The best sauna for home in NZ overall is the PORVOO 3 Person Full Spectrum Sauna, thanks to its roomy Canadian Hemlock cabin, full-spectrum red-light and low-EMF carbon heat, and a dedicated foot heater. An infrared sauna for home warms the body directly with light at lower air temperatures than a traditional sauna, so it heats faster and costs less to run.
This guide compares eight infrared saunas sold by TSB Living, ranking each for a specific need, from the best sauna design to the best compact sauna and the best budget pick. A home sauna also pairs naturally with other recovery gear, such as a massage gun, for post-session muscle care.
Quick comparison
| Sauna | Best for | Seats | Heat type | Power | Size (W x D x H) | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PORVOO 3 Person | Best overall | 3 | Full spectrum | 2100W | 150 x 120 x 190 cm | Canadian Hemlock |
| PORVOO 2 Person | Full spectrum couples | 2 | Full spectrum | 1750W | 120 x 105 x 190 cm | Canadian Hemlock |
| Sirius 2 Person | Best design | 2 | Far infrared | 2200W | 125 x 105 x 200 cm | Hemlock + melamine |
| 2 Person Full Spectrum | Best red light | 2 | Full spectrum | 1860W | 118 x 109 x 195 cm | Hemlock |
| 2-3 Person | Flexible space | 2-3 | Far infrared | 2200W | 153 x 103 x 195 cm | Hemlock |
| Aroha 2 Person | Best compact | 2 | Far infrared | 1800W | 118 x 103 x 195 cm | Solid Hemlock |
| 3 Person Full Spectrum | 3-person full spectrum | 3 | Full spectrum | 2260W | 153 x 109 x 195 cm | Hemlock |
| 2 Person Far Infrared | Best budget | 2 | Far infrared | 1700W | 120 x 105 x 190 cm | Hemlock |
What are the benefits of an infrared sauna at home?
Infrared saunas use far, mid or near infrared light to warm the body directly rather than heating the air, which makes the heat easier to tolerate. Owners use them for relaxation, muscle recovery, improved circulation and detoxification through sweating. Far-infrared models give deep, gentle heat and draw less power, while full-spectrum models add near and mid infrared (usually via a red-light tube) for a wider range of infrared sauna benefits, including skin support. Benefits build with regular use rather than a single session.
1. PORVOO 3 Person Full Spectrum Sauna – Best Overall
The PORVOO 3 Person is the best all-round home sauna for NZ buyers who want space and full-spectrum heat. It combines four red-light tubes with low-EMF carbon panels in a roomy cabin measuring 150 cm wide, 120 cm deep and 190 cm tall, a genuine three-person footprint that still fits a garage, spare room or covered deck. Both the interior and exterior are Canadian Hemlock, a step up from the melamine-clad finish on some rivals, giving a clean scent and solid feel.
Heat comes from a full-spectrum system: four red-light tubes plus low-EMF carbon heaters rated 0 to 3 mGs, drawing 2100W, with a dedicated foot heater for even warmth from the ground up. The 8mm dark-brown tempered glass improves heat retention and privacy, and there is 7-colour LED starlight, Bluetooth/FM audio through two speakers, an air vent and a temperature sensor. The trade-offs: it is the largest and most power-hungry cabin here, so it needs floor space and a bigger warm-up, and it ships as four heavy boxes that take time to assemble. It is a permanent cabin, not portable.
Pros
- Roomy genuine three-person cabin
- Full spectrum: 4 red tubes plus low-EMF carbon
- Canadian Hemlock inside and out
- Foot heater and thick 8mm glass
Cons
- Largest footprint and highest warm-up energy
- Four-box delivery and assembly
- Not portable
Key specs: Model PR7994, 3 person, 150 x 120 x 190 cm, Canadian Hemlock interior and exterior, 2100W, full spectrum (4 red-light tubes + low-EMF carbon 0-3 mGs), foot heater, 8mm tempered glass, Bluetooth/FM, 2 speakers.
