5 Best Low EMF Portable Infrared Saunas [2025]
*The information on EMF Academy is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please review our full Medical Disclaimer for more details. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.
Portable Infrared Saunas are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason, they provide an enormous amount of healing benefits, both for the body and for the mind.
However, many EMF-conscious people are concerned about radiation exposure from these devices.
That’s a valid concern, as some infrared saunas emit high levels of EMF radiation, which may pose health risks over time.
Luckily, low-EMF portable saunas provide a safer alternative.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know, including:
- How infrared saunas work
- The top low-EMF sauna models available
- How to measure and reduce EMF exposure
- And much more…
Table of Contents:
What Exactly Is A Portable Infrared Sauna?
A sauna is a room or a container intended to raise the body temperature to provide all types of health benefits, such as:
- Stress Relief
- Deep relaxation
- Relaxation of muscles
- Relief from aches and pains
- Release toxins
- Burn calories
- Improved sleep
- Boost immune system
We'll cover the benefits of saunas in more depth down below, but suffice it to say that have tons of health benefits.
There are two primary differences between your average sauna and a portable infrared sauna.
The first one is obviously that they are portable, making them easy to pack up, move around, or even take with you.
They have a very small footprint and are typically just large enough for you to sit inside with a folding chair.
The second is how they heat the body. Again, we'll cover this in much more depth down below the product reviews, but your typical sauna raises the body temperature through hot steam raising the temperature of the air around you.
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the surrounding air, infrared saunas use far infrared light, which directly penetrates the skin and warms the body from within.
This targeted heating method allows the body to absorb heat more efficiently, leading to deeper tissue warmth, increased circulation, and faster detoxification; all without raising the room temperature.
Low EMF Portable Infrared Sauna Buyers Guide
Before we get into my recommendations for the best low-EMF saunas, let’s go over what you should be looking for.
These will also be the key categories I focus on in my reviews.
Since this guide is focused on EMF radiation dangers, the first and most important thing I’ll look at is the EMF safety of the sauna.
However, there are other factors that are important as well.
EMF Radiation (Top Priority)
There are multiple ways manufacturers can reduce EMF radiation in infrared saunas (and later, I’ll talk about how you can measure this radiation yourself). But at the end of the day, EMF safety should be a primary focus of any sauna you consider.
I'll be sure to talk about the EMF safety and radiation levels of each sauna.
Price
Infrared saunas can vary widely in price, so I’ll discuss how much value you’re getting for your money.
Most of the saunas I recommend are quite affordable, but I’ll still go over whether or not the price is justified based on what the sauna offers.
Features
Many infrared saunas are packed with features, and these can make a big difference in your overall experience. Some things I’ll look at include:
- Variable heat settings (so you can control temperature)
- Timers and auto shut-off (for safety and convenience)
- Extra features like chromotherapy lights or oxygen ionizers
Comfort
Since you’ll be sitting in these saunas for quite a while, comfort is really important.
Most portable infrared saunas have a port for your head and two for your arms, and how these are designed can make a big difference in how comfortable you’ll be.
Accessories
For most portable infrared saunas, you’ll need a folding chair and foot pad to use inside. Some saunas come with these, but others don’t.
I’ll make sure to mention whether or not they’re included with each sauna.
5 Best Low EMF Portable Infrared Saunas
Now, let’s get into the best low-EMF portable infrared saunas available today.
While there are plenty of factors to consider, such as price, features, and comfort, EMF safety is my top priority in this article.
Infrared saunas can emit significant EMF radiation, so I’ve carefully selected ones that minimize this risk while still being a good value and quality product.
In the individual reviews, I’ll break down how each sauna measures up in terms of EMF levels, overall quality, and value for the money, so you can find the best option for your needs.
Sauna Model | EMF Rating (Estimated) (mG) | Heat Settings | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
1. Durherm Low EMF Sauna | 0.3 – 3 mG | Up to 140°F | Tourmaline panels, negative ions |
2. Durasage Ultra Low EMF | 0 – 5 mG | Up to 150°F | Heated footpad, washable collar |
3. Radiant Saunas BSA6315 | 5 – 15 mG | Up to 150°F | Air ionizer, carbon panels |
4. SerenaLife Infrared Home Spa | 10 – 20 mG | Up to 140°F | Lightweight, budget-friendly |
5. IdealSauna Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Sauna | 10 – 13 mG | Up to 140°F | Negative ion output, carbon panels |
1. Daurherm Low EMF Negative Ion Portable Indoor Sauna
Check the current price on Amazon.
