Best Home Saunas in 2025
Whether you want a backyard barrel sauna, a compact infrared unit for your spare room, or a portable steam sauna for apartment living — we've reviewed and compared the best options available. This guide covers every type of home sauna at every budget.
This guide is for homeowners, renters, and wellness enthusiasts looking to add sauna therapy to their daily routine without a gym membership.
- Best Overall: Almost Heaven Rainelle 2-Person Barrel Sauna — Cedar, 4.5kW heater
- Best Infrared: JNH Lifestyles Joyous 2-Person — Low EMF, 7 carbon heaters
- Best Budget: SereneLife Portable Steam Sauna — Under $200, foldable
- Best Outdoor: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Barrel — 6-person, stunning design
- Best for Apartments: Linego 1-Person Full Spectrum Infrared — Compact, low EMF, 110V
Types of Home Saunas
Before choosing, understand the four main types:
- Traditional / Finnish Sauna: Uses an electric or wood-fired heater with rocks. Pours water over rocks for steam ("löyly"). Operates at 150–195°F (65–90°C) with 10–20% humidity. The authentic experience.
- Infrared Sauna: Uses infrared panels to heat your body directly (not the air). Operates at lower temperatures: 120–150°F (49–65°C). More comfortable for heat-sensitive people. Lower energy costs. See our dedicated infrared sauna guide →
- Barrel Sauna: A traditional sauna in a cylindrical barrel shape. The round design heats 23% more efficiently than square saunas (less dead air space). Usually placed outdoors. Beautiful aesthetic.
- Portable / Steam Sauna: Foldable fabric enclosures with a steam generator. Your head stays outside. Budget-friendly ($100–300) and apartment-friendly. Not a true sauna experience, but delivers genuine heat benefits.
Best Overall: Almost Heaven Rainelle Barrel Sauna
Almost Heaven Rainelle 2-Person Barrel Sauna
Price: $3,499 | Type: Traditional barrel | Capacity: 2 persons | Heater: 4.5kW Harvia
The Rainelle is the sweet spot between quality, size, and price. Built from Canadian white cedar (naturally rot-resistant and aromatic), it comes with a Finnish-made Harvia KIP 4.5kW heater — the gold standard in sauna heating. It reaches 175°F within 30–40 minutes.
Assembly takes 4–6 hours with two people. The barrel design requires minimal site prep — a flat gravel or concrete pad is sufficient. The pre-cut, numbered stave system means no special tools needed beyond a screwdriver and rubber mallet.
The Rainelle's barrel shape heats more efficiently than rectangular saunas. Users consistently report it reaching and holding temperature faster, with lower electricity costs ($15–25/month with 4 sessions/week at average US electricity rates of $0.16/kWh).
- Pros: Harvia heater, Canadian cedar, efficient barrel design, beautiful aesthetics, 2-year warranty
- Cons: Outdoor only, 2-person limit (snug), requires assembly, cedar needs annual sealing
Best Infrared: JNH Lifestyles Joyous 2-Person
JNH Lifestyles Joyous 2-Person Infrared Sauna
Price: $1,699 | Type: Far infrared | Capacity: 2 persons | Heaters: 7 carbon fiber panels
JNH Lifestyles has been the top-selling infrared sauna brand on Amazon for years, and the Joyous model shows why. Seven carbon fiber heating panels provide even, full-body coverage with ultra-low EMF levels (below 0.5 mG at seating distance — well under the 3 mG safety threshold).
The Canadian hemlock construction is tongue-and-groove assembled — two people can set it up in 45 minutes with no tools. Plug into a standard 120V outlet (15A circuit). It reaches 130°F in about 15 minutes and maxes at 150°F.
Includes Bluetooth speakers, LED chromotherapy lighting, and a digital control panel. At 47.3" × 39.4" × 75", it fits in most spare rooms, basements, or large walk-in closets.
- Pros: Ultra-low EMF, 7 heaters for full coverage, easy assembly, Bluetooth, affordable for infrared
- Cons: Far infrared only (no full spectrum), interior can feel tight for 2 larger adults
Best Budget: SereneLife Portable Steam Sauna
SereneLife Portable Infrared/Steam Sauna
Price: $159–199 | Type: Portable steam | Capacity: 1 person | Power: 800W
The SereneLife is the most practical entry into home sauna therapy. Unfold it, plug it in, and you're sweating within 10 minutes. Your head stays outside the enclosure (which many people prefer — no stuffiness or difficulty breathing).
The 800W steam generator reaches 113°F inside the tent with high humidity. It's not the same as a traditional dry sauna, but research shows steam saunas produce similar cardiovascular and detoxification benefits. A 2018 study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that regular sauna bathing (including steam) was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
Folds down to a 27" × 15" × 6" bag. Perfect for apartments, dorms, or anyone who wants sauna benefits without dedicating permanent space.
