Written by Emma Cronan, Writer
Saunas are a great way to relax and sweat out toxins. While many people opt to use saunas at the gym or spa, some folks may prefer the convenience of having their own one at home.
Home saunas have become increasingly popular, and the great news for consumers is that there are all kinds of at-home saunas available, including everything from high-end luxury models to more compact, budget-friendly options.
We’ll share our eight favorite home saunas with you and explain what makes each one stand out, along with other important considerations. Additionally, we’ll cover what to look for when shopping for a sauna for your home, important benefits and safety tips, and other common questions about home saunas.
The Best Home Sauna is…
The Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna earned our editor’s pick for the best home sauna due to its many luxury features, like Bluetooth connectivity.
Best Home Saunas
- Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna – Editor’s Pick
- Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna – 4 Person – Best Four Person Sauna
- Almost Heaven Auburn 3-Person Indoor Sauna – Best Indoor Home Sauna
- SAUNAONES™ Barrel Sauna Serenity Nature Air 4 – Best Outdoor Home Sauna
- SweatTent Outdoor Sauna – Best Budget Home Sauna
- renu Therapy Rusticus 3 Person Indoor Sauna – Best Steam Home Sauna
- Almost Heaven Salem 2 Person Classic Barrel Sauna – Best Dry Home Sauna
- Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna – Best Portable Home Sauna
Sun Home Equinox™ 2-Person Sauna – Editor’s Pick
Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Sauna
A perfect sauna for two people and includes features like Bluetooth speakers.
SunHome Saunas Score
5.00 / 5
Why the Sun Home Equinox™ Earned Best Home Sauna
We chose the Sun Home Equinox™ when selecting an infrared home sauna since it has low levels of electric and magnetic fields1 (EMF), meaning that there are low levels of energy surrounding this infrared sauna. Some research suggests that too much EMF exposure may lead to cancer, though the evidence is not yet conclusive.1 With that being said, many people may still want to prioritize getting a low-EMF infrared sauna as the World Health Organization2 says there no harmful effects have been reported with low EMF exposure.
Along with low EMF, the Sun Home Equinox™ has other perks, including a digital control panel, a seven-year warranty, and a Blue surround sound system. If you’re looking for an infrared sauna as opposed to a traditional steam sauna, we recommend you consider this sauna.
Our Take: If you’re looking to purchase an infrared at-home sauna, we suggest the Sun Home Equinox™ because of its low EMF levels and multiple luxury features.
What We Liked
- Fits two people – This sauna can fit two people comfortably, which is great news if you hope to use your sauna with a partner or friend. Additionally, this sizing should ensure that heavier or taller folks will fit comfortably in the sauna.
- Bluetooth speakers – The Sun Home Equinox™ comes equipped with a Bluetooth surround sound system that includes premium built-in speakers. The use of speakers can elevate your sauna experience.
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher price – Although the Sun Home Equinox™ has many fantastic features, it doesn’t come cheap, costing roughly 7,000 dollars. Ultimately, the amount of money you’re willing to spend on a sauna will depend on your own personal decisions.
- Not customizable – While many higher-end, expensive saunas have various customizable features such as different types of heaters and color and size choices, the Sun Home Equinox™ is not customizable. While this is not necessarily a dealbreaker, it may be a drawback for some.
Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna – 4 Person – Best Four Person Sauna
Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna
The Redwood sauna has a stylish wood design and two-level seating for four people. It’s made from high-quality materials that last long, making this a perfect gathering space.
Redwood Outdoors Score
5.00 / 5
Why the Redwood Outdoors Sauna Earned Best Four Person Sauna
The Redwood Outdoors Sauna is our top pick for home sauna because of its pretty wood design, customizability, high-quality materials, and intentional layout. The two-level seating in this sauna allows the structure to be more compact, ensuring that it’s not too large for your yard.
Although this product is higher in price, we think you’ll get a lot out of it. Plus, the Redwood Outdoors can fit up to four people comfortably, which makes it a fantastic gathering space.
