The best infrared sauna blankets

The top (and safest) sauna blankets of 2024, according to experts. 

If you have no room or budget for an actual sauna, an infrared sauna blanket is the best alternative available. These compact yet powerful wellness blankets provide the same therapeutic benefits of an actual sauna but are far more portable and affordable.

It's very important to be aware that not all infrared blankets are the same. There are many companies out there that claim to be the best and provide the same technology, but there are only a select few that live up to the high standards of our medical practitioners and sauna review experts. Our guide easily explains what to look for and what to avoid when considering upgrading your wellness with an infrared sauna blanket. 

How Do Infrared Sauna Blankets Work?

The best infrared sauna blankets (also known as just “sauna blankets” or sometimes “red light therapy blankets”) mimic the experience of a sauna by enveloping your body and producing spa-grade infrared light to directly penetrate your skin to produce sweat. But unlike saunas, your body won’t feel overheated; most sauna blankets come with a way to control the level of heat, either by way of remote control that can be plugged into an outlet so you can relax while you steam, or by simply peeling back the blanket when it gets too hot (you should not feel faint or overheated when you’re using a sauna blanket).

Sauna blankets should also not be confused with portable saunas, which also re-create a spa-like experience at home, but in a mini tent that heats up, rather than a blanket. While portable infrared saunas have their benefits, they are more cumbersome and won’t be as comfortable or relaxing to use compared to an infrared sauna blanket.The best way to use an infrared sauna blanket is lying down and using the blanket to form a “cocoon” or sleeping bag-style wrap around your body. It’s similar to tucking yourself into bed, albeit under the power of red light therapy.

How We Chose the Best Infrared Sauna Blankets

We tested each sauna blanket at home, considering factors like portability, ease of use, and ease of maintenance (I.e. how easy the blankets are to clean and maintain).

We narrowed down the options we tested to only include new models released in last year or so, and models from trusted brands — each model we looked at has above-average reviews across customers and retailers.

Each of the sauna blankets we reviewed are also suitable for multi-purpose use — from stress relief and recovery to health benefits like sweating out toxins from your skin.

What Are the Best Infrared Sauna Blankets?

You don’t have to go to a pricey spa or gym to get the therapeutic effects of an infrared sauna. Below, we’ve rounded up the best infrared sauna blankets that you can buy online right now.

Best Overall: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket  

Best for Beginners: Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket 

Open-Arm Design: SurmountWay Sauna Blanket

Runner Up: MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket

Best Budget Pick: VANELL Sauna Blanket

1. Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket

After rigorous testing and countless uses, Sun Home Saunas is the clear winner in terms of quality, design, and safety. 

We conducted an EMF (electromagnetic field) test to measure the radiation output and out of all of the sauna blankets, Sun Home had the lowest (zero EMF). They attribute this to new EMF-blocking technology they have integrated called Faraday. This makes the Sun Home blanket the safest in the industry, by far. 

With a huge temperature range, this Sun Home infrared sauna blanket is great for newbies and sauna veterans alike. It can be adjusted between a mellow 95 degrees and an intense 167 degrees. The temperature, as well as the timer function, is easily adjustable using the blanket’s control panel. 

The blanket itself is made of a comfortable, easy-to-clean material, and industrial-grade zipper does a great job of trapping heat while you get your sweat on. Plus, a year-long warranty ensures peace of mind in case anything should happen to the blanket. They also have a risk-free 30 day trial which is another value-add. 

Lastly, they have more 5 star reviews than any other infrared blanket brand and is beloved by celebrities and used in the NBA, NFL, MLB, UFC, and more. They are also the market-leader for actual in home saunas and we believe they use some of the same technology in the blanket. 

If you want to get into a sauna self-care routine, there’s no better blanket to pick up than this one from Sun Home. . 

 BUY SUN HOME INFRARED SAUNA BLANKET $499

 

2. Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket

For those who are nervous about saunas or looking to ease their way into the infrared blanket experience, HigherDose may be a good choice. The blanket is heavy without feeling suffocating, and surprisingly comfortable. The product reaches a decent temperature but in our opinion it doesn't get as hot as fast or as high as other brand's like Sun Home Saunas. Everything was easy to set up and understand right out of the box. HigherDose has been around for a long time and is a reputable company, but the price tag doesn't justify in our opinion. 

