For those looking to enjoy even more of the relaxing and restorative benefits of a sauna in the new year, investing in a home sauna may be worth it. But these systems aren’t cheap, so we did extensive research, interviewed experts, and reviewed a variety of models—from dry saunas to infrared saunas—to compile a list of the best home saunas that are worth the investment. The Redwood Outdoors 3-Person Indoor Sauna is our top pick, thanks to its incredibly durable, long-lasting construction and efficient Finnish heater. The Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Infrared Sauna is our favorite, as it features a full-spectrum heating system, built-in Bluetooth speakers, and color therapy.
Regular sauna use at home has many benefits, from muscle recovery to detoxification. But according to Dr. John Bisonno, interim director of cardiovascular medicine at Frankel Health UM Cardiovascular Center, the health benefits of saunas go far beyond that. “Regular sauna use for 20 minutes once a week has been shown to help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as reduce stress,” he says. What’s more, sauna use may also reduce your overall risk of death, according to a 2015 report in JAMA Internal Medicine.
With so many options on the market, the Forbes Certified Home team conducted a rigorous research and selection process to find the best home saunas in each category, including soliciting feedback from sauna users, staff, and industry experts. We looked at a variety of styles, including traditional dry saunas (which use electric, gas, or wood stoves), models that use infrared heat, and models that use steam; we assessed design, size, performance, ease of use and maintenance, and overall cost. Find out the eight best saunas for 2025 based on our findings.
Type: Traditional | Capacity: 3 | Dimensions: 54.3 x 63 x 79.5 in. | Additional Features: Door Mats, Wood Roof Tiles, Backrest, Wood Bench, Light on Divider, Traditional Felt Sauna Cap, HSA/FSA Compliant | Warranty: 1 Year (Heating Element), 5 Years (Other Components)
If you’re looking to experience a traditional Finnish sauna, Redwood Outdoors is known for its high-quality dry saunas, like this premium model. Available in two sizes, the model above seats three people, and the larger model seats four, this sauna is designed to last at least 15 to 20 years: It’s made from Scandinavian Thermowood, a highly durable, treated wood that’s resistant to fungus and corrosion, and tempered glass, making it less likely to break. It also includes the popular Finnish Harvia KIP heater, which holds up to 40 pounds of rocks, heats up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit in an hour, and produces dry heat with humidity levels between 15 and 25 percent.
Additionally, while the sauna isn’t as easy to assemble, it’s not as labor-intensive as other models. If you’re working with a team, it should take about half a day from start to finish; check out the brand’s YouTube video tutorial for maximum efficiency. Oh, and here’s another fun thing about this sauna: In addition to the mat, tiles, rocks, wooden bench, and backrest, every purchase comes with a traditional felt sauna hat to help keep your head cool while you use it.
Type: Infrared | Capacity: 2 people | Dimensions: 68.8 x 50.8 x 81 inches | Additional features: Built-in Bluetooth sound system, medical-grade chromotherapy lighting | Warranty: 7 years
Infrared saunas usually heat up faster than traditional saunas, but not as much. It’s all about the heating mechanism: they emit infrared waves that penetrate your skin and warm your body without significantly increasing the temperature. If you’re looking for these features, the sauna from Sun Home Saunas is your best choice. It comes in a two- or three-person version and can heat up to 170 degrees.
While many infrared saunas only emit long-wave infrared light, the Equinox features a full-spectrum heating system that emits all three levels of infrared heat (near, mid, and far) for maximum health benefits. It also features a built-in Bluetooth sound system and medical-grade chromotherapy (also known as color therapy) lights; while there’s not much research on the latter, some swear by its mental and physical health benefits. Finally, assembly is quick and easy, with no power tools, screws, or nails required.
