Home saunas tend to use one of two different methods to achieve sweat-inducing temperatures. First, there is traditional steam, which heats the air around you to bring up your body heat. With portable saunas, this steam is typically generated by an external steamer pot that feeds into a sauna tent. The second employs infrared technology that uses electromagnetic radiation to warm your body directly rather than heating the air. This type of heat penetrates deeper into the body and is believed to impact and heal deep tissue. Whichever you decide on, it’s essential to know what you’re buying—which is why we’ve gone ahead and done the research to compile a list of the best home saunas on the market today.
Best portable sauna: OppsDecor Portable Steam Sauna SpaBest infrared sauna: BOTARO Maxxus Saunas Seattle Infrared SaunaBest sauna tent: Durasage Oversized Portable Steam SaunaBest indoor sauna: SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam SaunaBest 2-person sauna: Dynamic Andora Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna
How we picked the best home saunas
We chose two high-end infrared models for those who have the space to commit to a full sauna setup and three budget-friendly steamer pot options with collapsible storage that practically anyone can use in their homes. Not everyone can spring for the luxury models. We surveyed dozens of models with dense online research to find picks that would strike the right balance of features, simplicity, and price. We considered outside opinions as well as known and often-reported issues. The entries on this list have been well-received by users at virtually every level.
The Best Home Saunas: Reviews & Recommendations
Best portable sauna: OppsDecor Portable Steam Sauna Spa
Why it made the cut: Enjoy a complete spa experience in under 10 total minutes of assembly and setup time with this convenient, portable sauna tent and steamer pot. Specs:
Dimensions: 31.5 x 31.5 x 40.6 inchesWeight: 14.62 poundsMaterials: Waterproof Cloth, plastic
Pros:
Easy to assembleRemote control operationNine levels of temperature control
Cons:
Seat is small and flimsyTent may be too small for larger people
You’ll be sweating in no time with our pick for the best infrared sauna, the OppsDecor Portable Steam Sauna Spa. It sets up in just one minute and takes only five minutes to heat to temperatures up to 149 degrees. That’s hotter than most people will need. In either case, the triple-layer waterproof tent is insulated to prevent heat loss, and it quickly breaks down just as easily as it assembles for convenient storage. The portable sauna is also easy to operate with a handheld remote control that allows you to choose from nine different temperature controls and six automatic timer options, so you can truly focus on relaxation and detoxification. The two-liter capacity steam pot can handle a few drops of oil to add a scent to the cloud. The built-in chair isn’t super burly, so it’s likely not the best option if that’s a concern. You’ll also want to check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure that you’ll fit if you’re tall.
Best infrared sauna: BOTARO Maxxus Saunas Seattle Infrared Sauna
Why it made the cut: This low EMF infrared carbon option operates more efficiently than ceramic heaters and maintains safer temperatures than traditional rock and water steam. Specs:
Dimensions: 41.3 x 47.2 x 74.8 inchesWeight: 230 poundsMaterials: 100% Canadian Reforested hemlock Wood
Pros:
Double-paneled Canadian Hemlock woodSix total heating panelsMP3 connection and built-in speakers
Cons:
Not quite big enough for two peopleRequires dedicated space
The BOTARO Maxxus Saunas Seattle Infrared Sauna is the best infrared sauna and the closest thing you’ll get to a spa experience in your own house. This sauna pairs double-paneled, reforested Canadian hemlock wood with low EMF infrared carbon materials for maximum energy efficiency. Unlike ceramic heaters, you’ll never have to replace the six heating panels—of which there are two located on the rear wall, one on each side wall, one under the bench, and one on the floor. It also operates at a maximum temperature of 140 degrees, which is safer than the 200-degree temps traditional rock and water saunas can create,. Though it does take some space to set up, the sauna plugs into any dedicated 15 amp 110-volt outlet, and no special wiring is required. It can also be installed just about anywhere, including on carpeted floors, basements, master baths, or the garage. Though the sauna is marketed as accommodating two people, you may find that it’s a better fit for just one. But that’s a small concession when considering the added bells and whistles, such as an MP3 aux connection, built-in speakers, and an interior reading lamp.