I ranked the Durherm number one for a few reasons, but the primary reason is that this sauna is almost EMF radiation-free.
Although it is relatively expensive in comparison to most, it is also extremely high quality and made with the intention of providing the user with a safe, EMR-free sauna experience, with all the comfort and features of a very high-quality infrared sauna.
Now let's talk a little bit about the features, and why I think this is the absolute best Low EMF portable infrared sauna on the market.
Low EMF – There is no other portable sauna on the market that will produce as little EMF radiation as the Durherm, in fact, it is almost miraculous how low the radiation is.
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.
Tourmaline Panels – Tourmaline is 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.
Unit Size – The Durherm is a nice large size, making it a comfortable fit for anyone.
Accessories – Like any good quality portable sauna, the Durherm comes with a nice foldable chair to go inside, as well as 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 the lowest EMF sauna on the market, but also features negative ion, Tourmaline panels, tons of features, and more. So although it is a bit more expensive, it is absolutely worth it in my opinion.
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 will absolutely 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. Durasage Personal Ultra Low EMF Portable Infared Sauna
Check the current price on Amazon.
The Durasage ultra-low EMF sauna is actually fairly new to the market but it's 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!
They designed this product specifically to produce some of the lowest EMF readings in the industry and I think they hit the mark with it.
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 is sitting should never go above 5 mG, which is really incredible for a portable infrared sauna.
I think it's really cool to see how many companies are making EMF radiation exposure a priority in their product designs.
The set comes with a mediocre 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.
3. Radiant Saunas BSA6315 Portable Infrared Sauna Review
Check the current price here.
The Radiant sauna BSA6315 is my next pick because it is a really great value for the money.
The EMF Radiation is not nearly as low as the Durham, but it does take steps to have lower EMF radiation overall which we'll talk about.
I think the BSA6315 is a nice intersection between quality and price.
You get most of the features and quality of other premium saunas but for a bit lower price.
Now let's talk about some of the features I like about this Sauna.
EMF Radiation – The BSA6315 uses 3 or 4 low EMF radiation carbon panels to produce the infrared light, so the EMF radiation will be less than many other saunas.
However, you will still be able to measure EMF radiation from this, it will just be relatively low in comparison to most.
It is also very energy efficient, meaning it uses much less electricity than most to produce the same level of relaxing heat, saving you money and reducing the radiation even more.
Accessories – Of all the portable infrared saunas I reviewed here, this one comes with the nicest foldable chair by far.
It is a comfortable wide seat that works well for extended sessions.
The unit also comes with a nice remote that has all the heat and timer settings you would expect with a nice sauna.
It also comes with a really nice infrared footpad as well that provides a nice amount of comfortable heat to your feet.
Air Ionizer – The Radiant Sauna comes with a clean air ionizer that consistently applies negative ions to the air for a cleaner, fresher experiences the whole time you're in the cabin.
Heat Settings – There are a total of 5 heat settings that you can choose from providing infrared heat all the way up to 150° Fahrenheit. For most users, this seems to give them all the options they are looking for.
Easy Setup – The setup for the Radiant sauna is super quick, and only takes about 1 minute. The unit folds up very small and is easy to store, but when you're ready to use it, it pops right up and you can be relaxing and comfortable in a very short time.
Price – This is a very affordable unit overall, although there are cheaper saunas on the market, this is about as inexpensive as you can get a quality portable infrared sauna. Most people who have reviewed this product seem to agree that it is well worth the moderate price.
Customer Thoughts – The customer reviews on Amazon were incredibly positive, with almost everyone agreeing this is an incredible sauna overall.
People loved the chair that it comes with, although some people reported they wished it was just a tad bit taller. Others loved how quickly they began sweating and getting the detoxification and muscle relaxation results they were hoping for.
Final Thoughts
Overall I gave this my second rating because I think it is probably the best portable infrared sauna on the market for the money.
It didn't receive my highest rating because it does produce a noticeably larger amount of EMF radiation than the Durham, which just goes unrivaled in this respect.
4. SerenaLife Portable Infrared Home Spa
Check the current price on Amazon.
I wanted to review this one next because it is one of, if not the best-reviewed portable infrared saunas on the market.
In my opinion, this is primarily because of the low price, but it also has some great features as well for the money.
Let's talk about some of the reasons this spa is so popular.
