We Tested the Market for Home Saunas — and Found Eight That Bring the Heat

Finding the perfect sauna was a Goldilocks conundrum: it needed to be large enough to feel roomy but not so bulky that it was an eyesore, with cutting edge bells and whistles that didn't overshadow performance. Yet Sun Home's Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna managed to deliver on all fronts. We loved the dark wood finish, the integrated Bluetooth audio, the remote heat control via mobile app, but most of all, the powerful, reliable infrared heating system. Its curved back rests and moody lighting lent a luxe feel that brought the spa experience right to our backyard… and after extensive testing, that's exactly where it's staying.

Barrel saunas cut a fun, playful profile that's right at home for a weekend cabin. Sisu's red cedar enclosure leads to more privacy and immersion than glass-front sauna options, and is made from wood sourced in the USA by Amish craftsmen (because why not?). We appreciated that this one was relatively easy to assemble, and worked as both a dry and wet traditional sauna within a wide range of temperatures. If the circular shape is what calls to you, then look no further.

Though the patent is still pending on The Pod Company's pop-up hot air sauna, the buzz around it is significant – and we can see why. In general we'd recommend steering clear of portable saunas, as they often resort to using plastics which can be all kinds of toxic when heated up. The Pod Company, however, has engineered a 100% natural black cotton frame that's both safe and durable enough for either indoor or outdoor use. While portable saunas can't replicate the full traditional sauna experience due to their much lower max temperature, at 185 Fahrenheit The Pod 2.0 clocks in higher than almost all of its portable competitors. That made our choice in this category a no-brainer.

For most consumers, the convenience of electric heating is unbeatable. But if you want to live your full Scandinavian fantasy, there's nothing more authentic than a wood-burning sauna. It takes some time to find your preferred temperature and cadence of burn, but the DIY experience – combined with the tin-roofed cabin shape – is as cozily rustic as it gets. This one can fit up to six people as well, while others on our list top out at two, so it's a very solid option if you're purchasing for your family.

Another win for Sun Home here, this time for their smaller, more flexible Equinox model, which works equally well indoors and out. The jet-black wood finish is extra striking, and we found the heat to be just as consistent and satisfying as in the more deluxe Luminar model. The full-spectrum infrared benefits mentioned above were even more pronounced with the Equinox, which provided us with noticeable stress relief and relaxation. Across both of their products that we tested, Sun Home's user experience was a cut above the rest, from the quicker heating time to the broader variety of lighting options. Boasting shoutouts everywhere from Wired to Rolling Stone, Sun Home can add The QE to its growing list of fans.

Want to sweat it out but don't have room for an entire unit? Opt for a sauna blanket instead. While in some ways comparing the two is like apples and oranges, HigherDose delivers enough serious heat. The infrared system is full-spectrum, which supports muscle recovery and tension release along with more holistic benefits like skin health and strengthened immunity. It's also equally easy to set up, clean up and put away after use, making it a seamless addition to nightly relaxation and/or post-gym routines.

Zipping yourself into a sauna blanket can be a bit too stifling for some of us, but not everyone has the room for a proper sauna setup. The sauna dome is a middle-ground option, small enough to stow away in the corner of a room but still providing coverage for most of the body when in use. We like Heat Healer's model for its combination of red light LED therapy in addition to solid infrared heaters. You'll want some extra add-ons to make the experience comfortable — namely a pillow and the right set of supportive blankets — but once secured, the horizontal orientation makes it all the easier to relax.

When it comes to finishes, there are lots of ways each sauna brand puts their own stamp on the product. The actual silhouettes, though, always cut a traditional profile… as evidenced by the fact that the barrel sauna is the "alt" version on the market. So there's something charming about the rounded edges of LeisureCraft's MiniPod sauna, a gently sloping riff on an A-frame that feels cozy before you even step inside. The Eastern White Cedar lumber adds soothing, neutral color too, plus you can customize the heater floor, chimney, and lighting options to your heart's content.