Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you purchase something through one of our links, we may earn a commission.
This story was produced by Men’s Journal in partnership with Sun Home Saunas.
Saunas are hardly a new phenomenon. Actually, it was first invented in Finland thousands of years ago and have only gained popularity in the centuries since.
Most people find saunas incredibly relaxing, which is reason enough to try sauna bathing (or invest in the best home saunas). However, research shows that saunas may also have health benefits. According review of studies Published in 2018, regular sauna use can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke and neurocognitive disease. It can also reduce the risk of flu, prevent or treat headaches and even treat some skin problems.
Infrared saunas are much newer. Invented by Japanese doctor Tadashi Ishikawa in 1965, infrared saunas have even more health benefits. Equipped with lamps that help the warmth penetrate the skin directly, some people find them more comfortable than regular saunas: While regular saunas heat to temperatures between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit, infrared saunas typically heat between 110 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
RELATED: The Best Cold Baths
The use of the infrared sauna is also associated with improved heart health, pain relief, relaxed muscles and a lower risk of depression and anxiety. They can also help you sleep more and improve your immune system.
The plethora of research highlighting the relaxing effects and physical health benefits of infrared saunas may have you wondering if you should invest in a home version. If so, here are the 10 best home saunas you should consider.
Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna, $6,299 (was $6,999) at Sun Home Saunas
If you’re looking for a compact home sauna that offers all the amazing mental and physical health benefits of an infrared sauna, look no further. Named the best home sauna by Sports Illustrated, Rolling rockand more, there are a few reasons why this model is so popular.
This two-person full-spectrum sauna uses high-efficiency heaters to deliver the most powerful and effective infrared therapy in the industry. Designed with EMF/ELF-blocking technology and equipped with medical-grade color therapy, this sauna is expertly constructed with a 100% solid wood frame and tongue-and-groove planks.
You can easily adjust the climate setting of the Equinox sauna with a digital control panel and it is equipped with a built-in premium Bluetooth surround sound speaker.
Heartwood Saunas Vapor, Price on request at Heartwood Saunas
For the ultimate warm and luxurious experience, look no further than Heartwood’s Steam Sauna. This sauna can accommodate up to four people and has five large double-sided windows with a glass door and stainless steel fittings.
Equipped with a HUUM electronic wood burning stove, this sauna features bench seating, an overhanging porch, subtle LED lighting and a green cedar shingle ceiling. With features like these, you won’t want to leave.
Majestic 75-inch Hemlock Fir Wood Sauna, $2,399 (was $2,779) at Lowe’s
With six energy-efficient charcoal heaters, this solid Hemlock wood sauna is easy to assemble and affordable, accommodating up to three people. It is equipped with indoor/outdoor digital control pad, adjustable ceiling vents and color therapy lighting system.
At 47 inches wide and 75 inches tall, the Majestic home sauna is a compact, economical choice.
Sun Home Luminar 5-Person Full Range Sauna, $8,999 (was $9,699) at Sun Home Saunas
If you want to expand your sauna experience to include a larger group, the five-person full-range sauna from Sun Home is a great choice. Designed for durability, this smart sauna is heat treated with carbonized wood and equipped with 15 high efficiency heaters (10 full spectrum and 5 FIR) positioned around the cabin for a luxurious, therapeutic experience. Durable and aesthetically superior, this sauna is durable and weatherproof.
HeatWave Premium Sauna Cedar Elite 4 to 5 Person, $5,085 at The Home Depot
Do you have a lot of space and a lot of people who like to bathe in the sauna? Look no further than this HeatWave sauna, which can fit up to five people. Constructed from 100% reforested Class A Canadian cedar to optimize heat retention and infrared technology to ensure energy efficient use, this sauna uses nine low EMF carbon heaters.
With a built-in audio system that includes a USB port for your phone or mp3 player, you can adjust both the sound and the temperature using an LED touch screen. This sauna is also equipped with towel hooks and a magazine rack for your most relaxing experience ever.
