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Every fitness lover needs to optimize their recovery so that they can do more of what they love: fitness. One of the best muscle recovery tools to help optimize performance is the sauna. With health benefits ranging from improved muscle recovery and cardiovascular performance to brain health and reduced inflammation, there are a lot of reasons to sauna.
For those looking to invest in a home sauna, our team of certified personal trainers, athletes, and coaches have done our due diligence and research to provide you our picks for the best home saunas. We’ve personally consulted with consumers who own and use these products. Furthermore, we talked to Thomas Barbeau, CSCS, SCCC, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Carolina Panthers, about real sauna benefits for elite athletes. Our expert product testers look at the following factors when researching and testing home saunas:
- Construction: We make sure the saunas are made from high-quality wood, such as hemlock, cedar, or aspen (all of which are the best wood for saunas). We also ensure there are no holes (aside from the purposeful ones used for ventilation).
- Performance: We time how long it takes each home sauna to get up to temperature and whether it stays there until adjusted.
- Features: Saunas should have an adjustable thermostat to determine and set the temperature.
- Delivery and setup: Where does the company drop the sauna? Are the assembly instructions clear and easy to follow?
From traditional saunas to infrared and portable saunas, we’ll provide you with a variety of options to help you find the sauna that best suits your needs, based on cost, construction, performance, and assembly.
11 Best Home Saunas for 2024
- Best Overall Home Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna
- Best Outdoor Home Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna
- Best Affordable Home Sauna: SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro
- Best 2-Person Sauna for Home: Sunlighten Amplify II Infrared Sauna
- Best Infrared Sauna for Home: Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
- Best Traditional Sauna for Home: Plunge Sauna
- Best Dry Sauna for Home: Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna
- Best Indoor Sauna: HigherDOSE Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
- Best Portable Home Sauna: SereneLife Full Size Portable Sauna
- Best Sauna Blanket: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Best Eco-Conscious Home Sauna: Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 1-Person Sauna
Best Home Sauna Video Review
Best Overall Home Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna
Good for: Those wanting a durable outdoor infrared sauna
Best Overall Sauna
Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna
Product Highlights
- Outdoor full-spectrum infrared sauna
- Only need a screwdriver and included Allen wrench for assembly
- Grade-A carbonized wood exterior to prevent warping and cracking
- Cedar interior
- Panoramic glass windows for view of outside
- Requires 240V outlet
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sleek design
- Minimal tools for assembly
- Outdoor infrared sauna
- Full-spectrum infrared
- Grade-A carbonized wood
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Requires 240V outlet
Bottom Line
The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna has a sleek aesthetic to its design, while also being functional. One of the only infrared saunas that are able to be set up outdoors, this sauna has an exterior built from Grade-A carbonized wood to prevent warping, cracking, and shrinkage of the exterior. This sauna is a full-spectrum infrared sauna, providing near, mid, and far infrared heat in the sauna.
The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Sauna is built to last year-round, through different seasons and different weather conditions, making it our pick for the best overall home sauna. This infrared sauna has a sleek but functional design for the outdoors and has grade-A carbonized wood on the exterior, preventing the wood from warping, shrinking, or cracking.
“Overall I enjoyed this sauna a lot,” says Linday Scheele, lead product reviewer for Garage Gym Reviews Everything. “I would for sure take this home with me.”
RELATED: Infrared Sauna Benefits
This is a full spectrum infrared sauna, providing near, mid, and far infrared heat at the same time from carefully-placed heating panels. Along with this, the Luminar boasts mobile-app control capabilities, Bluetooth premium surround sound, and LED lighting.
“You can feel it heating up in seconds,” Lindsay says, which was more than enough for it to earn a 5 out of 5 for its performance.
As is the case with many outdoor saunas, the Sun Home Luminar will require 240 volts for power. Also, this is pricey, costing over $7,000 for the 2-person home sauna. Still, assembly is minimal, as the website says you’ll only need the included Allen wrench to attach glass to the frame, and a screwdriver (not included) to attach the door handle, making it a solid choice for an outdoor sauna, with minimal hassle.
The charred, carbonized wood exterior and cedar interior gives the sauna a sharp look, along with the large dura-glass exterior, which provides a nice panoramic view of the outside while in use.
Read our in-depth Sun Home Sauna review.
Type of sauna | Infrared |
Exterior dimensions | 57” W x 51.5” D x 82.7” H |
Weight | 1,870 lbs |
Number of people | 2 |
Features | Free shipping, mobile-app enabled control system, Bluetooth surround system and speakers, chromotherapy LED lighting |
Warranty | 6-year limited |
Best Outdoor Sauna for Home: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna
Good for: People looking for a traditional sauna experience with a solid, durable design
Best Outdoor
Redwood Outdoors Sauna
Product Highlights
- Outdoor sauna kit
- Designed to stand up to the elements
- Traditional Scandinavian design
- Constructed from ultra-dry Thermowood timber
- Comes with a Harvia heater
- Includes bucket and ladle, backrest, sauna rocks, light fixture
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ability to relax and recharge from your backyard
- Interlocking lumber for streamlined assembly
- Powerful electric heater
- 2-level seating
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- Short 1-year limited warranty
- Requires 240V for electric heater
- Some drilling required for assembly
Bottom Line
Redwood Outdoors is a brand that offers a dozen different outdoor saunas. The Thermowood Cabin is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a four-person sauna that will offer a straightforward assembly with interlocking ultra-dry timber. The sauna features 2-level seating, which is the traditional Scandinavian design so you can choose between low- and high-heat options. The Thermowood Cabin comes standard with a Harvia electric heater, bucket and ladle, backrest, sauna rocks, and an internal light fixture.
