If you’re American and reading this right now, you probably think that one of the best home saunas is a hot wooden closet across the hall from the steam room at your health club.
However, for many around the world, the dry sauna plays a much more substantial role in their lives than just the hot room, which may or may not be on the list of healthy activities one does after using the rower, exercise bike, or elliptical machine at the gym.
“In addition to being relaxing, dry heat saunas have many incredible benefits for the body,” Board-Certified Doctor in Family Practice and Regenerative Medicine, Neil Paulvin, MD, told The Post. “According to a study, high temperatures can boost your circulation, reduce inflammation, alleviate chronic pain, reduce joint stiffness, and even help strengthen the immune system.”
If that doesn’t sound like a reason to learn more about the best at-home saunas, we don’t know what does. Below you will find our picks.
The act of relaxing in that small, dry, hot space for a while is said to date back anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 years, depending on whom you ask. Whereas the exact origin is nearly impossible to track down, there is overwhelming evidence that the sauna, closest to what we think of it today, started in northern Europe.
So, it’s no surprise that in many European countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Russia, and Finland — the country most well-known for its saunas and sauna culture — you can easily find families with saunas right at home. If you don’t believe us, then ask yourself why the only Finnish word to make it into everyday English is, you guessed it, sauna.
You won’t typically find them at your local home store, which is why it’s smart that you came to us. We know exactly where to shop them online and have spent the time researching and asking the professionals to find out what you need to look for in the best at-home sauna.
Best Outdoor: Sun Home Saunas Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Pros:
- The design is sleek and streamlined but still stylish
- Made from aerospace-grade aluminum for exterior paneling and cedar wood for the interior cabin
- The bench size is very generous
Cons:
- Expensive
- Assembly requires skill
- Delivery time is long (but it’s because it is made upon order)
If saunas could be sexy, it would be this Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna option from Sun Home. Being designed from aerospace-grade aluminum for exterior paneling and cedar wood for the interior cabin, this home sauna experience is like no other. Available for five people, this is an investment for true sauna enthusiasts. You’ll have a lot of new friends in the neighborhood coming by to say, Hi.
Customers are saying: “I’ve been in several saunas, but this one tops them all. The heat is distributed evenly and powerfully. It simply feels like it’s real quality. Highly recommend!”
Product Dimensions: 51.5 inches deep, 82 inches wide, 82.5 inches tall (interior); 47 inches deep, 78 inches wide, 75 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 1,270 pounds | Heating Element: EMF-shielding technology | Special Features: Heat-treated carbonized wood materials for outdoor use, WiFi- and mobile app-enabled control center, Bluetooth audio
Best for Four People: Sun Home Saunas Solstice 4-Person Infrared Sauna
Pros:
- ADA-Compliant
- Doctor designed and endorsed
- App controls
- Medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights Included
- 36-hour programmable timer and remote “reservation mode”
- Two different wood options
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- High price (but still under $10,000)
- Large size is still limited to indoor use
- Requires 240-volt connection
This sauna is designed for up to four people and is especially great, thanks to its fully ADA-compliant design.
Sun Home sells saunas, which use proprietary heaters to deliver the full-spectrum infrared power you’d expect from a leading sauna brand. This handsomely designed sauna supplies all beneficial infrared wavelengths (near, mid, and far) to ensure a fully optimized experience.
You can use the app to control all elements of heat (up to 36 hours in advance), so there are no worries about needing to stand up or move around to feel the benefits.
What customers are saying: “Since owning the Sun Home Infrared Sauna, I look forward to the time and days I can relax in the sauna. Takes away my aches and pains and calms me. Having it in my home makes the process so quick and easy. No more driving to a gym to use their sauna. Love it!”
