Red Light Therapy vs Infrared Sauna: Which One Should You Buy?

Red light therapy vs infrared sauna at a glance

Device size and fit

The wraps are small and wearable. The SmeFancy pad measures 14.4 x 6.1 in, with a 27.6 in long strap and a 15.7 in short strap. The MdyonM belt measures 51.2 x 7.1 in and fits waists up to 50 inches, for waist, back and legs. The SunSwell cabin measures 40.16 x 35.43 x 67 in and seats 2 people.

Light and heat settings

Both wraps state the same wavelengths: 660nm red and 850nm infrared. The SmeFancy pad offers 4 modes, including a pulse mode at 10HZ and 40HZ, flickering about 600/2400 times per minute. The MdyonM belt offers 3 modes, 5 intensity levels and 6 timer settings from 5 to 30 minutes. The SunSwell cabin names far-, mid- and near-infrared wavelengths without nanometer figures, from 6 heating elements: 3 mica panels and 3 red-light glass tubes, with temperature from 64°F to 149°F.

Power and setup

Both wraps run on the included adapter or a power bank, so they can move between rooms. The SunSwell cabin runs on 120V at up to 1,476W, with click-lock assembly that needs no extra tools, listed for assembly by 2 people. The cabin also lists 10 light colors, Bluetooth music, a cup holder and a towel rack.

What each listing leaves out

Neither wrap listing states a warranty term or a safety listing. The SunSwell listing states a 1-Yr Warranty but no safety listing. The sauna listing gives no nanometer figures for its wavelengths, so the sides cannot be compared on nanometers. The SmeFancy listing states no timer settings, and the MdyonM listing states no strap lengths.

Gear for each side

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

These are scored on the Chill Score, which weighs performance, build and value most, with safety where it applies, and warranty. No wrap listing states a safety listing or a warranty term; the sauna listing states a 1-Yr Warranty with no safety listing stated.

Choose red light therapy if

You want a small device worn on the waist, back or legs, with modes, intensity levels or timers.

Choose an infrared sauna if

You want a fixed 2-person cabin with heat from 64°F to 149°F and a timer, and room for a 40.16 x 35.43 x 67 in cabin.

Check Your Space First

• Room: the sauna cabin measures 40.16 x 35.43 x 67 in, so check the room against that footprint.
• Floor: check the floor space against the 40.16 x 35.43 in footprint.
• Power: the sauna lists 120V and up to 1,476W, while the wraps run on an adapter or a power bank.
• Assembly: the sauna uses click-lock assembly with no extra tools, listed for assembly by 2 people.

Common questions

What is the difference between red light therapy and an infrared sauna?

The devices differ in size and heat. The wraps are pads and belts that shine 660nm red and 850nm infrared LEDs on the area they cover. The cabin is a 2-person room heated by far-, mid- and near-infrared elements, on 120V at up to 1,476W.

Do the wraps and the sauna use the same wavelengths?

They cannot be compared on nanometers from these listings. Both wraps state 660nm red and 850nm infrared. The sauna listing names far-, mid- and near-infrared wavelengths without nanometer figures, so no nanometer match can be checked.

How big is the infrared sauna?

The SunSwell cabin measures 40.16 x 35.43 x 67 in and seats 2 people. It lists 6 heating elements: 3 mica panels and 3 red-light glass tubes.

How do you power the wraps?

Both wraps run on the included adapter or a power bank. The SmeFancy pad uses 2 buttons for low, medium and high, while the MdyonM belt offers 3 modes, 5 intensity levels and 6 timer settings.

How long can a sauna session run?

The timer allows up to 99 minutes, while the listing advises keeping individual sessions to 40 minutes or less, with water before, during and after use.

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