Thermowood Mini-Cube 2-Person Sauna, $4,999 at Redwood Outdoors
A compact sauna ideal for smaller outdoor spaces, this sauna has a simple, elegant design and is easy to assemble. Made from heat-treated Nordic softwood, the two-person sauna is dimensionally stable, weather-resistant and environmentally friendly. It’s also resistant to rot and fungus, so you don’t have to worry about it wearing out after a season or two.
The Thermowood mini cube features a sleek, minimalistic Scandinavian design that you’ll never tire of looking at, making it a great aesthetic choice too. It is one of the best outdoor home saunas.
Rusticus 2-3 person indoor sauna, from $5,056 at Renu treatment
Constructed of rustic cedar and equipped with stainless steel, this two- to three-person sauna can reach up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit in less than an hour. Equipped with soft LED lighting for a soft glow and relaxing atmosphere, this sauna is easy to set up and comes with pre-assembled wall and ceiling components.
With a large top bench and a small bottom bench, you’ll love everything about this high performance sauna.
Audra 2-4 Person Canopy Barrel Sauna, $5,606 (was $9,291) at Almost Paradise
With a unique and elegant circular shape crafted from rustic red cedar, this barrel style sauna will make a great addition to your home. With the ability to heat to temperatures up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, you can enjoy a traditional sauna experience with up to four people.
With internal benches, this sauna has an efficient design and requires a simple DIY assembly.
UltraLux Foldaway Sauna, $1,095 at UltraLux Health
For an ultra-lightweight sauna experience, choose the UltraLux Foldaway Sauna, which is a full-spectrum infrared sauna that will heat up in just 30 minutes. This portable sauna can heat up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit, with optimal infrared temperatures falling between 120 and 150 degrees.
Equipped with an organic bamboo chair and microfiber neck support, it doesn’t get more refreshing than this.
Nurecover Tropic Home Sauna Steam, from $349 at Nurecover
For another best portable home sauna option, look no further than the Nurecover Tropic Home, which is the best choice for a steam sauna. With a space-saving corner design and 100% body coverage, it can accommodate a 6-foot-tall person and includes a folding chair.
A fully portable, insulated wet steam sauna, this is a great choice if you live in a small space (or want to take your sauna with you wherever you go).
Everyone wants something different from their home sauna experience. Whether you want to reap the many health benefits of an infrared sauna or are looking for something light and portable, there’s something here for everyone.
Frequent questions
Are home saunas good?
Yes, most home saunas—both infrared and traditional—use much the same technology as one might find in saunas at a spa, gym, or sauna. But reading product descriptions carefully can help you determine if a sauna has the technology you’re looking for (like infrared vs. traditional sauna heaters), is the size you’re looking for, and so on.
What’s better than a sauna?
The benefits that saunas offer are unique, so it’s hard to say for sure that anything is “better” than a sauna. However, if you don’t feel like using the sauna, you can opt for an infrared blanket, a red light therapy device, or a steam room.
What are the disadvantages of a sauna room?
There are some risks to sauna use. Saunas can increase risk of dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water beforehand. For those trying to get pregnant, sauna use can inhibit sperm production in men. In addition, people with certain health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, epilepsy and high or low blood pressure should consult their doctor before using a sauna, as should pregnant women.
Which country has the best saunas?
Finland is where saunas were first invented thousands of years ago, and the country is still known for its sauna culture. However, the United States also has a strong sauna culture, with a variety of American companies selling home saunas. Many gyms in the US also have saunas, as do spas. Just be sure to do your research if you prefer an infrared sauna over a traditional sauna, as some spas and sauna parks use infrared saunas and others use regular saunas.
What is better: an infrared or traditional sauna?
That depends on what you’re looking for in terms of benefits. Thanks to heat lamps that penetrate directly into the skin, there is some evidence that infrared saunas can I help with pain relief, relax muscles and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. They may also help you sleep better, improve your immune system, and keep your heart healthy.
Traditional saunas, which have been around for a long time, also come with a handful of purported benefits—especially for your health. According review of studies, regular sauna bathing could reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke and may help slow cognitive decline. They could also improve your immune system, prevent or treat headaches, and more.
