We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Gardening Reviews Pool & Spa Reviews The 8 Best Outdoor Saunas to Complete Your Backyard Some of our top picks feature Bluetooth speakers and chromotherapy lights. By Tabitha Britt Tabitha Britt Tabitha is a seasoned freelance writer, editor, and SEO expert with over 12 years of experience researching, writing, and optimizing content for various e-commerce sites and publications. While she specializes in writing about health and wellness, Tabitha has worked within the home and lifestyle vertical since 2011. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 28, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews The Bottom Line What To Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Photo: Better Homes & Gardens / David Hattan An outdoor sauna may seem like an unrealistic expense, but it can be a great investment in your overall well-being. And they may not be as expensive as you think. Outdoor saunas not only provide relaxation and rejuvenation but also offer various health benefits such as “relieving muscle tension and stress as well as improving blood circulation and lowering cortisol levels," says Uneeb Rahman, an associate merchant at The Home Depot. "Outdoor saunas can be built as a separate structure or added to a deck or porch,” Rahman adds. “Wood-burning and steam saunas make for the ideal options for outside.” What We Researched Dimensions: We looked at saunas in a range of sizes, from cozy two-person cabins to spacious six-person barrel saunas.Suggested Capacity: We considered how many people would comfortably fit in each sauna, ensuring ample space for everyone to relax and unwind without feeling cramped.Type: We browsed traditional saunas with electric or wood-burning heaters and infrared saunas. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Kanlanth Hemlock Infrared Sauna at Amazon $4,299 $3,399 Jump to Review Best Budget: SweatTent Outdoor Sauna at Sweattent.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna at Redwoodoutdoors.com Jump to Review Best Barrel: Almost Heaven Saunas Salem Steam Sauna at Wayfair $5,004 Jump to Review Best Infrared: Sun Ray Saunas Cayenne Outdoor Infrared Sauna at Sunraysaunas.com Jump to Review Best Steam: Maxxus GDI Series Traditional Outdoor Sauna at Home Depot $8,799 Jump to Review Best Large: Aleko Outdoor Red Cedar Wet/Dry Sauna at Alekoproducts.com Jump to Review Best Small: SalusHEAT Outdoor Infrared Sauna at Salusheat.com Jump to Review Best Overall Kanlanth Hemlock Infrared Sauna PHOTO: Amazon $3,399 at Amazon Why You Should Get It It can fit up to four people comfortably and features Bluetooth speakers and LED reading lights for an elevated experience. Keep In Mind It won’t get as hot as a steam sauna. The Kanlanth 4-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna is our top pick for the best outdoor sauna overall due to its affordability, suggested capacity, and features. The sauna is constructed from high-quality Canadian hemlock wood. It has eight carbon crystal infrared heating plates that take 15 minutes to reach 149°F, a touch control panel with an LED display, two Bluetooth speakers, and two LED reading lights. It uses infrared heating technology, so it doesn't need water or steam to produce heat like a traditional steam sauna, but it also won’t get quite as hot. It can fit up to four people comfortably, features a top ceiling vent for proper air circulation, and can be used indoors or outdoors. Product Details: Dimensions: 68 x 52 x 82.6 inches | Suggested Capacity: Four people | Type: Infrared Key Terms to Know Infrared Sauna: Infrared saunas use infrared lamps to directly heat your body, providing a gentle and radiant warmth. Often described as a dry heat experience, infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures (around 120°F to 140°F) than traditional saunas.Traditional Sauna: Traditional saunas heat the air using electric or wood-burning heaters, creating a dry heat environment at higher temperatures (around 150°F to 180°F). Some traditional saunas may also offer a "wet" experience by pouring water over heated sauna rocks, which generates steam and increases humidity. Steam Sauna: Steam saunas use steam generators to create a moist heat environment with lower temperatures (around 110°F to 120°F). Best Budget SweatTent Outdoor Sauna PHOTO: SweatTent View on Sweattent.com Why You Should Get It It's portable and heats up to full temperature in 30 minutes for quick and easy setup. Keep in Mind The included sauna stove is very heavy. The SweatTent Outdoor Sauna proves that affordability doesn't mean sacrificing quality or functionality. The tent-style sauna is lightweight