Home saunas require a significant financial commitment, but if you are already a sauna enthusiast or eager to begin your sauna experience, nothing compares to the convenience of having one in your own home.
In this article, I will guide you through the top home saunas, providing a brief overview of each along with their advantages and disadvantages. This information will assist you in making an informed choice that suits your personal needs.
Top Picks for the Best Home Saunas:
Best Overall Home Sauna: Redwood Cedar Barrel Sauna
Best Infrared Sauna: Dynamic Saunas Maxxus Toulouse 2-Person Infrared Sauna
Best Home Dry Sauna: Dynamic Andora 2 Person Low EMF 6 Heating Panel Infrared Therapy Wood Dry Heat Sauna
Best Home Steam Sauna: Renu Therapy The Rusticus 2-3 Person Indoor Sauna
Best Portable Home Sauna: Nordic Ways Portable At-Home Steam Spa
Best Home Outdoor Sauna: Renu Therapy Seneca 2-Person Barrel Sauna
Best Traditional Home Sauna: Redwood Cedar Cube Outdoor Sauna – 6 Person
Best Overall Home Sauna: Redwood Cedar Barrel Sauna
Specs:
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Sauna type: Steam or dry
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Number of people: Four to six
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Dimensions: 71 inches L x 72.75 inches W x 76.5 inches H
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Extra features: Multiple heater options (electric or wood stove), dry and steam heat options, wifi compatible heaters for remote control.
If you’re in search of the ultimate home sauna experience, the Redwood Cedar Barrel Sauna is a top contender. Crafted in the traditional Scandinavian style, this six-person sauna boasts exceptional quality with its 100 percent Canadian cedar planks. The interlocking cedar planks are securely fastened using rust-resistant stainless steel fasteners. Inside, you’ll find two spacious 64-inch benches, and the choice between an electric heater or a wood-burning stove for your preferred heating method.
Impressively, the Redwood Cedar Barrel can reach temperatures of up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit in less than an hour. What sets this sauna apart is its ability to provide both dry and steam heat options, offering versatility for your sauna sessions. While assembly may initially seem daunting, a helpful 33-minute instructional video is available, and if you have experience with furniture assembly, you should have the necessary skills to tackle the task confidently.
Pros of the Redwood Cedar Barrel Sauna include:
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Exquisite exterior crafted from cedar wood planks, adding to its visual appeal.
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Spacious interior that comfortably accommodates up to six people, providing ample room for relaxation.
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Various add-ons are available, such as roof shingles, a flat flooring kit, a recliner, an outdoor shower, and a cold plunge tub, allowing for customization based on personal preferences.
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Enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, enabling remote control of the heaters for an enhanced sauna experience.
Cons of the Redwood Cedar Barrel Sauna include:
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Premium price tag, which may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
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Assembly process might be intimidating for users who are not comfortable with DIY projects.
Best Infrared Home Sauna: Dynamic Saunas Maxxus Toulouse Infrared Sauna
Specs:
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Sauna type: Infrared
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Number of people: Two
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Dimensions: 50 inches L x 42 inches W x 75 inches H
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Extra features: Built-in reading lamp, lightweight, easy assembly
Introducing the Dynamic Saunas Maxxus Toulouse Infrared Sauna, a two-person sauna available for purchase on Amazon, perfect for those seeking an infrared sauna experience. This sauna is constructed with Canadian hemlock wood, providing a natural and appealing aesthetic. Its double-paneled design enhances its efficiency and performance.
Inside the Maxxus Toulouse sauna, you’ll find six low EMF carbon heating panels that deliver a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Infrared heat differs from traditional saunas as it directly heats your body through light, rather than heating the air around you like dry heat or a steam room. While the temperature is lower compared to traditional saunas, the infrared heat offers unique benefits.
The sound system connectivity of the Maxxus Toulouse sauna has limited options. It includes an FM radio with a CD player and an MP3 Aux cord, but it lacks Bluetooth connectivity. Nonetheless, this sauna compensates with its functional design and accessibility. Weighing only 250 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, and the clasp assembly system allows for quick assembly in under an hour, according to the manufacturer’s claims.
Pros of the Dynamic Saunas Maxxus Toulouse Infrared Sauna:
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Energy-efficient infrared heating panels provide effective heat distribution.
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The door is constructed with bronze privacy glass, adding an aesthetic touch to the sauna.
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Can be conveniently plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet, ensuring easy installation.
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Cost-efficient option compared to other saunas in the market.
Cons of the Dynamic Saunas Maxxus Toulouse Infrared Sauna:
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Designed for indoor use only, limiting its placement options.
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The music technology is dated, lacking modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity.
