Best Home Saunas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Fitness Experts

Saunas date back over 2,000 years, originating in modern-day Finland. (1) But saunas have come a long way with technology. Today, you can choose from traditional steam saunas or infrared heat saunas. Many saunas today fuse present-day tech luxuries with a traditional aesthetic for an authentic but upscale experience.

Like the best cold plunges, saunas have been linked to improved cardiovascular health, reductions in inflammation, more energy, and better sleep, which is why they’re such a popular recovery tool right now. (2) These sweat houses are starting to become a staple in many athletes’ homes, and if you’re ready to make the investment, we’ve gathered the best options. Don’t sweat the search (pun intended) — our team of Barbend experts personally tested 10 top picks of the best home saunas on the market to help you find the perfect unit for your fitness goals and budget.

Best Home Saunas of 2024

• Best Home Sauna Overall: Sun Home Luminar 5-Person Outdoor Sauna
• Best Portable Home Sauna: Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna
• Best Steam Sauna for Home: Redwood Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna
• Best Outdoor Home Sauna: Plunge Sauna
• Best Smart Home Sauna: Sun Home Equinox
• Best Home Sauna Blanket: Higher Dose Sauna Blanket
• Best Home Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten mPulse Believe
• Best Two-Person Home Sauna: Higher Dose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
• Best Traditional Home Sauna: Almost Heaven Pinnacle 4 Person Barrel Sauna
• Best Affordable Home Sauna: SweatTent Outdoor Sauna

Best Home Saunas Video Review

Check out our full video review of the best home saunas on the market in 2024. Jake Herod, BarBend‘s expert product tester and a certified nutrition coach, takes you through our favorite steam and infrared saunas, as well as the best portable sauna and sauna blanket.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw7Nc0p1p_s

Best Home Sauna Overall: Sun Home Luminar 5-Person Outdoor Sauna

The best home sauna needs to have a blend of comfort and effectiveness without ignoring aesthetics. This one from Sun Home hits all the marks with ergonomic backrests, and glass doors and windows — plus, it has a chic and modern appeal, so it’ll fit beautifully in your home.

Sun Home designed this sauna with a 100% all-season carbonized cedar (the Plunge Sauna is also made of cedar), earning a 5 out of 5 for durability and construction for our team. This full-spectrum infrared sauna can supply near, mid, and far-infrared wavelengths.

The Equinox has 99% emissive heaters and blocks EMF/ELF rays, which may be damaging to your health, according to the American Cancer Society. “This unit heats up in as little as ten minutes,” our tester says, giving the performance a 5 out of 5. “You can feel it starting up really quickly.”

You can control the climate of your sauna using your smartphone, thanks to the mobile-app-enabled control system. We give the features and extras a 5 out of 5, as this pick does have a built-in Bluetooth surround sound speaker system, so you can stream your favorite music or podcasts. Our tester also likes the USB charging station and the ability to change the LED lighting.

This sauna is easy to assemble with zero power tools required, however unloading the unit was a bit of a challenge. “You’re going to need several people to unload this sauna because it’s heavy and involves many different parts,” our testers says, giving the unit a 3 out of 5 for delivery and setup. “Sun Home uses a lot of styrofoam and wrapping for protection, which we did like.”  

You can finance this sauna and it has a seven-year warranty on the cabinetry/heaters and a three-year warranty on controls, so we gave it a 5 out of 5 in this category. Sun Home promises at least 30,000 hours of operational life and at least 100 years of daily use. Plus, the wood is kiln-dried and air-dried, which helps prevent warping or cracking.

This sauna does start at $9,199, though, which sits a little on the pricier end. It’s larger than many others on this list but if you don’t need the extra space, this unit may not be worth the cost. “I think this one isn’t too different from the other saunas I’ve tried,” our tester says, giving the value a 3.5 out of 5. “It’s an outdoor sauna but still pretty pricey.” However, if you’re an athlete who wants the extra space in the sauna, we totally recommend this unit.

