Is your back garden crying out for a new addition? An outdoor home sauna might be exactly what you need!
But what’s the best for type of sauna for outdoors? Wood-burning? Infrared? Well, the choice will only depend on your personal taste.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best outdoor home saunas on the market, complete with key features, pros, cons, and everything else you need to help you choose.
You’ll find a buyer’s guide at the bottom of this post covering your major questions (orrrr, check our complete guide to outdoor home saunas).
OVERALL PICK
SaunaLife CL5G Cube Sauna
VALUE PICK
Revel Eden Traditional Barrel Sauna
UPGRADE PICK
Auroom Mira L Outdoor Modular Cabin
Our top picks of outdoor home sauna:
Best OVERALL Outdoor Home Sauna:
SaunaLife CL5G 4-Person Outdoor Cube Cabin Sauna
SaunaLife is an excellent brand with the mission of providing the best quality at the the most affordable price. They create a wide range of models aiming to give every wallet access to the pleasure of home saunas.
We chose this model as our overall due to its perfect balance of quality, design and price, with options for personalisation.
Type of wood: Thermo-Spruce
Type of sauna: Outdoor – Traditional electric sauna
Capacity: 4 person (3 and 6 person model options)
Pros:
- Shingled roof for extra protection and durability
- Beautiful and durable Thermo-Spruce exterior
- Ergonomic backrest
- Inside features are Thermo-Aspen
- Personalisation: LED lights with Wi-Fi, heater, control unit
Cons:
- Heater not-included
Features:
- Thermo-Spruce walls (42mm), front and back walls (28mm)
- Tempered bronze front glass wall (8mm)
- Thermo-Aspen ergonomic sauna bench & backrest
- Shingled roof
- Fascia board
- Heater guard
- Front details painted black
Best CABIN Outdoor Home Sauna:
If the OVERALL doesn’t tickle your fancy …
Plunge: The Sauna
The Californian brand Plunge is famous for their cold plunges (you may know them from Shark Tank!), but did you know they also create sleek high-heat saunas? These are assembled and manufactured in California with the same quality and innovative technology.
This model takes the cake for the ease and convenience. It comes pre-fitted with a beautiful HUUM heater, HUUM stones, and HUUM WiFi controller. It’s a one-stop sauna shop!
Type of wood: Japanese Cedar – Clear Cedar
Type of sauna: Outdoor – Traditional electric sauna
Capacity: 4 to 5 person (6 to 7 person model option)
Pros:
- Easy to build (2-3 hours)
- Sleek HUUM features (heater, stones, wifi controller)
- Shingled roof
- Unique design
- 24 months 0% financing
Cons:
- USA shipping only
Features:
- HUUM Drop Sauna Heater
- HUUM WIFI Controller
- 100 lbs of HUUM Sauna Stones
- Waterproof Roof
- Sauna Phone Mount
- Ratchet wrench with socket drives
Best INFRARED Outdoor Home Sauna:
Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
If you’re after infrared – we got you. This is literally a perfect bundle of performance, quality, aesthetics and features! Sun Home consistently delivers high quality products in the sauna market, named “Best Outdoor Sauna” by Rolling Stone Magazine, Variety, and Fortune.
“The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna is as luxe as it gets.” – New York Post
Type of wood: Cedar
Type of sauna: Indoor – Full spectrum infrared sauna
Capacity: 2 and 5 person options
Pros:
- “Best Outdoor Sauna” by Rolling Stone Magazine
- Equipped with more heaters than usual outdoor infrared sauna
- Sleek design with excellent quality
- Aerospace Grade aluminum exterior
- Smart control center
- Chromotherapy
- Bluetooth sound system
Cons:
- USA shipping only (For worldwide we suggest this outdoor infrared sauna)
Features
- Powerful full-spectrum (near, mid, far) infrared heating technology
- Ultra low EMF/ELF shielding
- Aerospace-grade aluminum exterior cabin for durability
- Mobile-app enabled control center
- Bluetooth enabled sound system with built-in speakers
- Medical-grade chromotherapy lighting
Best LUXURY Outdoor Home Sauna:
Auroom Mira L Outdoor Modular Cabin DIY Sauna Kit
The Estonian brand Auroom is certainly the best sauna kit manufacturer on the market. They deliver quality and aesthetics that are second to none!
We chose this model as our best luxury outdoor home sauna for that beautiful, sleek design that will enhance the charm of your backyard. Of course, it comes with the renowned Auroom quality that will have you feeling truly special each time you use it!
