Home Sauna Guide: Transform Your Wellness Routine + 6 Best At-Home Saunas

To sauna is to embrace the peace, quiet, and presence that comes from immersing yourself in deep heat. Practiced ritually for hundreds of years by cultures around the world, saunas were often a place to gather and be with others, even if that meant being together in silence. Thanks to a fairly recent groundswell in popularity and an increased awareness of sauna’s many health benefits, heat bathers don’t just flock to community saunas or public bath houses, now they can easily sauna at home. 

Be it a simple kit sauna that comes together in hours (like mine—check out my full sauna kit build!), an indoor infrared sauna that soaks each cell in healing waves of electromagnetic heat, or a glass-fronted traditional sauna to fit all your friends, home saunas have never been more accessible. 

As the owner of a home sauna and heat bathing devotée (I also recently tested a portable sauna tent!), I can attest to the many life-enhancing benefits of regular sauna sessions. Along with it comes a deeper appreciation of simple, timeless design that's inspired by nature’s purest elements—somehow even an indoor sauna reinforces your connection to the outdoors.  

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned bather or brand new to the bench, consider this your primer to all things home saunas, as we cover the fundamentals of how to choose, buy, and enjoy your own sauna to give you that permanent post-sweat glow.  

Home Saunas 101

There is no one-size-fits-all sauna. Just like there are many different types of sauna and ways to heat bathe, what constitutes "the best home sauna" is the one that’s best for you. 

But first, lets define what a dry sauna is before we delve into specifics: a sauna is an enclosed area that utilizes dry heat, or heat and humidity to raise body temperature and increase perspiration at a temperature range of 120-200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heating elements can be an electric or wood-burning stove which bathers can choose to toss water over hot rocks to increase the humidity up to 40% or more (the Finnish call the steam and the act of being enveloped in this hot steam, “löyly”) so the body can better absorb it. Depending on the size of your home sauna, it may have one or two benches to sit and sauna for up to 20 or 30 minutes at a time. 

To rid yourself of excess heat, cool down with a cold plunge or a refreshing swim in wild waters for the full sauna experience. After, reenter the sauna, and repeat the cycle as many times as you like. All this is done with the goal to relax the body and mind, reduce stress, sit in stillness, and enjoy a deeply cleansing sweat. This hot and cold cycle has scientifically-proven benefits that go beyond relaxation. Sauna bathing also helps lower blood pressure, ease chronic pain from conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and improve strength and recovery post-workout.

Our Top Picks for the Best At-Home Sauna

• Best Overall Home Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna
• Best Personal Sauna for Home: Dynamic Barcelona 1 Person Sauna
• Best Infrared Home Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
• Best Indoor Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten Signature I Infrared Sauna
• Best Indoor Traditional Sauna: Almost Heaven 2-3 Person Indoor Sauna
• Best Budget Home Sauna: SaunaBox
• Best Home Sauna Alternative: MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket V2

How to Choose the Best Home Sauna

Unless your at-home oasis takes the form of a portable sauna tent, installing a home sauna (or building one of your own!) requires some initial work and site preparation. 

Depending on the size and heating elements of your sauna, this can require a little or a lot of effort, time, and money. For example, my two-person backyard sauna has a small footprint, so we didn’t need to do much prep. Since it’s heated by an electric stove, we did have to hire a licensed electrician to install the wiring, but it was worth it for the time I save by turning two dials rather than starting a fire and waiting an hour for it to heat up. 

Maybe a wood-fired sauna big enough for four people sounds better to you, or a boutique indoor infrared sauna with bluetooth capability, sound system, and remote control is more your speed—the point is to choose a sauna that best suits your own home, space, and lifestyle so you get the most use possible.

It’s also important to choose a home sauna that fits your budget. While a sauna is a costly investment for most people, you do not want to waste your money on a poorly-built home sauna that isn't built to last.

