Best Overall
Dynamic BarcelonaInfrared Sauna
- Ease of Setup4/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Design/Features4.8/5
- Value5/5
- Capacity4.5/5
- It’s a full-size, spa-grade sauna with a bunch of extras, like speakers.
It’s a full-size, spa-grade sauna with a bunch of extras, like speakers.
- It’s stated as a 1-2-person sauna but is more comfortable with just one.
It’s stated as a 1-2-person sauna but is more comfortable with just one.
To enjoy professional spa-level luxury in the comfort of your own home, you’ll want to add the Dynamic Barcelona Infrared Sauna to your abode.
This sauna is not only gorgeous to look at and can add an aesthetic element to any room, but it also comes with some great features. Surprisingly, we found this sauna to be pretty easy to put together as everything just clasps in place.
It comes with a little towel rack, a magazine rack, and an MP3 player holder that screw into the wall. We wish the instructions could have been better, but the design of the sauna makes assembling it intuitive. We had two people putting it together, which we found easy with the help of a cordless drill.
Two people can fit in this sauna, although we found it to be way more comfortable with just one person. Using this sauna solo lets you lay back and get comfortable without having to worry about touching another sweaty body.
It took about 25-30 mins for the sauna to heat up to its max 151°F, and the heat is very consistent throughout as there are heaters on all the walls and floor, producing a steady stream of heat. The door has a tight seal so no air comes in when in use (and no heat escapes) either.
There are a few buttons on the inside and outside to power it on, turn on the heat, set a timer, and turn on a reading light. It also comes with a remote to operate the different lights. The controls worked great and were very easy to understand. For the price, its good looks, and extra perks like chromotherapy and speakers, this sauna is a fantastic value for the money.
How It Performed After Three Months
After using this sauna for three months at home, we found that the quality was the same as when we first assembled it. Overall, we thought it was easy to deep clean the unit once a week with baking soda and essential oils, which we thought helped keep it in good condition.
We felt that the unit was comfortable to sit in and use regularly. We got a bit too hot sitting near the heaters, so we appreciated that there were other ways to sit more comfortably. The home sauna also features Bluetooth and light therapy, which we liked using.
While we noted that we would have preferred the model to heat up quicker, that's standard for an infrared model. Overall, we'd still recommend it.
Product Details: Dimensions: 73 x 36 x 39 inches | Capacity: Two people | Sauna Style: Infrared
- WHILE IT LOOKS LIKE IT SHOULD BE COMPLICATED TO PUT TOGETHER, THE DYNAMIC BARCELONA INFRARED SAUNA ASSEMBLES EASILY AS EVERYTHING JUST CLASPS INTO PLACE. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
Best Budget
SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna
- Ease of Setup4/5
- Capacity5/5
- Effectiveness5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Comfort5/5
- This sauna is surprisingly roomy, even for taller users.
This sauna is surprisingly roomy, even for taller users.
- Because of the lengthy setup time and the fact that the sauna needs to dry out after each use, you’ll need to find a storage spot for the assembled sauna.
Because of the lengthy setup time and the fact that the sauna needs to dry out after each use, you’ll need to find a storage spot for the assembled sauna.
For shoppers on a budget, the SereneLife Full Size Portable Steam Sauna surpassed our expectations.
We found the setup process relatively easy to follow; we connected the included white poles by matching them to each other to create the frame.
This task was manageable by one person; however, wrapping the tent around the poles was a little tricky and needed two people. Once the sauna was fully set up, the final step was to assemble the steamer and connect it to the sauna. From start to finish, setup took us about 22 minutes.
The sauna took about 10-15 minutes to heat up, and it efficiently retained the heat with no noticeable air drafts. There is a tube inside the sauna that emits steam (it connects with the steamer on the outside), and it's crucial that the tube is not facing the user to avoid burns.
Fresh water should be added to the steamer before each use, then you just turn the sauna on, set the temperature to the desired level, and wait about 15 minutes for it to heat up. Just like a professional-grade sauna, the fewer clothes you have on, the more comfortable you're going to feel. We liked that we were able to adjust the temperature once we were inside the sauna thanks to a remote control that can be kept in a handy inside pocket.