Product Dimensions: 61 inches long, 71 inches wide, 81 inches tall (interior); 64.5 inches long, 76 inches wide, 85.5 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 779 pounds | Heating Element: EMF-shielding technology | Special Features: Medical-grade chromotherapy, Bluetooth audio system, high-powered heaters
Best Budget: Dynamic Infrared Barcelona 1-Person Infrared Sauna
Pros:
- The price is good for the size
- It uses reforested Canadian Hemlock planks
- Chromotherapy lighting
- Features Bluetooth and LED control panels
- Reflexology floor heaters
- Low EMF heating technology
Cons:
- It does not get as hot as a traditional Finnish sauna
- Floor heat panels don’t feel as hot as upper panels
If you’re on a budget but still want a high-quality, FAR infrared home sauna, Dynamic Saunas is a great place to start. This Bluetooth-compatible indoor home sauna is crafted from reforested Canadian hemlock wood and features remote-controlled chromotherapy lighting. This sauna is designed to look great and work well. Canadian hemlock is strong and sturdy and has highly visible woodgrain in a light brown color.
Customers are saying: “We love our Sauna. It’s very well made, easy to assemble and it’s a wonderful experience for home. So Relaxing.”
Product Dimensions: 32 inches long, 36 inches wide, 72 inches tall (interior); 36 inches long, 39 inches wide, 75 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 265 pounds | Heating Element: FAR Infrared | Special Features: LED lighting, audio input/output jacks, antimicrobial material
Best for Two People: Dynamic Saunas Maxxus Toulouse 2-Person Infrared Sauna
Pros:
- It uses reforested Canadian hemlock wood
- Clasp-together assembly takes less than an hour
- Electrical is easy to plug and go
- Installation anywhere, even on carpet
- Look is simple and clean
- Includes chromo therapy lighting
- The price is appealing for the size
Cons:
- Max temperature is 140 but can max out at 130
- Insulation could be better
If you’re looking for a sauna big enough for two and want to save a little money while you’re at it, Dynamic Saunas offers a quality investment with the Maxxus Toulouse infrared sauna.
With six infrared carbon energy efficient heating panels operating at 1750 watts, each user has three panels worth of infrared power all to themselves. Use interior or exterior controls to adjust and display color therapy lighting, built-in reading lamp, and AUX connection with speakers.
What customers are saying: “I am thrilled with our purchase … It assembles in minutes with built-in buckles that simply connect the sides as they stand on the base. No tools are needed for that at all. Connecting wires was just a matter of plugging well-labeled pieces together … Then just plugged it into a regular plug, and it [works]. Heats up in about 25 minutes … Fits two people easily. It is absolutely comparable to the $7,000 one we looked at buying from a local store.”
Product Dimensions: 42 inches long, 50 inches wide, 75 inches tall | Weight: 250 pounds | Heating Element: Low EMF FAR Infrared | Special Features: FM radio, CD player, aux port and built-in speakers
Best for Three People: Heatwave Sonoma 3-Person Hemlock Infrared Corner Sauna
Pros:
- The price for size is great
- The corner design maximizes space
- Includes an integrated MP3 player and wireless connectivity
- Includes a vent and two seating benches
Cons:
- It could be a tight fit depending on the size of three adults
The corner design alone elevates the Heatwave Sonoma 3-Person Hemlock Infrared Corner Sauna, undoubtedly making it a focal feature of your home. With an integrated MP3 player and wireless connectivity, there are plenty of opportunities for one, two or three people to reap the perceived benefits of this indoor infrared sauna. The design includes a vent and two seating benches as well to sit back and relax.
What customers are saying: “Works perfect in the corner spot it was intended for.”
Product Dimensions: 27.5 inches deep, 51.6 inches wide, 68.5 inches tall (interior); 35 inches deep, 55 inches wide, 75 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 342 pounds | Heating Element: FAR Infrared | Special Features: LED lighting, audio input/output jacks, antimicrobial design
Best Portable: SereneLife Portable Full Size Infrared Home Sauna
Pros:
- Price is unparalleled
- Portability makes using this anywhere easy
- Size allows for both sitting and standing for most people
- Heated floor mat included
Cons:
- Height may be short for taller folks
- Size is generous but could be a trigger for those who experience severe claustrophobia
If money is tight, or you’re only wanting to dip your toes in the world of at-home spa ownership, this is the perfect home spa design. The portable sauna is the best compromise at a height that allows most people to stand up fully. It is quick and easy to set up, and includes a heated floor mat and a remote to make controlling the unit easy.