Best Portable Home Sauna: Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna

Not everyone has a ton of space for a massive multi-person sauna, but that doesn’t mean you need to forego the potential benefits. This sauna from Sunlighten is portable and takes up barely any space, earning a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. “This only takes about 5 minutes to set up because it only has a few parts,” says our expert tester. “You don’t need any professional knowledge, which is a big plus because saunas can sometimes be a little tricky.”

Sunlighten developed this system with functionality and convenience in mind. This foldable and lightweight product is easy to assemble, as our tester attests, so we give the set up a 5 out of 5. Considering this is an in-home, on-the-go design, we gave the durability a 2 out of 5. Compared to a large, wooden unit, it definitely can’t withstand as much use. But for single-person, indoor purposes, it should hold up perfectly fine.

Our tester warns that it is possible for heat to spill out in some places, like where the tubes overlap and where your head rests at the top of the tub. Still, “Once you get the temperature to its hottest setting (which takes about 30 minutes), it holds the temperature pretty well. Just don’t jostle around too much, and the exterior will hold the heat inside for you. So, it gets a 4 out of 5 from me for heat retention.”

The design doesn’t compromise on performance, though, with advanced infrared heating elements that deliver penetrating heat from far infrared wavelengths. This unit has five digital heating panels in the domes and four heaters in the body pad, reaching up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. We give the performance a 3 out of 5 because the infrared coverage is limited, as larger users may not be able to cover their entire body. “Even though the adjusting boxes and nesting tubes are a cool idea, they’re not necessarily executed very well for people of different shapes and sizes,” our tester observes.

For features and extras, we have to give this pick a 2 out of 5. As it’s a more minimal design, this product doesn’t have too many bells and whistles (like the smartphone control and LED lights of the Sun Home Luminar), which some athletes may prefer. However, you do get an included timer, so you don’t have to be constantly checking the time.

Best Steam Sauna for Home: Redwood Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna

Some athletes may want a sauna option that’s versatile and dynamic with dry and steam options. If that’s the case, Redwood’s cabin sauna is a good choice. This sauna offers both steam and dry heat, plus it has two-level seating, so you can sit higher if you prefer more warmth, earning a 4 out of 5 for features.

As a four-person unit, this sauna naturally has a larger footprint than some of the single- or two-person picks. We give this pick a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability as it’s pretty tall (about eight feet) and incredibly heavy (800 pounds). “This one definitely isn’t portable in any sense,” according to our tester. So, you definitely need ample space and a forklift to move this around. (If you’re looking for an even larger unit that can fit eight people instead of four, check out our Redwood Thermowood Garden sauna review.)

We give the setup a 3 out of 5, as it’s not the easiest to assemble. “The instructions aren’t easy to follow and the instructional video seems like it uses an older model, so our team had to do a lot of troubleshooting,” our tester says. “The screws were also very low quality and wouldn’t screw in properly, so we actually had to go to a hardware store to buy new ones.” So, if you’re not familiar with using power tools, you definitely want to hire a professional, which can be pretty inconvenient. Our tester also notes that you’ll also need a 240-volt outlet, which you may need to hire an electrician to install.

While the setup was pretty tricky, this sauna performs extremely well, earning a 5 out of 5 from our team. We are able to get it from zero to 190 degrees in only 35 minutes, which usually takes other units much longer. “Overall, I liked how well this sauna worked,” our tester says. “You also get a bucket to fill with water to increase the steam.”

For overall value, we give this one a 3 out of 5. “If you know a bit about woodworking, the set-up might be easier for you,” our tester observes, potentially nudging this ranking higher for experienced builders. It’s definitely on the more expensive end, but for an indoor and outdoor sauna that also has a steam option, it’s not the priciest.

Best Outdoor Home Sauna: Plunge Sauna

Although you may know Plunge for making some of the best cold plunge tubs on the market, they do way more than just ice baths. This at-home sauna is ideal for outdoor use, thanks to the high-quality cedar wood, warp-resistant hemlock wood, and weather-proof roof. Our team gives the durability and construction a perfect 5 out of 5.

