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Best home sauna: a buying guide
Home saunas were once considered a luxury reserved for those willing to splash out thousands of pounds, but more affordable, space-saving options are now available.
If you're shopping for a home sauna, there are plenty of styles to choose from. A traditional dry or infrared sauna might appeal if you're looking for a classic sauna experience, while portable saunas and sauna blankets offer convenience and flexibility.
Before you make a purchase, consult our expert guide for advice on the different types of home saunas and what you can expect to spend on initial setup and maintenance.
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What is the best sauna for home use?
Traditional dry sauna
- Pros: Classic experience, long-lasting
- Cons: Can take longer to heat up, need to be cleaned regularly
- Typical spend: £2,000+
Picture a typical sauna setup and you're likely thinking of a traditional dry sauna. These use an electric or wood-burning heater to warm the air and heat sauna stones – onto which you can pour water to create steam that intensifies the heat.
Most traditional home saunas will function at a temperature range between 70°C and 90°C. In other words, these operate at significantly higher temperatures than infrared saunas (below). The interior is lined with softwood that resists warping, and many home saunas will feature staggered benches so you can sit higher up if you find the lower tier too mild.
Traditional saunas come in a range of designs, from indoor cabin-style builds to outdoor barrel saunas. They can take a while to heat up and require more energy than modern infrared systems, which heat up faster and use less electricity.
Infrared sauna
- Pros: Quick to heat up, comfortable for longer sessions
- Cons: No steam, which might not appeal to those who prefer a traditional experience
- Typical spend: £1,500+
An infrared sauna emits radiant heat that warms your body directly, rather than heating the air around you like traditional saunas do. They are quick to heat up and generally consume less electricity than traditional electric or wood-burning saunas.
These systems operate at lower temperatures, typically ranging from 45°C to 60°C. As a result, you’ll likely find it more comfortable to remain inside for longer sessions. If you find the heat of a traditional sauna a little too intense, this could be a sensible alternative.
Depending on the space you have at home, you can shop for a single-person infrared sauna or a larger one with multiple heating panels.
Portable steam sauna
- Pros: Easy to set up, affordable
- Cons: Smaller sizes can feel cramped, limited durability
- Typical spend: £80-£200
These are among the most affordable types of home saunas and use a steam generator that you fill with water. Once switched on, the generator pumps steam directly into an insulated pop-up tent that you sit inside. A portable steam sauna is ideal if you have limited floor space or rent your home.
Inside the tent, a foldable chair offers a place to sit while the steam circulates around the chamber. Most steam saunas also feature zips on the front, allowing you to extend your arms outside – so you can flick through a book or tap away at your phone while you relax. Many also come with an absorbent mat to catch condensation and keep your floor dry.
Shop around and you can get your hands on a portable steam sauna for under £100, which is significantly cheaper than a traditional setup. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to enjoy steam sessions at home, they’re worth considering.
Sauna blankets
- Pros: Affordable, easy to use, space-saving
- Cons: Need to clean the interior regularly, can feel stuffy for some
- Typical spend: £50-£100
These are essentially heated sleeping bags, ideal for those who aren’t able to invest in a permanent home sauna setup. Most models plug into a standard outlet and use infrared heat to warm your body directly, rather than the air around you, potentially helping to ease muscle soreness and joint discomfort.
Unlike traditional saunas, which need plenty of floor space and often a professional installation, sauna blankets are designed with portability in mind. To use one, you just lie down inside, zip up the bag and switch it on.
With no steam or water involved, it’s a low-effort way to enjoy a sauna-like experience from the comfort of your home.
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Are saunas expensive to run?
Ultimately, your running costs will vary depending on the type of sauna, its power output, insulation quality, size and how often you use it.
Finnish sauna manufacturer Harvia says its 6kW heaters consume around 4–5kWh during the first hour and 3–4kWh in the following hour, equal to 7–9kWh over two hours.
With a typical UK electricity unit rate of around 25p per kWh, this equates to a running cost of roughly £1.75 to £2.25 for a two-hour session. Actual energy usage will vary depending on the size, insulation and type of sauna, so consult the manufacturer for model-specific estimates.
Infrared saunas typically consume less energy, making them more economical for frequent users. When shopping around, make note of the sauna's energy rating and any manufacturer claims.
Energy costs aside, you’ll also need to consider ongoing maintenance. You might need to replace sauna stones periodically, for example, or swap out infrared panels every 10–20 years, depending on usage. Meanwhile, regularly treating the interior wood can help prevent cracking, warping and mould growth, therefore extending the life of your sauna.
Ventilation systems should also be checked regularly to ensure proper airflow.
Are saunas healthy?
While saunas are typically associated with relaxation and self-care, there are other potential health benefits.
A 2024 study reviewing passive heat therapy found that Finnish saunas may be beneficial in a number of ways, from reducing the risk of conditions including high blood pressure and heart disease, improving the severity of conditions such as osteoarthritis and improving mental wellbeing and sleep.
Senior health writer at Which?, Martha Roberts, reports: 'Studies have shown that increasing your body temperature, such as engaging in a form of "passive heating" such as a sauna, leads to an initial release of inflammatory markers such as IL-6 followed by a longer lasting anti-inflammatory response.'
In other words, the heat from saunas can kickstart your body's natural healing processes, helping to protect and repair.
