Buying an infrared sauna is a significant investment—typically $2,000-$8,000 depending on size and features. You want to get it right the first time.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what features actually matter, what's just marketing hype, how much you should expect to pay, and how to choose the right sauna for your specific situation.
What to Look for in an Infrared Sauna
1. Infrared Type: Full-Spectrum vs. Far-Infrared Only
Far-Infrared Only: - Uses carbon or ceramic heaters emitting wavelengths above 3,000nm - Penetrates deepest into the body - Drives core temperature elevation and sweating - Lower price point - Good for general detox and cardiovascular benefits
Full-Spectrum Infrared: - Includes near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths - Near-infrared (700-1,400nm): Skin health, cellular energy - Mid-infrared (1,400-3,000nm): Soft tissue, circulation - Far-infrared (3,000nm+): Deep detox, core heating - More comprehensive therapy - Higher price but better value for serious users
Our recommendation: Full-spectrum is worth the premium for most buyers. You get more complete therapy for a 20-30% price increase.
2. Heater Technology
Carbon Panel Heaters: - Large surface area for even heat distribution - Lower surface temperature (safer) - Longer wavelength output - More durable, rarely need replacement - Industry standard for quality saunas
Ceramic Heaters: - Smaller, concentrated heat sources - Higher surface temperatures - Shorter wavelengths - Can create hot spots - Older technology, less common now
Combination Carbon/Ceramic: - Some brands combine both - Theoretical benefit of multiple wavelengths - Often marketing-driven more than performance-driven
Our recommendation: High-quality carbon panel heaters are the standard. Focus on heater placement and coverage, not exotic heater claims.
3. Heater Placement and Coverage
The number and position of heaters determines how evenly you're heated:
Ideal placement includes: - Back wall heaters (large panels) - Side wall heaters - Front heaters (facing you when seated) - Floor heaters (for feet and legs) - Calf heaters (often overlooked but important)
Avoid: - Saunas with heaters only behind you - Gaps in coverage (cold spots) - Insufficient heater count for the cabin size
Test: Manufacturers should show heater placement diagrams. If they don't, ask.
4. Construction Quality
Wood Type: - Canadian Hemlock: Most common, affordable, mild scent, good durability - Western Red Cedar: Premium option, aromatic, naturally rot-resistant - Basswood: Hypoallergenic, no scent, good for sensitive individuals
All three are appropriate choices. Cedar costs more and smells nicer. Hemlock is the best value. Basswood is best for chemical sensitivities.
Construction Method: - Tongue-and-groove panels that click together - No exposed hardware inside the cabin - Tight seams (no gaps when assembled) - Solid floor panels (not flimsy)
Door: - Tempered glass (safety glass that won't shatter) - Tight seal around frame - Quality hinges and handle
5. Electrical Requirements
Standard 120V (US): - Plugs into normal outlet - Adequate for 1-2 person saunas - May limit maximum heater output - Easier installation
240V (US): - Requires dedicated circuit - Necessary for larger saunas (3+ person) - Higher heater output possible - May require electrician
Know before you buy: Check what electrical you have available and what the sauna requires.
6. Size and Capacity
1-Person Saunas: - Footprint: ~36"x36" to 42"x42" - Best for: Solo users, limited space - Price range: $1,500-$3,500
2-Person Saunas: - Footprint: ~48"x42" to 54"x48" - Best for: Couples, individuals who want space - Most popular size - Price range: $2,500-$5,000
3-Person Saunas: - Footprint: ~60"x48" to 68"x48" - Best for: Families, taller individuals, stretching - Price range: $3,500-$6,500
4+ Person Saunas: - Footprint: 72"+ in one or both dimensions - Best for: Dedicated wellness rooms, commercial use - Price range: $5,000-$10,000+
Recommendation: Most people are happiest one size up from their initial thought. A "2-person" sauna used alone gives room to stretch and move.
7. Warranty
Quality manufacturers stand behind their products:
What to expect: - Lifetime warranty on heaters and structure (best) - 5-7 year warranty on heaters (acceptable) - 1-3 year warranty (concerning)
Read the fine print: What's covered? What's excluded? Who pays shipping for warranty claims?
8. Additional Features
Worth having: - Bluetooth speakers (listen to music, podcasts) - Interior LED lighting - Chromotherapy lights (colored LEDs, optional) - Digital temperature control - Timer function - Glass door (see outside)
Nice to have: - Smart WiFi control (preheat from phone) - Oxygen ionizer (marginal benefit) - Salt wall panels (expensive, minimal benefit)
Marketing fluff: - "Medical grade" (not a regulated term) - Exotic wood options (rarely meaningfully better) - Unnecessary complexity
9. Red Light Therapy Integration
This is increasingly important in 2026. The best saunas combine infrared heat with red light therapy (photobiomodulation).
