A home sauna can transform your outdoor experience into a luxurious spa day. Our editors tested several outdoor saunas—here’s our list of the best.
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Many people believe that saunas are relaxing, mood-boosting, and even therapeutic, which is why the demand for backyard saunas is growing.
That’s why we’ve rounded up different types of saunas—wood-burning saunas, infrared saunas, portable saunas, and more—to suit every preference. We even asked our editors to test out a few in their own backyards. So whether you’re looking for an affordable option or looking to splurge, we’ve got you covered with the hottest deals on the market (see what we did there?).
Buying editor Nancy Snyder tested the Sun Home Saunas Luminar, a two-person full-spectrum infrared sauna. It measures 57 inches wide, 51.5 inches deep, and 82.7 inches high. “It’s roomy enough to comfortably accommodate two people (or just you, if you prefer more space),” Nancy says.
This sauna has bench seating and a Bluetooth surround sound system, as well as some impressive features like an app control system that allows you to adjust the sauna settings from your phone. Other features include an oxygen ionizer to purify the air, a cup holder, a towel rack, a tablet holder, and a magazine rack. This powerful sauna features six full-spectrum infrared heaters, medical-grade LED chromotherapy lighting, and ultra-low EMF/ELF shielding for the lowest and safest EMF exposure in the industry.
After ordering the sauna, Nancy turned to Sun Home Saunas’ third-party installation crew, Pure Install, for installation assistance. The cost to install a two-person Luminar model is approximately $1,100-$1,300.
Nancy said the two-person crew did a perfect job, assembling the sauna in about two hours and throwing away the trays and debris when they left. However, she later realized that the two-person Luminar sauna requires a special 240-volt, 20-amp residual-current device (RCD) that needs to be installed by a licensed electrician.
The necessary wiring set Nancy back an extra $1,350. But it’s worth it. “It was easy for me to incorporate into my daily routine,” she said. “Not only did I feel better after one session, but research shows that long-term use of an infrared sauna can have many health benefits. I was very impressed with the experience.”
If you’re looking for an affordable sauna solution, this dome sauna from Clearlight can be used anywhere, anytime. Plus, it’s a fraction of the cost of a full-size outdoor sauna. Editor Van Van Cleave tests the Curve Sauna Dome, a portable sauna that sits on the floor and promotes detoxification, relieves muscle pain, and more. “As soon as I unpacked this sauna, it became part of my morning routine,” they say. “It effectively helps my muscles recover from a run and significantly reduces stress levels.”
This portable sauna has two lightweight domes for easy transport and storage. Keeping your head outside the sauna allows your body to withstand the heat longer and reach the optimal body temperature for best results.
“The initial setup takes about 30 minutes, and each subsequent use takes just five minutes,” said Wang Wang. “It weighs about 100 pounds, so if you can lift 100 pounds, it’s easy to assemble and disassemble. To get started, simply plug the pillow and canopy into a standard electrical outlet and turn them on using the control panel.”
Wang Wang said they like this sauna because it keeps the heat off their heads. “I found that I enjoyed the experience and didn’t get dizzy like I do with other full-body saunas,” they said. Wang Wang added, “I also really appreciate the foldable design of this sauna. I live in a small two-bedroom apartment with very little storage space, so it’s great to be able to enjoy the benefits of a sauna at home without wasting precious floor space.”
Another favorite from Clearlight is the Sanctuary 3, a three-person infrared sauna with a modern design. Like the Sun Home Sauna model above, the Clearlight Sanctuary 3 can be controlled remotely via smartphone and features a built-in Bluetooth audio station that lets you play music from your phone or tablet.
This fully equipped sauna features interior and exterior lighting, heating panels on all four sides and under the bench, door mats and glass panels. It is also compatible with Clearlight accessories such as red light, salt therapy and aromatherapy units. It also features medical chromotherapy, EMI and UHF shielding, a programmable timer and cabinets.
Wang Wang also tested this sauna. “This is a dry infrared sauna that uses far- and full-spectrum infrared heaters to provide powerful, immersive, and penetrating heat,” they say. “It has a bench seat and is very comfortable. The seat and backrest are slightly curved for ergonomics.” Clearlight also offers cushions and a portable backrest that can be purchased separately.
“If you’re looking for a complete wellness experience for multiple people, this sauna is for you,” said Wang Wang. “I love the thoughtful details, from the ergonomic chair to the USB charging cable and the convenient latch on the door that closes. The chromotherapy and deep heat treatments allow for total relaxation. Although it’s a luxury, this sauna is a wonderful wellness experience for the body and mind.”
This cube-shaped mini sauna from Redwood Outdoors is made from Scandinavian softwood and kiln-fired for 96 hours. It comes with an electric Harvia heater (the gold standard in the industry), sauna stones, and an indoor bench. It heats up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit in less than an hour and can be used for both wet and dry use.
Simple yet durable, the Scandinavian mini cube sauna features a groove and bolster system that allows the wooden slats to naturally expand and contract, creating an airtight seal. The energy-efficient design helps distribute heat evenly throughout the sauna.