If you’re looking for the best outdoor sauna featuring a traditional design and ultimate durability, look no further than the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna. We like its relatively compact design for a four-person sauna and its durability for the outdoors. It’s easy enough to hop in after some outdoor training.
The sauna is made of Thermowood, created by heat treating Scandinavian softwood to temperatures between 180 and 230 degrees in kilns for days at a time. This helps reduce the risk of wood swelling, cracking, or warping over time. Thermowood is also resistant to rot and fungi, and can provide increased longevity and insulation to your sauna.
Our lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele of Garage Gym Reviews Everything was impressed with how well the sauna performed, getting up to 190 degrees within 35 minutes. “It kept the temperature at the level and humidity that we wanted without issue,” Lindsay says, rating the performance of this home sauna a 5 out of 5.
If you want to adjust the temperature, there are two knobs for manual control, or you can control it through WiFi, either through the wall pad or your smartphone or tablet. You can also move from the lower to upper bench, where hot air rises, and vice versa.
The assembly is where the team ran into some issues. While the sauna is designed with interlocking pieces for easy assembly, the instructions were for an older model and not helpful. “This ultimately resulted in us having to troubleshoot,” Lindsay recalls, “as we were going with somewhere around 300 different pieces to work with.”
The screws provided were on the cheaper side as well, so our team had to purchase higher quality screws to ensure the base was secure and solid. Make sure this is built on very level ground, or else pieces may not fit properly, including the sauna door.
Additionally, the electric heater will require 220 volts, which is a less common voltage; we had to get ours installed by an electrician. However, if you can afford the nearly $6,000 price tag plus any electrical installation, you’ll have a sauna designed to last years to come outdoors.
Learn more in our full Redwood Outdoors Sauna review.
Type of sauna | Dry or steam |
Exterior dimensions | 78.75” L x 59” W x 96.75” H |
Weight | 800 lbs |
Number of people | 4 |
Features | Manual or WiFi heater control, Harvia sauna heater, light fixture |
Warranty | 1-year limited |
Best Affordable Home Sauna: SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro
Good for: Those wanting an affordable single-person room for steam sauna sessions
Best Portable Sauna
SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 7 levels of heat
- Portable design
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Only room for one person
- Humidity may be too intense for some folks
Bottom Line
The SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro offers an easy and affordable wet sauna option for home recovery sessions. It’s compact, folds down effortlessly, and is suitable for one person at a time. The heat is sourced from the SmartSteam Unit, which pumps steam into the SaunaBox and can be set to seven different settings.
If you need something small and portable, the SaunaBox is an ideal choice. It offers a compact footprint with enough room for one person to sit comfortably. It’s also easy to set up anywhere like a little pop-up tent.
The SaunaBox is a bit different from the other saunas we’ve tested because it’s a steam sauna versus a dry sauna. It can heat up to 130 degrees with nearly 100% humidity, which is emitted into the SaunaBox through a plastic hose from the SmartSteam chamber. To get the steam flowing, you’ll pour water into the SmartSteam chamber and set the heat setting from 1 to 7. The chamber also allows you to set the length of your sauna session.
Anthony O’Reilly, a certified personal trainer and GGR performance editor, says the SaunaBox took a little longer to heat up than the advertised 15 minutes, but once it got hot it stayed hot. We gave it a 4.5 out of 5 on temperature. Anthony’s 6 feet, 3 inches tall and said he felt comfortable inside the pop-up sauna, though it requires you to bring your own chair.
While the maximum temperature is 130 degrees, the humidity will likely make your sessions feel hotter than that. Plus, steam saunas have the potential to increase your heart rate and internal temperature1 more than dry saunas.
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With water vapor heating the SaunaBox, you may like knowing that it’s constructed from antimicrobial materials to help prevent the build up of mold and bacteria. It’s also BPA-free and does not contain microplastics.
The brand recommends to wipe down the tent wall and leave the door flap open to help dry out the SaunaBox between uses. You’ll also receive an absorbent floor mat that is machine washable so you can wash after every use.
Type of sauna | Steam |
Exterior dimensions | 35” L x 35” W x 74.4” H |
Weight | N/A |
Number of people | 1 |
Features | Portable chair, floor mat, towel, and carrying case |
Warranty | 2 years |
Best 2-Person Sauna for Home: Sunlighten Amplify II Infrared Sauna
Good for: Homeowners wanting a full-spectrum infrared sauna for recovery and relaxation
Best 2-Person Sauna
Sunlighten Amplify II Infrared Sauna
Product Highlights
- Infrared sauna
- Durable eucalyptus or aesthetic hypoallergenic exterior
- Plugs into standard 120V outlets
- Built-in sound system
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Two wood choices
- Built-in stereo
- Uses 120V outlets
- Full spectrum, infrared heating
Cons
- Must call to get pricing
Bottom Line
The Sunlighten Amplify II is a full-spectrum infrared sauna with a built-in sound system and color therapy features
Our favorite two-person sauna goes to the Sunlighten Amplify II Infrared Sauna. This full-spectrum infrared sauna also comes as a single-person or three-person sauna, with a similar structure and features. Although we have not tested out the Sunlighten sauna yet, we like several of its features.