EMF Radiation – As I said, this is not the lowest EMF sauna on the market, however, it produces FAR less than your average sauna. Like the radiant sauna, the SereneLife uses 3 low EMF carbon panels for the infrared heat that do work quite well. The panels are also very energy efficient so they heat up quickly and use less electricity than most.
Accessories – Like the other saunas I reviewed, the SereneLife portable sauna does come with a fold-up chair, as well as an infrared mat for your feet. It also comes with a nice remote that allows you to set a timer up to 60 minutes and set the temperature up to 140° Fahrenheit or just about anywhere in between.
Cabin Size – The cabin size of the SereneLife is a bit smaller than most, which makes for a very lightweight and sleek design, but can make it feel a bit more cramped than some other saunas.
Setup – The setup is very quick and simple, if you take a look at the Amazon page for the SereneLife there is a nice video showing how the unit works, as well as how you can set it up and take it down in just a few seconds.
Customer Reviews – This is absolutely one of the best-reviewed saunas on the market. Customers were extremely satisfied with how nice the unit was and how well it worked, especially for the money. It provided all of the relaxation and healing benefits you would expect from a portable infrared sauna.
Price – The SerenLife home spa is one of the lowest-cost saunas on the market, and is a fantastic value.
Final Thoughts
This is not the lowest EMF sauna on the market, but it does take it into account which I appreciate it. It packs a ton of value for the money which makes it worth at least trying. However, If I were to pick this sauna up, I would certainly check out my section on measuring the EMF radiation from saunas so you can measure this and evaluate for yourself.
All in all, though, this is a great entry-level sauna that is certainly worth the money.
5. Idealsauna Infrared FAR IR Negative Ion Portable Indoor Personal Sauna Review
Check the current price here.
The next one I want to take a look at is the IdealSauna Infrared home spa, which is actually a pretty nice unit for the money.
It is a low-priced unit with most of the features and accessories that you've come to expect through this review. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.
Accessories – Just like the others, the ideal sauna comes with a chair, a heating pad for your feet, and a nice remote.
The remote however only goes up to 30 minutes, which I found odd, as many people like to have spa sessions much longer than 30 minutes.
Low EMF – This is certainly not the lowest EMF unit in this review, but it does sport nice carbon infrared panels with negative ion output that will reduce the EMF radiation a bit. Some reviewers measured readings around 10-13 mG, which is more than you would want, but much much less than some saunas not in this review.
Heat Up Time – The manufacturer says it takes about 5 minutes to reach desired heat, which compared to some of the others is actually fairly slow, so you may want to keep that in mind.
Price – The price is certainly on the low end for portable infrared spas, but is actually a pretty fair price for this unit in my opinion.
Cabin Size – The cabin size is mid-range, it is not the smallest, but not nearly as large or as comfortable as the Durherm.
Where Can I Buy The IdealSauna Infrared Sauna?
You can see the listing and current price right here.
Ok, now that we've talked about the top low EMF portable infrared spas, let's get into the details about how these spas work, the benefits they provide, why you should want a low EMF sauna, and how to measure it for yourself.
Let's start by talking about infrared light.
What Exactly Is Infrared Light?
Infrared light is invisible light, that is on the exact opposite end of the spectrum from ultraviolet light.
Although it is invisible to the eye, it can certainly be felt. The most common source of infrared light that you will encounter is sunlight. Although you don't see the light rays themselves, you will certainly feel them on your skin.
Infrared light also is only a form of indirect heat, meaning that it will not heat anything except the object that absorbs it.
This is why it is not used to heat rooms but is used in things like infrared saunas. Since it does not heat the air around it, but only the final object, it is extremely efficient at heating the body.
This allows heating to happen faster, and significantly more evenly as opposed to typical heating sources.
What Is The Difference Between Near and Far Infrared Light?
The technical difference is essentially what it sounds like. Far infrared light is the farthest end of the spectrum, and near-infrared light is the portion of infrared closest to the visible range. Take a look at this image to get a visual for this. The “NIR” is the near-infrared light and the “FIR” is the far-infrared light.
Near-infrared light, like the sun emits, is very positive for the body, and is great at raising your body temperature, helping to relieve pain and stiffness, improving blood flow, and improving your skin.
Far infrared light is what you will see more commonly in portable infrared saunas however it is more likely to produce the sweating we think of with Saunas. Far infrared light is also more common for things like low EMF heating pads.
