The 9 Best Home Saunas, Vetted

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Home saunas offer a variety of health and wellness benefits and have never been more affordable. This comprehensive article takes a close look at some of the most popular models.

Saunas have long been recognized as a way to relax and reduce stress. They can alleviate muscle and joint pain, provide a general sense of well-being, and provide detoxification, increased cardiovascular health, and improved resistance to illness.

There are hundreds of models available, from traditional steam baths to outdoor timber saunas for the whole family. However, the range of different sizes, materials, and the use of either steam or infrared heat technologies can make choosing difficult. We researched almost 50 different models, comparing and contrasting spec sheets, to find the best home saunas for both aesthetics and practicality. See our favorites—and why we recommend each—below.

1. BEST OVERALL: Dynamic Saunas Barcelona Hemlock Wood Infrared Sauna
2. RUNNER-UP: Maxxus Alpine Low EMF 3-Person Infrared Sauna
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SereneLife Full-Size Portable Personal Sauna
4. BEST 2-PERSON: Dynamic Saunas Heming 2-Person Infrared Sauna
5. BEST TRADITIONAL: Almost Heaven Huntington 4- to 6-Person Barrel Sauna
6. BEST PORTABLE: Durasage Health Oversized Portable Steam Sauna
7. BEST OUTDOOR: Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna
8. BEST SAUNA BLANKET: LifePro BioRemedy Portable Infrared Sauna Blanket
9. BEST INFRARED: SereneLife Infrared Home Spa One Person Sauna

How We Chose the Best Home Saunas

I am an engineer by profession and have remodeled several homes, so I understood many of the construction and technical requirements of home saunas. To support my firsthand knowledge, the Bob Vila team researched the most sought-after home saunas in a variety of styles and sizes. We discovered that the best models are determined by their design, temperature range, number of heating elements, power, capacity, ease of installation, and other extra features included by top brands.

While we were searching for the best home saunas, we found that the most popular options among users had large wood and glass or PVC chambers that reached temperatures between 68 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit with the help of one to seven elements. We ensured that this list included a range of capacities and levels of energy consumption, with the small one-person models using 450 to 1,300 watts of power and the large two- to three-person saunas using 1,650 to 8,000 watts.

As for extra features, some of these home saunas come with Bluetooth connectivity, audio systems, digital control panels, chairs and benches, and foldable designs. Though the small, portable saunas require very little work to install, many of the large models come with instruction manuals for easy installation within a few hours.

Our Top Picks

While having an understanding of the technical and physical aspects of home saunas is certainly valuable, it is no substitute for looking at real-world examples. The following represent some of the best home saunas available in various categories to complement a home’s bathroom, gym, or jacuzzi.

Best Overall

Dynamic Saunas Barcelona Hemlock Wood Infrared Sauna

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Two-person saunas are very popular, and this solid hemlock model from Dynamic Saunas exemplifies why. With a competitive price and a host of user-friendly features, including LED control panels on the interior and exterior, Bluetooth speakers, and an interior chromotherapy lighting system, this easy-to-assemble option offers comfort and convenience. The six infrared heating panels provide all-around warmth and can raise the interior temperature up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Barcelona home infrared sauna plugs into a standard 15-amp outlet. The hemlock wood construction provides a lightweight yet durable sauna that’s fairly straightforward to assemble, with a tempered glass door that clasps easily together with the rest of the unit.

Product Specs 

• Heating elements: 6
• Power: 1,450 watts
• Extras: Bluetooth, chromotherapy

Pros

• Made from lightweight and durable hemlock wood that easily clasps together during assembly
• Features relaxing chromotherapy lighting and a Bluetooth speaker system
• This fairly spacious model fits up to 2 people and is quite roomy for a single person

Cons

• Assembly instructions are quite confusing and poorly written, despite assembly still being quite easy

Get the Dynamic Saunas Barcelona home sauna at Amazon, The Home Depot, Dynamic Saunas, or TheraHub.

Runner Up

Maxxus Alpine Low EMF 3-Person Infrared Sauna

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The Maxxus Alpine infrared sauna from Golden Designs Inc. exemplifies many leading features of modern saunas. Made from durable hemlock, it can be installed on any solid level floor, even carpet. Its slot-together design means it can be assembled by two adults using just a Phillips- head screwdriver and a ladder.

There are seven infrared heaters, both carbon and ceramic, delivering efficient, all-around warmth that can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Digital control panels inside and out allow for quick and easy setting of the desired level and include a timer. The Maxxus Alpine three-person sauna also features a chromotherapy light system, hookup for MP3, and two Bluetooth speakers for an enhanced sauna experience.

While manufacturer Golden Designs Inc. calls this sauna a “plug-and-play” unit, it does require a dedicated 20-amp circuit. The included power cord is just 10 inches long, so making connections can be a little fiddly.

Product Specs 

• Heating elements: 7
• Power: 2,200 watts
• Extras: Bluetooth, chromotherapy, MP3

Pros

• Straightforward DIY installation is easy for most people to accomplish
• Easy-to-use digital controls can be adjusted by user at any time
• Elegant, stylish glass front enhances spacious feel of this sauna

Cons

• For proper functioning, requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit during installation
• 10-inch power cord may be too short for use in some locations

Get the Maxxus home sauna at The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Golden Designs Inc.

