The 8 Best Home Saunas To Aid With Muscle Recovery And Stress Relief

Type: Traditional | Dimensions: 54.3 x 63 x 79.5 inches | Capacity: 3 people | Max temp: 195 degrees | HSA/FSA eligible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year (heating element), 5 years (other components) | Extra features: Doormat, sauna rocks, bulkhead light, felt sauna hat, tempered glass door

Best for:

• Those looking for a sustainably made option
• Resisting the elements like fungi, rot and so on
• Dry heat up to 195 degrees

Skip if:

• You want to avoid a time-consuming assembly

If you’re looking for the traditional Finnish sauna experience, Redwood Outdoors is known for its high-quality dry saunas like this premium model. Available in two sizes—the above version for three people and a larger model for four people—the sauna is built to last at least 15 to 20 years: It’s made with FSC-certified Canadian Thermowood, an extremely durable treated wood that’s fungi- and rot-resistant, and tempered glass, which isn’t prone to shattering. It also comes with a popular Finnish heater, a Harvia KIP, that holds up to 40 pounds of rocks and can warm up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit in an hour, giving off a dry heat with humidity levels between 15% and 25%.

Additionally, while assembling the sauna isn’t a breeze, it’s not as arduous as with some other models. If you tag-team setup, it should take you around half a day from start to finish; to make sure you’re as efficient as possible, check out the brand’s video assembly guide on YouTube. Oh, and one more fun thing about this sauna: Along with a doormat, shingles, rocks, a wooden stool and backrests, each purchase comes with a traditional felt sauna hat to help keep your head cool during use.

Type: Infrared | Dimensions: 39 x 36 x 75 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Max temp: 140 degrees | HSA/FSA eligible: No | Warranty: 5 years (electronic parts), 1 year (material defects) | Extra features: Interior and exterior LED control panels, light therapy, Bluetooth capability  

Best for:

• Light therapy
• Smaller spaces
• A budget under $3,000

Skip if:

• You prefer a max temperature above 140 degrees
• You want a sauna you don’t have to use solo

Even the more budget-friendly home saunas are still big purchases, but this compact model from Dynamic Saunas costs just a fraction of our top pick above. It also punches above its weight. Featuring a phone booth-like structure made from reforested Canadian hemlock wood and tempered glass, the sauna has six carbon heating panels, interior and exterior LED control panels, and chromotherapy lights. It also features a Bluetooth-capable sound system and two speakers with a pre-amp. It also doesn’t take long for the sauna to reach its maximum temperature of 140 degrees—just about half an hour or so.

Type: Infrared | Dimensions: 68.8 x 50.8 x 81 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Max temp: 170 degrees | HSA/FSA eligible: With letter of medical necessity (LMN) | Warranty: 7 years | Extra features: Built-in Bluetooth sound system, medical-grade chromotherapy lighting

Best for:

• Light therapy benefits
• Lengthy warranty coverage (7 years)
• A nontoxic construction
• A straightforward, no-power-tools-required installation

Skip if:

• You want to remotely start your sauna

Compared with their traditional counterparts, infrared saunas typically heat up more quickly but don’t get as hot. It has to do with the heating mechanism: They emit wavelengths of infrared light, which penetrate the skin and warm your body without raising the temperature significantly. If those features appeal to you, this model from Sun Home Saunas—which is sold in versions that can fit two or three people and heats up to 170 degrees—is your best bet. 

While many infrared saunas only emit far wavelengths, the Equinox has a full-spectrum heating system that emits all three levels of infrared heat (near, mid and far) to provide the most health benefits. It also comes with a built-in Bluetooth sound system and medical-grade chromotherapy (also known as color therapy) lights; while there isn’t a ton of research into the latter, some people swear by its mental and physical benefits. Last, assembly isn’t too time-consuming: No power tools, screws or nails are required.

Type: Infrared | Dimensions: 71 x 35.5 inches | Capacity: 1 person | Max temp: 175 degrees | HSA/FSA eligible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year | Extra features: Handheld controller, carrying bag

Best for:

• A foolproof, high-quality sauna experience
• Easy storage
• Quick heating

Skip if:

• You’re very tall and want even heating for your entire body

For those who enjoy the sauna experience but don’t have the space for their own, a sauna blanket like this best-selling one from Higherdose (which also sells one of our favorite LED face masks) offers many of the same health benefits. Using far infrared heat, the blanket—which you get inside of like a sleeping bag—warms up to anywhere between 68 to 175 degrees, depending on which of the eight temperature settings you pick on the handheld controller. You can stay inside for up to 45 minutes, and when you’re finished, the whole thing folds up for easy storage.

For its portability and relative affordability, this blanket is especially popular among Forbes Vetted staffers, including operations manager Richard Molinaro. He’s been using the blanket two times a month for the past year. “I turn it up to level 8, so very high heat, and I’m always sad when the time is over,” he says. “My skin feels better, my body as a whole feels lighter. I also am very physically active, and it’s great for muscle recovery.” Just know that if you want to use the blanket without clothes, you have to buy the compatible insert; otherwise, you need to wear skin-covering clothes and socks inside.

Type: Steam | Dimensions: 95 x 68 x 71 inches | Capacity: 4 to 5 people | Max temp: 230 degrees | HSA/FSA eligible: Yes | Warranty: 2 years | Extra features: Ergonomic backrest, flip-up benches, mobile app control, phone mount, free Whoop band

Best for:

• Those who prefer extra-hot temperatures of up to 230 degrees
• A comfortable, ergonomic, visually appealing setup
• A group wellness experience

Skip if:

• You don’t want to spend several hours on assembly (or hire someone to do it)

Prefer upping the heat? The makers of the ubiquitous Cold Plunge Tub also has a sauna kit that comes highly recommended by our tester, senior reviews editor Anna Perling. The Sauna features a sweltering range of up to 230 degrees, thanks to its wall-mounted heater, which holds over 130 pounds of rounded olivine diabase stones. Perling says, “You can also turn the sauna on and set the temperature ahead of time via the brand’s app as long as the sauna is plugged in.” Do note that this sauna requires a 220-250 volt/50 amp outlet, which requires installation by an electrician; we recommend reviewing the manual before purchasing.

The Plunge’s modular “tongue in groove” design (think IKEA furniture) makes setup straightforward, and its high-quality cedar construction and weatherproof roof make it versatile. Further, the sauna has features like flip-up benches, a built-in sliding vent to help with circulation and a phone mount that helps you customize the space for relaxation, a hot yoga flow, workouts and more. Perling adds, “The extra glass panel alongside the wall is lovely for looking out into the landscape. The angled back wall allows for reclining, which makes sessions a bit more comfortable. The moody, colorful lights add some ambiance.” Note that the bottom bench is narrower and feels slightly cooler to sit on, but Perling says this isn’t a dealbreaker for her. 

Type: Traditional | Dimensions: 68.8 x 50.8 x 81 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Max temp: 195 degrees | HSA/FSA eligible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year (heating element), 5 years (other components) | Extra features: Doormat, shingles, backrest, bulkhead light, sauna rocks, felt hat 

Best for:

• Those looking for an option made with durable, sustainable wood
• Naturally resisting the elements (e.g., fungi and rot)
• Those who prefer dry heat up to 195 degrees
• Comparatively straightforward assembly

Skip if:

• You don’t want to spend over five hours on assembly

Don’t have space inside your home for a sauna? No problem. The Mini-Cube Sauna from the brand behind our favorite sauna overall is a durable, compact pick that can help you create a backyard oasis. Also, placing a sauna outside “will increase its health benefits, stacking the neurological and physiological benefits of exposure to nature with those of exposure to the heat from the sauna,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director at landscape design service Yardzen.

Like the brand’s indoor saunas, this one is made from the same weather-resistant materials, with many of the same options to upgrade. But with the brand’s outdoor models, you can swap out the standard Harvia KIP for a larger, Wi-Fi–compatible version that holds 130 pounds of stones. Just know that it’s an expensive swap: The upgrade heater costs nearly $2,000 more. For those drawn to the latter’s sleek design and the convenience it offers, though, the extra cost may be worth it. (If you’re looking for something a little bigger, we also like the company’s Cabin Sauna, which can accommodate four people.)

Type: Infrared | Dimensions: 51.5 x 57 x 82.7 inches | Capacity: 2 people | Max temp: 170 degrees | HSA/FSA eligible: With an LMN | Warranty: 3- or 6-year available to purchase | Extra features: Mobile-app enabled control system, Bluetooth surround sound system with built-in speakers, medical-grade chromotherapy LED lighting

Best for:

• Those who want both light therapy and a sauna
• Very easy assembly
• Panoramic viewing due to three-sided glass paneling
• Accessing Wi-Fi features

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a 2-person sauna under $10,ooo

Available in models that can accommodate two or five people, Sun Home’s outdoor-friendly Luminar saunas are luxurious, but we think they’re worth the investment if you’re seeking an infrared model. Equipped with full-spectrum heaters on the front glass and far infrared heaters throughout the cabin and in the floor, the sauna can reach up to 170 degrees. Plus, thanks to its aerospace-grade aluminum exterior, it can maintain optimal heat throughout, including in the cooler months. Additional features include Bluetooth surround sound, built-in speakers and chromotherapy lighting, all controllable via the mobile app. 

The only real—and for some people, big—downside of this sauna is that assembly is intensive. While you can tackle setup with two to four people, the brand recommends hiring a contractor for installation, especially if you don’t have experience putting together furniture. Just remind yourself that assembly will only take one day, after which you’ll be able to enjoy years of regular sauna use.

Type: Infrared | Dimensions: 38 x 32 x 32 inches | Capacity: 1 person | Max temp: 140 degrees | HSA/FSA eligible: No | Warranty: 1 year | Extra features: Folding chair, foot pad heating mat, wired controller 

Best for:

• Easy assembly that takes a few minutes
• Short sauna sessions of 30 minutes or less
• Those looking for an easily transportable solution

Skip if:

• You want something more attractive, longer-lasting and high-heating

If you don’t mind looking a little bit silly while using it, Serenelife’s Portable Sauna is popular for a reason: It’s inexpensive and easy to set up, and most importantly, it works. Made from insulated fabric, it’s essentially a tent you zip yourself into, with holes for your head and hands, plus a pocket to hold the remote. Inside, there’s an included folding chair to sit on, where you can stay for up to an hour while the three carbon fiber heating panels heat up to 140 degrees. Is this sauna chic? Well, no. But with it, you can turn any room of your home into your personal spa in mere minutes—and for some people, that’s all they want.