Far infrared lightwaves are more varied and usually are associated with benefits like detoxification, feelings of euphoria, weight loss, and much more, which is why portable infrared saunas can be so incredible.
Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas provide a ton of incredible health benefits, so let's take a second and talk about some of the amazing benefits you can expect.
Stress Relief
One of the most commonly reported benefits of infrared spas is stress relief. They are so simple to use, they are not stressful at all to set up or get inside. Once you've started, because they are so portable, you can easily watch tv or read a magazine while bathing in the healing infrared light.
The warmth you'll feel on your body and on your feet will really help you melt away your stress. Once you sit down inside any of these low EMF saunas, you'll feel increased circulation, a significant relaxation of your muscles, and overall just a super relaxed feeling.
Remove Toxins
Since far infrared heat warms the body, without warming the air, it allows the body to produce a nice healthy sweat. This sweat has tons of health benefits including weight loss, but it also helps remove toxins from the body.
Although sweat is primarily used to cool the body, the deep nature of sweat inside a sauna has been known to help reduce heavy metal levels in the body, removing things like nickel, mercury, zinc, copper, and more.
Many doctors will even suggest saunas for people who need to detoxify their bodies, however, be sure to talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or have any other health concerns.
Sooth Muscles and Joints
One of the best reasons to consider getting an infrared sauna is its amazing power to relieve pain from muscles and joints. Sore after a tough workout? Jump in the sauna. Have arthritis in your knee? Jump in the sauna. Having some pain in your back? Jump in the sauna.
What happens is, as your body absorbs the heat from the infrared light, your blood vessels begin to dilate and dramatically increase circulation.
This helps speed up the healing process of the muscles and gives a wonderful relaxed feeling. It can also help to rid your body of the lactic acid that builds up during a tough workout.
Clearer Skin
Saunas have long been used for their amazing power at cleansing and refreshing the skin. The type of deep sweating you get from far-infrared heating cleanses away dead skin cells and promotes the growth of new ones. It also helps to get bacteria off the skin.
Boost Immune System
Saunas have been shown to dramatically reduce the chance of contracting things like colds and flu.
The reason that this happens is the heat from the sauna promotes the production of white blood cells that fight viruses and bacteria and keep the body healthy.
Related Questions
Although I update this article every year, I originally wrote it in 2018! Since then, I've had lots of great questions get asked.
So, I thought I would round up some of the most common ones and answer them for you, incase you had the same questions as well!
Is An Infrared Sauna Better Than A Steam Sauna?
Many people think so, including me.
One of the best reasons to get a portable infrared sauna is the fact that you can take it with you, or move it to any room.
You can set it up in the living room and watch TV with your family while getting healing health benefits and relaxation without missing out.
The next great thing about infrared saunas compared to larger steam saunas is the price.
Most portable infrared saunas are around one-tenth of the price of a typical steam sauna.
There is also the power usage. The carbon infrared panels used in portable saunas are very energy efficient and don't use very much electricity.
Steam saunas are typically much more expensive to use.
The humidity in steam saunas also tends to bother some people and make them feel a bit claustrophobic due to the high heat.
Infrared saunas give you all the benefits of warming the body, but your arms and head can be outside to keep you comfortable and relaxed.
Although there are some benefits of a traditional steam sauna, overall portable infrared saunas simply give you more flexibility, portability, and efficiency.
Ok, now that we've talked about these things a bit, let's talk about why getting a low EMF sauna is so important.
Why Is It Important To Buy A Low EMF Infrared Sauna?
If you haven't had a chance to read many of the posts in the knowledge section of EMF Academy, I'd encourage you to take a look, as it will provide a ton of information about the dangers of EMF radiation.
However, EMF radiation has been a growing health concern due to its potential biological effects on the body.
Research suggests that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may contribute to:
- Weakened immune function – Studies indicate that long-term EMF exposure may disturb immune system function, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and inflammatory conditions. (Johansson, 2009)
- Chronic inflammation – EMFs can generate oxidative stress, leading to inflammation, which has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. (Schuermann & Mevissen, 2021)
- DNA damage – Some studies have found that prolonged EMF exposure can contribute to DNA strand breaks, which could accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic illnesses. (Gholampour & Mortazavi, 2017)
- Neurological effects – There is evidence that EMFs may impact the nervous system, potentially leading to symptoms like headaches, sleep disturbances, cognitive issues, and increased stress hormone levels.
