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Unless you’re a frequent spa-goer with a monogrammed bathrobe to your name, chances are that it’s been a minute
since you last entered a sauna. But what if you could sweat it all out whenever you want with your own, at-home steam room? Not only will it let you skip that trip to a wellness facility entirely, but it’s an investment in your self-care that’ll feel more luxurious than slipping on yet another sheet mask (although we have our favorites).
With sauna culture growing in popularity (a slew of celebs from Taylor Swift to Justin Bieber have been spotted partaking), you won’t need to install an entire spa suite to feel the therapeutic benefits of the best home saunas. Having your own sauna will let even a staycation feel more indulgent, and can be much more than just a place to enjoy some warmth before or after a workout. While there are more portable options, the top-rated at-home saunas are easily accessible, permanent fixtures that can be installed in just a few hours.
At a Glance: The Best Splurge-Worthy At-Home Saunas to Buy
Relaxe Caldera Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna With Red Light
Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2 Infrared Sauna
Sun Home Saunas Pod 1-Person Red Light & Infrared Sauna
Almost Heaven Personal Steam Sauna
Golden Designs Sundsvall 2 Personal Sauna
Dynamic Saunas Barcelona Personal Infrared Sauna
Redwood Outdoors Extra-Wide Barrel Sauna
Sunray Saunas Southport 3-Person Traditional Sauna
Before you crank up the heat, know that home saunas are a really big investment. But if you’re frequenting the sauna at your local health club, or just want to reap the relaxation benefits, you can’t beat the convenience of having one at home. That being said, these are our favorite home saunas available online that’ll make every day feel like a stress-easing retreat.
Are Home Saunas FSA and HSA Eligible?
One of the best aspects of luxury at-home saunas is that many are FSA eligible. While not everything on this list falls into that category, some do — like saunas made by Sun Home and Redwood Outdoors. What does this mean? You can use your HSA and FSA benefits, otherwise known as the pre-tax dollars you set aside to cover things like medications and doctor appointments, to help score discounts on an at-home sauna, because let’s be real: they can benefit your health, too (read more about that below).
Both Sun Home and Redwood Outdoors sites note that you can “save an average of 30%” when you choose this route, which, when you’re buying a sauna that costs a few thousand dollars, can make a major difference.
The Best Home Saunas to Buy Online
We’ve broken down the 8 best saunas to buy for your home, considering comfort, design, ease of construction, and overall value. Here are our top picks.
BEST DEAL
Relaxe Caldera Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna With Red Light
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the Relaxe Infrared Sauna With Red Light. The one-person unit is currently less than $4,000, meaning you can sweat it out the right way, not in a “will this drain my bank account?” kind of way.
According to the official product description, it “combines 660 nm red light with 850 nm near-infrared wavelengths to deliver full-spectrum recovery benefits. Red light helps support collagen production and skin clarity, while near-infrared light penetrates deeper to promote muscle recovery, reduce joint stiffness, and enhance circulation.”
The sauna is spacious enough to comfortably fit one person without feeling cramped (although there are two- and three-person options to choose from), yet compact enough to fit inside your home gym, office, or even bathroom. It’s also incredibly simple to put together — no hours spent deciphering a complicated manual here.
One of our favorite features? The multi-year warranty gives you peace of mind if you’re not completely satisfied. But judging by the glowing five-star reviews, that probably won’t be an issue.
“We recently purchased the Relaxe Full Spectrum Sauna. It was one of the best investments we have ever made. The sauna works wonders on detoxifying and awakening your mind & body. I highly recommend this product,” said one Relaxe customer.
EDITOR'S PICK
Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2 Infrared Sauna
Looking for an infrared sauna instead? Go with the Equinox 2-Person, a full-spectrum infrared sauna from Sun Home Saunas packed with some pretty worthwhile extras (more than your average traditional sauna).
Unlike the industrial look of other infrared saunas, this one is made of hand-sanded, sustainably sourced solid pine that will fit in with the vibes of any home (especially if you’re into minimalist decor). What we like: it’s assembled with a patented “Magne-Seal” system, so not only is it durable, it also requires zero screws or nails to assemble, so you can get to relaxing faster. A Reservation mode also allows you to “preheat” the sauna so it’s ready to go whenever you want some primo relaxation.
Inside, there are six low-EMF (electromagnetic field) infrared heating panels that will heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s admittedly lower than traditional steam saunas (which can get up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit), but that doesn’t mean it’s less effective — infrared light directly heats your body instead of heating the air around you, so it’s better if you want more of a dry heat than getting clammy in a steam room.
