Best & Worst Non-Toxic Infrared Saunas, Portable Infrared Saunas, & Infrared Blankets 2021

Determining which infrared sauna is right for you can get very confusing. When you are talking about such a high price tag for a machine, mistakes can become very expensive. So which ones are the best? You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like best & worst air purifiers, best & worst organic mattresses, and best & worst non-toxic cookware, now join us for the best & worst infrared saunas, portable infrared saunas, and infrared blankets for indoor air quality, low EMFs, effectiveness, and sustainability.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. People with a high-risk medical history – including kidney disease, liver failure or cardiac conditions – may not be able to use sauna therapy. Always check with your physician if you’re considering using a sauna.

What Are Infrared Saunas & Why Do People Like Them So Much?

For hundreds of years, Scandinavians, Romans, Turkish, Indigenous in North America, Mexico & Guatemala, Japanese, Koreans, Russians, and many other cultures have been using saunas, mostly the traditional ones, for health benefits like detoxification.

Just to give you an idea of how hardcore these Scandinavians are, there are roughly 2 million saunas in Finland, which is a country of 5.2 million people. It’s no wonder, the industry is based on their models.

This custom of using saunas in Finland starts in early childhood and lasts an entire lifetime. Fins take their sauna sessions seriously. So considering that the Fins are the happiest people in the world, it makes you wonder if high sauna use has anything to do with it.

Fast forward to today with modern technology, saunas have changed a bit in hundreds of years. Modern infrared saunas can have a glass door made of tempered glass, infrared rays, an FM radio, possible side windows, have benches for several people, and several heating accessories. Sometimes they even have room for a towel and magazine rack.

Infrared saunas (not infrared heaters) are a bit different than traditional saunas whereas infrared saunas are heating your body up directly (using electromagnetic waves) and traditional saunas are heating the air around you up. But don’t worry, near-infrared is not emitting harmful UV rays that the sun produces, only the electromagnetic rays.

Most infrared sauna companies claim infrared heat is a deeper heat penetration that allows you to sweat quicker and detox more toxins. It’s true that infrared heat makes you sweat quicker, whether it increases the amount of toxins you sweat out in a session is up for debate, but partially based on studies looking at the contents of sweat after sauna use. This one in particular looks at how sauna use can eliminate certain PCBs. People who lived among polluted water sources and groups like firefighters have been among groups that have been studied as of late. Detractors say the amount of toxins excreted is so minute, it won’t make a difference in health outcomes. So that part is up to you.

However, the additional health benefits of sauna use are so vast, you may not even care about the toxin part.

Infrared Saunas Use Modern Technology to Get a Similar Effect as a Traditional Sauna But Using Less Energy

Because the infrared sauna can heat up your body directly, it doesn’t need to be as hot and typically requires less energy than a traditional sauna to run. In fact, most models use only 120 volts, which doesn’t need an electrician. However, if you purchase a traditional sauna or barrel cabin sauna, you will need an electrician to help.

You can get a good sweat on between 120-140 degrees Farenheight in an infrared sauna compared with a traditional sauna that air needs to be between 150-180 degrees Farenheight. Traditional saunas also take longer to heat up before use. Therefore, you’re in there for less time, can get a good sweat quicker, they are less expensive, and use less energy. It’s a no brainer.

Health Benefits of Sauna Use

Here are the reported benefits of using a sauna on a regular basis, but please note that not all of these outcomes are backed by research specific to infrared saunas. Some of them are done on regular sauna use instead.

• Relaxation
• Pain relief
• Muscle soreness relief
• Improves blood circulation
• Headache relief
• Somewhat equivalent to exercise in how your heart reacts to the experience
• Linked to helping with heart health
• Weight loss (although it’s more likely your weight loss is from losing fluids or from a slight metabolism boost, this part doesn’t really have studies to back up the idea, but people swear by it so one brand Clearlight did a study on their saunas and metabolism & weight loss.)
• Clearer and more youthful skin
• Help for those with chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Can help reduce blood pressure
• Helpful in the purification of environmentally induced toxicants
• Better quality of life

Beyond the hype, there is one major drawback other than avoiding heatstroke and dehydration when using, but this won’t be a problem for everyone. For heavy sauna users, sperm counts may be reduced. So if you are trying to get pregnant, limit your male partner’s use in the sauna. However, sperm counts go back to normal when heavy use is avoided, so the restrictions are not permanent.

Electric & Magnetic Fields (EMFs) in Infrared Saunas

EMF’s is the abbreviated form of ‘electric and magnetic fields,’ which are areas of energy invisible to the naked eye. Every human since the beginning of time on Planet Earth has been exposed to the magnetic field emitted by Earth’s interior. This magnetic field is very much like the everyday products we have at home like our toaster and coffee maker, but far more powerful.