Type: Infrared | Capacity: 2 people | Dimensions: 39 x 36 x 75 inches | Additional features: Internal and external LED control panels, light therapy, Bluetooth capability | Warranty: 5 years (electronic parts), 1 year (material defects)
Even more affordable home saunas require a significant investment, but this compact sauna from Dynamic Saunas costs a fraction of the cost of the two saunas listed above. Its results also exceeded expectations. The sauna is a phone booth-style structure made from reclaimed Canadian hemlock and tempered glass, with six carbon heating panels, internal and external LED control panels, and chromotherapy lights. It also has a Bluetooth-enabled sound system and two speakers with preamps. The sauna reaches its maximum temperature of 140 degrees very quickly, in about half an hour.
Type: Infrared | Capacity: 2 or 5 | Dimensions: 51.5 x 57 x 82.7 inches | Additional Features: Mobile App Control System, Bluetooth Surround Sound System with Built-in Speakers, Medical-Grade LED Chromotherapy Lighting | Warranty: 3-Year or 6-Year Warranty Available for Purchase
Available in two sizes, 2 or 5, the Luminar outdoor saunas from Sun Home are quite luxurious, but we think they’re worth the investment if you’re looking for an infrared model. The sauna features full-spectrum heaters on the front glass and infrared heaters throughout the cabin and on the floor that can reach temperatures of up to 170 degrees. Plus, thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum body, it can always maintain the perfect temperature, even in the colder months. Other features include Bluetooth surround sound, built-in speakers, and chromotherapy lighting that can be controlled via a mobile app.
The only downside to this sauna (and for some people, it’s a big downside) is the labor-intensive assembly process. While it can be done with two to four people, the brand recommends hiring a contractor to do the installation, especially if you don’t have experience assembling furniture. Just remind yourself that it only takes a day to assemble, and then you can enjoy regular sauna use for years to come.
Type: Traditional | Capacity: 2 | Dimensions: 68.8 x 50.8 x 81 inches | Additional features: door mats, shingles, backrest, partition light, traditional felt sauna cap | Warranty: 1 year (heating element), 5 years (other components)
No room for a sauna at home? No problem. Our favorite sauna brand, the Mini Cube Sauna, is a durable, compact option that will help you create a backyard oasis. Plus, placing your sauna outdoors “will enhance its health benefits by combining the neurological and physiological benefits of being outdoors with the thermal benefits of being in a sauna,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director at landscape design firm Yardzen.
This sauna is made from the same weather-resistant materials as the brand’s indoor saunas, and it comes with many of the same upgrade options. However, the brand’s outdoor models let you replace the standard Harvia KIP model with a larger, Wi-Fi-enabled version that can hold up to 130 pounds of rocks. But be warned, it’s an expensive upgrade: Upgrading the heater will cost nearly $2,000 more. Still, for those who are drawn to the latter’s sleek design and the convenience it offers, the extra expense may be worth it. (If you’re looking for a larger sauna, we also like the company’s four-person cabin sauna.)
Type: Infrared | Capacity: 1 person | Dimensions: 38 x 32 x 32 inches | Additional features: Folding chair, heated footrests, wired controller | Warranty: 1 year
If you don’t mind looking a little silly while using it, the Serenelife Portable Sauna is popular for one simple reason: it’s inexpensive, easy to set up, and most importantly, practical. Made from insulated fabric, it’s essentially a tent that zips up, has openings for your head and arms, and a pocket for the remote control. Inside, there’s a foldable chair you can sit on for up to an hour while three carbon fiber heating panels heat up to 140 degrees. Is this sauna on-trend? Well, not trendy. But it can transform any room in your home into a personal spa in just a few minutes—and for some people, that’s all they need.
Type: Infrared | Capacity: 1 person | Dimensions: 71 x 35.5 inches | Additional features: Handheld controller | Warranty: 1 year
For those who love to take a sauna but don’t have the space to do so, a popular sauna blanket like this one from Higherdose (the company also sells one of our favorite LED masks) can provide many of the same health benefits. Using far-infrared heat, the blanket (which you place in like a sleeping bag) can reach temperatures between 158 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on which of eight temperature settings you choose on the handheld controller. You can stay in it for up to 45 minutes, and when you’re done, the blanket can be folded for easy storage.
