After crushing a kettlebell HIIT workout or powering my way through a lengthy cardio session, there’s nothing I enjoy more than winding down in the sauna for some stress relief. While there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of your commercial gym’s facilities, you can experience the benefits of sauna therapy after workouts without leaving your home. In fact, you can reap those rewards and health benefits without spending a minute on the highway or spending thousands of dollars.
If you’re looking to upgrade your recovery routine while remaining true to your budget-conscious roots, you should consider a portable, affordable option that earned a spot on our best home sauna list. In this SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro review, I’ll dive into the dimensions, features, performance, and more so you know exactly what to expect from this well-priced wet sauna.
If you’re ready to break a serious sweat (and not sweat the cost), sit back, relax, and read on to learn more about our team’s experience with the SmartSteam Pro.
Putting Saunas (and Ourselves) Through a Serious Sweat
The GGR squad consists of certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, CrossFit competitors, and lifelong athletes. In our quest to find the best muscle recovery tools, we try to get our hands on everything from massage guns, foam rollers, cold plunges, and more to see which ones are actually worth the investment.
When it comes to saunas, our team uses a 1 to 5 scoring system to assess specific criteria based on our sauna testing methodology. Some of the key factors we take into account include:
- Construction: Is the sauna crafted from high-quality materials that will hold up over time? Are there durability and functionality issues due to poor engineering or cheap components? To earn at least a 3 out of 5, there must be no obvious defects and the wood used must be suitable for the sauna’s intended environment.
- Footprint and Portability: How much space does the sauna take up? Is it a portable sauna (like the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro) or does it require a permanent placement within your home or backyard? To earn a 3 out of 5, a sauna must comfortably fit the listed capacity without taking up too much space.
- Performance: How efficiently does the sauna’s heater work? Do you have to wait a long time for it to reach your desired temperature? Are there extra features that can enhance your sauna experience, such as smart controls, aromatherapy, sound therapy, or red light therapy? For a sauna to earn at least a 3 out of 5, it must reach its highest setting in about 35 minutes.
- Value: Does the build quality and performance justify the price tag? Considering some saunas can cost well over $10,000, we want you to feel confident that you’re getting a good return on your investment. To earn at least a 3-out-of-5 rating, the price must justify the build quality and performance compared to competitors.
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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.”
A Quick Look at the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro
Earning a spot on our best portable saunas list, the SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro is a budget-friendly wet sauna that offers sufficient space for one person to sit comfortably. Similar to a pop-up tent, you can quickly set up this compact model in roughly 10 minutes—a far cry from the assembly time (and manpower) required for something like the Redwood Outdoors Sauna.
The SmartSteam Pro can reach a max temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit with near 100% humidity. This can create an intense, steamy sauna experience that rivals that of dry saunas, which can typically reach much higher temperatures. SaunaBox offers several add-ons for this profile, too, including an all-natural sauna cleaning kit, a dual purpose fan, and Eucalyptus essential oils for adding an aromatic touch.
Before You Buy
- While the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro has an MSRP of $449, you should be able to find it on sale for much cheaper. We’ve seen it available for as low as $320, or roughly the same cost as some of the best Olympic barbells.
- If you have room in your budget, you can opt for the SmartSteam Pro with Red-Light Therapy for $100 more. This package includes a 660- to 850-nanometer medical-grade red light therapy wand that easily attaches to the frame via included clips. Check out our deep dive on red light therapy benefits to learn why this might be a worthwhile upgrade.
- You can use this sauna both indoors and outdoors. However, SaunaBox recommends covering it with a canopy, balcony, or tarp if you leave it outdoors since it is not weatherproof.
- SaunaBox covers this sauna with a one-year warranty. Although we’d like to see more extensive coverage, this is fair given the budget-friendly price point. Keep in mind, too, that you can only return the SmartSteam Pro if it’s unused and in its original packaging.
SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro Video Review
Is the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro Worth It?
At its sub-$500 price point, the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro isn’t trying to compete with more robust models that cost 10 times that amount (or more). Instead, this portable steam sauna can provide excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who may not be ready to pull the trigger on a more expensive option. What you get is, essentially, a personal steam room that reaches peak temperatures quickly thanks to the included heating unit.
That said, there are trade-offs to consider. First, the SmartSteam Pro only fits one person—if you need room for a partner or multiple people, this is not the right fit. In addition, the humid environment created by the steamer means you have to be extra diligent about drying, cleaning, and managing built-up condensation. Otherwise, you’re inviting bacteria to fester inside the unit.