For one, this indoor sauna is customizable in the type of wood used: eucalyptus or basswood. Each has its pros and cons, but eucalyptus is heavier and more durable, while basswood is hypoallergenic.
Additionally, this indoor sauna is compatible with 120-volt outlets, meaning you won’t have to get any electrical work done for your sauna to run properly. The sauna uses full-spectrum infrared heat across two heaters and far-infrared heat in four heaters, used to help heat the body from within and safely raise your heart rate. Extra features include chromotherapy lighting, a built-in sound system, and an LED control panel to adjust temperature and timers.
Due to the customization and choice of wood for the sauna, you’ll have to request a quote from Sunlighten for the exact price of the unit. Suffice it to say though that it’ll be one of the pricier options for a two-person sauna. Still, with the added features and convenience of a 120-volt plug, it could be worth the cost.
Type of sauna | Infrared |
Exterior dimensions | 45.4″” W x 39.9″” D x 70.3″ H |
Weight | Basswood: 456 Lbs. Eucalyptus: 541 Lbs. |
Number of people | 2 |
Features | Chromotherapy lighting, built-in sound system, control panel |
Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Best Infrared Sauna for Home: Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Good for: Those wanting an infrared home sauna with safe and low EMF
Best Traditional Sauna
Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Product Highlights
- Full-spectrum infrared sauna
- 500W infrared heaters
- Kiln dried eucalyptus wood
- Requires 120v outlet
- Includes medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights
- Includes Bluetooth surround sound
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No power tools required for assembly
- Full-spectrum infrared
- Kiln dried eucalyptus wood
- Only requires 120v outlet
- Limited lifetime warranty (7 years) on cabinetry and heaters
Cons
- Expensive
- 2-person capacity might be a tight fit
- Heavy
Bottom Line
The Sun Home Equinox Sauna is a full-spectrum infrared sauna, providing near, mid, and far infrared rays during a sauna session. With a controlled temperature adjustment, the sauna also features medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights and Bluetooth or auxiliary enabled surround sound.
There are two reasons we named the Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna as our best infrared sauna. The first can be found in the name—it utilizes full-spectrum infrared heating, as opposed to most home saunas that just use far infrared heating. What’s the difference? Far infrared heating penetrates deep into the skin, which is good because it can help you sweat out toxins and provide other benefits. Full-spectrum, on the other hand, provides three levels of heat for complete penetration.
The second reason is the use of high-quality shielding to limit your exposure to potentially dangerous ELF/EMF levels (low frequency electric and magnetic fields).
To be honest, we haven’t tested this infrared model but the GGR team has experience with other Sun Home products, so we’re confident in naming this our top choice, and just by looking at its materials we can rate it a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. Sun Home also claims their infrared saunas are the only ones capable of reaching temperatures up to 165 degrees.
Remember how your mother said too much of a good thing is bad for you? Well, there are some infrared sauna dangers, so it’s important to limit your exposure to 15 minutes per session.
It also comes with a Bluetooth-connected surround sound system and medical-grade chromotherapy LED lighting, though all those features come at a cost—$6,399, to be exact. A limited lifetime warranty makes that price a little more digestible, as does the ability to finance the purchase.
Type of sauna | Infrared |
Exterior dimensions | 50.9” W x 45.9” D x 77.7” H |
Weight | 520 lbs. |
Number of people | 2 |
Features | Full-spectrum infrared heaters, Bluetooth surround sound system, medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights |
Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty on cabinetry and heaters, 3 years on controls |
Best Traditional Sauna for Home: Plunge Sauna
Good for: Those wanting a versatile sauna space for standing, stretching, or sitting with friends
Best Traditional Sauna
Plunge Sauna
Product Highlights
- Available in standard and XL sizes
- Traditional steam or dry sauna
- Can seat 5 people (7 in XL)
- Slanted wall provides ergonomic backrest
- Benches can fold up to open sauna for stretching or standing
- Incense cedar exterior with pine and hemlock interior
- Waterproof roof provides outdoor protection
- Requires 240V outlet
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Slanted wall for ergonomic backrest
- Foldable benches
- Can seat multiple people
- Good for indoor or outdoor use
- High top temperature
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires 240V outlet
Bottom Line
The Plunge Sauna is a versatile take on a traditional Finnish sauna. With a slanted back wall, the Plunge Sauna provides an ergonomic backrest to add comfort to your sauna session. Additionally, the benches fold up to allow more space for standing or stretching. The electric heater is able to let the sauna reach temperatures up to 230 degrees, according to the company.
