When we talk about the best home saunas, it’s really about finding the best option for you (and, of course, your budget). First of all, every home is different, and space comes into play. Also, will you be using it indoors or outside? And should it look chic? More importantly, what kind of sauna are we even talking about here—traditional Finnish wood-burning sauna, electric, or infrared? Thankfully, although saunas have been around since forever, the market has been heating up over the past few years in particular. Now, there’s a veritable smorgasbord (to use a geographically appropriate term) of options to choose from, no matter what your taste or needs.

To help us narrow the field, we enlisted the help of Christopher T. Minson, PhD, a professor of human physiology at the University of Oregon with over 25 years of heat studies under his belt. He also happens to have recently gone through the home sauna buying process himself—and he has thoughts. “I think people need to be intentional about how they’re going to use their sauna,” he says. “How often are you going to use it? Are you going to share it? Do you want to be outside in nature?” These are all important questions, and just a few of the factors we took into consideration in curating the list below.

Best Home Saunas: At a Glance

When it comes to the best infrared saunas, the word “sauna” is almost a misnomer, as they operate completely differently than traditional saunas and even provide different benefits. While wood-burning or electrical saunas utilize a central heat source to raise the temperature of the air inside of the sauna, infrared saunas employ infrared panels to heat the body directly. As a result, infrared saunas typically don’t reach temperatures near what you might experience in a traditional sauna.

Of course, that doesn’t mean they aren’t as effective. For example, research has found infrared to be more beneficial to the skin than heat alone. By penetrating more deeply beneath the skin’s surface, infrared saunas are able to help stimulate production of collagen and elastin—which may lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sunlighten has become the go-to brand in the infrared sauna space, mostly due to the quality and customizability of its products. While the brand does offer more advanced options, the Amplify III is in many ways a perfect infrared sauna, complete with five infrared panels and even two halogen heaters to take the heat up a notch if desired. Available in eucalyptus or hypoallergenic basswood, it’s a sleek addition to any home and ideal for indoor use.

Best Sauna on a Budget: Dynamic Saunas Barcelona

Sauna Type: Infrared

Max. Temperature: 135 degrees Fahrenheit

+ Simple self-installation
+ Plugs into a standard outlet
– Only fits one adult

Not all of the best home saunas are crazy expensive. You also don’t need to own a giant home—or even own a home at all—to find the space for one. Occupying roughly three square feet of floor space, Dynamic Saunas’ Barcelona model is an ideal infrared sauna for urban apartment dwellers. “As someone who lives in a small Chicago condo where every new appliance needs to be carefully vetted, this sauna will be worth its weight in gold come winter,” says Outside Gear and Affiliate Director and happy tester Kristen Geil, who reports an easier-than-expected assembly of the sauna that conveniently plugs into a standard outlet.

“I was also really pleased by how quickly this infrared sauna heats up,” she says. “This feature would actually help me use the sauna regularly, versus letting it gather dust and serve as a glorified walk-in closet.” With six infrared panels, heat controls inside and outside the sauna, and built-in audio functionality, it covers all the industry-standard bases. Just keep in mind that while the Barcelona is advertised as being comfortable for one to two people, Geil says that’s a generous estimate. “Maybe if the two people are toddlers, although I think that would go against CDC regulations.”

Best Sauna for Contrast Therapy: Plunge All-In + The Sauna Bundle

Sauna Type: Electric

Max. Temperature: 230 degrees Fahrenheit

+ Only one manufacturer to deal with
+ Smartphone connectivity
– Mismatched design

Ever since I first experienced the sensation of hopping back and forth between a sauna and cold plunge (aka contrast therapy), I’ve always viewed saunas as incomplete unless positioned within a few feet of an icy body of water. If you happen to be cut from the same cloth, then it’s worth checking out this bundle from Plunge. That’s right: The pioneering cold plunge brand now also makes saunas. And as Outside Editorial Director Sierra Shafer recently learned during a backyard glow-up, it’s hard to name a more iconic duo. “I opted for the Plunge Sauna because it’s compact enough to tuck into a side yard or corner space, sleek enough to not look clunky, and it heats up fast—from cold to 174 degrees Fahrenheit in under 20 minutes,” she says, “and this plunge has truly been life-changing.”

Both units are designed for convenience, featuring Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning you can set the cold plunge’s temperature remotely from your phone and even schedule a sauna session so you never have to sit around waiting for the stones to warm up. Given the size of these investments, it’s also nice to have only one manufacturer to deal with. We just wish they looked like they were meant to stand next to one another.

Best Wood-Burning Sauna: LeisureCraft Dundalk Georgian Cabin Sauna 

Sauna Type: Wood-burning

Max. Temperature: Approx. 220 degrees Fahrenheit

+ Authentic traditional sauna experience
+ Affordability
– Self-assembly

If you’re a stickler for tradition, a wood-burning sauna is as authentic as it gets. (It’s also probably your only option if you don’t have access to an electrical outlet or a generator.) This kit build from Dundalk LeisureCraft provides great value for money, relative to other wood-burning saunas on the market, and even if you enlist professional help to put it together you’ll likely still end up saving some cash. All of the wooden pieces are hand-crafted from eastern white cedar, and the structure is capped off with a metal shingle roof that gives the sauna a great standalone presence as well as some extra protection from the elements.

Just keep in mind that if you opt for a wood-burning sauna, there are some extra considerations that don’t apply to electric and infrared options. “I love the idea of being traditional and building a fire,” Dr. Minson says, “but, the reality is, that would really limit the number of times I’d do it. For one, storing dry wood is not an easy thing to do where we live in Oregon, where it’s just raining all the time.” Moreover, wood-burning saunas require a bit more foresight than their more technologically advanced counterparts, given the time it takes to get the fire going. All of that said, nothing compares to watching real flames flickering in front of you as fresh snow falls outside.

