I Tested The Best Infrared Sauna Blankets — These Actually Make You Sweat

I love the health benefits of sweating it out (and I don't just mean in the gym). Regular sauna use is linked to a variety of health benefits, including pain relief1, post-exercise muscle recovery2, and improved heart function.

As a city-dweller with limited space and budget, I've turned to the best infrared sauna blankets to get my detox fix. Like infrared saunas, these blankets use thermal light to heat your core temperatures from within, and they're similar in size to a sleeping bag (albeit an extremely heavy one).

But while I love using my infrared sauna blanket, I know the dangers of poorly made designs: electrical issues, EMFs, and even toxic chemicals. That's why I've made it my mission to find the safest and most effective infrared sauna blanket on the market.

Infrared light is an invisible wavelength that's longer than red light—which has its own science-backed benefits.

Emitted by all objects in the universe (including the sun), infrared light can be felt as heat, which "penetrates human tissue, cells, and organs more easily than conventional heat," per Lana Butner, N.D., board-certified naturopathic doctor.

What does that mean for you? These blankets don't need to hit extreme temperatures to make you sweat. And in the long run, that actually makes them more beneficial to your health.

I'm already a huge fan of Bon Charge's science-backed wellness products—and its near-infrared sauna blanket is no exception. The quality is evident from the moment you unbox the non-toxic vegan leather blanket.

A low-EMF heating system warms up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit (the hottest on the market) and our commerce editor could feel how much warmer this blanket felt compared to other models. I'd argue the special heat-balancing layer, which senses temperature imbalances, actually makes a huge difference in how hot the blanket feels.

Although the design uses more energy to operate (600 watts), the velcro edges ensure it fully traps heat. And if you're too warm—an actual issue you might have with this design—the controller lets you easily adjust the temperature and length of your session.

My favorite part? Your order comes with a carrying case to make transport and storage extremely easy.

If you need another trustworthy brand in the biohacking space, New York-based HigherDose delivers with its best-selling infrared sauna blanket. The third-party tested blanket warms up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit—which is just warm enough to get your heart racing.

The construction layers a far-infrared heat panel on top of a detoxing panel of charcoal, clay, and magnets to balance heat and generate negative ions. And while I'm not personally huge on crystals, it's worth calling out that the bottom is just that: healing amethyst and tourmaline crystals.

Both mindbodygreen co-founder Colleen Wachob and commerce editor Carleigh Ferrante tested out this design for our guide. They loved how simple it was to use the blanket and noted how quickly it warmed up despite the lower wattage.

I'll just call out that although the blanket is made from waterproof polyurethane, Ferrante warns the optional Sauna Blanket Towel Insert shouldn't be optional. The blanket doesn't come with a bag either, which is a pain for storage.

One of my biggest concerns with an infrared sauna blanket was excess exposure to electromagnetic fields3, which is why I was drawn to Heat Healer's Infrared Sauna Blanket. It incorporates a layer of EMF-blocking copper to reduce your risk.

I'm also a huge fan of the decision to skip PU in favor of a premium heat-resistant amide fabric (used in astronauts' spacesuits and firefighters' uniforms), which is tested by a third party to ensure the materials don't contain toxins.

Other standout elements include a built-in timer, adjustable heat settings, and a waterproof head pillow that won't absorb sweat. There's also a special layer of 96 smooth jade and tourmaline stones added to help more evenly disperse heat across the body—which, again, doesn't do much for me!

If you want to spend slightly less, then I recommend the Sun Home Saunas Infrared Blanket. While it's not third-party tested like the other options on this list, it is built to be low-EMF.

I also love that the controller allows you to pick the exact temperature that you want instead of forcing you to pick between presets. This is also great for people who might be sensitive to heat, as you can opt for a lower temperature.

I docked points for the control unit. Our tester flagged that the unit only shows temperature in Celcius rather than Fahrenheit and needs a slightly longer cord.

That being said, there's plenty to love about the more affordable pick—which our tester compared to a luxury sleeping bag.

Still not sure which design is right for you? Here are the top factors that I'd recommend considering before your purchase:

Size

Most infrared sauna blankets are built to accommodate an array of body shapes and sizes.

Portability

If you're hoping to take your blanket on the go, you'll want to consider how foldable and portable it is. A few options on our list come with carrying cases for easy storage and transport. Just note that higher-quality blankets also tend to be heavier.

Budget

FIRS blankets cost anywhere between $130 and $600; higher-tech options tend to cost over $300, which might feel steep—however, if you're hoping to use your blanket for a long time and want to be assured that you'll have access to customer service or a reliable warranty, spending the extra cash is worth it. 

Design

Infrared sauna blankets elevate your internal temperatures, which briefly puts your body into a state of stress. While typically, stress is considered bad for the body, certain types of strategic stressors could prove beneficial in a concept known as hormesis. This brief stint of stress triggers a cellular response that may improve how you manage stress and slow down aging.

As functional medicine doctor Amy Shah, M.D., previously told mbg, "When we stress our hormones out a little bit, we get great results in the long term. It's a concept written extensively in medicine." 

Infrared sauna blankets and the best infrared saunas have similar benefits, but the right choice depends on factors like your budget, use-case, and (most importantly) space.

Fully-immersive infrared saunas don't allow heat to escape as easily, and you'll likely be more comfortable as you can change positions throughout your session and use your arms.

Butner deems infrared sauna blankets a "fantastic alternative" to a full-body, closed system sauna—but she has a few tips for maximizing your usage.

1. Start Slow: She recommends starting with 10 to 15 minute sessions, warning that it's "not a competition" to maximize time.

2. Know When To Stop: Butner says it's also important to understand when to stop, warning "blankets shut off after 50 minutes, which is both for safety (electrical hazard) and to not overwhelm the body with the release of toxins."

3. Rehydrate: "Replete your water stores with alkaline electrolyte water," she advises. "Detox is all about having enough nutrients and enough hydration to adequately allow for toxins to flush out of your system, therefore, staying hydrated is key."

Infrared sauna blankets are an easy way to bring the sweat-dripping sensation of a sauna into your home—as long as you find a trusted retailer with a low-EMF design that prioritizes non-toxic materials. I recommend the Bon Charge design for those who want to maximize their sweat, while the Heat Healer is great for those who are above 6 feet. Ultimately, I stand behind all of my recommendations on this list.

And if you're on a red-light kick, keep it going with our roundup of the best red light therapy devices for your skin.