This one is a little larger than some other units, as it can hold up to five people. As such, it’s pretty heavy, so we gave the footprint and portability a 3.5 out of 5. However, considering this is our favorite outdoor pick, it shouldn’t be a problem for those with yard space who don’t plan to sauna on-the-go.

The setup may take a little longer than some other saunas, unfortunately, because this pick doesn’t arrive assembled. We give this category a 3 out of 5, as the assembly can take around three to four hours, which isn’t ideal for those who want a seamless setup. “You’ll want to have between 4 and 6 people building this with you,” says our tester. “It’s not hard, though. It’s fairly straightforward: you just need a lot of hands to hold up the outer walls as they’re getting assembled.” If you don’t have that many hands on hand, you can upgrade to White Glove Sauna Assembly Service for an additional cost. 

We do like some of the fun add-ons, so we give this unit a 4 out of 5 for features and extras. It doesn’t get full points because, according to our tester, the extra features aren’t always consistent. “For me, the remote control doesn’t work the LED light very well: it handles better from the app. That’s fine, except if I want to be completely away from my phone for a minute.”

Still, it’s cool (pardon the pun) to be able to control the sauna right from your smartphone, just like you can with the Sun Home Luminar. There’s an interior built-in sliding vent to give you some more airflow. The benches inside the sauna also flip up, so you can do some stretching, yoga, or even stationary bike workouts (yes, it’s that spacious). “Since the seats are a bit modular, hello hot yoga or stretching session with that nice rubber flooring.”

Plunge offers a 24-month warranty (which you can extend) and several financing options. However, the $10,990 price tag is quite a bit higher than some other saunas on the market. We gave the value a 3.5 out of 5 — we like the durability of the materials and the spacious design. However, if you’re not set on having an outdoor sauna, you can find less expensive options for indoor use (think: the Sunlighten Solo System or the Higher Dose Sauna Blanket).

Best Smart Home Sauna: Sun Home Equinox

If you’re looking for modern tech and design, look no further than the Sun Home Equinox, which earns a perfect 5 out of 5 for its technology. It has built-in Bluetooth surround sound and a digital control panel that allows you to easily adjust the temperature from your phone. You also get a 24-hour programmable timer, so you can program sauna sessions in advance and avoid waiting for the sauna to heat up, which can take up to 20 or 30 minutes.

The Sun Home Equinox is one of the best indoor home saunas on our list. This two-person indoor sauna is only about six and a half feet (77.7″) tall, making it suitable for most ceiling heights. Plus, it plugs into a standard 120v outlet.

When it comes to aesthetics, our testers gave this model a 5 out of 5 rating. It’s made with dark-colored eucalyptus wood that makes for a sleek, modern design.

For durability, the Sun Home Equinox is pretty solid, earning a 4.5 out of 5. It’s built with kiln-dried eucalyptus, which is among the most durable hardwoods. Kiln-dried wood helps prevent the sauna from cracking over time, extending the unit’s lifetime.

Unfortunately, though, all these tech and design perks do come at a price. This sauna costs $6,499, which isn’t the most budget-friendly option, as compact solutions like sauna blankets can run as low as $700. (If you need a sauna that can fit more of your friends, the Sun Home Luminar will fit five, and the Redwood Thermowood Garden sauna will fit eight.) However, we must admit that we like the free shipping option on this model.

Best Home Sauna Blanket: Higher Dose Sauna Blanket

Like to keep your recovery more minimal? Well, you can use this Sun Home Sauna Blanket right in your bed — talk about convenience. 

Our team gave this sauna blanket a 5 out of 5 for performance. “This blanket does a good job of locking in the temperature inside of the blanket,” our tester said. “This blanket heats up quickly and I also recommend using a towel inside the blanket for your sweat.”

The blanket offers temperatures up to a whopping 158 degrees F (newbies should work up to that level) and timer settings you can easily adjust with the handheld controller. Unlike a traditional sauna, only one person fits in the blanket. However, you do get the convenience of portability. “As long as you can plug the blanket in, you can use it anywhere,” our tester said, giving the seating a 5 out of 5. “I like using it on the sofa or just the floor.”

