Best Overall
Kanlanth Hemlock Infrared Sauna
- It can fit up to four people comfortably and features Bluetooth speakers and LED reading lights for an elevated experience.
It can fit up to four people comfortably and features Bluetooth speakers and LED reading lights for an elevated experience.
- It won’t get as hot as a steam sauna.
It won’t get as hot as a steam sauna.
The Kanlanth 4-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna is our top pick for the best outdoor sauna overall due to its affordability, suggested capacity, and features.
The sauna is constructed from high-quality Canadian hemlock wood. It has eight carbon crystal infrared heating plates that take 15 minutes to reach 149°F, a touch control panel with an LED display, two Bluetooth speakers, and two LED reading lights.
It uses infrared heating technology, so it doesn't need water or steam to produce heat like a traditional steam sauna, but it also won’t get quite as hot. It can fit up to four people comfortably, features a top ceiling vent for proper air circulation, and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Product Details: Dimensions: 68 x 52 x 82.6 inches | Suggested Capacity: Four people | Type: Infrared
Key Terms to Know
- Infrared Sauna: Infrared saunas use infrared lamps to directly heat your body, providing a gentle and radiant warmth. Often described as a dry heat experience, infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures (around 120°F to 140°F) than traditional saunas.
- Traditional Sauna: Traditional saunas heat the air using electric or wood-burning heaters, creating a dry heat environment at higher temperatures (around 150°F to 180°F). Some traditional saunas may also offer a "wet" experience by pouring water over heated sauna rocks, which generates steam and increases humidity.
- Steam Sauna: Steam saunas use steam generators to create a moist heat environment with lower temperatures (around 110°F to 120°F).
Best Budget
SweatTent Outdoor Sauna
- It's portable and heats up to full temperature in 30 minutes for quick and easy setup.
It's portable and heats up to full temperature in 30 minutes for quick and easy setup.
- The included sauna stove is very heavy.
The included sauna stove is very heavy.
The SweatTent Outdoor Sauna proves that affordability doesn't mean sacrificing quality or functionality. The tent-style sauna is lightweight and portable, and the "QuickPop" design makes setup and takedown easy.
Plus, it's wood-burning and heats up to 200 °F in just 30 minutes, so you can kick back in no time. It isn't made of traditional materials like cedar or pine, but a durable and heat-resistant Oxford 210D fabric (available in black or green) makes for a comfortable spa-like experience.
The sauna has a zippered entrance for easy access, a stove exhaust chimney for ventilation, and a fiberglass roof cover to protect it from the elements.You'll also get a wood thermometer, ergonomic fire poker, heat-resistant gloves, and a carrying bag for easy transportation.
Just bear in mind that the stainless steel sauna stove included with the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna weighs 50 pounds and may require additional strength to transport.
Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 x 84 inches| Suggested Capacity: Three people | Type: Dry sauna
Best Splurge
Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna
- It's constructed with Scandinavian Thermowood, which is built to last and resist warping or cracking.
It's constructed with Scandinavian Thermowood, which is built to last and resist warping or cracking.
- You’ll need a 110 V power supply for lighting and a 240 V power supply for the sauna heater.
You’ll need a 110 V power supply for lighting and a 240 V power supply for the sauna heater.
The Redwood Outdoors' Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna provides unparalleled luxury with its traditional Scandinavian design, Finland-made Harvia sauna heater, and unique Thermowood construction.
It can heat up to 190 °F in less than an hour and comfortably accommodate up to two people. It also comes with a water bucket, ladle, and sauna rocks for the complete sauna experience. The sauna comes as a DIY kit, so it requires some assembly.
You should also have a 110 V power supply for lighting and a 240 V power supply for the sauna heater. At checkout, you'll need to decide between a manual or Wi-Fi control heater system. Both options let you preheat the sauna to be ready for use whenever you are.
The Wi-Fi control system allows you to remotely manage the temperature and timing of your sauna sessions from your smartphone or other smart devices. Once installed, a manual control heater cannot be later upgraded to a Wi-Fi system.
Product Details: Dimensions: 68.75 x 50.75 x 81 inches | Suggested Capacity: Two people | Type: Dry or wet sauna
Best Barrel
Almost Heaven Saunas Salem Steam Sauna
- It's completely customizable, from the exterior finish to the lighting to the window style.
It's completely customizable, from the exterior finish to the lighting to the window style.
- You may need to hire a professional electrician for installation.
You may need to hire a professional electrician for installation.
With 40+ years of experience in sauna design and construction, Almost Heaven is one of our go-to brands for outdoor saunas, and the Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna is a top favorite.
The sauna features a distinctive barrel design that adds aesthetic appeal and provides excellent heat distribution. It's ideal for smaller backyards or spaces with limited room and can fit up to two people. Just remember to leave enough space around the sauna for proper ventilation.
The included heater kit can be controlled manually or through Wi-Fi, depending on your preference, allowing you to reach a temperature of up to 185 °F in about an hour.
Almost Heaven gives you plenty of options to choose from with this sauna. You can customize it to fit your preferences and style, from the wood to the window type to the lighting.
It requires some assembly, but most users say it's relatively straightforward and manageable. If you choose a stain color, you'll need to apply that stain yourself after assembly.
The heater also calls for a 240 V power supply and a 30-amp circuit breaker for safe operation. If you're unfamiliar with electrical work, consulting a licensed electrician for installation is recommended.
Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 75.37 x 47 inches | Suggested Capacity: Two people | Type: Dry sauna
Best Infrared
Sun Ray Saunas Cayenne Outdoor Infrared Sauna
- It has built-in Bluetooth speakers and an ozone sterilization system.
It has built-in Bluetooth speakers and an ozone sterilization system.
- It doesn't include a Wi-Fi control option.
It doesn't include a Wi-Fi control option.
If you prefer a more modern and efficient sauna experience, we recommend the Sun Ray Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna. The four-person outdoor sauna features eight halogen heaters that heat up to 140 °F, providing a gentle and comfortable infrared heat.
Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas heat the body directly rather than heating the air, which can be more energy efficient and provide potential health benefits such as chronic pain relief and improved circulation.
The Sun Ray Cayenne is made from solid Canadian hemlock wood, which is resistant to warping and holds up well in outdoor environments. Like many of the saunas on our list, it requires some self-assembly and may require the assistance of a professional electrician for installation.
It doesn't include a Wi-Fi control option, but the exterior control panel lets you easily adjust the temperature and timer settings. It also has a shingled roof, sealed weatherproof walls, and a built-in ozone sterilization system that helps keep the air inside clean and fresh.
With its spacious interior, wide bench seating, recessed interior lighting, and Bluetooth speakers, the Sun Ray Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna offers a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own backyard.
Product Details: Dimensions: 79 x 87 x 52 | Suggested Capacity: Four people | Type: Infrared
Best Steam
Maxxus GDI Series Traditional Outdoor Sauna
- It can reach up to 202° F and provides enough space to seat three people comfortably.
It can reach up to 202° F and provides enough space to seat three people comfortably.
- It requires professional installation.
It requires professional installation.
We recommend the Maxxus GDI Series 3-Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna for a steam and sauna combo experience. Although this sauna isn't equipped with a steam generator, it does have a traditional sauna stove that allows you to pour water over hot stones for a steam effect.
It features a built-in FM radio with Bluetooth connection and two speakers and incorporates chromotherapy, with color-changing LED lights to create a relaxing and mood-enhancing ambiance.
Like some of the other saunas on this list, the Maxxus GDI Series 3-Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna requires assembly and professional installation. It's hard-wired, so you need an electrician to install it properly.
Its solid hardwood construction and Harvia stove ensure durability and efficient heat distribution. It can reach up to 202° F and provides enough space to seat three people comfortably.
Product Details: Dimensions: 84.1 x 97.4 x 73.6 inches | Suggested Capacity: Three people | Type: Dry or wet sauna
Best Large
Aleko Outdoor Red Cedar Wet/Dry Sauna
- It has an eye-catching exterior that resembles a charming little house.
It has an eye-catching exterior that resembles a charming little house.
- It’s basic—however, you can purchase add-ons if you’d like more amenities.
It’s basic—however, you can purchase add-ons if you’d like more amenities.
For a larger group or family, the ALEKO CED6PORI Outdoor Canadian Red Cedar Wet/Dry Sauna has plenty of space to accommodate multiple people. Crafted from Canadian red cedar wood and featuring Bitumen Roofing Shingles, this sauna is built to endure outdoor elements.
The Harvia sauna heater can reach temperatures of up to 194°F and has a built-in dial thermostat for precise temperature regulation. (An electrician should be hired for installation.) It includes a wooden bucket and ladle for gently pouring water over the stones for steam.
The sauna's attractive exterior resembles a charming little house, complete with an outdoor light and windows that add to its aesthetic appeal. Inside, there are two benches for seating, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
The sauna is basic but has everything you need for a relaxing evening. Additionally, ALEKO offers add-ons such as a step stool bench, storage shelf, and a pine wood analog sauna clock for additional cost.
Product Details: Dimensions: 79 x 85 x 79 inches | Suggested Capacity: Six people | Type: Dry or wet sauna
Best Small
SalusHEAT Outdoor Infrared Sauna
- It’s extremely easy to install and, unlike other options, can be plugged into a standard wall outlet.
It’s extremely easy to install and, unlike other options, can be plugged into a standard wall outlet.
- It doesn’t have presets, so you'll need to manually adjust the temperature and timer.
It doesn’t have presets, so you'll need to manually adjust the temperature and timer.
If you're looking for a small outdoor sauna for two, we recommend the SalusHEAT Garner-902VS 2-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna. Constructed from durable fir wood, it features a gable roof design that effectively sheds rain and snow, making it ideal for colder climates.
The sauna is also equipped with multiple layers of waterproof coating and a secure tempered glass door. In addition to its tough exterior, the Garner-902VS has two Bluetooth speakers and two reading lights, so you can unwind while listening to your favorite tunes.
Chromotherapy lights (with seven color options) and eight strategically placed infrared heating panels, including dedicated leg and foot heaters, provide targeted warmth, while the control panel allows you to adjust the intensity. The only feature missing is the ability to pre-set the temperature.
This outdoor sauna is also easy to put up; most users say it can be assembled in 20 to 30 minutes. And, unlike some of the other outdoor saunas on this list, it can be plugged into a standard wall outlet.
Product Details: Dimensions: 42.1 x 81.1 x 37 inches | Suggested Capacity: Two people | Type: Infrared