2. PORVOO 2 Person Full Spectrum Sauna – Best Full-Spectrum for Couples
The PORVOO 2 Person offers the same premium full-spectrum build as the flagship in a two-person footprint, making it the best pick for couples who want red-light plus infrared without a three-seat cabin. It measures 120 cm wide, 105 cm deep and 190 cm tall, with Canadian Hemlock used for both the interior and exterior, so it shares the flagship’s clean look and feel in a smaller space.
It runs three red-light tubes alongside low-EMF carbon panels rated 0 to 3 mGs at 1750W, and keeps the foot heater for even warmth. The cabin has the same 8mm dark-brown tempered glass, 7-colour LED starlight, and Bluetooth/FM audio through two speakers. The trade-offs are that two seats feel snug if you hoped to stretch out fully, the full-spectrum tubes run hotter than plain far-infrared panels, and like the larger model it ships across four boxes and needs assembly.
Pros
- Premium full spectrum in a smaller cabin
- Canadian Hemlock inside and out
- Foot heater and 8mm glass
- 7-colour starlight and dual speakers
Cons
- Snug for stretching out
- Full-spectrum tubes run hotter
- Four-box assembly
Key specs: Model PR7993, 2 person, 120 x 105 x 190 cm, Canadian Hemlock interior and exterior, 1750W, full spectrum (3 red-light tubes + low-EMF carbon 0-3 mGs), foot heater, 8mm tempered glass, Bluetooth/FM, 2 speakers.
3. Sirius 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna – Best Design
The Sirius is the best-looking cabin in the range and the pick for anyone chasing the best sauna design. It wraps a solid Hemlock interior in a sleek melamine exterior for a modern, understated finish that blends into contemporary interiors. At 125 cm wide, 105 cm deep and 200 cm tall it is the tallest cabin here, with a flat, minimal outer profile.
Heat comes from low-EMF far-infrared panel heaters rated 0.3 to 5 mGs at a strong 2200W, high for a two-person unit, so it warms quickly. Inside there is an LED strip plus 7-colour star light, a touch control panel with Bluetooth, FM and USB, and a 6mm tempered-glass door. The trade-offs: the melamine exterior looks smart but is less premium than an all-Hemlock cabin, it is far-infrared only with no near-infrared red light, and the 6mm glass is thinner than the Porvoo’s 8mm.
Pros
- Sleek modern melamine exterior
- Solid Hemlock interior
- Strong 2200W for a two-person cabin
- Star light and touch controls
Cons
- Melamine exterior less premium than Hemlock
- Far infrared only, no red light
- 6mm glass is thinner
Key specs: Model PR7949, 2 person, 125 x 105 x 200 cm, Hemlock interior + melamine exterior, 2200W, low-EMF far infrared panels (0.3-5 mGs), 6mm tempered glass, Bluetooth/FM/USB.
4. 2 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna – Best for Red Light Therapy
This two-person cabin is the best choice for shoppers focused on red-light therapy. It adds a carbon-fibre red-light tube to low-EMF far-infrared panels and, usefully, lets you run them together for full spectrum or switch the tube off to use pure low-EMF infrared. It measures 118 cm wide, 109 cm deep and 195 cm tall, with Hemlock inside and out.
The low-EMF panels are rated 0.3 to 3 mGs and the unit draws 1860W. It has a touch control panel with Bluetooth, FM and USB, a speaker, and a 6mm tempered-glass door. The stand-out feature is that flexibility to isolate the infrared panels. The trade-offs: the red-light tube itself carries a standard (not low) EMF rating, so EMF-sensitive users would run infrared-only, it seats two, and it arrives as three heavy boxes to assemble. For a full home-recovery setup, testers often pair it with a foot massager.
Pros
- Toggle between full spectrum and pure infrared
- Dedicated carbon-fibre red-light tube
- Low-EMF panels rated 0.3-3 mGs
- Hemlock inside and out
Cons
- Red-light tube has standard EMF rating
- Two seats only
- Three-box assembly
Key specs: Model PR65026, 2 person, 118 x 109 x 195 cm, Hemlock interior and exterior, 1860W, low-EMF far-infrared panels (0.3-3 mGs) + carbon-fibre red-light tube, 6mm tempered glass, Bluetooth/FM/USB.
