We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Gardening Reviews Pool & Spa Reviews The 8 Best Home Saunas of 2024, According to Research and Testing Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a sauna from the comfort of your own home. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum Kat is a writer, editor, author, and frequent contributor to Better Homes & Gardens. She covers home decor, appliances, and housewares. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 21, 2024 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist, editor and fact checker with 10 years of editorial experience in the lifestyle genre. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Key Terms to Know The Bottom Line Our Testing Process What to Know Before Shopping Others We Tried Your Questions, Answered Who We Are What Is BHG Recommends? Better Homes & Gardens / Madison Woiten Buying a home sauna can be quite the splurge, but according to experts, it’s one that’s well worth it. “The great news is that you can create the benefits of a spa right in your home with a home sauna,” says Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician. “There are so many therapeutic benefits to purchasing one of these for your home.” Beyond benefits to cardiovascular health and blood pressure, among others, a home spa can provide a spot for the ultimate relaxation, whether you’re looking for an outdoor sauna or a complement to your backyard pool or hot tub. To come up with our list of the best home saunas, we got our hands on some of the most popular models and put them to the test. To learn more about what users need in a home sauna, and some of the factors to consider when choosing one for home use, we spoke to Dr. Purdy, as well as Ava Johanna, the founder of meditation and breathwork platform, Academy of Breath, and Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at Charm City Integrative Health in Baltimore, Maryland, a clinic that offers sauna services as part of its holistic treatments. “There are so many options out there for home saunas,” Ingegno says. “The most significant considerations are budget, the amount of space you have for a sauna, and the type of sauna you are interested in. The whole point is to sweat, so as long as the system you choose can get hot enough to get you doing that, you are already going in the right direction.” Key Terms to Know Infrared Sauna: A majority of our picks are infrared saunas, which means they use infrared heat to warm the body from the inside out. They produce heat slower than other styles do, which may be preferred for some users.Traditional Sauna: Traditional saunas tend to get hotter than other options and will have shorter sessions, which is ideal for those looking for a quick fix.Steam Sauna: Steam saunas provide a more humid environment than other saunas, and are similar to the types usually found at a gym. What We Tested Over the course of one month, we tested six home saunas in our own homes.Setup: Following the manufacturer instructions, we timed ourselves unboxing the sauna and assembling it. We kept in mind how many people helped, as well as any additional tools were needed. User Experience: Once we assembled the sauna, we began using it at least once a week. While using it, we kept in mind the capacity, ease of use, comfort, and overall effectiveness. Maintenance: If applicable, we evaluated the necessary maintenance each sauna required and how easy it was to care for. Features: During testing, we evaluated any additional features the sauna had, including speakers, Bluetooth, radio, Chromotherapy, LED lighting, digital display, and a reclining seat. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dynamic BarcelonaInfrared Sauna at Amazon ($1,995) Jump to Review Best Budget: SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna at Amazon ($252) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna Aspire at Sunlighten.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best With Light Therapy: Clearlight Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna at Sunhomesaunas.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Outdoor: Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna at Lowe's ($5,599) Jump to Review Best Multi-Person: Dynamic Infrared Monaco 6 - Person Indoor FAR Infrared Sauna at Amazon ($5,999) Jump to Review Best Infrared: HEATWAVE Radiant Saunas 2-Person Infrared Sauna at Amazon ($2,799) Jump to Review Best Design: Almost Heaven Saunas Worthington Traditional Steam Sauna at Almostheaven.