This is just a sampling of the thousands of studies related to the health impacts of EMF radiation.
Most discussions about EMF dangers focus on high-exposure sources like cell phones, routers, smart meters, tablets, microwaves, etc
However, many people are unaware that infrared saunas can also emit significant EMF radiation.
This radiation exposure, combined with the heat and reflective materials inside the sauna, can intensify EMF absorption in the body.
That’s why it’s crucial to choose a low-EMF infrared sauna, like the Durherm, or one of the other options I talked about above.
How Can I Reduce Exposure To EMF Radiation From Saunas?
The best thing you can do first of all is to get a low EMF radiation sauna.
Primarily try to find one where the exposure from any portion is less than or equal to 3mG.
If you are not able to get a low EMF sauna, then try to limit your use to once a day for 30 minutes or less, as the exposure dangers can be cumulative.
The next thing you can do is lower your exposure to EMF radiation in general, here are some of the basics of EMF radiation protection.
Do Infrared Saunas Have High EMF?
In general, most infrared saunas, portable or not, do emit fairly high levels of magnetic radiation (a type of electromagnetic frequency radiation or EMF). In fact, some can have dangerously high readings.
As we've talked about in this article, and plenty in other articles, excessive long-term exposure to EMF radiation can have detrimental effects on the body.
This is why many manufacturers have begun producing low EMF portable infrared saunas as we've talked about in this article. In my opinion, if you're going to spend a lot of time in an infrared sauna, you should try to get the lowest EMF option available.
What is a Safe EMF Rating For A Sauna?
There is no real clear answer to this, but in my opinion, you want your sauna to have magnetic field ratings under 4 milligauss. You can read more about what constitutes high EMF readings in this article that I wrote.
Many saunas have magnetic field ratings in excess of 20 milligauss or even higher. I prefer to use and recommend products that have the lowest readings possible, but I would suggest you find one with readings under 4 mG, which many in this article offer.
How can you measure EMF radiation from a sauna?
You need to start out by getting a quality EMF meter.
My go-to, and the EMF meter I love the most by far is the TriField TF2 (read my review). It is super easy to use, incredibly accurate, and measures every kind of EMF radiation, which you’ll realize is really important. If you need to start with a lower-cost version I also like the Erickhill.
Having a good EMF Meter is just a good idea in general, as it allows you to make so many positive changes in your home to reduce radiation.
Also, without an EMF meter, it's hard to know if you're actually reducing radiation, or what kind of radiation something is emitting.
To test the radiation of your sauna, start by first getting a measurement with the sauna off and unplugged. This will allow you to establish a nice baseline.
Then, turn your sauna on and turn the temperature up a bit.
After you've let it warm up for approximately 5 minutes, take your first measurement inside the unit right about where you would sit. Then, take measurements around the outside. This will give you a good idea of how much EMF radiation is being emitted at different places.
EMF Protection Basics
Start by reducing your exposure on a daily basis. The following articles will all give you a fantastic foundation on how to lower EMF radiation in your home.
- 11 Ways To Reduce EMF and Dirty Electricity Exposure
- Smart Meter EMF Protection – A Complete Guide
- How To Eliminate EMF Radiation In The Bedroom
- 11 Ways To Reduce Computer Radiation Exposure
If you don’t have time to read through those articles (it’s ok, I totally understand) here are a few of my favorite tips for EMF protection:
- Turn your mobile phone off at night, or if you must use it for an alarm (I'd suggest a simple mechanical alarm clock) then at least put it in airplane mode.
- Use ethernet whenever possible instead of WiFI
- Consider getting rid of your microwave.
- Reduce your exposure to your Smart Meter
- Reduce your use of tablets and smartphones.
- When using your cell phone, try to use a speakerphone or headphones, and try to not put your cell phone right up to your head.
If you can follow some or all of these steps, your overall exposure to EMF radiation will be reduced SIGNIFICANTLY, and you can worry a little bit less about the radiation from your portable infrared sauna.
Final Thoughts On Low EMF Portable Infrared Saunas
Ok, now that we've completely exhausted this topic, let's sum it up. First of all, it is worth putting out a small amount more money to get a quality sauna, that is going to have less EMF radiation.
Next, getting a sauna is absolutely worth it, and has all kinds of amazing physical and mental benefits.
If you're curious about what it'll be like in an infrared sauna, this video might be helpful:
I really hope you enjoyed this enormous guide on low EMF saunas, if you did, please consider sharing!