BUY HIGHER DOSE INFRARED SAUNA BLANKET $599

 

3. SurmountWay Sauna Blanket 

We love this blanket’s hands-freeing design which makes it easy to change the song on your relaxation playlist or the channel on the TV you’re watching. The blanket lets you relax and enjoy yourself. There’s also a helpful safety feature that automatically disconnects when the blanket exceeds 85 degrees. The foldable design makes set up and storage a breeze. The two downsides with this model is it has a far higher EMF level and it appears to be a drop-shipped product from China. For those who are looking to sweat on a very tight budget, this product may be for you. 

BUY SURMOUNTWAY SAUNA BLANKET $125.99

 

4. MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket 

MiHigh is a popular infrared blanket brand but in our opinion is a cheaper version of Sun Home Saunas. The EMF levels are far higher (no radiation blocking technology) and the outer layer just feels less premium. They also have a one year warranty and 30 day trial which we thought mirrored other premium blanket companies. The control panel is pretty standard and gives you flexibility for how hot you want the blanket. It's worth noting that when we ordered this product for testing it took 3 weeks to get to us as it shipped from Australia where the company is headquarted.

BUY MIHIGH INFRARED SAUNA BLANKET $499

 

5. VANELL Larger Infrared Sauna Blanket 

VANELL’s sauna blanket is available in two sizes and a variety of colors for added personalization and comfort. Made from high-quality Oxford cloth exterior and a waterproof PVC exterior, it’s extremely easy to zip up thanks to its hands-free design (though you zip them inside if you’d like. The remote control makes controlling the temperature easy, but will automatically shut off once it exceeds 82 degrees to avoid overheating.

 BUY VANELL INFRARED SAUNA BLANKET $160.00

 

Infrared Sauna Blanket Buying Guide

Here are a couple more things to keep in mind when shopping for the best infrared sauna blankets for you.

Material: Look for a blanket that is made of waterproof PVC, which is both durable and comfortable to lounge in. It should be easy to clean and wipe down afterwards too — usually with a towel or a good disinfectant wipe.

Features and Capabilities: It’s important to evaluate things like temperature range and timer settings, while also checking to see if it boasts any extra features, like EMF blocking technology or zipper enclosers. We also recommend looking for a blanket that’s foldable, which is easier to store and maintain.

Important Things to Consider

It’s important to remember that because you’re going to be sweating, you’ll need to make sure you are hydrated before and after you plan on using the blanket. We also recommend easing into the experience of using your blanket, always in moderation. As you’re starting out, don’t exceed 100 degrees until your body has acclimated to the experience. It is generally recommended to never exceed three times a week for 30 minutes of use, so start off small and work your way up as it becomes more routine. When using the blanket, make sure to wear clothes that are looser and made from breathable material; tighter clothing can make your body feel overheated. If you’re ever feeling lightheaded or dizzy, make sure to stop using the blanket and have some water.

After you’re finished with a session, make sure to take a warm shower and wash away the lingering sweat to wash away the lingering sweat and impurities; using water that’s too cold can shock your body, so be sure to ease your body back into homeostasis.

Are Infrared Sauna Blankets Worth It?

Though some see it as gross, sweating is extremely beneficial to our body’s overall health and wellness; the glands that produce sweat assist our skin with filtering out harmful toxins. There’s also an increase in blood circulation throughout our organs, muscles and tissues, which can in turn nourish our skin cells and give it a natural, healthier glow.

There’s also evidence that suggests that using these blankets can help with regulating anxiety, by lowering cortisol levels and helping you feel more “enveloped” (similar to a weighted blanket).

Many athletes also swear by infrared treatments to help their bodies recover faster after a workout, with the heated blankets helping to ease sore muscles and body aches.

The Takeaway

At-home sauna blankets are a great alternative to visiting public spas or bathhouses, and have made it easier than ever for anyone to start a daily or weekly sauna habit. 

While they can be pricey, some of the best options on the market now cost as little as $400– which may be a small price to pay given the wide range of immediate and lifelong benefits.