Best sauna tent: Durasage Oversized Portable Steam Sauna
Why it made the cut: With a ceramic steam generator and chair, this sauna kit includes everything you need to set up and enjoy a complete spa experience at home. Specs:
Dimensions: 33 x 31.5 x 41 inchesWeight: 15.72 poundsMaterials: Polyester, PVC
Pros:
Dual pockets and zippered openingsExtra space than most portable saunasProduces steam up to 212 degrees
Cons:
Can take a while to heat up
Read a book, flip through a magazine, or scroll on your phone during a sweat session with the Durasage Oversized Portable Steam Sauna, thanks to dual pockets and two zippered openings that allow you to keep both hands free for other things. Unlike competitor products, this sauna tent is slightly larger to provide a roomier fit.You can even put a towel over the top hole and sit on the floor for a completely immersive sauna experience. The powerful 1.8-liter steam generator uses a plastic reservoir and ceramic heating element to vaporize water up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an internal temperature ranging from 110 to 115 degrees. It takes about 15 minutes to start producing steam from the time the unit is plugged in and turned on; however, customers report that it works great once you allow the sauna to heat up entirely. The steam generator hose could be slightly longer, so it could sit on the side instead of behind the sauna, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Best indoor sauna: SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna
Why it made the cut: You’ll love this large-capacity, full-size sauna with a collapsable design that can be easily folded into a closet for storage when not in use. Specs:
Dimensions: 35.4 x 35.4 x 70.9 inchesWeight: 27.8 poundsMaterials: Cloth, plastic
Pros:
Easy access, full-sized designFully collapsable for easy storageEnergy-efficient
Cons:
Not tall enough to fully stand upNo internal zipper
Unlike portable saunas that require the user to sit on a chair with a hole to poke their head out, the SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna is large enough that you can fit your entire body inside with an easy-access “sit-in” design. Yet, it still includes a small window and convenient hand access zippers, so you can use your phone or read a book or magazine while getting your sweat on. When you’re finished, the unit is collapsible and can be easily stored in a closet. With a 1600 watt high-power heating element and four-liter capacity steamer, this sauna is also energy efficient while having the ability to reach the maximum temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Additionally, the included wired remote control makes it simple to set the timer and heat settings from inside or outside the unit. Despite its full size, some users may find it challenging to stand up and get out of, particularly since you cannot open the zipper from the inside. It’s also worth noting that there is no on/off switch, so you have to plug and unplug the back of the sauna to turn it on.
Best 2-person sauna: Dynamic Andora Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna
Why it made the cut: A variety of unique features and easy assembly sets this premium, natural, reforested Canadian hemlock wood home sauna apart from the pack. Specs:
Dimensions: 47 x 43.1 x 74.4 inchesWeight: 319 poundsMaterials: Natural reforested Canadian hemlock wood
Pros:
Control panel with LED displayTempered glass door and side windowsFully assembles within on hour
Cons:
Pricier than comparable modelsSmall gap at the bottom of the glass door
Despite its extra-large size, this large, 2-person sauna assembles in just one hour, which is faster than an Ikea coffee table. . But it’s the special touches that really take this home sauna above and beyond, such as a wide, clear tempered glass door with side windows, built-in MP3 aux connection with speakers, and a soft touch control panel with an LED display that sets temperature and time. It also features 10 different ambient light settings, a towel rack, a magazine rack, and a water holder. Yes, the price tag is a bit steeper than similar models—but its features and build quality go a long way in justifying its price. It can reach a maximum temperature of a wonderfully uncomfortable 140 degrees.
Things to consider before buying a home sauna
When deciding whether a home sauna is the right fit for you, there are several considerations to factor in.
Size
First, you must ask yourself if you have the space in your home to use and store this type of product. If you live in a small house or apartment, a collapsible portage sauna tent that works with a steamer pot is almost certainly your best bet. Full-sized models can take up as much space as small rooms, while collapsible models can easily fit in a closet or under a bed when they’re not in use.
Materials
If you’re fortunate to have extra space in a basement, garage, or master bath and are serious about sweating, you may want to consider a full-sized unit constructed out of natural reforested Canadian hemlock wood. The tents typically employ insulated fabric to keep in heat and prevent liquid from soaking through.
Heating method
If space and expense are not an issue, the type of heating method is another component that can weigh into your home sauna buying decision. Both traditional steam and low EMF far infrared both have their pros and cons. An infrared sauna will give you more of a cleansing effect when it comes to the material you’re sweating out. However, because these units do heat the body with radiation, it’s important to check the EMF levels the saunas are emitting. In addition to ensuring that the body doesn’t take on too much radiation, this type of sauna may not be suitable for people with certain types of heart conditions or hypotension. That said, it’s a good rule of thumb to check with your doctor before starting any kind of new health regimen.
Final thoughts on finding the best home saunas
It should come as no surprise that our pick for the overall best home sauna is the BOTARO Maxxus Saunas Seattle Infrared Sauna, which is the closest thing to a genuine spa experience without having to leave your house. Yet, it doesn’t come with quite as high of a price tag as the Dynamic two-person home sauna. That said, we understand that not everyone has the space or the budget for a complete home sauna setup, which is why our second pick is the Durasage Oversized Portable Steam Sauna. Not only does it achieve the primary goal—which is to make you sweat—but when not in use, it conveniently folds up for easy storage. Read next: Best Inflatable Pools
