Infrared saunas cost between $1,800 and $15,000, depending on the size, brand, materials, and features. For example, a compact one-person unit might start around $1,500, while a larger, luxury two- to four-person model with chromotherapy lights and premium wood finishes can run well over $5,000.
But price isn’t the only factor to consider. You need to understand what you’re paying for in terms of health benefits, durability, installation, and long-term use, which are just as important. In this guide, we’ll break down the full cost of owning an infrared sauna, including initial purchase, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Quick Price Overview: What to Expect
The infrared sauna market includes budget-friendly portable units as well as premium installations that rival traditional spa experiences. Here's how the pricing breaks down across different categories and what you can expect at each level.
For a quick side-by-side look at models in every price tier, browse our full infrared saunas collection to compare specs as you read.
Entry-Level Infrared Saunas
When you're just dipping your toes into the world of infrared saunas or need something compact and easy on the budget, you’re looking at the Entry-Level tier, which usually falls between $1,600 and $2,000. These units are perfect for one or two people and focus on delivering the core benefits of infrared therapy, like improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and natural detox, without a hefty price tag.
What’s great about this tier is that you’re still getting genuine therapeutic value without luxury bells and whistles. Most models use straightforward far-infrared panels to heat your body directly, not the air. They heat in the 120 to 140°F range, which is warm enough to induce sweating and relaxation, yet gentle on your system.
You’ll find basic safety features like automatic shut-off timers and simple controls, a standard glass door, and wood like hemlock or engineered lumber that keeps things sturdy without driving up costs.
The dynamic Barcelona infrared sauna is a good example of a sauna in this category. This sauna heats up quickly with reliable carbon heater panels, offers a straightforward digital control panel, and includes just enough amenities to feel like a spa at home: a tempered glass door for light and openness, a modest sound system, and quality hemlock wood.
Good For:
- First-timers exploring infrared benefits
- Small-space dwellers or apartment dwellers
- Users who want value-driven wellness without upscale extras
Mid-Range Infrared Saunas
If you're ready to upgrade from the basics and invest in a more immersive sauna experience, go for saunas in the mid-range category. These saunas offer more space, advanced materials, and smarter features that take your infrared sessions to the next level. They’re priced between $2000 and $5000.
You can expect better construction quality and more thoughtful design choices at this level. Many mid-range saunas feature full-spectrum infrared heating, combining far, mid, and near-infrared wavelengths for deeper, more complete therapeutic benefits.
You’ll often find low EMF (electromagnetic field) emissions for safer use and extras like chromotherapy lighting, upgraded audio systems, and even ergonomic bench seating. These aren’t just boxes that heat up; they’re wellness spaces designed to help you unwind, recover, and reset.
If EMF exposure is on your radar, our detailed infrared saunas emf guide breaks down what the numbers mean and how leading brands keep levels low.
Another big step up in this tier is size and comfort. Mid-range saunas accommodate 2 to 4 people, making them a good fit for couples, small families, or anyone who prefers extra room to stretch out.
They're also more visually polished, with better finishes, cleaner lines, and smoother control interfaces. While still relatively easy to install, some models may require a dedicated space in your home, like a basement corner, gym room, or garage.
A good example in this category is the Golden Designs Bergen 3-Person full-spectrum infrared sauna. This sauna comfortably fits up to three people and features full-spectrum heating, combining far, mid, and near-infrared for maximum wellness impact.
It's constructed from natural Canadian hemlock, includes chromotherapy lighting, a premium sound system with Bluetooth, and offers one of the best heating panel-to-body ratios in its class. Here’s how it looks:
All these features and their price just under $5,000 make it a solid representation of the mid-range category.
Best For:
- Homeowners with a bit more space
- Wellness-focused users seeking deeper infrared therapy
- Couples or families wanting a shared sauna experience
Premium Infrared Saunas
Premium infrared saunas are the top-of-the-line saunas, designed for those who want a truly elevated home spa experience. These models usually start at $5,000 and go well beyond $10,000, offering the most advanced technology, craftsmanship, and comfort. If you're looking for something that feels luxurious, lasts for years, and looks as good as it performs, this is the tier for you.
What sets premium saunas apart isn't just the price. It’s the attention to detail and depth of features. You’ll find hybrid heating systems that combine traditional steam with full-spectrum infrared for a customizable experience. These saunas are often built with high-grade materials like Western red cedar or sustainably sourced hardwoods that resist warping and smell amazing when heated. The heat distribution is precise and consistent, often powered by medical-grade, ultra-low EMF panels.