RELATED: Sauna Maintenance Tips
If the SmartSteam Pro is too small for your liking, you could also look at the SaunaBox SmartSteam XL (formerly known as the SaunaBox Go). This two-person model works in a similar fashion and is compatible with the SaunaBox mobile app on both iOS and Android platforms. If you’re not a fan of steam-based heaters, you could opt for the SaunaBox Pulse PRO—an infrared sauna with integrated red light therapy.
Great for:
- Recovery-focused athletes who want to utilize heat therapy1
- Budget-conscious home gym owners who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a traditional sauna
- Folks who are routinely on the go—this portable unit requires little setup time and comes with a carrying case
- Wellness enthusiasts who prefer moist heat (steam) over dry or infrared saunas
Not recommended for:
- Anyone who prefers dry saunas or dislikes humidity
- Couples or those who need internal room for more than one user
- Users looking for smart features such as integrated sensors, remote controls, or mobile app support (not compatible with SmartSteam Pro)
- High heat seekers—this sauna only reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit while many of the best home saunas can reach 170 degrees or hotter
SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro Specs
| MRSP | $449 |
| Dimensions | 35” W × 35” D × 74” H |
| Temperature Range | Up to 140º F |
| Heat Levels | 1-7 |
| Time Settings | 0-60 minutes |
| Capacity | 1 person |
| Voltage | 110V |
| Extras | SweatLock floor mat, carrying case, microfiber towel, portable chair |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Using the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro
GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, took on testing duties for the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro. Intimately familiar with all types of saunas, she was highly impressed by the build quality, quick setup, and performance of this one-person steam sauna. Let’s peel back the curtain (or unzip the tent, in this case) and see what you can expect from the SmartSteam Pro.
Construction and Durability
Earning a 4-out-of-5 rating for construction and durability, the SmartSteam Pro checks many of the boxes we like to see from a safety standpoint. First, it’s certified by Simple Lab for no micro-plastics, which is especially important when you’re dealing with high temperatures. The heat-insulated ThermoShield tent is also constructed with non-toxic, durable materials including polyester and a cotton blend. The tent does a great job of keeping the heat and humidity trapped.
“If you’re using it and getting overly dizzy or overly hot, there’s a Velcro window for ventilation, as well as the zippered door that you can go ahead and open for more airflow,” Lindsay says.
The steaming unit carries 3.6 liters of water and features a stainless steel steam chamber with all BPA-free components. Meanwhile, the rust-proof fiberglass frame is surprisingly sturdy for a portable sauna. The SmartSteam Pro also comes with an absorbent floor mat—a huge plus since you’re bound to sweat quite a bit. Overall, we appreciate that SaunaBox built this unit with safety in mind from both a materials and design standpoint.
One important note, though, is that the tent is not machine-washable. Instead, SaunaBox recommends airing out the unit and wiping it down with a microfiber cloth to prevent any bacteria, mildew, or mold build-up after every session.
RELATED: How to Clean Saunas
Delivery and Setup
The SmartSteam Pro scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for delivery and setup, and it’s easy to see why.
“It should take you less than 10 minutes to set up, and then again about 10 minutes to disassemble after you’ve made sure you’ve cleaned it thoroughly,” Lindsay says.
SaunaBox likens the setup to putting up a small camping tent. Based on our experience, we’d agree that it’s quite similar. The SmartSteam Pro also comes with a portable carrying case, making it easy to bring this sauna on a trip.
“The fact it can fit into, essentially, a small carrying bag is a huge plus,” Lindsay adds.
Heat Performance
Earning a rock-solid 4-out-of-5 rating for heat performance, the SmartSteam Pro has a listed max temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. While that may not seem like much compared to other saunas, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“You are experiencing almost 100% humidity with this sauna, which just elevates the field temperature so much more,” Lindsay explains.
The SmartSteam Pro has seven heat levels and a timer that can be set from zero to 60 minutes. Simply pour distilled water into the SmartSteam chamber and wait about 15 minutes for steam to flow into the tent. Because of the high humidity, it wouldn’t be wise to do a 60-minute session. Instead, follow the advice of GGR chief medical advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM.
“Keep sauna sessions between 15 and 20 minutes and pay attention to how you’re feeling,” he explains. “Stay hydrated before, during, and after, and avoid going in on an empty stomach or right after intense exercise. If you start to feel dizzy or overheated, step out and cool down—it’s not worth pushing it.”
Features and Extras
Given its budget-friendly price tag, you probably wouldn’t expect the SmartSteam Pro to include many notable features or extras. Fortunately, SaunaBox provides great value by including everything you need to enjoy a comfortable, effective home sauna experience. In addition to the insulated pop-up tent, you get:
- SmartSteam heating unit
- Foldable chair
- Microfiber towel
- Washable SweatLock floor mat
On top of that, SaunaBox adds a few extras that make the SmartSteam Pro even more appealing. The entire setup packs neatly into the free carrying case, making it easy to store or transport. As mentioned earlier, the company also offers a few add-ons to round out your setup. Overall, we rate the features and extras at a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5.
SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro vs SweatTent
If you’re on the hunt for a portable sauna solution, the SmartSteam Pro and SweatTent are two high-quality options. However, they take very different approaches. On one hand, the SmartSteam Pro is a steam-based tent system powered by a steamer unit. Meanwhile, the SweatTent is a wood-fueled, insulated tent that offers much higher dry/steam temperatures.
From a convenience standpoint, the SmartSteam Pro is lighter, easier to set up, and more suited to indoor or controlled environments. Meanwhile, the SweatTent offers a more “authentic” sauna experience by reaching up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is what you’ll see from most traditional saunas. It’s made from high-quality, heat-resistant Oxford 210D nylon—a material used for backpack liners, sleeping bags, and umbrellas. However, the SweatTent is not rated for indoor use given its wood-fired heat source.
“It’s super sturdy and it comes with a fiberglass roof cover to protect against rain and direct sunlight,” GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele says about the SweatTent.
For more details on our experience testing this wood-fired outdoor sauna, check out our full SweatTent review.
| SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro | SweatTent | |
| Price | $449 | $1,499 |
| Type of sauna | Steam | Wood fired |
| Footprint | 35” W × 35” D × 74” H | 6’ L x 6’ W x 7’ H |
| Capacity | 1 person | 6 people |
| Temperature Range | Up to 140º F | Up to 200º F |
| Extras | SweatLock floor mat, carrying case, microfiber towel, portable chair | Wooden thermometer, fire poker, gloves, sauna rocks and holder |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year limited warranty for both tent and stove |
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Customer Experience
When Lindsay first reviewed this unit, it came with a two-year warranty. However, it’s a bit disappointing that SaunaBox only provides one year of coverage these days. It’s also worth noting that you can only return the SmartSteam Pro if it’s unused and in its original packaging.
Several reviews on the company website call out difficulties dealing with customer service, as well. In fact, that was a point Lindsay raised in her own review.
“Make sure going into your purchase that you know that if there are any issues that arrive, you might be forced to deal with the less-than-ideal customer service,” she says.
If you need to contact SaunaBox, there is a chat feature on the website, as well as a form to submit an inquiry. Overall, though, this doesn’t seem like the most helpful company in terms of customer service availability.
Ordering the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro
You can order the SmartSteam Pro directly on the SaunaBox website. The process is simple: Choose which package you want (the Pro, Pro with Red Light Therapy, or the two-person SaunaBox XL) and add it to your cart. You can also select from add-ons like Eucalyptus essential oils, a sauna cleaning kit, or a dual-purpose fan.
Once you’re ready to check out, you have multiple payment options, including PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and Venmo. You can also set up monthly payment plans via Klarna. As a bonus, the SmartSteam Pro is HSA/FSA eligible, meaning you can use your health savings or flexible spending account funds to purchase it and save on out-of-pocket costs. Plus, SaunaBox includes free delivery within two to five days.
Customer Reviews
The SmartSteam Pro has earned an average rating of 4.5 stars based on more than 1,800 reviews on the SaunaBox website. Customers routinely praise the reliable heat performance, build quality, and easy setup. Here’s some direct feedback from folks who’ve made the SmartSteam Pro part of their health and wellness routine:
Final Verdict of Our SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro Review
The SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro can be the ideal solution for solo sauna sessions at home. It’s easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to pack up and take on the go. It’s also well-priced, well-built, and well-designed for those who prefer a high-humidity environment. If you’re ready to step up your recovery game, but aren’t quite ready to go all-in on a more expensive traditional sauna, this can be a great place to start. Overall, we think the SmartSteam Pro is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy an at-home sauna experience without breaking the bank.
Full Rating
SaunaBox SmartSteam 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.
Product Brand: SaunaBox
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 449
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.1
SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro Review: FAQs
What are the pros and cons of the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro?
The SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro delivers steam heat in a compact, portable design that’s made with non-toxic materials and is easy to set up. However, it only fits one person comfortably, requires regular cleaning due to high humidity, and doesn’t reach the higher temperatures of traditional dry saunas.
Is the entire sauna tent machine-washable?
While the SweatLock floor mat is machine-washable, the tent itself is not. SaunaBox provides a microfiber towel to wipe down the walls after use, though.
How long does a SaunaBox take to heat up?
The SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro should reach its target steam temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit in about 15 to 20 minutes after you get it running, according to our test results.
References
- Laukkanen, J. A., & Kunutsor, S. K. (2024). The multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a focus on Finnish sauna. Temperature (Austin, Tex.), 11(1), 27–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2023.2300623
