Experience the ancient tradition of heat bathing from the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule, by choosing one of these remarkably affordable portable saunas.
For thousands of years, humans have engaged in the ancient practice of sauna or heat bathing. In contemporary times, saunas or steam rooms have become a common feature in most gyms and spas. These facilities are enjoyed by individuals with chronic pain, those aiming to shed weight, athletes seeking performance enhancement, as well as individuals who simply want to perspire without engaging in a workout.
What are the benefits of saunas?
Saunas offer numerous benefits for both the body and mind. They provide a relaxing and stress-relieving environment, promote detoxification by inducing sweating and eliminating toxins, improve circulation throughout the body, relax muscles and alleviate pain, enhance skin health, boost metabolism as a complementary factor in weight loss efforts, improve respiratory function by opening up airways, and contribute to mental well-being by reducing stress and improving sleep quality.
However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating saunas into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
A significant number of us find ourselves lacking the time to visit the gym for a sauna or steam session, or we assume that we don’t possess the necessary resources or space to create a heat bathing room in our residences. However, the good news is that modern technology has greatly enhanced the accessibility of this ancient practice, irrespective of your constraints in terms of time or resources.
Portable saunas or steam spas present a solution by offering collapsible, easily storable, and surprisingly affordable heat bathing equipment. You can effortlessly integrate these into your fitness routine or daily life, whether it be in your home, backyard, or office.
In this article, I aim to emphasize the advantages of heat bathing and discuss some of the finest portable saunas currently available, which can significantly contribute to your overall health and well-being.
Thankfully, advancements in modern technology have significantly increased the accessibility of this age-old practice, regardless of the limitations posed by your schedule or available resources.
Portable saunas or steam spas present a convenient, space-saving, and surprisingly budget-friendly option for heat bathing equipment that can seamlessly integrate into your fitness regimen or daily routine, whether you’re at home, in your backyard, or even at the office. These portable saunas can make a valuable contribution to improving your overall health and well-being.
Top Picks for the Best Portable Saunas:
Best Overall Portable Sauna: Nordic Ways Portable At-Home Steam Spa
Best Portable Infrared Sauna: SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket
Best Low Emf Portable Sauna: Durasage Personal Ultra Low Emf Portable Infrared Sauna Spa
Best Portable Steam Sauna: SereneLife Full-Size Portable Steam Sauna
Best Portable Sauna Alternative: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna
Best Portable Sauna Tent: Smartmak Portable Sauna Tent
Best Overall Portable Sauna: Nordic Ways Portable At-Home Steam Spa
Key Features:
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Type: Steam spa
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Number of people: Two
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Material: Collapsible tent and aluminum frame
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Dimensions: 35.43 inches by 28.35 inches by 68.11 inches
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ower source: Four-liter steamer requires access to 110-120 volts of electricity to function
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Extra features: 16 levels of adjustable heat
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Price: $300
Steam rooms provide a range of therapeutic benefits similar to saunas, and in certain cases, they can offer even greater advantages. The moist heat in a steam room has the ability to penetrate the skin more deeply, effectively reaching and soothing sore muscles. One standout option for portable steam bathing is the Nordic Ways portable steam spa, which stands out due to its sleek design and practicality.
Setting up and storing the steam spa is a breeze. The spa is equipped with a four-liter, 1,600-watt steamer that can swiftly raise the temperature inside the tent to a maximum of 122 degrees Fahrenheit. With a remote control, users have the freedom to customize their experience, selecting from 16 heat levels and enjoying up to 99 minutes of use.
Cleaning the spa is hassle-free thanks to the inclusion of a sweat liner tray. Additionally, Nordic Ways provides a foldable chair and a two-year warranty with the purchase of their portable steam spa. With the Nordic Ways portable steam spa, users have the ability to personalize their sauna session, maintaining complete control over their preferred heat level.
Pros:
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Easy-to-setup and store design
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Energy-efficient and eco-friendly steamer
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Sauna chair included.
Cons:
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Relies solely on steam, which may not appeal to fans of dry heat saunas
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Limited space with a maximum capacity of two people.