Redwood Outdoors’ digital Wi-Fi heaters can be controlled via a digital wall panel or any smartphone or tablet. This means you can heat up your sauna wherever you are – at home or on the way home from a workout. With just a few taps on your phone, your sauna is always ready to go. Wi-Fi heaters can also be programmed to turn on at specific times.
Thermowood saunas come in kit form, making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts. All the pieces are pre-cut and slotted, so even a novice DIY enthusiast can build this sauna. Anyone with basic carpentry skills can build one in about four hours. All you need are the necessary tools: a Phillips screwdriver, 7/16-inch and 9/16-inch open-end wrenches, a 9/16-inch deep-end socket wrench, a vice, and a hammer.
Round or barrel saunas, like the Almost Heaven Audra, are popular in part because they’re easy to build. They typically come with two round end pieces and a series of wooden slats that attach to the ends. Then it’s just a matter of nailing and clamping the boards in place. You (and up to three friends) can easily get into this spacious outdoor sauna.
This sauna is made of solid cedar wood, which is rot-resistant and waterproof, and its surface is treated with an antibacterial agent. The sauna is equipped with LED lighting and an outdoor bench, so you can sit down after an intense workout, take off your shoes and shirt, and enjoy the Audra sauna.
If you find it too hot, you can sit on the benches outside to cool off before jumping back in. The barrel with canopy measures about 6 feet by 6 feet and can reach temperatures of up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a top-notch Harvia electric heater that can be turned on immediately or set to start later.
Accessories like backrests, footrests, magazine racks, coat hooks, and drink holders are sold separately, but Wayfair sells a matching sauna accessory kit from Almost Heaven made from red cedar. This sauna doesn’t have all the high-tech features like Bluetooth connectivity that other saunas have, but it’s made from high-quality materials.
Before narrowing down your sauna options, we recommend that you have a professional assess your outdoor space. A professional will be able to tell you how much space you have available and what challenges you may face (e.g. wiring, ventilation, etc.).
If you are determined to do as much of the prep work yourself as possible, you should first think about the size of the sauna you choose. Make sure you have enough space for the sauna, otherwise you may be out of work before you even start. Next, consider the electrical requirements. If you are using a wood stove, you will not necessarily need any electrical connections (there will be no lighting inside the sauna), but electric stoves (including infrared) and gas stoves may need to be wired into the house. Your sauna will also need ventilation, so make sure you have a ventilation plan that shows where and how this will be done.
If you have a designated area in your yard for a sauna, you may be looking for a freestanding, permanently installed sauna. However, if you are unsure about the longevity of the sauna, or if you are renting and cannot afford a permanent installation, then you may want to consider a more temporary portable sauna. Portable saunas are generally more affordable and easy to install, making them popular with those with limited space or a tight budget.
While the main factor to consider is the size and type of sauna, there are many other factors to consider, such as additional features. Many saunas come with customization options, such as adjustable lighting, sound systems, and chromotherapy. You will need to research your options carefully to ensure that your sauna has all the extra features you need, as only some can be added after purchase.
Our Buying Editor Nancy Snyder helped us curate and test the saunas on this list. She has over five years of experience working with major landscaping suppliers on a variety of topics. Her expertise lies in developing ways to enhance outdoor spaces, such as outfitting your space with an outdoor sauna.
To write this article, Nancy even ordered, installed, and used the aforementioned Sun Home Sauna to give her the most up-to-date, real-life experience of buying a backyard sauna. Our editor Van Van Cleave also built a sauna in her home. In short, we do everything we can to help you make the most informed consumer decision, even if it means sacrificing our backyard.
Family Handyman Content Updates Editor Sean Tirman updated this article and provided research. Sean has been writing shopping guides since 2016 and was previously deputy editor of Gear Patrol.
If you’re in the market for a sauna for your home, you probably know how stressful the purchasing process can be. Many outdoor saunas take weeks to arrive, some require assembly, and some even require rewiring. There are many factors to consider when purchasing an outdoor sauna, and the only way to understand the buying process is to get input from those who have done it before. That’s why Nancy Snyder and Van Van Cleave tested saunas for this article.
They ordered, assembled, installed, and tested most of the saunas mentioned above. In addition, our product and purchasing teams spend hours researching home saunas, analyzing features, and reading customer reviews. We hope to test more outdoor saunas in the future, provided more of our editors are willing to stick around and brave the intense heat that comes with testing these large outdoor units.
Outdoor saunas offer many benefits, such as relaxation, muscle pain relief, improved sleep, stronger immunity, and improved heart health. If you are a health enthusiast and want to add variety to your at-home self-care routine, an outdoor sauna may be just what you need. However, they are expensive and sometimes difficult to set up. It is important to thoroughly research your options before purchasing.
Epic Hot Tubs & Swim Spas estimates that it costs $300 to $600 per year to maintain an outdoor sauna, depending on its size, usage, and outside temperatures (especially in cold winter climates).
With proper care and maintenance, your outdoor sauna will last between 15 and 25 years. They are designed for outdoor use and can withstand all types of weather conditions. Just remember: to keep them working properly for so long, they need to be kept clean and in good condition.
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