Say Goodbye to Stress and Hello to Relaxation With the Best Home Saunas (2024)

Our Top Picks

The Barcelona Sauna from Dynamic Saunas sets up quickly, puts out steady, consistent heat, and has simple controls for a convenient, relaxing sauna session. Those attributes make it the best home sauna we tested and our top recommendation for a one- or two-person sauna.

We tested this sauna at home for six months and found that it took 25 to 30 minutes to reach its maximum temperature of 140 degrees. We found the bench seat comfortable enough for shorter sauna sessions, but it likely wouldn’t be comfortable for an hour or more. And while the sauna seat does fit two people, we found it to be better suited for one person—unless you don’t mind sitting so close that you’re touching the other person. That’s not a major strike against this model since Dynamic Saunas does list this as a one to two-person model.

Out of the box, we assembled this home sauna in just under one hour—although it should be noted that it required a drill and two people working together. The main components (a floor, a ceiling, and four walls) are easily identified and clasped together for quick, efficient assembly, which is good because the included instructions were not very helpful.

The intuitive assembly is complemented by easy-to-use controls for functions like the timer, heat settings, and lights. No special wiring is needed, so you can self-install this sauna as long as you have a 15-amp, 120-volt dedicated outlet.

The remote control lets you activate the chromatherapy lights while in the sauna. We could listen to music and podcasts via Bluetooth connection, and there is also an auxiliary port for an MP3 player, but that feature seems dated.

Although we have found the sauna experience quite comfortable, we do our best to avoid the heaters because they can get rather hot. We also clean the sauna once a week using a solution of baking soda and water. And we add essential oils to make the solution smell more pleasant and calming, and use a towel to assist in cleaning the sauna, since some slats are a little more difficult to clean than others.

_{Dimensions: 39 x 36 x 73 inches | Internal dimensions: 36 x 32 x 67 inches | Heating elements: Infrared | Extra features: MP3 port, Bluetooth, chromatherapy lights}

This full-size but lightweight steam sauna doesn't require extensive assembly or installation and it costs a fraction of what you’d spend for a traditional home sauna, making it our recommendation for the best budget home sauna we tested. During testing, the features that stood out most about this affordable sauna were the fast heating time and lightweight but spacious design.

While using this sauna for over six months, we found it consistently ready for use after no more than 15 minutes of warming up. It has nine power levels and a maximum temperature setting of 122 degrees. Although the sauna is lightweight and much more similar to a tent than a traditional sauna, we didn’t notice any air drafts, and it effectively held its temperature during sauna sessions.

It took just 22 minutes to assemble, and it was roomy enough for a single person to sit and benefit from the steam experience. The SereneLife SLISAU35BK Steam Sauna includes a 4-liter external steamer, a folding chair, and a remote control.The included folding chair has a comfortable backrest and supports even tall people (we tested it with someone who is 6-foot-2).

Its best feature is its convenience in assembly and disassembly. During our testing period, we wanted to clear some room for a party, and we were able to break down the sauna in less than two minutes. Because it weighs less than 15 pounds and has a compact footprint, it’s easy to move the sauna to a corner of the room after use, making it an ideal portable choice.

However, you do need to leave the door to the sauna open after use so that it can dry out. During testing, we left the door zippered shut and found the interior of the sauna was still wet 24 hours later, which could lead to mold and mildew growth. We wish there were more color options to make the sauna blend into more decor schemes, but it’s not a feature that impacts the functionality or value of this budget option.

_{Dimensions: 35.4 x 35.4 x 70.9 inches | Internal dimensions: Not listed | Heating elements: Steam | Extra features: Remote control}

The Aspire model from Sunlighten is a premium sauna that offers full-spectrum infrared light, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a sleek design. Based on our testing experience, this model is just as effective as the infrared saunas found in gyms or sauna studios—and maybe even better, based on the build quality and ease of use.

We found enough room in this two-person sauna for each user to have a seat on the built-in bench. There’s an included backrest, which you can use to support your torso without blocking the benefits of the infrared heat radiating from the sauna's walls.

Regarding infrared heat, the Sunlighten Aspire is the only infrared sauna we tested with full spectrum infrared heat. You can choose between near, mid, and far infrared heat to target specific needs. A 10-inch control screen makes it convenient to control the heat settings or timer, and you can also pick from pre-programmed sauna sessions, which is a perk if you’re starting with sauna use and aren’t sure of what settings to use.

Our favorite feature of the touchscreen is that it’s Wi-Fi-enabled and compatible with popular streaming apps like Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, and Gmail. We were never bored in the sauna, even during longer 50- to 60-minute sessions.

Expect to spend a pretty penny on this two-person sauna (pricing is available upon inquiry). Assembling and installing the sauna is also no small task. It arrived in three large packages and was more complex than we were willing to tackle. We hired a service to assemble the sauna and an electrician to complete the necessary wiring.

But once it was installed and ready for use, we found using and operating the sauna to be incredibly simple and straightforward. There’s also no major maintenance involved, and based on our impressions of build quality and our initial experience of using the sauna for a month, we have confidence that it will last for years.

_{Dimensions: 43.6 x 41.6 x 78.5 inches | Internal dimensions: 37.8 x 35.6 x 71.5 inches | Heating elements: Infrared | Extra features: Touchscreen, remote control}

The Worthington model from Almost Heaven Saunas offers an authentic sauna experience. This traditional-style home sauna seats up to six people, and it’s constructed of spruce wood with an included Harvia 8 kW KIP heater for producing steam. Although these features qualify it as a traditional sauna, it feels more modern with tinted glass that spans the front of the sauna for more light and an open, spacious feel.

