The 7 Best Home Saunas, According to Fitness Editors and Experts

ProsPerfect aesthetic and build for outdoor useEfficient heat circulationEasy DIY assemblyConsNot ideal for indoor useThe Almost Heaven Salem Barrel Sauna offers a distinctive, rustic charm that instantly elevates any backyard or outdoor space. I used this sauna as part of a backyard setup, surrounded by trees, and have to say it was a perfect unit for that kind of scenario. I could also see it being great in a suburban environment.The elevated barrel design isn’t just for aesthetics—the curved shape promotes efficient heat circulation and minimizes warm-up time, creating a consistently cozy environment inside. Constructed from high-quality, thick cedar or spruce staves, the Salem feels sturdy and well-built, with a pleasing natural aroma that adds to the overall sauna experience.Setting up the Salem Barrel Sauna on your own is entirely manageable, with pretty helpful instructions provided online and pre-cut components that slide in easily. Another pair of hands makes it go by faster, and you can do it in an afternoon. The materials were chosen to handle all kinds of elements, and the heater is compact and effective, whether you go with electric or wood-burning.There are more expensive units out there that have more tech and more glass, but I personally prefer this kind of experience. The two-person option is great because it allows you to recover with a partner, or if you are doing a solo session gives you even more space to spread out and soak in the heat.Read More: Best Cold PlungesTypeElectric (other options available)MaterialsWoodMaximum Temperature195°FMaximum Capacity2DeliveryIncludedOverall Dimensions78 x 47 x 75 ⅜ in.Power Required240V, 30-amp requirement, hard-wire connectWeight601 lbsProsDelivers both infrared and red light therapyUser-friendly techBuilt with premium woodsConsRequires space and dedicated electrical outletOur Editorial Director Richard Dorment chose this sauna to install into his own basement. What started as an empty closet next to his family gym became the perfect spot for a compact, high-tech infrared sauna. The Aspire’s sleek, spa-like design is a far cry from the clunky, old-school wooden boxes you have seen in the past. Assembly required additional hands, but the color-coded wiring and well-engineered panels made it feel more like building a premium piece of furniture than tackling a complicated renovation.Once installed, the mPulse Aspire delivers a unique blend of near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths, along with integrated red-light therapy—features that set it apart from most home sauna options. The heat doesn’t slam you like a traditional hot-rock sauna; instead, it builds slowly and steadily, enveloping you in warmth from the back and sides. While near-infrared and red light work more on the surface (with some evidence for benefits like improved skin quality and reduced inflammation), the mid and far wavelengths penetrate deeper, promoting a sweat that’s both cleansing and restorative.Beyond the heat and light, the Aspire’s built-in Android tablet and sound system add a level of modern convenience, letting you listen to music or catch up on shows while you unwind. This isn’t a budget-friendly impulse buy—it requires dedicated space, electrical work, and a real commitment to consistent use. But if you’re ready to treat wellness as part of your home infrastructure, the mPulse Aspire excels at transforming recovery into a ritual.Read More: Our Full Review of the Sunlighten mPulse AspireTypeInfraredMaterialsBasswood and EucalyptusMaximum Temperature160°FMaximum Capacity1DeliveryIncludedOverall Dimensions43.6 x 41.6 x 78.5 in.Power RequiredDedicated 120V 20A Circuit RequiredWeight432 lbsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Courtesy of RetailerProsDurable hemlock wood constructionModern, minimalist designLow EMFSimple, clip-together assemblyChromotherapy reading light and interior/exterior control panelsThis infrared model from Dynamic Saunas ticks most of our must-have boxes. The design is minimalist, lightweight, and easy to install, with clasp-together panels that go together in less than an hour. With low EMF energy-efficient panels, it'll save you a bit on electricity in the long run, too.We found that its compact build can still house up to two people, making it ideal for tight indoor spaces where square footage is at a premium. Giordano loves the durable hemlock wood construction, chromotherapy