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Dynamic BarcelonaInfrared Sauna Amazon View On Amazon $1,995 View On Wayfair $1,470 View On Nurturemobility.com Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Design/Features 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Capacity 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It It’s a full-size, spa-grade sauna with a bunch of extras, like speakers. Keep in Mind It’s stated as a 1–2-person sauna but is more comfortable with just one. To enjoy professional spa-level luxury in the comfort of your own home, you’ll want to add the Dynamic Barcelona Infrared Sauna to your abode. This sauna is not only gorgeous to look at and can add an aesthetic element to any room, but it also comes with some great features. Surprisingly, we found this sauna to be pretty easy to put together as everything just clasps in place. It comes with a little towel rack, a magazine rack, and an MP3 player holder that screw into the wall. We wish the instructions could have been better, but the design of the sauna makes assembling it intuitive. We had two people putting it together, which we found easy with the help of a cordless drill. Two people can fit in this sauna, although we found it to be way more comfortable with just one person. Using this sauna solo lets you lay back and get comfortable without having to worry about touching another sweaty body. It took about 25–30 mins for the sauna to heat up to its max 151°F, and the heat is very consistent throughout as there are heaters on all the walls and floor, producing a steady stream of heat. The door has a tight seal so no air comes in when in use (and no heat escapes) either. There are a few buttons on the inside and outside to power it on, turn on the heat, set a timer, and turn on a reading light. It also comes with a remote to operate the different lights. The controls worked great and were very easy to understand. For the price, its good looks, and extra perks like chromotherapy and speakers, this sauna is a fantastic value for money and our overall choice for the best home sauna. How It Performed After Three Months After using this sauna for three months at home, we found that the quality was the same as when we first assembled it. Overall, we thought it was easy to deep clean the unit once a week with baking soda and essential oils, which we thought helped keep it in good condition. We felt that the unit was comfortable to sit in and use regularly. We got a bit too hot sitting near the heaters, so we appreciated that there were other ways to sit more comfortably. The home sauna also features Bluetooth and light therapy, which we liked using. While we noted that we would have preferred the model to heat up quicker, that's standard for an infrared model. Overall, we'd still recommend it as one of the best home saunas. Product Details: Dimensions: 73 x 36 x 39 inches | Capacity: Two people | Sauna Style: Infrared Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May Best Budget SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna Amazon View On Amazon $252 Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4/5 Capacity 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Why You Should Get It This sauna is surprisingly roomy, even for taller users. Keep in Mind Because of the lengthy setup time and the fact that the sauna needs to dry out after each use, you’ll need to find a storage spot for the assembled sauna. For shoppers on a budget, the best home sauna we tested at a lower price point was the SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna. We found the setup process relatively easy to follow; we connected the included white poles by matching them to each other to create the frame. This task was manageable by one person; however, wrapping the tent around the poles was a little tricky and needed two people. Once the sauna was fully set up, the final step was to assemble the steamer and connect it to the sauna. From start to finish, setup took us about 22 minutes. The sauna took about 10–15 minutes to heat up, and it efficiently retained the heat with no noticeable air drafts. There is a tube inside the sauna that emits steam (it connects with the steamer on the outside), and it's crucial that the tube is not facing the user to avoid burns. Fresh water should be added to the steamer before each use, then you just turn the sauna on, set the temperature to the desired level, and wait about 15 minutes for it to heat up. Just like a professional-grade sauna, the fewer clothes you have on, the more comfortable you're going to feel. We liked that we were able to adjust the temperature once we were inside the sauna thanks to a remote control that can be kept in a handy inside pocket. We found that this one-person sauna was roomy enough for us to stretch our legs, and even a 6’2” user felt comfortable inside it. There’s enough space to let you fully relax and enjoy the sauna experience, aided by the included foldable chair with backrest. Even though it's a large sauna, it's under 14 pounds, so we could easily move it out of the way into the corner when not in use. After using, leaving the doors unzipped is a must in order for it to air dry quickly (if you forget to do so, it will still be wet inside a day later and could develop mold or mildew). Although this sauna is portable, setting it up and breaking it down again after each use will be arduous, so you’ll want a dedicated space to keep this sauna in, like a basement or a garage, if you plan to use it regularly. How It Performed After Three Months During the testing period, we started using this sauna weekly after a pilates class and felt that it helped with soreness. Despite using it at least once a week, it stayed in good condition and we didn't notice any changes in the quality of the unit. We thought the sauna was cozy and comfortable to use, though we wished we could have used our phones in the sauna for entertainment. Cleaning the sauna was easy and we would leave the doors open