Sunlighten Sauna Reviews - Should You Buy One?
Sunlighten Sauna once again makes our Top 5 Infrared Saunas list this year. It's one of the more established premium brands we've covered, with several different sauna collections depending on the type of infrared heat and features you're looking for.
If you're comparing different manufacturers, you may also want to see our complete infrared sauna reviews guide, where we break down the leading sauna brands and how they stack up against each other.
Sunlighten Saunas - Quick Verdict
- Best for: High-end buyers looking for advanced infrared technology and personalized wellness features
- Not ideal for: Budget shoppers
- Our take: One of the most advanced infrared sauna brands available
- Overall Rating: ★★★★★
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My Take on Sunlighten Saunas
In addition to following Sunlighten for many years now, I also own one of their saunas, the mPulse Conquer, which is a 3 person full spectrum model. My experience has been very positive and I'm confident recommending Sunlighten as one of the top infrared sauna brands.
It does take some time to heat up, but the app lets me start it before I'm ready to get in, so it's already nice and hot when I start my session. It's very spacious, it feels very solid and I enjoy the built in red light therapy that the mPulse has.
The feedback from sauna owners in our latest survey also included many of the things that I've experienced myself, particularly the build quality, red light integration and overall experience. Owners did mention that it was on the higher price side compared to other models they were considering, but most felt the additional cost was worth it.
I would definitely look at the mPulse collection if full spectrum heating is what you are after. There's also the Amplify collection that operates at higher temps. However, if you don't need full spectrum and want to save a little money the Signature collection is a perfectly good option.
Sunlighten Infrared Sauna Technology
Sunlighten has spent more than 25 years developing its infrared sauna technology, with its SoloCarbon heating system at the center of the lineup.
The mPulse collection uses Sunlighten's 3-in-1 technology, combining near, mid and far infrared wavelengths. The different wavelengths can also be adjusted through preset wellness programs or customized depending on the type of session you want.
Sunlighten's SoloCarbon heaters are designed to distribute infrared heat evenly across the body, and the company says its heaters have an emissivity rating of 99%. The technology is one of the main things that separates Sunlighten's premium models from more basic far-infrared saunas.
The mPulse also incorporates red light therapy, something I particularly enjoy on my own Conquer. It's integrated directly into the sauna, so I can use it as part of a regular session rather than needing a separate red light device.
You can check out the current deals on Sunlighten Saunas here.
(If you mention our site, Sauna Talk, you can save up to $2,100 on a new sauna!)
All saunas made by Sunlighten feature ergonomically designed benches and back supports that are deeper and higher than those in standard saunas for added comfort and support.
Another feature of the mPulse collection is PulseIQ, Sunlighten's infrared control platform. It adjusts the intensity and combination of infrared wavelengths based on the program you select.
Preset options include Detox, Weight Loss, Heart Health, Relaxation, Muscle Recovery and Anti-Aging, along with a Custom mode. You can control the programs from the sauna's touchscreen or through the Sunlighten app.
Sunlighten Pros & Cons
Pros
• One of the few companies offering true 3-in-1 infrared technology
• High-quality construction, premium materials, and ultra-low EMF design
• Strong reputation, 30+ patents and 25+ years in the infrared sauna industry
• Third-party testing and published research for many performance claims
• Wide range of sauna sizes, styles and configurations
Cons
• Premium pricing compared to many entry-level infrared sauna brands
• Full spectrum heaters can take longer to reach peak temperature compared to some far infrared models
• Some of the advanced features and programs may not be necessary for casual users
• Certain models require professional electrical setup depending on configuration
• Premium upgrades and customization options can increase the overall cost
A Look at the Current Saunas
Sunlighten's main sauna lineup includes the mPulse, Amplify and Signature cabin collections, along with the portable Solo System. Here's how the different options break down.
mPulse Smart Sauna Collection
The mPulse is Sunlighten's most feature-packed collection, with five cabin sizes ranging from the one-person Aspire to the five-person Empower. In between are the Believe, Conquer and Discover models.
As you move up through the lineup, the cabins get larger and additional heaters are added to cover the extra space. You can choose from Basswood, Eucalyptus or a Eucalyptus/Cedar combination, depending on the model.
Other available features include chromotherapy, a sound system and optional Acoustic Resonance Therapy.
Amplify Collection (Hotter Option)
Amplify saunas are Sunlighten’s second infrared cabin option. With two additional full spectrum heaters, this collection operates at higher temperatures.
One of the drawbacks of most infrared saunas is that they don’t get as hot. Some people love that, and others wish they could get that traditional sauna heat. The Amplify saunas reach up to 165℉ which is warmer than most other infrared saunas, creating a more traditional sauna experience.
Similar to the other two collections, the Amplify has chromotherapy and a sound system with the option of vibroacoustic therapy as an add-on. There are two cabin options which accommodate 2 and 3 people, and they are available in Basswood, Eucalyptus, and a Euca/Cedar mix.
Note: There is also a new Amplify model with red light integration.
Signature Collection (Simpler Option)
With a one-touch control panel to easily get sessions started, the Signature collection is simple and easy to use. They are similar to the saunas you find from most other infrared sauna manufacturers with far infrared wavelength only.
Signatures come with the same mood lighting and sound systems as the other collections as well as the same add-on options. There are four cabin sizes accommodating up to 4 people, available in Basswood and Eucalyptus.
Here you have the more straightforward named Signature I, II, III and IV, with room for 1, 2, 3 & 4 people, respectively.
Solo System
The Solo System is Sunlighten's portable sauna alternative to a full cabin sauna. Instead of sitting inside an enclosure, two curved heating sections slide over your body while you lie on a heated SoloPad.
The sections can be repositioned for full-body or lower-body use, and the system can also be configured so you can sit upright with your legs extended. When you're finished, it can be taken apart and stored, making it an option for someone who doesn't have room for a permanent sauna cabin.
What About Sunlighten Prices?
Sunlighten sits firmly at the premium end of the infrared sauna market. There are plenty of less expensive infrared saunas available, so the higher price won't make sense for every buyer.
The Solo System starts at around $3,300, while the Signature collection starts at approximately $4,800. Prices increase as you move up in size and add different wood choices or optional features.
The mPulse and Amplify collections start at around $5,900 and go up from there depending on the model and configuration.
Sunlighten does run promotions throughout the year, and Sauna Talk readers may also qualify for additional savings by mentioning our site when requesting pricing.
Is Sunlighten a Good Choice? Our Final Verdict
Yes. Sunlighten remains one of our top choices in the infrared sauna market and a brand we feel very comfortable recommending. Between the quality of the saunas, the advanced infrared technology, the different collections available and the company's long track record, there's a lot to like here.
The lineup also gives you plenty of choices depending on what you're looking for. You can go with the mPulse for the full-spectrum experience and latest features, Amplify if you prefer higher temperatures, or Signature if you want a more straightforward far-infrared sauna.
If Sunlighten fits your budget, I think you'll be very happy with the purchase. It's a premium sauna from an established company and continues to be one of the first brands I'd look at when shopping for a high-end infrared sauna.
Get the current best deals on Sunlighten Saunas here, and mention Sauna Talk to save up to $2,100!