Portable Infrared Saunas are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason, they provide enormous healing benefits, both for the body and the mind.
However, people aware of EMF radiation’s dangers often wonder, is a portable infrared sauna safe?
This is a very valid question that I want to take a serious look at.
In this guide, I’m going to answer all the questions you have ever had about infrared Saunas, as well as recommend what I think are the best low EMF portable infrared saunas on the market.
In a hurry? This is the BEST Low EMF Portable Infrared Sauna:
Durherm Infrared Sauna, Low EMF Negative Ion Portable Indoor Sauna
Ultra low levels of EMF radiation, tested to range from 5-15 milligauss (mG)
Roomy enough to sit comfortably but small and light enough to be used in your house or apartment. Quick and easy setup and heat up within minutes
3 heaters and an ultra thin carbon fiber heating element providing 104-140 degrees Fahrenheit with increments of 9 degrees and convenient time settings
What Is A Portable Infrared Sauna?
A sauna is an enclosed space used for raising the body temperature to provide various health benefits, including (studies listed below in the References section):
- Stress Relief
- Deep relaxation
- Relaxation of muscles
- Relief from aches, pains, and discomfort
- Release toxins
- Burn calories
- Improved sleep
- Healing benefits
- Boost immune system
We’ll cover the benefits of saunas in more depth down below, but suffice it to say that they have tons of health benefits, making them very popular, compared to a traditional sauna.
There are two primary differences between your traditional sauna and a portable infrared sauna.
Portability
The first one is obviously that they are portable, making them easy to pack up, move around, or even take with you. A traditional sauna is typically something you can access in a gym or high-end home, but it’s not accessible to the average person.
They have a very small footprint and are typically just large enough for you to sit inside with a folding chair.
Infrared Heat
The second is how they heat the body. Again, we’ll cover this in much more detail below our product reviews, but your traditional sauna raises the body temperature through hot steam raising the temperature of the air around you.
Infrared saunas (usually utilizing infrared), on the other hand, raise the body temperature through infrared light, providing many additional health benefits, as well as working faster and more efficiently.
Low EMF Portable Infrared Sauna Buyers Guide
Before we get to the best low EMF saunas, let’s talk a little bit about what I think you should be looking for. These will also be many of the categories I’ll focus on in my reviews.
Since this is focused on the EMF radiation danger that can be common with infrared saunas, the first thing I’ll talk about in each review, and the thing I prioritize most, is the EMF safety of the sauna.
Low EMF Levels
EMF Radiation – There are many ways these saunas can reduce the EMF radiation from these devices (and we’ll talk about how you can measure this radiation yourself later on), but it is important that this is a primary factor for the maker.
Reasonable Price
Price – Next, we’ll talk about the price of the saunas; for the most part, all of these will be quite affordable, but I’ll also give you my opinion on what kind of value you are getting.
Features
Features – Then, we’ll talk about the available features for the sauna. This can be a really important factor, as many of these saunas are rich with features such as variable heat settings, level of heat, remote control, timing options, foldable chair, etc.
Comfort Level
Comfort – Since you’ll be in these saunas for quite a long time, it’s important to find one that fits you well and is relatively comfortable for the duration.
Most have one port for your head, and two more for your arms. The design of these, you’ll come to find out really matters for the comfort of the sauna.
Accessories
Accessories – For pretty much all these portable infrared saunas, you will need a folding chair and a foot pad. Many of these come with it, but not all of them.
We’ll also look for this as well, and let you know if the sauna comes with them.
Okay, now that we’ve talked about some of the things you should be on the lookout for, let’s take a look at my recommendations best low EMF infrared saunas.
5 Best Low EMF Portable Infrared Saunas
Okay, now let’s actually talk about the best low EMF portable infrared saunas you can get for your money.
Just as a reminder, I’m taking many factors into consideration when giving my recommendation, but because of the amount of EMF radiation these saunas can emit, I’m weighing the EMF danger of the saunas much higher than the other factors such as price and features, but I’ll talk about this in the individual reviews a bit.
1. Durherm Low EMFs Negative Ion Portable Indoor sauna (with chair and heated foot pad)
I placed the Durherm Low EMF Portable Sauna on the first spot of this list because of the fact that this sauna emits almost no EMF radiation at all.
Though it’s a bit expensive when compared to others, the quality of the materials used and the overall build justifies the price tag.
It’s made to provide safety and comfort so users can experience a nearly EMF-free sauna.
It also has the features that you want and expects in a high-quality infrared sauna.
It is the best Low ELF Portable Sauna that works using Infrared and here are the reasons:
Low EMF – This is an article on the lowest EMF saunas so I would be remiss to not start off with the Durherm review by saying it’s a low EMF sauna.
They claim that the electromagnetic radiation levels are between 200 and 600 times lower than any other far infrared sauna on the market, and it’s absolutely true.
