After a long day, there are few things better than sweating out your stress and worries in the steamy embrace of an outdoor sauna.
My typical sauna experience consisted of finishing a good workout at the gym, and then begrudgingly making my way into the sauna where roughly eight old guys who’d been in there for over an hour stare at me as I come in and say nothing.
While this isn’t wholly unpleasant, it’s nothing compared to the experience of going to a close friend’s house and him saying, “Want to use the sauna by yourself?”
No one else’s bodily odors, uncomfortable stares, or hoping there’s room for you to squeeze in—just heat, quiet, and restoration.
After that experience, there was no going back to the very public sweatfest of my gym’s sauna.
I needed to get an outdoor sauna for myself, so I turned to Google to find the best experience for my living situation.
I’ve unpacked the six best outdoor saunas money can buy so you can get your sweat on sooner.
6 Best Outdoor Saunas in 2023
Best Overall: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Panorama Sauna
There are hundreds of outdoor saunas to choose from, but when it comes down to it, you really can’t do better than the assortment of features found in Redwood Outdoors’ Thermowood Panorama Sauna.
This sauna is the brand’s premium offering and comes loaded with more bells and whistles than a middle school band.
From the panoramic windows and traditional Scandinavian design, to the Wi-Fi heater control and delay start function, these saunas offer everything the discerning sauna user could ask for.
Besides a choice between three Harvia heaters, which are the best in the world, the Panorama Saunas shine with their use of Thermowood.
Thermowood is made by heating Scandinavian softwood to a range of 180-230 degrees in special kilns for up to 96 hours. This process removes all resin and moisture from the timber, which means that it won’t warp and weft with changes in humidity.
Thermowood is proven to have better longevity, be resistant to rot and fungi, and also offer superior insulation.
The best part is that these saunas can be self-assembled, which saves money. Redwood Outdoors says that anyone with novice woodworking skills and a few tools can put these together in approximately four hours.
What I Like
- The Thermowood Panorama Sauna can fit up to six people and is considerably cheaper than similarly-sized competing saunas.
- The Thermowood construction ensures that the wood will expand and contract minimally, and also offers greater longevity and insulation.
- It has remote start functions from a smartphone or tablet, and also has a delay start timer for up to 8 hours, which means you can set your sauna to be ready for you when you get home from work.
What I Don’t Like
- Redwood Outdoors currently only ships within the United States.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Panorama Sauna has rave reviews, with many saying that the sauna surpassed their expectations and has held up without issue for years. Satisfied customers also had great things to say about the construction process, and many said it was easier than they expected.
The Verdict
Unless you’re specifically looking for an infrared sauna, Redwood Outdoors’ Thermowood Panorama Sauna leaves nothing to be desired.
If you’re looking for a surefire sauna experience that you can build yourself and not eviscerate your bank account in the process, go with the Thermowood Panorama Sauna.
This is a well-designed sauna with an elegant, natural-looking aesthetic and a powerful heater that provides you with high-heat recovery sessions whenever you need them. While it is quite large, this would be a terrific backyard addition for a family who wants to level up their recovery game or even a couple who wants to sprawl out in their sauna and have extra space for guests.
Best Infrared: Sun Home Luminar Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
For those who want the sauna’s benefits but can’t handle the heat and steam of traditional models, infrared saunas are a great alternative.
Rather than heating up the air in the sauna, which in turn heats up your body, infrared saunas heat your body directly, without warming the air around you.
I know, this sounds suspiciously similar to a microwave, but the technology is perfectly safe, and has the benefit of allowing you to stay in a sauna longer if you struggle with the heat and humidity.
Our top infrared sauna is Sun Home’s Luminar Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna.
This sleek, outdoor sauna is made from all-seasons Japanese Carbonized wood, which helps maintain optimal temperatures inside the sauna, depending on the season.
The Luminar Full-Spectrum Sauna also comes equipped with 10 full-spectrum heaters, which guarantee regular, consistent heat across your body from all angles.
These saunas are easy to set up and don’t require power tools, which I appreciate, and also have mobile-app remote control capabilities and surround-sound Bluetooth speakers.
What I Like
- The design is ultra-modern yet simple, and can be an attractive, aesthetic addition to any backyard.
