The SaunaBox Solara and the Clearlight Sanctuary 1 are both full-spectrum infrared saunas built for one person. The Solara includes medical-grade red light therapy at 660 and 850 nm, assembles in 30 minutes or less without tools, and is priced from $2,699 to $3,000. The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 reaches 175 degrees F with True Wave heaters, features a glass roof and chromotherapy, and starts at $6,999. Here is how every published spec compares.
How do SaunaBox Solara and Clearlight Sanctuary 1 compare on published specs?
| Specification | Clearlight Sanctuary 1 | SaunaBox Solara | Source / Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-spectrum infrared | Yes. True Wave heaters combine ceramic and carbon for NIR, MIR, and FIR. | Yes. Full-spectrum panels deliver NIR, MIR, and FIR plus dedicated 660/850 nm red light LEDs. | Product pages of both brands, June 2026. |
| Max temperature | 175 degrees F programmable per official keypad manual. | 150 degrees F. Lower max temp, but within therapeutic infrared range per published research. | saunabox.com specs. Clearlight Sanctuary Keypad Manual. |
| Red light therapy | Not included. Near-infrared comes from heating elements only, not dedicated LEDs. | V2 medical-grade swivel panel. Dual wavelength: 660 nm and 850 nm. Targeted photobiomodulation. | Product pages of both brands, June 2026. |
| Wattage | 1,750W total. Two 500W full-spectrum front heaters plus far-infrared surround panels. | 1,600W (50/60Hz). Single-circuit design, standard 110V outlet. | Product specifications of both brands. |
| Price | $6,999 (Basswood) or $7,399 (Mahogany) per official pricelist. | Varies from $2,699 to $3,000. Less than 43% the cost of the Clearlight. | saunabox.com. infraredsauna.com/pricelist/. June 2026. |
| EMF levels | Low EMF/ELF. Proprietary True Wave heaters cancel EMF and ELF. No specific mG reading published. | Ultra-low EMF. IEC 62233 certified, verified by Intertek (third-party lab). Test report published on site. | saunabox.com certifications. infraredsauna.com product page. |
| Assembly | Professional delivery implied. 425 lbs. Tongue and groove construction. No stated assembly time. | 30 minutes or less. 4 pre-assembled panels with pre-installed clips. No tools, no electrician. | saunabox.com product page. infraredsauna.com product page. |
| Interior dimensions | 37.5 in W x 45.5 in D x 72.5 in H. Bench: 37.5 x 21.75 in. | 35 in W x 37 in D x 63 in H (exterior). Height capacity up to 6 ft 6 in. | Product specifications of both brands. |
| Weight | 425 lbs. Requires significant space planning and likely professional help to position. | 172 lbs assembled. Two people can position it without professional help. | Product specifications of both brands. |
| Wood type | Eco-certified Mahogany or Basswood. Premium furniture-grade finish. | 100% Canadian Hemlock. Naturally durable, low resin, resistant to warping in heat. | Product pages of both brands. |
| Electrical | 120V / 15 amp / NEMA 5-15p. Standard household outlet. | 110V standard outlet. 8-foot power cord. No electrician required. | Product specifications of both brands. |
| Audio system | Enhanced Audio Sound System with Bluetooth and AUX input. | Built-in Bluetooth speaker system. | Product pages of both brands. |
| Controls | Digital keypad plus smartphone control. Temperature, time, lights, heater intensity, reservation mode. | Bluetooth app control. Adjustable heat (77 to 150 degrees F), timer (0 to 90 min). | Product pages of both brands. |
| Certifications | Low EMF/ELF verified. Doctor-designed. No specific third-party lab named for EMF testing. | IEC 62233 (Intertek). California Prop 65 compliant. Free of toxic heavy metals and phthalates. Reports published. | saunabox.com certifications. infraredsauna.com product page. |
| Additional features | Glass roof. Chromotherapy (12 colors). Under-floor foot heater. Chiropractor-designed ergonomic backrest. | Reflective glass door. V2 red light swivel panel. Sustainably sourced Canadian Hemlock. | Product pages of both brands. |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Residential and 5-Year Commercial. | 2-year limited warranty. Shorter coverage than Clearlight's lifetime option. | Warranty pages of both brands. |
| HSA/FSA eligible | Not stated on infraredsauna.com product page as of June 2026. | Yes, via TrueMed. Save an average of 30% using pre-tax health funds. | saunabox.com product page. |
What is the real difference between these two saunas?