Unlike some of the higher-tech options on this list, this portable infrared sauna isn’t compatible with any Bluetooth technology. That being said, our tester gives the size and aesthetic a 4 out of 5. This one probably won’t be the centerpiece of your backyard or garage, our tester says, but nevertheless, it looks nice.

Taller and larger people may be disappointed that the width is 32 inches, and the length maxes out at 71 inches, though. It’s also important to keep in mind that you need to have a layer of material between you and the blanket, such as clothing or a towel, to prevent burns. Even with the extra layer of material, this model has a much easier set-up than the Sunlighten Solo System. Plus, you can order inserts for the Sauna Blanket directly from Higher Dose. “If you have the budget, I would definitely suggest getting the inserts,” our tester says “I just find it a low-stress way to keep things clean.” Otherwise, our tester says that you my have to clean the Blanket after every session.

For overall value, we gave this pick a 3 out of 5. We love the convenience of this pick but you can find less expensive infrared sauna blanket options on the market.

Read our full Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket Review.

Best Home Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten mPulse Believe Infrared Sauna

For those who want one of the best infrared saunas, Sunlighten has some excellent options. We landed on the Sunlighten mPulse Believe, thanks to its six far-infrared, five mid-infrared, and four red/near-infrared heaters.

This two-person unit works for solo use or sauna sessions with a partner. It does have a slightly larger footprint than single-person saunas, so be sure to check the dimensions closely. It also starts at 494 pounds and goes up to 538 pounds, depending on the sauna you buy. For that reason, we have to give the footprint and portability a 3.5 out of 5 — once this unit is in place, it’s not going anywhere.

You can choose from three different wood types, all of which have their own benefits. Sunlighten offers eucalyptus (known for its longevity and durability), basswood (a more modern aesthetic), and a eucalyptus outside/cedar inside combination (noise-reducing). No matter which you choose, these are plenty durable, however, this sauna isn’t intended for outdoor use. Several of the other options on our list can be outside if that’s more your vibe. The Plunge Sauna is our favorite outdoor pick, and the SweatTent Outdoor is an excellent budget pick. Since this model can’t go outside, we give the Sunlighten mPulse Believe a 4 out of 5 for durability.

What makes this pick unique is the tech capabilities, earning a 5 out of 5 for features and extras. This unit comes with an in-sauna tablet that allows you to select your preferred program to deliver the best wavelength and dosage for your needs that day. It also connects to your phone, like the Sun Home Luminar and the Sunlighten Solo System, so you can schedule sauna sessions from anywhere.

Best Two-Person Home Sauna: Higher Dose Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

For those who want to sauna with a partner or family member, a slightly larger unit is more appropriate. This pick from Higher Dose comfortably fits two people or maybe even three, depending on your height and size. This is the only full-size sauna you can get from Higher Dose (as opposed to their Sauna Blanket, which is meant for just one). It may also be FSA/HSA eligible through Truemed, so check any health-related benefits you may have.

This sauna uses far-spectrum infrared waves to provide a gentle but effective infrared heat that’s intended to improve circulation and promote relaxation. “As I’ve tested this sauna, it takes around 20 minutes to get to the full heat,” according to our tester, who gives the temperature optionality a 3.5 out of 5. “The sauna holds heat well, which I liked. It did arrive with damaged heaters but the company was quick to send out a replacement.” 

In terms of size, we were pretty satisfied with the capacity, giving this category a 4.5 out of 5. This unit can easily fit two adults and even maybe a third person, depending on your size. However, this is a pretty complex unit to install. We gave this process a 3.5 out of 5 because it took about six hours for the premium service to set up the sauna. “I definitely recommend getting help installing this,” our tester advises.

This sauna is equipped with medical-grade LED chromotherapy lights and a built-in bench. Our tester was also pretty satisfied with the light therapy and overall aesthetic of the sauna. “This is a really good-looking sauna,” they say, giving the overall look a 5 out of 5. “It has a lot of glass and a sunroof, which I think elevates the overall experience.” 