Golden Designs Monaco Limited edition 6-person full spectrum infrared sauna is a clear premium pick with its large 6-person capacity, PureTech™ Near Zero EMF heating technology for safer, more effective infrared therapy, and a solid Canadian hemlock construction for durability and natural beauty. See how the interiors look:
The Monaco has interior and exterior LED control panels, a built-in sound system with Bluetooth capability, chromotherapy lighting, and tempered glass accents. Its spaciousness, smart design, and high-end features make it an ideal fit for anyone serious about infrared wellness.
Premium saunas also come with upgrades: touchscreen smart controls, Bluetooth speakers, chromotherapy lighting, air purification systems, and even salt walls or aromatherapy diffusers. Many premium models offer space for four or more people, with carefully designed interiors that include ergonomic benches, backrests, and mood lighting for a relaxing atmosphere.
Best For:
- Wellness-focused homeowners with dedicated spa spaces
- Large households or social sauna users
- Anyone looking to invest in top-tier, long-lasting infrared therapy
What Affects the Price of an Infrared Sauna?
Understanding the factors influencing infrared sauna pricing helps you evaluate whether you get genuine value or pay for unnecessary features. Several key elements determine the final cost of your investment.
1. Size & Capacity of the Sauna
The size of an infrared sauna is one of the most significant factors affecting its price. Generally, the larger the sauna, the higher the cost. This is due to increased materials, heating requirements, and energy consumption.
However, size also affects how many people can comfortably enjoy the sauna at once, which may influence the long-term value depending on your needs.
Single-person saunas are the most budget-friendly. They’re compact, require only 25 to 30 square feet of space, and use just 1 to 2 heating panels. This makes them ideal for small apartments or users with limited room.
Since they require less power to heat, they’re also cheaper to run. For example, a model like the Golden Designs Reserve 1-Person Infrared Sauna offers essential infrared therapy without taking up much space or adding to your energy bill.
Two-person saunas step things up with more interior room and heating power. These models require about 40 to 50 square feet, and use approximately 50% more heating capacity than single-person units. While they’re a bit more expensive to buy and run, they’re more cost-effective per person, especially for couples or roommates who plan to use the sauna regularly. You're essentially getting twice the experience for a fractionally higher cost.
Four-person and larger saunas move into a more premium or even commercial-grade category. These larger models require more structural materials, advanced heating systems, and sometimes custom electrical wiring (like dedicated 20-amp circuits). They offer the most immersive experience and are perfect for families or group wellness sessions. While the upfront cost can exceed $5,000, you’re investing in a luxury amenity that can transform your space into a full wellness retreat.
For instance, the Golden Designs Monaco Limited Edition 6-Person Sauna features enough room for group use, full-spectrum infrared heating, and top-tier features like chromotherapy and Bluetooth speakers, making it an ideal example of what this size category can offer.
2. Infrared Technology Type
Not all infrared saunas are created equal in terms of the type of heat and wavelengths they use. Understanding the differences between far infrared, full-spectrum infrared, and near infrared can help you choose the right sauna for your wellness goals.
Let’s explore the types briefly:
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Far Infrared Saunas
Far infrared saunas are the most common and generally the most affordable. They use longer wavelengths between 3 and 1000 microns that deeply penetrate your muscles and tissues. This deep heat promotes detoxification through sweating and helps relax sore muscles and joints.
Because far infrared technology is well-established and simpler to produce, these saunas tend to have lower prices, making them a popular choice for beginners and those on a budget.
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Full-spectrum infrared saunas
Full-spectrum infrared saunas combine the three types of infrared light: near, mid, and far.
- Near infrared (0.7–1.5 microns) primarily benefits your skin and surface tissues, promoting healing, collagen production, and cellular energy.
- Mid-infrared (1.5–3 microns) helps improve circulation and eases inflammation closer to the skin’s surface.
- Far infrared targets deeper tissues for detox and muscle relaxation.
This offers a broader range of health benefits but comes with a higher price tag due to the complex engineering and multiple heating panels required.
For example, some mid-range and premium saunas feature full-spectrum heaters that let you customize your session depending on your focus, whether skin rejuvenation or deep muscle relief.
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Near-infrared saunas
Near infrared saunas, focusing mainly on skin health and surface healing, often use red light therapy principles. These units emit shorter wavelengths and are sometimes integrated into specialized panels for targeted treatments.
While near infrared alone can be less expensive than full-spectrum systems, precision-engineered near infrared panels, especially those designed for medical or therapeutic use, can raise costs due to the advanced technology involved.
For a deeper dive into wavelength benefits before you decide, check out the near vs far infrared saunas guide for a clear comparison.