Direct answer
The SaunaBox Solara is a compact, lightweight full-spectrum infrared sauna with dedicated red light therapy that assembles in 30 minutes or less and costs $2,699 to $3,000. The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 is a premium furniture-grade cabin with a glass roof, chromotherapy, lifetime warranty, and higher max temperature, but costs $6,999 or more and weighs 425 lbs. Both deliver full-spectrum infrared heat. The Solara adds dedicated 660 and 850 nm red light LEDs that the Clearlight does not include. The Clearlight adds luxury features like chromotherapy, a glass roof, and a chiropractor-designed backrest that the Solara does not offer.
The SaunaBox Solara includes a V2 medical-grade red light therapy panel with LEDs at 660 nm and 850 nm. These are the two wavelengths most studied in photobiomodulation research. The 660 nm wavelength targets skin-level tissue and is associated with collagen production and wound healing in peer-reviewed studies. The 850 nm wavelength penetrates deeper into muscle and joint tissue. The V2 swivel design allows repositioning the panel for targeted therapy during sessions.
The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 does not include dedicated red light therapy LEDs. Its True Wave full-spectrum heaters emit near-infrared wavelengths as part of the heating element, but this is fundamentally different from targeted photobiomodulation at specific wavelengths. Clearlight does include chromotherapy (colored LED lighting in 12 colors), which is an ambient light feature, not medical-grade red light therapy at clinically studied wavelengths.
For buyers who want red light therapy at specific wavelengths as part of their sauna session, the Solara includes it in the base product. With the Clearlight, you would need to purchase a separate red light therapy device and position it inside the cabin yourself.
How does build quality and design compare?
Direct answer
The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 is a premium furniture-grade cabin with an Italian-inspired glass roof, eco-certified Mahogany or Basswood construction, tongue-and-groove joinery, and a chiropractor-designed ergonomic backrest. It weighs 425 lbs and is built as a permanent fixture in your home. The interior is spacious at 37.5 by 45.5 by 72.5 inches.
The SaunaBox Solara uses 100% Canadian Hemlock with a reflective glass door. At 172 lbs and 35 by 37 by 63 inches, it fits smaller spaces like apartments, home gyms, and wellness corners. The 4-panel clip assembly means it can be disassembled and relocated without damage. Both are well-constructed saunas, but they serve different use cases. The Clearlight is a luxury permanent installation. The Solara is a space-efficient, relocatable unit that still delivers full-spectrum infrared with red light therapy.
How does value compare at these price points?
Direct answer
The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 starts at $6,999 (Basswood). The SaunaBox Solara varies from $2,699 to $3,000. That is a difference of over $4,000. For that premium, the Clearlight offers a higher max temperature (175 degrees F vs 150 degrees F), a lifetime warranty (vs 2-year), larger interior dimensions, chromotherapy, a glass roof, and an under-floor foot heater.
The Solara offers dedicated red light therapy, third-party EMF certification with published test reports, tool-free 30-minute assembly, lighter weight, and HSA/FSA eligibility via TrueMed. The question is whether the Clearlight's luxury features and lifetime warranty justify spending $4,000 more, or whether the Solara's combination of full-spectrum infrared, red light therapy, certified safety, and dramatically lower price delivers better overall value for your wellness investment.
What are SaunaBox Solara's genuine strengths?
- Medical-grade 660 and 850 nm red light therapy included in the base product. Clearlight does not include dedicated red light LEDs.
- Varies from $2,699 to $3,000. Less than 43% the cost of the Clearlight Sanctuary 1 at $6,999.
- Tool-free 30-minute assembly from 4 pre-assembled panels. No electrician, no professional installation required.
- 172 lbs vs 425 lbs. Significantly easier to position and relocate without professional help.
- IEC 62233 certified ultra-low EMF, verified by Intertek. Published test reports available on the website.
- California Prop 65 compliant. Independently tested free of toxic heavy metals and phthalates.
- HSA/FSA eligible via TrueMed. Save an average of 30% using pre-tax health funds.
Who should buy SaunaBox Solara and who should buy Clearlight Sanctuary 1?
