I’m a creature of habit. Whenever I wrap up a tough #LegDay or challenging chest and triceps workout at the gym, the first thing I do is head straight to the steam room for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Sitting inside of a box and cranking the heat up may sound like a nightmare to cold plunge tub fans, but for me, a sauna is an invaluable muscle recovery tool. In addition to soothing sore muscles, sauna sessions can provide other health benefits, such as stress relief and may even help improve your sleep quality.1
Luckily, you don’t have to rely on your commercial gym to reap those rejuvenating rewards. Investing in a high-quality home sauna can be an absolute game-changer for your recovery routine, especially if you’re a home gym owner who takes their training seriously.
In this SaunaBox Go review, I’ll break down the dimensions, heat levels, performance, and more so you can decide if this is the right fit for your budget and needs.
Behind the Steam: Inside Our Hands-On Sauna Testing Process
The GGR squad consists of certified personal trainers (CPTs), certified nutrition coaches, CrossFit competitors, and an Olympian weightlifter. As dedicated lifters and exercise enthusiasts, we understand that what you do after your workout has a huge impact on how well you’ll perform in your next training session.
Naturally, our team has tried just about every muscle recovery tool imaginable — from the best massage chairs to the best massage guns. Of course, we’ve also tested both ends of the hydrotherapy scale by taking the plunge in cold tubs and sitting through sweat-inducing sauna sessions.
In our quest to soothe sore muscles, promote blood flow, and get some stress relief, the GGR team evaluates saunas using our fitness equipment testing methodology. We use a 1-5 scoring system to evaluate critical factors that affect your sauna experience, including:
- Delivery and Setup: How quickly can you get your sauna up and running?
- Construction: Is the sauna made of high-quality materials? Or are there durability concerns?
- Footprint and Portability: How much space does the sauna command? Can you easily move it, or do the dimensions and weight make that difficult?
- Performance: How quickly does the sauna reach your desired temperature? Are there any issues with temperature retention?
- Value: Does the price match the features?
For this SaunaBox Go review, I teamed up with GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, who put this portable sauna through our extensive testing process so you have no surprises when it comes time to break a sweat.
RELATED: Best Portable Saunas
A Quick Look at the SaunaBox Go
Designed with portability and convenience in mind, the SaunaBox Go is a two-person steam sauna that takes less than 10 minutes to set up. Capable of reaching 130°F with 100% humidity, it has 15 heat levels that you can control with the SaunaBox app. The inside of the heat insulated cover is made with anti-microbial materials that help prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
Our team has enjoyed rejuvenating sauna experiences with some of the company’s other models, including the one-person SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro. Here’s what Lindsay had to say about our choice for the best portable steam sauna.
“The heat and humidity is intense, and it’s extremely easy to break down and set up.”
Before You Buy
- Although the SaunaBox Go is expensive compared to similar models, SaunaBox offers financing options through Klarna. Plus, you can use HSA or FSA funds to pay for it.
- You can use the SaunaBox app to set the power level and timer, giving you full control over the unit from wherever you are.
- In addition to the unit itself, you also get two portable chairs, a full-size floor mat, carrying case, and essential oils.
- Unlike the one-person SmartSteam Kit Pro, the Go fits two people comfortably. Even with that, it still boasts a compact footprint.
SaunaBox Go Video Review
Is the SaunaBox Go Worth It?
At a list price of $599, the SaunaBox Go certainly isn’t the cheapest option on the market. However, we believe its premium price tag is justified thanks to its two-person capacity, weatherproof design, smart app integration, and seamless setup.
As you’ll learn in the full review, Lindsay thoroughly enjoyed her experience with the SaunaBox Go, especially when she brought a friend along for a recovery session. One callout to consider is that the 130°F max temperature might not be enough hardcore traditional sauna users, especially if you’re used to higher-temp dry saunas.
Overall, though, this is a worthwhile investment if you’re committed to putting your body and mind in the best position to succeed—with a lot of sweat involved.
