Your Backyard Is Not Complete Without an Outdoor Sauna

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If the only reason you're paying for a gym membership is to relax and unwind in the sauna, we have news for you: the best outdoor saunas can be purchased and installed right at home. For those who may be wondering whether or not they should place their sauna inside or outdoors, rest assured that there are no benefits one has over the other; they do the same thing no matter where they are. That said, for anyone who may not have space for a toolshed-sized unit in their home, placing it outdoors—where there are less physical restrictions— is always a good idea. Ahead, we not only rounded up the most stylish and effective saunas that will do everything from softening your skin to easing muscle pain, but we also chatted with three experts to get the lowdown on what makes a sauna good, which type is best for you, and, of course, why everyone could benefit from a few minutes indulging in the heat.

One of our experts, Roswell, New Mexico-based nurse practitioner Trent Carter, says that in addition to aiding in relaxation, stress relief, and improved muscle functionality, saunas boast quite a few benefits people may not even be aware of, including sweating. "Sweating in the sauna can facilitate the removal of toxins and impurities from the body through the skin. This may also improve skin tone, texture, and clarity by opening pores, promoting sweating, and enhancing skin hydration." Not to mention, regular sauna sessions (think 15 minutes two or three times a week) can massively improve immune function. Carter says, "Saunas can stimulate the production of white blood cells and activate the body's natural defense mechanisms."

Additionally, integrative wellness coach Kimberly Writt notes, "While nutrition and exercise still play a dominant role in one's overall well-being, people are now seeking a deeper connection to the physiological side and means to connect mind-body-spirit. A sauna is not only convenient but also helps to regulate the nervous system and stimulate serotonin levels." So, if you're in the market to explore a new avenue towards overall mental, emotional, and physical wellness, you may want to invest in a sauna. We've found the best outdoor options on the market, below.

Audra Steam Sauna

Though our list is in no particular order, this Audra sauna is one of our favorites. It fits up to four people, heats up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and includes a working vent. The fact that it's a luxurious barrel shape and includes two exterior benches only makes us like it more. Here's how to use it: Lounge inside with the door shut for anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes (any more could be dangerous), slowly stand back up, open the door, and sit on the exterior bench for five or so minutes to cool off without shocking your internal temperature and potentially injuring yourself. One reviewer says, "This is the best purchase I've ever made! On cold days, it's ready to go in a half an hour. The cedar smells great, and it is so relaxing. I love it!" There is some assembly involved, so if you don't have a set of power tools, you. may want to invest in some.

Type: Steam | Capacity: Four people | Material: Cedar

Infrared Sauna

Most saunas—especially outdoor ones—don't have windows to allow for maximum privacy. If there's no internal vent, however, a window or two is a must so that the unit can cool down properly. Unlike the previous sauna, this one uses light, as opposed to steam, to produce and distribute heat. According to Mayo Clinic, "An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to make heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a far-infrared sauna. 'Far' describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. A regular sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body." An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you." So if you don't find steam soothing, go for the infrared alternative.

This tiny house-like option comes complete with a Bluetooth speaker and LED reading light, so feel free to get comfortable in here. Did we mention it's actually super easy to put together, courtesy of the tongue-and-groove construction? One reviewer says, "I bought this as a Christmas present for my husband. It took him an hour to put together and was easy to assemble. It heats up in 15 minutes and is perfect for two smaller people or one larger person. He is 5'9 and I am 5'6 and we can comfortably be in there together."

Type: Infrared | Capacity: Four people | Material: Canadian hemlock

Eagle 2-person Outdoor Traditional Sauna

In our opinion, nothing is more physically soothing than spending time in a sauna on a freezing-cold day. Bonus points if there's snow on the ground. This sauna is specifically designed to survive and thrive in the elements, courtesy of the angled and shingled roof that propels rain and snow away from the door, which has a window. It also includes chromatherapy mood lighting, a Bluetooth speaker system, a hygrometer (which measures humidity), and a timer so you know when it's time to get out. "I have used this when I visited a friend who lives in Miami," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "I am admittedly not a big steam room or sauna user, but this really made me want to invest in one. (Sadly, I live in New York City with no outdoor space for a sauna). It was so relaxing and, I'm not sure why or how, but my skin felt so much softer afterwards."

