Are you interested in purchasing a sauna for your home but not yet ready to commit to one of the larger, standard models? If this sounds like you, then we recommend checking out a portable sauna.
Portable saunas are great cost-effective alternative to a regular sauna, with some costing thousands of dollars less than immobile ones. Of course, the other perk to these is that you can pack them up when they’re not in use and take them with you on trips.
In this article, we’ve included a mix of styles and types, which should give you plenty of options to choose from. We’ll also cover what to look for when buying a new portable sauna.
Best Portable Saunas
- SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best Overall Portable Sauna
- Nordic Ways Steam Spa – Best Portable Steam Sauna
- HigherDose Sauna Blanket – Best Sauna Blanket Starter Kit
- Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best Portable Luxury Sauna Blanket
- BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best User-Friendly Portable Sauna Blanket
- SweatTent Outdoor Sauna – Best Portable Outdoor Sauna
- LifePro Sauna Blanket – Best Portable Sauna Blanket
- Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna – Best Portable Infrared Sauna
- iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna – Best Two-Person Portable Sauna
SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket – Editor’s Pick
SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket
The SunHome infrared sauna has low levels of EMF and is affordable and easy to clean. Its competitive price and transport-friendly design make it worth your attention.
SunHome Saunas Score
5.00 / 5
Why the SunHome Sauna Blanket Earned Best Portable Sauna Overall
The SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an infrared sauna for your home. Not only is it comfortable to lie down in, it is relatively affordable, easily transportable, and has low levels of EMF. Its quality construction and easy-to-use features earned it our top spot. Infrared saunas expose you to EMF, but according to the World Health Organization1, low EMF levels are considered safe, with no adverse health effects being reported.
We also love that this product is easy to clean, constructed with non-toxic fabric, and includes industrial-grade zippers to trap the heat inside when the sauna blanket is in use. The infrared heating can reach up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can control the temperature using the control panel.
What Customers Think of The SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket
The SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket is rated 5 out of 5 stars on Google. One negative of the SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket is that some customers find it bulky and difficult to store, but a pro is that it provides effective, at-home heat therapy for relaxation and muscle recovery.
Nordic Ways Steam Spa – Best Portable Steam Sauna
Nordic Ways Steam Spa
The Nordic Ways Steam Spa features a high-powered design and eco-friendly features at an affordable price.
Nordic Ways Score
5.00 / 5
Why the Nordic Ways Steam Spa Earned Best Portable Steam Sauna
If you’re someone who prefers steam saunas and wants something you can easily use at home or while traveling, we think you’ll enjoy this product from Nordic Ways. This sauna features an eco-friendly and high-powered design while still retaining an affordable price. Another benefit for shoppers is that Nordic Ways will send your sauna free of charge if you live in the United States.
Although you can sit inside the Nordic Ways Steam Spa, don’t let that fool you about its compatibility; you can collapse it whenever it’s not in use. We also love how customizable this sauna is. With 16 steam levels, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something that suits you.
What Customers Think of The Nordic Ways Steam Spa
On the Nordic Ways website, customers rate the Nordic Ways Steam Spa 4.8 out of 5 stars. One negative aspect of the Nordic Ways Steam Spa could be its high initial cost, but customers may find its luxurious and rejuvenating steam experience worth the investment.
HigherDose Sauna Blanket – Best Sauna Blanket Starter Kit
HigherDose Sauna Blanket
The Higher Dose Sauna Blanket can make using your portable sauna on the go a breeze.
HigherDose Score
5.00 / 5
Why the HigherDose Sauna Blanket Earn Best Sauna Blanket Started Kit
The Higher Dose Sauna Blanket can make using your portable sauna on the go a breeze. With the purchase of Higher Dose’s sauna blanket, you’re also getting a convenient travel kit that makes transporting it much more convenient, a big reason why it earned the Editor’s Pick spot.
The travel kit includes the blanket itself, two organic towel inserts, and a stylish sauna blanket bag. This Higher Dose product is an infrared sauna blanket. Higher Dose advises you to wait 10 minutes for the blanket to heat up so you can sweat more quickly once you use it. We love the short wait time since many of us lead busy lives, and this is a big time saver.