Benefits of integrated red light: - Cellular energy enhancement (ATP production) - Collagen production for skin - Inflammation reduction - Muscle recovery - Synergistic with infrared benefits
What to look for: - Actual red light panels, not just colored LEDs - Wavelengths in the therapeutic range (630-850nm) - Sufficient coverage (full-body, not just face) - Published specifications (irradiance, wavelength)
Peak Saunas includes medical-grade red light therapy standard in full-spectrum models—this is a significant differentiator.
Price Expectations by Category
Budget ($1,500-$2,500)
- Far-infrared only
- Basic features
- Smaller sizes (1-2 person)
- Adequate quality from reputable brands
- Good for testing if sauna works for you
Mid-Range ($2,500-$4,500)
- Full-spectrum available
- Quality construction
- Good feature set
- 2-3 person options
- Best value for most buyers
Premium ($4,500-$7,000)
- Full-spectrum with red light therapy
- Premium wood and construction
- Comprehensive features
- Larger sizes (3-4 person)
- Lifetime warranties
Luxury ($7,000+)
- Custom options
- Designer aesthetics
- Large cabins
- Commercial-grade features
- Often dealer markup
Red Flags to Avoid
Too-good-to-be-true pricing: Saunas under $1,000 are typically poor quality with safety concerns.
No heater specifications: Legitimate manufacturers publish heater details. Vagueness suggests hiding something.
Excessive EMF claims: EMF in infrared saunas is not a significant health concern. Heavy marketing around EMF is often compensating for other weaknesses.
"Medical grade" everything: This term is unregulated for saunas. It's marketing, not certification.
Impossible health claims: Saunas are beneficial, but claims about curing diseases are illegal and dishonest.
No warranty or weak warranty: Companies confident in their products back them with strong warranties.
Top Picks for 2026
Best Overall Value: Peak Saunas Fuji (2-Person)
- Full-spectrum infrared + medical-grade red light therapy
- $3,999
- Lifetime warranty
- Excellent coverage with heaters on all sides
- Smart WiFi control
- Peak Wellness Club membership included
- Direct-to-consumer pricing (no dealer markup)
Best for Solo Users: Peak Saunas Rainier (1-Person)
- Full-spectrum + red light therapy
- $2,999
- Compact footprint (fits most spaces)
- Full-body coverage despite size
- Same quality as larger models
Best for Families: Peak Saunas Matterhorn (3-Person)
- Full-spectrum + dual red light panels
- $4,499
- Spacious interior
- Room for 2 adults comfortably or 1 adult + stretching
- Good for taller users
Best Budget Option: Quality Far-Infrared 2-Person
- Far-infrared only (no full-spectrum)
- $2,000-$2,500 range
- From reputable brand with warranty
- Good entry point for testing
Best Outdoor: Peak Saunas El Capitan (4-Person)
- Weather-resistant construction
- Full-spectrum + red light
- $5,499
- Can handle temperature extremes
- Great for backyards with space
The Buying Process
1. Determine Your Space
Measure where you'll put the sauna: - Available floor space - Ceiling height (most need 7'+) - Access to electrical outlet - Door swing clearance
2. Determine Your Budget
Be realistic about what you'll spend: - Include any electrical work needed - Consider long-term value, not just initial price - Factor in operating costs (~$20-30/month for regular use)
3. Prioritize Features
Rank what matters to you: - Size - Infrared type (full-spectrum vs. far) - Red light therapy - Specific construction materials - Warranty length
4. Research Brands
Read reviews, check warranties, compare specifications. Don't buy solely on price.
5. Contact the Company
Reputable companies answer questions directly. If you can't get straight answers, that's a red flag.
6. Purchase with Confidence
Once you've done due diligence, commit. Analysis paralysis is real—at some point, you need to buy and start using your sauna.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does assembly take? Most quality saunas: 45-60 minutes with 2 people, no tools required.
Do I need an electrician? For 120V models: usually not. For 240V: yes, you'll need a dedicated circuit.
How long until I see benefits? Some benefits (relaxation, mood) are immediate. Others (sleep, pain, skin) develop over 2-6 weeks of regular use.
Can I move it later? Yes—most saunas can be disassembled and reassembled.
Do infrared saunas require maintenance? Minimal. Wipe down benches, keep heaters dust-free, check controls occasionally.
Ready to find your perfect sauna? Take our Sauna Selector Quiz for personalized recommendations, or browse our complete sauna collection.
Questions? Contact our team—we'll give you honest answers and help you choose the right sauna for your situation.
Related Articles: - Full Spectrum vs Far Infrared: Which Is Better? - Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna - Indoor vs Outdoor Sauna: Which to Choose