Clearlight Sauna Review
A detailed review of Clearlight infrared saunas, including the Premier and Sanctuary series.
Published 3/25/2026
Clearlight Sauna Review 2026: Full Breakdown
Clearlight is Sunlighten’s main competitor in the premium infrared sauna space. Here’s our honest review.
Quick Verdict
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Build Quality | Excellent |
| Heating Technology | Very good (True Wave II) |
| Value | Competitive with Sunlighten |
| Warranty | Lifetime (best in class) |
Bottom Line: Clearlight makes excellent saunas with a best-in-class lifetime warranty. A strong alternative to Sunlighten.
About Clearlight
Founded: 1996 Location: Colorado, USA Specialty: True Wave II heater technology Claim to fame: Lifetime warranty on most models
Clearlight Product Lines
Sanctuary Series (Premium)
Models: Sanctuary 2, 3, 4, 5
Price: $6,000 - $12,000+
Features:
- Full spectrum infrared (near, mid, far)
- True Wave II heaters
- Halogen free
- Eco-certified wood
- Bluetooth audio
- Chromotherapy
Premier Series (Mid-Range)
Models: Premier 2, 3, 4, 5
Price: $4,000 - $8,000
Features:
- Far infrared (True Wave II)
- Solid wood construction
- Digital controls
- Interior lighting
- Bluetooth audio (optional)
Outdoor Series
Models: Outdoor 2, 4
Price: $7,000 - $10,000
Features:
- Weather-resistant
- UV-protected
- Outdoor-rated materials
- All Premier features
True Wave II Heater Technology
What it is: Clearlight’s proprietary heater design combining carbon and ceramic.
How it works:
- Carbon: Provides even heat distribution
- Ceramic: Deep penetrating infrared
Result: Lower surface temperature, more comfortable heat, effective infrared output
EMF levels: Low (3-5 milligauss at 2 inches)
Our take: True Wave II is genuinely innovative. The heat feels comfortable, not harsh.
Build Quality
Materials
Wood options:
- Cedar (standard)
- Basswood (hypoallergenic, +$500)
- Walnut (premium, +$1,000)
Construction:
- Tongue and groove joinery
- Solid wood (not plywood)
- Double-wall construction
Glass: Tempered safety glass, bronze tint
Assembly
Time: 2-3 hours
Tools: Included
People needed: 2
Our take: Assembly is straightforward. Clearlight provides good instructions and support.
What We Like (Pros)
✅ Lifetime warranty — Best in the industry
✅ True Wave II heaters — Comfortable, effective heat
✅ Build quality — Solid construction, premium feel
✅ Full spectrum option — Sanctuary series has near/mid/far
✅ Low EMF — Independently tested
✅ Made in USA — Colorado-based manufacturing
✅ Eco-friendly — Halogen-free, sustainable wood options
✅ Outdoor options — Few competitors offer outdoor models
What Could Be Better (Cons)
❌ Price — Still premium pricing
❌ Lead time — 4-8 weeks typical
❌ Customer service — Mixed reports (improving)
❌ Design — More traditional, less modern than some competitors
Clearlight vs. Sunlighten
| Factor | Clearlight | Sunlighten |
|---|---|---|
| Heater tech | True Wave II (carbon+ceramic) | SoloCarbon |
| Warranty | Lifetime ✅ | 7 years |
| Price | $4,000-$12,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Full spectrum | Sanctuary series | mPulse series |
| EMF | Low (3-5mg) | Low (<10mg) |
| Made in | USA | USA |
| Outdoor models | Yes | No |
Our take: Both are excellent. Clearlight wins on warranty. Sunlighten wins on heater technology and brand recognition.
Which Model Should You Buy?
Sanctuary 2 (Best for most people)
Price: ~$6,000
Why: Full spectrum, lifetime warranty, fits 2 people comfortably
Best for: Serious practitioners who want the best
Premier 2 (Best value)
Price: ~$4,000
Why: All the essentials, lifetime warranty, lower cost
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want quality
Outdoor 2 (Best for outdoor use)
Price: ~$7,000
Why: Weather-resistant, can be placed outside
Best for: Those without indoor space or who prefer outdoor sauna
Real User Experiences
Positive reports:
- “Lifetime warranty gave me peace of mind”
- “Heat is comfortable, not harsh”
- “Customer service was helpful”
Common complaints:
- “Delivery took longer than expected”
- “Assembly instructions could be clearer”
- “Wish it looked more modern”
Our Honest Take
Clearlight makes excellent saunas. The True Wave II heaters are effective, the build quality is solid, and the lifetime warranty is unmatched.
Is it worth it?
Yes, if:
- You want a premium infrared sauna
- The lifetime warranty matters to you
- You prefer Clearlight’s approach to heating
No, if:
- You want the absolute best heater technology (Sunlighten SoloCarbon)
- You prefer a more modern design aesthetic
- You’re on a tight budget
Our take: Clearlight is a fantastic choice. The lifetime warranty alone makes it worth considering. You’re not sacrificing quality to get that warranty—these are genuinely excellent saunas.
Final Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Clearlight delivers excellent saunas with an unbeatable warranty. A top-tier choice.
Affiliate Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. We earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our reviews—we recommend products based on merit, not commission rates.