One user did a complete test of a typical portable infrared sauna and compared it with the Durherm and the results were spectacular. They used the Trifield meter for their measurements. In the first sauna they tried, they were getting readings all over the sauna anywhere from 30 – 200 mG (milliGauss), which is far higher than the recommended max of 3mG for safe levels of EMF radiation.
After testing the Durherm, they didn’t get readings above 3mG anywhere they tested it, completely proving the company’s claim that the sauna produces almost no EMF radiation whatsoever.
Features
Tourmaline Panels – If you read my post on the best low EMF heating pads, you probably have a better understanding of the amazing benefits of tourmaline. It’s a rare, semi-precious stone that has amazing healing and detoxification benefits, as well as emitting negative ions that help balance the body.
Tourmaline is used in all types of relaxation techniques, massages, therapies, and much more; and has been used for hundreds of years because of these benefits.
The timer and heat settings range from 5-30 minutes with increments up or down of 5 minutes and a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unit Size – The Durherm is a nice large size, making it a comfortable fit for anyone. The specifications are 31.5″ W x 33″ D x 41″ H with a weight of 25 pounds.
Accessories – Like any good quality portable sauna, the Durherm comes with a nice foldable chair to go inside and a high-quality far infrared integrated footpad.
It also comes with 2 nice, plush, washable neck collars that you can swap in and out for added comfort and cleanliness.
It also comes with a nice handheld temperature and timer controller that slips into a convenient little pocket so you can control everything.
Price – This is NOT the least expensive sauna on the market, in fact for portable saunas it is on the higher end of the scale. However, just know that you get what you pay for. The Durherm not only is one of the lowest EMF sauna on the market, but also features negative ion, Tourmaline panels, tons of features, and more.
Customer Satisfaction – The reviews for the Durherm are excellent, and it seems like just about everyone is satisfied with its comfort, quality, low EMF radiation, and reliability.
Although the price is quite high, it seems like most people agree that it is worth the investment upfront to get something that is both extremely high quality, and very safe.
Final Thoughts
Although this is a relatively expensive unit, if you’re worried about EMF radiation like you should be, this infrared heat option may be worth it to you. Farther down in this article, I’ll talk a little bit about how you can measure the EMF radiation of these saunas for yourself, and I think you’ll find that this one makes it worth the money.
2. 1Love Sauna Dome Luxor Zero EMF Technology (Black), Far Infrared Therapy, Professional Sauna with Infrared Mat. Germanium, Tourmaline, Bian, Jade Energy Stones. 360 Degree Complete Luxury
Although this is not the average sauna you sit in like the others listed here, this lay down, mat-style FAR infrared sauna dome is a great option.
Low EMF
The 1Love Sauna dome has an overall average EMF reading of about 0.15 mg with an average ELF of 13.59 V/m. Although not zero EMF, none of the infrared heating saunas listed here will be truly zero EMF but some are certainly lower than others.
This sauna does a nice job of walking the line between low levels of radiation and health benefits like relief from stress.
Price
This is the major downside to the 1Love Sauna dome. It is certain on the higher-priced end, but I will review some of the features next, and if you’re using it on a daily basis, it might be something to consider.
Features
The 1Love Sauna dome has three independently controlled heating zones with a temperature range of 77-194 degrees. It has timer-controlled 1200-watt carbon fiber heaters.
Additionally, 360 degree focused Far Infrared (FIR) rays surround your entire body for full exposure and the deepest absorption.
Premium construction includes 326 Germanium, Tourmaline, Bian, and Jade stones. Enhances Far Infrared, releases negative ions
The dimensions are 32″ x 18″ x 72″ with a maximum user height of 6’6″ and maximum far-infrared intensity of 194 degrees Fahrenheit.
Comfort
1Love recognizes that keeping your head cool helps them to be more comfortable (compared to a traditional sauna) and you will benefit from the sauna dome.
Another benefit of the sauna dome is it is lay-down style, where you can truly relax while you get the level of heat necessary to unlock the health benefits. So know that you will not receive a foldable chair with this sauna.
If you’re considering a premium sauna option that also has the flexibility of being portable, this might be the best option for you.
3. Durasage Personal Ultra Low Emf Portable Infrared Sauna Spa for Relaxation at Home
The Durasage ultra-low EMF sauna is fairly new to the market but a pretty incredible product.
Price
One of the only reasons it is lower on this list is the price, which is quite high at the time of writing. I think for the high price, you’ll be a little better off with the Durherm, however, this is a great product.
First of all, the design and comfort are completely fantastic. The neck holder is extremely soft, like a high-end towel that zips out and can be washed separately from the unit. It also comes with a second washable cloth collar so you can continue to use the sauna while one is in the wash!