The best part? This sauna is tricked out with an audio system with both an aux cord and Bluetooth connectivity to play your favorite tunes through built-in surround sound speakers. Overall, its chic and rustic aesthetic, combined with modern features, makes the sustainably sourced Equinox2 break from tradition in the best way possible.
“We love our Sun Home Sauna. It was easy to set up and fits perfectly in our workout room. We use it every day and look forward to many years of continued use! We would highly recommend it,” said one Sun Home Saunas customer.
BEST FOR ONE PERSON
Sun Home Saunas Pod 1-Person Red Light & Infrared Sauna
Sure, saunas are great with other people, but sometimes the best kind of relaxation is the kind you don’t have to share. Enter the Sun Home Saunas Pod Model. From one of our editors’ favorite brands, this sauna stands apart from the rest thanks to its modular design, which looks less like a wellness device and more like something pulled straight out of a futuristic sci-fi film.
Step inside and you half-expect to emerge in another dimension, calmer and sweatier than before. The pod’s structure makes it surprisingly easy to fit into your space, and right now it’s also $100 off online. According to the brand, this model “has built-in Bluetooth, can reach 149 degrees Fahrenheit, and has infrared wavelengths.”
Grab it while it’s on sale, and be sure to check out the product page’s 3D tour to get an up-close look before you commit to your new favorite solo escape.
“Recently ordered the 1-person infrared sauna, and it’s been a great purchase. Incredibly easy to build and set up. The quality of the material is really good, and so far I am very happy with the purchase. Results have been great,” said one Sun Home Saunas customer.
BEST DESIGN
Almost Heaven Personal Steam Sauna
When you picture a sauna at a spa, it probably resembles this traditional steam model from Almost Heaven Saunas — sleek, minimalist design, low lighting, and filled with calming steam. You can’t beat the classics, and if you’re really looking for a pore-opening, full-body-dripping-with-sweat experience, we can think of no better option than this one.
The setup and installation are fairly straightforward, with a full-length top bench and L-extension long enough for you to stretch out and relax, or invite a few friends over. One downside? The sauna doesn’t actually come with a floor, with Almost Heaven Saunas recommending you place it on vinyl, ceramic, concrete, laminate, or tile.
While this may limit your options for where you can set it up, or whether you want to add additional flooring, it does come with a lifetime limited warranty (plus a five-year warranty on the heater) to help protect your investment.
Once you set up the steam and heating elements, the steam can crank up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit at maximum temperature. Elegant and relaxing, the Worthington will complement any home looking to benefit from the traditional sauna experience.
“This was an amazing purchase. I assembled it by myself without any assistance. We love this item,” wrote one Wayfair customer.
BEST TRADITIONAL
Golden Designs Sundsvall 2 Personal Sauna
Traditional home saunas like the Golden Designs Copenhagen are built to last, and with its superior build, this steam sauna can be placed in almost any room of your home for a relaxing, invigorating escape.
It’s designed to be free-standing, with a slatted floor that lies on top of your existing home floor, so it’s really up to you where you want it to live in your house. Plus, to make sure this sauna heats up effectively for maximum performance, Golden Designs included a Sauna Core stove that’s manufactured with the strictest guidelines in Canada and certified by CSA.
While it’s a great choice on durability alone, there are a couple of key features that also up the calming factor. You can also use the touchscreen control panel to play with the built-in FM radio and Bluetooth connection for the performance speakers, so you can turn up those spa sounds (or turn up the bass). For a traditional steam sauna, the Copenhagen definitely punches above its weight.
“I’ve been using this sauna for a year now quite regularly. It’s held up well. Steam saunas make me feel like a brand new boy every time I finish,” penned one Wayfair customer.
BEST BUDGET
Dynamic Saunas Barcelona Personal Infrared Sauna
If you’re looking to start your home sauna journey, but the sticker shock is what’s holding you back (believe us, we get it), then Dynamic Barcelona’s 1-2 Person Indoor Sauna is an affordable, entry-level pick that will still give you all the benefits at a lower price point.
Constructed from natural hemlock wood that is lightweight yet durable, you won’t struggle too much with this sauna’s simple clasp-together assembly compared to other models. The sauna features six carbon heating elements and a roof vent that’ll help provide safe heat and air circulation. If you’re worried about EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure from infrared saunas, this low-EMF sauna can give you some peace of mind, too. Although this sauna does include interior chromotherapy lighting (basically color therapy), you can read inside or just enjoy a brighter sauna atmosphere.