See also: What causes chronic inflammation and 5 science-backed ways to tackle it.
Who should not use a sauna?
Saunas aren't suitable for everyone and should be used with caution in some instances – for example, for those who have recently suffered a heart attack or have uncontrolled hypertension. Speak to a health professional first if you are unsure.
Advice on the NHS website also says: 'Little is known about the safety of saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms in pregnancy. You may choose to avoid them because of the risks of overheating, dehydration and fainting, particularly in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.'
If you're looking to improve your fitness, see our guide on how to set up a home gym.
Popular home saunas
Although we haven’t tested the saunas listed below first-hand, our independent research indicates that these are among the most popular models currently available.
Vidalux Platinum sauna
- Type: Infrared sauna
- Size: 195 x 98 x 103cm (HxWxD)
Vidalux offers infrared saunas in a range of different shapes and sizes, and this is one of the more affordable options. It has a single seat and is made from 'high-grade hemlock', designed to be resistant to shrinkage. Each ceramic heater has its own control dial, and a reading light in the ceiling can create a calming, spa-like atmosphere.
Two speakers are built into the ceiling of this sauna, so you can use Bluetooth to play your music of choice as you sit back and relax. We advise against bringing your phone inside the sauna itself, though, as prolonged heat exposure can damage the device even if you're just streaming music.
SereneLife Compact Sauna
- Type: Portable steam sauna
- Size: 180 x 120 x 80cm (HxWxD)
This portable sauna is spacious enough for two people and features a large zip door for easy access. It comes with a set of chairs and folds flat when not in use, making it easy to store away.
The bundled steam generator connects directly to the tent and offers nine heat levels, reaching a maximum temperature of 50°C. A digital display on the machine shows the current temperature and the remaining time in your session.
Lumi Sauna Max
- Type: Portable steam sauna
- Size: 190 x 115 x 115cm (HxWxD)
This portable sauna has a four-litre water tank for longer steam sessions, reducing the need for frequent refills. It comes with a remote control that lets you adjust the timer and temperature, so you can stay comfortable while you relax.
When you inflate the sauna, the interior chair inflates along with it, making setup quick and convenient.
Sensse Saunalux
- Type: Infrared sauna blanket
- Size: 2 x 94 x 180cm (HxWxD)
This sauna blanket is designed for convenient heat therapy at home. It has nine adjustable heat settings that range from 25°C to 75°C, plus an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in after 60 minutes so you can stop worrying about overheating.
The brand claims that the specially-designed material offers even heating across the full surface of the blanket. Meanwhile, a heat-resistant zip adds an extra layer of protection.
Thanks to its lightweight design (and the included carry bag), this infrared sauna blanket is easy to transport, so it can remain a key part of your daily wellness routine even when travelling.
Canadian Spa Chilliwack Indoor Sauna
- Type: Infrared sauna
- Size: 191 x 102 x 97 cm (HxWxD)
An indoor sauna made from hemlock timber, designed for up to two people. This model features tempered safety glass doors and windows and includes digital controls, Bluetooth connectivity and LED lighting for a customisable experience.
There are a total of five infrared heaters, designed to distribute heat quickly, evenly and efficiently.
Where to buy a sauna
You can buy a sauna online through specialist retailers, or even at some high street shops, including B&Q and The Range. Wherever you shop, make sure you pay attention to the returns policy and check for warranties.
Popular stores that sell saunas include:
- Amazon sells a range of home saunas, most of which are portable steam models for one or two people. It also stocks sauna blankets.
- B&Q has a wide selection of infrared saunas, traditional saunas and portable models. It also stocks barrel saunas that can sit in your garden – some can accommodate up to six people.
- Costco sells infrared saunas from Insignia and Vidalux, with prices starting at around £1,400 for a one-person model.
- Currys offers portable saunas and blankets from Lumi and Sensse. Expect to spend around £400-£500.
- The Range has a mix of premium traditional indoor saunas starting at around £1,900, as well as affordable home sauna tents for £200 or less.
We've surveyed thousands of shoppers and combined their feedback with our expert analysis of retailers' terms and conditions to reveal the best places to shop for your home.
What should you consider before buying a home sauna?
Before choosing a home sauna, make sure you have enough space for the structure – decide where you’ll install it and get the exact measurements from the manufacturer to ensure it will fit. If you think it will be a struggle to put it indoors - and your budget allows - you could consider an outdoor barrel sauna.
Consider how many people will be using the sauna. You can save money with a solo home sauna setup, but you might also appreciate the option of sharing the experience with a partner or friend.
Speaking of budget, your costs will go beyond the upfront purchase price. You also need to think about installation costs, energy use and maintenance.
How long should you use a sauna for?
A sauna session of around 15 to 20 minutes is ideal for most people, depending on your heat tolerance. If you're new to saunas, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase your exposure over time.
Always follow the usage instructions provided by the manufacturer, or any posted guidance if you're using a sauna in a leisure centre or health club. It's important to listen to your body and stay hydrated, as overheating can cause dizziness or fatigue.
When you've finished your sauna session, give your body time to cool down and consider taking a lukewarm or cool shower.
Can you use the sauna every day?
Many people find that daily sauna use can become a key part of their wellness routine. However, if you're using a sauna after exercise, let your body cool down before entering. If you feel fatigued or dizzy, it's best to exit the sauna and rest.
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