We found that this one-person sauna was roomy enough for us to stretch our legs, and even a 6’2” user felt comfortable inside it. There’s enough space to let you fully relax and enjoy the sauna experience, aided by the included foldable chair with backrest.
Even though it's a large sauna, it's under 14 pounds, so we could easily move it out of the way into the corner when not in use. After using, leaving the doors unzipped is a must in order for it to air dry quickly (if you forget to do so, it will still be wet inside a day later and could develop mold or mildew).
Although this sauna is portable, setting it up and breaking it down again after each use will be arduous, so you’ll want a dedicated space to keep this sauna in, like a basement or a garage, if you plan to use it regularly.
How It Performed After Three Months
During the testing period, we started using this sauna weekly after a pilates class and felt that it helped with soreness. Despite using it at least once a week, it stayed in good condition and we didn't notice any changes in the quality of the unit.
We thought the sauna was cozy and comfortable to use, though we wished we could have used our phones in the sauna for entertainment.
Cleaning the sauna was easy and we would leave the doors open for ventilation and quicker drying. Once it dried, we'd wipe it down with a towel, which only took a few minutes.
While we didn't have any issues with the performance of the sauna, we sometimes ran into issues with the remote and found that we had to press it a few times to turn the unit off. We also had to wait about 15 minutes for the sauna to be ready for use, and we would have liked if it were less time.
Despite these critiques, we still thought it was an excellent choice fora budget sauna for your home.
Product Details: Dimensions: 70.9 x 35.4 x 35.4 inches | Capacity: One person | Sauna Style: Steam
- THE SERENELIFE PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA TOOK ABOUT 22 MINUTES TO SET UP THE POLES, WRAP THE TENT AROUND THEM, AND FINISH THE REST OF THE ASSEMBLY. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DANIELA GALVEZ
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DANIELA GALVEZ
Best Splurge
Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna Aspire
- Ease of Setup3.5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Design/Features5/5
- Value4.5/5
- Capacity4.5/5
- It’s a professional grade sauna with consistent heat, a touch screen panel, and high-tech settings.
It’s a professional grade sauna with consistent heat, a touch screen panel, and high-tech settings.
- Setup is a lengthy endeavor, and you’ll need a 120V 20A circuit and outlet.
Setup is a lengthy endeavor, and you’ll need a 120V 20A circuit and outlet.
If you are an avid sauna user (or have decided to be from now on) and don’t mind a higher price, the Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna Aspire is worth every penny.
This sauna is beautiful to look at, with a wooden construction and a glass corner. We found that there was plenty of space inside, but not enough to completely stretch out. You can, however, do simple stretches, like a butterfly, touching toes, and arm stretches. The seats are wooden, like the typical saunas you see in gyms, and it also comes with a back rack to lean on as well as a towel rack.
Using the sauna could not be easier. It comes with a remote for the lights and a comprehensive touchscreen panel to control all its settings. You can easily adjust the heat, use the streaming services and other apps (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, Gmail, Spotify, and so much more), customize user profiles, and select specific programs for your usage. We found that all controls operated properly and perfectly.
As a big unit that can comfortably fit two people in at a time, this sauna took up a large corner of our basement, but it looks very sleek.
With all of these features, however, came a lengthy setup. The sauna requires assembly and arrived in three huge separate packages. We ended up calling in professional help, and we also had to hire an electrician to put in a 120V 20A circuit and outlet (but if you have the proper electrical outlet in your designated space, you may not have to).
The price is not listed online; you have to inquire for pricing, but a model like this costs approximately $8,000. Yes, this is quite an investment, but you truly get what you pay for. This sauna will last you many years and requires light maintenance. The manufacturer recommends soaking up excess moisture with a cloth after each use and wiping the sauna down with their natural cleaner on a weekly or monthly basis.
How It Performed After Three Months
Throughout testing, we felt energetic and renewed every time we used the sauna. It became a staple in our routine and we didn't notice any changes in the quality of the unit while using it for three months.
While we thought that there's plenty of room for two people to comfortably use the sauna, we liked using it alone so we could lay on the bench and stretch out. We appreciated that the sauna didn't get dirty throughout the testing period, but it was very easy to clean when we needed to.