for ventilation and quicker drying. Once it dried, we'd wipe it down with a towel, which only took a few minutes. While we didn't have any issues with the performance of the sauna, we sometimes ran into issues with the remote and found that we had to press it a few times to turn the unit off. We also had to wait about 15 minutes for the sauna to be ready for use, and we would have liked if it were less time. Despite these critiques, we still thought it was one of the best home saunas to consider for your home. Product Details: Dimensions: 70.9 x 35.4 x 35.4 inches | Capacity: One person | Sauna Style: Steam Better Homes & Gardens / Daniela Galvez Better Homes & Gardens / Daniela Galvez Better Homes & Gardens / Daniela Galvez Best Splurge Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna Aspire Sunlighten View On Sunlighten.com View On Northernsaunas.ca View On Aquavisionpool.com Our Ratings Ease of Setup 3.5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Design/Features 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Capacity 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It It’s a professional grade sauna with consistent heat, a touch screen panel, and high-tech settings. Keep in Mind Setup is a lengthy endeavor, and you’ll need a 120V 20A circuit and outlet. If you are an avid sauna user (or have decided to be from now on) and don’t mind a higher price, the Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna Aspire is our choice for the best home sauna to splurge on. This sauna is beautiful to look at, with a wooden construction and a glass corner. We found that there was plenty of space inside, but not enough to completely stretch out. You can, however, do simple stretches, like a butterfly, touching toes, and arm stretches. The seats are wooden, like the typical saunas you see in gyms, and it also comes with a back rack to lean on as well as a towel rack. Using the sauna could not be easier. It comes with a remote for the lights and a comprehensive touchscreen panel to control all its settings. You can easily adjust the heat, use the streaming services and other apps (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, Gmail, Spotify, and so much more), customize user profiles, and select specific programs for your usage. We found that all controls operated properly and perfectly. As a big unit that can comfortably fit two people in at a time, this sauna took up a large corner of our basement, but it looks very sleek. With all of these features, however, came a lengthy setup. The sauna requires assembly and arrived in three huge separate packages. We ended up calling in professional help, and we also had to hire an electrician to put in a 120V 20A circuit and outlet (but if you have the proper electrical outlet in your designated space, you may not have to). The price is not listed online; you have to inquire for pricing, but a model like this costs approximately $8,000. Yes, this is quite an investment, but you truly get what you pay for. This sauna will last you many years and requires light maintenance. The manufacturer recommends soaking up excess moisture with a cloth after each use and wiping the sauna down with their natural cleaner on a weekly or monthly basis. How It Performed After Three Months Throughout testing, we felt energetic and renewed every time we used the sauna. It became a staple in our routine and we didn't notice any changes in the quality of the unit while using it for three months. While we thought that there's plenty of room for two people to comfortably use the sauna, we liked using it alone so we could lay on the bench and stretch out. We appreciated that the sauna didn't get dirty throughout the testing period, but it was very easy to clean when we needed to. The sauna performed just as we expected it to and while it would have been nice if it heated faster, but that's typical for an infrared sauna and we didn't mind it too much. We ended up pre-heating it 15-30 minutes before we wanted to use it and found that worked just fine for our routine. Product Details: Dimensions: 78.5 x 43.6 x 41.6 inches | Capacity: Two people | Sauna Style: Infrared Better Homes & Gardens / Michelle Parente Better Homes & Gardens / Michelle Parente Best With Light Therapy Clearlight Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Sun Home Saunas View On Sunhomesaunas.com Why You Should Get It It features 96 LED lights that offer 12 different chromotherapy colors. Keep in Mind It’s more expensive than some other options. We were gifted a free session to try out the Clearlight Sanctuary 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna and were impressed by its design. Although the sauna is more expensive than other options, there are plenty of features that make it worthwhile. For starters, the sauna boasts gorgeous craftsmanship paired with a glass skylight ceiling, a thick glass door, and double-pane windows. It also features a Bluetooth sound system that can be controlled by your phone or smart device, as well as a built-in charging station for your phone or tablet. In terms of comfort, you’ll appreciate the built-in backrest, as well as the reversible bench that’s flat on one side and ergonomic on the other. There’s even a space built into the door handles to set