What Customers Think of The HigherDose Sauna Blanket
The HigherDose Sauna Blanket is rated a 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One negative of the HigherDose Sauna Blanket is that some customers report it can be challenging to clean, but a pro is that it has a sleek design with adjustable heat settings for a customized experience.
Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best Portable Luxury Sauna Blanket
Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket Zipper
We love this infrared sauna blanket from Vellgus, which features a sleek leather exterior, non-toxic fabrics, and a waterproof interior.
Vellgus Score
5.00 / 5
Why the Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket Earned Best Portable Luxury Sauna Blanket
Who says you have to skimp on luxury just because you’re buying a portable sauna? We love this infrared sauna blanket from Vellgus, which features a sleek leather exterior, non-toxic fabrics, and a waterproof interior.
With the Vellgus Sauna Blanket, you’re also getting a foldout box, digital controller, carrying bag, and user manual. We especially love the addition of the carrying bag because you can easily take your sauna blanket with you on trips.
What Customers Think of The Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket
On the Vellgus website, customers rated the Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket 4.9 out of 5 stars. One negative of the Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket is that some customers feel it takes too long to heat up, but a pro is that it delivers consistent and even infrared heat distribution, enhancing the overall therapeutic benefits.
Discover our picks for the best infrared saunas here.
BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best User-Friendly Portable Sauna Blanket
BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Planket
Features an 8-layer heating system which warms up in only ten minutes.
BESTQOOL Score
5.00 / 5
Why the BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket Earned Best User-Friendly Portable Sauna Blanket
BESTQOOL has worked hard to ensure that their Infrared Sauna Blanket gives you hassle-free rest and relaxation. It boasts an 8-layer heating construction with an easy-to-use and easy-to-find controller—it reattaches to the front of the blanket when you’re done adjusting. Come that with the bed’s straightforward “plug and play” setup, and it’s easy to see why we dubbed this sauna the most user-friendly.
This blanket is easily foldable and weighs only 17 pounds for simple storage and transportation. Its polyurethane composition also makes it easy to clean when the sweating gets tough.
What Customers Think of The BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket
The BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One negative of the BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket is that some customers mention it has a strong initial smell, but a pro is that it provides excellent temperature control for a personalized sauna experience.
SweatTent Outdoor Sauna – Best Portable Outdoor 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 Portable Outdoor Sauna
The SweatTent Outdoor Sauna earned the best portable outdoor sauna spot because it comes with a lot of great features at a pretty reasonable price. This sauna costs about 1,600 dollars and 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.
Additionally, this outdoor sauna can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, only requiring 30 minutes to heat up. SweatTent even offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it.
What Customers Think of The SweatTent Outdoor Sauna
On the SweatTent website, customers rate the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna 4.9 out of 5 stars. One negative of the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna is that some customers find it challenging to assemble, but a pro is that it offers the unique experience of enjoying a sauna outdoors.
Explore our picks for the best home saunas here.
LifePro Sauna Blanket – Best Portable Sauna Blanket
LifePro Sauna Blanket
A sauna blanket option which is perfect for those on-the-go seeking the benefits an infrared sauna can offer.
LifePro Score
4.50 / 5
Why the LifePro Earned Best Portable Sauna Blanket
Instead of purchasing a sauna that takes up lots of space, you may be wondering if there are other options outside of stationary or foldable saunas. The LifePro is a sauna blanket, which means you can receive all of the benefits of a traditional sauna experience while lying down on your bed or couch.
This sauna blanket includes infrared heating, two detox wraps, and a lifetime warranty. It is also available in eight color variations. According to LifePro, this product is designed to ease tension, support well-being, rejuvenate aging skin, and boost metabolism. The LifePro is easy to assemble and use, and it weighs less than 11 pounds, making it convenient to take on the go and store away when it’s not being used.
What Customers Think of The LifePro Sauna Blanket
The LifePro Sauna Blanket is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One negative of the LifePro Sauna Blanket is that some customers report it can be difficult to clean, but a pro is that it features adjustable temperature settings for a customized sauna experience.
Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna – Best Portable Infrared Sauna
Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna
This portable infrared sauna is easy to take apart and store away. Its compact nature and high-quality infrared technology make it an excellent option if you want a relaxing experience.