We are also walking inside a geomagnetic field on planet Earth, where magnetic fields are found from Earth’s interior out to space. They then interact with solar wind and streams of charged particles coming from the Sun. But even though our bodies are completely used to this type of energy and over 25,000 studies and articles have been done, there are still questions.

Officially, the World Health Organization says non-ionizing radiation is safe, but there are some biological effects that exist that need further research.

“In the area of biological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation approximately 25,000 articles have been published over the past 30 years. Despite the feeling of some people that more research needs to be done, scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals. Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the WHO concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. However, some gaps in knowledge about biological effects exist and need further research.”

Okay, so let’s get down to brass tacks. What are we looking at when we talk about EMFs? Here are some of the differences. There’s basically two types of radiation:

Non-ionizing: Low-level radiation that most experts consider harmless to people, however, this is debatable to some experts.

Ionizing: High-level radiation that can cause damage on a cellular level & impact DNA

EMFs live in the non-ionizing realm. Are EMFs dangerous? Our experts disagree here, so we aren’t really sure, to be honest. But since it’s possible that high EMFs exposure for a sustained period of time could be problematic, we’re gonna look into which infrared saunas are emitting higher EMFs and which are emitting lower EMFs. Cause you’ll be in there for a bit.

Types of EMFs in an Infrared Sauna

First it’s important to understand that EMFs are several types of fields. It’s not just one thing that can be discovered by one meter, like using a Trifield Meter (which is typically helpful to find things in your home), it’s not going to work with a sauna. There’s a lot going on and here are some bullet points:

• Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs) are physical fields produced by electrically charged objects.
• Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) refers to the waves of the electromagnetic fields, radiating through space and carrying electromagnetic radiant energy. Included in this term is infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet waves, radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, and gamma rays.
• The Electromagnetic Spectrum is all types of electromagnetic radiation and includes many types.

Now to the types of fields you may be experiencing in your life and in your home.

• AC Magnetic fields— present due to current being drawn by a device, appliance or motor. Typically is due to wiring errors. Can be measured with both electric field meters and body voltage meters and are measured in volts per meter (V/m). Measured using gaussmeters and in milligauss or nanotesla units.
• Radio Frequency (RF) fields–present due to tech devices and the infrastructure erected to support those devices. Some examples are wifi routers, cell phones, Bluetooth enabled devices, tablets, kindles, cell phone towers, etc. In the US, they are usually measured in units of “microwatts per centimeter squared” (μW/cm²).  Measured using RF meters and most commonly measured in microWatts per meter squared (µW/m2).  Radio frequency (RF) radiation is the portion of the spectrum located between 3kHz and 300 GHz.
• Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Electric Fields–if you have energized electrical circuits, you have the presence of electric fields. Electric fields are usually caused by hidden electrical wiring within walls, by nearby power cords for lamps and devices, and sometimes from overhead power lines.  Electric fields induce measurable voltages onto the skin, which are easily detected with a Body Voltage Meter, in units of “AC Volts” (VAC). In everyday life, the most common ELF field is radiated by utility power lines. Well, it’s first important to note that this is defined as body voltage strength and is expressed in millivolts (mV). The threshold of concern level in humans for ELF is 1,000 mV. Measured with both electric field meters and body voltage meters and are measured in volts per meter (V/m). Internal sources that you have limited control over are primarily the electrical wiring within the walls of a building.
• Dirty Electricity  (DE) or Microsurge Electrical Pollution (MEP)–caused by the manipulation of AC electrical current by devices, appliances and lighting in your home. Examples of this is dimmer switches, laptop computers, LED bulbs, televisions, & entertainment systems. Measured utilizing DE meters and in V/m or Stetzer Units.

Any sauna that is plugged into the wall will emit some sort of EMFs. If they have a wifi module or wireless or Bluetooth, they will certainly be emitting more EMFs. The difference between good brands and bad brands is the good brands take the extra time to ground and shield you from those EMFs by using shielded wiring or cabling in conduits.

What Are Scientists & Researchers Saying are Potential Impacts of EMFs?

According to the National Cancer Institute, most scientists don’t find fault but some scientists have speculated that ELF-EMFs could cause cancer through other mechanisms, such as by reducing levels of the hormone melatonin. Therefore, the tumors wouldn’t be caused directly by the EMFs, but indirectly.

There is also some evidence that melatonin may suppress the development of certain tumors.

However, no “high-quality studies” have provided any evidence of dangers. In other words, the greater scientific community hasn’t been impressed with the studies so far that have found issues with ELF-EMFs.

But it gets interesting and conflicting.

