Because home saunas often combine water and electricity, it is important to find a model that is safe for home use. “Be sure to only purchase from reputable retailers,” said Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International. “This helps you avoid counterfeits that may not have built-in safety features like those which have been certified and tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), who ensures electrical products meet current safety standards and are safe with proper use.” We researched the best home saunas on the market, evaluating ease of assembly and use, comfort, design, and overall value. Our top pick, Dynamic Golden Designs Andora 2 Person Dry Heat Sauna, brings the style you would expect to see in a high-end spa with even, infrared heating, an intuitive LED display, and Bluetooth capability. Here are the best home saunas. The structure as well as the interior seats are made of extra thick Reforested Canadian hemlock planks that help keep the heat inside. The window and door are made of tempered glass that extends from the floor to the ceiling. The solid wood construction throughout makes it extra-durable and stylish (although it also makes it quite expensive). You can fit two people in this sauna, although they should be pretty comfortable with each other, because it is still a small space. Inside, there is also an AUX jack and a magazine rack, although these may not be the best use of the space if you don’t want paper or electronics inside a hot and sweaty environment. Price at time of publish: $2,299 The chair included is a simple, camp-style folding chair. It’s not the most comfortable seating for longer sessions in the sauna. You can choose to upgrade your chair, but keep in mind that this is a steam sauna—anything that goes inside will be exposed to plenty of moisture. While limited in features, this affordable option gives you a relaxing spa-like experience at home. Price at time of publish: $72 Keep in mind, this is a larger investment in both space and money as one of the largest and priciest saunas on our list. Aside from its overall dimensions, this sauna has a vent that requires some clearance, adding to the already large size. But if you have the space and budget, this high-quality sauna will provide both a stylish decor element and a spa-like retreat for years to come. Price at time of publish: $11,210 It does not have Bluetooth compatibility but does allow for an FM radio or MP3 connection. Keep in mind that you will need to have your device inside the sauna, which may pose an issue for some. It uses 20V power, and the company recommends that you use a licensed electrician if you need to adjust your setup. Price at time of publish: $4,999 This model fits two people side by side on a bench and comes with two backrests to make it more comfortable. It also has interior and exterior controls as well as lights. In a dark garage space, the light can really make the entire experience more enjoyable. You can also adjust the roof vent so that anything stored overhead doesn’t get heated. Price at time of publish: $3,019 This is a steam model, so you will need to have water on hand, and it does require a bit more complicated setup. It has two benches inside and can fit two people comfortably. It is a bigger investment but is made of solid cedar that weathers beautifully and comes with a lifetime warranty on the sauna itself and a 5-year warranty on the heater inside. Price at time of publish: $8,140 This sauna does not have an included floor—Almost Heaven Saunas recommends vinyl, concrete, ceramic, laminate, or tile. This may limit your locations to set up the sauna or add additional cost to the overall project. Since this is already an expensive sauna, you should take into consideration the added cost of flooring, periodic maintenance or replacement, as well as the position of the vent to reduce steam damage to the surrounding area. Price at time of publish: $8,924 Keep in mind that this is a portable sauna and doesn’t provide the same feeling of luxury as a permanently installed model. Also note that the steam option does have additional parts that are not stored as easily, such as the steamer unit. The infrared model uses a panel on the top of the tent. And even though it doesn’t have extra features, such as a speaker or Bluetooth capability, the infrared option is still quite expensive, especially compared to the best budget pick on this list. Price at time of publish: $270
Safety
It’s important to choose a home sauna that is equipped with safety glass and has simple and intuitive controls so that you can relax without worrying about overheating or getting locked in. When choosing a home sauna, be sure to choose the correct model for its intended location. And be sure to consult an electrician to make sure that you are installing it properly to keep you and your friends and family safe. “All wiring and repairs should be performed by a qualified electrician,” says Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
Extra Features
While the most important thing about a home sauna is its ability to help you sweat out toxins, you may want to consider a model that has extra features to heighten the experience. This might include built-in speakers so you can listen to music or podcasts, reading lights, or colorful and adaptable mood lighting.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer who specializes in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To make this list, she looked for home saunas that provided comfort and style while still being easy to set up and use. She also talked to Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International, about safety features and certifications that people should look for, as well as when to get the help of a professional with the installation.
“Saunas may take in a lot of power,” said Deerwester. “Consumers should have a qualified electrician provide a site assessment on their home to ensure their electrical system can support the sauna, and if not, they can make the necessary upgrades.”
Setting up the electrical components may be trickier, depending on where you want to install your home sauna. Make sure that your home can support the energy needs of the model. “You should have a qualified electrician inspect and upgrade your home sauna in accordance with applicable local codes and the National Electrical Code,” said Deerwester. Not only does this keep you safe, it also ensures that the sauna’s warranty stays in place.