and portable, and the "QuickPop" design makes setup and takedown easy. Plus, it's wood-burning and heats up to 200 °F in just 30 minutes, so you can kick back in no time. It isn't made of traditional materials like cedar or pine, but a durable and heat-resistant Oxford 210D fabric (available in black or green) makes for a comfortable spa-like experience. The sauna has a zippered entrance for easy access, a stove exhaust chimney for ventilation, and a fiberglass roof cover to protect it from the elements.You'll also get a wood thermometer, ergonomic fire poker, heat-resistant gloves, and a carrying bag for easy transportation. Just bear in mind that the stainless steel sauna stove included with the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna weighs 50 pounds and may require additional strength to transport. Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 x 84 inches| Suggested Capacity: Three people | Type: Dry sauna Best Splurge Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna PHOTO: Redwood Outdoors View on Redwoodoutdoors.com Why You Should Get It It's constructed with Scandinavian Thermowood, which is built to last and resist warping or cracking. Keep in Mind You’ll need a 110 V power supply for lighting and a 240 V power supply for the sauna heater. The Redwood Outdoors' Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna provides unparalleled luxury with its traditional Scandinavian design, Finland-made Harvia sauna heater, and unique Thermowood construction. It can heat up to 190 °F in less than an hour and comfortably accommodate up to two people. It also comes with a water bucket, ladle, and sauna rocks for the complete sauna experience. The sauna comes as a DIY kit, so it requires some assembly. You should also have a 110 V power supply for lighting and a 240 V power supply for the sauna heater. At checkout, you'll need to decide between a manual or Wi-Fi control heater system. Both options let you preheat the sauna to be ready for use whenever you are. The Wi-Fi control system allows you to remotely manage the temperature and timing of your sauna sessions from your smartphone or other smart devices. Once installed, a manual control heater cannot be later upgraded to a Wi-Fi system. Product Details: Dimensions: 68.75 x 50.75 x 81 inches | Suggested Capacity: Two people | Type: Dry or wet sauna Best Barrel Almost Heaven Saunas Salem Steam Sauna PHOTO: WAY FAIR $5,004 at Wayfair Why You Should Get It It's completely customizable, from the exterior finish to the lighting to the window style. Keep in Mind You may need to hire a professional electrician for installation. With 40+ years of experience in sauna design and construction, Almost Heaven is one of our go-to brands for outdoor saunas, and the Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna is a top favorite. The sauna features a distinctive barrel design that adds aesthetic appeal and provides excellent heat distribution. It's ideal for smaller backyards or spaces with limited room and can fit up to two people. Just remember to leave enough space around the sauna for proper ventilation. The included heater kit can be controlled manually or through Wi-Fi, depending on your preference, allowing you to reach a temperature of up to 185 °F in about an hour. Almost Heaven gives you plenty of options to choose from with this sauna. You can customize it to fit your preferences and style, from the wood to the window type to the lighting. It requires some assembly, but most users say it's relatively straightforward and manageable. If you choose a stain color, you'll need to apply that stain yourself after assembly. The heater also calls for a 240 V power supply and a 30-amp circuit breaker for safe operation. If you're unfamiliar with electrical work, consulting a licensed electrician for installation is recommended. Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 75.37 x 47 inches | Suggested Capacity: Two people | Type: Dry sauna Best Infrared Sun Ray Saunas Cayenne Outdoor Infrared Sauna PHOTO: Sun Ray Saunas View on Sunraysaunas.com Why You Should Get It It has built-in Bluetooth speakers and an ozone sterilization system. Keep in Mind It doesn't include a Wi-Fi control option. If you prefer a more modern and efficient sauna experience, we recommend the Sun Ray Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna. The four-person outdoor sauna features eight halogen heaters that heat up to 140 °F, providing a gentle and comfortable infrared heat. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas heat the body directly rather than heating the air, which can be more energy efficient and provide potential health benefits such as chronic pain relief and improved circulation. The Sun Ray Cayenne is made from solid Canadian hemlock wood, which is resistant to warping and holds up well in outdoor environments. Like many of the saunas on our list, it requires some self-assembly and may require the assistance of a professional electrician for installation. It doesn't include a Wi-Fi control option, but the exterior control panel lets you easily adjust the temperature and timer settings. It also has a shingled roof, sealed weatherproof walls, and a built-in ozone sterilization system that helps keep the air inside clean and fresh. With its spacious interior, wide bench seating, recessed interior lighting, and Bluetooth speakers, the Sun Ray Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna offers a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own backyard. Product Details: Dimensions: 79 x 87 x 52 | Suggested Capacity: Four people | Type: Infrared Best Steam Maxxus GDI Series Traditional Outdoor Sauna PHOTO: Home Depot $8,799 at Home Depot Why You Should Get It It can reach up to 202° F and provides enough space to seat three people comfortably. Keep in Mind It requires professional installation. We recommend the Maxxus GDI Series 3-Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna for a steam and sauna combo experience. Although this sauna isn't equipped with a steam generator, it does have a traditional sauna stove that allows you to pour water over hot stones for a steam effect. It features a built-in FM radio with Bluetooth connection and two speakers and incorporates chromotherapy, with color-changing LED lights to create a relaxing and mood-enhancing ambiance. Like some of the other saunas on this list, the Maxxus GDI Series 3-Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna requires assembly and professional installation. It's hard-wired, so you need an electrician to install it properly. Its solid hardwood construction and Harvia stove ensure durability and efficient heat distribution. It can reach up to 202° F and provides enough space to seat three people comfortably. Product Details: Dimensions: 84.1 x 97.4 x 73.6 inches | Suggested Capacity: Three people | Type: Dry or wet sauna Best Large Aleko Outdoor Red Cedar Wet/Dry Sauna PHOTO: ALEKO View on Alekoproducts.com Why You Should Get It It has an eye-catching exterior that resembles a charming little house. Keep in Mind It’s basic—however, you can purchase add-ons if you’d like more amenities. For a larger group or family, the ALEKO CED6PORI Outdoor Canadian Red Cedar Wet/Dry Sauna has plenty of space to accommodate multiple people. Crafted from Canadian red cedar wood and featuring Bitumen Roofing Shingles, this sauna is built to endure outdoor elements. The Harvia sauna heater can reach temperatures of up to 194°F and has a built-in dial thermostat for precise temperature regulation. (An electrician should be hired for installation.) It includes a wooden bucket and ladle for gently pouring water over the stones for steam. The sauna's attractive exterior resembles a charming little house, complete with an outdoor light and windows that add to its aesthetic appeal. Inside, there are two benches for seating, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. The sauna is basic but has everything you need for a relaxing evening. Additionally, ALEKO offers add-ons such as a step stool bench, storage shelf, and a pine wood analog sauna clock for additional cost. Product Details: Dimensions: 79 x 85 x 79 inches | Suggested Capacity: Six people | Type: Dry or wet sauna Best Small SalusHEAT Outdoor Infrared Sauna PHOTO: SalusHEAT View on Salusheat.com Why You Should Get It It’s extremely easy to install and, unlike other options, can be plugged into a standard wall outlet. Keep in Mind It doesn’t have presets, so you'll need to manually adjust the temperature and timer. If you're looking for a small outdoor sauna for two, we recommend the SalusHEAT Garner-902VS 2-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna. Constructed from durable fir wood, it features a gable roof design that effectively sheds rain and snow, making it ideal for colder climates. The sauna is also equipped with multiple layers of waterproof coating and a secure tempered glass door. In addition to its tough exterior, the Garner-902VS has two Bluetooth speakers and two reading lights, so you can unwind while listening to your favorite tunes. Chromotherapy lights (with seven color options) and eight strategically placed infrared heating panels, including dedicated leg and foot heaters, provide targeted warmth, while the control panel allows you to adjust the intensity. The only feature missing is the