your tablet, so you won’t have to hold it the whole time you’re in the sauna. There are heaters located all around the sauna, including the back, sides, under the bench, the floor, and around the calves. Perhaps one of this sauna’s most impressive aspects, however, is its low EMF output of only 3mG. This home sauna has two types of chromotherapy: standard and medical grade. There are 96 powerful and dimmable LED lights with 12 different colors. You can either set the lights individually or on a rotation to switch between colors every 25 seconds so that you can reap the benefits of all the different light colors in each session. Part of what makes this pick one of the best home saunas is that you can control all the sauna’s features, and can even remotely turn it on or off. There’s also a reservation mode that allows you to preset it up to 36 hours in advance, so it’ll be ready to use when you need it. Installation is simple and straightforward as no power tools are needed. Unlike some other models, only two inches of space is required around the unit so it can fit in even smaller spaces. It comes with a lifetime warranty on all components, and you can choose from mahogany or basswood. Product Details: Dimensions: 77 x 51 x 46 inches | Capacity: Two | Sauna Style: Near, mid, and far infrared Best Outdoor Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna Wayfair View On Lowe's $5,599 View On Almostheaven.com Why You Should Get It It’s a quaint and charming outdoor sauna that’s resistant to corrosion, mildew, rot, and rust. Keep in Mind It needs to be placed on a sturdy and even surface. Not all saunas are suitable for outdoor use—in fact, most of them are not—so it can be quite a task to find a good one for your outside space. The Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna is ideal for outdoor use and provides a mini rustic spa in the comfort of your own backyard. This barrel-shaped sauna made from solid cedar wood can accommodate up to four people and has a maximum heat of 185°F. The construction material is weather resistant plus mildew, rot, corrosion, water, and rust resistant. This antimicrobial sauna is also suitable for indoor use, so it’s worth noting if you have the space for it. There’s a large full-length tempered glass door, and you can opt to have a vista window added at the back for a better view of your outdoor area. There are two benches on the inside, as well as two smaller ones on the outside if you need to take a break. It also features soft LED lighting, a fresh air vent, and a timer. It comes with full setup instructions, but it’s a two-person job to assemble. If you’re after the best home sauna for outdoor use, then you’ll want to add this model to your cart. Product Details: Dimensions: 75.4 x 72 x 72 inches | Suggested Number of People: Four | Sauna Style: Traditional steam Best Multi-Person Dynamic Infrared Monaco 6 - Person Indoor FAR Infrared Sauna Wayfair View On Amazon $5,999 View On Wayfair $6,669 View On Costco.com $5,000 Why You Should Get It This six-person sauna features 15 carbon heaters, a TV, and a stereo. Keep in Mind It isn’t bluetooth compatible. For the best multi-person sauna, the Dynamic Infrared Monaco Six-Person Indoor is our top pick. It’s a six-person solid wood FAR infrared sauna that has two benches as well as two lounging seats. The maximum temperature of this sauna is 140°F, and it features 15 carbon heater panels that helps to evenly distribute heat through the sauna. This sauna also includes a television, a stereo, a remote control, and color-changing lights. It’s not Bluetooth compatible, but there is an MP3 player auxiliary outlet so you can plug in your phone to listen to music. The control panel is located inside the sauna, where you can control the temperature to your liking. You can see through the tempered glass door, and the flooring is included with the purchase as well. The rectangular-shaped sauna is also warp resistant and antimicrobial. Assembly is required and you’ll want to recruit help with this project since it weighs 750 pounds. But thankfully, the only tools required for assembly are a Phillips screwdriver and a ladder. You will also need to make sure you have two separate dedicated 20 Amp/120 volt circuits for the sauna to run safely and efficiently. This sauna comes with a two-year warranty so you can have peace of mind. Product Details: Dimensions: 61 x 73 x 79 inches | Suggested Number of People: Six | Sauna Style: FAR infrared Best Infrared HEATWAVE Radiant Saunas 2-Person Infrared Sauna Amazon View On Amazon $2,799 Why You Should Get It It features chromotherapy lighting and an oxygen ionizer for even more sauna benefits. Keep in Mind The packages are delivered curbside so you have to make your own arrangements to bring them indoors. The Heat Wave Radiant Saunas Hemlock Infrared Sauna has plenty of features, including full-spectrum chromotherapy lighting, an oxygen ionizer to keep the air fresh at all times, and high-quality speakers and a CD player for listening to music. Two people can fit in this sauna at a time, and its six carbon heaters provide an even stream of warmth up to 141°F. This home sauna has its own floor, both indoor and outdoor recessed lighting for a more relaxing ambiance, and adjustable roof vents. There are also two LED control panels—one on the inside and one on the outside—for you to easily adjust the heat, timer, and lighting settings wherever you are. The tempered glass door on this solid hemlock wood sauna is bronze-tinted, adding yet another soothing element to this sauna for two. A few extra perks the sauna offers are its built-in magazine rack, towel hooks, and cup holders, and it even comes with two ergonomic backrests for user comfort. It’s easy to assemble as all parts come labeled for easy identification, although the delivery person will only leave the package on your curb, meaning you might need some help bringing it in. Product Details: Dimensions: 47.24 x 39.37 x 75.8 inches | Suggested Number of People: Two | Sauna Style: Infrared Best Design Almost Heaven Saunas Worthington Traditional Steam Sauna Wayfair View On Almostheaven.com Why You Should Get It It can be adjusted to multiple configurations and can fit up to four people. Keep in Mind It does not have its own floor, so it has to be placed on appropriate flooring. To turn your bathroom or designated sauna area into a space that looks like something you’d find in a luxury hotel, the best home sauna is the Almost Heaven Saunas Worthington 4-Person Indoor Traditional Steam Sauna. It has a gorgeous minimal Scandinavian design, with light brown solid wood, ambient backlighting, and an entire front made from tempered and lightly tinted glass. The sauna arrives partially pre-assembled, which helps make installation easier. The roof and walls come ready, so once you’ve put them up all you have to do is set up the heating element and the steam function. It is roomy enough for four people to sit in comfortably, and you can configure the upper and retractable lower benches however you prefer. It comes with backrests that are also adjustable for added comfort. It heats up to a maximum of 195°F , and the unit is antimicrobial and resistant to rot, rust, and corrosion. Since the unit doesn’t come with its own floor, it should be placed on either concrete, tile, ceramic, concrete, or vinyl. There are accessories you can purchase separately, like Sauna Essentials Kit which includes a wooden bucket and ladle, a thermometer/hygrometer, a backrest, a leg rest, and two robe hooks. Though the sauna is a big investment, it’s backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty, with a five-year warranty for the heater. Product Details: Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 61 inches | Suggested Number of People: Four to six | Sauna Style: Steam The Bottom Line The Dynamic Barcelona Infrared Sauna is our top pick for the best home sauna. It’s a great value, easy to set up, and retains consistent heat. We also love that it has a remote and speakers. Our Testing Process To come up with our list of the best home saunas, we tested several of the most popular units on the market over a period of a month, using each home sauna at least one per week during the testing period. We followed each model's specific instructions and recorded our entire experience, including how long the units took to unbox and set up, whether assembly was a one or two-person job (or if we had to call in professionals to do so), and if any additional tools were required for assembly other than those provided. We recorded aspects such as each sauna’s size, ease of use and operation, its capacity, the comfort of the seating in the sauna (where applicable), how long it took to heat up and cool down, how well it retained heat, if there were any additional features (i.e., Bluetooth, speakers, radio, chromotherapy, LED lights, digital displays), and how easy each unit was to clean. We also considered any immediate physiological changes we noticed after using the sauna, as well as changes over time. What to Know About Home Saunas Before Shopping Style There are a few types of sauna styles you should know about—traditional steam saunas, infrared saunas, and dry saunas. To help, Dr. Ingegno shared the differences between the main types of home saunas. Traditional saunas, sometimes called Finnish saunas, tend to run the hottest, with maximum temperatures over 200°F. Usually, the sessions are shorter, lasting for 15 to 20 minutes at most. These units often have heated rocks that a small amount of water can be splashed on to create a little bit of steam. This type of sauna is still relatively dry, other than your sweat. Steam saunas, like the tiled steam rooms at some gyms, have quite a bit of steam. They tend to run at lower temperatures, between 110 to 120°F, and some people prefer moist rather than dry heat. These units require some plumbing and are usually made of tile, so this raises costs. Many must be custom-built into the space and require cleaning to keep mold away. Infrared saunas use infrared heat to warm the body from the inside out. It may take longer to start sweating, but the heat may be more tolerable for some people. Infrared sauna temperatures range from 120 to 140°F, and sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes. Many of these units ship flat and can be assembled quickly since the heating panels are flat. Our best overall pick, the Dynamic Barcelona Infrared Sauna, is an infrared style. Size If you are installing a home sauna, there are various sizes