- The 10 full-spectrum heaters ensure your body gets the full sauna benefits from all angles.
- It can be started and controlled remotely, which means you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to ready your sauna session.
- Sun Home offers free shipping for this sauna.
What I Don’t Like
- Some of the panoramic glass is blocked by the infrared heaters, which are positioned in front of every seat, but there’s no way around that.
What Other Reviewers Say
Although there aren’t many reviews for this infrared saunas, the ones I could find were glowing. Happy customers especially loved the modern design and sleek aesthetic, and several said that it could be constructed in just 2 hours.
Believe it or not, I couldn’t find a single negative review for these saunas.
The Verdict
The world of premium, infrared saunas doesn’t get better than Sun Home’s Luminar Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna. Whether you struggle with the heat and humidity of traditional saunas or just want a modern, sleek model to complement your home, the Luminar Infrared Sauna is a great pick.
The world of premium, infrared saunas doesn’t get better than Sun Home’s Luminar Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna. Whether you struggle with the heat and humidity of traditional saunas or just want a modern, sleek model to complement your home, the Luminar Infrared Sauna is a great pick.
Best for Cold Climates: BZB Outdoor Pod Sauna Igloo Kit
If you live in a part of the world that gets cold enough to freeze Hell over, you’re going to want an outdoor sauna that can stay warm and get to those super high temperatures without issue.
BZB’s Outdoor Pod Sauna Igloo Kit is perfect for the job.
Featuring a rounded, narrow top and wide base, this igloo profile more efficiently heats the internal space since all the hot air won’t be stuck at the top of the structure. With less internal space up top, the heat has nowhere to go but around you.
The Outdoor Pod features a covered terrace and two internal rooms—one to change in, which is the outer vestibule, and then the internal sauna room itself, which can hold up to eight people.
The inner vestibule room is a game changer for cold climates, since it means you don’t have to run out to the sauna in your shorts or underwear. Instead, with the Outdoor Pod you can walk out in full winter gear, take your boots off on the covered terrace, step inside to strip off your outer layers, and then enter the sauna in comfort.
This two-room design also helps maintain the high heat in the sauna, since you won’t be opening the sauna door directly to the elements.
These saunas are constructed with Nordic Spruce, which you can refinish in any color you like to match your backyard’s aesthetic.
What I Like
- The igloo structure and two-room design of this sauna are great for retaining heat.
- The inner vestibule room provides a warm space to strip off your winter clothes without having to enter the sauna directly.
- You’re given the choice between four different heaters, two of which are electric and two that are wood-burning.
What I Don’t Like
- It costs an extra $160-$180 to add windows to the sauna.
- The construction time is anywhere from a week to ten days, but that’s to be expected with a larger sauna.
What Other Reviewers Say
These saunas have great reviews, with every review I found mentioning the great customer service, often directly from the owner of the company. Satisfied customers loved the authentic design of these saunas, and had their expectations met or surpassed for how well they heated and stayed hot.
The Verdict
This has everything you look for in a sauna for cold climates. Although it’s slightly pricey and takes some time to put together, this sauna delivers on all fronts once you have it up and running.
This has everything you look for in a sauna for cold climates. Although it’s slightly pricey and takes some time to put together, this sauna delivers on all fronts once you have it up and running.
Best on a Budget: LTCCDSS 1 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna
If you’re on a budget but still want the luxury of an at-home sauna, the LTCCDSS 1 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna is a great place to start.
The term “budget” is relative here, since most saunas will cost you well over $5,000. This sauna comes in at slightly less than $2,000, which is obviously not chump change for most of us, but is relatively cheap among at-home sauna options.
Although this is listed as a single person sauna, the inner seat is roughly 30 inches wide, which should accommodate two people who don’t mind a tight squeeze.
This sauna is made with 100% Canadian Hemlock wood, and since it’s small, gets delivered fully built so you don’t have to worry about construction.
It also has Bluetooth speakers so you can queue up any songs that augment your rest and relaxation.
What I Like
- It’s relatively affordable, and comes fully-assembled so you don’t have to worry about complicated instructions.
- It comes with a safety device that will automatically cut power in the event of a power leak or surge.