Type of wood: Thermo-Spruce (ext.) – Thermo-Aspen (int.)
Type of sauna: Outdoor – Traditional electric sauna
Capacity: 5 person
Pros:
- Warm elegant design
- Color choices available (natural or black)
- Stadium seating for heat-cycling
- Different heater options
- Backrest with remote controlled LED lighting
Cons:
- Higher price point due to the quality of the features
Features:
- Premium tempered glass door with metal-wood handle
- Full tempered glass front wall for a spacious feel
- Satin-smooth thermo-aspen interior
- Horizontal natural Thermo-Spruce exterior profile
- Footrest for maximum comfort
- Backrest with remote-controlled LED lighting that creates a wonderful ambiance
- Heater guard to match the interior
- Included accessories: bucket, ladle, thermometer, hygrometer, sand timer, aroma set, sauna hat, sauna pillow
Best VALUE Outdoor Home Sauna:
Revel Eden – 4 Person Traditional Barrel Sauna
The Aussie brand Revel is breathing new life into the industry since its inception in 2019. They have crafted their own recognisable aesthetic with very attractive prices, and boast a healthy catalogue of saunas and ice baths.
We chose this model for its excellent value and clean barrel design that will surely blend seamlessly into your home. The price is shown in $AUD.
Type of wood: Nordic Thermowood
Type of sauna: Outdoor – Traditional electric sauna
Capacity: 4 person (8 person option)
Pros:
- Excellent price
- Heater provided
- Great design
- Easy installation
- Ergonomic bench
- Bitumen shingle roof included (value worth AUD$999)
Cons:
- Shipped from Australia (a pro for Aussies and Kiwis)
Features:
- Smocked 8mm fully tempered clear glass
- Nordic Thermowood
- Bitumen shingle roof and rainproof cloth for outdoor resistance
- Heater Harvia Vega 4.5KW and 20kg of stones
- Accessories: hygro-thermometer, bucket, ladle and backrest
Best COMPACT Outdoor Home Sauna:
Redwood Outdoors Mini-Cube Sauna – 2 Person
Looking for a rustic design in a small silhouette? American company Redwood Outdoors craft their saunas with a real taste of the mountains. Their broad catalogue makes a point of retaining a nod to traditional Scandinavian elements.
We chose this model for its super handy size and minimalist design! It comes with everything you need to start your sauna journey ASAP.
Type of wood: Canadian Thermowood
Type of sauna: Outdoor – Traditional electric sauna
Capacity: 2 person (4 person option)
Pros:
- Heater provided
- Minimalist design
- Easy installation
- Heater and controller options
- Super compact for tighter spots
Cons:
- No shingles provided
List of Features
- Tempered glass door
- Canadian Thermowood
- Heater Harvia KIP 6kW
- Manual control or Wi-Fi control heater options
- Backrest, sauna rocks, light fixture, shingles
Best MAXI Outdoor Home Sauna:
SaunaLife Garden Series G11 Outdoor Sauna
This is a super elegant and spacious option with plenty of luxe features. Firstly, the design from the outside is stunning, and you’ve got a beautiful canopy, bench and wood storage. It even has two separate rooms: one for the sauna, another for a changing and relaxation area.
The bonus here is the possibility to choose between electric heater or wood-fired heater, providing an authentic, traditional sauna experience.
Type of wood: Thermo-Spruce and Thermo-Aspen
Type of sauna: Outdoor – Traditional wood-fired and electric
Capacity: 8 person
Pros:
- Two-room design: sauna & relaxation areas
- Possibility electric heater or wood-fired heater delivers an authentic sauna experience
- High-quality construction
- Canopy and outdoor elements such as tables and wood-stack
- Handcrafted in Northern Europe
Cons:
- Heater not-included
Features:
- Thermo-spruce exterior
- Weather-resistant construction
- 2-Room layout with changing room and sauna
- Ergonomically constructed to support airflow circulation
- Two-tier, L-shaped sauna benching
- Traditional wood-fired heater (option)
- Large panoramic window for enhanced outdoor views
- Lockable wooden front door with three decorative windows
Wrapping Up – Outdoor Home Sauna
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home saunas. However, with the help of our guide, we’re sure you’re one step closer to finding the perfect fit! Whether you’re looking for luxury, energy efficiency, or a budget-friendly option, there IS a perfect sauna out there for you.
Take another look at our top picks above and see which one tickles your fancy.
If you’re still weighing up whether a sauna is right for you, we got you. We’ve compiled all the info you’ll ever need to choose the best sauna for your home into our tell-all guide.
Still struggling on what exactly to look for?
We hear you! We created a quick buyer’s guide just below. Think of it like your Swiss army knife, a handy helper to choose the best sauna for YOU!
How to Choose the Best Home Sauna
Jumping headfirst into the topic of saunas can be very overwhelming! It comes with a lotttt of new (and confusing) terms.
You don’t know where to start? Whether to believe team purist or team tech? Well, we will rescue you by clearing up (without taking any sides) the factors that you should consider before dropping cash.
Infrared vs Traditional:
Choosing between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna depends largely on your preferences.
Traditional
Pros
- Authentic sauna experience
- Humidity control
- Better fit for outdoors
Cons
- Less affordable units & running costs
- Longer pre-heating times
- May need more cleaning and maintenance
Infrared
Pros
- More affordable units & running costs
- No venting
- Fast heat-up time
Cons
- Limited outdoor use
Do infrared saunas have more benefits than traditional saunas?
Well, besides the incredible relaxation benefits, the true benefits to be reaped are found in long term use. So the sauna with the most benefits, is the one you will enjoy most (and actually use!)
Though steam saunas offer potential respiratory benefits, and Near-Infrared light is reportedly great for improving skin health (collagen production), all saunas provide similar overall health benefits if used regularly.
Is infrared less efficient because it is less hot?
The theory behind infrared saunas is that by using infrared light, heat can penetrate the body and muscle tissue more deeply. Thus, this produces the same benefits at lower temperatures.
Although these pointers give a quick overview of what to expect for each type, remember the KEY DECISION FACTOR should be your personal needs and tastes!
Types of wood used for saunas:
The construction quality of your sauna, and particularly the type of wood used, plays a crucial role in its durability, heat retention, and overall comfort.
Here’s a quick overview of the most common types of wood.
What is Thermowood?
Thermowood is a thermal treatment of wood, performed so that the wood acquires unique properties.
During the processing the cellular structure of the wood changes. It becomes as dry as if it has been drying for several hundred years. Resin completely evaporates from the wood. Additionally, its thermal conductivity decreases, strength increases, and water absorption significantly decreases.
Why look for Thermowood?
- High heat resistance and long term durability
- Very resistant to rot and mould
- Retains shape under high heat and moisture conditions
- Thermal insulation properties
- Various shades and aesthetic choices
Type of heater:
Traditional sauna:
- Wood-Burning Stove
- Electric
Infrared:
- Full Spectrum Infrared
- Low EMF
- Ultra Low EMF
Additional Features:
One of the great aspects of owning a sauna is the ability to customise it with features that enhance your experience. From luxury add-ons, to combining multiple wellness practices, you can really make your experience your own.
- Sauna stones (traditional sauna or hybrid)
- Smart controls and automation
- Built-in audio and entertainment systems
- Chromotherapy (lighting) – Red light therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Salt therapy (halo-therapy)
- Traditional accessories (sauna hat, Sauna Bucket and Ladle)
- Sauna pillows, backrests & heater guard
Where Can I Buy A Sauna?
Worldwide
Huge range in this excellent online marketplace. Free shipping on most orders in the lower 48 states (USA). Exceptions apply for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska, non-contiguous US addresses, and Canada. Worldwide shipping is available to almost all accessible locations. That makes this a great place to begin your search, especially if you are non-US based!
This manufacturer builds their own infrared saunas. Originally US born and based, they have a vast distribution network worldwide. There are separate websites based on geographical region which you can find listed here: USA, Canada, Germany, Europe, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, China. Delivery available throughout the US, Europe, Asia, and the world!
Thousands of products stocked from industry leading manufacturers. Free same-day shipping within the contiguous US. International shipping is available, and you can also make arrangements to have your order shipped to an export company of your choice.
This company constructs their own beautiful wooden saunas, cold plunges and offers bundle packages. Delivery in the US is generally handled by FedEx. Hawaiian, Alaskan and International customers can opt to ship with a freight provider of their choice.
USA only
These guys build their own traditional, infrared, hybrid saunas, ice baths, and they are beautiful sleek models at super competitive prices. Based in Australia (great option for Aussie and Kiwi buyers!) they ship internationally as well.
An excellent online marketplace with a great range of saunas. Free shipping on most orders – delivery only available in the lower 48 states (USA ONLY).
This manufacturer creates their own infrared saunas, traditional saunas, cold plunges, red light therapy and infrared blankets. Delivery in the USA only.
Beautiful and wide range of products. Free shipping on all orders (unless you order just stones) (USA ONLY).
Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.