Portable infrared saunas are an affordable and convenient way for you to experience the amazing health benefits of infrared light.
There are a range of portable infrared saunas on the market, each with different pros and cons so you may feel overwhelmed by choice.
The aim of this article is to review 5 of our favourites so you can decide which one is right for you
The 5 Best Portable Infrared Saunas we’ll be reviewing are:
- Durherm Low EMF Portable Infrared Sauna
- SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa
- Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna
- Idealsauna Far Infrared Negative Ion Sauna
- Radiant Saunas Harmony Deluxe Oversized Portable Cabin
Before we get into the specific models let’s talk about portable infrared saunas in general. They have their unique strengths and weaknesses and it would help you to understand what they are before making a purchase.
Advantages of a Portable Infrared Sauna:
Similar health benefits to indoor and outdoor infrared saunas but a fraction of the cost
Perfect if you have space restrictions, can be folded and stored under a bed or in a closet
A good option if you like your head to remain outside the heat. As hands can also stay outside, it’s easy to watch TV or use a phone
Quick to heat up, energy efficient
Disadvantages of a Portable Infrared Sauna:
Not as comfortable as an indoor or outdoor sauna
Can be a snug fit, particularly if you are tall
Best Portable Infrared Sauna?
So what exactly do you need and what is your budget?
Here are the details on the best Portable Infrared Saunas currently on the market. As you know, models come and go and we do our best to keep all the information up to date.
Thankfully, the best Infrared Saunas stay on the market year after year, with minimal improvements.
Durherm Low EMF Portable Infrared Sauna:
Virtually EMF free with an air ionizer as standard, the Durherm Low EMF Portable Infrared Sauna is a popular choice.
Features:
- Virtually EMF-free
- Tourmaline panels emit infrared and negative ions
- Easy to assemble, fold, and store
- Quick to heat
- Comes with a folding chair, washable neck-collars, hand-held temperature, and timer controller
Pros and Cons:
The biggest advantages of this portable infrared sauna are that it is virtually EMF-free and has an air ionizer while still remaining affordable. It is also extremely easy to assemble, use and store.
The Durherm is popular with taller people as it more spacious than similar products. Although the initial outlay might be more than other portable infrared saunas, it is more economical to run than its competitors as it heats up quickly and uses less power.
The most frequent complaint about Durherm is the chair which many people find uncomfortable. It is versatile, however, as you can use a chair of your choice, or sit on a towel on the floor for a full body experience.
Overall:
The Durherm is our favorite portable infrared sauna because as well as being virtually EMF-free it is also cost-effective, efficient, and easy to use.
SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa:
If you’re looking for an infrared sauna experience on a budget, the SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa could be the one for you.
Features:
- Low EMF, power efficient
- Easy to assemble, fold, and store
- Compact size
- Wired controller for time and auto heat setting
- Comes with footpad and folding chair
Pros and Cons:
The SereneLife Portable Infrared Sauna is one of the most affordable units on the market. It is quick and easy to set up, and the temperature and timer can be easily controlled. It is very easy to fold, making it a good option if you want to move it frequently.
However, this is not the sauna for you if you want to get really hot. The maximum temperature is 140 which is lower than other similar units and it takes longer to heat (up to 15 minutes). In addition, when the temperature reaches 140 it shuts off and only starts to reheat again when it has cooled down considerably.
The material of the walls feels thinner than other portable saunas and can let heat out. Be careful of that zipper – it can get hot.
The SereneLife unit feels less spacious than other similar products, particularly for taller people.
Overall: If you have a limited budget the SereneLife Portable Infrared Sauna is an affordable option but it is not as efficient as other units and the materials are poorer quality.
Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna:
Another affordable option, the Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna is perfect for someone who is looking for a range of time and temperature choices.
Features:
- Low EMF, energy efficient
- Easy to assemble, fold, and store
- 6 automatic timer options, 5 preset heat options
- Moisture resistant, satin polyester exterior, triple-layer cotton insulation
- Comes with a folding chair
Pros and Cons:
The Rejuvenator is one of the most affordable Portable Infrared Saunas on the market. It is also one of the lightest, at under 18 pounds, and is easy to set up, operate and store. If you’re looking for multiple heat and timer options, this could be the sauna for you as there are 6 automatic timer choices and 5 preset temperatures.
