Saunas could be your ticket to quicker workout recovery. The health benefits of using a sauna after a workout may include quickened muscle recovery1, stress relief2, increased blood flow3, and better sleep4. How’s that for a post-workout boost?
One top brand manufacturing at-home saunas these days is Sun Home, and we’ve been very intrigued by the two-person Equinox profile for some time. In our Sun Home Equinox review, our product tester, Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, and lead reviewer at GGR Everything, explains the great, the good, and the not-so-bad (can you tell we like it?) of this luxurious home sauna made from kiln-dried eucalyptus.
Low-EMF and high-quality, Lindsay puts it succinctly: “This sauna is fantastic.”
We’ve Tested More Than 30 Saunas
In 2024, more than 600,000 people used our reviews to find the best home equipment for muscle recovery. Our team of product testers, certified trainers, and athletes has tested nearly three dozen sauna models in our quest to find the best.
When we test the best home saunas, whether traditional saunas or those with infrared heating, we evaluate multiple critical criteria to see how different products stack up against one another. Here are a few key areas of performance we analyze and rate from 1 to 5, according to our multipoint sauna testing methodology.
- Construction: Craftsmanship is a top driver of our home saunas scores. To earn a 3-point rating, the sauna is sturdy and clearly high-quality, though you may hear some creaking or groaning of the wood. To earn 5 points, no air leaks are present, keeping the heat internal (where it should be) at all times.
- Heat Performance: A good sauna experience includes a reasonable heating time and requires minimal or no adjustments once you’re inside. For saunas with infrared heaters, we award 3-point scores to those that can reach 120 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit yet may require the user to make minor adjustments to the temperature during a sweat.
- Delivery and Setup: Indoor saunas can be large, cumbersome, and difficult to assemble. To earn at least 3 points, curbside delivery is offered, and assembly takes less than three hours. To earn 5 points, curbside or threshold delivery is offered, and assembly is minimal.
- Features: We look for the basics like LED lights and an easy-to-use control panel, for a 3-point score. Saunas with extra features, like medical-grade chromotherapy lighting and Bluetooth surround sound systems, can earn 5 points in this category.
The Sun Home Equinox Sauna is a full-spectrum infrared sauna, providing near, mid, and far infrared rays during a sauna session. With a controlled temperature adjustment, the sauna also features medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights and Bluetooth or auxiliary enabled surround sound.
What our tester says:
“You can feel this sauna heat up in seconds—I really enjoy using it.”
A Quick Look at the Sun Home Equinox
Rated by our testers as the best infrared sauna for home use, this is no regular hot box. The Sun Home Equinox can reach a maximum temperature of 165 degrees—on the very high end for infrared models—and has a host of features that set it apart from other profiles, even at this same price point.
Top callouts include the removable benches, which allow for additional room for exercising or hot yoga (couldn’t be me, but you do you), and built-in chromotherapy lighting, which uses specific wavelengths of light to treat certain psychological and physical health conditions5. Research is limited6 on whether or not it works, but the soft, colorful lighting can be a nice touch, regardless.
Before You Buy
- There are some infrared sauna dangers, so make sure you are a good fit for this type of recovery discipline prior to purchase.
- The max capacity on the Equinox is three people (we tested the two-person model), but there is a four-person model—the Eclipse—that offers both far infrared and red light therapy.
- The Equinox is warrantied against the cabinetry and heaters for seven years (controls for three), and you can buy additional accident protection for events not covered by the warranty for up to four years.
Is the Sun Home Equinox Worth It?
For me, as a professional gear analyst with a vendetta against hyperconsumerism, the question of whether or not something is “worth it” is always a tough one—especially when the price is north of $7,000. I recognize that saunas are not something everyone is lucky enough to invest in, and I never want to make people feel like they are missing out on something they don’t really need.