The sauna is also easy to assemble, can be purchased with various add-ons, is built with eco-friendly materials, and uses a thermowood construction designed to prevent rotting and boost the product’s longevity.
Our Take: In our eyes, you can’t lose with the Redwood Outdoors Sauna, especially with all of its neat upgrades that are available.
What We Liked
- It’s customizable – One of our favorite aspects of this Redwood Outdoors sauna is its customizability. You’re able to choose between multiple heaters, and you can add on roof shingles, an adjustable sauna recliner, an outdoor shower, or an Alaskan cold plunge tub, each for an additional cost. All of these options are great ways for you to enhance your at-home sauna to your liking.
- The size – This sauna fits four people, which means it’s great for spending time with family and friends while also reaping the sauna’s benefits. We really like this sauna as a multipurpose space.
- Two-level seating – This sauna has two-level seating. One level puts your body in the hottest part of the sauna, and the lower level has colder air where you can cool off. This seating design follows a Finnish rule about keeping your feet above the heater in a sauna.
Potential Drawbacks
- The price – Depending on the heater you choose and any add-ons you purchase, this product will range from around 6,000 dollars to over 11,000 dollars. This sauna is by no means budget-friendly, so if you’re looking for a less expensive at-home sauna, we advise you to consider something else.
- Delivery period – The Redwood Outdoors Sauna has a 13 to 15-week delivery period, which means you will likely have to wait over three months to receive the item after ordering it. While this is not a dealbreaker, we don’t love the longer wait time.
Almost Heaven Auburn 3-Person Indoor Sauna – Best Indoor Home Sauna
Almost Heaven Auburn Indoor Sauna
This space-saving indoor sauna has a compact design that feels spacious and luxurious with interior LED lighting, three heaters, and multi-level seating.
Finish Sauna Builders Score
5.00 / 5
Why the Almost Heaven Auburn Sauna Earned Best Indoor Home Sauna
Our favorite indoor home sauna is the Almost Heaven Auburn as it is compact and space-saving, yet it still feels spacious with its floor-to-ceiling window panels. This sauna is reminiscent of a luxury sauna found at a spa, but you can have it in the comfort of your own home.
Some of the sauna’s features that we like best are its interior LED lighting, multi-level seating, and the option to choose between three best-in-class heaters. All of these features, and more that we’ll detail below, contribute to the Almost Heaven Auburn Sauna’s appeal, making it our favorite sauna for inside a home.
Our Take: We like the Almost Heaven Auburn Sauna for inside the home because it looks nice, is made of high-quality materials, and is not so big that it won’t fit in your home.
What We Liked
- Two wood color options – You can order this sauna in either a fir or rustic cedar wood variation. We really enjoy the customizability of choosing between two wood colors, especially since this sauna will be inside your home.
- Can fit three people – This sauna can fit up to three people, which is great if you’re looking to use your sauna as a gathering space. Maybe you’re in a group workout class and want to congregate with classmates afterward, or maybe you’re looking to relax with your partner after a long day of work. Either way, this sauna’s space is a plus.
- Multi-level seating – We noticed that this sauna has multi-level seating, which saves space and allows room for more people. Also, with more than one seating level, you can move closer to or farther away from the heater, depending on how your body is feeling during your sauna session.
Potential Drawbacks
- Sauna heater is an additional fee – While the actual price of this sauna is over 7,500 dollars for the fir option and over 9,000 dollars for the rustic cedar wood option, that is simply the price of the structure. You’ll still need to purchase a heater at an additional fee ranging from roughly 1,000 to 2,500 dollars, depending on the heater you choose. This additional price may be a drawback.
- No flooring – One aspect of this sauna that we don’t love is that it does not include separate flooring and uses your home’s floor instead. This limits where the sauna can go because it is not able to sit atop carpeted floors. Additionally, you may not want any heat from the sauna potentially damaging your home’s floors.
SAUNAONES™ Barrel Sauna Serenity Nature Air 4 – Best Outdoor Home Sauna
Saunaones Barrel Sauna Serenity Nature Air 4
The Saunaones™ has U-shaped seating, customizable features, and an advanced heating system. The barrel design looks luxurious and what’s even better, it holds two to 10 people.
