For those looking to enjoy even more of the relaxation and rejuvenation that a sauna can bring 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 favorite, thanks to its extremely 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 an optional color therapy feature.
Regularly using a sauna at home has many benefits, from speeding up muscle recovery to detoxifying the body. But the health benefits of saunas go far beyond that, says Dr. John Bissognonho, interim director of cardiovascular medicine at UM Health’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center. “Using a sauna regularly for about 20 minutes once a week has been shown to help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as reduce stress,” he says. Plus, sauna use may reduce your overall risk of death, according to a 2015 report in JAMA Internal Medicine.
With so many options on the market, the Forbes team did a thorough research and selection process to determine the best home saunas in each category, taking into account feedback from sauna users, including staff and industry experts. We looked at different types, including traditional dry saunas (with electric, gas, or wood stoves), models that use infrared heat, and those that use steam; we evaluated the saunas’ design, size, performance, ease of use and maintenance, and overall value. Based on our research, we’ve selected the eight best saunas for 2025.
Type: Traditional | Capacity: 3 | Dimensions: 54.3 x 63 x 79.5 in. | Additional Features: Door Mats, Shingle, Backrest, Bench Seat, Light on Bulkhead, Traditional Felt Sauna Cap, HSA/FSA Certified | 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 top-of-the-line model. Available in two sizes, the model above sleeps three people, and the larger model sleeps four. This sauna is designed to last at least 15 to 20 years, and it’s made from Scandinavian Thermowood (an extremely durable, treated wood that’s resistant to fungus and corrosion) and tempered glass, making it shatterproof. It also comes with the popular Finnish Harvia KIP heater, which holds up to 40 pounds of rocks and heats up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit in an hour, producing dry heat with humidity levels between 15 and 25 percent.
Additionally, while the sauna isn’t a simple task to assemble, it’s not as labor-intensive as other models. If you’re working with several people, it should take about half a day from start to finish; you can watch a video tutorial on YouTube to see how it works best. Oh, and here’s another bonus: in addition to the mat, tiles, rocks, wooden benches, and backrests, each sauna comes with a traditional felt sauna hat to 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 typically heat up faster but at a lower temperature than traditional saunas. This is due to the heating mechanism: infrared saunas emit infrared light of varying wavelengths that penetrate the skin and warm your body without significantly increasing the temperature. If these characteristics interest you, then this sauna from Sun Home Saunas is your best choice – it is available in a two- or three-person version and heats up to 74 degrees Celsius.
While many infrared saunas only emit far-infrared wavelengths, the Equinox features a full-spectrum heating system that emits three levels of infrared light: near, mid, and far, which provides the most 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 people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. Finally, assembly is quick and easy: no power tools, screws, or nails are 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 can cost a pretty penny, but this compact model from Dynamic Saunas is a fraction of the price. And its performance far exceeds its price range. The phone booth-style structure is made from reclaimed Canadian hemlock and tempered glass and features six carbon fiber heating panels, an LED control panel inside and out, 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 Fahrenheit (about 74 degrees Celsius) very quickly — in about half an hour.
Type: Infrared | Capacity: 2 or 5 people | 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- or five-person models, Sun Home’s Luminar saunas are ideal for outdoor use. But if you’re looking for an infrared model, we think this sauna is definitely worth the investment. The sauna features full-spectrum heaters on the front glass, as well as far-infrared heaters throughout the sauna and on the floor, which can reach temperatures up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum body, it will 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 real downside to this sauna (and for some, the biggest) is the labor-intensive assembly process. While it can be done by two to four people, the brand recommends hiring a contractor to install it, especially if you don’t have experience assembling furniture. Just remember that assembly only takes a day, and you’ll be able to enjoy your sauna 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 durable, compact, and portable, helping you create a backyard oasis. Plus, placing a sauna outdoors “expands its health benefits by complementing the natural landscape with the neurological and physiological benefits of sauna heat,” 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 has many of the same upgrade options. However, with the brand’s outdoor models, you can replace the standard Harvia KIP sauna with a larger, Wi-Fi-enabled version that can hold up to 130 pounds of rocks. It’s important to note that the upgraded heater won’t come cheap: Upgrading the heater will cost nearly $2,000 more. However, for those who are drawn to the latter’s stylish design and convenience, the extra cost may be worth it. (If you’re looking for a larger sauna, we also recommend the company’s cabin sauna, which can accommodate four people.)
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, it works. It’s made from insulated fabric and is essentially a tent that zips up, has holes for your head and arms, and a pocket for the remote control. Inside, there’s a folding chair you can sit on for up to an hour, and three carbon fiber heating panels reach temperatures of up to 140 degrees. Is this sauna stylish? Well, not fashionable. 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 room for a blanket, a best-selling sauna blanket like this one from Higherdose (which also sells one of our favorite LED masks) can provide many of the same health benefits. The sauna blanket uses far-infrared heat, and when you wrap yourself in the blanket like a sleeping bag, the temperature rises to between 68 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit (about 19 to 55 degrees Celsius) depending on the 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 sauna blanket can be folded for easy storage.
The blanket is especially popular with Forbes-certified employees, including operations manager Richard Molinaro, because it’s easy to carry and relatively affordable. He’s used the blanket twice a month for the past year. “I had it on level 8, and it was really hot, and I was sad every time it ran out,” he said. “My skin feels better and my whole body feels lighter. I’m also very active, which is great for muscle recovery.” Keep in mind, though, that if you want to use the blanket naked, you’ll need to buy a compatible pad; otherwise, you’ll need to wear form-fitting 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
Prefer it hotter? The makers of the popular Cold Plunge Tub also make a sauna kit that our tester, Senior Reviews Editor Anna Perling, highly recommends. This wall-mounted sauna stove holds more than 130 pounds of rounded olive diabase and reaches a maximum temperature of 230 degrees Fahrenheit (107 degrees Celsius). “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,” Perling says. Note that this sauna requires a 220-250V/50A outlet and should be installed by an electrician; we recommend reading 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 features a reversible bench, built-in sliding vents for air circulation, and a phone holder to help you organize your space for relaxation, hot yoga, exercise, 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 treatment more comfortable. Bright lighting adds ambiance.” It should be noted that the bench underneath is narrow and can be a little chilly 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.
Dr. John Bissogniono, acting director of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center, said using any type of sauna once or more a week for up to 20 minutes can provide benefits for the heart, brain, and other organs. Both dry and infrared saunas stimulate sweating and dilate blood vessels. Although Dr. Bissogniono said, “There haven’t been any 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 you prefer an infrared sauna or a dry sauna (wood-fired or electric) comes down to personal preference. A dry sauna heats the surrounding air, typically to temperatures between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit (about 74 and 84 degrees Celsius). Infrared saunas use infrared radiation to heat the body to temperatures between 120 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit (about 49 and 73 degrees Celsius). 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 there is enough room to move around and open the door easily. Most two- or three-person saunas are 4 x 6 feet or 5 x 7 feet, while larger saunas can be 12 x 12 feet or even larger. Many people install a 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 placement, “it’s usually best to place a sauna on the edge of a space rather than in the center,” says Kevin Lenhart, a licensed landscape designer. “This minimizes their impact on the flow of people between spaces.” However, he does recommend placing a sauna “where windows face the main house” to encourage you to use it. Finally, “make sure it’s easy and comfortable to get in and out of the sauna, even in inclement weather,” he adds.