Are Infrared Saunas Worth It? An Honest Take
A balanced look at whether an infrared sauna is worth the money — the real benefits, the marketing hype, running costs, and who should (and shouldn't) buy one.
The Short Answer
For people who'll actually use it a few times a week, an infrared sauna is usually worth it — the convenience, low running cost, and gentle heat make it easy to build a consistent habit. If you'd use it once a month, the money is better spent elsewhere.
What You're Really Paying For
- Convenience: 120V plug-in, fast heat-up (10–15 minutes), no special wiring on most models.
- Comfort: 120–150°F is far more tolerable than a 180°F+ traditional sauna.
- Low running cost: typically only a few dollars a week.
The Honest Caveats
Much of the marketing around "detox" and dramatic weight loss is overstated. The best-supported benefits are associated with regular heat exposure generally — relaxation, cardiovascular response similar to light exercise, and post-workout comfort — and a lot of the research is on traditional saunas, not infrared specifically. Buy for the experience and the habit, not for miracle claims.
Who Should Buy One
Heat-sensitive users, people who want easy installation, apartment dwellers (with a portable or compact unit), and anyone who'll use it consistently for recovery and relaxation.
Who Should Skip It
Occasional users, purists who want authentic high-heat löyly (choose traditional instead), and anyone with a cardiovascular condition who hasn't cleared sauna use with their doctor.
Getting the Best Value
You don't need a flagship. A solid mid-range cabin captures most of the experience. See our best infrared saunas ranking.
Top-Rated Saunas
JNH Lifestyles Joyous 2 Person
A best-selling 2-person far-infrared sauna with 7 carbon-fiber heaters in a Canadian Hemlock cabin.
Golden Designs Monaco 6 Person
Spacious 6-person ultra-low-EMF far-infrared sauna in double-paneled Canadian Hemlock.