After comparing this unit to others, our team gave this sauna a 3.5 out of 5 for value. It is a little pricey, especially compared to some other two-person saunas like the Sun Home Equinox. We also don’t love the technical issues our testers experienced with the heaters, despite that it was quickly resolved. The good news? We’ve had a great experience calling their customer service number. “Very efficient and helpful in that department,” our tester reports.

Best Traditional Home Sauna: Almost Heaven Pinnacle 4 Person Barrel Sauna

Some athletes may prefer a traditional sauna aesthetic for their home or backyard. Look no further than the Almost Heaven Pinnacle Barrel Sauna. Our pick for the best traditional sauna for home is shaped like a barrel and has customizable wood, windows, heating, and sauna stones to get exactly the look you want.

This is one of our larger picks, as it’s deeper than most other saunas, including our other multi-person picks. We had to give the footprint and portability a 3 out of 5, as it’s pretty large and heavy, so you can’t easily move it around. If you’re looking for a portable multi-person sauna that you can move around more readily, we recommend the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna.

For performance, we gave this unit a 4 out of 5. It heats pretty quickly, going up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit in less than an hour. Plus, it has a dial on the inside that allows you to delay the start time. So, if you like a sauna session first thing in the morning, you can delay the start time for eight hours.

While we do like the customization options, this one doesn’t have a ton of features or extras, earning a 3 out of 5 in this category. This one has an interior LED light but at this price, we would have liked to see speakers or wifi compatibility. 

Overall, we gave the value for this one a 3 out of 5. Although it works well, you can definitely find four-person saunas at a cheaper price, like the Redwood Thermowood Cabin, which makes it hard to justify the $9,921 price tag. But if you have a high budget and really value the look of your sauna, you won’t be disappointed. 

Best Affordable Home Sauna: SweatTent Outdoor Sauna

In case you haven’t noticed (though you probably have), saunas aren’t exactly cheap — they can be a pretty big investment. But if you’re not yet ready to take the plunge on a full-fledged wooden sauna, you might prefer this budget-friendly sauna tent.

When it comes to overall value, our team gave this product a 5 out of 5. “This is definitely below the average cost of a portable outdoor sweat tent,” according to our tester. “And this one works well. If you’re shopping on a budget, it’s worth considering.” If you’re on an even tighter budget, you can always opt for a one-person portable option like the Higher Dose Sauna Blanket.

When we actually tried the sauna, our team was pleasantly surprised. “This unit performed really well. It was easy to get the fire going with and it only took 30 minutes to get the heat to where all the testers were pretty sweaty,” one tester says, giving this pick a 5 out of 5 for performance. “When we put water on the sauna rocks, it also created a good amount of humidity.”

We have to give the durability and construction a 3 out of 5 but only because we compared it to significantly more expensive wooden options. “This one is actually pretty well-built for a portable tent,” our tester says. “The roof is fiberglass, so it’s protected from bad weather and you can leave it outside for long periods.”

For features and extras, though, we did have to give this a 3 out of 5. It comes with everything you need to start the fire and get the sauna working but it doesn’t have any of the high-tech features you’ll find with more expensive options. If you like a high-end sauna experience, you may want to opt for another choice.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Home Saunas

As you’ll soon learn, home saunas aren’t a cheap recovery tool. Even the best foam rollers or best massage guns don’t even come close in price. To ensure you’re making an educated investment, our team of Barbend experts, including athletes and certified personal trainers, put about 10 saunas to the test. These are the factors we considered while testing: 

• Durability and Construction: If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on an at-home sauna, you don’t want it to come with tons of plastic parts. We researched the materials used to ensure our picks are made with high-quality wood that’s built to last and withstand harsh weather (for outdoor options).
• Performance: While we tested out different units, we took note of the highest temperature and the length of time it took to reach that heat. We made sure the unit’s webpage accurately reflected the heating time.
• Features and Extras: High-end features and extras aren’t a must-have but if you’re paying for surround sound, bluetooth capabilities, and customizable lighting, you want to make sure it works. We tested all the extra features on each unit to ensure they’re up to snuff.
• Price: While it’s true that many saunas can cost thousands of dollars, that doesn’t mean that they’re not worth the cost if you can spare the cash. There are some cost-effective options on this list, and while they may lack some of the features and aesthetics of other saunas, they serve their purpose well.