Different Types of Home Saunas  

A quick look at the many different forms a home sauna can take: indoor, outdoor, infrared, or DIY kits.

Home Steam Sauna (Traditional Finnish Sauna) 

Traditional steam saunas use either electric heater or wood-burning stoves to create ambient heat that reaches 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Bathers increase humidity by tossing water over the sauna rocks to produce a hot, cleansing steam. Steam saunas are one of the most common home sauna styles that come in the form of an indoor, outdoor, or portable sauna tent as mentioned above. 

Dry Sauna 

There isn’t much difference between traditional saunas and dry saunas other than the amount of humidity and steam—or lack thereof. A dry sauna (which is also known as a Finnish sauna) reaches the same high temperature, but the humidity levels stay at around 5-20% in contrast to the spikes in humidity (up to 100%!) that a conventional sauna can reach when water is tossed over the rocks. Bottom line is that these are the same exact structures, but the only difference is sauna bathing with or without steam. 

Home Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna uses infrared lights (naturally-occurring, extremely low frequency wavelengths in the electromagnetic field that emit heat) to warm the body, rather than the air like a traditional sauna. Infrared saunas use dry heat—no steam—to create a lower temperature of around 110-130 degrees Fahrenheit that slowly warms the body. Home infrared saunas’ popularity has increased thanks to the high-tech therapeutic benefits of full-spectrum infrared wavelengths that have proven to rejuvenate the body on a cellular level, lower high blood pressure, and offer stress relief rather than just penetrate the muscles and tissues.

You've most likely seen these at the gym or spa, but now an infrared sauna takes the shape of an outdoor or indoor sauna, and even a sleeping-bag style heated blanket that can be rolled up and stashed away.  

Home Sauna Kits

A home sauna kit is a complete set of pre-cut, pre-drilled wood, hardware, and accessories needed to build your own sauna. An unassembled kit is delivered to your door, which is where you get to dig in and get some DIY experience! Speaking from experience, it is a surprisingly easy assembly, even for those with beginner-level building skills. If that isn’t your style, some companies offer the option to have it assembled by a team of professionals at an additional cost, but always check to be sure.

DIY Home Saunas

While we aren't quite experts in this category (yet!), we certainly know some who are, like Canadian builder, Andrew Szeto, who shared the full breakdown and video of his funky sauna cabin build. "I wanted to fully learn the process myself," says Szeto. "Building something wild and whimsical, while being efficient, really appealed to me!" Check out his DIY sauna build.

6 Best Home Saunas You Can Buy Right Now

From traditional saunas clad in fragrant cedar to infrared saunas kitted out with high-tech add ons, this is our short list of the best home saunas for the ultimate at-home relaxation.

Best Home Sauna Overall:Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna

I built this two-person sauna kit in my backyard in Maine with the help of my husband (and a licensed electrician who we hired for the hardwiring) in one day—and yes, it was a seriously easy setup. From delivery to the first use, everything went smoothly, and the build process was surprisingly simple requiring only basic skills and tools we already had. It has a beautiful natural aesthetic with a compact design that's just big enough to comfortably fit two adults, yet its small size makes is perfect for individual use and feels like having my own home spa. It quickly heats up to 170-195 F in under an hour, and is ideal for small spaces.

• Style: Scandinavian mini-cube design
• Number of People: Fits up to 2 people
• Material: Scandinavian Thermowood
• Dimensions: 68” L x 50” W x 81” H
• Weight: 800 lbs
• Indoor or Outdoor: Outdoor only
• Heat Source: Electric Harvia heater
• Extra Features: Comes with water bucket & ladle, sauna rocks, and interior seating bench, and sauna thermometer
• Price: $4,990

SHOP from Redwood Outdoors

Best Personal Sauna for Home: Dynamic Barcelona 1-2 Person Low EMF Infrared Sauna