Best Portable Infrared Sauna: SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket
Key Features:
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Type: Infrared sauna blanket
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Number of people: One
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Material: Faux leather, waterproof non-toxic polyurethane, velcro
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Dimensions: 71 inches by 63 inches
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Power source: Requires access to 100-120 volts of electrical power
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Extra features: Remote-controlled adjustable heat
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Price: $499
The Infrared Home Spa Sauna Blanket by Sun Home offers the convenience of enjoying infrared-heat therapy wherever there is an electrical outlet. This blanket features multiple layers of non-toxic waterproof polyurethane, along with a faux leather exterior and strategically positioned infrared heating elements. Its unique design allows any flat and heat-resistant surface to transform into a sauna-like environment within moments, enabling you to experience a sweating session on a yoga mat on your patio or even a blanket on your couch.
In contrast to a conventional sauna, the sauna blanket offers the convenience of a remote control that allows you to adjust the temperature within the range of 95 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit. While the blanket is waterproof, it requires some cleaning prior to storage. You can easily wipe it down using non-toxic standard household cleaners or a simple vinegar and water mixture. This maintenance routine ensures the blanket remains clean and ready for your next session. Apart from athletes who benefit from post-workout relief, individuals dealing with arthritis have reported finding significant temporary relief from infrared heat bathing. This makes the sauna blanket a potential tool for seniors seeking to alleviate chronic pain or recover from low-impact workouts.
Pros:
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The waterproof layers and design effectively contain sweat, keeping the surroundings clean.
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It can be used on various heat-resistant flat surfaces, including beds and sofas.
Cons:
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Cleaning is necessary after each use to maintain hygiene standards.
Best Low EMF Portable Sauna: Durasage Personal Ultra Low Emf Portable Infrared
Key Features:
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Type: Infrared sauna tent
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Number of people: One
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Material: Carbon fiber
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Dimensions: 32 inches by 33 inches by 41 inches
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Power source: Requires access to 120 volts of electrical power
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Extra features: Heated foot pad
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Price: $549.95
The Durasage Personal Ultra Low EMF sauna offers the benefits of dry-heat bathing while utilizing a low amount of electromagnetic fields (EMF). It is specifically designed for easy setup and can be conveniently folded up for storage, making it an ideal choice for smaller homes or apartments. This personal sauna incorporates four ultra-low EMF panels that are capable of generating heat up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit inside the sauna.
In addition to its advanced sauna technology, the Durasage sauna package includes two washable cloth collars for sweat stimulation, a foam floor pad, a folding chair, and a heated foot pad. The unique design of the sauna allows you to sweat and sit with your head and arms outside, enabling you to watch TV or read a book comfortably during your sweating session. The sauna’s exterior is equipped with two pockets, conveniently located near your arms, providing easy access to books, devices, or the sauna’s remote control.
Pros:
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Simple setup and convenient storage
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Includes a foldable sports chair for added comfort
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Safe and easy to read a book or watch television during your sweat session.
Cons:
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The temperature may not reach the same level of heat as other saunas
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Designed specifically for the body, excluding the head and arms.
Best Portable Steam Sauna: SereneLife Full-Size Portable Steam Sauna
Key Features:
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Type: Steam sauna
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Number of people: One
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Material: Oxford fabric, aluminum insulated film, metal alloy frame
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Dimensions: 35.4 inches by 35.4 inches by 70.9 inches
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Power source: Four-liter steamer requires access to 120 volts of electricity to function
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Extra features: Remote-controlled heater and timer
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Price: $381
Steam spas provide a rejuvenating escape from the stresses of the day while helping to detoxify the body. The SereneLife Full-Size Portable Steam Sauna offers precisely that experience, granting you the advantages of steam-based heat bathing with just an outlet and enough space.
The electricity-efficient 1,600-watt steamer effortlessly connects to the tent, generating temperatures of up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be conveniently adjusted from inside the tent using the included remote control. Furthermore, the tent is designed to be tall, allowing you to stand up or comfortably sit on the provided sauna-safe folding chair that comes with your purchase. One aspect I particularly appreciate about the tent is its size, which allows for a bit of movement and stretching during your sauna session, or simply for relaxation.