The installation for this traditional home sauna will take more time than a portable sauna but that’s to be expected based on the size and design of this model. The good news is that the installation process is straightforward enough to be a DIY project for most people, thanks to the pre-built wall sections, roof sections, benches, and backrests. However, you will need the help of an electrician to wire the sauna properly (it requires a 240-volt, 40-amp connection).

Keep in mind that this is an indoor sauna designed for use in your home or garage. It’s not designed for exposure to the elements, and it doesn’t have a floor, so it’s not recommended for use on carpet. However, you can install it over most other solid-surface floors, like tile or concrete.

To enjoy the traditional sauna experience, allow enough time for the sauna to heat up. Traditional saunas usually take longer to heat than infrared saunas, and the Worthington model is no exception. It can take between 45 and 60 minutes to reach 170 to 185 degrees. You’ll need to pour water over the rocks within the heater to create the steamy conditions that characterize this type of sauna session. There are lights to improve visibility within the sauna, but there are no other included features outside of a timer.

_{Dimensions: 80 x 61 x 80 inches | Internal dimensions: 77 x 57 x 78 inches | Heating Elements: Steam | Extra Features: Two bench seats, LED lighting, glass front}

The Logan sauna is a traditional-style sauna that stands out for its Finnish-style water-over-rocks steam heater, cedar construction, and easy assembly. Inside this compact but cozy steam sauna, you’ll find a wide slat bench that is sized right for one occupant and a handful of cedar accessories to enhance the sauna experience—like a backrest, leg lift, robe hook, drink shelf, and magazine rack.

The tongue-and-groove cedar sections come prefabricated for the walls and roof, streamlining the assembly process. However, you’ll still need to make sure you have the right electrical wiring. This sauna requires a 220-volt outlet or a hardwired connection. Like other popular indoor steam saunas, it does not have a floor, so it’s not suitable for use on carpet.

Not to be overlooked is the Harvia 6kW electric heater. It has a maximum heat setting of 195 degrees and a timer function. Best of all, you can pour water over the rocks within the heater for a steamy detox session, but you can also opt to use the heater for a dry-heat sauna session.

_{Dimensions: 53 x 36 x 78 inches | Internal dimensions: 49 x 31 x 77 inches | Heating Elements: Steam | Extra Features: Timer, LED lighting}

For a sauna session in your backyard, consider an outdoor model like this one from Almost Heaven Saunas. The Salem model is a barrel-style steam sauna suitable for outdoor use (although it can be installed inside as well, if you have the space). It’s constructed of red cedar staves and accommodates two people, with an optional window at the rear of the sauna for more interior light and to enjoy the view during your sauna session.

Inside the sauna, there are two slat benches, a Harvia 6kW electric heater, and 40 pounds of sauna stones. The heater reaches a maximum temperature of 185 degrees, although it can take 45 to 60 minutes for the sauna to warm up. Fortunately, the timer includes up to an 8-hour delay, so you can set the sauna to be hot and ready at a specific time. Just know that the controls for the heater and timer are located close to the floor, meaning that they can be a little more challenging to see and reach when compared to saunas with wall-mounted controls.

Although this sauna is intended for outdoor use, it’s important to note that the exterior is raw and untreated lumber. For use in wet or harsh climates, the manufacturer suggests using a rain cover or shingles to protect the sauna from excessive moisture or a stain or sealant. Otherwise, the sauna’s cedarwood interior is low-maintenance as long as it’s used regularly.

_{Dimensions: 72 x 47 x 75.4 inches | Internal dimensions: 71 x 39 x 69.2 inches | Heating Elements: Steam | Extra Features: Timer, LED lighting}

Infrared saunas are popular because they heat up quickly and emit infrared heat deep into the body. If that’s the benefit you’re looking for with regular use of a home sauna, this two-person sauna from Heatwave is a popular pick. It heats up to a maximum of 140 degrees within about 20 minutes, which is a plus compared to steam saunas, which can take 45 to 60 minutes to reach their maximum temperature.

There are five ceramic infrared heaters lining the interior of the sauna. They emit far infrared heat, which reaches deep into the body, but note that it doesn’t offer adjustable wavelengths of infrared heat, like the more expensive Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna Aspire, which can be adjusted for near, mid, or far infrared heat settings.

Putting together the Heatwave sauna is a straightforward process that can be made even easier with a helper and generally doesn’t take more than an hour or two. It’s constructed of hemlock wood, an excellent insulator, and sturdy and non-allergenic. The bench inside the sauna offers enough room for two people, and there’s an LCD control panel for adjusting the temperature and light settings. It also offers chromatherapy lights and an integrated sound system with an auxiliary port for an MP3 port, which is admittedly a dated feature.

_{Dimensions: 47.8 x 39 x 75 inches | Internal dimensions: 44.5 x 35 x 67 inches | Heating Elements: Infrared | Extra Features: Timer, MP3 port, chromatherapy lights}

Final Verdict

Based on our testing and research, we recommend the Dynamic Barcelona Hemlock Wood Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna as the best home sauna. It is a great value for its range of features, including solid-wood construction, effective infrared heaters, and easy-to-use controls with Bluetooth compatibility. But if you’re short on space or need a more affordable option, the SereneLife SLISAU35BK Full Size Portable Steam Sauna requires minimal set-up and no special electrical connections.

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