- Pros: Under $200, sets up in 2 minutes, folds away, no installation, works in apartments
- Cons: Not a real sauna experience, steam only, 1 person, fabric can feel cheap
Best Outdoor: Redwood Thermowood Barrel Sauna
Redwood Outdoors 6-Person Thermowood Barrel Sauna
Price: $5,899 | Type: Traditional barrel | Capacity: 4–6 persons | Heater: 8kW Harvia
If you have the space and budget, the Redwood Thermowood barrel sauna is the ultimate backyard statement piece. The thermowood (heat-treated Nordic spruce) is more dimensionally stable and rot-resistant than standard cedar, with a stunning dark honey color that doesn't require staining.
The 8kW Harvia heater cranks to 190°F in 25–30 minutes. At 7' long × 6' diameter, it comfortably seats 4 adults (6 friendly adults). The included tempered glass door and two bench levels let you choose your heat intensity — higher bench is hotter, lower bench is milder.
- Pros: Stunning design, 6-person capacity, thermowood durability, powerful 8kW heater, glass door
- Cons: Premium price, requires concrete pad, heavy (600+ lbs), professional delivery recommended
Home Sauna Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Type | Capacity | Max Temp | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almost Heaven Rainelle | $3,499 | Barrel / Traditional | 2 person | 190°F | Overall best |
| JNH Joyous | $1,699 | Infrared (far) | 2 person | 150°F | Indoor infrared |
| SereneLife Portable | $159 | Portable steam | 1 person | 113°F | Budget / apartments |
| Redwood Thermowood | $5,899 | Barrel / Traditional | 4–6 person | 195°F | Outdoor / groups |
| Linego 1-Person IR | $1,299 | Infrared (full spectrum) | 1 person | 150°F | Apartments / compact |
Home Sauna Buying Guide
How Much Does a Home Sauna Cost?
Home saunas range from $150 for a portable steam sauna to $10,000+ for a custom-built room. Here's the breakdown by type:
- Portable steam sauna: $100–300
- 1-person infrared sauna: $800–2,000
- 2-person infrared sauna: $1,500–4,000
- 2-person barrel sauna: $2,500–4,500
- 4-6 person barrel sauna: $4,000–8,000
- Custom sauna room: $5,000–15,000+
Operating costs run $15–50/month for electric saunas (4 sessions/week at average US electricity rates).
Infrared vs. Traditional: Which Is Better?
Neither is objectively "better" — they're different experiences with overlapping benefits:
- Traditional: Higher temps (150–195°F), real steam, authentic Finnish experience. Requires more space, energy, and ventilation. Better for those who love intense heat.
- Infrared: Lower temps (120–150°F), heats body directly, easier to tolerate. Uses less electricity, simpler installation (110V plug). Better for beginners, heat-sensitive people, and apartments.
Both produce cardiovascular benefits. A Finnish study tracking 2,315 men over 20 years found that frequent sauna use was associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality — regardless of sauna type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot should a home sauna be?
Traditional saunas: 150–185°F (65–85°C) is the standard range. Finnish Sauna Society recommends 175°F (80°C). Infrared saunas: 120–150°F (49–65°C) is typical. The lower air temperature doesn't mean less effective — infrared heats your body directly, so you'll sweat profusely at lower ambient temperatures.
How long should you stay in a sauna?
Start with 10–15 minutes for beginners. Experienced sauna users typically do 15–25 minutes per session, sometimes with cool-down breaks. The Finnish tradition involves 2–3 rounds of 10–15 minutes with cold plunge or shower breaks between rounds. Stay hydrated — you'll lose 0.5–1 liter of sweat per session.
Do home saunas use a lot of electricity?
Less than you'd think. A 1-person infrared sauna uses 1.5–2 kW — roughly the same as a hair dryer. A 30-minute session costs about $0.25–0.50. A traditional sauna with a 4.5kW heater costs about $0.75–1.50 per session (including warm-up time). At 4 sessions per week, expect $15–30/month.
Can I put a sauna in my apartment?
Yes — with the right type. Portable steam saunas ($100–300) work anywhere with a power outlet. 1-person infrared saunas plug into standard 110V outlets and fit in a 4' × 3' floor space. No special ventilation or plumbing required. Check your lease for any restrictions, and use a mat underneath to protect flooring.
Do saunas increase home value?
According to real estate data from Zillow, homes with saunas sell for 1.7% more on average than comparable homes without. Built-in saunas (especially outdoor barrel saunas) are seen as premium amenities. Portable and freestanding units don't affect home value but are great personal investments.