For those who enjoy reading while sweating, the tent is equipped with easy-access zipper pockets to hold magazines or books. Setting up the steamer is just as straightforward as assembling the tent, requiring only an outlet and water. Additionally, its energy-efficient design ensures that your electricity bill remains reasonable. Overall, SereneLife delivers an exceptional steam spa experience, making it my top choice for a portable steam sauna.
Pros:
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The steamer is energy-efficient, helping to conserve electricity.
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The spa tent provides ample space, allowing for stretching or comfortable standing during sauna sessions.
Cons:
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Despite being larger than competing sauna tents, taller individuals (over 70 inches) may still need to sit rather than stand inside.
Best Portable Sauna Alternative: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna
Key Features:
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Type: Dry-heat sauna
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Number of people: Two
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Material: Wood, glass
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Dimensions: 68.75 inches by 50.75 inches by 81 inches
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Power source: Interior lighting requires 110 volts of electricity access, the heater requires 240 volts
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Extra features: The heater is safe to splash water on
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Price: $4,999
For individuals with a higher budget or those seeking a sauna that closely resembles the experience of a gym or spa in the comfort of their own home, we recommend the Thermowood Mini-Cube from Redwood Outdoors. This sauna is constructed using eco-friendly sourced wood that is treated to resist rot and fungi, and it features a Harvia heater exclusively made in Finland.
Despite its size, the Mini-Cube is designed for easy assembly at home and is suitable for urban backyards. It includes sauna benches and a rock-topped heater, comfortably accommodating two people, making it perfect for couples. Although not highly portable, the Mini-Cube can replicate the high-quality sauna experience one would expect from a top-tier spa.
With a rustic all-wood design and a floor-to-ceiling tempered glass door, the Mini-Cube exudes a charming aesthetic. The advanced Harvia heater allows you to pour water on its surface, and the sauna-safe water bucket and ladle are included with your purchase, enhancing the production of heat and steam through its radiating heating rocks. The cube is available with a manual or WiFi control panel for starting or stopping the heater, both of which come with a one-year warranty. While the Mini-Cube is certainly more expensive than typical portable saunas, it offers the opportunity to bring a high-end spa-quality sauna experience directly into your home.
Pros:
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The sauna has a beautiful design, adding an aesthetic appeal to your space.
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It provides a luxury-grade sauna experience, replicating the ambiance of a high-end spa.
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The sauna is safe for storage and outdoor use, allowing you to enjoy it in various settings.
Cons:
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The price may not be suitable for individuals on a tight budget.
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Despite being relatively easy to assemble given its size, some users have reported that assembly can take up to four hours.
Best Portable Sauna Tent: Smartmak Portable Sauna Tent
Key Features:
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Type: Steam sauna
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Number of people: One
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Material: Collapsible tent and frame
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Dimensions: 28.74 inches by 28.74 inches by 48.8 inches
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Power source: Wall outlet with 110 voltage capability
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Extra features: 16 levels of adjustable heat, herbal box for aromatherapy
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Price: $169.99
With a portable sauna tent, you can effortlessly create your own sauna experience at home, just like setting up a camping tent. The Smartmak Portable Steam Sauna Tent offers a hassle-free setup and takedown process that takes just a few minutes. For added convenience, the portable sauna tent comes with a sleek carrying case, allowing you to easily move your sauna anywhere around your house or backyard.
The Smartmak sauna utilizes a powerful four-liter, 1,600-watt steam generator that rapidly fills the tent with rejuvenating steam, promoting body detoxification. Inside the sauna, you’ll find a fast-folding beach chair that is heat-resistant for your comfort. Notably, the Smartmak’s steamer is designed with an herbal box, enabling you to infuse the sauna’s steam with your preferred aromatherapy oils or herbs, enhancing the overall sauna experience.
Pros:
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All components are available for individual purchase, allowing customization.
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The steamer enables the use of essential oils and herbs for enhanced aromatherapy.
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Provides a full-body personal steam sauna experience.
Cons:
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The carry bag and tent are only available in gray color.
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The sauna has a single person capacity.