Best Home Dry Sauna: Dynamic Andora 2 Person Low EMF 6 Heating Panel Infrared Therapy Wood Dry Heat Sauna
Specs:
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Sauna type: Infrared
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Number of people: Two
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Dimensions: 48 inches L x 42 inches W x 75 inches H
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Extra features: Touch-screen control panel, tempered glass door, reforested Canadian Hemlock wood
Introducing the Dynamic Andora 2-person sauna, a compact and energy-efficient home sauna crafted from sustainable materials. Constructed with reforested Canadian Hemlock wood, this sauna is delivered in pre-assembled panels to simplify the assembly process (taking less than an hour, as stated by the manufacturer).
The Dynamic Andora offers a dry heat experience with six low EMF heating panels, capable of reaching temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Infrared heaters, like those in this sauna, have a lower maximum temperature compared to steam saunas since they directly heat your skin. This lower temperature not only provides a comfortable sauna experience but also ensures energy efficiency. Additionally, the Dynamic Andora can be conveniently plugged into a standard wall outlet.
With its smaller footprint, this sauna requires only a four-foot by three-and-a-half-foot space and a ceiling height of eight to nine feet, just slightly larger than a standard-sized refrigerator. Although it is not designed for outdoor use due to its lack of resistance to the elements, it can be placed in various indoor spaces such as garages, basements, or any other suitable indoor area.
Pros of the Dynamic Andora 2-person sauna:
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Energy-efficient and equipped with low EMF heaters for a safe and efficient sauna experience.
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Pre-assembled panels simplify the assembly process, saving time and effort.
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Compact footprint provides versatility in finding suitable space for the sauna.
Cons of the Dynamic Andora 2-person sauna:
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Limited music capability with only an MP3 aux option.
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Reviews suggest that the sauna’s pieces are heavy and may require at least two strong individuals for assembly.
Best Home Steam Sauna: Renu Therapy The Rusticus 2-3 Person Indoor Sauna
Specs:
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Sauna type: Steam or dry
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Number of people: Two to three
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Dimensions: 70 inches L x 47 inches W x 78 inches H
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Extra features: Wifi compatible heater upgrade, pre-assembled parts, tempered glass doors, stainless steel hardware
The Rusticus is a spacious home steam sauna designed for two to three people. It features rust-resistant stainless steel hardware and sustainably sourced fir and cedar lumber from the Pacific Northwest United States. While its rustic style blends well with existing home decor, the exterior wood color is more neutral compared to the reddish interior.
Inside the Rusticus, you’ll find a standard configuration with an upper bench and a lower bench, providing multiple seating arrangements. However, accommodating three adults might be a tight fit. The heater is positioned below one side of the upper bench, so it’s advisable to avoid sitting directly over it if possible. The Rusticus can be placed on various flooring surfaces such as tile, concrete, vinyl, ceramic, or laminate, excluding hardwood.
One standout feature of this sauna is that the wall and roof parts come pre-assembled, alleviating some of the challenges of assembling a large sauna from scratch. However, Renu Therapy recommends having a two-person team during setup to ensure a smooth installation process.
Pros of the Rusticus home steam sauna:
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Designed to handle temperatures up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a high heat capacity.
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Pre-assembled roof and wall parts ease the assembly process, saving time and effort.
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Option to upgrade to a Wi-Fi connected heater, enabling temperature control from a smartphone for added convenience.
Cons of the Rusticus home steam sauna:
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Considerable weight for shipping and assembly, necessitating the assistance of multiple individuals for transportation
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Absence of built-in speakers or Bluetooth connectivity for music, limiting audio options within the sauna.
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Best Portable Home Sauna: Nordic Ways Portable At-Home Steam Spa
Specs:
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Sauna type: Steam
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Number of people: One to two
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Dimensions: 35.43 inches L x 28.35 inches W x 68.11 inches H
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Extra features: Programmable timer on the heater, includes a sauna chair, easy set up process, very lightweight
If you have limited space or prefer a more compact sauna option, a foldable portable sauna might be worth considering. While there are trade-offs compared to traditional steam rooms, the Nordic Ways Portable Steam Sauna offers a premium experience with several appealing features.
The most notable advantage of a portable sauna is its size. Weighing just 21.16 pounds, the Nordic Ways Portable Sauna is significantly lighter and has a smaller footprint compared to full-size traditional home saunas, which can weigh several hundred pounds. Although it can only reach a maximum temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit, its smaller size allows for quicker heating and reduced electricity consumption compared to larger saunas.