5. 2-3 Person Far Infrared Sauna – Best for Flexible Space
This carbon far-infrared cabin is the best choice when you want more room than a strict two-seater without stepping up to a full three-person price. It measures 153 cm wide, 103 cm deep and 195 cm tall, giving a wide bench that fits two comfortably or three at a squeeze, with Hemlock used inside and out.
Six carbon far-infrared panels draw 2200W and deliver soft, evenly dispersed heat at lower air temperatures, which many find easier to sit in for longer. It has a touch control panel with Bluetooth, FM and USB, a speaker, and a 6mm tempered-glass door with a stainless-steel handle. The trade-offs: it is far-infrared only with no red-light or full-spectrum option, the 2-3 person rating is generous so three adults will be cosy, and its wide footprint needs a dedicated spot.
Pros
- Wide bench seats two, or three at a squeeze
- Soft, even carbon far-infrared heat
- Hemlock inside and out
- Stainless-steel handled glass door
Cons
- Far infrared only, no red light
- Three adults will be cosy
- Wide footprint to house
Key specs: Model PR9056, 2-3 person, 153 x 103 x 195 cm, Hemlock interior and exterior, carbon far-infrared (6 panels), 2200W, 6mm tempered glass, Bluetooth/FM/USB.
6. Aroha 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna – Best Compact
The Aroha is the best compact sauna in the range, packing solid-Hemlock far-infrared heat into a small two-person footprint for tight spaces. At 118 cm wide, 103 cm deep and 195 cm tall it has one of the smallest floor areas here, finished with a minimal, Eastern-inspired exterior and solid Hemlock inside and out.
Low-EMF far-infrared panels rated 0.3 to 5 mGs draw 1800W, one of the gentlest power draws among the two-person cabins. Inside there is an LED lamp and speaker, a touch control panel with Bluetooth, FM and USB, and a 6mm tempered-glass door. The trade-offs: there is no red-light or full-spectrum option, the lighting is simpler than the starlight models, and while its footprint is small it is still a fixed cabin rather than a portable infrared sauna.
Pros
- One of the smallest footprints here
- Solid Hemlock inside and out
- Gentle, economical 1800W draw
- Minimal, tidy exterior
Cons
- Far infrared only, no red light
- Simpler lighting than starlight models
- Compact but not portable
Key specs: Model PR7950, 2 person, 118 x 103 x 195 cm, solid Hemlock interior and exterior, 1800W, low-EMF far-infrared panels (0.3-5 mGs), 6mm tempered glass, Bluetooth/FM/USB.
7. 3 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna – Best 3-Person Full Spectrum
This is the best three-person full-spectrum option outside the flagship Porvoo. It adds a carbon-fibre red-light tube to low-EMF far-infrared panels in a wide Hemlock cabin measuring 153 cm wide, 109 cm deep and 195 cm tall, with Hemlock inside and out. Like the two-person full-spectrum model, the red tube can be switched off to run pure low-EMF infrared.
Low-EMF panels are rated 0.3 to 3 mGs and the unit draws 2260W, the highest power draw in this guide, which suits its larger volume. It has a touch control panel with Bluetooth, FM and USB, a speaker, and a 6mm tempered-glass door. The trade-offs: the high power draw and wide footprint mean it needs space and a bigger warm-up, the red-light tube carries a standard EMF rating, and it ships as three heavy boxes to move and build.
Pros
- Three-person full-spectrum cabin
- Toggle red light on or off
- Hemlock inside and out
- Touch controls with BT/FM/USB
Cons
- Highest power draw here
- Red-light tube has standard EMF rating
- Large footprint; three-box assembly
Key specs: Model PR65027, 3 person, 153 x 109 x 195 cm, Hemlock interior and exterior, 2260W, low-EMF far-infrared panels (0.3-3 mGs) + carbon-fibre red-light tube, 6mm tempered glass, Bluetooth/FM/USB.
8. 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna – Best Budget
This simple two-person carbon far-infrared cabin is the best entry-level pick, covering the core infrared sauna benefits at the lowest power draw in the range. It measures 120 cm wide, 105 cm deep and 190 cm tall, built from Hemlock with a wooden-handled glass door for a warm, classic look.
