The best home saunas of 2024

Home saunas can provide many health benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, stress and pain relief, weight loss, and more. They might even offer general relaxation, depending on the person. But getting to the spa or gym for a sauna session is not always convenient. Not to mention, those visits can get expensive. Fortunately, you can get all of the benefits of the sauna without ever having to leave your house.

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 overall: BOTARO Maxxus Saunas Seattle Infrared Sauna
• Best for indoors: SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna
• Best 2-person: Dynamic Andora Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna
• Best outdoor: Sunray 3-Person Outdoor Sauna
• Best budget: Durasage Oversized Portable Steam Sauna

How we chose the best home saunas

We chose two high-end infrared models for those with 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 our list have been well-received by users at virtually every level.

The best home saunas: Reviews & Recommendations

Outside of the health benefits of a home sauna, it’s nice to have a piece of self-care available to you when you need or want it. Sometimes, a warm bath is not enough! So get a home sauna, fill up that water bottle, and get to sweat. (Just get an inflatable or above-ground pool for when it’s warm out and you’ll complete the luxuriation equation.)

Best overall: BOTARO Maxxus Saunas Seattle Infrared Sauna

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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 inches
• Weight: 230 pounds
• Materials: 100% Canadian Reforested hemlock Wood

Pros

• Double-paneled Canadian Hemlock wood
• Six total heating panels
• MP3 connection and built-in speakers

Cons

• Not quite big enough for two people
• Requires 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 for indoors: SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna

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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 inches
• Weight: 27.8 pounds
• Materials: Cloth, plastic

Pros

• Easy access, full-sized design
• Fully collapsable for easy storage
• Energy-efficient

Cons

• Not tall enough to fully stand up
• No internal zipper

Unlike other 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 a 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. And if you’re looking for a sitting sauna where your head pokes out, check out our other portable sauna picks.

Best 2-person: Dynamic Andora Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna

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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 inches
• Weight: 319 lbs.
• Materials: Natural reforested Canadian hemlock wood

Pros

• Control panel with LED display
• Tempered glass door and side windows
• Fully assembled within an hour

Cons

• Pricier than comparable models
• Small 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. 

Best outdoor: Sunray 3-Person Outdoor Sauna

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Why it made the cut: This relatively spacious sauna is fast, reliable, and easy to install.

Specs

• Dimensions: 69” W x 47 D x 83” H
• Materials: Canadian hemlock 
• Type of Heat: Far infrared

Pros

• 7-year structural warranty
• Fits three people
• Durable construction
• Handsome design
• Gets to temperature in less than 15 minutes

Cons

• Not as powerful as some other outdoor models

Your outdoor space still counts as part of your home, and this outdoor sauna fits nicely into a backyard or patio. It relies on far infrared heat and warms up in 15 minutes. It heats up to a maximum temperature of 140 degrees F, which is typical for this type of sauna. And at less than $3,000, it’s cheaper than most other models in its class.

Despite its (relatively) lower price, it comes with tons of creature comforts, including lighting, cup holders, and even a Bluetooth wireless speaker system. It’s relatively simple to install, even if you’re not that experienced, and the ceramic heaters should last a good long time before they need serious maintenance or replacement. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s also a lot better than trudging all the way to the gym to get a sweat going.

Best budget: Durasage Oversized Portable Steam Sauna

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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 inches
• Weight: 15.72 pounds
• Materials: Polyester, PVC

Pros

• Dual pockets and zippered openings
• Extra space than most portable saunas
• Produces 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, like reading or scrolling on social media. 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.

Things to consider before buying the best home saunas

When deciding whether a home sauna is the right fit for you, several considerations exist.

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 heat the body with radiation, it’s important to check the EMF levels the saunas emit.

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.

FAQs

Final thoughts on finding the best home saunas

• Best overall: BOTARO Maxxus Saunas Seattle Infrared Sauna
• Best for indoors: SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna
• Best 2-person: Dynamic Andora Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna
• Best outdoor: Sunray 3-Person Outdoor Sauna
• Best budget: Durasage Oversized Portable Steam Sauna

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.

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