We like the unique design of the Plunge Sauna because it offers a modern take on a traditional sauna. A slanted back wall with an attached upper and lower bench provides an ergonomic backrest as well as space to seat up to five people (seven with the XL version). However, to stand or stretch in the sauna, the foldable benches can be flipped up to provide more space.
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The exterior and benches are constructed with an incense cedar, providing an aromatic wood smell. The interior has a blend of pine and hemlock. This high-quality sauna also has a waterproof roof, allowing it to work inside or outside of your own home.
The Plunge Sauna has a WiFi controller that can be controlled through a mobile app, along with customizable accent lighting. It’s worth noting that during our testing experience for our Plunge Sauna review, it took just under an hour for the sauna to go from 70 to 185 degrees. However, once it reached the set temperature it retained the heat well.
The heater is made by Huum, and is a wall-mounted sauna heater, keeping extra space for the sauna. The sauna also comes with 121 pounds of sauna stones, perfect for heat or steam.
Both the standard and extra-large versions of the Plunge Sauna will require a 240-volt outlet, and you should consult an electrician to install a dedicated outlet for the sauna. Additionally, this is an expensive sauna, at $10,990 for the standard size sauna. Still, Plunge does offer financing options. With its unique design, this sauna may be worth the cost.
Type of sauna | Dry or steam |
Exterior dimensions | 60” W x 67” D x 95” H |
Weight | Not disclosed |
Number of people | 5 (XL size can seat 7) |
Features | WiFi controller, Huum sauna heater, sauna stones, customizable accent lighting |
Warranty | Not disclosed |
Best Dry Sauna for Home: Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna
Good for: Households wanting a traditional dry sauna experience
Best Dry Sauna
Almost Heaven Morgan 4-Person Barrel Sauna
Product Highlights
- Barrel-shaped sauna that circulates heat more evenly
- Able to seat up to 4 people
- Red cedar construction
- Outdoor or indoor use
- 220V outlet required
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable 4-person sauna
- Barrel shape helps circulate heat evenly
- Harvia heater gets above 200 degrees
- Indoor or outdoor use
Cons
- Instruction manual isn’t specific to this model
- Requires 220V outlet
Bottom Line
The Almost Heaven Morgan 4-Person Barrel Sauna is a barrel-shaped sauna to help circulate heat throughout the sauna evenly. This helps keep the temperature more uniform no matter how close or far you are from the Harvia heater. A more affordable option, this barrel sauna is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, as well as steam or dry heat.
Our choice for the best dry sauna for your home is the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna. The cylindrical design of the Morgan Barrel Sauna allows the dry heat to circulate around the entire sauna, leading to better heat distribution throughout.
It’s powered by an electrical Harvia heater and can reach up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The Harvia heaters features 40 pounds of sauna stones, which will allow you to ladle water over the stones and create steam (if you want). Otherwise, the sauna can be used without water for a dry heat.
Our expert tester says it only takes about 30 minutes to reach the maximum temperature of 190 degrees, earning this sauna a 5-star rating for heat performance. The main callout our tester has about the Almost Heaven sauna was the assembly process. The instruction manual isn’t specific to the Morgan model—it was a generic system on assembling barrel-style saunas from Almost Heaven—which left room for interpretation when building it.
Lastly, you may like knowing this barrel sauna can be used indoors or outdoors and has a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty on the sauna and five years on the heater. It can be purchased online with a Costco membership for about $4,000, which includes shipping.
Type of sauna | Dry |
Exterior dimensions | 72” W X 72” D X 78” H |
Weight | 685 lbs |
Number of people | 4 |
Features | Bucket with ladle, 40 lbs of sauna stones, thermometer, light fixture |
Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty on sauna room, 5 years on heater |
Best Indoor Sauna for Home: HigherDOSE Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Good for: Those who want to keep their saunas indoor
Best Indoor Sauna
HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Product Highlights
- Full-size infrared sauna
- Engineered wood and mahogany
- Full spectrum infrared lights
- Low EMF carbon heaters
Pros & Cons
Pros
- FSA/HSA eligible
- 2- or 3-person options
- May help reduce muscle soreness
- Can aid blood flow and circulation
Cons
- Hefty price tag
- Additional $849 for curbside delivery
- 3-person sauna requires 240 volt power
- Not recommended for folks with heart issues
Bottom Line
The HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation and can be purchased for 2- or 3-person use. You’ll have Bluetooth connectivity and a media shelf to stream entertainment during sauna bathing sessions.
Our pick for the best indoor home sauna is the HigherDOSE Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna because it’s roomy without taking up too much space in your garage or home gym, has great heat retention, and comes with multiple features to enhance your sauna sessions.
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Plus, the wood exterior and mahogany interior is a great touch to any home. “This sauna is very attractive,” says certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele, who used it for our HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna review. “The color palette they worked with also looks sharp, and very intentional to be something that is modern-looking but will stand the test of time.”
When it comes to getting things hot, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Our sauna arrived with two non-working heaters, though to HigherDOSE’s credit they quickly shipped out replacements that arrived the next day (we’re giving them a 4 out of 5 for customer experience, only docking a point because the installers didn’t bother to check that everything was working before leaving the GGR HQ). Lindsay says replacing the heaters took fewer than five minutes with two people.