Sunlighten Score
4.70 / 5
Why the Sunlighten Earned Best Portable Infrared Sauna
The Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna is a great portable infrared sauna because its pieces can easily be taken apart and stored away Its compact nature makes this sauna space-saving, which is ideal if you don’t have room for a traditional sauna in your home.
This portable sauna has high-quality infrared technology, including nine infrared heaters. The Sunlighten Solo System comes with a dome, a pillow, a pad to lie on, and various control panels. When using this sauna, you can lie down in a comfortable position, which will hopefully enhance your relaxing sauna experience.
What Customers Think of The Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna Blanket
On the Sunlighten website, customers rate their products 4.2 out of 5 stars. One negative of the Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna is that some customers find it expensive, but a pro is that it offers a compact and easy-to-use design for convenient home sauna sessions.
iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna – Best Two-Person Portable Sauna
iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna
The iDOTODO is a full-body portable sauna that can reach a temperature of up to 140 Fahrenheit. It has a collapsable frame, so it’s easy to store or take with you on a trip.
iDOTODO Score
4.30 / 5
Why the iDOTODO Earned Best Two-Person Portable Sauna
The iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna is great if you want to spend your sauna time with a companion. This sauna is spacious, you’re fully enclosed when you’re using it, and it can reach a temperature of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, when you’re not using your home sauna, you can easily fold it up to store it away. Or, maybe you want to bring it on a road trip with you, which is also possible.
The iDOTODO sauna has a collapsible frame that makes it easier to take the product apart. Additionally, since this sauna uses infrared heating technology, there are no extra pieces that you need to store away, such as a wood stove for a dry sauna.
What Customers Think of The iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna
The iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One negative of the iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna is that some customers feel it takes up a lot of space, but a pro is that it heats up quickly, allowing for immediate use.
What Is a Portable Sauna?
A portable sauna is a sauna that you can use in your home or your yard, but when you are not using the sauna, you can store it away so it does not take up space in your home. Additionally, a portable sauna typically folds up so you can transport it, whether you’re moving it from room to room in your home or bringing it in your car during a trip.
What to Look for In a Portable Sauna
Size and Capacity
When shopping for a portable sauna, you’ll want to consider its size and how many people it can hold. Most portable home saunas are only meant for one or two people, so if you’re looking for a home sauna to hold more people, you may want one that is not portable. Additionally, since these saunas tend to be on the smaller side, taller and heavier people may want to check out the dimensions to ensure that they will comfortably fit in them.
Portability
Another factor you’ll want to look into is how portable the sauna actually is.
- Is it heavier?
- Can it be rolled up like a blanket?
- Does it have a large, bulky carrying case?
- Can it fit in the trunk of your car or under your bed?
Considering portability is critical if you travel a lot or if you aren’t ready to commit to a more permanent sauna setup in your home.
Type of Portable Sauna
There are many different types of portable saunas to choose from.
You can buy a tent like the SweatTent, a blanket like the LifePro, or one that zips up like the Vellgus.
Additionally, there are some more unique sauna designs such as the Sunlighten Solo System, which is similar to a pod enclosure on the ground.
Heating Technology
If you have started looking for a portable sauna, you have likely come across various saunas with different heating technology, including a dry sauna, a steam sauna, and an infrared sauna.
Read More: Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna
A dry sauna uses burned wood or a traditional heater to heat the inside of a sauna. Conversely, a steam sauna is what we typically think of as a steam room filled with humidity. Steam saunas use either a steam generator to create this humidity, or you can pour water over hot rocks. Some saunas can be used as either a dry sauna or a steam sauna depending on the settings you select.
Finally, an infrared sauna uses infrared light waves to generate heat2, warming your body directly instead of heating the air around you.
Temperature
Different saunas can reach different maximum temperatures, so when shopping for a portable sauna, read the manufacturer’s website to obtain this information. You’ll want to make sure your desired sauna reaches a temperature suitable for you.
Additionally, it is important to know how long your sauna takes to reach a certain temperature. Some saunas may take as long as 30 minutes to an hour to heat up, whereas others can reach their maximum temperature in under 10 minutes. Knowing this information will help you know how far in advance to turn on your sauna before using it.