Best Sauna Tent: Snowtrekker x Stormy Kromer Sauna Tent

Sauna Type: Wood-burning

Max. Temperature: Approx. 220 degrees Fahrenheit

+ Easy to relocate
+ Spacious
– No floor

Whether you’re looking for a portable sauna that you can take on your next camping trip or you simply don’t want to sink a bunch of money into a sauna that probably won’t be able to move homes with you, this sauna tent from Snowtrekker is a great option. The wood-burning stove kills two birds with one stone (well, technically about two dozen stones, give or take), providing an authentic, traditional sauna experience while also sidestepping the need for electricity from an outlet or portable generator. In other words, the sauna’s portability doesn’t sacrifice anything in the way of experience. You can even go ahead and outfit it with a couple of cedar benches, as the sauna can seat up to six people.

When it’s time to hit the road, the dual-layer, heat-retaining canvas tent folds up neatly, and the stove—which weighs between 17 and 25 pounds, depending on which one you choose—is light enough to toss into the back of a truck. “When the shipment first arrived at my front door, a heap of stakes, poles, and unions, assembly seemed intimidating,” writes Outside Online Brand Director Abigail Wise in her sauna review. “But after glancing at the included instructions, we realized everything was color-coded, and it came together in about 20 minutes, fully ready to fire up.”

Best Barrel Sauna: SISU The Eddy Barrel Sauna

Sauna Type: Electric

Max. Temperature: 230 degrees Fahrenheit

+ Compact footprint
+ Wi-Fi connectivity
– Tiny window

Barrel saunas offer a unique and popular aesthetic, but they’re also quite practical. Assembly is considerably simpler than rectangular designs, and they tend to have a much smaller footprint. Case in point: The Eddy. This compact barrel sauna measures six feet wide and just four feet deep. Granted, that means you’re fitting a maximum of four very well-acquainted people inside, but if that’s what it takes to put a sauna into your home then it’s a worthy concession. Regardless, while the Eddy may be small, it’s certainly mighty. Available with two heater options, it can reach a scorching 230 degrees Fahrenhait—if you dare—and the external console offers Wi-Fi connectivity.

The sauna itself is made out of western red cedar and hand-crafted in Ohio. Given the sauna’s smaller size, it’s also one of the few electric saunas that’s actually a feasible option for indoor use if your home is on the smaller side. And if you plan on installing it outside, the brand offers an optional roof kit to protect the structure from exposure to the elements. It’s also worth mentioning that, if you have a bit more space to play with, SISU offers a slightly larger model (check out The Edwin), which can hold up to eight people and also comes with a glass door that’ll let in more light.

Best Sauna with a View: Nootka Cube Sauna

Sauna Type: Electric

Max. Temperature: 194 degrees Fahrenheit

+ Great for scenic environments
+ Remote functionality with mobile app
– Digital console is on outside wall

For the most part, the makings of the best home sauna are all about what’s inside, but you don’t have to let an epic view go to waste just because you decided to pick a windowless sauna. While many manufacturers offer saunas with glass panels, Nootka’s Cube Sauna stands apart with its expansive five-foot horizontal window that runs almost the entire width of the structure. It’s no surprise that high-end hotel brands like Four Seasons and Westin, with locations in scenic locales, have incorporated Nootka saunas into their wellness offerings.

Even if there isn’t anything particularly picturesque around you, you may find that having a window to the outside world makes for a more comfortable experience for you and your guests. “Some people can get claustrophobic in a wooden box, especially when they get hot,” Dr. Minson says. Nootka’s Cube Sauna also includes a full-length glass door, for additional visibility and light, and can be outfitted with interior LED lighting that you can control from the sauna’s intuitive exterior console as well as a mobile app. No matter what your surroundings, this sauna is sure to match or upgrade the aesthetic of wherever you place it. All the wood is western red cedar, and the clean, geometric design is the definition of Scandi cool.

Best Sauna for Lottery Winners: Sweaty Yeti Sauna Plus

Sauna Type: Electric

Max. Temperature: Approx. 200 degrees Fahrenheit

+ Enormous
+ Highly customizable
+ Very pricey

Okay, so maybe you didn’t actually win the lottery, but why let a bunch of random numbers get in between you and your dream sauna if you’ve got the budget? If you’re looking for a plus-sized sauna for you and your crew (which, if you are in fact a lottery winner, might have expanded recently), Sweaty Yeti is the ultimate one-stop shop. Their Sauna Plus can house up to 12 people, and even includes a front deck outside the sauna’s entrance. There are loads of customization options, too, including a handful of different wood finishes and roof panelings to achieve your ideal aesthetic. And if you’re open to splurging even further on add-ons, options include Bluetooth speakers, multicolor LED lighting, and even an outdoor shower.

Either way, if you’re hoping to host more than four or five people, you’re likely going to need a sauna around this size as most options top out at about six adults. It would be a shame to finally pull the trigger on a home sauna, only to realize that it’s not actually big enough to simultaneously fit everyone you imagined being able to use it. “Deciding what you’re going to do with it—if and how you’re going to share it—is important,” Dr. Minson says. “Are you going to invite friends over sometimes? Do you want it to be big enough to make it kind of a social thing, which I think is a healthy way to do it?”

Plus, The Sauna Accessories We Recommend

Northwood Sauna Bucket and Ladle Set

ThermoPro TP49 Digital Thermometer with Temperature and Humidity

 

LifePro Wool Sauna Hat

POLYTE Microfiber Bath Towels, Set of Four