Type: Steam | Capacity: Two people | Material: Hemlock

Western Cedar Sauna

Like the previous pick, this one utilizes both light and heat to both mentally and physically relax you. The former uses color to calm a worried or bustling mind, while the latter enlists infrared heat to warm your core temperature, which, in turn, loosens any aching muscles. The sauna is made of Canadian red cedar that both insulates and distributes heat and resists warping, making this a long-lasting pick that's worthy of its high cost. Another great element that you may not be bale to glean from the photo is the adjustable roof vent that works with the electronic oxygen ionizer to purify the air inside.

Type: Infrared | Capacity: Six people | Material: Canadian red cedar

Southport Steam Sauna

If you are not great with building things, you may just want to pay the additional $569 for expert assembly that will ensure the longevity of your sauna. It uses a traditional Harvia heater to produce temperatures up to 170 degrees. Once it's hot enough for you, make sure you use the included bucket, which you should fill with fresh water before stepping inside the sauna. Next, dip the spoon into the bucket and spill some water on the ultra-hot stones, from which steam will burst upwards (just be sure your face is not right over the stones when you do this.) One reviewer says, "This is amazing. My husband and I use it all the time. It is such a blessing to use in my own home, so that I don't have to go to the gym to use one."

Type: Steam | Capacity: Three people | Material: Hemlock

Knotty Barrel Sauna

This outdoor sauna is completely customizable, so if you're not 100 percent sold on one of the brand's offerings, feel free to change it. For instance, you can pick the heater type (think electronic or w0od-burning), the size, and the heater model. You can also tack a porch, changing room, windows, or overhanging roof (similar to the one pictured) onto your sauna. It also comes with an essential accessory kit, which includes a bucket, dipper, and a thermo-hygrometer, all of which will definitely enhance your experience. You can also seriously upgrade the interior of your sauna with everything from built-in lounge chairs or benches.

Type: Infrared | Capacity: Custom | Material: Western red cedar

Outdoor Infrared Sauna

This outdoor sauna looks more like a little house, but we don't suggest moving in for more than 20 minutes because this thing gets hot (think up to 150 degrees). Available in six sizes, this is a good option for anyone with particular needs because each one comes with various elements that enhance the experience. For instance, the four-person size (pictured) comes with Bluetooth speakers, chromotherapy lights, and benches on either end. It also utilizes non-radiation carbon crystal far-infrared heating plates, which both warm up and cool down within a matter of just 10 minutes. "I bought this over a year ago and have used it almost every single day since," one reviewer writes. "I was a bit nervous about it because of the price, but I have been so impressed with the quality of this sauna. It’s very easy to put together, I did it by myself, and I haven’t had a single issue with it."

Type: Infrared | Capacity: Four people | Material: Mahogany

Meet the Experts

Trent Carter is a certified nurse practitioner with more than 10 years of experience. Before taking his skills into hospitals and practices around the country, he earned his bachelor's degree in nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and, later, his master's in nursing from University of Cincinnati College of Nursing. In March of 2022, he founded Curednation, a telemedicine addiction treatment center.

Kimberly Writt is a Chicago-based integrative wellness coach and yoga-focused meditation instructor. She earned her wellness coaching certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and her meditation certificate from Chicago-based Chill Anywhere and currently teaches at Studio Three. Writt also founded her own wellbeing company, HUE, where she is the lead integrative wellness couch.

Harnoor Singh PT earned his doctorate from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (formerly the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science). After graduation, Singh worked in the outpatient setting, focusing on orthopedics and sports medicine for dynamic athletes. In addition to his PhD, Singh has trained in a variety of practices, including yoga, gymnastics, dance, and mixed martial arts. Dr. Singh is passionate about treating athletes in often overlooked sports such as rock climbing, yoga, and dance.