- It can come up to full heat in 10-15 minutes, since it’s small, and comes equipped with bluetooth speakers.
What I Don’t Like
- The Hemlock wood doesn’t seem to be waterproofed, so it’s best to keep it under an awning or out of direct exposure to the rain.
What Other Reviewers Say
This sauna has great reviews and quite a few happy customers. Most of the reviewers mentioned loving how small and compact the sauna is, and also how efficiently it works despite the small footprint.
The only negative review I could find said that the wood material felt slightly cheap, which is likely because it’s not waterproof.
The Verdict
This sauna is a quick fix for anyone who wants the benefits of an at-home sauna, but doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg. It comes fully assembled, heats up quickly, and offers many of the modern amenities of more premium saunas.
This sauna is a quick fix for anyone who wants the benefits of an at-home sauna, but doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg. It comes fully assembled, heats up quickly, and offers many of the modern amenities of more premium saunas.
Best Canadian: Muskoka Outdoor 570 Pure Cube
If you’re in the market for a premium, Canadian-made sauna, look no further than the Muskoka Outdoor 570 Pure Cube.
Featuring 100% Canadian Red Cedar construction, tempered glass windows, and a classic, 2-tier bench design, this sauna looks like it was cut straight out from an authentic Finnish sauna, packaged up, and delivered to your doorstep.
Muskoka offers three different heaters with the 570 Pure Cube, with two different options to allow for remote control access either from your phone or a tablet.
This sauna is designed to be constructed by hand, but can also be delivered fully assembled if you have an extra $2,000 lying around.
I’m a huge fan of the design of this sauna, which can fit at least five people, but the premium costs will be restrictive for some.
What I Like
- It has a beautiful, minimalist design with classic 2-tier seating and tempered glass door.
- You have the option to choose between three different heaters, all of which are premium brands.
- You can order it with optional privacy panels at no extra cost.
What I Don’t Like
- Most outdoor saunas include the cost of the heater in the overall price, but Muskoka does not.
- The remote control options cost extra, and you’ll need a certified electrician to hardwire the unit directly to your electrical panel if you choose an electric heater.
What Other Reviewers Say
Despite the premium prices, reviewers love these saunas for their sharp looks and durability. Other reviewers loved how well the sauna heats up, how well it retains heat, and the traditional design aspects.
The Verdict
These saunas have a hefty price tag, but they’re worth it if they’re within your budget. The authentic, 2-tier design, durable construction materials, and premium heater options make for an impressive outdoor sauna that will stand the test of time.
These saunas have a hefty price tag, but they're worth it if they're within your budget. The authentic, 2-tier design, durable construction materials, and premium heater options make for an impressive outdoor sauna that will stand the test of time.
Best for Two People: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube 2-Person Sauna
In my opinion, the two-person sauna is the sweet spot. It’s perfectly comfortable for you and your significant other, but still cozy and comfortable if you decide to go it alone.
My top sauna for two people is another of Redwood Outdoors’ saunas—the Thermowood Mini-Cube 2-Person Sauna.
This neat little hot box offers the same bells and whistles as the brand’s Thermowood Panoramic featured in our top spot, but on a much smaller scale. It’s less than eight feet tall and 7 feet long, which means this can fit snugly into even the most compact urban backyards.
As the name suggests, it’s made from the same Scandinavian Thermowood as the Panorama Sauna, which brings the same superior insulation and longevity here.
The Mini-Cube can easily be set up in approximately four hours with novice woodworking skills and tools, and offers remote and delayed start functionality.
What I Like
- It’s a compact, attractive sauna with ample room for two people.
- It comes with a selection of two premium heaters, both of which are some of the best in the world.
- It’s easy to build, and the brand has plenty of videos to help with the construction process.
What I Don’t Like
- It currently takes 11-13 weeks to deliver.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Mini-Cube only has a few reviews, but they’re incredibly positive. Happy customers loved the thoughtful design and minimalist, traditional aesthetics, and others mentioned having great experiences with the craftsmen and owners who helped guide them during the purchasing and construction process.
The Verdict
This two-person sauna is the perfect addition to any outdoor space, whether it’s small or large. It’s compact yet brings more than enough heat and steam for two people, and is a breeze to construct.