3. Materials & Build Quality
The materials used in an infrared sauna and its construction quality impact its price and longevity.
One of the most prized materials for sauna cabins is Canadian hemlock wood. Known for its stability and strength, hemlock has a low resin content, which means it doesn’t produce sticky sap or odors that can be unpleasant when heated. It also offers a gentle, natural aroma that many users find soothing during their sessions.
Because of its premium quality, saunas built from Canadian hemlock, especially those with precision-cut joinery for a tight, sturdy fit, can cost 30 to 50% more than those made from more common woods like pine or poplar. This investment has better durability and a more luxurious look and feel.
4. Features & Add-ons
While the core purpose of an infrared sauna is therapeutic heat, modern saunas are often equipped with a range of extra features that advance the overall experience. Whether you’re looking for better ambiance, sound, or control, the extras you choose will influence the cost and your daily enjoyment.
Let’s start with built-in audio systems. Many saunas now come with Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to play your favorite music, podcasts, or guided meditations during your session. Basic systems cost an extra $50 to $150, but if you opt for a high-end sauna with multiple speakers and subwoofers, that can add anywhere from $300 to $800. While this might seem like a luxury, excellent sound quality can improve your relaxation and make daily use more appealing, especially for users who enjoy immersive, spa-like environments.
Lighting is another area where features can vary widely. LED lighting systems may be as simple as soft, white ambient lights (usually adding $50 to $100) or as complex as fully programmable chromotherapy systems. These advanced systems can cycle through a range of colors, let you set the mood based on your preferences, or sync with specific wellness programs. They typically add $200 to $500 to the sauna’s price. In premium models, the lighting might adjust automatically based on the time of day or session length, enhancing your circadian rhythm or relaxation response.
Tips for Buying the Best Infrared Sauna for Your Home Gym or Spa
1. Evaluate your available space
Before choosing a sauna, account for ceiling height, door clearance, and whether the space can handle the sauna’s electrical needs (most plug into a standard outlet, but larger units may require a 20-amp circuit).
Also, check for proper ventilation, even though infrared saunas don’t heat the air like traditional steam units, good airflow helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps your space comfortable.
2. Define your wellness goals upfront
Not all infrared saunas offer the same health benefits. A far-infrared sauna may be sufficient if you're focused on muscle recovery or deep tissue relaxation. Consider models that include near-infrared or red light therapy for skin health and surface-level healing.
If you want a more rounded experience, go for full-spectrum infrared, which combines near, mid, and far wavelengths. Knowing your goals will help you choose features that support your health routine.
3. Consider long-term operating costs, not just the price tag
Infrared saunas are generally energy-efficient, but the cost of running one several times a week can add up, especially with larger models. Look for units with low energy consumption, well-insulated cabins, and efficient carbon fiber heaters, which heat more quickly and evenly. A slightly more expensive sauna that runs more efficiently may cost less to operate in the long run than a cheaper, less efficient unit.
4. Think through installation and assembly logistics
Some saunas are designed for easy DIY setup because they arrive in pre-fabricated panels that two people can assemble in under an hour. Others may require professional installation due to specialized wiring, extra-large size, or complex assembly steps.
If your home gym or spa area isn’t already wired to handle a sauna, factor in electrical upgrades and possible installation fees into your budget.
5. Research EMF ratings and safety certifications
If you plan to use your sauna frequently, it’s worth paying attention to EMF (electromagnetic field) levels. Some saunas are built with near-zero or low-EMF technology, which can reduce long-term exposure.
Look for safety certifications like ETL, CE, or RoHS, which indicate that the sauna meets recognized safety and performance standards.
6. Look into warranty terms and customer support
Infrared saunas are long-term investments, so knowing what kind of support you’ll get if something goes wrong is essential. A good warranty (ideally covering heaters, control panels, and wood structure) indicates product confidence.
Also, check if the brand offers responsive customer service, especially when dealing with shipping, assembly questions, or part replacements.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the proper infrared sauna for your home is more than price; it’s about finding a wellness tool that fits your lifestyle, space, and goals. Whether you’re looking for deep muscle relief, daily relaxation, or long-term health benefits, taking the time to understand your options ensures you get the most value from your investment.
At premiumsaunas.com, buying a sauna should feel as restorative as using one. That’s why we focus on carefully selected models, honest product details, and a supportive customer experience from start to finish. Wherever you are in your wellness journey, we’re here to help you make a choice that feels good, now and for years to come.
If you’re ready to explore your options, browse our collection or reach out with questions. We’re happy to help.