Benefits of Saunas

Saunas have been around for over 2,000 years and date back to what is now modern-day Finland as a way of promoting vitality and improving health and wellness. (1) They have seen a resurgence since the 20th century as people have started to appreciate all the potential benefits they hold, such as enhancing mood, improving immunity and recovery from exercise, and even aiding in weight loss.

• Mood Enhancement and Clarity: The relaxation that you can experience when sitting in a sauna may help to reduce stress as well as promote clarity. (3) The sweat and heat of saunas might also promote the release of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, like endorphins and serotonin. (4)
• Improved Immunity: Saunas may also help improve the function of your immune system due to the increase in body temperature when sauna bathing. (5) The heat may help stimulate white blood cells and has even been studied as a potential way to combat infections. (6) More research is needed, though.
• Physical Recovery: The heat and sweating may help relax muscles, reduce soreness, improve circulation, and improve subsequent performance. (7) Using a sauna after exercise may be able to decrease your muscle soreness after resistance training as much as 24 hours after your session. (8)
• Weight Loss: “Saunas also may help with weight loss by raising your heart rate,” according to Joseph Tedesco, DPT, CSCS. When you sit in higher temperatures, your heart needs to work harder to regulate your body temperature. A hot sauna may lead to a slightly higher calorie burn compared to lower temperatures. (11)

What to Look For in The Best Home Saunas 

In order to make an informed decision about such a large purchase, it’s often a good idea to take stock and consider a few important factors before moving forward with the buying process.. 

Space 

Before buying anything for your home, consider your available space. Saunas can be large and take up a lot of room, so you’ll want to ensure that it can fit comfortably in your desired area. Measure the floor space and ceiling height and make sure that any possible ventilation needs are met. 

Type

It’s important to think about the sauna experience and benefits you’d like. That will lead you to lean more toward either a wet or dry sauna.

Wet saunas use the steam generated from ladling water over heated rocks to create humidity and raise the temperature of a sauna. Dry saunas use light in the infrared spectrum to generate heat that penetrates the body. 

Features

Saunas can have a variety of features included. Some higher-end models may have heaters with WiFi connectivity and timers. Other models may include chromotherapy lights or integrated sound systems for an especially relaxing ambiance. So, figure out which features are must-haves and which you can live without to make your shopping experience easier.

Price

The elephant in the room is that saunas are generally pricey — some can cost tens of thousands of dollars. They aren’t all that expensive, though; there are many budget options available. If you set your budget early, it can help you stay more focused on choosing the right sauna for you. 

Installation and Electrical Considerations

Some home saunas are more difficult to assemble and install than others. Plus, many saunas will require a 220v or 240v outlet, which is quite rare to find in most homes. That means you’ll have to spend extra costs installing a new electrical outlet to use many of the best saunas on the market. 

To reduce any installation costs, you can search for the best indoor home saunas that require a standard 120v outlet. And if you don’t have many tools at home (or aren’t super handy), it may be best to invest in an installation service. Many companies offer installation at an additional cost, so make sure to factor these additional costs into your budget.

Safety Features

Saunas, especially traditional saunas, can get hot — which is part of the appeal. However, the heat can also be a safety concern, as it can lead to someone overheating or becoming dehydrated. To combat this, the best saunas often incorporate some safety features. Many saunas provide ventilation slats to keep air flowing, preventing the sauna temperature from rising too much. Other sauna heaters may have auto-off features if the temperature gets too high.

Another risk is that the heater could start a fire. Many of the best saunas for home design their heaters to be unobstructed, but when you purchase the sauna, keep the heater clear of obstructions and never place any items on it. Make sure to talk with an electrician or general contractor before installing your sauna if you have any safety concerns for your home.

