Head to head · 2026
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 vs Lifesmart 6-Element Infrared Heater
Contender A
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968
Best OverallThe wood-cabinet infrared heater everyone else copies — dual PTC + quartz elements, a quiet blower, a real thermostat, and a 12-hour timer.
$112.99on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.
Contender B
Lifesmart 6-Element Infrared Heater
Best ValueSix quartz infrared elements, a digital thermostat, a 12-hour timer, and casters for less than the name-brand cabinet heaters.
$109on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.
Our verdict
These two heat a room almost identically — same 1,500W, same quiet-fan-plus-quartz approach, same thermostat-and-timer control set. The Dr Infrared adds a PTC element, a wood cabinet, a longer warranty, and a decade of refinement; the Lifesmart is a steel-and-plastic cabinet that costs noticeably less. If the heater sits in plain view in a living room and you want it to last, the DR-968; if it's going in the den and value matters, the Lifesmart.
Pick the Dr Infrared Heater if…
- ✓You want the wood cabinet and 3-year warranty
- ✓Dual PTC + quartz heating and the refined control panel
- ✓It'll be in plain view in a living room
Pick the Lifesmart if…
- ✓You want cabinet infrared heat for less money
- ✓Den, basement, or office use where looks matter less
- ✓ECO mode's fixed setpoint is all the control you need
Spec by spec
| Spec | Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 | Lifesmart 6-Element Infrared Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.0 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
| Heat output | 1,500W high / 1,000W low (~5,200 BTU max) | 1,500W high / ~1,000W low / ECO (~5,100 BTU max) |
| Heater type | Infrared quartz + PTC, fan-forced cabinet | Infrared quartz (6 elements), fan-forced cabinet |
| Modes | High, Low, Auto (thermostat) | High, Low, ECO (holds ~68°F) |
| Thermostat | Digital, 50–86°F | Digital, adjustable |
| Timer | 12-hour | 12-hour |
| Room coverage | ~300 sq ft primary / up to 1,000 sq ft supplemental (manufacturer) | ~300 sq ft primary / larger rooms supplemental |
| Safety | Tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff, cool-touch cabinet, ETL | Overheat shutoff, tip-over shutoff, cool-touch exterior, ETL |
| Noise | ~39 dB (manufacturer rating) | Low fan hum |
| Size / weight | ~13 × 11 × 16 in / ~19 lb, on casters | ~13 × 16 × 17 in / ~24 lb, on casters |
| Cord | ~6 ft, wall outlet only | ~6 ft, wall outlet only |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
Still deciding?
Read the full reviews for the complete story, or check both current prices — sale pricing swings this class of decision all the time.
$112.99on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.
$109on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.