What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best infrared sauna blankets, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and spent an additional 120 hours testing seven new options, bringing our overall total to 14 products and over 30 days (720+ hours) of testing. Based on our testing, we evaluated each infrared sauna blanket for ease of setup, ease of use, design, and value, and included these new testing insights in our article.
• We’ve updated our Key Specs throughout this article to include whether each blanket has an auto shut-off function, an important safety feature.
• Based on our testing insights, we added four new superlatives: Most Comfortable, Best With Massage Feature, Best for Total-Body Healing, and Easiest to Store. 
• We consulted with one new expert, a physical therapist, to ensure our recommendations for shopping for and using sauna blankets are accurate and up-to-date. 

What to Look for When Shopping for an Infrared Sauna Blanket

• Materials: Most infrared sauna blankets are made from waterproof materials that wipe down easily to improve their durability. Nylon and polyurethane (PU) leather are two of the most common exterior materials you'll find. Inside, your blanket may have a soft cotton lining, and underneath, some blankets have layers of crystals for an even more relaxing, luxurious experience.
• Temperature Range: On our list, you’ll find blankets with minimum temperatures between 68 and 113 degrees and maximum temperatures between 150 and 194 degrees—that’s a lot of variation. Before buying an infrared sauna blanket, check its temperature range to make sure its heat settings start as low—and get as high—as you want them to.
• Settings: Some sauna blankets simplify your experience, giving you just a few temperature and timer settings to toggle through. Others give you total control, letting you pick the precise temperature and time limit you want. Consider how many settings you’re interested in sifting through, and pick an infrared sauna blanket that you’ll find user-friendly.
• Closure Style: Most infrared sauna blankets have either zippers or hook-and-loop fasteners. Be sure the blanket you choose has a closure you’ll find easy to use. Also, pay attention to where the closure starts and stops: Does the blanket leave your shoulders exposed? Is it designed with arm holes or sleeves? 
• Portability and Storage: Your infrared sauna blanket should be big enough to comfortably accommodate you, but small enough to store. If you want to be able to bring your blanket on the go, look for one that comes with a convenient carrying bag.
• Price: You can expect to spend anywhere from about $150 to over $700 on a high-quality infrared sauna blanket. More budget-friendly options may not be as durable or comfortable, as they're usually thinner. Pricier blankets often feature crystals, magnets, and additional layers that add weight and lend a high-end feel. Ultimately, it all comes down to your budget and what kind of experience you want to create at home.

How We Tested the Infrared Sauna Blankets

To find the best infrared sauna blankets, we spent over 30 days testing 14 options at home from popular, trusted brands. When testing infrared sauna blankets, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: After unboxing each blanket, we note how easy it is to set up. Are the instructions clear? How long did it take us to open the blanket and start our first session? We also note how many people it takes to set up the blanket and how heavy it is to move around.
• Ease of Use: An infrared sauna blanket is only a good investment if you enjoy using it, so we pay close attention to how easy each blanket is to operate. We ask ourselves how complicated the remote is and how many settings it offers. We also consider whether the blanket has any arm holes or sleeves that allow us to adjust the temperature while we use it. Features like these help us determine which blankets are best for beginners as well as more experienced users.
• Design: A sauna blanket's design can significantly impact its comfort, ease of cleaning, and usability, as well as its storage convenience. Does it look and feel high-end, or are we unimpressed by the materials and construction? We also check where the remote is attached to the blanket and whether it heats up evenly while we use it. Durability is important, too—a poorly designed blanket won't hold up to regular use or high temperatures, so we make sure to extensively test each blanket.
• Value: To assign each blanket a value score, we wait to look at the price until the end of the testing period, after we've evaluated each option in all other key categories. Based on the blanket's performance, do we think it's priced fairly? Would we recommend it to a friend or a family member? Infrared sauna blankets that receive a high value score often offer quality that exceeds their value.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us understand how infrared sauna blankets work, their benefits, and how to use them safely and effectively. We choose products independently, although input from experts influences our decisions.

• Kerry Martin, PhD, exercise physiologist and director of science at Biostrap
• Andrea Paul, MD, medical advisor at Illuminate Labs
• Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, physical therapist at Tribeca Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of an infrared sauna blanket?

According to Paul, infrared saunas may have anti-inflammatory benefits that can help with recovery after an intense workout. Similar to taking a NAD supplement, this type of heat therapy may also help boost immunity and heart health, as well as combat age-related decline. Additionally, some studies suggest that regular use may improve the quality of your skin; however, further research is needed.

How do infrared sauna blankets compare to a classic sauna?

While infrared saunas often emit near- and far-infrared rays, Martin says that infrared sauna blankets only emit far-infrared rays. Sauna blankets are also smaller, more portable, and more budget-friendly compared to traditional infrared saunas, making them easier and more cost-effective to have in your home.

How often can you use an infrared sauna blanket?

Martin says that experts recommend using an infrared sauna blanket two to three times a week to experience noticeable benefits. He notes that many people use it daily, with some using it twice a day. It’s always best to consult your doctor before using an infrared sauna blanket to ensure it’s safe for you.

What should I wear under an infrared sauna blanket?

Since infrared sauna blankets get so hot, most brands recommend wearing clothes while using them. Some even suggest sliding a soft towel between your skin and the blanket.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, has worked at Verywell Fit since 2022 and is currently a writer for the brand. As a certified exercise physiologist and avid runner, she specializes in testing fitness and recovery gear, including walking sandals, ankle support shoes, massage guns, infrared sauna blankets, and more. She uses her fitness experience and expertise to recommend only the best products to Verywell Fit readers.

Additional reporting contributed by Megan Foley and Lindsey Lanquist

Megan Foley is a Verywell Fit writer and professional ballet dancer who has tried a wide range of recovery tools in and out of the physical therapist’s office. She has firsthand experience of how they can impact athletic performance. She uses heat therapy after long cross-training sessions and performances to accelerate the recovery process. 

Lindsey Lanquist is a writer for Verywell Fit and has seven years of experience in the health and fitness space. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.