Saunaones Score
5.00 / 5
Why the SAUNAONES™ Barrel Sauna Earned Best Outdoor Home Sauna
The SAUNAONES™ Barrel Sauna Serenity Nature Air 4 is our favorite outdoor home sauna because of its great design, customizable features, and advanced heating system. We think this sauna will look gorgeous in any backyard with its unique barrel design. Along with the barrel design, you get U-shaped seating, which promotes conversation and gathering, going hand in hand with the sauna’s ability to hold between two and 10 people, depending on which size you purchase.
The SAUNAONES™ is intentionally to be used outdoors as it features steel rings surrounding the exterior for support and asphalt shingles that preserve heat and provide insulation.
Our Take: The SAUNAONES™ is a gorgeous, uniquely designed outdoor sauna. It will no doubt be a neat focal point in your backyard.
What We Liked
- Unique design – This sauna’s barrel design and overall look are really unique in the sauna space. For those who want to branch out of the traditional model, this one is worth your consideration.
- Extremely customizable – You can purchase the SAUNAONES™ sauna in two different wood colors, and there are four size options to choose from, depending on how many people you’d like it to fit in it. You can also choose to include a porch on the exterior of the sauna and pick between three types of windows and three heater options. Finally, you can pay for an on-site installation service, which means someone else will build the sauna for you.
- Advanced steam heating system – The SAUNAONES™ contains an advanced steam heating system, which maintains controlled levels of heat and humidity throughout the entire sauna. This means that no matter where you are in the sauna, you should get the steam and heat benefits.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not for budget shoppers – Although this sauna comes with so many perks, it is not ideal for those on a tight budget. With that said, if this sauna piques your interest, you might consider buying it during a sales holiday.
- Takes up a lot of space – You can purchase the SAUNAONES™ in four different sizes, holding 2-4 people, 4-6 people, 6-8 people, or 8-10 people. While these options are great, this does mean that every version of this sauna is quite large. If you have limited yard space, this product may take up too much space for your liking.
SweatTent Outdoor Sauna – Best Budget Home Sauna
SweatTent Outdoor Sauna
The SweatTent is a collapsable at-home sauna that can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes. It comes with everything you need, including an insulated sauna tent and a wood thermometer.
Sweat Tent Score
4.90 / 5
Why the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna Earned Best Budget Home Sauna
We suggest the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna if you’re shopping for an at-home sauna on a budget. The price of this collapsible, portable sauna includes the insulated sauna tent, a sauna stove, sauna rocks and a basket, a wood thermometer, a fire poker, a weatherproof roof cover, and heat-resistant gloves.
The value of the SweatTent is unmatched; nothing has to be purchased at an additional fee, and everything you’ll need for your sauna session comes with the tent. Other benefits of this outdoor sauna include its ability to reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and the fact that it only needs 30 minutes to heat up.
Our Take: The SweatTent costs about 1,600 dollars, which is much lower than other home saunas on the market.
What We Liked
- More affordable – While spending over 1,500 dollars is still a significant investment, the SweatTent is much more affordable than an immovable sauna made of wood. The best part is that the SweatTent still provides all of the necessary components for a successful sauna session.
- Portable design – This outdoor tent sauna is portable, collapsible, and fairly easy to move from place to place. If you move homes often or want to bring your sauna on a road trip, the SweatTent should be easy to manage.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not aesthetically pleasing – For many consumers, the aesthetic appeal of a product, especially one as large as a sauna, is really important. If you’re looking for a more stylish sauna, then this might not be your first choice.
- Might be heavy for some– Even though the SweatTent is portable, it still has some weight to it that could make it harder for some folks to move around. The tent portion weighs around 30 pounds, and the stainless steel stove weighs about 50 pounds.
renu Therapy Rusticus 3 Person Indoor Sauna – Best Steam Home Sauna
The Rusticus 3 Person Indoor Sauna
A budget-friendly sauna option for those looking for portability.