Installation
With portable saunas, installation should not be an issue. You’ll likely receive the product in the mai, along with directions on how to set it up. Compared to stationary saunas, the installation of portable saunas should be less time-consuming.
Quality Durability
Another consideration when buying a portable sauna is its materials and overall durability. Depending on the materials used, one portable sauna may last longer than another.
Though it’s not the only measure of durability, a sign of a durable product is a good warranty and return policy, which signals that the brand stands behind the quality of its product.
Warranty
Before you purchase a portable sauna, we suggest that you check out the product’s warranty, especially if you are buying a more expensive sauna. This will help give you some peace of mind in the event of any issues with the product. Usually, you can find a sauna’s warranty listed with the product details on the manufacturer’s website.
Budget
It is important to remember your budget when sauna shopping. Some of these portable saunas are pretty pricey, but there are more affordable ones that can still provide a great experience.
Especially if you’re a newer sauna user, you may want to buy a less expensive sauna so it’s not as much of a financial commitment.
Portable Sauna Benefits
Saunas have various benefits, and portable saunas, in particular, have their own additional perks.
- May help with hypertension – A study3 conducted in 2017 suggests that regular sauna use could help with high blood pressure.
- Could reduce pain – According to a 2019 study4, dry saunas have been found to decrease back pain.
- May improve sleep – If you struggle to sleep, investing in a sauna to use before bed might help. After your exposed to heat in the sauna, your body temperature drops5, creating an increase in melatonin, an important hormone for facilitating sleep.
- Could boost metabolism – Dry saunas have been found to increase metabolic rate6 because you burn calories when you sweat in a sauna.
- Convenient – Portable saunas are a convenient option when you don’t want a sauna to take up too much space in your home or you want the flexibility of moving it from one place to another.
- More affordable – Portable saunas are also usually more affordable than immovable in-home or outdoor saunas.
Looking for a non-portable sauna? Explore our picks for the Best Home Saunas and Best Infrared Saunas.
Portable Sauna Safety Tips
Safety should be your top priority when using a sauna. While we advise that everyone consult their healthcare provider before using a sauna, and this is especially true for older adults or those who are pregnant or have other medical conditions.
Typically, it is recommended that you stay in a sauna for a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes7. Hydration is also key since you’ll be sweating a lot and will need to replenish your body’s water levels.
Portable Sauna FAQs
Do portable saunas work?
Yes, portable saunas do work. Make sure you read all of the information on the manufacturer’s website before purchasing a portable sauna to ensure that the product comes with the features you’re looking for. We also recommend reading through reviews on sites like Amazon to see what other customers are saying about the product and their experience with it.
Are portable saunas safe?
Portable saunas are safe. If you are worried about a sauna’s impact on your health, we urge you to consult a healthcare professional before using any type of sauna. Additionally, if your sauna uses infrared technology, you may want to ensure it comes with low EMF levels specifically.
How hot do portable saunas get?
The highest heat that a portable sauna can reach will vary based on the specific sauna you purchase. However, most saunas reach around at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do portable saunas use a lot of electricity?
The amount of electricity a portable sauna uses will vary by brand and specific sauna model.
When is the best time to use a sauna?
Objectively, no research suggests that one time is better than another to use a sauna. In fact, the timing of your sauna use may depend on what you want to get out of using a sauna.
If you’re looking for mental clarity, consider using a sauna in the morning. If you want to unwind after a long day, consider using a sauna before bed.
Read more in-depth about the best time to use a sauna here.
Are portable saunas worth it?
Portable saunas are worth it if you’re looking for a flexible and cost-effective sauna. Portable saunas can save you a lot of time and money versus building or buying a more permanent sauna option.
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
- 1. “Radiation: Electromagnetic fields”. World Health Organization. 2016. –
- 2. Bauer MD, Brent A. “What is an infrared sauna? Does it have health benefits?”. Mayo Clinic. 2022. –
- 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. “Sauna & Sleep: A Winning Combo?”. Oura Ring. Webpage accessed November 28, 2024. –
- 6. Leppäluoto, J., et al. “Some cardiovascular and metabolic effects of repeated sauna bathing”. National Library of Medicine. 1986. –
- 7. “Sauna benefits, types and safety tips”. State Farm Simple Insights. Webpage accessed November 28, 2024. –