This attractive two-person sauna is the perfect addition to any outdoor space, whether it’s small or large. It’s compact yet brings more than enough heat and steam for two people, and is a breeze to construct.
3 Key Things to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Sauna
Your Space
Outdoor saunas can vary dramatically in size, so it’s important to choose the appropriate sauna for your backyard space.
If you’re in an urban setting with a small plot of land, you’ll likely want to choose between a one and four person sauna. The size of the sauna has no bearing on how well it works, of course, and in most cases the smaller saunas will heat up faster than their larger counterparts.
Your Budget
While all saunas are fairly expensive and qualify as luxury items, you can easily spend up to $20,000 on an outdoor sauna.
That said, there are plenty of saunas in the less eye-watering range of $2,000 to $6,000, which work just as well when it comes to basic sauna functions.
The price usually correlates to size—if you’re on a small budget, expect to get a small sauna. Conversely, if you’re looking to get a sauna that can comfortably fit eight people, expect to shell out some heavy bags.
Heating Style
Lastly, consider how you want your sauna to be heated.
If you’re not a fan of the oppressive heat and humidity, there’s nothing wrong with that, and you should look into infrared saunas. These saunas heat your body up directly, rather than heating up the air, which will then heat up your body.
On the other hand, if you’re a big fan of the high heat, humidity, and steam of traditional saunas, stick with saunas that have electric or wood-fired heating elements.
Get Sweatin’
Between these six outdoor saunas, you shouldn’t have any issues finding the right sauna for your situation.
If you’re looking for a premium, traditional sauna with high-quality construction materials, easy assembly, remote and delay start functionality, and a relatively approachable price tag, I recommend Redwood Outdoors’ Thermowood Panorama Sauna.
This is a well-designed sauna with an elegant, natural-looking aesthetic and a powerful heater that provides you with high-heat recovery sessions whenever you need them. While it is quite large, this would be a terrific backyard addition for a family who wants to level up their recovery game or even a couple who wants to sprawl out in their sauna and have extra space for guests.
Those who prefer infrared heat to traditional steam and environmental heating will be well-served by the modern looks and functionality of Luminar’s Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna.
If you live in bone-chilling weather for most of the year, I recommend BZB Outdoor Pod’s Sauna Igloo Kit, which has space for up to eight people and an inner vestibule where you can get changed out of your winter clothes before entering the sauna.
Since saunas can be super expensive, if you’re on a budget I recommend LTCCDSS’s 1 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna, which you can pick up for less than $2,000.
If you’re specifically looking for a premium, Canadian-made sauna with traditional design and aesthetics, look no further than Muskoka’s Outdoor 570 Pure Cube.
Lastly, if you just want a tidy little two-person sauna, Redwood Outdoors’ Thermowood Mini-Cube 2-Person Sauna is the perfect option.
This attractive two-person sauna is the perfect addition to any outdoor space, whether it’s small or large. It’s compact yet brings more than enough heat and steam for two people, and is a breeze to construct.
Do you know someone who’s been dreaming of an outdoor sauna but doesn’t know where to start looking? Share this article with them! They’ll thank you when they’re relaxing and restoring themselves at the comfort of their own home.
FAQs
Are outdoor saunas good for you?
Yes, outdoor saunas help improve circulation, reduce fatigue, and increase energy levels, among other health benefits.
Can a sauna be left outside?
Yes, provided that the sauna was constructed for outdoor use and is covered, if necessary. Some outdoor saunas don’t have waterproofed wood, in which case they need to be kept under an awning, tarp, or out of direct exposure to the elements.
How much does an outdoor sauna cost?
An outdoor sauna costs anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 and more.
What is the best heat source for an outdoor sauna?
It comes down to your heating preference. Electric heaters are popular, as are wood-fired and infrared heaters.
What is the downside of saunas?
The only downside of saunas is if you stay in for longer than the recommended duration, which is typically 30 minutes. This can lead you to be overheated and dehydrated.
Where should I put my sauna in my backyard?
If you live in a place that experiences seasonal changes, build your sauna close to your house so that it’s a quick transition between the house and the sauna during the colder months.