lighting for a spa-like vibe, and safety settings. Plus: Free curbside delivery!Read More: Best Compression Boots, Tested By UsFeatures at a GlanceTypeInfraredMaterialsHemlock woodMaximum Temperature140°FMaximum Capacity2DeliveryFree curbsideOverall Dimensions39 x 36 x 73 in.Weight250 lbsCredit: Courtesy of RetailerProsBeautiful, modern design feels worthy of a luxury spaDurable, ultra-premium, no-expense-spared constructionLED chromotherapy lightingPremium entertainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and an iPad holder5-year warrantyConsExpensive compared to alternatives30-amp circuit required for 3-person modelSteep delivery chargeHigherdose's ultra-luxe home saunas are as good as it gets. The design is the swankiest we've seen all year, and the durable, premium construction is backed with a solid, five-year warranty. This full-spectrum infrared system maxes out at 174°F, courtesy of carbon/ceramic heaters with low EMF and added chromotherapy to boot.On the downside, you'll pay handsomely for the privilege of this model (plus a $1,000 delivery charge). However, you can save by opting for the smaller two-person model with many of the same features.Read More: Best Infrared Sauna Blankets, Tested By UsFeatures at a GlanceTypeInfraredMaterialsEngineered wood exterior, mahogany interiorMaximum Temperature174°FMaximum Capacity3Delivery$999 (3-person), $899 (2-person)Overall Dimensions77 x 71 x 48 in.WeightUnspecifiedAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsUltra-portable design is easy to transport, setup, and take downIncludes a folding chairGoes up to 149℉Very affordableConsNot really a true saunaFor an ultra-compact, portable, and budget-friendly alternative to a legit home sauna, we like this steam/sauna box from X-Vcak. It's a no-frills option, for sure. There's only room for one and a folding camp chair along with the portable steamer.The trade-off is a crazy simple design that you can take almost anywhere and set up/break down in less than 20 minutes. The max 149℉ won't compete with a genuine home sauna, but it's still a great way to get a sweat session.Read More: Sauna BenefitsFeatures at a GlanceTypeSteamroomMaterialsWaterproof canvasMaximum Temperature149°FMaximum Capacity1DeliveryFreeOverall Dimensions71 x 31.5 x 31.5 in.Weight15.87 lbsProsLuxurious, modern design with double-pane glass exteriorHeat-treated, carbonized cedar is extremely durableMobile-app-enabled to control Bluetooth surround sound and thermostatRoomy enough for the whole familyConsLarge, heavy designRequires more than one person to assembleDedicated 30-amp circuit requiredIf money is no object, this five-person model is better than any other large home sauna on the market. The handsome, modern design is bolstered by all-weather, carbonized, heat-treated cedar (i.e. incredibly durable), and most features are handled via a dedicated mobile app. With 15 high-output heaters (including five infrared heaters), it heats up fast and evenly, especially compared to the cheaper options on this list.Luxury features include Bluetooth surround sound and customizable LED lighting. Plus, it's indoor- and outdoor-compatible. It's big, heavy, and expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for. If only the best will do …Read more: Best Massage Guns, Tested By UsFeatures at a GlanceTypeInfraredMaterialsCarbonized heat-treated cedar woodMaximum Temperature140°FMaximum Capacity5DeliveryFreeOverall Dimensions82 x 82 x 51.5 in.Weight1,270 lbsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsCompact, portable, and easy-to-useZippered closure seals heat inCustomizable heat settings1-hour safety shut-offCarry bag includedConsInsert sold separatelyIf legit saunas are too big, expensive, or both for your taste, this sauna blanket is a solid option. The design is dead simple to use: Just climb inside, zip yourself up, and crank the heat to any of the eight available settings to start your sweat. It gets pretty hot (up to 158°F!), but thankfully, there's a built-in shutoff feature to prevent you from accidentally cooking yourself. A washable bamboo insert is sold separately, but worth the splurge, especially if you'll be using this on the regular. Otherwise, testers say that this can be a pain to clean without the insert.Features at a GlanceTypeBlanketMaterialsPolyurethane leatherMaximum Temperature158°FMaximum Capacity1DeliveryFreeOverall Dimensions71 x 31 in.WeightUnspecifiedCharles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.