The sauna performed just as we expected it to and while it would have been nice if it heated faster, but that's typical for an infrared sauna and we didn't mind it too much. We ended up pre-heating it 15-30 minutes before we wanted to use it and found that worked just fine for our routine.
Product Details: Dimensions: 78.5 x 43.6 x 41.6 inches | Capacity: Two people | Sauna Style: Infrared
- THE SUNLIGHTEN MPULSE SAUNA ASPIRE HAS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR TWO PEOPLE TO BASK IN AND HAS WOODEN SEATS SIMILAR TO SAUNAS IN GYMS. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MICHELLE PARENTE
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MICHELLE PARENTE
Best With Light Therapy
Clearlight Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
- It features 96 LED lights that offer 12 different chromotherapy colors.
It features 96 LED lights that offer 12 different chromotherapy colors.
- It’s more expensive than some other options.
It’s more expensive than some other options.
We were gifted a free session to try out the Clearlight Sanctuary 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna and were impressed by its design. Although the sauna is more expensive than other options, there are plenty of features that make it worthwhile.
For starters, the sauna boasts gorgeous craftsmanship paired with a glass skylight ceiling, a thick glass door, and double-pane windows. It also features a Bluetooth sound system that can be controlled by your phone or smart device, as well as a built-in charging station for your phone or tablet.
In terms of comfort, you’ll appreciate the built-in backrest, as well as the reversible bench that’s flat on one side and ergonomic on the other. There’s even a space built into the door handles to set your tablet, so you won’t have to hold it the whole time you’re in the sauna.
There are heaters located all around the sauna, including the back, sides, under the bench, the floor, and around the calves. Perhaps one of this sauna’s most impressive aspects, however, is its low EMF output of only 3mG.
This home sauna has two types of chromotherapy: standard and medical grade. There are 96 powerful and dimmable LED lights with 12 different colors. You can either set the lights individually or on a rotation to switch between colors every 25 seconds so that you can reap the benefits of all the different light colors in each session.
Part of what makes this pick one of our favorite saunas is that you can control all of its features, and can even remotely turn it on or off. There’s also a reservation mode that allows you to preset it up to 36 hours in advance, so it’ll be ready to use when you need it.
Installation is simple and straightforward as no power tools are needed. Unlike some other models, only two inches of space is required around the unit so it can fit in even smaller spaces. It comes with a lifetime warranty on all components, and you can choose from mahogany or basswood.
Product Details: Dimensions: 77 x 51 x 46 inches | Capacity: Two | Sauna Style: Near, mid, and far infrared
Best Outdoor
Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna
- It’s a quaint and charming outdoor sauna that’s resistant to corrosion, mildew, rot, and rust.
It’s a quaint and charming outdoor sauna that’s resistant to corrosion, mildew, rot, and rust.
- It needs to be placed on a sturdy and even surface.
It needs to be placed on a sturdy and even surface.
Not all saunas are suitable for outdoor use—in fact, most of them are not—so it can be quite a task to find a good one for your outside space. The Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna is ideal for outdoor use and provides a mini rustic spa in the comfort of your own backyard.
This barrel-shaped sauna made from solid cedar wood can accommodate up to four people and has a maximum heat of 185°F. The construction material is weather resistant plus mildew, rot, corrosion, water, and rust resistant.
This antimicrobial sauna is also suitable for indoor use, so it’s worth noting if you have the space for it. There’s a large full-length tempered glass door, and you can opt to have a vista window added at the back for a better view of your outdoor area.
There are two benches on the inside, as well as two smaller ones on the outside if you need to take a break. It also features soft LED lighting, a fresh air vent, and a timer. It comes with full setup instructions, but it’s a two-person job to assemble. If you're after a great sauan for outdoor use, then you’ll want to add this model to your cart.
Product Details: Dimensions: 75.4 x 72 x 72 inches | Suggested Number of People: Four | Sauna Style: Traditional steam
Best Multi-Person
Dynamic Infrared Monaco 6 - Person Indoor FAR Infrared Sauna
- This six-person sauna features 15 carbon heaters, a TV, and a stereo.
This six-person sauna features 15 carbon heaters, a TV, and a stereo.
- It isn’t bluetooth compatible.
It isn’t bluetooth compatible.