• Style: Box sauna
• Number of People: Fits up to 2 people
• Material: Reforested Canadian Hemlock
• Dimensions: 36” L x 39” W x 73” H
• Weight: 250 lbs
• Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor only
• Heat Source: 6 Infrared carbon heating panels
• Extra Features: Auxiliary connection, interior and exterior LED control panels, interior chromotherapy lighting
• Price: $1,995 $1,899

This space-saving personal infrared sauna is a compact and lightweight option for anyone that wants to enjoy a good sweat solo—and in their privacy of their own home. Barely two feet wide and deep, the Dynamic Barcelona Infrared Sauna packs plenty of features into it's tiny size: a bench (for one! or two!), chromotherapy lighting, and six energy-efficient carbon heaters that gently warms the body and sauna with healing infrared light. Like most infrared saunas, there isn't any steam, sauna rocks, or high heat. In fact, this one only reaches 120 F for a much softer sauna experience that would be great for those who want all the health benefits of sauna but can't handle ultra-high temps. Home delivery is available, and assembly is required. However, the Barcelona snaps together easily as a seamless addition to your home gym, bathroom, or a properly-vented basement.

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Best Indoor Traditional Sauna for Home: Almost Heaven Madison 2-3 Person Indoor Sauna

• Style: Box sauna
• Number of People: Fits up to 3 people
• Material: Choice of red cedar or fir
• Dimensions: 53” L x 65” W x 78” H
• Weight: 635 lbs
• Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor only
• Heat Source: Electric Harvia heater
• Extra Features: Water bucket and ladle, backrest and leg rest, wifi controls. Add on LED lights, decorative sauna rocks, cedar flooring, and tempered glass door
• Price: $6,899 $5,705

This indoor sauna from Almost Heaven is a great choice for heat bathers who want a traditional Finnish sauna experience at home. Built from cedar or fir, it has a classic design with a high-quality Harvia heater, sauna rocks, bucket and ladle to get that good, steamy heat cranking up to 180 F in under an hour (with optional wifi controls). Despite it's relatively small size, it has two bench heights so you can choose a gentle or more intense heat, and the options for customization don't stop there. Add-ons for this indoor traditional sauna include different types of LED lighting bars, two different heater styles, a full or half glass door, and even the option to install infrared heaters. Note that this is designed to be installed into the existing floor of your home, and a cedar floor kit can be purchased for an additional $498. Assembly is required.

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Best Outdoor Home Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

The Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna comes equipped with 15 high-output carbon heaters (10 full spectrum and five far-infrared) that bathe users in a low emf far infrared light for maximum health benefits. The attractive black cedar cladding is made more durable through a thermal treatment that traps heat inside and withstands the elements on the outside. Additionally, Sun Home includes a double pane glass exterior on the front and side for unobstructed views, in what they call, "panoramic relaxation". The only thing it's missing are cup holders and a magazine rack.

• Style: Modern cabin sauna
• Number of people: Fits up to 5 people
• Material: All-season Carbonized Red Cedar
• Dimensions: 82” W x 51.5” D x 82.5” h
• Weight: 1,270 lbs
• Indoor or Outdoor: Outdoor only
• Heat Source: 10 Full spectrum + 5 far-infrared heaters
• Extra features: Bluetooth capability, mobile app, chromotherapy lighting, and exterior LED lights underneath the roofline
• Price: $9,099

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Best Infrared Home Sauna: Sunlighten Signature I Sauna

• Style: Box sauna
• Number of people: Fits up to 2 people
• Material: Eucalyptus or Basswood
• Dimensions: 39.8" L x 37.8" W x 77.7" H
• Weight: 355 lbs
• Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor only
• Heat source: 8 Far Infrared Heaters
• Extra features: Programmable timer, auxiliary connection, chromotherapy lighting
• Price: Starts at $8,299

If you're looking for a premium indoor infrared sauna, go for the sleek yet spacious Sunlighten Signature I. Crafted from your choice of aromatic eucalyptus or basswood, the sauna is designed with a deep bench to easily recline and relax in the warmth of the healing infrared heat. Use the timer to cue up your next sauna session for as far as 36 hours in advance (no excuses!), and enjoy an atmospheric bath of heat, light, and sound. The Sunlighten is designed for an easy assembly with panels meant to snap into place, but make sure you have a well-vented space and a professional to handle electric wiring. As far as luxurious indoor infrared saunas go, it is a relatively affordable and top-quality pick.