After firing it up, she noticed the sauna never got to the advertised maximum temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. It mostly stuck around 107 degrees Fahrenheit, though the good news there was no heat leakage. For that reason, it gets a 3.5 out of 5 for performance.
Considering this sauna costs nearly $10,000 after shipping and assembly costs, it’s good to know that it seems sturdy. Lindsay’s main concern is another heater breaking in the future, but it still earns a 4 out of 5 for durability.
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You can get this as a 2- or 3-person sauna, and Lindsay says there’s ample room for your sauna buddies. While inside, they can enjoy the Bluetooth connectivity, iPad shelf, and removable bench. HigherDose added LED chromotherapy color lights to add to the ambiance.
Type of sauna | Infrared |
Exterior dimensions | 71″ W x 48″ D x 77″ H |
Weight | Not disclosed |
Number of people | 2-3 |
Features | Bluetooth speakers, towel rack, exterior lighting, chromotherapy lighting |
Warranty | Lifetime for Tecoloy heaters, 5 years for wood panels, benches, power supplies, and controllers |
Best Portable Home Sauna: SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna
Serene Life Full Size Portable Sauna
Product Highlights
- Full size personal portable infrared sauna
- Designed for in home use
- Reported benefits of weight loss, detoxing, stress and fatigue relief, and soothing muscles
- Includes sauna, foldable sauna chair, and heated foot pad
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Folds up for storage when not in use
- Timer and auto heat settings via remote control
- Includes foldable chair
- In home use
- Easy zipper access
Cons
- Limited reviews
- No warranty
- Time to heat up not disclosed
- Only fits 1 person
Bottom Line
The Serene Life Compact Sit-In Sauna is a portable in-home sauna that can be assembled and then disassembled for compact storage. The sauna can reach a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The sauna features easy zipper access and a foldable chair for seated use. There are limited reviews but they are positive and found the sauna easy to set up.
Good for: Those wanting a compact single-person room for steam sauna sessions
Available on Amazon, our pick for the best portable home sauna is the SereneLife Full Size Portable Sauna, which is available as a steam or infrared sauna (we reviewed the latter). This is lightweight at around 30 pounds and folds out into a nearly 6-feet tall portable sauna that the manufacturers also call a home spa.
Certified personal trainer and Garage Gym Reviews Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele says it gets pretty hot, though it struggled with holding its temperature, earning it a 4 out of 5 for performance. “It’s been ranging from 125 to 135 degrees and it has not held at 140 degrees for an entire 20-minute session since bringing it home,” she says in our SereneLife Portable Sauna review. You use a remote control to set the temperature to your liking.
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Folded out, the spa’s dimensions are nearly 3-feet by 3-feet by 6-feet, but it can be folded away easily to move to another room, or just for storage. The steam option comes with a 4-liter steamer, used to increase the humidity and temperature of the interior of the sauna. It’s tall enough for most people to stand, but a sauna chair is included to sit in while in the steam sauna.
With the steam sauna, the interior will only get so warm, with a maximum temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you’re looking for a sauna to get warmer, you may want to go for the infrared option Also, with a height of 70.9 inches, it may be difficult for taller people to stand in. With that said, this is one of the best budget options available for saunas, and its portability makes it a great choice for a home sauna.
Type of sauna | Portable, steam or infrared |
Exterior dimensions | 35.4” L x 35.4” W x 70.9” H |
Weight | Around 30 pounds (exact weight depends on type) |
Number of people | 1 |
Features | Sauna chair, remote controller |
Warranty | Not disclosed |
Best Sauna Blanket: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
Good for: Those who want to be engulfed in a warm sauna blanket
Best Sauna Blanket
HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
Product Highlights
- Portable sauna blanket
- Sleeping bag-style design
- Powered with far infrared rays
- Additional blanket inserts available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Promotes circulation
- May aid muscle recovery
- Portable design
Cons
- Takes 10 minutes to preheat
- Costs extra for blanket inserts
- Designed for one person at a time
Bottom Line
The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket offers a portable and affordable alternative to installing a sauna in your home. The sauna blanket uses far infrared technology to provide heat stimulation to your entire body while you’re inside the sauna blanket.
Capable of heating up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket provides all-around heat and comfort in a portable and easy-to-use package. “If you love sauna sessions and need a more portable option I think this is great,” says certified personal trainer and Garage Gym Reviews Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele in our full HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket review. “I felt super relaxed and enjoyed using it.”
While it’s still a little pricey, it’s much more affordable than larger at-home saunas. It works just like the sleeping bags you use at camp or during childhood sleepovers—with some twists.
It takes about 10 minutes to preheat and you’ll need a heatproof surface to lie on. Once it’s at your desired temperature, you hop in and set a timer for as long as you want to remain in the blanket. Fair warning: You’ll get very sweaty and if you don’t have an insert or blanket inside, cleanup can be a bit of a hassle. Lindsay says the $89 inserts are worth the extra price because your sweat could cause the sauna blanket to break down faster, which is why she rated it a 3.5 out of 5 for durability.
