams keep picking. The Equinox II two-person is a 120V full-spectrum cabin with a red light panel included, and the Luminar line scales that up to outdoor five-person rooms. The warranty reads as "limited lifetime" but caps at seven years in the terms, which is still better than most at the price. In-home technician service is included. Luminar review.
Best under $3,000: JNH Lifestyles Ensi+
JNH is the big-box favorite: carbon heaters, hemlock cabinets, 120V plug-in, and thousands of reviews that mostly say it works. The compromise is the warranty, which is two years on heaters and one on the cabinet for the Ensi line. For a first sauna that you'll use rather than admire, it's the sensible budget pick. JNH details.
Best trial: Relaxe Caldera
Relaxe's pitch is a 365-day trial and a three-year warranty that covers heaters, electronics and wood together rather than splitting hairs. It's a full-spectrum cabin with red light and runs mid-pack on price. If you're nervous about buying a sauna unseen, a year to return it is the strongest answer in the category. Relaxe details.
What to check on any infrared cabin
- Heater type and coverage. Carbon panels for even far infrared; ceramic or halogen emitters for full spectrum. Look for heaters at the calves and front, not just the back wall.
- Voltage. Two-person and smaller are usually 120V plug-in; three-person and up often need 240V. See electrical requirements.
- EMF testing. Third-party, at the body position, both magnetic and electric. See EMF explained.
- Warranty wording. "Lifetime" often means seven years, or excludes heaters. See warranties compared.
- Wood. Basswood and hemlock for low scent and allergies; cedar for the smell and rot resistance outdoors. See the wood guide.
Not sure infrared is right at all? Read infrared vs traditional first.