Care and Maintenance

Even the best saunas will require a little bit of TLC here and there. However, the type of sauna (and its construction) can determine how much care and maintenance it’ll require. Due to the extra humidity, steam saunas will often require much more maintenance and cleaning to prevent bacterial growth.

The best outdoor saunas use special types of wood, or treated wood, to protect the sauna from the outdoor elements — harsh weather extremes, insects, and humidity, for example. Using special treated wood can help reduce the cleaning you’ll have to do to keep your sauna in top condition.

Size

Once you know how much space you have to work with, you should consider the size of the best sauna for home use that you’d want. If you’re going to sauna solo, a one-person home sauna should work fine. However, if you’re planning to have friends or family join you during sauna sessions, a 3- or 4-person sauna may be ideal. Also, you may want a larger sauna just to have room for stretching or laying down during your session.

Types of Home Saunas

There are generally three major types of saunas you’ll find on the market today — infrared saunas, wet heat saunas, and dry heat saunas. Some offer a combination of the three, but those are few and far between, especially in the prices we’re considering for this list. 

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas can make use of full spectrum infrared heating with carbon heaters, or one of the three wavelengths of infrared light — far, mid, and near — which all penetrate the skin to different depths to potentially provide therapeutic benefits. Infrared saunas usually reach a maximum temperature of 150 to 16 to degrees.

Near-infrared are the shortest infrared wavelengths and penetrate the shallowest (to the dermis) to potentially remove toxins, promote skin renewal, and stimulate collagen. Mid-infrared penetrates deeper into the subcutaneous layer of skin and may stimulate the cardiovascular system and improve circulation. Mid-infrared saunas may also have a role in helping to support weight loss. Far-infrared are the longest wavelengths of infrared light and reach deeper into the body to potentially stimulate a deep and detoxifying sweat. (10) 

Many infrared saunas are full-spectrum, but some far infrared saunas are available as well. Regardless, infrared sauna heaters have low-EMF shields to block harmful EMF (electromagnetic fields).

Dry Saunas

Also known as traditional saunas, dry saunas make use of either electric heat or a fire to produce heat. Dry saunas typically have less humidity in the air, although many contain sauna rocks designed to have water ladled over them to produce steam and help increase the sauna’s temperature. These saunas can reach higher temperatures than most other saunas, reaching temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Steam Saunas

Steam saunas, also called steam rooms or wet saunas, ramp the humidity up — way up. These saunas have humidity levels reaching (if not) 100%. Because of the high humidity, a steam room won’t reach as high of temperatures as other saunas, maxing out at around 130 degrees. Still, the immense humidity and higher heat will give you the impression of a higher temperature.

The hot and humid air in these saunas may be beneficial for those who are looking to alleviate congestion, or improve respiratory function. It’s important to note it won’t cure you of a cold or similar illness, though. (12)

How Much Do Saunas Cost?

The cost of saunas can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as the materials used to construct the sauna, the type of heat it utilizes, size, features, and brand reputation. Larger and more traditional steam saunas often cost more than infrared saunas. There are portable options, which are usually the most cost-effective, though they may provide the fewest features and utility.

Best Home Sauna Overall	Sun Home Equinox	$6,399
Best Outdoor Home Sauna	Plunge Sauna	$10,990
Best Portable Home Sauna	Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna	Contact for pricing
Best Two-Person Home Sauna	Renu Therapy Rusticus 2-3 Person Home Sauna	Starting at $5,056
Best Home Infrared Sauna	Sun Home Solstice 2-Person Infrared Sauna	$6,299
Best Steam Sauna for Home	Redwood Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna	$5,999
Best Home Sauna Blanket	Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket	$699
Best Traditional Home Sauna	Almost Heaven Pinnacle 4 Person Barrel Sauna	$9.921
Best Budget Home Sauna	SweatTent Outdoor Sauna	$1,599

Best Home Saunas FAQs

References

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