It received a 4.5 out of 5 rating for portability because it’s 71 inches long and wide, compact enough to be thrown in the back of a car during a vacation.
Although HigherDOSE says on its website that its blanket can reach up to 158 degrees, the programmable thermostat only reads settings from one to eight so it’s hard to tell exactly how hot it is at any given moment.
Type of sauna | Infrared |
Dimensions | 71” L x 71” W (unfolded) |
Interior Circumfrence | 65″ |
Number of people | 1 |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Best Eco-Conscious Home Sauna: Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 1-Person Sauna
Good for: Eco-conscious buyers or anyone looking for low-EMF saunas
Best Eco-Conscious Home Sauna
Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 1 Person Sauna
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real hemlock wood
- Compact size
- 100/120V power requirements
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- Only room for one person
- Indoor use only
Bottom Line
The Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 1 Person Sauna is spacious, features chromotherapy lighting, and has a low electromagnetic field. It’s made from eco-friendly wood free from resin.
If you’re on the hunt for a home sauna that’s eco-friendly, the Heavenly Heat Far Infrared sauna might be your best bet. The sauna is built from Canadian hemlock wood that isn’t finished with any resins or chemical treatments.
The brand also builds saunas without plywood, glues, or stains to keep the wood as unaltered as possible. Instead of glue, you can expect nails and screws holding this sauna together. Our tester and GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis thought the construction of the sauna was both high-quality and durable, earning it a 4-out-of-5-star rating. She notes the sauna bench was contoured, which was a nice detail.
It’s also specifically designed to have a low electromagnetic field, with the use of low EMF heaters and grounded faraday shielding. The sauna is also designed without telecommunications like radio, WiFi, or Bluetooth to reduce radio frequencies.
However, the heat performance left Nicole a little disappointed. The website boasts this one-person sauna has a fast heat-up time of 10 to 15 minutes. Nicole found that it was actually around 30 minutes to get to the highest temperature.
Plus, she noticed it never reached the highest temperature setting of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature capped out at 152 degrees during her testing session. Nicole notes that 165 degrees is on the high end for an infrared sauna, so she wasn’t concerned with the lack of heat. For that reason, she scored the heat performance 3 out of 5 stars.
What Nicole appreciated was the roomy cabin for a one-person sauna. “This would fit a wide variety of folks. I was in there with plenty of room to stretch and move around,” she says.
Type of sauna | Far infrared |
Exterior dimensions | 37.4” L x 37.4” W x 75” H |
Weight | 225 lbs |
Number of people | 1 |
Features | Hemlock wood, low EMF design, chromotherapy lighting |
Warranty | 10-year warranty on sauna cabin, 6-year warranty on electrical components and heaters |
Other Home Saunas We Researched
We took a look at quite a few other saunas before coming to our final list. Here are some that didn’t quite make the list.
- Dynamic Andora Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna: This affordable infrared sauna on Amazon uses far infrared heat to keep EMF levels very low, but the two-person capacity might be a bit of a stretch; the 43-inch-wide bench is a tight squeeze according to our testing. You can get all of our thoughts in our in-depth Dynamic Infrared Sauna review.
- Maxxus Saunas Seattle Carbon Far Infrared Sauna: Built from Canadian hemlock wood, this Maxxus Sauna is a more affordable infrared option, but some reviews talked about a difficult assembly, from hard instructions, to missing screws.
- Radiant Sauna 2-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna: With six carbon heaters, this sauna is a more affordable option, but some reviews complain about it not getting hot enough.
- LifePro Portable Far Infrared Sauna Blanket: Another budget-friendly option for those looking to use a sauna, we went with other portable saunas, since this sauna blanket doesn’t allow your head and arms to be covered as well.
- Durasage Oversized Portable Personal Steam Sauna: While a larger option for portable saunas, this steam sauna only allows for sitting.
- Sunray Heathrow 2-Person Infrared Sauna: Available on Wayfair, this two-person sauna comes with quite a few features, including Bluetooth audio, an LED control panel, and LED lighting, but it still didn’t quite make the list.
- Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket: This sauna blanket is super similar to the HigherDOSE sauna blanket in price, size, and heat capacity.
- Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna: We’ve tested this half-dome shaped personal sauna and we don’t think it’s roomy enough for folks of all shapes and sizes. We have the full details in our Sunlighten Solo Sauna review.
How We Picked and Tested Home Saunas
When testing out saunas, we look at the construction of the sauna, as well as the assembly process. Additionally, we look at the performance of the sauna—its maximum temperature, how quickly it gets to that temperature, and how well it maintains the temperature.
Then we took a look at amenities, things like WiFi controllers, lighting, and other features that would enhance the user experience. Afterwards, we determined if the value of the unit was worth the cost, which narrowed our list down to the saunas you see before you.
Benefits of Home Saunas
There are quite a few benefits you can get from home saunas, but a lot depends on the heat of the sauna and the time spent in the sauna. I talked with Thomas Barbeau, CSCS, SCCC, an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Carolina Panthers, about his use of saunas for his athletes’ performance and recovery.