How to Choose an Outdoor Sauna

Buying an outdoor sauna can be tricky because it not only takes up a lot of space, but it can negatively or positively impact your physical and mental health, so making sure you get the best one for your space and personal needs is key. Here are a few factors to consider:

Temperature: "For traditional steam saunas, the average temperature should range between 150 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas an infrared sauna should range between 120 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit," Writt explains. The former enlists humidity while the latter use dry heat. Both, however, offer similar benefits, including increased metabolism, weight loss, improved blood circulation, muscle pain reduction, stress management, and all around better relaxation.

Type: The two types of saunas are steam and infrared. One is not better than the other, but before you buy one over the other, make sure you're opting for the one that will work best for you. Steam, for instance can relax joints, improve blood circulation, soften skin, and clear sinuses. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, are very dry, which can help myriad health issues, including heart conditions, sore muscles, poor immunity, and sleeplessness. All of that said, Singh insists, "It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, to determine the appropriate frequency and duration of sauna sessions based on individual health needs and medical history."

Material and Operation: Of course, if you're installing something big and bulky in your outdoor space, it may as well look nice, but for something that, if built or used incorrectly can physically harm you, don't buy one simply based on how beautiful it is. Carter suggests, "Look for saunas that are made of high-quality, durable materials, such as cedar or hemlock wood, with sturdy construction and reliable heating elements." Carter also recommends noting all of your prospective saunas' safety features. "Ensure the sauna has temperature controls, timers, and ventilation systems to prevent overheating." Overheating is one of the most common dangers of saunas. Not only can it lead to rapid dehydration just in general, but it can also cause heatstroke, which can be fatal.

What Is the Most Effective Outdoor Sauna?

Though both types of saunas can be massively effective and beneficial, infrared saunas are typically named the superior of the two options. According to Harvard Health, "Many studies have looked at using infrared saunas in the treatment of long-lasting health problems and found some proof that [infrared] saunas may help. Conditions studied include high blood pressure, heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, headache, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis." Of course, there are so many additional uses and benefits of saunas—both steam and infrared—that have nothing to do with improving pre-existing medical issues or conditions. Some people, for instance, simply prefer steam saunas because the moisture content in the air helps them relax deeper.

Where Is the Best Place to Put an Outdoor Sauna?

If you've ever noticed that spa saunas are always mere steps from the pool (either regular or plunge), that's because going from one to the other (pool then sauna; not the other way around) ensures that you're maximizing on the sauna's benefits. Taking a dip in a warm—not hot—pool helps loosen your muscles so that when you spend time in an even hotter space (the sauna), they don't go into shock and start cramping or feel as though they're atrophying. Of course, it's not dangerous or harmful to go straight for the sauna without taking a soak in the pool first, but if you want your muscles to relax as much as possible, placing your sauna by the pool is a good idea. In terms of aesthetics, an outdoor sauna also tends to look a bit less random if there's a pool nearby.

Can You Use an Outdoor Sauna in the Winter?

Yes, you can absolutely use a sauna in the winter. In fact, it's encouraged. The colder it is outside (and in your home), the more your muscles tend to stay tight, so giving them a few minutes to loosen and relax is a good move. However, to use your sauna as safely as possible in the winter, we don't suggest spending a ton of time outside in the cold immediately after your sauna session. As soon as you're finished, wrap yourself in a towel, throw on a warm robe, and get inside as quickly as possible. Letting your body experience extremely warm temperatures followed by extremely cold temperatures can cause muscle aches later on.

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years. As an admitted health and wellness nut, she has spent more than a few minutes (probably accumulating a few hours, at this point in her life) in some of the world's most healing saunas. Sadly she lives in New York City, so she hasn't been able to buy one for herself (yet), but she'll always visit one in a gym or spa.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through the top reviews and ratings from retailers in order to see what saunas shoppers are buying. She may not have tested the models out herself, but with customer backings, and her own knowledge of saunas, she picked out options she would buy herself (if she had the space). In addition, where the health and science aspects come into play, Cherner spoke with all the aforementioned experts to provide further insights on what makes a sauna effective and how to buy one that will work for you and your space.

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