Best Bang for the Buck

SereneLife Full-Size Portable Personal Sauna

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This portable infrared sauna from SereneLife offers those with smaller budgets a way to enjoy a regular hot sauna at home. It’s easy to put together, and with a footprint of just 35.4 square inches, it can be accommodated in even the smallest of spaces. The fully enclosed cabin provides privacy and leaves hands free for a book or a refreshing drink.

This one-person sauna plugs into a standard wall outlet. A 1,300-watt overhead infrared heater is powerful enough to raise the temperature to 140 degrees Fahrenheit but still economical to run. An electric pad keeps feet warm, while a wired controller provides easy control of the temperature and timer.

At 31.5 pounds, it’s a breeze to move around, though it takes around 20 minutes to assemble, so a semipermanent setup site will probably be preferred. The collapsible seat is convenient, though not especially supportive.

Product Specs 

• Heating elements: 1 plus footpad
• Power: 1,300 watts
• Extras: Folding chair

Pros

• Affordable option compared to other personal home saunas on the market
• Compact and lightweight makes it easy to store and move around
• Includes a handy wired controller for easy heat and timer adjustments

Cons

• Chair could be more supportive; may not be ideal for some users
• Some users have reported experiencing quality-control issues with this item

Get the SereneLife portable sauna at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Best 2-Person

Dynamic Saunas Heming 2-Person Infrared Sauna

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Two-person home indoor saunas are a popular choice. Many are compact and competitively priced while still offering the features of larger models, and this two-person infrared sauna is a fine example. Made from solid hemlock, the Heming indoor sauna from Dynamic Saunas has seven carbon heating elements in the walls and floor that are 30 percent larger than those made from ceramic, making for more efficient, evenly distributed heat. Soft-touch digital control panels are located both inside and out and can reach up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Both panels include a timer for added safety. Audio speakers pair with MP3 or Bluetooth devices, while the lighting provides chromotherapy effects.

Assembly requires only modest DIY skills, and all that’s required for electrical supply is a standard household outlet.

While the exterior footprint of 6.3 feet high by 4 feet wide by 4 feet deep means the Heming infrared sauna can fit in even relatively small homes, interior dimensions of 5.6 feet high by 3.58 feet wide by 3.75 feet deep make it a bit snug with two adults inside. That said, most competitors suffer the same challenges, so this is not unique to the Heming infrared. It is a very pleasant environment when used by one person at a time.

Product Specs 

• Heating elements: 7
• Power: 1,650 watts
• Extras: Bluetooth, chromotherapy, MP3

Pros

• The attractive solid hemlock construction looks great in any home
• Can plug into any standard outlet, making it easier to install
• This durable sauna is a competitive price compared to similar options

Cons

• Interior is quite basic without modern additions such as magazine racks
• Like most home saunas, this is not spacious; 2 people may be a squeeze

Get the Dynamic Saunas home sauna at Amazon, Wayfair, or Dynamic Saunas Direct.

Best Traditional

Almost Heaven Huntington 4- to 6-Person Barrel Sauna

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Sometimes there is just no substitute for traditional steam saunas in wooden buildings. For those who have the space, the Almost Heaven Huntington sauna delivers that authentic atmosphere in the form of a beautiful, durable cedar barrel that provides space for up to six people.

A powerful 8,000-watt electric heater can be turned on manually, but it also has a convenient 8-hour timer. Warmed stones can bring the interior to a maximum temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity can be increased by adding water. A tempered-glass front door provides safety, and vents allow for airflow.

Clear instructions and clever design make for relatively uncomplicated assembly, though care is required for proper alignment. Installation time for two people ranges from 3 to 6 hours. Keep in mind that the heater will require a 220-volt 40-amp electrical supply.

Product Specs

• Heating elements: 1
• Power: 8,000 watts
• Extras: 2 exterior cool-off benches, LED lighting

Pros

• Attractive, spacious design; great wow factor for multiple users at a time
• Weather- and rot-resistant cedar can last a lifetime and provide a pleasant woody aroma
• Clear tempered-glass door provides pleasant view; made in the USA

Cons

• Assembly takes care and patience; requires 220V 40-amp electrical supply

Get the Almost Heaven Huntington home sauna at Lowe’s, Wayfair, or Almost Heaven.

Best Portable Sauna

Durasage Health Oversized Portable Steam Sauna

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Like most portable saunas, the Durasage Health personal steam sauna provides the benefits of traditional steam in a lightweight, low-cost package. Despite the budget price, there are several useful features, including a timer and two external pockets for storing a phone or reading material, which can be easily accessed thanks to zippered openings. The ½-gallon tank can provide traditional steam at a maximum temperature of 114 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 60 minutes—more than enough time needed for a safe sauna session.

The whole energy-efficient kit weighs just under 16 pounds and consists of a tubular PVC frame that supports a padded polyester tent, separate steam generator, and folding chair (which has a weight limit of 220 pounds). It is easy to move and compact for storage. However, while the PVC tubes are adequate to suppo