What customers are saying: “The previous [personal saunas] I had were normal with your head sticking out, but this one was a FULL SAUNA, and you could walk inside and zip your entire body inside … After I got it, I set it up, put towels on top (recommended by other people), and waited a few minutes. When I sat inside, it was HEAVEN, and now I can burn calories and listen to music or audiobooks in the comfort of my own home. Get your money out and buy this IMMEDIATELY – if NOT SOONER!”
Product Dimensions: 7 inches long, 16 inches wide, 43 inches tall (disassembled); 35.4 inches long, 35.4 inches wide, 70.9 inches tall (assembled) | Weight: 24.2 pounds | Heating Element: Infrared | Special Features: Included folding chair, remote control, heated foot pad
Best Sauna Pod: The Pod Company The Sauna Pod 2.0 Dry Sauna
Pros:
- Compact and easy to take on the go
- Heats up quickly
- Made out of premium 100% natural cotton canvas layers
Cons:
- Only fits one person
Looking for a quick, compact way to get your sauna time in? We’ve got you covered. This portable pod heats up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit so you can enjoy all the benefits (muscle recovery, a boost in mental wellness and more). It’s lightweight and collapsible, so you can take it on the go, and it heats to peak temperature in just 15-20 minutes.
Product Dimensions: 10 inches x 10 inches x 68 inches | Weight: 37.9 pounds | Heating Element: 1500-watt electric hot air heater | Special Features: High-temperature dry heat, red LED light strip, collapsible model
Best Sauna Box: Dikutar Sauna Box
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Spacious
- Portable
- Seals in heat
Cons:
- Designed to only fit two people
Sometimes all you need is a simple box to get your sweat on. This portable sauna seals heats with five layers of thick waterproof fabric. It’s spacious and comfortable to hang out in, with 16 different levels of temperature to control.
Product Dimensions: 40 inches x 40 inches x 75 inches| Weight: 23.2 pounds | Heating Element: Electric resistance heating tube | Special Features: Waterproof silicone zippers, glow-in-the-dark pulls, a PVC ventilation window, two storage pockets
What to look for in a home sauna:
- Size: When looking for your new home sauna, it’s essential to know where you will place it. Depending on the capacity – usually from one to six people – a home sauna can go in a large bedroom, a basement, a garage, or even outside. Remember that the bigger the sauna, the more power it will require. Therefore, you may need something that offers more electrical power than a standard 120-volt, 15-amp outlet.
- Style: This doesn’t depend only on your aesthetic taste but also on where you will be placing your sauna. Unless a sauna is explicitly designed to be used outdoors, it should be placed indoors to ensure it is not damaged by the elements.
- Frequency: How often are you going to be using your sauna, and with whom? If you intend to use your sauna occasionally and alone, a lower-cost design with a smaller footprint may be the best investment. If you intend to use the sauna often and with others, purchasing something more established and incorporated in the design of your home may be a better way to spend your money.
- Sauna type: At-home saunas come in several forms, including portable infrared saunas, which are compact and easy to set up, using infrared heat to warm the body directly at lower temperatures. Traditional dry saunas are often built as permanent fixtures and use electric or wood-burning stoves to generate dry heat, offering a more authentic sauna experience. Steam saunas, usually in the form of steam showers or kits, create a high-humidity environment by turning water into steam, providing a soothing and moist heat option for home use.
- Installation and cost: When shopping for an at-home sauna, installation is a key factor because some models, like traditional saunas, require permanent setups and professional installation, while others, like portable infrared saunas, are easier to assemble and relocate. The cost of an at-home sauna varies greatly depending on type, size, and materials, with traditional saunas typically being more expensive due to the need for specialized construction and higher-quality components. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and energy costs should be considered, as larger saunas or those requiring higher temperatures may incur higher electricity bills over time.