Why the renu Therapy Rusticus Sauna Earned Best Steam Home Sauna
The renu Therapy Rusticus Indoor Sauna is the best steam home sauna because it mimics the feel of a traditional steam sauna. You can use the hot stone heaters that are available for purchase as a dry or hot steam sauna experience, depending on your preference.
This sauna can reach a temperature of up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit in less than an hour. Also, the lumber used to build this sauna is sustainably sourced and is made to hold in heat well. Plus, you can control all of the sauna’s settings through your mobile device.
Our Take: We think the renu Therapy Rusticus Sauna is a fantastic choice for shoppers who prefer the experience of a traditional steam sauna.
What We Liked
- Customizable design – When you purchase this sauna, you can choose between four different door styles and two types of heaters. We enjoy this customizability because it lets consumers modify the product to best fit their needs and preferences.
- Fits several people – This product can hold up to three people, which is helpful for those who also want to use their sauna as a social space. Additionally, this size could better accommodate heavier or taller individuals who might find smaller saunas uncomfortable.
- LED lighting – This sauna comes with an interior LED light bar glow that creates a dimly lit, relaxing ambiance. This can enhance the stress-relieving appeal of a sauna experience.
Potential Drawbacks
- Longer assembly time – The manufacturer of the renu Therapy Rusticus Sauna explains that, for two people, assembly of this sauna will take around six hours. This is not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it is something to keep in mind if you prefer something quick to set up.
- Not for outdoor use – This sauna is designed exclusively for indoor use. With that being said, make sure you have space in your home for a sauna of this height and width.
Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Classic Barrel Sauna – Best Dry Home Sauna
Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Classic Barrel Sauna
The infrared sauna fits two people and is known for its energy efficiency.
Select Saunas Score
4.50 / 5
Why the Almost Heaven Salem Earned Best Dry Home Sauna
Our favorite dry home sauna is the Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Classic Barrel Sauna because it can be used as both a dry sauna and a steam sauna. This home sauna has a unique barrel design and comes with many customizable features. You can also keep this sauna inside or outside, depending on what works best for you.
The Almost Heaven Salem comes with free shipping in the United States and is easy to assemble. We also love the LED mood lighting that comes with the sauna because it creates a relaxing, spa-like ambiance for your sauna experience.
Our Take: The Almost Heaven Salem is a two-in-one sauna. You can enjoy it as a dry sauna, adding no additional moisture to the air, or a wet sauna, where you’ll put water onto the heated stones, emitting extra steam and humidity.
What We Liked
- Extremely customizable -This barrel sauna has so many customizable features that add to its value. You can choose qualities like the lumber color, the type of heater, and your preferred lighting. You’re also able to customize the door and windows.
- Dry sauna option – You can use this product as both a dry sauna and a wet sauna. In order for it to be a wet sauna, all you have to do is pour water onto the sauna’s heated stones.
- Indoor or outdoor usage – You can use the Almost Heaven Salem inside your home or outdoors. This flexibility allows you to put the sauna wherever you want.
Potential Drawbacks
- Curbside delivery only – The manufacturer of the Almost Heaven Salem only offers curbside delivery for this product. Installing the sauna by yourself may be a drawback.
- Not for budget shoppers – Without any of its additional features that are purchased at added prices, the sauna costs about 4,300 dollars. This isn’t the most expensive one on our list, but it’s still a costly investment.
Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna – Best Portable Home Sauna
Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna
A portable low-price option for those with limited space.
Why the Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna Earned Best Portable Home Sauna
The Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna earned Best Portable Home Sauna because it is easy to fold up and take on the go. It even comes with a folding chair that you can use in the sauna and then store away when you’re done using it.
Additionally, you can’t beat this portable sauna’s low price. We think this sauna is a great choice if you want to try out having a home sauna but aren’t ready to purchase one for thousands of dollars. Plus, you can store it away when it’s not in use, which is especially great for people with smaller homes.
Our Take: If you’re looking for an affordable, portable home sauna, we highly recommend the Durasage as it folds up easily, and costs under 200 dollars.