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Best Cheap Home Sauna: Sauna Box

• Style: Box sauna
• Number of people: 1
• Material: Non-toxic fiberglass frame and ThermoShield cover
• Dimensions: 35" L x 35" W x 72" H
• Weight: 29 lbs
• Indoor or Outdoor: Both
• Heat source: Steam unit
• Extra features: Chair, floor mat, and microfiber towel
• Price: $449 $349 (use code FM10 for 10% off)

The Sauna Box is a compact steam sauna tent perfect for solo steam sessions. Note that this differs from traditional and infrared saunas because it doesn't use a stove or heater to generate warmth, instead it uses a portable steam unit to pump hot, humid air into the tent up to 120 F. This modality can still work wonders to help relieve muscle tension, circulate oxygen throughout the body, and cleanse the skin with a good sweat just like a sauna, but don't expect it to be a dry heat! The SaunaBox is designed for indoor or outdoor use, but don't leave it outside because it's not totally weatherproof.

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Best Home Sauna Alternative: MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket V2

• Style: Sauna blanket
• Number of people: 1
• Material: PU leather exterior, waterproof inside & non-toxic fabrics
• Dimensions: 71” long (maximum user height is 6’4”)
• Weight: 22 lbs
• Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor only
• Heat source: Far infrared heaters
• Extra features: Remote control
• Price: $599 $499

This sauna blanket is a great alternative to a full size sauna if you want many of the same benefits as an infrared sauna but don't have the space or budget. With infrared heaters built into the polyurethane material, users simply slip in to this sleeping bag style blanket and use a remote control to adjust the heat levels and length of time. With a pretty impressive range of 95-197 F, this sauna blanket will definitely give you a good, cleansing sweat in the comfort of your own home. It's portable, easy to clean, and can be quickly stashed away in your closet when not in use. Not too shabby!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do home saunas cost?

Budget and space will dictate much of your decision making when it comes to choosing a home sauna. Even though the total cost of a home sauna is different for everyone, in general, you can expect to budget $400-$10,000 for a well-made, high-quality home sauna. Yes, that’s a pretty big price range, but it illustrates the wide variety of home sauna options and prices available on the market.

As it goes for any home project, always budget more time and money to cover labor (whether that’s you or a hired professional) and additional material costs. In the end, the reward of building something with your own two hands is a wonderful experience—even if you had to make a few trips to the hardware store.

What type of sauna is the best for home?

Pick a sauna that works best in your space. Saunas can be installed indoors or outdoors, and depending on the model, they can be fairly low-maintenance once it’s up and running. Most saunas will function just fine as a home sauna, so choose one that fits your budget, space, and preferences.  

Are home saunas any good?

Yes, home saunas are just as good as the kind of sauna you might relax in at a spa or other public sauna. Many manufacturers sell high-quality home sauna kits that supply you with all the building materials and accessories you need. Some even sell sauna building plans for those who really want a hands-on building process. Not DIY curious? Scope out the local market for experienced home sauna builders who can deliver one ready-made to your door. 

Are home saunas expensive to run?

This depends on whether you have an electric or a wood-burning stove. After the initial installation, you’ll only need to cover the cost of wood for a wood-burning stove. An electric stove will cost more to run, which depends on the size of the stove, how often and long you use it. Overall, the cost of running a home sauna with an electric stove isn’t that high. 

How much does a decent sauna cost?

The total cost is different for everyone, but in general, you can expect to spend $1,500-$13,000 for a well-made, high-quality home sauna; but remember to always round up and expect to pay a little bit more to cover unexpected costs.