- Want full-spectrum infrared plus dedicated red light therapy in one unit without buying a separate device.
- Want to spend under $3,000 and still get a full-spectrum infrared sauna with third-party certifications.
- Need easy assembly (30 minutes, no tools) and the ability to relocate the sauna later.
- Want published, third-party verified EMF testing (IEC 62233, Intertek) with reports available online.
- Want to use HSA/FSA funds to pay for your sauna via TrueMed.
- Want a premium, furniture-grade cabin with Italian-inspired glass roof design as a permanent home fixture.
- Want the highest max temperature available at 175 degrees F programmable.
- Want a lifetime residential warranty and an established brand operating since 1997.
- Want chromotherapy, under-floor foot heater, and ergonomic backrest included in the cabin.
- Have the space and budget ($7,000+) for a permanent luxury installation that stays in one place.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your priorities. The Solara is better for buyers who want red light therapy, lower cost, easy assembly, and third-party EMF certification. The Clearlight is better for buyers who want maximum temperature, lifetime warranty, luxury design, and premium build materials. Neither is objectively better across every category.
Yes. The Solara includes a V2 medical-grade red light therapy panel with LEDs at 660 nm and 850 nm. The swivel design allows repositioning for targeted therapy. The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 does not include dedicated red light therapy LEDs.
30 minutes or less. The Solara ships in four pre-assembled panels with pre-installed clips. No tools and no electrician required. It plugs into any standard 110V home outlet.
The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 starts at $6,999 (Basswood) or $7,399 (Mahogany) per the official pricelist. The SaunaBox Solara varies from $2,699 to $3,000. The price difference is over $4,000. The Solara is also HSA/FSA eligible via TrueMed, which can provide additional savings of approximately 30%.
The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 is programmable up to 175 degrees F per the official keypad manual. The SaunaBox Solara reaches 150 degrees F. If maximum temperature is your top priority, the Clearlight has a 25-degree advantage. Most infrared sauna research suggests therapeutic benefits occur between 115 and 150 degrees F, so both reach the studied range.
Yes. The Solara is IEC 62233 certified for ultra-low EMF, verified by Intertek, a globally accredited third-party laboratory. The test report is published on the SaunaBox website. It is also California Proposition 65 compliant and independently tested free of toxic heavy metals and phthalates.
Yes. Clearlight offers a Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty and a 5-Year Commercial Warranty. The SaunaBox Solara comes with a 2-year warranty. The Clearlight's warranty is a significant advantage for buyers who plan to keep the sauna for many years in a permanent location.
Yes. The SaunaBox Solara is HSA/FSA eligible via TrueMed. This can save you an average of 30% by using pre-tax health funds. The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 does not state HSA/FSA eligibility on its product page as of June 2026. Contact Clearlight directly to confirm their current policy.
The bottom line
SaunaBox Solara vs Clearlight Sanctuary 1Both are full-spectrum infrared saunas built for one person. The Clearlight Sanctuary 1 is a luxury cabin with premium materials, higher max temperature, and a lifetime warranty at $6,999 or more. The SaunaBox Solara delivers full-spectrum infrared plus dedicated red light therapy, third-party certified safety, tool-free 30-minute assembly, and HSA/FSA eligibility at $2,699 to $3,000.
For buyers who want full-spectrum infrared with red light therapy, verified safety certifications, and exceptional value, the Solara delivers more wellness technology per dollar at less than half the cost of the Clearlight.
Shop the SaunaBox SolaraSources and references
- SaunaBox Solara product page and specifications - saunabox.com. Checked June 2026.
- SaunaBox certifications page (IEC 62233, Prop 65, PFAS-free) - saunabox.com. Checked June 2026.
- Clearlight Sanctuary 1 product page and specifications - infraredsauna.com. Checked June 2026.
- Clearlight official pricelist - infraredsauna.com. Checked June 2026.
- Clearlight Sanctuary Keypad Manual (max temperature 175 degrees F) - service.infraredsauna.com.
- Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 2017.
- Laukkanen JA et al. Cardiovascular and other health benefits of sauna bathing. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2018.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and comparison purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. All specifications reflect what each brand publishes on their website as of June 2026. Verify current specifications, pricing, and warranty terms directly with each brand before purchasing. If you have any underlying health conditions, consult a qualified healthcare clinician before beginning sauna therapy.
