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.

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, ceiling, and four walls) are easily identified and clasp together for quick, efficient assembly, which is a good thing 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 as long as you have a 15-amp, 120-volt dedicated outlet, you can self-install this sauna. Regarding typical electrical requirements for home saunas, Mock says, “A dedicated outlet line from your main electrical panel is necessary for the installation of a home sauna, as this ensures no other household appliances are shared on the same circuit as the sauna.”

In our testing, it took the Barcelona sauna 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.

After using the sauna almost every day over the span of four weeks, we found that it reduces muscle soreness. While in the sauna, you can activate the chromatherapy lights using the included remote control. A Bluetooth connection allowed us to listen to music and podcasts, and there is also an auxiliary port for an MP3 player, but that feature seems dated. All things considered, this home sauna earns a 5 out of 5 rating for its ease of use, effectiveness, and value, making it the best home sauna for most people.

How It Performed Long-Term

After including weekly sauna sessions in our regimen for three months, we have noticed an improvement in both our relaxation levels and the level of pain in our joints. The sauna's integrated Bluetooth system is one of its most appealing features since it lets us enjoy music or podcasts as we unwind.

Although we have found the sauna experience to be quite comfortable, we do our best to stay away from the heaters because they can get rather hot. We use a solution of baking soda and water to clean the sauna once a week. To make the solution smell more pleasant and calming, we also add essential oils. We use a towel to assist us in cleaning the sauna since some of the 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. It took just 22 minutes to assemble, and it was roomy enough for a single person to sit and benefit from the steam experience. Included with the SereneLife SLISAU35BK Steam Sauna is a 4-liter external steamer, a folding chair, and a remote control.

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 over a period of four weeks, we found it was consistently ready for use after no more than 15 minutes of warming up, and it has nine power levels with 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. The included folding chair has a comfortable backrest and supports even tall people (we tested it with someone who is 6’2”).

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, but it’s less convenient to take it apart because you’d have to disassemble the frame. We found that it takes two people to effectively fit the sauna tent around the frame, so it’s not a task that we think is feasible on an everyday basis. 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.

How It Performed Long-Term

We added the sauna to our post-pilates routine for three months, and it proved to be a wonderful addition. Not only was it helpful with relieving muscle aches after workouts, but it also relieved sinus pressure when we were sick. Its convenience in assembly and disassembly is by far its best feature. We wanted to clear some room for a party during our testing period, and we were able to break down the sauna in less than two minutes, making it an ideal portable choice.

Because this sauna uses steam, we always unzipped the doors to allow for adequate ventilation. As a result, the sauna interior dries up more quickly. After drying, we wipe down the sauna walls with a damp towel to ensure it stays clean and fresh for subsequent uses.If you're searching for a portable and easy way to relax after a workout, the sauna is a fantastic investment that you won't regret.

_{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, we feel that 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 that there is definitely 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 walls of the sauna. On the subject of infrared heat, the Sunlighten Aspire is the only infrared sauna that 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 really 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 just starting out with sauna use and aren’t sure of what settings to use. Our favorite feature of the touchscreen is the fact 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 for this two-person sauna (pricing is available by inquiry). It’s also no small task to assemble and install the sauna. It arrived in three large packages, and it was more complex than we were willing to tackle on our own. 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 we have confidence that it will last for years, based on our impressions of build quality and initial experience of using the sauna for a month.

How It Performed Long-Term

For the last three months, the sauna has been an essential part of our self-care regimen. While there's plenty of room for two in the sauna, we've found that using it solo allows us to lie down and stretch out. Thanks to the infrared heat, every session leaves us feeling refreshed and renewed. However, we have noted that the sauna takes long to heat up, but we realize that this is typical of most saunas. All things considered, we couldn't be happier with our sauna and intend to make frequent use of it going forward.

_{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 properly wire the sauna (it requires a 240V 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. But 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, which streamlines the assembly process, but 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, there is no 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 that is 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 cedar wood 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 that reaches deep into the body. If that’s the benefit you’re looking for with regular use of a home sauna, this 2-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 when 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, which is an excellent insulator and very sturdy while also being 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 1 to 2 Person 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. There’s only enough space for a single person and no extra features, but the 4-liter steamer puts out heat quickly, and the included folding chair is comfortable.

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