In 2002, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a component of the World Health Organization, classified ELF-EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” However, static electric and magnetic fields and extremely low-frequency electric fields were determined “not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans.”

Uh, okay.

In 2015, the European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks reviewed epidemiological studies on electromagnetic fields and found the following on low-frequency fields:

• An increased risk of childhood leukemia with estimated daily average exposures above 0.3 to 0.4 μT, however, they do not understand why this is happening.
• No link to increased risk of brain tumors
• No link to increased risk of cancers of the head & neck region
• There could be a link to acoustic neuroma, which is a tumor that impacts the balance and hearing and can be life-threatening.

Types of Saunas Available to North Americans

There are many types of saunas, including infrared sauna, barrel sauna, portable sauna & traditional saunas. The pricing for these types of saunas vary greatly, so it’s good to know what the differences are and what you are getting into before you buy. $ means how expensive they are.

• Infrared Blanket Sauna $–Blanket hooked up to infrared making you sweat while you are laying down. This is the most inexpensive option because of the materials used. The pricing ranges from $60 to $500. No regulation means we can’t be sure, so most of these brands are found in the okay or not recommended categories because we doubt the air quality around them would be great. You can find lower EMFs here if they are doing a better job of grounding the unit, so the more expensive ones are more likely to be lower EMFs. But you may also be breathing in off-gassing fumes from PVC.
• Portable Infrared Sauna $–Infrared sauna that’s constructed with fabric and metal instead of wood. They range from $150 to $1,400. The worst brands use PVC, while better brands use Oxford fabric coated in polyurethane. Most of these portable saunas are shorter and you sit inside a regular chair with your head outside. However, some units you are all inside, but those are rarer to see. These units are collapsable and also very inexpensive compared to wooden saunas. However, most of them provide a higher EMF experience, so basically, you get what you pay for.
• Infrared Sauna $$–These saunas use infrared technology to deliver a good sweat between 120-140 degrees Farenheight. They range in quality from $1,200 to about $12,000. Some are made with sustainable wood, while others are made from deforested trees or even cheap plywood. The amount of EMF exposure varies by brands and marketing or 3rd party testing does not tell the full story of exposure. Untreated wood would be preferable for clean indoor air quality, but some are made from particleboard, which would be a problem. Uses less electricity than a traditional sauna.
• Traditional Sauna $$–These saunas use electricity to heat hot coals to heat the temperature to 150-180 degrees Farenheight. They range from $3,000 to $15,000. These saunas take longer to warm up and be hot enough to use so they are less sustainable than the infrared using more energy. However, this is how traditionists sauna. These saunas typically need an electrician to hook up.
• Wet & Dry Sauna $$$–Dry saunas involve a heater and stones to warm up the room to between 150-180 degrees Farenheight. If the stones are dry, you have what’s called a dry sauna experience; if you ladle a small amount of water onto the heated stones, it creates a burst of steam, adding humidity to the air, and you then have what’s called a wet sauna experience. There are electric units that can do both for you in one unit. These saunas typically need an electrician to hook up.
• Barrel Sauna $$$–Sauna that is made from wood and shaped like a barrel and go outside. Inside the sauna is a traditional setup of heated rocks. These saunas are typically very expensive and range from $7k to $16k. They also typically need an electrician to hook up.
• Canopy Barrel Sauna $$$–These outside saunas are just like barrel saunas with one difference, they have a little porch sitting area that is formed by the lip of the wood of the barrel. It acts as a resting spot after you overheat from the sauna. These saunas are typically more expensive, between $8k to $20k. These saunas typically need an electrician to hook up.
• Cabin/Cottage Sauna $$$$–These saunas are actually small cottages that can go outside. These cabins can hold more people, typically between 6-10. These are typically the most expensive saunas and are made by specialty brands.
• Custom Saunas $$$$$–These saunas can be either traditional saunas or infrared sauna. Typically, companies that offer these saunas have a special team of woodworkers and engineers that customize orders to homes. This is the most expensive option depending on what is needed.

Infrared Sauna Materials Mostly Manufactured in China

After looking through about 200 saunas, we noticed that the vast majority are all manufactured in China.

That means that the wood is shipped to China where it’s cut and made into an infrared kit that you later put together in your home. This is why it’s important to look for certified sustainable FSC or PEFC wood and certified machinery.

But there are some brands that manufacture in the United States or Canada and are more craftsman made, but we noticed that they weren’t using sustainable wood and are not as good in shielding you from EMFs inside their machines. So there are no perfect options here.