On the optimal conditions of sauna use, Thomas says, “A lot of the research suggests that the ideal temperature for sauna usage is above 176 degrees, and a session should be about 20 minutes long at that temperature to reap the full benefits of a sauna. Higher temperatures, though, can reduce the time needed in the sauna, whereas at about 200 degrees, you’d only need a 15-minute session.”
A higher frequency of use tends to increase the benefits, too, he adds. Because of this, Thomas tends to prefer traditional dry saunas for the higher temperatures they can reach, as steam and infrared saunas reach about 120 and 150 degrees respectively.
With that said, there are still plenty of benefits to have from an infrared sauna or steam sauna, such as reduced inflammation, increased recovery, and cardiovascular health, but the higher temperatures of a dry sauna have been shown to have unique benefits that can improve brain health as well. Let’s get into the benefits of home saunas.
Reduced Inflammation
One of the most well-known benefits of saunas is their ability to help reduce inflammation in the body.
A 2018 study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology2 measured the C-reactive proteins (CRP) of over 2,000 Finnish men. CRP is a blood protein that is used in inflammatory responses. Those who used saunas had lower CRP levels, and the correlation seemed inversely related to the frequency of sauna usage. Those who used the sauna over four times weekly had lower CRP levels than those who used it two or three times weekly.
Additionally, some anti-inflammatory proteins (such as IL-10) have been shown to increase with sauna usage. Another study from 20183 showed a significant increase in anti-inflammatory proteins after four weeks of consistent sauna usage.
Increased Recovery
Something vital to Thomas as an assistant strength coach for the Panthers is a sauna’s ability to aid in recovery after long football practices. Research shows that sauna use after exercise can help aid in an athlete’s recovery, with one study from 20194 even suggesting that resting heart rates were lower after sauna recovery than prior to sauna usage.
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Infrared saunas can help improve recovery as well. A small study from July 20235 showed that athletes who had a single infrared sauna session post-workout showed greater perceived recovery and less muscle soreness. Faster recovery leads to being able to train more efficiently the following day.
Cardiovascular Health and Performance
Saunas are a relatively safe way to train and increase your cardiovascular fitness and health. With the increased heat of a sauna, it can raise your heart rate6, up to levels comparable to moderate or vigorous levels of exercise.
One small study from 20197 measured the blood pressure and heart rate of 19 individuals during and 30 minutes after sauna use. In this study, participants’ blood pressure and heart rates increased significantly while under heat stress, but reduced to numbers below baseline after use.
Brain Health
One of the unique benefits of dry saunas (due to the increase in temperature) is their ability to help with brain health.
According to a 2017 study8, heat stress and exercise have been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein in the central and peripheral nervous systems. BDNF can have a ton of benefits, from helping with anxiety and depression9, as well as memory functions.
Preventing Muscle Waste
As an assistant strength coach, Thomas uses saunas to help maintain muscle mass on injured athletes, as muscular atrophy can occur leading to strength losses in the first week due to reduced protein synthesis10.
However, heat stress from saunas have been shown to prevent protein degradation from lack of activity. A study from 200711 suggests that intermittent heat stress can enhance skeletal muscle regrowth, which is a fantastic tool for a professional athlete recovering from injury—or a gym-goer with a pulled muscle.
What to Look for in the Best Home Saunas
There are a lot of factors determining what the right sauna is for you. Here are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
Type
When looking into saunas, the first thing to decide is the type of sauna you’re looking at. Typically this is a debate between infrared and traditional saunas, or wet and dry saunas. Both provide similar benefits to muscle recovery and reduced inflammation, but traditional saunas have some unique benefits on improving brain health that occur at much higher temperatures.
Additionally, you should consider where you’re wanting this sauna: indoors or outdoors. Either way, it’s smart to consider the space you have to work with, and find a suitable option. If you don’t have a lot of space, a portable sauna or sauna blanket may be a viable option, then.
Performance
What is the sauna’s maximum temperature, and how quickly does it reach that temperature? The answer will depend on the type of sauna, but you’ll want to make sure the sauna reaches those ideal temperatures.
- Dry saunas can reach a maximum temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit, and typically hotter, generally within a half-hour.
- Steam saunas won’t get as warm, relying on the humidity to warm you up. They have a maximum temperature of about 120 degrees, and take about the same time to warm up.
- Infrared saunas can heat up in about half the time to a max temperature of about 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Electrical Compatibility
Some saunas will use a standard 120-volt plug, making installing the sauna a breeze. However, many outdoor saunas (and some indoor ones) will use 240 volts, meaning a 240-volt outlet will need to be installed if you don’t have one. It’s best to have an electrician do this if you don’t have experience with wiring.
Features and Amenities
What other amenities are available to you while using the sauna? While the main goal is recovery, it’s nice to enjoy your time in the sauna. Common features include Bluetooth audio, lighting, and a WiFi controller for ease of access in controlling timers and temperatures.
Some traditional Finnish saunas may keep the features minimal, but they should at least come with a thermometer and bucket and ladle, to pour water over sauna rocks to help maintain or adjust the temperature.
Cost
Saunas can be expensive, even if they’re affordably priced. After looking at all of these factors in a sauna, make sure to check the price and see if the sauna brings enough value to justify the home sauna’s cost.