- Maintenance: Maintenance is an important factor when shopping for an at-home sauna because certain types, like traditional wood saunas, require regular upkeep of the stove, wood and wooden surfaces to prevent wear and decay. Infrared saunas generally have fewer moving parts but still need regular cleaning of the heaters and the interior to maintain efficiency and hygiene. Additionally, all saunas require periodic checks on electrical components, ventilation systems and water sources (for steam saunas) to ensure they continue to operate safely and effectively.
- Features: When shopping for an at-home sauna, look for features that match your needs, such as size and seating capacity, to ensure comfort and sufficient space for use. Consider the type of heating system — infrared, traditional, or steam. Check to see if it’s suitable for your preferred sauna experience, as well as energy efficient, to help manage running costs. Other desirable features include adjustable temperature controls, built-in lighting or sound systems for added relaxation, and durable, easy-to-clean materials that will maintain the sauna’s appearance and performance over time.
Why is a dry sauna good for you?
“Dry saunas increase your body temperature, which, in turn, will increase your heart rate and circulation,” says Paulvin. “Similar to a cardio workout, your heart has to work harder to circulate your blood in higher temperatures.”
How do home saunas work?
“The primary differences between a traditional dry sauna and an infrared sauna are their temperatures and the way they generate heat. With the ability to reach 195 degrees, a traditional sauna’s heat can feel overwhelming, while the infrared sauna uses milder temperatures up to around 160 degrees,” explains Alain Palinsky, founder of Kollectiv in New York City.
“Additionally, dry saunas are heated using an external heat source that heats the skin externally. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use lightwaves to heat the body on a deep cellular level.”
Are infrared light saunas different than traditional saunas?
“Both heat therapies will have similar benefits (they just distribute heat differently), but with infrared, you: can last longer than a traditional sauna,” explains Remedy Place founder Dr. Jonathan Leary. “Infrared heats up faster [and] releases more toxins in your sweat.”
“Infrared saunas are a safe, natural, and non-invasive way to heal the body on a cellular level,” adds Palinsky. “Unlike traditional saunas, Infrared light saunas heat the body from the inside rather than heating the air. Using harmless lightwaves on the electromagnetic spectrum, the benefits of Infrared Light Saunas [can] include detoxification, muscle recovery, skin rejuvenation, heart health, immune health, weight loss, and stress relief and relaxation.”
Are there any risks or dangers with home infrared saunas?
Dry saunas increase your body temperature, which increases your heart rate.
“Similar to a cardio workout, your heart has to work harder to circulate your blood in higher temperatures,” Paulvin explains. “Long-term, using a sauna regularly (three to four times a week) can help lower blood pressure. Research (study here) also shows that people who regularly use a sauna have a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia.”
Paulvin continues by telling the New York Post that if saunas are used for a prolonged period of time and in extreme temperatures (over 150 degrees Feirenheight), you can become overheated and dehydrated. “Less serious side effects include headaches and nausea.”
“More serious side effects can include heat stroke,” he continues. “According to a 2018 study, negative side effects can include hypotension (low blood pressure), leg pain, heat exhaustion, airway irritation and claustrophobia.”
Who should avoid using a sauna?
“You should consult your doctor if you’re taking medication or have a medical condition before using a sauna,” says Paulvin.
“Anyone with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a physician prior to use,” Palinsky explains. “Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via perspiration and the respiratory system. Anyone with cardiovascular issues should consult a physician prior to use.”
“Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind,” Palinsky continues. “Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. The magnets used to assemble [some] saunas can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor before using a sauna if you are using these devices.”
“Pregnant women, men trying to reproduce, or children under 16,” Leary adds. “Unless you have a contraindication, find a way to incorporate this into your routine – it is a must!”
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