Low EMF
They designed this product specifically to produce some of the industry’s lowest EMF readings, and I think they hit the mark with it. In fact, they state that the EMF readings from this sauna should range from 0-15 mg (milligauss) when the meter is directly touching the panel.
They also state that where the user sits should never go above 5 mG, which is incredible for a portable infrared sauna.
Features
It’s designed to be easy to set up. You can easily fold the sauna and the foldable chair and store them under your bed or in your closet when you are finished using it.
It has a convenient front pocket to read a book or use your device while using the saunas. To keep the heat in, close the two zippered arm openings.
The dimension is 32″ W x 33″ L x 41″ H, and something to note is the maximum weight for the chair is 220 pounds.
Comfort
The set comes with a chair and a fantastic heated footpad. It also comes with a 30-minute adjustable timer and a really great remote control with tons of settings.
Overall this is a fantastic product that delivers everything you would ever want in a low-emf portable infrared sauna. If you can afford this, and don’t want to go with the Durherm, this is probably the best product you’ll find anywhere.
4. BB BROTHER BROTHER Low EMF Oversize Portable Indoor Infrared Sauna (with Negative Ion for Detox, Relaxation Better Sleep, No Need to Bend Down to Fit, Home Spa with 9 Accessories)
This low EMF infrared sauana from Brother Brother is one of the newer entrants to the market, but I realy like some of the features they’ve included, and the early reviews are incredible.
Low Levels of EMF Radiation
First, they have ensured that their product is Low EMF, which was clearly a priority from the beginning when they set out to make this product.
Right in the product description, they claim that although this infrared sauna includes all the features you’d expect from a high-end sauna, it also has very low EMF levels. In fact, they claim that no matter where you are in the Sauna, the EMF levels never exceed 4mg (milligauss) when measured from the seat, which is in the realm of very safe levels.
The fact that they were able to achieve such low EMF readings is honestly amazing.
Now that we’ve talked about the low EMFs from this sauna, let’s talk about some of the features I like most:
Features
First of all, I love the heated foot-pad/foot massager that this comes with. If you sit in an infrared sauna, it’s really nice to have the relaxing distraction of your feet being warm and massaged. That’s a level of luxury, not even a traditional sauna can offer!
I like the handheld controller, I think it’s really user-friendly and easy to control.
I love that this infrared sauna includes a negative Ion generator. This is a feature you won’t see in most low EMF portable infrared saunas or traditional saunas.
I also appreciate how easily this sauna folds up along with the foldable chair and stored away in a nice black storage bag.
Comfort
The cabin is also quite large and should fit just about any body size and type.
The dimensions are 38″ x 32″ x 42″.
The heat settings are clear and include 165 degree + infrared panels. Not your average sauna!
Overall, I really think that this is one of the best low EMF portable infrared saunas on the market, and I would happily recommend it to just about anyone.
5. OppsDecor Portable Steam Sauna Spa, Personal Indoor Sauna Tent Remote Control, Chair, Timer Included (One Person Sauna for Therapeutic Relaxation Detox at Home)
OppsDecor’s portable infrared sauna is a bit newer to the market but has absolutely incredible reviews. It comes with a foldable chair, remote, a nice-sized sauna, and a foot mat.
Features
The tent heats up really fast at around a 5 minute warm-up, which goes by really quickly.
I also liked that you can easily add essential oils to the heating mechanic, which allows for great relaxation and health benefits.
Low EMF
The way that this portable infrared sauna was designed, it has fairly low EMFs, although not as good as the Durherm that we talked about above.
Price
The price is also great about this low EMF portable infrared sauna. At the time of writing this article, it was one of the least expensive saunas available, which makes it a fantastic value.
This might be the best budget option, but double-check the EMF levels with an EMF meter to be safe. The above options are better choices for the overall lowest EMF sauna.
Why You Should Choose a Low EMF Infrared Sauna
Let me talk a little bit about EMF radiation and its effect on our bodies.
Most people think that radiation comes primarily from gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, and smart meters, routers, TVs, and many others.
That is true in certain ways, but most people don’t know that infrared saunas from the ones I’ve listed above can also emit EMF radiation in significant amounts.
The radiation then combines the heat of the sauna’s reflective surfaces and causes it to be amplified.
That is why it’s important to find the lowest EMF sauna that emits the lowest amount of radiation like the Durherm while taking advantage of many health benefits.
Reducing Your Exposure to EMF Radiation When Using a Sauna
To avoid overexposure to EMF radiation, you should choose an infrared sauna that emits less than 3 milligrams of radiation.
If this is not an option for you, then be sure to limit your use of the sauna to just thirty minutes per day.
The only way to truly know your level of EMF exposure from a radiant sauna is to use an EMF meter. You can test the levels to ensure you’re getting the healing benefits of a radiant sauna without too much exposure to EMF radiation.