RELATED: Best Infrared Saunas
Great for:
- Couples or friends who train (and recover) together
- Those who want a quick and painless setup process
- Wellness-focused individuals who want more than just heat therapy, as the SaunaBox app offers session logging, guided meditation, and more
- Those who want a lower-heat, high-humidity recovery option
Not recommended for:
- Experienced sauna users who prefer high heat (180-200°F)
- Single people, as you can save money by getting a one-person unit
- Anyone who lives in extremely cold climates, as the cold water and frigid outdoor temps can increase the heat-up time or limit the unit’s effectiveness
- Budget-conscious shoppers
SaunaBox Go Specs
| Price | $599 |
| Dimensions | 56” W x 53” H x 49” L |
| Heat Levels | 1-15 |
| Time Settings | 0-60 minutes |
| Voltage | 110V |
| Wattage | 1600 Watts 50/60 Hz |
| What’s Included? | SmartSteam® Pro Heating Unit, pop-up tent, two portable chairs, SweatLock floor mat, carrying case, essential oils |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Using the SaunaBox Go
GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele stepped inside the box to give us the scoop on what to expect from this two-person sauna solution. Let’s peel back the curtain and see what stood out and what fell flat during those steamy recovery sessions.
Construction, Footprint, and Portability
The SaunaBox Go is a well-built, well-designed system that includes a pop-up tent that’s easy to set up. The tent is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning the fabric has been independently tested for harmful substances based on strict global criteria. The SaunaBox Go is also ETL certified and fully REACH compliant, meaning it aligns with European Union regulations for no use of harmful chemicals during manufacturing.
“This is a weatherproof sauna. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, and the assembly takes less than 10 minutes,” says Lindsay. “This is a very similar design and assembly to what the Sweat Tent offers.”
While most steam saunas have piping construction with cloth layers around it, Lindsay appreciated SaunaBox Go’s zipper design and durable fiberglass frame.
“This is honestly the easiest design and assembly I’ve ever used,” she says. “I loved the Sweat Tent for that, and then also now the SaunaBox for that.”
With a footprint of 56” W x 53” H x 49” L, the SaunaBox Go fits two people comfortably. Yet, it’s still fairly compact and can be quickly broken down and stored away when not in use.
Lindsay does have one disclaimer, though.
“You’re going to have to duck down while you’re getting in and out of the sauna because it’s a shorter headroom. But while you’re sitting, you have plenty of headroom up above, and a lot of people regardless of their height will still be able to use this and fit in it comfortably.”
Based on the design, build materials, and quick-and-easy assembly, we rate the SaunaBox go a 5 out of 5 for construction and 4 out of 5 footprint/portability.
Features
Considering you could spend about the same on a pair of REP QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbells, you expect to get quite a few features and reliable performance from the SaunaBox Go. Luckily, this portable steam sauna does not disappoint in either department.
What separates this product from many of its competitors is the app-enabled SmartSteam Pro Heating Unit. Simply download the SaunaBox mobile app on your iOS or Android device and you’ll be able to use your phone as a remote control for your sauna.
“The app allows you to basically set the power level, as well as the time beforehand, which means you can get your sauna going on your drive home from work so it’ll be ready for you when you get home,” says Lindsay.
In addition to starting a sauna session from your phone, you can adjust the temperature and time settings, track your progress to monitor your health and wellness journey, and even choose from a library of guided meditations or spa music to create a serene space for you to unwind.
We also like that SaunaBox includes a few other useful items in this package, including a quick dry and machine washable absorbent sweat mat for the floor, a carrying case, and two portable chairs. Overall, this earns 4.5-out-of-5 rating for features from our team.
Performance
Is this the hottest sauna Lindsay’s tested? Not quite. With a max temperature of 130°F, it doesn’t sniff the 190°F you’ll get with a dry sauna like the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna.
“That’s kind of middle of the road in terms of heat,” Lindsay says.
Despite providing just average heating capabilities, the SaunaBox Go performs reliably. Marketed as a sauna that can be used both indoors and outdoors, Lindsay agrees—but with one caveat.
“If you bring this outside and the water stays really cold, it’s going to take even longer and it’s probably just not going to get up to those high temps,” she explains.
During testing, it took the steamer about 10 minutes inside a 65°F warehouse to reach the correct temperature. Also be aware that setting the timer to 60 minutes will start knocking off those minutes even while the sauna is warming up.
Ultimately, though, you shouldn’t be sitting in a sauna for an hour anyways.
“I did a 10-minute session, a 20-minute session, and a 30-minute session and 30 minutes was great,” Lindsay says. “I don’t want to go any further than that because I was just literally drenched.”
From a performance standpoint, we’ll give the SaunaBox Go a 4 out of 5.
SaunaBox Go vs SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro
The SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro offers an easy and affordable wet sauna option for home recovery sessions. It’s compact, folds down effortlessly, and is suitable for one person at a time. The heat is sourced from the SmartSteam Unit, which pumps steam into the SaunaBox and can be set to seven different settings.
What our tester says:
“It should take you less than 10 minutes and about 10 minutes to disassemble and clean it thoroughly.”
If you’re searching for a steam sauna solution at a sub-$1,000 price point, SaunaBox offers two solid options. Just like she did for the SaunaBox Go, Lindsay did a full video review for the SmartSteam Kit Pro, pointing out some noteworthy pros and cons.
With the Go, you get a larger capacity (two people vs. one), more heat level controls (15 vs.7), and the SaunaBox app integration. With the taller SmartSteam Kit Pro (74 inches high vs. 49 inches on the Go), you must do a little more legwork by pouring distilled water into the SmartSteam Chamber and waiting for about 15 minutes for steam to flow into the pop-up tent.
For more details on the more affordable option from SaunaBox, you can check out our mini review on the SmartSteam Kit Pro in our best home sauna roundup.
| SaunaBox Go | SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro | |
| Price | $599 | $449 |
| Capacity | 2 people | 1 person |
| Dimensions | 56” W x 53” H x 49” L | 35” L x 35” W x 74” H |
| Heat Levels | 15 | 7 |
| What’s Included? | SmartSteam® Pro Heating Unit, pop-up tent, two portable chairs, SweatLock floor mat, carrying case, essential oils | Portable chair, floor mat, towel, and carrying case |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty |
Customer Experience
SaunaBox provides an excellent customer experience by offering several notable perks. First, you get free shipping that takes between 3-5 business days. In addition, you can use HSA/FSA funds or set up an interest-free payment plan through Klarna, making this more accessible to different customers.
We also appreciate that SaunaBox includes free essential oils — a nice touch that can make your session even more relaxing and rejuvenating.
“I went ahead and did a session together with my best friend, and we put the eucalyptus oil in the steamer — it smelled great,” Lindsay says. “Despite the fact we were completely drenched in sweat by the time we got out, we both actually felt like we had a lot of energy.”
One drawback: This Sauna only has a one-year warranty. Considering the price tag, we’d expect a bit better coverage.
Ordering the SaunaBox Go
You can order the SaunaBox Go directly on the company website. Simply add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. As stated above, you have multiple financing options, giving you plenty of flexibility to add this to your recovery toolkit.
Although it’s listed for $599, you may find the SaunaBox on sale for as low as $549 based on our research and experience with the brand.
Customer Reviews
The SaunaBox Go has earned an average rating of 4.5 stars based on 1,758 reviews on the company website.
Final Verdict of Our SaunaBox Go Review
What once may have seemed like a luxury might actually be more of a necessity. Sauna session offer a host of potential benefits — from helping with stress relief to promoting blood flow to improving your cardiometabolic health2. If you’re willing to splurge a bit, the SaunaBox Go is a worthwhile investment that can help you and another person reap the rewards of sweating it out at the same time.
Full Rating
SaunaBox Go
The SaunaBox Go offers a simple and affordable way to enjoy infrared sauna benefits at home or on the road. While it isn’t as powerful or spacious as traditional saunas, its portability and ease of use make it a solid choice for recovery on the go.
Product Brand: SaunaBox
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 599
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.27
SaunaBox Go Review: FAQs
Are portable saunas worth it?
As a certified personal trainer (CPT), I think portable saunas are a good investment if you’re an active individual who values their recovery as much as their training. Start with an inexpensive option like the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna if you’re on a budget before going for something more expansive like the SaunaBox Go.
What is the SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro?
The SmartSteam Kit Pro is a one-person steam sauna that can easily be set up in just a matter of minutes. If you don’t need a two-person sauna, it’s a great alternative to the SaunaBox Go.
What are the pros and cons of the SaunaBox Go?
The pros of the SaunaBox Go are that it can be fully controlled via a mobile app, it’s easy to set up, and it can fit two people. On the other hand, it’s more expensive than many portable sauna solutions, it has a short warranty, and it doesn’t have a high max temperature.
References
- Hussain, J. N., Greaves, R. F., & Cohen, M. M. (2019). A hot topic for health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey. Complementary therapies in medicine, 44, 223–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.012
- Henderson, K. N., Killen, L. G., O’Neal, E. K., & Waldman, H. S. (2021). The Cardiometabolic Health Benefits of Sauna Exposure in Individuals with High-Stress Occupations. A Mechanistic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(3), 1105. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031105