ability to pre-set the temperature. This outdoor sauna is also easy to put up; most users say it can be assembled in 20 to 30 minutes. And, unlike some of the other outdoor saunas on this list, it can be plugged into a standard wall outlet. Product Details: Dimensions: 42.1 x 81.1 x 37 inches | Suggested Capacity: Two people | Type: Infrared The Bottom Line The Kanlanth 4-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna is our top choice for the best outdoor sauna due to its affordability, capacity, and convenient features, such as infrared heating, Bluetooth speakers, and LED lights. For a larger option with a charming aesthetic, the ALEKO CED6PORI Outdoor Canadian Red Cedar Wet/Dry Sauna is durable and versatile. What To Know About Outdoor Saunas Before Shopping Dimensions Before you start shopping for an outdoor sauna, carefully consider the dimensions of the space where you plan to install it. Ensure the space can comfortably accommodate the sauna, with necessary clearances for proper ventilation and easy access. “A typical sauna can be as small as 3 x 3 feet or as large as 8 x 12 feet,” Rahman says. When considering dimensions, he notes that you should think about the desired seating, ideally allowing for at least 2 feet of bench space per person. Plan for adequate space behind the sauna for maintenance, service, and electrical connections. Additionally, consider the door swing direction when determining the sauna's location. This will help you choose the right size and shape that fits your space and needs. Suggested Capacity Once you've settled on the right dimensions for your outdoor sauna, it's important to consider its suggested capacity; that is, how many people can use it comfortably and safely. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Sauna size: Larger saunas naturally accommodate more people.Bench space: Allocate around 2 feet per person for comfortable seating.Comfort preference: Consider whether you prefer a cozy, intimate sauna experience or more space to stretch out and move around. Remember, avoid overcrowding the sauna. This hinders proper air circulation and can lead to safety hazards. Choose a suggested capacity that meets your needs and ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Type and Heat Source There are three main types of outdoor saunas, each with its own heat source: Traditional saunas or "dry" saunas: Traditional saunas use electric heaters or wood-burning stoves to heat the air, resulting in a dry heat experience. Electric heaters offer quick heating times and easy temperature control but need an electrical connection. Wood-burning stoves provide a rustic and traditional feel, but they require more maintenance and may only be suitable for some areas due to regulations. Steam saunas or "wet" saunas: Steam rooms, also known as "wet" saunas, produce steam by pouring water over heated rocks or using a steam generator. Steam generators require a water connection, which can add to the complexity of installation and maintenance. Infrared saunas: Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit radiant heat, directly warming the body instead of heating the air. This offers a more gentle and radiant heat than traditional saunas, making it a good option for people with specific health concerns or who find traditional saunas too hot. Your Questions, Answered What type of outdoor sauna is most energy efficient? Dry saunas, such as infrared saunas, are more efficient energy-wise than wet or traditional saunas. They use infrared technology to heat the body rather than the air around it, producing less heat but warming you up quickly. Our best overall, the Kanlanth 4-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna, is a great pick for saving on energy. What is the difference between a dry sauna and a wet sauna? Traditional and infrared saunas, including dry saunas, have low humidity as they generate dry heat without steam. On the other hand, wet saunas, like steam saunas, produce steam by pouring water over heated rocks or using a steam generator. "Imagine this: you are in a jungle or a desert," says Vivian Yu, personal trainer, physical therapist, and founder of Gym Near Me. "You will feel hot in both places, but the air will feel different. This is the difference between a dry sauna and a wet sauna; dry saunas use dry heat and minimal humidity while wet saunas (steam rooms) use humidity." Who We Are Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer and editor with over 12 years of journalism experience. For this story, she spoke to Vivian Yu, personal trainer, physical therapist, and the founder of Gym Near Me. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit