Infrared sauna pods are full-body capsules that look similar to a tanning bed, but instead of UV light used to tan, they offer infrared light. While most of your body is enclosed, your head is outside the pod, offering the majority of your body the benefits of infrared light.

Because infrared light heats the body from the inside out, infrared sauna pods are different than traditional saunas. They don’t get as hot as quickly and offer slightly different benefits. An infrared sauna warms you rather than the surrounding air. By widening the blood vessels with infrared light, sauna pods are thought to increase blood flow and oxygen levels throughout the body. This, in turn, helps speed up the healing process after an injury and can help you lose weight.

Compared to other infrared saunas, sauna pods are typically more comfortable, as they are ergonomically designed to fit the body’s natural curves. However, infrared sauna pods cost a great deal more than home saunas, and there are far fewer options to choose from.

Infrared Sauna Pod Benefits

Although not completely proven, the benefits of infrared therapy for the human body are extensive. Detoxification, pain relief, muscle tension reduction, relaxation, improved circulation, weight loss, skin purification, reduced diabetes side effects, immune system boosting, and reduced blood pressure are just a few.

For a comprehensive list of benefits (taken from the Cleveland Clinic), see the list below:

• Helps to accomplish weight loss and management goals
• Minimizes cellulite
• Hardens and tones muscles
• Enhances stamina & vitality
• Prolongs post-workout calorie burning for as long as 24 hours.
• Eliminates toxins through perspiration
• Pain relief
• Unwinds stress and assists in relaxation
• Improves cognitive performance
• Promotes healthier sleep

Best Infrared Sauna Pod

The Cocoon Infrared Sauna Pod is widely regarded as the best infrared sauna pod for fitness, relaxation, and wellness. This luxurious experience is meant to help you relax after a long day of work by giving you a gentle vibration massage, infrared light benefits, and a private setting.

What I like most about the Cocoon Pod is that eight different fitness and wellness technologies are combined to offer a wide range of benefits. This includes two types of heat (infrared and dry), a full-body vibration massage, Himalayan pure ionic crystal salt tiles, cooling face fans, and aromatherapy.

Unfortunately, this infrared sauna pod costs almost $15,000 and is typically reserved for specialty spas.

Best Home Alternatives to Infrared Sauna Pods

As I mentioned above, sauna pods are very expensive. If you are looking for a home infrared sauna but don’t want to spend a fortune, here’s our top choice. If you want to check out our full lineup of saunas, check out our shop, or read the article at this link regarding our favorite infrared saunas.

Dynamic Barcelona 2-Person Sauna

Dynamic 1-2 person sauna is designed for ease of use and is an outstanding value when compared to an infrared sauna pod. Assembly is a snap and takes less than 1 hour. Enjoy the convenience of operating a Dynamic Sauna with its dual soft touch control panel and LED display featuring sauna temperature and time functions. Play your favorite music through the sauna’s built-in MP3 aux connection with speakers.

The sauna plugs into any dedicated 15 amp 110-volt outlet so no special wiring is required and the sauna may be installed on carpet and at any indoor location including the basement, garage, master bath, or walk-in closet. With a price tag of only $1,799, it’s a no-brainer choice.

Shop for the Dynamic 2-Person Sauna

Conclusion

While infrared sauna pods offer a wide range of benefits, they are very expensive and typically only found in specialty spas. The best infrared sauna pod is the Cocoon Wellness pod, but if you are looking for an infrared sauna option for home use, I recommend the Dynamic Barcelona Sauna.