Some “Low EMF” & “Ultra Low EMF” Saunas Are Not Really Low EMF When Heating Panels are Put Back Inside The Sauna

We spent some time watching Youtube videos of people putting together these saunas and testing them for EMFs afterward and we are giving a big shout out to Matt Justice from CertifiedSaunas.com. This guy has spent years buying different saunas and testing them with several types of EMF testers. This is how we know that some companies may not be telling you the full story about their heating panels and 3rd party testing.

According to Matt Justice, companies that say they have third party testing, may not really be low EMF at all. Here’s the gimmick: they send infrared heating panels to a lab to have them tested and certified as “Low EMF,” but once the infrared sauna is assembled, the reality is very different.  Once the heating panels are put back into the sauna, there are other things inside the sauna that create EMFs when the sauna is turned on that are not possible to test in a lab only looking at heating panels.

The lab would have to assemble the infrared sauna at their location and then test using several different EMF readers, which none of them are doing. They are only really testing the heating panels.

Matt takes you through several videos where he fully assembles sauna after sauna and tests them with several professional machines. The outcomes are shocking because you realize that this industry needs more standardization and oversight to protect the consumer from being duped.

Are you a brand that wants to do a video “proving” your sauna is low EMFs? Matt sarcastically takes you through the tricks of how to test the sauna to make it look like it’s “Low EMF” when it’s really not. It’s all about where you test and what you avoid in the unit.

In addition, because of the way some of these infrared saunas are constructed your “low EMF” sauna could actually turn into a Faraday cage trapping you inside with all the EMFs once you take your cell phone in there.  I’m sure that’s not what you intended when you bought the thing. So. if you are looking for low EMFs, keep your cellphone and other devices out of the unit.

Careful of Biased “Unbiased Review” Websites Made By Infrared Sauna Companies to Sell Saunas

Watch out when you start searching for infrared saunas on Google, because you’ll find lots of review sites, but most of them seem to be promoting saunas that are lower quality!

I kid you not.

According to Matt Justice from CertifiedSauna.com lots of these sites were actually created by other sauna companies to sell you more of their saunas.

Shocking, I know.

Who’s going to stop them? There’s virtually no oversight or standardization of testing of these products. So this was a big frustration for us finding actually unbiased information because there is very little of it online.

Most Companies are Avoiding the Indoor Air Quality Part of the Conversation

Very little attention was put on the quality of the indoor air inside units online. There were some brands that had indoor air reporting, but the vast majority did not. This is something we’d like to see improved in this industry.

There were a couple of brands that did talk about the importance of using untreated wood, but most of the time, brands focused on the type of wood used instead of possible contaminants off-gassing from the machinery and treated wood.

According to some brands using one type of wood vs. another is the most important part of the scenario, so let’s go over that.

Types of Wood Used in Infrared Saunas

When it comes to infrared saunas, it’s all about softwood vs. hardwood. Softwoods come from conifer (evergreen) trees and they have needles and are easier to cut, grow quicker, are more comfortable to sit on, and are less expensive. Hardwoods are from deciduous trees that have leaves, are more dense and hard, grow slower than softwood trees, and are more expensive.  Most of the time you are finding softwood in saunas, but some market themselves as better for people with sensitivities and they use more hardwood.

Softwoods used in Saunas

Softwoods are typically softer to the touch and don’t get as hot as the hardwoods in the sauna. Because they grow faster, they are typically more sustainable than the hardwoods, but they do have a strong scent that is attributed to natural phenols in the wood. Some people are sensitive to the phenols in softwoods.

• Cedar: The most commonly used wood in saunas. This wood is low density, does not get hot to the touch, has a strong scent, which most people enjoy, but some people are sensitive to the phenols given off by cedar, so just be aware of that. But the natural phenols coming from the cedar also make the wood mold resistant. Cedar is the most expensive of the softwoods.
• Hemlock: Hemlock is the cheaper alternative to cedar, but just like cedar, it has a reddish-brown color and a natural fragrance, making it a fragrant wood. However, this type of wood tends to have knots, making it not as ideal for woodworkers.
• Pine: This wood is light-colored and similar looking to spruce, but it tends to have knots making it lower quality wood. It does have a strong pine scent, but often the cheapest option for sauna construction. The worst part of this type of wood is if you have knots in the construction of your sauna, they can fall out leaving holes in your sauna! There are treatments available to stop this from happening but we do not recommend them because of the potential for toxicity. Buyer Beware!
• Spruce: This wood is very light-colored with a fine grain and is the most commonly used in Finnish saunas because it’s cheaper than cedar and hemlock.

Hardwoods used in saunas

Hardwoods are generally less sustainable because they take longer to grow and mature. They are also hotter to the touch inside a sauna so may be uncomfortable to some, but if you are allergic or sensitive to the natural phenols that come off the softwoods, this is the category for you. Hardwoods are more hypoallergenic.

