Best Infrared Saunas 2024: Clearlight vs Sunlighten
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Infrared saunas have surged from niche biohacking tool to mainstream wellness essential. Research shows regular sauna use can reduce all-cause mortality by up to 40%, improve cardiovascular fitness, enhance detoxification, and accelerate recovery. But with premium models costing $5,000–$12,000+, choosing the right brand matters. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the two industry leaders — Clearlight Saunas and Sunlighten — head to head on everything that counts.
Why Infrared Saunas? The Clinical Evidence
Before comparing brands, let's establish why infrared saunas deserve consideration. Unlike traditional Finnish saunas that heat the air to 185–200°F, infrared saunas use light wavelengths to heat the body directly at a more tolerable 120–150°F.
- Cardiovascular health: The landmark Finnish Kuopio Study (2,315 men, 20-year follow-up) found that men using a sauna 4–7x/week had a 40% lower all-cause mortality risk compared to 1x/week users.
- Detoxification: A 2012 study in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health showed induced sweating effectively eliminated heavy metals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
- Growth hormone: Heat stress from sauna sessions can increase growth hormone levels by 200–300% in a single session, according to research discussed by Dr. Rhonda Patrick.
- Inflammation and pain: Infrared sauna therapy reduced pain scores and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis patients in a 2009 clinical pilot study.
Andrew Huberman recommends 3–7 sauna sessions per week at 176–212°F for 20–30 minutes, or infrared sauna sessions at lower temperatures for similar heat exposure benefits.
Clearlight Saunas: Overview
Clearlight Saunas (by Jacuzzi) has been manufacturing infrared saunas since 2003 and is considered the gold standard in the biohacking community. Key features:
- True Wave II heaters: Full-spectrum infrared (near, mid, and far) carbon/ceramic combination heaters
- Ultra-low EMF: Clearlight's proprietary shielding delivers EMF levels under 1 milliGauss at point of contact — the lowest in the industry
- Medical-grade construction: Eco-certified, non-toxic Western Red Cedar or basswood
- Lifetime warranty on all components
- Price range: $5,499–$11,999 depending on model size
Sunlighten Saunas: Overview
Sunlighten has operated since 1999 and offers multiple product lines at various price points. Key features:
- SoloCarbon heaters: Patented heater technology with clinical studies backing their specific wavelength output
- mPulse series: Full-spectrum with customizable near, mid, and far infrared blend via touchscreen
- Low EMF: Under 3 milliGauss (higher than Clearlight but still well below safety thresholds)
- Clinically tested: Sunlighten is the only brand with peer-reviewed studies conducted on their specific heaters
- Price range: $3,499–$10,999 depending on model
Head-to-Head Comparison
EMF Levels
Winner: Clearlight. Clearlight's True Wave II heaters consistently measure under 1 mG at the body surface. Sunlighten's SoloCarbon heaters measure under 3 mG. Both are safe (the EPA guideline is under 3 mG for prolonged exposure), but Clearlight offers a meaningful advantage for EMF-conscious consumers.
Heater Technology & Heat Distribution
Winner: Tie. Clearlight uses carbon/ceramic hybrid heaters that produce excellent surface heat uniformity. Sunlighten's SoloCarbon technology has the advantage of being the only infrared heater with published clinical studies. The mPulse series allows users to independently control near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths — a feature Clearlight does not offer.
Build Quality & Materials
Winner: Clearlight. Clearlight uses thicker wood panels, eco-certified non-toxic materials, and a more robust overall construction. Sunlighten's Signature series matches this quality, but their more affordable models use thinner wood and less premium finishes.
Pricing & Value
Winner: Sunlighten. With models starting at $3,499 (the Solo System), Sunlighten offers more accessible entry points. Their mid-range Signature series offers strong value around $6,000–$8,000. Clearlight's premium pricing means the lowest entry point is ~$5,499.
Warranty
Winner: Clearlight. Clearlight offers a lifetime warranty on all components (heaters, electrical, wood, labor). Sunlighten offers a limited lifetime warranty that varies by component (lifetime on heaters, 7 years on electrical, 5 years on other parts).
Who Recommends Each?
Clearlight: Recommended by Dr. Rhonda Patrick, Ben Greenfield, and numerous functional medicine physicians.
Sunlighten: Featured in peer-reviewed clinical studies and recommended by several integrative medicine clinics.
How to Optimize Your Infrared Sauna Routine
Regardless of which brand you choose, follow these evidence-based protocols:
- Frequency: 3–5 sessions per week for cardiovascular benefits
- Duration: 20–40 minutes per session
- Temperature: 130–150°F for infrared (lower than traditional sauna)
- Hydration: Drink 16–32 oz of water with electrolytes before and after. Consider LMNT electrolytes for sodium and potassium replacement.
- Combine with cold exposure: Alternating sauna and cold plunge (known as contrast therapy) amplifies cardiovascular and norepinephrine benefits.
Our Recommendation
Best overall: Clearlight Sanctuary 2 for serious biohackers who prioritize ultra-low EMF and lifetime warranty.
Best value: Sunlighten Signature series for those who want clinical-grade infrared at a more accessible price point.
Best for customization: Sunlighten mPulse series for independent control over near/mid/far infrared wavelengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are infrared saunas as effective as traditional Finnish saunas?
Both produce significant health benefits. Traditional saunas heat the air to higher temperatures, while infrared heats the body directly. Infrared saunas are more tolerable and may promote deeper tissue penetration at lower ambient temperatures. The Kuopio study used traditional saunas, but subsequent research on infrared saunas shows comparable cardiovascular and detoxification benefits.
How much space do I need for a home infrared sauna?
A 2-person model (the most popular size) typically requires approximately 4' x 4' of floor space with 7' ceiling clearance. You will also need access to a standard 120V or 240V outlet depending on the model.
How long do infrared saunas last?
Quality infrared saunas from Clearlight and Sunlighten are built to last 15–20+ years with minimal maintenance. Heaters have no moving parts and rarely fail.
Should I be concerned about EMF exposure from infrared saunas?
Both Clearlight and Sunlighten produce EMF levels well below EPA safety guidelines. Clearlight's sub-1 mG levels are essentially negligible. If EMF is a top concern, Clearlight is the clear winner.