Six carbon far-infrared panels draw 1700W, the gentlest and most economical heater here, delivering soft, even heat. It keeps the essentials: a touch control panel with Bluetooth, FM and USB, a speaker, and a 6mm tempered-glass door. The trade-offs: there is no red-light, full-spectrum or starlight extra, it seats two, and at the time of writing it is out of stock in Wellington while in stock in Auckland and Christchurch, so it is worth checking availability before ordering.
Pros
- Lowest power draw, cheapest to run
- Covers the core far-infrared benefits
- Hemlock cabin with wooden-handled door
- Simple, easy-to-use controls
Cons
- No red light, full spectrum or starlight
- Two seats only
- Out of stock in Wellington at present
Key specs: Model PR9019, 2 person, 120 x 105 x 190 cm, Hemlock, carbon far-infrared (6 panels), 1700W, 6mm tempered glass, Bluetooth/FM/USB.
How to choose a home sauna
Pick your heat type. Far-infrared saunas give deep, gentle heat and use less power; full-spectrum models add a red-light tube for near and mid infrared and a wider range of benefits, at a higher price and warm-up.
Size it for your space and people. Two-person cabins suit couples and small rooms; the 2-3 and 3-person models need a wider footprint. Measure the spot, and leave room for the door to swing and for airflow.
Check the EMF rating. These cabins use low-EMF panels rated between about 0.3 and 5 mGs. On full-spectrum models the red-light tube carries a standard EMF rating and can be switched off if that matters to you.
Weigh up wood and glass. Canadian Hemlock inside and out (the Porvoos) feels most premium; the Sirius uses a smart melamine exterior. Thicker 8mm glass retains heat better than 6mm.
Plan for delivery and recovery. Every model ships flat in multiple heavy boxes and needs assembly, with no two-person delivery, so plan help to move it. A sauna also fits a wider home wellness routine alongside a home gym and a neck massager for recovery.
Verdict
For most NZ homes the PORVOO 3 Person Full Spectrum Sauna is the best home sauna, combining a roomy Canadian Hemlock cabin, full-spectrum heat and a foot heater. Couples who want full spectrum in less space should look at the PORVOO 2 Person, while the Sirius wins on design, the Aroha on compact size and the 2 Person Far Infrared on value. For dedicated red-light therapy, the 2 Person Full Spectrum model lets you toggle the tube on or off.
FAQs
What are the benefits of an infrared sauna?
Infrared saunas warm the body directly with light at lower air temperatures than traditional saunas, so the heat is easier to tolerate. Regular sessions are linked with relaxation, muscle recovery, improved circulation and detoxification through sweating. The benefits build with consistent use over time rather than from a single session.
What is the difference between far infrared and full spectrum saunas?
Far-infrared saunas emit mainly far-infrared waves for deep, gentle heat, muscle recovery and circulation, and they draw less power. Full-spectrum saunas add near and mid infrared, usually through a red-light tube, for a wider range of benefits including skin support, but they cost more and run hotter.
Are infrared saunas safe and what does low EMF mean?
Quality low-EMF infrared saunas keep electromagnetic field levels very low at the bench, well within international safety limits. The TSB Living cabins here use low-EMF panels rated between about 0.3 and 5 mGs. On full-spectrum models the red-light tube carries a standard EMF rating, so it can be switched off.
How much does it cost to run an infrared sauna at home in NZ?
These cabins draw roughly 1700 to 2260 watts. A typical 30 to 45 minute session uses about 1 to 1.7 kWh, so at New Zealand power prices it usually costs well under a dollar per session, making a home infrared sauna cheap to run day to day.
Are these portable infrared saunas?
No. These are fixed cabin saunas built from Hemlock wood that need floor space and assembly, not portable blanket or tent-style units. If you specifically want a portable infrared sauna, look for a foldable sauna blanket or pop-up cabin instead; the models here are permanent home installations.
How often should you use an infrared sauna?
Most users start with two to four sessions a week of 20 to 45 minutes, building up as tolerance grows. Consistent, regular use gives the best long-term results. Stay well hydrated, and anyone pregnant or with a heart condition should check with a doctor first.