The EMF meter I use and always recommend is the Trifield EMF meter from Amazon.
Next, you must ensure that you are reducing your exposure to radiation in general EMF (electromagnetic field).
Reducing Your EMF Exposure in the Rest of Your Life
If you’re being diligent about your exposure to EMF radiation in other parts of your life, this can help offset any additional radiation from infrared panels.
Be sure to check out some other articles for tips on how to do this successfully:
How Do I Block EMF In My House?
Mastering the art of turning off wifi
How Much EMF Radiation a Laptop Emits (and what to do about it)
Smart Meter Shields For EMF radiation
Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas provide many incredible benefits, so let‘s take a second and discuss some of the amazing benefits they offer.
Several studies on these benefits are listed below in References. Here’s a recap:
Remove Toxins
Far infrared heat warms the skin without heating the surrounding air, allowing the body to produce a healthy sweat. Sweat has lots of health benefits, including helping you lose weight and removing toxins from the body.
Deep inside a sauna, sweat is primarily used to keep the body cool, but the deep nature of sweat has also been known to remove heavy metals from the body, including nickel, mercury, zinc, and more.
Saunas are often recommended by doctors for people who need to detoxify their body, but be sure to discuss this with your doctor if you’re pregnant, may become pregnant, or have any other health issues.
Sooth Muscles and Joints
One of the best benefits of owning an infrared sauna is that it helps relieve pain in muscles and joints. After a hard workout, you might feel sore. Go into the sauna. Do you have arthritis in your knee? Go into the sauna. Do you have any pain in your back? Go into the sauna.
As your body absorbs the heat of the infrared light, your skin begins to warm up, which causes your blood vessels to dilate and increase your circulation. It helps speed up the healing of the muscles and gives you a wonderful relaxed feeling. It can also help you eliminate the lactic acid buildup that occurs during a tough workout.
Stress Relief
Stress relief is one of infrared spas’ most commonly reported health benefits. They’re so easy to use; it isn’t stressful to set them up or get inside. You can easily watch TV or read a magazine while soaking in the healing infrared light at home.
The warmth you‘ll feel in your body will really help you melt your stress away. Once you sit down in one of these low EMF Saunas, you’ll feel increased circulation, a substantial relaxation of your muscles, as well as an overall sense of relaxation.
Clearer Skin
Saunas have been used for centuries for their amazing powers at cleansing and refreshing the body. Far infrared heaters cleanse away dead skin cells and promote the growth of new ones, so they’re ideal for clearer skin.
Boost Immune System
Sauna bathing has dramatically reduced your chances of contracting colds and flu. The reason why this happens is that the heat from the saunas promotes the production of white blood cell that fight viruses and bacteria, keeping the body healthy.
Is An Infrared Sauna Better Than A Steam Sauna?
One of the best benefits of having a portable infrared sauna is that you can take it anywhere or move it into any room. You can set it in the living room and enjoy watching TV with your family while receiving the healing and health benefits without missing out.
Compared to traditional saunas, infrared saunas are a less expensive option.
There are also the energy costs. The carbon infrared panels used in portable saunas are very energy efficient and don’t use very much electricity.
The humidity in steam rooms can be uncomfortable for some people and make them claustrophobic because of the high heat and being inside the room. An infrared sauna benefits from of warming the whole body, but your arms and head can be outside to stay comfortable and relaxed.
A regular steam sauna has some benefits, but overall portable infrared sauna may give you more flexibility, portability, comfort, and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
If a traditional sauna is out of your budget or you don’t happen to have a mansion-style bathroom to install one, a portable infrared sauna at a fair price might be a great option for you.
As you’re doing your research, don’t overlook the infrared heater panels and your exposure to EMF radiation. You might get some nice features like a handy remote or an infrared footpad, but know that the human body should only be to so much radiation from the electromagnetic field.
Resources and References
Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr 24;2018:1857413. doi: 10.1155/2018/1857413. PMID: 29849692; PMCID: PMC5941775.
Frequent sauna bathing has many health benefits – https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180801131602.htm
Mero A, Tornberg J, Mäntykoski M, Puurtinen R. Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. Springerplus. 2015 Jul 7;4:321. doi: 10.1186/s40064-015-1093-5. PMID: 26180741; PMCID: PMC4493260.
Sears ME, Kerr KJ, Bray RI. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sweat: a systematic review. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:184745. doi: 10.1155/2012/184745. Epub 2012 Feb 22. PMID: 22505948; PMCID: PMC3312275.
Podstawski R, Boraczyński T, Boraczyński M, Choszcz D, Mańkowski S, Markowski P. Sauna-induced body mass loss in young sedentary women and men. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014;2014:307421. doi: 10.1155/2014/307421. Epub 2014 Dec 31. PMID: 25614882; PMCID: PMC4295591.