Best Home Saunas: FAQs
What is the best sauna for home?
The best sauna for your home will depend on your needs, as well as the space you have at your house. Here are our picks for the best home saunas:
Best Overall Home Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna
Best 2-Person Sauna for Home: Sunlighten Amplify II Infrared Sauna
Best Outdoor Home Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna
Best Traditional Sauna for Home: Plunge Sauna
Best Affordable Home Sauna: Sweat Tent Outdoor Sauna
Best Infrared Sauna for Home: Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Best Dry Sauna for Home: Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna
Best Indoor Sauna: HigherDOSE Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Best Portable Home Sauna: SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro
Best Sauna Blanket: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
What’s better, infrared or steam saunas?
The type of home sauna that’s better for you will depend on your wants and needs. An infrared sauna will get warmer than a steam sauna, although the humidity in a steam sauna will make it feel warmer. Additionally, infrared saunas can be easier to operate than a traditional Finnish sauna.
However, a dry sauna will operate at higher temperatures, which can provide health benefits in a shorter time frame than an infrared sauna. But they can be a little more difficult to operate with their electric or wood-fired heaters.
What are the benefits of a home sauna?
Saunas have a myriad of benefits, stemming from an increase in heart rate due to raising the body’s core temperature. Saunas can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle recovery post-exercise.
What’s the best steam home sauna?
Our choice for the best steam home sauna goes to the Renu Therapy The Rusticus 2-3 Person Indoor Sauna, which comes with WiFi and smartphone compatibility.
References
- Pilch, W., Szygula, Z., Palka, T., Pilch, P., Cison, T., Wiecha, S., & Tota, L. (2014). Comparison of physiological reactions and physiological strain in healthy men under heat stress in dry and steam heat saunas. Biology of sport, 31(2), 145–149. https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1099045
- Laukkanen, J.A., Laukkanen, T. Sauna bathing and systemic inflammation. Eur J Epidemiol 33, 351–353 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-017-0335-y
- Żychowska, Małgorzata, Nowak-Zaleska, Alicja, Chruściński, Grzegorz, Zaleski, Ryszard, Mieszkowski, Jan, Niespodziński, Bartłomiej, Tymański, Roman, Kochanowicz, Andrzej. Association of High Cardiovascular Fitness and the Rate of Adaptation to Heat Stress. BioMed Research International 2314-6133 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1685368
- Laukkanen T, Lipponen J, Kunutsor SK, Zaccardi F, Araújo CGS, Mäkikallio TH, Khan H, Willeit P, Lee E, Poikonen S, Tarvainen M, Laukkanen JA. Recovery from sauna bathing favorably modulates cardiac autonomic nervous system. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Aug;45:190-197. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.06.011. Epub 2019 Jun 22. PMID: 31331560.
- Ahokas EK, Ihalainen JK, Hanstock HG, Savolainen E, Kyröläinen H. A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biol Sport. 2023 Jul;40(3):681-689. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2023.119289. Epub 2022 Sep 15. PMID: 37398966; PMCID: PMC10286597.
- Taggart P, Parkinson P, Carruthers M. Cardiac Responses to Thermal, Physical, and Emotional Stress. Br Med J 1972; 3 :71 doi:10.1136/bmj.3.5818.71
- Ketelhut, S., Ketelhut, R.G. The blood pressure and heart rate during sauna bath correspond to cardiac responses during submaximal dynamic exercise. Complementary Therapies in Medicine Volume 44, 218-222 (2019). ISSN 0965-2299, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.002.
- Hiroshi Ohko, Yasunori Umemoto, Yuta Sakurai, Shouhei Araki, Daisuke Kojima, Yoshiichiro Kamijo, Kota Murai, Yoshinori Yasuoka, Fumihiro Tajima. (2021) The effects of endurance exercise combined with high-temperature head-out water immersion on serum concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy young men. International Journal of Hyperthermia 38:1, pages 1077-1085.
- Maniam, Jayanthi, Morris, Margaret J. Voluntary exercise and palatable high-fat diet both improve behavioural profile and stress responses in male rats exposed to early life stress: Role of hippocampus. Psychoneuroendocrinology Volume 35, Issue 10 1553-1564 (2010). ISSN 0306-4530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.05.012.
- Appell, HJ. Muscular Atrophy Following Immobilisation. Sports Med 10, 42–58 (1990). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199010010-00005.
- Selsby JT, Rother S, Tsuda S, Pracash O, Quindry J, Dodd SL. Intermittent hyperthermia enhances skeletal muscle regrowth and attenuates oxidative damage following reloading. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2007 Apr;102(4):1702-7. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00722.2006. Epub 2006 Nov 16. PMID: 17110516.
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Every fitness lover needs to optimize their recovery so that they can do more of what they love: fitness. One of the best muscle recovery tools to help optimize performance is the sauna. With health benefits ranging from improved muscle recovery and cardiovascular performance to brain health and reduced inflammation, there are a lot of reasons to sauna.For those looking to invest in a home sauna, our team of certified personal trainers, » Read more about: The Best Home Saunas (2024): A Heated Approach to Recovery » Read more