• Basswood: This is a light-colored hardwood with little to no fragrance and a good choice for people who have allergies to phenols in wood. This is the cheapest alternative of all the hardwood bunch. Some brands are getting basswood from Wisconsin.
• Popular: This is another light-colored hardwood that is slightly darker than basswood. It’s often used in medical facilities because it’s odorless and hypoallergenic. However, this wood becomes very hot to the touch inside a sauna and is more expensive than cedar hemlock to use.
• Eucalyptus: This is a reddish-brown hardwood that grows in Australia and other places. This wood is one of the most sustainable of the bunch because of how fast it grows and can be replaced and farmed. This wood is a great option for a sauna, but it’s typically more expensive than other woods.

To most people, naturally occurring wood phenols are harmless, but there are a few of you out there that have problems being around the scent of softwoods. For those people, opt for hardwood of course.

Who Cares About Wood? Well, Actually The Fate of the Planet & Human Race Depends on It–Canada’s Boreal Forest Carbon Sink is Largest in World.

Did you know that Canada has the largest carbon sink in the world? Why should you care about all this? We found that most of the wood used in infrared saunas are coming from Canada! So just like your toilet paper choices, your infrared sauna choices can impact the fate of mankind.

Hear me out!

When trees in a forest are clearcut around a carbon sink, the carbon dioxide trapped inside the sink escapes into the atmosphere. When you are talking about the largest carbon sink in the world, this is a big problem! It’s on the equivalent scale as the Amazon rainforest in terms of importance.

One of the most important regions in the world for capturing carbon is the Boreal Forest in Canada. Your toilet paper and infrared sauna wood likely started there as a tree in the largest carbon sink in the world.

According to a report by the National Resources Defense Fund, “industrial logging claims more than a million acres of boreal forest every year, equivalent to seven National Hockey League rinks each minute.” Long story short, if you want to become part of this solution, looking for alternatives would be the way to go. They are only logging the Boreal forest because we demand toilet paper made from wood pulp and other things.

So what can you do to avoid deforesting wood? Look for FSC or PEFC certified wood.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): FSC certification ensures that wood products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. In other words, it’s not a clear cut situation.

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC): PEFC certification ensures similar environmental protections as FSC but it’s a certification from Canada.

Mamavation’s Investigation of Infrared Saunas, Portable Saunas, & Infrared Blankets

Mamavation looked at over 200+ infrared saunas, portable saunas, & infrared blankets. We also looked at traditional saunas, wet & hot saunas, and other types that we will add to another investigation later. If you found that we missed a unit that you want us to look at, please put them in the comments so we can update the post later with new brands.

And if you’d like to see a full list of investigations go here.

Not Our Favorite Infrared Saunas, Portable Infrared Saunas, or Infrared Blankets

These brands were not our favorite and they had 3+ of these scenarios going on to put them in this category: (1) manufactured in China with no certifications to back up the effectiveness of their heaters and electrical equipment, (2) claimed to be “low EMF” or “No EMF” with no certification or 3rd party testing to back it up, (3) claimed to be “low EMF” but heater made from a technology known to have high EMFs, (4) made from wood that could be linked to deforestation, (5) did not provide any information about the air quality inside the unit, (6) used materials known to off-gas and pollute indoor air, or (7) independent 3rd parties rated this unit low.

• Almost Heaven Grayson Cedar 4-Person Electric Sauna $4,382
• Almost Heaven Hamptom 2-Person Infrared Hybrid Sauna $11,864
• Almost Heaven Hamptom 2-Person Infrared Hybrid Sauna $11,864
• Almost Heaven Spectrum 1-2 Person Infrared Sauna $3,999
• Canadian Spa Company Chilliwack 1 Person Far Infrared Sauna $2,499
• Canadian Spa Company Aspen 4 Person Far Infrared Corner Sauna $3,999
• Canadian Spa Company Banff 3 Person Far Infrared Sauna $3,799
• Canadian Spa Company Jasper 1-2 Person Far Infrared Sauna $2,399
• Canadian Spa Company Whistler 4 Person Far Infrared Sauna $4,499
• Coastal Saunas CS-2 Malibu Pro Infrared Sauna $4,295
• Coastal Saunas CS-3 Delmar Pro Infrared Sauna $4,695
• Coastal Saunas CS-C Newport Pro Infrared Sauna $4,795
• Coastal Saunas CS-4 Hollywood Pro Infrared Sauna $5,595
• Coastal Saunas CS-J Sauna Jump Infrared Sauna $4,895
• Cocoarm Infrared Sauna Blanket $97.79
• Crosight Sauna Blanket Far-Infrared Sauna Blanket $129.97
• Durasage Personal Portable Infrared Sauna w/ Handheld Remote Control, Heated Footpad and Premium Chair $299.95
• ETE ETMATE 2 Zone Digital Far-Infrared (FIR) Oxford Sauna Blanket $139.99
• Gizmo Supply 3 Zone Digital Far-Infrared Heat Sauna Blanket v3 $449
• Heavenly Heat FAR Infrared FIR1-Eco Sauna (unknown pricing) 
• Heavenly Heat FAR Infrared FIR2 Sauna (unknown pricing) 
• Heavenly Heat FAR Infrared FIR2DX Sauna (unknown pricing) 
• Heavenly Heat FAR Infrared FIR3 Sauna (unknown pricing) 
• INLOVEARTS 2 Zone Digital Far-Infrared (FIR) Ox-Ford Sauna Blanket $124.99
• JHN Lifestyles Tosi Red™ 1 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna (Red Cedar) $5,699
• JHN Lifestyles Tosi Red™ 2 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna (Red Cedarwood) $6,099
• JHN LIfestyles Tosi Red™ 3 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna (Red Cedar) $6,999
• JHN Lifestyles Tosi Red™ 4 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna (Red Cedar) $7,899
• JHN Lifestyles Tosi Red™ Corner Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna (Red Cedar) $8,099
• JHN Lifestyles Tosi™ 1 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna $4,399
• JHN Lifestyles Tosi™ 2 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna $4,699
• JNH Lifestyles Ensi™ 1 Person Ultra-Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna $1,799
• JNH Lifestyles Ensi™ 2 Person Ultra-Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna $1,849
• JNH Lifestyles Ensi™ 3 Person Ultra-Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna $2,699
• JNH Lifestyles Ensi™ 4 Person Ultra-Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna $3,499
• JNH Lifestyles Joyous 1 Person Far Infrared Sauna $1,799
• JNH Lifestyles Joyous 3 Person Far Infrared Sauna $2,699
• JNH Lifestyles Joyous 4 Person Far Infrared Sauna $3,199
• JNH Lifestyles MG217HB Joyous 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna $1,899
• Kacsoo Upgraded Sauna Blanket, 2 Zone Digital Far-Infrared (FIR) Oxford Heat Therapy Blanket $119.98
• Lofan Heat Sauna Blanket Portable Infrared Sauna Blanket  $135.99
• Lofan Portable Infrared Sauna Blanket, Upgraded Version $155.99
• LTTECH Portable Infrared Sauna Home Spa One Person Sauna Set with Heating Foot Pad and Portable Chair Size $199
• Maxxus 2 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Carbon Canadian Hemlock Sauna $1,599
• Maxxus 3 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Carbon Corner Canadian Hemlock Sauna $1,999
• Maxxus 4 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Carbon Canadian Red Cedar Sauna $3,299
• Maxxus Saunas MX-J206-01 Seattle Carbon Far Infrared Sauna for 2 Persons, Hemlock Wood $1,299
• Medical Sauna 4 Full Spectrum Home Sauna – 2 Person Indoor Infrared Sauna Spa $7,999
• O hUkOeR Upgraded Version Far-Infrared (Fir) Digital Heat Sauna Slimming Blanket $135
• PinJaze Infrared Personal Sauna Blanket $179.99
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant 1-2 Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna w/ 5 Carbon Heaters 
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant 2-Person Hemlock Premium Infrared Sauna w/ 6 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant 2-Person Hemlock Premium Infrared Sauna w/ 6 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant 3-Person Cedar Corner Infrared Sauna w/ 7 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant 3-Person Hemlock Corner Infrared Sauna w/ 7 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Buena Vista 1-2 Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna w/ 3 Ceramic Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Buena Vista 1-2 Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna w/ 4 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Cedar Elite 3-4 Person Premium Sauna w/ 9 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Cedar Elite 4-5 Person Premium Sauna w/ 9 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Coronado 2-Person Hemlock Deluxe Infrared Sauna w/ 5 Ceramic Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Great Bear 6-Person Cedar Infrared Sauna w/ 10 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Klondike 4-Person Cedar Infrared Sauna with Chromotherapy Lighting
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Monticello 4-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna w/ 9 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Santa Fe 3-Person Hemlock Corner Infrared Sauna w/ 7 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Saunas 2-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna with 6 Carbon Heaters, Chromotherapy Lighting, Oxygen Ionizer
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Saunas Yukon 2-Person Cedar Deluxe Infrared Sauna w/ 6 Carbon Heater
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Tucson 4-Person Hemlock Corner Infrared Sauna w/ 10 Carbon Heaters
• (Fake brand available at Amazon & Home Depot manufactured by Golden Designs) Radiant Whistler 4-Person Cedar Corner Infrared Sauna w/ 10 Carbon Heaters
• Relax Sauna Far Infrared Relax Sauna, $1,400
• Ridgeyard 600W Portable FIR/Far Infrared SPA Sauna Room Weight Loss Detox Tent + Foot Heating pad $169.99
• SilkFun Infrared Personal Sauna Blanket $149.99
• SKYTOU Sauna Blanket, 2 Zone Digital Far-Infrared (FIR) Oxford Heat Therapy Blanket $135.99
• Smartmak Far Infrared Portable Sauna $225.99
• Smartmak Far Infrared Portable Sauna $184.99
• SunRay HL100K Sedona Infrared Sauna $1,695
• SunRay HL100K2 Barrett Infrared Sauna $1,498
• SunRay HL200K Sierra Infrared Sauna $1,849
• SunRay HL200K1 Cordova Infrared Sauna $1,849
• SunRay HL200K2 Evansport Infrared Sauna $1,698
• SunRay HL200W Heathrow Infrared Sauna $1,598
• SunRay HL300C Aspen Infrared Sauna $1,998
• SunRay HL300K Savannah Infrared Sauna $2,098
• SunRay HL400K Sequoia Infrared Sauna $2,398
• SunRay HL400KC Bristol Bay Infrared Sauna $2,398
• SunRay HL400KS Roslyn Infrared Sauna $2,398
• Rocky Mountain Sauna Aspen Commercial Infrared Sauna $4,595
• Rocky Mountain Sauna Badger Infrared Sauna $2,595
• Rocky Mountain Sauna Big Bear Infrared Sauna $5,495
• Rocky Mountain Sauna Colorado Infrared Sauna $3,395
• Rocky Mountain Sauna Durango Infrared Sauna $3,995
• Rocky Mountain Sauna Montana Sauna $7,995
• Rocky Mountain Sauna Rio Grande Infrared Sauna $4,095
• Rocky Mountain Sauna Vail Commercial Infrared Sauna $5,595
• T iNlovEaRTs Upgraded Infrared Sauna Blanket $129.99
• Vanell Sauna Blanket Infrared, Upgraded Heat Far Infrared Blanket $159.99
• ZONEMEL Oversize Portable Far Infrared Sauna $221.99
• ZONEMEL Portable Far Infrared One Person Sauna $180.99