The blanket’s portability and relative affordability have made it a favorite among employees Forbes reviewed, including operations manager Richard Molinaro. He’s used the blanket twice a month over the past year. “I had it on level 8, and it was really hot, and I was sad every time I ran out of it,” he said. “My skin feels better and my whole body feels lighter. I’m also pretty active, which is great for muscle recovery.” Keep in mind, though, that if you want to use the blanket without clothing, you’ll need to purchase a compatible liner; otherwise, you’ll need to wear covering clothing and socks underneath.
Type: Steam | Capacity: 4-5 people | Dimensions: 95 x 68 x 71 inches | Additional features: Ergonomic backrest, reversible bench, mobile app control, phone holder, free Whoop bracelet | Warranty: 2 years
Want to heat things up? The makers of the popular Cold Plunge Tub also make a sauna kit that our tester, Senior Reviews Editor Anna Perling, highly recommends. This sauna has a heat range of up to 230 degrees, thanks to a wall-mounted heater that houses more than 130 pounds of rounded olive diabase. “You can also turn on the sauna ahead of time and set the temperature through the brand’s app if the sauna is plugged in,” says Perling. Note that this sauna requires a 220-250V/50A outlet and should be installed by an electrician; be sure to read the instructions before purchasing.
The Plunge’s modular tongue-and-groove design (similar to IKEA furniture) makes it easy to install, while its high-quality cedar construction and weather-resistant roof make it versatile. The sauna also includes features like fold-down benches, built-in sliding vents (for improved air circulation), and a phone holder to help you organize your space for relaxation, hot yoga, workouts, and more. Perling adds, “The extra glass panels along the wall are great for enjoying the view. The slanted back wall allows you to lean back, which makes your session a little more comfortable. The colorful lighting adds some ambiance.” Note that the benches underneath are narrow and can be a little cool to sit on, but Perling says that’s not a big deal for her.
Forbes Home & Kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing the best home products on the market.
To find the best home saunas, we researched top-selling models, compared features, contacted experts, and consulted our staff for product recommendations.
Using any type of sauna once or more a week for up to 20 minutes at a time can benefit your heart, brain, and other organs, says Dr. John Bissognano, acting director of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center. Both dry and infrared saunas cause your body to sweat and dilate your blood vessels. While Bissognano said there have been “no rigorous studies comparing the two methods… the effects are likely to be similar.”
However, some people should exercise caution. “If you have any cardiovascular disease, consult your doctor before using a sauna,” Bisognano said, noting that the chance of an adverse reaction is “very low.” He added that other groups should also exercise special caution and consult a doctor before using a sauna, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with epilepsy.
Whether an infrared sauna or a dry sauna (wood-fired or electric) is better depends on personal preference. A dry sauna heats the air around you, typically to temperatures between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared radiation to heat the body, with temperatures ranging from 120 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Although dry saunas are more traditional, many people (especially those who are sensitive to heat) prefer infrared saunas.
The best location for a sauna ultimately depends on the layout of your home. Wherever you install the sauna, make sure you have enough room to move around and open the door comfortably. Most two- or three-person saunas are 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 feet, while larger saunas can be 12 x 12 feet or larger. Many people install their sauna in a basement, bathroom, or home gym.
You can also place a sauna in your backyard or on a patio (as long as the sauna is designed for outdoor use). When it comes to sauna placement, “it’s usually best to place it outside rather than in the center of the space,” says licensed landscape designer Kevin Lenhart. “This minimizes its impact on the flow between spaces.” However, he does recommend placing it “within sight of a main window of the home” to encourage you to use it. Finally, “the sauna is easy and comfortable to access even in inclement weather,” he adds.