The 10 Best Outdoor Saunas to Relax and Unwind In Your Own Backyard
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It’s safe to assume that we’re not all frequent sauna-goers on the regular. Unless you’ve got a premium spa membership or you’re just sweating it out with the folks in your gym’s steam room, it’s never been easier to bring that aaah feeling home with you. And sure, we love our indoor saunas, but if you’ve got limited space inside or want something the whole family can use, then an outdoor sauna might be the best option for you. While they may seem like an impossible luxury to build in your backyard or park in your garage, don’t sweat the small stuff — there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank.
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The best outdoor saunas can be used year-round, but they can especially help you get through the winter when the temperatures start to drop. While saunas have traditionally been used across Northern Europe as far back as 2000 B.C., personal outdoor saunas have risen in popularity lately thanks to their ease of use in bringing self-care and supposed health benefits straight to your backyard. Whether you need a pick-me-up after it starts getting dark at 3 p.m., or you’d just prefer to sweat through the warmest months of the year, we’ve got you covered.
Fortunately, it’s never been easier to buy and install your own outdoor sauna at home (although there are prefabricated options too if you just want to set it down and start steaming immediately). We’ve curated this list of options based on 4+-star customer ratings and well-regarded brands that sell a mixture of traditional, infrared, and even wood-burning saunas. Who knows, you might start to feel so relaxed readings these reviews you’ll want to get sweating immediately.
In This Article
The Best Outdoor Saunas
Outdoor Sauna Buying Guide
The Best Outdoor Saunas
We’ve broken down the best outdoor saunas to buy for your home, considering comfort, design, ease of construction, and overall value. Here are our top picks.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
BEST INFRARED: LTCCDSS Outdoor Far Infrared Sauna
BEST STEAM: Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna
BEST SPLURGE: ALEKO Canadian 8-Person Traditional Steam Sauna
BEST BUDGET: Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna
1. Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Made to be used in every season, this next-gen outdoor sauna will keep you sweating no matter what the temperature feels like outside. The Luminar is the only outdoor infrared sauna equipped with 15 high-output heaters (10 full spectrum and 5 FIR) strategically positioned around the cabin so you receive those warming wavelengths at all angles. The smart sauna is also constructed with heat-treated carbonized wood to maintain its temperature in most weather conditions. It also comes with a mobile-app enabled control center, Bluetooth sound, chromotherapy, and exterior LED lighting, if getting ripping hot wasn’t enough.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I have a friend in the NBA who got the Luminar before it was listed on the site and when I tried it at one of their houses I had to get it. Not only it is it the best infrared sauna I’ve ever been in but it looks absolutely stunning. The sound system bumps and the heaters are crazy powerful for infrared. This is the future of saunas.” —Phil G.
2. LTCCDSS Outdoor Far Infrared Sauna
While a traditional sauna will heat the air around you to make you sweat, infrared saunas use panels that emit infrared light waves. But if you’re worried about EMF (electrical magnetic field) exposure from infrared saunas, this low-EMF LTCCDSS Outdoor Sauna can give you some peace of mind. This sauna includes interior chromotherapy lighting (basically color therapy) so you can read inside or just enjoy a brighter sauna atmosphere, and two Bluetooth speakers to listen to tunes and relax after a long day at work. It also boasts strong waterproof performance and high/low temperature resistance, so you know it’ll stand up to the elements year-round.