What We Liked
- Really affordable – This portable home sauna is super budget-friendly, especially compared to other home saunas. If you’re new to saunas, especially the idea of an at-home one, we suggest you try out this sauna before committing to a more expensive product.
- Portable – You can fold up this sauna and its chair and take it with you on the go. We love the flexibility of being able to bring this sauna with you on trips. Also, you can conveniently store it away when it’s not in use, which saves a lot of space in your home.
- Various color options – You can choose between eight different color options when purchasing the Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna. While this is not the most aesthetically pleasing home sauna, being able to choose the color is a plus.
Potential Drawbacks
- Potentially uncomfortable for heavier or taller folks – Since this sauna is smaller and more compact, we anticipate that heavier or taller folks may be uncomfortable inside it. If you’re heavier or taller, you’ll likely be more comfortable in a larger sauna where you can move around and spread out.
- Less relaxing experience – One downside of portable saunas is that they lack the relaxing ambiance that accompanies traditional home steam saunas. If you’re looking for an immersive spa-like experience with your own sauna, we suggest you choose a different sauna.
What Is a Home Sauna?
A home sauna is similar to a traditional sauna that you may encounter at a spa or gym, but it is kept in your own home or yard space. Some home saunas are steam or dry saunas, while others are at-home infrared saunas, which all use different technology.
What to Look for in a Home Sauna
Size & Capacity
As you search for a sauna for your home, we advise you to check the manufacturer’s website for the dimensions of the product. You’ll want to make sure the sauna will fit comfortably in a certain space in your home or yard.
Additionally, you should look into how many people can fit in the sauna, especially if you plan to use this product as a gathering space for friends or family. Knowing the size and capacity of the sauna may also be useful for heavier or taller folks because you can make sure the home sauna will be comfortable for you.
Type of Heating Technology
When shopping for a sauna, you’ll notice that there are various types that function differently, including dry, steam, and infrared saunas.
A dry sauna is heated by burning wood or a traditional heater, distributing dry heat into the sauna.
A steam sauna is what we typically think of as a steam room, which means your sauna becomes very humid while you use it. This type of sauna uses either a steam generator to create this humidity, or you can pour water over hot rocks. Some saunas may have the capacity to be either a dry sauna or a steam sauna depending on the settings you select.
An infrared sauna uses infrared light waves to create heat, warming your body directly instead of heating the air around you.
More Reading: Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna
Indoor or Outdoor Use
Do you have a big backyard that you can keep your sauna in? Or would you rather have it stay inside your home? These are questions you’ll want to ask yourself when deciding between an indoor or outdoor home sauna.
Typically these two types of saunas are constructed differently, so it is important that you put your sauna in the space it is designed for, whether that be indoors or outdoors. That said, some saunas can be used both indoors and outdoors, so that’s also a possibility for those who want more flexibility with where they can place their sauna.
Shipping & Installation
Before you purchase your home sauna, you’ll want to check out the shipping and installation information, such as how long it will take to ship and whether you’ll need to build it yourself. Some brands offer professional installation, but if you have to install the sauna yourself, you should look into how long that will take you, along with how many people are needed for the job.
You should also ensure that your home’s outlets are equipped to handle the voltage of the home sauna. This information should be available on a brand’s website, but if you can’t locate it, we advise contacting the company directly before you buy.
Performance
One factor you may have not considered when researching at-home saunas is temperature control. You’ll want to find out the maximum temperature the product can reach and decide whether that temperature will suit your needs.
Additionally, you may want to know how long it takes for the sauna to heat up. For instance, if you have a busy schedule, you might want something that takes less time to heat up.
Durability
Another factor to consider when buying a sauna for your home is its durability. Depending on what a sauna is made of, it may or may not last longer than its competitors. For example, the Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna has a polyester cover, so it may not be as long-lasting as, say, the Redwood Outdoors Sauna, which is primarily made of thermowood. This thermowood is specifically designed to be long-lasting because of its ability to fight off humidity and retain its shape.
Warranty
When purchasing a home sauna, you should check the product’s warranty in the event it breaks or stops working. This is especially true if you are buying a more expensive sauna. Usually, you can find the sauna’s warranty listed with the product details on the manufacturer’s website, but this is also something you can reach out to the company about before you order anything.
