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The 5 Best Portable Infrared Saunas for Recovery and Relaxation
Bring the spa home with these expert-backed favorites
If you’re an avid BeautyTok lover, chances are you've been served with an ad or review for one of the best portable infrared saunas on your For You Page. Infrared saunas in general have earned a cult following for their wellness and beauty benefits, which include helping to relieve muscle pain, rejuvenate your skin, and boost circulation.
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Whether you're looking to save on a spa membership, or looking to save a little space, these handy pop-up devices are the perfect solution. To help you start detoxing and relaxing even faster, we spoke with top experts to narrow down a few of the best portable infrared saunas worth shopping.
From top-rated options with essentials like reflective linings and built-in steamers to those made exclusively for the body, read on for some of the most in-demand saunas beauty lovers and skincare professionals are raving about.
Pros
- Does not treat the face
- Armholes for convenience
Cons
- Some may prefer a more all-encompassing option
“This portable infrared sauna from SereneLife is good because it treats the body without treating the face, so it's a better choice for people with heat-sensitive conditions like rosacea and melasma but still allows the body to get the other benefits of infrared light,” dermatologist Rachel Nazarian explains. Another standout feature is the armholes, which give you the chance to catch up on emails or stream your favorite shows. It also comes in multiple colors and sizes, so you can choose the best look and fit for your home.
- Dimensions: 33.08 x 31.5 x 45.5 inches
Customer review: “I was really surprised by how much I enjoy this infrared sauna. It is such a nice thing to have because of how quick it is to set up and take down. It folds absolutely flat and doesn’t require much setup other than unfolding it and plugging it in. It feels heavenly to sit inside, and I was surprised how quickly it warmed up and I worked up a good sweat.” —Trevor
Pros
- Has nine adjustable heating levels
Cons
- Some say it didn’t get as hot as promised
For a sauna option with plenty of space, Nazarian recommends this style from Toread. “It has a great design, a window, and a centrally-located therapy light,” she says. Also included in your purchase is a heated foot pad and smart remote control, which you can keep in the sauna's external pocket for easy access.
- Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 71 inches
Customer review: “Easy to set up. Doesn't take much space. Preheat the sauna and enjoy. Nice easy controller and comes with a chair. Also, the red light is soothing and helps to see inside.” —Anonymous
Pros
- Expert-recommended wavelength
- Has a steamer component
Cons
- Some reviewers report issues with steamer feature
If you're missing the steam benefits of a traditional sauna, opt for this pick. “It combines my ideal wavelength of red light, 660 nanometers, with the infrared light, and has a steamer which can be removed for more options and flexibility,” Nazarian says. The steamer holds approximately three liters of water, and the sauna should heat up in about ten minutes. The only catch: “Some reviews say the steamer pooped out quickly for some customers,” the expert adds.
- Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 71 inches
Customer review: “This steam sauna has been such a great addition to my home! It’s super easy and fast to set up, heats up quickly, and provides steady, soothing steam. The fact that it’s lightweight and portable is a huge bonus. I can easily move it from room to room without any trouble.” —Mariya
Pros
- Includes a number of accessories
- Folds compactly
Cons
- Some reviewers say the chair isn't the most comfortable
Made with optimal comfort in mind, this all-inclusive portable sauna comes with a compatible folding chair, heated foot pad, and remote control. The foldable design is also easy to set up and take on the go. “I love how the reflective lining can help maintain temperature,” Nazarian says. “It’s also great for travel, and allows you to control the temperature if you want more infrared, but less heat.”
- Dimensions: 7 x 16 x 43 inches
Customer review: “Easy to use, doesn’t take up much space and works as advertised. We’ve had it a year and every member of the family uses it. I suffer from very tense neck muscles as well as other joint pain, and this helps tremendously. I sit and read or watch a show and turn my head from side to side periodically; my neck flexibility improves with the heat and my body relaxes.” —Anonymous
Pros
- Expert-approved
- You can lay down while using it
Cons
- Doesn’t provide full-body coverage
Perhaps you don't want a giant heated tent in the middle of your living room; in that case, Nazarian’s favorite alternative is this infrared sauna blanket from LifePro. It works to boost energy and soothe sore muscles while you simply lie down and unwind.
- Dimensions: 71 x 71 inches
Customer review: “I bought the LifePro Infrared Sauna Blanket and I am very happy with it. It is made well, has a heavy zipper, durable material, and big enough both length and width-wise that I can move around inside and get comfortable—I don’t feel claustrophobic.” —Michelle
Meet the experts
- Rachel Nazarian, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
- Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, and the founder of skincare brand Dr Loretta.
What are the benefits of portable infrared saunas?
- Helps increase blood flow and reduces inflammation: Infrared light emits heat, which Nazarian says can improve blood flow and allow for speedier muscle recovery. “Infrared light is unique in that it is a specific, long wavelength, beyond the visible light spectrum, and can penetrate much deeper into the skin than LED visible light therapy,” she says. "It’s also thought that this might be the mechanism that helps decrease inflammation and pain.”
- Gentler than traditional saunas: “They don’t get as hot and offer a more comfortable option for people who can't tolerate the heat of standard saunas,” dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo says.
- Helps improve your mood: According to experts, some studies have shown that infrared sauna can have mood-boosting effects, though more research is needed.
- Spacious: Because of the portable design, you don’t have to worry about carving out a permanent spot for them in your home. Some are even small enough to pack and take with you on the go.
- Budget-friendly: Portable infrared saunas are also much more affordable than traditional infrared sauna cabins, which typically cost thousands.
Are portable infrared saunas safe?
Generally speaking, yes, though Nazarian warns that they aren't suited to those with heat-sensitive conditions like rosacea or melasma, or medical conditions where increasing blood flow and dilation of the blood vessels could be problematic. One alternative solution? A simple LED red light treatment.
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