The sauna’s heater includes a timer that can be set for up to 99 minutes, as well as 16 levels of steam control, ranging from slow and prolonged release to fast and brief release. Moreover, Nordic Ways stands out from other models on the market due to its attractive price point. Portable saunas, including the Nordic Ways option, offer excellent affordability, being significantly cheaper than traditional saunas, with a price of just $300.
Pros of the Nordic Ways Portable Steam Sauna:
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Lightweight design and user-friendly set-up/collapse process make it highly portable and convenient.
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Customizable steam release with 16 different variations, allowing for personalized sauna experiences.
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Energy-efficient operation, resulting in lower electricity consumption compared to traditional saunas.
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Includes a sauna chair for added comfort during sauna sessions.
Cons of the Nordic Ways Portable Steam Sauna:
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Limited maximum temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit, which may not be as hot as desired for some individuals.
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No Bluetooth connectivity available, limiting audio options within the sauna.
Best Outdoor Home Sauna: Renu Therapy Seneca 2-Person Barrel Sauna
Specs:
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Sauna type: Steam or dry
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Number of people: Two
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Dimensions: 72 inches L x 60 inches W x 77 inches H
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Extra features: Extended canopy provides covered seating outside of the sauna, three door options: tempered glass, wood with a tempered glass window or solid wood
Introducing the Renu Therapy Seneca, an outdoor barrel sauna designed for long-lasting durability. This sauna boasts a rustic aesthetic, featuring interlocking cedar or fir wood slats for a charming appeal. All hardware components, including the heater, hinges, and fasteners, are crafted from rust-resistant stainless steel, ensuring the sauna’s exterior wood is well-supported.
A notable feature of the Renu Therapy Seneca is the overhanging canopy located just outside the sauna door, accompanied by two small benches. This area serves as a convenient space for towels, clothing, personal items, or as a seating spot during sauna sessions. Additionally, the Seneca offers customization options for the door, allowing you to select between a tempered glass door, a half wooden door with a tempered glass window, or a solid wood door.
Inside the Seneca, you’ll find a straightforward design with two benches facing each other. The standard heater has a capacity of 4.5kW, with an optional upgrade to 6kW. For added convenience, you can upgrade the control panel to a Wi-Fi compatible version, enabling temperature adjustments from your smartphone. With your purchase, you’ll also receive a set of hot stones and a bucket and ladle set, enabling you to generate steam at your own pace.
Pros of the Renu Therapy Seneca:
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Designed for outdoor durability, ensuring the sauna can withstand various weather conditions.
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Pre-assembled wall panels streamline the assembly process, making it more convenient for users.
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Canopy design creates a small covered area outside the sauna, offering additional space for relaxation.
Cons of the Renu Therapy Seneca:
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The support cradles are made of plastic, which may be considered less desirable compared to wooden or stainless steel options.
Best Traditional Home Sauna: Redwood Cedar Cube Outdoor Sauna – 6 Person
Specs:
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Sauna type: Steam or dry
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Number of people: Four to six
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Dimensions: 71 inches L x 82 inches W x 82 inches H
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Extra features: Wifi compatible heater upgrade, roof shingles upgrade, stainless steel fasteners, multi-layered seating.
The Redwood Cedar Cube offers the same exceptional quality and features as the Redwood Cedar Barrel, but with a unique twist. Instead of the traditional two benches facing each other, the Redwood Cedar Cube features a multi-layered bench design, with one bench positioned above the other. This design allows for versatile seating arrangements and provides a more spacious interior that comfortably accommodates up to six people, offering a slightly enhanced level of comfort compared to the Cedar Barrel model.
Similar to its counterpart, the Redwood Cedar Cube offers multiple heater options, including the option for a Wi-Fi compatible upgrade that allows temperature control from a smartphone. It can be conveniently plugged into a standard home outlet (although Redwood advises to only plug in the sauna), and it can withstand temperatures of up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. While assembly may present a challenge, Redwood provides a helpful instructional video, and with basic tools and some familiarity with assembling furniture, the process should be manageable.
Traditional home saunas like the Redwood Cube are designed for durability, and this sauna is constructed with hardened, treated lumber, making it suitable for outdoor placement without concerns of damage from the elements. Additionally, there are optional upgrades available, such as roof shingles, which can further extend the sauna’s lifespan.
Pros of the Redwood Cedar Cube:
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Spacious interior with ample room to comfortably accommodate up to six people.
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Unique multi-layered bench design offers versatile seating options for added flexibility.
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Compatibility with various heater options, including the possibility of upgrading to a Wi-Fi compatible heater for convenient temperature control from a smartphone.
Cons of the Redwood Cedar Cube:
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Premium pricing, which may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
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Assembly process can be extensive, particularly for individuals with limited experience in such tasks.