Better Infrared Saunas, Portable Infrared Saunas, & Infrared Blankets

These brands are light years better than the other guys, but still not perfect. These brands had 1-2 of these scenarios going on to put them in this category: (1) manufactured in China with no certifications to back up the effectiveness of their heaters and electrical equipment, (2) claimed to be “low EMF” or “No EMF” with no certification or 3rd party testing to back it up, (3) claimed to be “low EMF” but heater made from a technology known to have moderate to high EMFs, (4) made from wood that could be linked to deforestation or other unsustainable practices, (5) did not provide any information about the air quality inside the unit, or (6) used materials known to off-gas and pollute indoor air, or (7) independent 3rd parties rated this unit low.

• Aleko Indoor Canadian Hemlock Infrared Sauna – Multi-Colored Light Spectrum – 1 Person $2,139
• Aleko Indoor Canadian Hemlock Infrared Sauna – Multi-Colored Light Spectrum – 2 Person $2,549
• Aleko Indoor Canadian Hemlock Infrared Sauna – Multi-Colored Light Spectrum – 3 Person $3,359
• Aleko Indoor Canadian Hemlock Infrared Sauna – Multi-Colored Light Spectrum – 4 Person $3,609
• Carejoy Sauna Blanket Upgraded Tourmaline 3 Zones Jade Far-Infrared Body Shaping Sauna Blanket $399
• Durherm Infrared Sauna, Low EMF Negative Ion Portable Infrared Sauna with Chair and Heated Footpad, $539
• Dynamic “Andora” 2-person Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna $1,349
• DYNAMIC SAUNAS AMZ-DYN-6106-01 Barcelona 1-2 Person Far Infrared Sauna, $1,199
• Healthmate A 4 Person Infrared Sauna Built for Tall Individuals
• Healthmate Enriched Health in Our 1 Person Infrared Sauna
• Healthmate Enriched Health in Our 2 Person Infrared Sauna
• Healthmate Enriched Health in Our 3 Person Infrared Sauna
• Healthmate Experience Multi-Person, Bi-Level 2 to 4 Person Sauna
• Healthmate Renew 2 Infrared Sauna
• Healthmate Renew 3 Infrared Sauna
• Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket $499
• Influence Sauna Hybrid $5,495 
• Influence Sauna 1-2 $5,995
• Influencer Sauna 3-4 $6,995
• SaunaRay SR1 – Compact Infrared Sauna
• SaunaRay SR2 – Two Seater Infrared Sauna
• SaunaRay SR3 – Luxury Size Infrared Sauna
• SaunnaRay SR4 – Family Size Infrared Sauna
• SereneLife AZSLISAU10BK Portable Infrared Sauna $204.99
• Serenelife Portable Full Size Infrared Home One Person Sauna with Heating Foot Pad and Portable Chair $379.99
• SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa- One Person Sauna, Heating Foot Pad and Chair $219.99
• Sunlighten Amplify III Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten Amplify Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten mPulse aSpire 3-in-1 Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten mPulse Believe Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten mPulse Conquer Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten mPulse Discover Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten mPulse Empower Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten Signature 1 Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten Signature 2 Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten Signature 3 Infrared Sauna
• Sunlighten Signature 4 Infrared Sauna
• Thera Sauna TS7754 Far Infrared Sauna $8,230
• Therasauna 2-Person Plus Infrared Health Sauna $5,831
• Therasauna 4-Person Infrared Health Sauna $6,558
• TheraSauna TS4746 Far Infrared Sauna $6,320
• TheraSauna TS5753 Far Infrared Sauna $7,148
• TheraSauna TS6439 Far Infrared Sauna $8,230
• TheraSauna TS8454 Far Infrared Sauna $8,064