Budget
If you’re interested in purchasing a home sauna, you’ll find a lot of variance in price, with some just several hundred dollars and others close to 10,000 dollars.
If you’re able and willing to spend more on a sauna for your home, you may want something that has upgrades and additional customizable features. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a home sauna but don’t want to spend too much money, we suggest that you check out portable, foldable saunas.
Home Sauna Benefits
- May decrease blood pressure – Saunas are known for being a way to relax and unwind, which could help with blood pressure issues. A 2017 study3 found that the more men visited saunas, the less they experienced high blood pressure.
- Could allevaite pain – For those struggling with chronic back pain, investing in a sauna could be a great natural remedy. A 2019 study4 found that dry sauna use helped alleviate lower back pain in patients.
- May increase metabolism – Dry saunas have also been found to significantly increase metabolic rate5 since you burn calories when you sweat in a sauna.
- May improve sleep – Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, MD6, a sleep medical expert, explains that when you’re exposed to heat in a sauna, your melatonin production may increase, which can help you sleep better. Find out more about using a sauna before bed here.
- May improve your skin – Saunas can help shrink your pores, release toxins when you sweat, and increase your skin circulation, according to dermatologist Dr. Erin Gilbert, MD, PhD7.
How Do Home Saunas Work?
A home sauna will work similarly to saunas you’ll find at spas and gyms, though the exact functioning will depend on whether you have a dry, steam, or infrared sauna. You’ll plug your sauna into an outlet in your home or outside of your house, and then you’ll follow the sauna’s specific instructions to turn it on.
Although gyms and spas may leave their saunas on all day, we don’t advise doing this at your home in order to save energy.
Learn more: When is the Best Time to Use a Sauna?
Home Sauna Safety Tips
It is important that you use your sauna safely. Before purchasing a sauna, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you to use it. Typically, you should stay in a sauna for no longer than 15 to 20 minutes8, and it is important to stay hydrated, monitor how you’re feeling, and rest after you use a sauna.
Home Sauna FAQs
Are infrared or steam saunas better?
Neither an infrared nor steam sauna is technically “better” than the other. Rather, it is more of a personal choice. For example, those who frequently experience nasal congestion due to illness or allergies might prefer steam saunas in order to open up the nasal passages for temporary relief.
Are home saunas safe?
As long as you use your home sauna as advised by the manufacturers and the consultation of a medical professional, then using a home sauna should be safe. We urge you to follow temperature guidelines, along with guidelines about how often you use your sauna and how long you stay inside the sauna.
How long can I stay in a home sauna?
It is recommended that you limit your sauna session to around 15 or 20 minutes.10
What are the health benefits of home saunas?
As previously mentioned, the potential health benefits of an at-home sauna include decreased blood pressure, pain reduction, increased metabolism, improved sleep, and better skin. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before using a sauna if you have health concerns.
Emma Cronan
Writer
About Author
Emma is an Editorial Intern for Sleep Advisor. She collaborates with the editor and staff writers to come up with article ideas, create article outlines, and write for the website.
Combination Sleeper
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- 2. “Radiation: Electromagnetic fields”. World Health Organization. 2016. –
- 3. Zaccardi, Francesco., et al. “Sauna Bathing and Incident Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study”. American Journal of Hypertension. 2017. –
- 4. Cho, Eun-Hee., et al. “Dry sauna therapy is beneficial for patients with low back pain”. Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 2019. –
- 5. Leppäluoto, J., et al. “Some cardiovascular and metabolic effects of repeated sauna bathing”. National Library of Medicine. 1986. –
- 6. “Sauna & Sleep: A Winning Combo?”. Oura Ring. Webpage accessed November 17, 2024. –
- 7. Griffiths, Jessica. “Are Saunas Good for Your Skin? Here’s What We Found Out”. Dermstore. Webpage accessed November 17, 2024. –
- 8. “Sauna benefits, types and safety tips”. State Farm. Webpage accessed November 17, 2024. –