For the best multi-person sauna, the Dynamic Infrared Monaco Six-Person Indoor is our top pick. It’s a six-person solid wood FAR infrared sauna that has two benches as well as two lounging seats.
The maximum temperature of this sauna is 140°F, and it features 15 carbon heater panels that helps to evenly distribute heat through the sauna. This sauna also includes a television, a stereo, a remote control, and color-changing lights. It’s not Bluetooth compatible, but there is an MP3 player auxiliary outlet so you can plug in your phone to listen to music.
The control panel is located inside the sauna, where you can control the temperature to your liking. You can see through the tempered glass door, and the flooring is included with the purchase as well. The rectangular-shaped sauna is also warp resistant and antimicrobial.
Assembly is required and you’ll want to recruit help with this project since it weighs 750 pounds. But thankfully, the only tools required for assembly are a Phillips screwdriver and a ladder. You will also need to make sure you have two separate dedicated 20 Amp/120 volt circuits for the sauna to run safely and efficiently. This sauna comes with a two-year warranty so you can have peace of mind.
Product Details: Dimensions: 61 x 73 x 79 inches | Suggested Number of People: Six | Sauna Style: FAR infrared
Best Infrared
HEATWAVE Radiant Saunas 2-Person Infrared Sauna
- It features chromotherapy lighting and an oxygen ionizer for even more sauna benefits.
It features chromotherapy lighting and an oxygen ionizer for even more sauna benefits.
- The packages are delivered curbside so you have to make your own arrangements to bring them indoors.
The packages are delivered curbside so you have to make your own arrangements to bring them indoors.
The Heat Wave Radiant Saunas Hemlock Infrared Sauna has plenty of features, including full-spectrum chromotherapy lighting, an oxygen ionizer to keep the air fresh at all times, and high-quality speakers and a CD player for listening to music. Two people can fit in this sauna at a time, and its six carbon heaters provide an even stream of warmth up to 141°F.
This home sauna has its own floor, both indoor and outdoor recessed lighting for a more relaxing ambiance, and adjustable roof vents. There are also two LED control panels—one on the inside and one on the outside—for you to easily adjust the heat, timer, and lighting settings wherever you are. The tempered glass door on this solid hemlock wood sauna is bronze-tinted, adding yet another soothing element to this sauna for two.
A few extra perks the sauna offers are its built-in magazine rack, towel hooks, and cup holders, and it even comes with two ergonomic backrests for user comfort. It’s easy to assemble as all parts come labeled for easy identification, although the delivery person will only leave the package on your curb, meaning you might need some help bringing it in.
Product Details: Dimensions: 47.24 x 39.37 x 75.8 inches | Suggested Number of People: Two | Sauna Style: Infrared
Best Design
Almost Heaven Saunas Worthington Traditional Steam Sauna
- It can be adjusted to multiple configurations and can fit up to four people.
It can be adjusted to multiple configurations and can fit up to four people.
- It does not have its own floor, so it has to be placed on appropriate flooring.
It does not have its own floor, so it has to be placed on appropriate flooring.
To turn your bathroom or designated sauna area into a space that looks like something you’d find in a luxury hotel, the Almost Heaven Saunas Worthington 4-Person Indoor Traditional Steam Sauna is an excellent candidate. It has a gorgeous minimal Scandinavian design, with light brown solid wood, ambient backlighting, and an entire front made from tempered and lightly tinted glass.
The sauna arrives partially pre-assembled, which helps make installation easier. The roof and walls come ready, so once you’ve put them up all you have to do is set up the heating element and the steam function.
It is roomy enough for four people to sit in comfortably, and you can configure the upper and retractable lower benches however you prefer. It comes with backrests that are also adjustable for added comfort.
It heats up to a maximum of 195°F , and the unit is antimicrobial and resistant to rot, rust, and corrosion. Since the unit doesn’t come with its own floor, it should be placed on either concrete, tile, ceramic, concrete, or vinyl.
There are accessories you can purchase separately, like Sauna Essentials Kit which includes a wooden bucket and ladle, a thermometer/hygrometer, a backrest, a leg rest, and two robe hooks. Though the sauna is a big investment, it’s backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty, with a five-year warranty for the heater.
Product Details: Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 61 inches | Suggested Number of People: Four to six | Sauna Style: Steam