and shapes available to buy to fit into whatever space you choose. Full-size options typically range from 60–70 inches in height and 35–85 inches in width, depending on how many people it has capacity for. Depths usually vary between around 35–70 inches. “If you choose a larger sauna, be aware that it will take longer to reach optimal temperature,” Dr. Ingegno says. Capacity In relation to capacity, some home saunas have a capacity of one to two people, while others can hold up to around six people. The suggested number of people is clearly stated on each sauna, and this should be adhered to for safety and optimal benefits. If you’re planning on solo use, portable saunas, such as the SereneLife SLISAU35BK Full Size Portable Steam Sauna, are available which are much smaller and more economical than full-sized versions. Portable saunas are made for the user to sit down in, and some only come up to the neck. Most portable units can fold relatively flat to fit under a bed or in a closet for convenient storage. Installation Home saunas can be placed either inside or outside (if specifically stated for outdoor-use), and typically need to be placed on a suitable finished floor and in a covered area to stay protected from the elements. Basements with adequate flooring, large tiled bathrooms, and garages with extra storage space are also popular places for home sauna installation. Ava Johanna, avid sauna user and founder of Academy of Breath, suggests first properly preparing the room or environment you will be keeping the sauna in as it won't be moving after you install it. “For example, we cleaned out the entire garage, swept and washed the floors, laid down high-impact rubber floor mats to keep the sauna off the ground, and organized the area around the sauna so we had space to install it,” Johanna explains. “Even with a one-person sauna, it’s best to plan the space around the sauna versus trying to fit the sauna into a space.” In addition, she advises taking measurements of where the sauna is going to be, then building the space around the sauna measurements, especially if you're planning to put the sauna in a room or garage that has other items already in it. Saunas for home use typically come ready to install with connectable pieces and detailed instructions, and many don’t even require power tools in order to set them up. You will, however, often need a basic screwdriver, and it’s a two-person job. “Once you have your space planned around the sauna and the box arrives, give yourself a buffer of time to unpack the box and put the sauna together,” Johanna says. “We cleared five hours of our schedule to set it up, and you can absolutely build it with two people. Just make sure to read the directions first before you start building so the build goes faster and less mistakes are made.” Features The features you opt for in your home sauna will largely depend on your preferences. “Some like to listen to music, books on tape, podcasts, or even relaxing spa sounds,” Dr. Purdy tells us. “If this is you, make sure to find one that is Bluetooth-compatible. Materials used, colors, and overall look are important to consider if you are installing a permanent home sauna in your space” She also says that a control panel with LED lights is nice to have for additional controls for the sauna. “This can also mean that your sauna has different settings you can adjust based on preference,” she tells us. “A memory setting is also nice, as well as an auto shut-off.” Comfortable seating is another perk that will enable you to stay in the sauna for longer. During testing, we found that the SereneLife SLISAU35BK Full Size Portable Steam Sauna, our best budget pick, was quite cozy and comfortable to relax in thanks to its seating. Other features to consider could be a shelf for books, towel racks or hooks, cup holders, indoor and outdoor lights (perhaps automatic), and smart settings that enable you to monitor and operate the sauna remotely (i.e. getting it ready and pre-heated while you’re on your way home). Other Home Saunas We Tested SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa The SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa came with its own foldable chair that you sit on inside the unit, but we found it to be very uncomfortable to sit on. We did appreciate that there are two holes for your hands if you’d like to read a book or use your phone while you steam. You can even watch TV since your whole head is outside of the actual sauna. You can adjust the temperature on this single-person sauna to your liking, up to 140°F, and use it for up to 60 minutes at a time. When testing the unit, we found it extremely easy to set up (the instructions were lacking, but thankfully it’s pretty intuitive). We liked the idea of this unit, the fact that it’s portable and easy to store, too; however we didn’t manage to work up enough of a sweat for that real sauna-effect. When we were done, we had to wait for the sauna to cool completely, wipe it down from any condensation, and then fold it away for storage, which can prove time-consuming. Your Questions, Answered How much do home saunas typically cost? When it comes to the best home saunas, you can expect to spend anywhere from $200 for a compact style to upwards of $10,000 for a more