All that said, if I am going to say a four-figure sauna is worth it, the Sun Home Equinox would be the one I, and our product testers, recommend. Based on the available scientific evidence, if you get enough use out of your sauna, the benefits you’ll enjoy can justify the cost. We could all use a little more sleep, a little less stress, and quicker workout recovery.
Plus, the robust build quality and luxury features on this sauna can make every session feel like a visit to a luxury wellness retreat. As Lindsay puts it, “You can find cheaper saunas on Amazon, but in terms of quality, they just don’t meet the mark that this sauna does.”
Great for:
- Those who prefer infrared saunas to traditional ones
- Anyone for whom privacy isn’t a concern, due to the glass door
- People looking for extras like high-end speakers and built-in lighting
Not recommended for:
- People looking for steam sauna sessions or those incompatible with infrared sauna use for medical reasons
- Those who want a regular sauna that fits more than two or three people
- Anyone who wants to avoid electromagnetic field exposure (the Equinox is low-EMF, but it’s still exposure)
Sun Home Equinox Specs
| Footprint | 51” L x 46” W x 78” H |
| Type | Indoor infrared |
| Weight | 520 lbs |
| Capacity | 2 people |
| Temperature Max | 165º F |
| Warranty | 7 years on cabinetry and heaters, 3 years on controls |
| Power Requirement | 120V |
Experience Using the Sun Home Equinox
Lindsay has used the Sun Home Equinox extensively in our GGR fitness warehouse. Time and time again, she returns to the Equinox because of its incredible ambient lighting, “killer” sound system, and comfortable interior benches. Not to mention, this sauna heats to a higher degree than most other infrared saunas, which allows for a more intense session in the recommended maximum of 15-minute intervals (learn more about how long to stay in a sauna).
Footprint and Portability
Lindsay says the Equinox has a “pretty standard footprint for a two-person sauna.” It’s definitely not a portable sauna, she calls out, and that’s clear from the dimensions and product weight. The Equinox weighs 520 pounds and measures 51 inches long by 46 inches wide by 78 inches high. Still, it’s well within benchmark standards for a two-person sauna, so it earns 4 out of 5 points in this category.
Durability and Construction
The build quality of the Sun Home Equinox is something most people are not likely to be able to DIY. In fact, it’s one of the major positive performance points for this product. Lindsay rates the construction a 5 out of 5, saying, “We have tested this one so many times and the construction on this is solid. Even after moving it around the building and having multiple people use it, it has no issues.”
Made from kiln-dried natural eucalyptus wood, the Sun Home Equinox is resistant to warping and rot, as well as insects. Sun Home also utilizes materials low in volatile organic compounds7 (VOCs) that may pose a threat to personal health.
Sun Home also claims that the heaters will last for 50,000 hours of use. While we haven’t had the pleasure of using this sauna for that long (yet!), we do believe that the quality of the other components is a good indication of the heater quality.
Heat Performance
“The four far-infrared heaters are the star of the show with this sauna,” Lindsay tells me. “This sauna heats up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For me personally, this is the hottest infrared sauna that I’ve ever tested.”
Most infrared saunas heat to around 140 or 150 degrees, with 160 being the high end. The max temp of 165 degrees puts the Sun Home Equinox among the highest-performing infrared saunas in terms of heating power.
It heats up quickly, too. “The saunas from Sun Home Saunas heat up faster than a lot of other saunas I’ve tried, in about 10 minutes,” Lindsay tells me. All in all, the Equinox earns a perfect score of 5 points for performance.
This heating power comes from the four far-infrared heating panels plus the two full-spectrum infrared heaters in the front of the build. One thing to note, Lindsay points out, is that there’s an auto-shutoff feature for safety. Once the inside temperature reaches its max, the panels automatically turn off.
The Ergonomics
This sauna comfortably fits two people, Lindsay says. The bench seats are removable so you have more wiggle room for hot yoga or simply lying in Shavasana and relaxing.
“The bench seat feels deep and is comfortable to sit on,” Lindsay says, and at 20.2 inches deep, the seat is “way more comfortable to use, especially if you are a taller person. I mean, this was easily like the most comfortable bench.”
She also notes that although the back rest doesn’t offer any sort of contour, she didn’t have any issues with it since she prefers a straight back rest. If you need lumbar support, you may want to look into some sort of portable seat or backrest, or this may not be the right sauna for you.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
This wouldn’t be a complete Sun Home Equinox review without mentioning the tech specs and extra features. Lindsay calls the Equinox the “sauna with the killer speakers,” and being that Sun Home utilizes Blaupunkt speakers—the same kind used in Porsche vehicles—we’d all have to agree. “This sound system actually got me super excited,” Lindsay says. “It was fantastic. It goes super loud, but the sound quality was also really clear.”
We also have to comment on the chromotherapy lighting, which Lindsay says is a great addition to the overall ambiance. You can switch between various hues of blue, red, green, and yellow, and there’s a remote control so you can do it without breaking your zen. Even if you’re not convinced in chromotherapy’s posited healing properties5, the different lighting can be a fun addition.
This isn’t the most high-tech sauna out there, but these components really elevate the experience, so Lindsay gives it a 4-out-of-5 rating for features.
Sun Home Equinox vs Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna
The Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna features chromotherapy lighting and a low electromagnetic field. It’s made naturally with no glues, plywood, or stains.
What our tester says:
“If you prioritize eco-consciousness and work to actively reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields, this may be the right option for you. The brand takes pride in eliminating Bluetooth accessories, cable shielding, and not treating wood with stains or glue.”
If you’re looking for an alternative sauna to the Equinox, we’ve been fans of the Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna since it arrived at our testing facility. The builds are comparable in price and function, but there are a few differences to note. The Heavenly Heat sauna is a much tighter squeeze for two people, measuring smaller by about 4 inches in width, 5 inches in depth, and 3 inches in height. It’s certainly still doable for two, though. The Heavenly Heat sauna also weighs substantially less at 320 pounds compared to the Equinox’s 520 pounds.
Both heat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit and have EMF-reducing properties to help protect against electromagnetic field exposure. The Heavenly Heat sauna offers a more robust warranty on the cabin (10 years compared to Sun Home’s seven), though less coverage is granted for the heaters (six years compared to Sun Home’s seven).
Tester Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC says of the Heavenly Heat sauna, “I feel like that’s a pretty decent price. That’s considering the high-quality build, Canadian hemlock wood, and low-EMF and ELF sauna heaters.”
Check out our Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna review to learn more.
| Sun Home Equinox | Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna | |
| Price | $7,499 | $7,300 |
| Footprint | 51” L x 46” W x 78” H | 47.2” W x 41.3” D x 75” H |
| Type | Indoor infrared | Indoor infrared |
| Capacity | 2 people | 2 people |
| Weight | 520 lbs | 320 lbs |
| Temperature Max | 165º F | 165º F |
| Warranty | 7 years on cabin and heaters, 3 years on controls | 10 years on cabin, 6 years on electrical and heaters |
| Power Requirement | 120V | 120V |
Customer Experience
You’ll be well taken care of as a Sun Home customer. The brand offers a seven-year warranty on the cabinetry and heaters—the most important components—and a three-year warranty on the control system. Additional protection for accidents that aren’t covered by the warranty, such as spills, is available for an additional cost for up to four years.
Sun Home also offers financing, which we love to see for expensive products like this. Those who qualify can enjoy payments as low as $240 per month with 0% APR. (Don’t forget to check if your purchase is FSA- or HSA-eligible, too!)
Finally, Sun Home allows for a 30-day return window, but the sauna must be unused and in its original packaging. You will also be responsible for a 25% restocking fee and outbound shipping. You won’t be refunded for your inbound shipping, either. The return policy isn’t the most lax, but it’s understandable given the nature of the product. Taken all together, Sun Home earns 5 out of 5 points for customer experience.
Ordering and Assembling the Sun Home Equinox
Lindsay cites no issues with assembly, but notes that the process is, by nature, a bit cumbersome. She gives it 3.5 out of 5 points, saying, “It will take two people, but the instructions were clear. It isn’t a complicated sauna to build; it just takes some time since it’s a bigger piece of equipment.” The delivery was easy, she says, and came with all parts well-protected in a big wooden box.
Customer Reviews
As of this writing, the Equinox has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Sun Home website, based on 72 customer reviews.”I can’t be more pleased with our purchase,” notes one positive customer response. “I always do a lot of research before I purchase anything. The sales staff was very professional and helpful. We use our sauna every day! We love it!”
While reviews are generally positive, there are some instances where complaints stem from the delivery process, which can be out of Sun Home’s hands and more assigned to individual parcel handlers. “We had a communication issue with delivery. Ordered in early April and delivered June 18. Boxes were well-packed. Once all the boxes were unpacked, sorted and staged, it took about an hour to assemble,” one reviewer writes.
Final Verdict of Our Sun Home Equinox Review
Priced around $7,500, many may balk at the price tag on this sauna. We hear you—but hear our tester out. “It’s more expensive than the average two-person sauna, but it feels worth it to me considering the quality, warranty, and performance of this sauna to spend a little more,” Lindsay concludes.
If you align with our praise and feel like the Equinox is the perfect upgrade to your at-home recovery routine, here are some final points to remember about the build.
- 120- to 165-degree Fahrenheit temperature range
- Porsche-quality Blaupunkt speakers with surround sound
- Chromotherapy lighting and full infrared spectrum
- Natural eucalyptus construction
- Removable bench
- Four infrared panels and two heaters
- Seven-year warranty on the cabin; three-year warranty on the controls
Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
The Sun Home Equinox Sauna is a full-spectrum infrared sauna, providing near, mid, and far infrared rays during a sauna session. With a controlled temperature adjustment, the sauna also features medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights and Bluetooth or auxiliary enabled surround sound.
Product Brand: Sun Home
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 7,499.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.4
Sun Home Equinox Review: FAQs
Is it normal for Sun Home saunas to take a long time to heat up?
No. In our experience, Sun Home saunas only take roughly 10 minutes to heat up. If your Sun Home sauna is taking longer than 10 to 15 minutes to come to full heat, you may need to contact customer service to inquire about potential issues.
Are Sun Home saunas good?
Yes! Our product testers have tried multiple Sun Home saunas and have consistently rated them very highly. Sun Home saunas are known for their resistance to warping due to their high-quality build, as well as extensive warranties.
Who owns Sun Home Saunas?
According to Crunchbase, a database of startups, Sun Home Saunas is owned by co-founders Tyler Fish and Adam Fischer.
References
- Ahokas EK, Ihalainen JK, Hanstock HG, Savolainen E, Kyröläinen H. A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biol Sport. 2023;40(3):681-689.
- Kojima D, Nakamura T, Banno M, et al. Head-out immersion in hot water increases serum BDNF in healthy males. Int J Hyperthermia. 2018;34(6):834-839.
- Laukkanen, Jari A. et al. Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Volume 93, Issue 8, 1111 – 1121
- Hussain JN, Greaves RF, Cohen MM. A hot topic for health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey. Complement Ther Med. 2019;44:223-234.
- Azeemi STY, Rafiq HM, Ismail I, Kazmi SR, Azeemi A. The mechanistic basis of chromotherapy: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Complement Ther Med. 2019;46:217-222.
- Azeemi ST, Raza SM. A critical analysis of chromotherapy and its scientific evolution. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2005;2(4):481-488.
- David E, Niculescu VC. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as Environmental Pollutants: Occurrence and Mitigation Using Nanomaterials. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(24):13147.