As this is at the cheaper end of the market, you’d expect there to be some compromises. The main problem with the Rejuvenator is the fact the heating panels are only at the back and part of the sides of the sauna. As infrared heats the area it falls on, this means only your arms, hips and back will benefit. There’s a problem too with heat escaping from the neck and hand holes and the temperature can be very inconsistent.
It is very snug. It’s likely that even an average sized person will find their knees touch the front of the unit.
Overall:
The Rejuvenator is affordable and portable, but not a strong option if you want consistent all-over heat.
Idealsauna Far Infrared Negative Ion Sauna:
The Idealsauna Far Infrared Negative Ion Sauna comes with useful accessories as standard such as the air ionizer and foot pad.
Features:
- Negative ION infrared heating elements
- Remote temperature and timer control
- 5 minutes heating up time
- Light-weight and easy to set up
- Comes with foldable chair, foot heat pad, remote temperature, and timer control
Pros and Cons:
The Idealsauna Far Infrared Negative Ion Sauna is one of the few saunas at this price point that contain an air ionizer which purifies the air and has health benefits. It’s also very light and easy to move.
However, the biggest concern with this unit is the EMF rating which fluctuates considerably, sometimes out of the range that is considered healthy (2.5 mG). It’s also flimsier than other similar products and can be trickier to unfold as the front panel folds back in on itself unless you can brace it.
Like many saunas in this price bracket, the chair is uncomfortable and it may feel small if you’re anything over 5”10”.
Overall:
While it’s exciting to see an affordable infrared sauna with an air ionizer, if a low EMF rating is important to you, be aware that emission rates vary across the units.
Radiant Saunas Harmony Deluxe Oversized Portable Cabin:
Another popular choice, the Radiant Saunas Harmony Deluxe Oversized Portable Cabin is larger and more comfortable the other similar products.
Features:
- Low EMF, energy efficient
- Designed to fit people up to 6’5” tall
- 4 carbon fiber infrared heater panels
- 6 automatic timer options, 5 pre-set temperatures
- Comes with heavy duty chair, 2 zip-out collars, and heated footpad
Pros and Cons:
The Harmony Deluxe Oversized Portable Cabin from Radiant Saunas is easy to assemble and well built, with a solid hardwood dowel frame. Unlike many similar products, this sauna has a strong comfortable chair with padded armrests. It is roomy enough even for taller people.
This sauna is quick to heat up (it takes about 10 minutes to reach 150) and maintains uniform heat. There are 4 infrared panels plus the heated footpad which provide for good over-all heat distribution. There is also a negative ION generator box.
The only real negative with this sauna is some customers report concerns about the EMF rating. The product information claims that it is low EMF, but many customer reviews refute this.
Overall:
The Harmony Deluxe Oversized Portable Cabin from Radiant Saunas is well built and durable and one of the most comfortable units on the market. There is a question about EMF emissions, however.
So What’s the best Portable Infrared Sauna?
Given that people have differing needs, there is no single best portable infrared sauna for everyone. They key is being clear about what your own needs are. Is style, weight or size more important to you? Or is having a low EMF unit more important?
There you have it – a break down of quality portable infrared saunas for you to choose from. Portable infrared saunas are a great alternative to larger more permanent home and outdoor saunas for the portability and freedom.
If you are looking for a more powerful infrared sauna for your home that is more permanent and can fit more than one person in, then have a look at our Home Infrared Sauna Buying Guide.
Or perhaps you are also considering an outdoors infrared sauna. If so, take a look at our Outdoor Infrared Sauna Buying Guide.
We hope that this has brought some clarity in your search for the best portable infrared sauna.
You can remind yourself of all the amazing health benefits by clicking HERE.
Don’t forget that infrared sauna blankets are portable as well!
Learn more here: Best Infrared Sauna Blankets
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Infrared Sauna World or its staff.