advanced pick. The price is mainly impacted by the type of sauna, size, materials used, and additional features the home sauna offers, like multiple settings or speakers to play music. Dr. Purdy provides a general pricing guideline for the different types of saunas available for home use: Infrared Saunas: These can range from approximately $1,000 to $5,000. Portable infrared saunas are on the lower end, while larger, more luxurious models will be at the higher end.Traditional Steam Saunas: These typically start at around $3,000 and can go up to $10,000 or more, especially if they are custom-built.Outdoor Saunas: These are usually more expensive and can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or even more, depending on the construction, size, and features.Portable Saunas: These can cost as little as $200 to $1,000. They are usually tent-like structures that can be folded away when not in use.Custom-Built Saunas: These are the most expensive and can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more. The cost is determined by the choice of wood, size, and any luxurious features you may wish to add. Additional costs may include installation, electrical work, and any extra accessories like sound systems or aromatherapy options. Regardless of which type you choose, it will require electricity to run it, which makes for an additional cost on your electric bill. For some larger styles, you may also have to account for an additional assembly fee or installing a 120V outlet. It's important to note that these prices are approximate and could fluctuate based on location, supplier, and other economic variables. Always remember to consider ongoing maintenance costs as well when making your decision. Home saunas are an investment, but depending on your needs and usage, it may be worth considering the splurge. "If you are going to use them regularly, yes, they’re worth it,” Dr. Ingegno says. “With options for portable units under $200, you could end up spending more per month on a gym membership.” Which is better—a steam or a dry sauna? Most of the research today is done with Finnish or infrared saunas. Steam saunas do have benefits, but fewer studies include them. “If you prefer moist heat, steam saunas may be better for you,” Dr. Ingegno says. “If you are looking for more options regarding sizes and shapes, infrared will be your best option.” Dr. Purdy tells us that the question of whether a steam sauna or a dry sauna is "better" largely depends on individual preferences, health conditions, and the specific benefits you're seeking. “Each type has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages,” she says, and provides a comparative analysis to guide your choice: Steam Sauna (Wet Sauna) Pros: Higher humidity (the moisture in the air can be beneficial for respiratory issues and can also make the heat feel less intense), skin hydration (the steam can help open pores and cleanse the skin, providing a sort of "facial" effect), and ease of breathing (some people find moist air easier to breathe, especially those with certain respiratory conditions). Cons: Less tolerable (the high humidity can make the environment feel hotter and potentially less comfortable for some individuals), and maintenance (higher humidity means more moisture, which can require more frequent cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria). Dry Sauna (Finnish or Infrared) Pros: Lower humidity (easier for many people to tolerate and can allow for longer sessions), deep heat (infrared saunas, in particular, are believed to penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially offering better detoxification benefits), and energy efficiency (typically requires less energy to operate, which could result in lower electricity bills). Cons: Skin dryness (the lack of humidity can be hard on the skin for some people, causing dryness and irritation), and respiratory irritation (dry air can be irritating to the respiratory tract for some individuals, especially those with pre-existing conditions). To decide the best home sauna for your home, Dr. Purdy recommends keeping a few things in mind, such as the intended use (“consider what you primarily intend to use the sauna for—relaxation, respiratory relief, skin health, etc.”), and space and installation (“dry saunas typically require less rigorous waterproofing, which could affect installation costs and location options”). She also suggests consulting a healthcare provider, especially if you have respiratory issues, cardiovascular conditions, or skin problems. In summary, Dr. Purdy says, “Neither type of sauna is universally ‘better’ than the other; the best choice depends on your personal needs, health status, and preferences.” Who We Are This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple saunas, researching factors such as each sauna's dimensions, style, and capacity. She also spoke to Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at Charm City Integrative Health in Baltimore, Maryland, which offers sauna services as part of its holistic treatments, Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, and Ava Johanna, the founder of meditation and breathwork platform, Academy of Breath. What Is BHG Recommends? Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit