Best Outdoor Sauna (2026): 6 Expert Picks to Help You Break a Sweat Outside

The Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Sauna is our choice for the best outdoor sauna overall, thanks to its impressive performance and solid construction. This four-person sauna heats to 190 degrees Fahrenheit in just 35 minutes. 

Whether it’s hot summers or cold winters, this model is built to last outside with its thermowood exterior, which is made from Scandinavian softwood that’s heat-treated in kilns for multiple days. This process helps protect the wood from cracking or warping over time and can improve the material’s resistance to rot and fungi.

Our Experience With the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna

Designed specifically to withstand the extremes of the outdoors, this sauna is airtight when built, as seen in its top-tier performance. GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, tested the Redwood Outdoors sauna and was highly impressed with its ability to reach the desired temperature efficiently.

“It worked so well once we got it up and running,” she says. “It kept the temperature and humidity where we wanted perfectly.”

We also appreciate that this four-person sauna features two-level seating, which is the traditional Scandinavian design. This allows you to choose between low- and high-heat options. This model comes standard with a Harvia electric heater, bucket, ladle, backrest, sauna rocks, and an internal light fixture. This also gives you the advantage of choosing between a wet vs. dry sauna experience.

What We Didn’t Like About the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna

Fair warning: Assembling the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin is not for the faint of heart. While the pieces are designed for easy interlocking and the model requires minimal screws, the instructions were for an older model and proved unhelpful. This forced our team to troubleshoot amongst the 300 or so pieces to properly build the sauna. 

“The biggest issue we ran into was the screws that came with the sauna,” Lindsay says. “They were a very cheap, imported metal that would shred apart when met with any resistance, such as going into the wood.”

Who It’s Best For

The Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna has many user-friendly features that should appeal to a wide range of recovery enthusiasts. 

Choose the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna If:

• You want an ultra-durable outdoor sauna  
• You like the versatility of two-tier bench seating
• You like a cabin-style design that maximizes usable interior space

Avoid the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna If:

• You want multiple years of warranty coverage (1-year limited warranty)
• You don’t want to deal with a complicated assembly process
• You don’t have sufficient yard space to set it up

Read our Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Outdoor Sauna review or detailed insight on this four-person sauna.

The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Five-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna is a luxury model built with durability, performance, and convenience in mind. It features 15 heaters, carbonized all-weather wood, panoramic dura-glass panels, a mobile app-control system, Bluetooth surround sound, and medical-grade chromotherapy lighting.

While its hefty price tag and lengthy assembly process may deter some potential buyers, the Luminar combines cutting-edge technology with excellent construction, helping it earn the title of best infrared outdoor sauna.

Our Experience With the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna

Even with their increased popularity, infrared saunas are rarely made for outdoor use. However, that’s not the case with the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna. Featuring an aerospace-grade aluminum exterior and stainless steel roof, this sauna is built to endure the outdoors. 

“Thankfully, the exterior is designed to withstand all seasons, so durability isn’t an issue—even in harsh climates,” says former GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele.

Along with a solid construction, the sauna is heated by an abundance of infrared heaters: five far-infrared heaters and 10 full-spectrum heaters. The infrared red sauna got to 160 degrees within 10 minutes, and while not as hot as dry saunas, it’s still an impressive temperature (and heat rate) for the category. 

What We Didn’t Like About the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna

Despite its attractive specs, the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna does have a few notable drawbacks. At nearly 1,300 pounds, this massive unit is anything but portable and requires professional hardwiring. Compared to other outdoor saunas we’ve tested, the setup is quite challenging, so you’ll need time and patience to make it all come together.

Furthermore, although it’s marketed as a five-person sauna, our testers found it a bit cramped when filled to capacity. “After having five actual people in it, we think it’s fairer to say it’s a four-person sauna,” Lindsay states.

Finally, as much as we love the build quality and features, the Luminar’s premium price tag of $14,499 means it’s simply not a practical choice for every buyer—even those who want to enjoy all the benefits of infrared saunas.

Who It’s Best For

Based on its ultra-premium price tag, the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna isn’t a feasible investment for everyone.

Choose the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna If:

• You want efficient, full-spectrum infrared heating 
• You enjoy convenient tech features that can make sessions more immersive 
• You want a spacious interior layout that allows for group use

Avoid the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna If:

• You’re trying to stick to any type of budget
• You’re a dry sauna enthusiast who wants max temperatures
• You have limited space, as it’s nearly 2.5 feet wider than the average sauna

Check out our Sun Home Sauna review for a more in-depth look at the Sun Home Luminar sauna line.

When we talk about traditional saunas, we’re not necessarily talking about the shape of the sauna, but, rather, the method of heating. Traditional saunas are dry saunas that use electric or wood-burning heaters to produce heat, usually with sauna stones included, too. The Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna provides a traditional sauna experience while using a barrel shape to distribute heat evenly throughout. It’s one of our favorite models we’ve tested, especially since it can reach much higher temperatures than the average home sauna. 

Our Experience With the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna

Capable of being used indoors or outdoors, the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the sauna structure and five years on the heater. Given its $8,165 price tag, that level of protection enhances the value further.

Sean Rigsby, USA Weightlifting Junior National Team Coach, has this barrel-style sauna in his gym and is impressed with how quickly it can get warm and deliver a satisfying experience. The Morgan barrel sauna can fit four people pretty comfortably, although a six-person sauna is available for larger parties. 

We also appreciate that the Harvia heaters include 40 pounds of sauna stones, which will allow you to ladle water over the stones to create a steamy, humid environment.

RELATED: Steam Room Vs Sauna

What We Didn’t Like About the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna

One of our only callouts about this 4-person barrel sauna is the delivery and assembly process. Unfortunately, the instruction manual isn’t specific to this model. Instead, it’s a generic set of instructions for assembling barrel-style saunas from Almost Heaven, making the process a bit more complicated than we expected.

“It certainly complicated things for an already lengthy build,” Sean says. 

Furthermore, the barrel shape may be aesthetically appealing to some and not to others.

Who It’s Best For

The Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna stands out in a crowded market thanks to its unconventional shape.

Choose the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna If:

• You want a custom build where you can choose everything from the wood to the heater
• You want better heat circulation and efficiency 
• You want excellent warranty coverage

Avoid the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna If:

• You value modern touches like LED lighting or Wi-Fi integration
• A complicated assembly process sounds daunting
• The unique shape doesn’t suit your available space  

Read our full Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna review to learn more about this high-quality four-person sauna.

If you’re looking for the best that money can buy, our favorite high-end option is the Plunge Sauna, by the creators of The Cold Plunge. This outdoor sauna comes with a unique modern construction—a slanted back wall with fold-away benches that can be tucked away for hot yoga or stretching. Plus, a HUUM stone heater can get this sauna to temperatures approaching 230 degrees. Although it’s quite expensive, this well-built, well-performing sauna checks all the boxes we look for in this type of muscle recovery tool. 

Our Experience With The Plunge Sauna

We like the unique design of the Plunge Sauna because it offers a modern take on a traditional sauna. A slanted back wall with an attached upper and lower bench provides an ergonomic backrest. The exterior and benches are constructed with incense cedar, providing an aromatic wood smell as well as protection against mildew and insects. This high-end outdoor sauna also has a waterproof roof, allowing it to work inside or outside your own home. 

The Plunge Sauna has a Wi-Fi controller that can be adjusted through a mobile app along with customizable accent lighting. Plus, if you want to stand or stretch in the sauna, you can flip the benches up—an innovative way to save and use space.

What We Didn’t Like About the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna

During our testing experience, it took just under an hour for the sauna to go from 70 to 185 degrees. “I set the heat for my sauna session to 185 degrees and timed the process. Starting from 70 degrees, it took 56 minutes and 43 seconds to get to 185 degrees,” our product tester told me. While this length of time isn’t too long for a dry sauna of this size, it’s significantly longer than the warm-up time for the best infrared saunas—which are increasing in popularity. 

In addition, while the parts are well-organized and the instructions are easy to follow, it’ll take about four people to put this sauna together.

“You need a lot of hands to hold large pieces together until you get all four outer walls assembled,” our tester explains. “We suggest at least four people to build this sauna, although six might be good, too.”

Who It’s Best For

The highly rated Plunge Sauna provides plenty of valuable performance features—albeit at a premium price point.     

Choose the Plunge Sauna If:

• You want an ultra-hot authentic traditional sauna experience
• Comfort and convenience matter, thanks to the ergonomic backrest, foldable bench, and app-based scheduling
• You’re willing to invest in a premium sauna with high-end features and build quality

Avoid the Plunge Sauna If:

• You’re shopping on a budget and want a more affordable sauna
• You need a sauna that’s quick and easy to assemble by yourself
• You want a unit that heats up to its maximum temperature as quickly as possible

Learn more about this sauna in our Plunge Sauna review. Plus, check out our video review on the slightly smaller Plunge Sauna Mini.

While you can go with a super cheap option like a sauna blanket or personal sauna tent, you won’t be able to go outdoors with those profiles. For our budget pick, we went with an affordable sauna that can give you a nice sauna experience outdoors (as long as you have access to a 110-volt outlet). Priced at $349, the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro combines a compact design with efficient performance, providing tremendous bang for your hard-earned buck. 

Our Experience With the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro

As one of the best portable saunas we’ve tested, the SaunaBox uses a SmartSteam chamber to generate heat and can reach up to 140 degrees. While the max temperature is lower than other saunas, the humidity inside the SaunaBox will make it feel much hotter than it actually is. 

“The cover did an excellent job of containing the heat,” one of our product testers says. “The sauna stayed hot for my entire 10-minute session.”

The SaunaBox can only fit one person, but even taller users should be able to sit in it comfortably. One of our other product testers is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and he felt there was enough space for his tall frame. It’s also compact, so you can fit it in a small garage gym. 

Despite being budget-friendly, it’s not cheaply made, either. We appreciate that the SmartSteam Kit Pro is made with BPA-free antimicrobial materials to help prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

What We Didn’t Like About the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro

Unlike other saunas on this list, you’ll need to dedicate some time to clean this outdoor sauna kit after every use. We recommend using a mild cleaner, airing out the foot pad (which is machine-washable), and airing out the entire sauna to allow all the humidity to escape. 

“You don’t want this to become a breeding ground for mold and germs by packing it away wet,” GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele says.

Another callout worth mentioning: This portable sauna only heats up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is on the low end for saunas, so if you’re looking to really crank up the temperature, we recommend looking elsewhere.

Who It’s Best For

Between its portable build and budget-friendly price tag, the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro is quite different from the rest of the options on this list.

Choose the SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro If:

• You want a foldable design that saves space and adds flexibility
• You want a high-humidity environment
• You’re looking for a low-cost investment in your recovery game

Avoid the SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro If:

• Routine cleaning and maintenance sound like a hassle
• The 140º F max temperature is insufficient for your needs 
• You need room for more than one person

For more information, be sure to check out our SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro review.

Featuring a traditional design with a modern aesthetic, the Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna is our pick for the best two-person outdoor sauna. Formerly known as the Mini-Cube Sauna, this model is ideal for couples or people living in the city who need a compact solution for an urban backyard. With a footprint just over 5 feet by 4 feet, we think the Duo Sauna meets the mark here, providing enough room for two users without taking up too much space. 

Our Experience With the Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna

Although we haven’t sat inside the Duo Sauna yet, we’ve tested its roomier sibling, the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Sauna—our pick for the best overall outdoor sauna. 

The Duo Sauna has a nice design with rounded corners that are reminiscent of some barrel saunas. With heat-treated thermowood, it’s resistant to mildew and bugs. It’s able to retain its shape better, too, since the thermowood is dried of any moisture or resin that could cause cracking, swelling, or warping down the road. You have the option to add shingles to the roof for more protection, as well. Redwood Outdoors also offers add-ons like a bucket and ladle, wooden sauna step, and hanging aromatherapy diffuser.

What We Didn’t Like About the Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna

Based on our experience with the Cabin Outdoor Sauna, our main callout about the Duo Sauna is the setup process. Though it doesn’t look quite as complicated since its front and back walls come preassembled, the assembly requirements for this sauna are sizable. 

Another area where the Duo Sauna falls short is with its warranty. Redwood Outdoors only provides one year of coverage. Considering this two-person sauna costs nearly $6,000, we’d like to see at least two or three years, if not longer. 

Who It’s Best For

The Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna is an ideal choice for couples, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the perfect fit for all users.

Choose the Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna If:

• You like a minimalist design
• You want to choose from multiple heater options, including one with Wi-Fi connectivity
• You have a small backyard or patio

Avoid the Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna If:

• You want a multi-year warranty for peace of mind
• You need enough space to comfortably fit more than two people
• You want built-in entertainment features like Bluetooth speakers

Read our Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Outdoor Sauna review for detailed insight on the Duo’s larger sibling, the four-person sauna.

Footprint

The footprint score reflects the overall size and amount of room the sauna takes up. Most units are quite large, requiring ample space for proper usage.

Even compact saunas can be big, so we looked for the sauna to be used efficiently, providing good capacity for the amount of space the sauna takes up. To earn a 3 out of 5 or higher, the sauna must have enough space to seat the recommended number of people comfortably.

Based on our testing, every model met our threshold for a 3. Meanwhile, four units earned a 4, with the Plunge Sauna falling right in between at a 3.5. If you’re looking for the most space-efficient option, we recommend the SmartSteam Kit Pro. However, keep in mind that it’s a portable model that doesn’t offer nearly the same temperature range as the more traditional units on this list. 

Delivery and Setup

Unlike a squat rack or even a functional trainer, a sauna requires far more time and manpower to put together. We looked for how easily we could construct the sauna and noted any snags we hit along the way. Saunas scoring 3 out of 5 or higher have clear instructions, hassle-free delivery, and can be put together with little hassle.

While every model that made the cut earned at least a 3 in this category, it shouldn’t be a total surprise that just one (the SmartSteam Kit Pro) earned a perfect score. With multiple components—some of which can be quite heavy—the assembly process can take upwards of a few hours. You’ll notice a consistent theme in our full reviews and the chart below: Most units only earn an average score in the delivery and setup category .

Construction and Durability

Because different wood types have different properties, we take a careful look at how each outdoor sauna is constructed. For outdoor saunas, the wood used should be resistant to insects and mildew. In addition, a well-designed unit should not have any leaks or gaps where heat can escape. Saunas that meet these standards score at least a 3 out of 5 in this category.

As you can see, there’s a fairly wide range in this category. The Plunge Sauna performed the best by posting a perfect score. However, the Sun Home Luminar and Redwood Outdoors Duo aren’t far behind. Even though the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna and SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro are on opposite ends of the price spectrum, both earned 4s for construction and durability. 

Heat Performance

Obviously, a sauna is only as good as its heat source. For this category, we look at the sauna’s maximum temperature, and how quickly it gets there. We also noted the type of sauna heater used, as some are more efficient than others. Saunas that heat up within a reasonable amount of time earn at least a 3 out of 5.

As expected, every model that made our best outdoor saunas roundup passed this test with flying colors. In fact, half of our picks received perfect scores—a testament to the power and efficiency of the heaters. Even though the Plunge Sauna and SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro didn’t quite measure up, they still earned respectable 4-out-of-5 scores in this all-important category.

Features and Extras 

This is any sort of convenience feature or add-on to the sauna, ranging from a thermometer to chromotherapy LED lighting to Wi-Fi. Some manufacturers offer sauna accessories like a bucket and ladle, step, or cleaning and maintenance kit. To earn a 3 out of 5, saunas need to at least have the ability to read and adjust temperatures well.

Similar to the construction and durability category, we saw a fairly wide range of scores here. The Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna earned the lowest mark (3 out of 5), as it has more of a minimalist design with limited tech capabilities. On the other hand, the Sun Home Luminar Infrared Sauna was the lone unit to earn a perfect score thanks to its mobile app-enabled control system, Bluetooth surround sound system, and medical-grade chromotherapy LED lighting.

Indoor saunas may share quite a few benefits to outdoor saunas, but even so, outdoor saunas can provide some unique advantages. Here are a few ways you can support your overall health and well-being with an outdoor sauna. 

The Space

Sometimes, you just don’t have the space in your home for an indoor sauna. Everyone has a different living situation, but most homeowners can usually find adequate space for a large backyard sauna before they can find the space inside their own home. Keeping your sauna outdoors can allow you to utilize your interior space more effectively (perhaps even filling it with some of the best home gym essentials).

The Scenery

I get it; you could have a really nice-looking garage or room in your house. Still, there’s something a bit more relaxing about being able to sit in a sauna and see trees, bushes, and other greenery through its windows and doors. There’s no health or wellness benefit to being outdoors while sauna-bathing, but I imagine the scenery will be a stress reliever to most people.

The Recovery

Although not unique to outdoor saunas, the heat therapy of saunas has been shown to do wonders for a user’s recovery. A small study from 2023¹ suggested that athletes who sauna-bathed showed less muscle soreness and greater perceived muscle recovery. Another study from 2018² showed regular sauna use could increase the amount of anti-inflammatory proteins in the body.

“Saunas not only provide benefits like better blood flow and decreased stress but also can help you detox through increased sweating, making it easier to breathe and boosting your physical endurance,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “They also offer potential support for muscle recovery and growth as well as positive effects for your cognitive function.”

Saunas can also stress the cardiovascular system, increasing blood flow and heart rate. However, a 2019 study⁴ measured resting heart rates after a workout and then after a sauna session post-workout. Resting heart rates were lower after the sauna session than they were post-workout.

The Heat

The majority of outdoor saunas will be traditional dry saunas, as some infrared heaters (but not all) can be more fragile and may not survive harsher weather extremes. This means most outdoor saunas can get hot—close to or even over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sauna expert and assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Carolina Panthers Thomas Barbeau, CSCS, SCCC, says that a warmer heat will get you the most benefits from a sauna. “A lot of the research shows that the best temperature to reap the most benefits from a sauna is above 176 degrees for a 20-minute session,” he explains. “Temperatures at or above 200 degrees would require only a 15-minute session.”

The hotter temperatures of traditional saunas may help improve brain health. One 2017 study⁵ showed that heat stress and exercise can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a protein in the nervous system shown to help with memory function as well as anxiety and depression.

That said, it’s critical to stay on top of your hydration if you plan to use a sauna regularly. 

“Sipping water in the sauna can help you stay a bit more comfortable, but it’s not enough to replace the fluids you’re losing,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta. “It’s better to focus on drinking plenty before, after, and during your session to fully rehydrate. Think of sipping water during the sauna as a way to take the edge off, not as your main hydration plan.”