While you won’t be able to invite your entire crew into this tight sauna, convenient features like an MP3 auxiliary connection and interior and exterior control panels make it perfect for enjoying by yourself or with another person.
“The sauna is even better than advertised,” said one Amazon reviewer.
BEST OUTDOOR
Redwood Outdoors Extra-Wide Barrel Sauna
Don’t have enough room in your home, but still want the quintessential sauna experience? Consider the Redwood Outdoors Extra-Wide Barrel Sauna, a six-person outdoor sauna made with the traditional Scandinavian design using high-quality Canadian Thermowood.
While it’s on the more expensive side, the round shape of this home sauna adds an undeniably timeless, unique element to your backyard or patio, as well as giving you a relaxing outdoor oasis fit for an entire party.
Its digital Wi-Fi heater can be controlled via the wall pad mounted near your sauna, or from any smartphone or tablet. This allows you to pre-heat your sauna from anywhere — whether at the office or on the slopes. With a few taps on your phone, your sauna will be ready when you get home, or early after you wake up in the morning. A towel rack (included) is a great place to keep towels for drying off and cooling down between rounds.
While you’ll have to assemble this sauna yourself after delivery (which can be intimidating if your level of expertise is Ikea-based), the instructional video is helpful and easy to understand.
“I have been using this extra-wide thermowood quite nearly every day for the past six months, and it’s worked perfectly. I like the upper back bench design because it really gives you the ability to get maximum heat, without cool legs like some other barrel saunas. I’m quite impressed,” wrote one Redwood Outdoors customer.
BEST MULTI-PERSON SAUNA
Sunray Saunas Southport 3-Person Traditional Sauna
Sunray Saunas makes a classic, no-nonsense wood sauna that looks the part and delivers the heat. It’s available through Home Depot, which means fast, free shipping (the site says it can arrive in just a few business days), and it fits up to three people.
According to the brand, it heats up to 170 degrees, and there’s enough space for everyone to spread out, so you won’t feel like you’re sitting on top of someone else while you sweat. It also comes with a multi-year warranty for added reassurance.
“Very happy with this sauna. Easy to assemble; the electrician had it hooked up in less than an hour. The description of the product is accurate. Good value,” said one Home Depot customer.
Home Sauna Buying Guide
Here’s what we consider when picking the saunas on our list, from size and material to other important features when shopping for one:
Size: Saunas come in a range of sizes, from small, 1-2-person options to larger models that can accommodate up to 6-7 people. If you’re looking for a sauna that you can use on your own, a smaller size will likely suffice. However, if you plan on sharing the sauna with others, an outdoor model might be your best option.
Material: Home saunas are typically made from either wood or PVC. Wooden saunas are generally more durable and can provide a traditionally authentic sauna experience, but they’re heavier and difficult to set up, not to mention more expensive and not easily portable. PVC may be a more affordable option, but it may not last as long as wooden sauna models.
Heat: When it comes to heating, there are two main options: infrared saunas and traditional saunas. Infrared heaters raise the temperature inside and give off a dry heat, while traditional saunas use heat from a wood-burning stove or steam to warm the air. Infrared saunas tend to be more energy-efficient and can heat up more quickly than traditional saunas. Traditional saunas may take longer to heat up, but can provide a more authentic experience.
Are Home Saunas Good for Your Health?
According to a report from Harvard Medical School, home saunas can be extremely beneficial to your health.
“A sauna’s dry heat (which can get as high as 185° F) has profound effects on the body. Skin temperature soars to about 104° F within minutes. The average person will pour out a pint of sweat during a short stint in a sauna,” the article states.
“The pulse rate jumps by 30% or more, allowing the heart to nearly double the amount of blood it pumps each minute. Most of the extra blood flow is directed to the skin; in fact, the circulation actually shunts blood away from the internal organs. Blood pressure is unpredictable, rising in some people but falling in others.”
Essentially, home saunas have the potential to do things like support your immune system (that’s where all of that sweating comes in), assist with the health of your skin — which can help with things like cell repair — and amplify your body’s circulation, which can prevent or delay certain neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before trying a new health regimen.
About the Author
Alexis Mikulski Ruiz is a commerce writer at Penske Media, where she tests, reviews, and writes about the latest in lifestyle, fashion, tech, and entertainment. A lifelong shopaholic, she’s dedicated to helping readers separate the hype from the must-haves. Previously, she has contributed to Men’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, Esquire, and more. She’s a proud Oxford comma enthusiast and graduated from Emerson College with a B.A. in Journalism.
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