Promising Customer Feedback: “The sauna arrived ahead of schedule with only a small blemish from shipper. Assembled in just over an hour with help to put the roof on. Been using for about two weeks and noticed a nice drop in blood pressure for myself and my wife, back to normal, healthy range. While fairly small, it does tuck in nicely outside the house and is plug and play. We really like the bluetooth speaker system.” —Anonymous
3. Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna
When you picture a sauna out in the wild, it probably resembles this traditional steam model from Almost Heaven Saunas — old school canopy-barrel design, low light, and filled with calming steam. You can’t beat the classics, and when the 195ºF temps get too hot, you can cool off on the exterior benches before hopping back in. The Harvia 4.5kW electric heater can start heating up right away, or be delayed up to eight hours, and you can enjoy this pore-opening, full-body-dripping-with-sweat experience with up to four people.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Best purchase I’ve ever made! On cold days, it’s ready to go in a half an hour. Melt away all your stresses, cedar smells great, and so relaxing! I love it!” —Valorie
4. ALEKO Canadian 8-Person Traditional Steam Sauna
As luxe as saunas can get, the ALEKO Canadian 8-Person Traditional Steam Sauna is designed to “heat the air swiftly and efficiently,” maximizing the most out of the interior space without taking up too much room outdoors. It’s got a cozy outdoor cottage vibe, and the sauna has a gorgeous tempered glass windows, strategically placed on each side of the sauna for natural light purposes. For late-night sessions, the entry of the sauna can be lit by the 12v LED light for ease of access. We love that it can fit up to eight people, too, which is well worth the cost given the similar prices for smaller saunas on the market.
Promising Customer Feedback: “It’s high quality. A powerful tool for immune systems and even depression or anxiety. I’ve used a really expensive sauna at a health professionals office and I get better results from this dynamic sauna.” —Anonymous
5. Xmatch Far Infrared 1-Person Wooden Outdoor Sauna
If you don’t have much outdoor real estate to work with, then Xmatch Far Infrared 1-Person Wooden Outdoor Sauna is an affordable, entry-level pick that will still get you all the spa-worthy benefits. We like the modular, modern design, and while it only fits one person, it’d look great for the side of your patio or deck, and has Bluetooth compatibility for those solo sweat sessions. It’s got all the features you’d want from more premium picks packed into a space-saving package, from aesthetically pleasing LED lights, to a 10-15 minutes quick warm-up time.
Promising Customer Feedback: “First of all, I do not write reviews — I’m only writing this because I looked so long for the right sauna. This one is it! It’s easier setting it up than it is getting it out the box. I assembled mine within 20 minutes. The bluetooth speakers work great, as well. I use it twice a day, once in the morning and before I get ready for bed. It is SO relaxing! I’ve been sleeping better and I feel so refreshed after I come out.” —De’mond Glynn
6. Sun Home Saunas Panoramic Cedar Outdoor Sauna
The perfect combo of chic design and spa-quality functionality, Sun Home Saunas’ Panoramic Outdoor Sauna will sure to be the outdoor eye-catcher of any home. If you don’t love feeling like you’re in a cramped, wooden box, its unique tinted acrylic dome window provides an unparalleled view. Not only is it a handmade piece of art, the barrel design actually accelerates the heating capacity and it can reach 189ºF in minutes. It doesn’t just look good — it’s sturdy enough to withstand exposure to the elements (even snow).
Promising Customer Feedback: “I am using the sauna 5/7 days/week. I just love it. There are now some mornings when I wake up and feel no pain in my neck and shoulders. I look forward to more days like this. I am someone who is always cold to the touch, and now my family tells me to ‘Go to your cabin’ whenever I complain of being cold. I enjoy my time in the cabin. Sometimes I listen to the radio and do Sudoku puzzles, other times I read a novel. Last weekend I did hours of gardening that would normally leave me pretty sore, but I went to ‘my cabin’ and I feel that it diminished the soreness that should have been present.” —Jason X.
7. Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Garden Sauna
One of the most stylish saunas we’ve ever seen also happens to have some of the biggest capacity for when the whole family or crew want to get in on the experience. Not only is the Garden Sauna lovely to look at, the Scandinavian wood planks are built in an interlocking system that allows the wood to expand and contract naturally, designed to hold in even more heat. Everyone in your group can cycle between high and low heat with the two-level benches to enjoy the traditional Finnish experience, and modern touches like the WiFi controls on the digital wall mount just elevate the whole sauna.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I got the Garden Sauna! Man, I’m thrilled with how it performs and how it looks in my yard. Thinking about getting another one for my yard.” —Erick Label
8. SunRay Saunas 2-Person Outdoor Traditional Steam Sauna
Rarely do you see a traditional steam sauna this compact, which is why SunRay’s 2-Person Outdoor model stands out from the pack. The sauna is constructed of aged Canadian hemlock wood and a shingled roof which helps keep it ultra-durable and protected against the elements. It’s got incredible heat retention thanks to the double-paneled wall construction, along with a 4.5kW electric heater and lava rocks that can maintain temps of up to 170ºF. Small but mighty, it’s also got plenty of modern features for a traditional sauna, from mood lighting, to a Bluetooth speaker system.
Promising Customer Review: “Love this Sauna! I ordered it and had someone local install it. It says 2-person but it really only sits 1 comfortably, just FYI.” —Taylor
9. Redwood Outdoors Cedar Barrel Sauna
Don’t have enough room in your home, but still want the quintessential sauna experience? We love the Redwood Cedar Barrel Sauna, a six-person outdoor sauna made with the traditional Scandinavian design using 100% high-quality Canadian red cedar planks. Heating up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit in under an hour, this sauna gives you maximum versatility in the form of dry or steam heat (including a wood-burning stove option for steam from a crackling fire). Its digital Wi-Fi heater can also be controlled via the wall pad mounted nearby your sauna, or from any smartphone or tablet, allowing you to pre-heat your sauna whether you’re at the office or on the slopes.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Our barrel sauna from Redwood Outdoors is one of the best purchases we’ve ever made in terms of the health and wellness benefits we’ve already witnessed after just a few months of usage. In addition to being one of the best ways to decompress at the end of a busy work day, our quality of sleep has never been better. It also just looks great in our backyard and friends love to come over for a good sauna sesh. The quality of Redwood’s products are very good and putting together the kit took my husband less than 4 hours.” —Tory Black
10. ALEKO Wet Dry Barrel Sauna with Front Porch Canopy
What if you don’t want to choose between the pore-opening steam of a traditional sauna and the even heat of an infrared sauna? ALEKO’s Wet Dry Barrel Sauna is the best of both worlds, and comes with a 4.5 kW Harvia sauna heater and simple-to-operate dial, but also includes stones that you can pour water over to increase humidity levels and produce steam. This means the temperature has a pretty wide range depending on how hot you want it to get, from 158-194 degrees Fahrenheit. Bonus: the sauna kit comes partly pre-assembled with built-in venting holes to make releasing heat after your done even easier.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Great humidity with heat. Beautiful design. Great way to start or finish my day. Sauna is cooler near your feet; ergo, safe place to set phone while playing a podcast. Again, super zen. Easy to get a good sweat within 20 minutes.” —TJ
Outdoor Sauna Buying Guide
Here’s what we consider when picking the saunas on our list, from size and material, to other important features when shopping for one:
Capacity: Saunas come in a range of sizes, from small, 1-2-person options to larger models that can accommodate up to 6-7 people. If you’re looking for a sauna that you can use on your own, a smaller size will likely suffice. However, if you plan on sharing the sauna with others, a barrel-shaped model or something wider might be your best bet.
Material: Outdoor saunas need to be able withstand the elements and be well-constructed to retain heat. Wooden saunas are generally more durable and and smell great when the sauna gets hot, but they’re heavier and difficult to set up, not to mention more expensive. A sauna with a roof or tiled paneling might better protect against rain or snow.
Heat: When it comes to heating, there are two main options: infrared saunas and traditional saunas. Infrared heaters raise the temperature inside and give off a dry heat, while traditional saunas use heat from a wood-burning stove or steam to warm the air. Traditional saunas operate at higher temperatures, so they tend to be best for colder climates. An infrared sauna may be more enjoyable in hotter areas because of their lower temps, so it won’t just be heat on heat.
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