Best Infrared Saunas, Portable Infrared Saunas, & Infrared Blankets

These brands use wood coming from certified sustainable foresty practices or uses sustainable materials. Not a single brand is perfect, but would only have NO issues with one of these scenarios: (1) manufactured in China with no certifications to back up the effectiveness of their heaters and electrical equipment, (2) claimed to be “low EMF” or “No EMF” with no certification or 3rd party testing to back it up, (3) claimed to be “low EMF” but heater made from a technology known to have high EMFs, (4) made from wood that could be linked to deforestation, (5) did not provide any information about the air quality inside the unit, or (6) used materials known to off-gas and pollute indoor air, or (7) independent 3rd parties rated this unit low.

• Clearlight Premier IS-1 One Person Infrared Sauna (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Premier IS-2 Two Persons Infrared Sauna  (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.
• Clearlight Premier IS-3 Three Person Jacuzzi Far Infrared Sauna (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Premier IS-5 Five Person Infrared Sauna (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Premier IS-C Three Person Corner Infrared Sauna (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary 1 Full Spectrum One Person Infrared Sauna (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary 2 Full Spectrum Two Person Infrared Sauna  (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary 2 Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna With Chromotherapy (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary 3 Full spectrum Three Person Infrared Sauna  (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary C 4 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Corner Sauna  (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary Retreat 4 Person ADA Compliant Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna  (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary Y 4 Persons Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna & Hot Yoga Room  (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoor 2 Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna  (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoor 5 Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna  (Clearlight Infrared Saunas offering the Mamavation community between $400-600 off the cost of a unit, lifetime warranty, and a backrest when purchasing. To learn more click here or dial 1-800-798-1779 and let them know you are with Mamavation.)
• High Tech Health Transcend TR-1 (High Tech Health is offering $300 off any sauna. Call (800) 794-5355 or visit hightechhealth.com and be sure to mention Mamavation for a discount!)
• High Tech Health Transcend TR-2 (High Tech Health is offering $300 off any sauna. Call (800) 794-5355 or visit hightechhealth.com and be sure to mention Mamavation for a discount!)
• High Tech Health Transcend TR-3 (High Tech Health is offering $300 off any sauna. Call (800) 794-5355 or visit hightechhealth.com and be sure to mention Mamavation for a discount!)
• (The REAL Version) Radiant E-1H 1 Person Elite Model
• (The REAL Version) Radiant E-2.5H 2.5 Person Elite Model
• (The REAL Version)Radiant E-2H 2 Person Elite Model
• (The REAL Version) Radiant E-3H 3 Person Elite Model Infrared Sauna
• (The REAL Version) Radiant E-4H 4 Person Elite Model Infrared Sauna
• (The REAL Version) Radiant EC-3H 3 Person Corner Elite Model Infrared Sauna
• (The REAL Version) Radiant EC-4H 4 Person Corner Elite Model Infrared Sauna

About the Author

Leah Segedie is a consumer watchdog, author, entrepreneur, environmental activist, and mother of three boys. 

She wrote Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, & Be Happier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!) in 2018. She’s consistently been featured in the media for the past 15 years in media outlets like ABC, CBS, CNN, Yahoo, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Reader’s Digest, Ladies Home Journal, Shape Magazine, Fitness Magazine to name a few.  

Follow Mamavation on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter or join the Mamavation Community Group. 

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