An outdoor sauna is a different proposition: traditional barrels deliver authentic high heat and steam, while weatherproofed infrared cabins trade some heat for easier installation. These are the saunas rated for the backyard, spanning both approaches so you can match the experience to your climate.
Sun Home Saunas
Best for Year-round outdoor infrared sessions for two
The Luminar 2 is a genuinely weatherized infrared cabin: aluminum-clad outside, red cedar inside, running six full-spectrum and three far-infrared heaters up to 170°F in any season. The bill comes in two parts — an $10,999 price and a dedicated 240V/20A circuit plus outdoor assembly of a 970-lb cabin, which most buyers will want professionals to handle.
Best for year-round outdoor infrared sessions for two.
Sun Home Saunas
Best for Year-round outdoor infrared sessions for two
Almost Heaven
Best for Authentic traditional sauna sessions outdoors
Redwood Outdoors
Best for A traditional outdoor sauna on a budget
Plunge
Best for Households that want an authentic high-heat outdoor sauna with app control
Almost Heaven
Best for A traditional barrel sauna on a tighter budget
Almost Heaven
Best for Buyers who want a heritage-grade barrel with lifetime structural coverage
We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on our site. This does not influence our scoring methodology or recommendations.
Infrared runs cooler, warms up faster and usually plugs into a standard 120V outlet, making it easy to install indoors. Traditional saunas reach higher temperatures and let you make steam, but need a dedicated 240V circuit. Choose infrared for convenience, traditional for an authentic high-heat experience.
Most one- and two-person infrared cabins run on 120V. Larger infrared cabins and virtually all traditional electric saunas require a dedicated 240V circuit installed by an electrician.
Traditional barrel saunas are designed for outdoors. Some infrared cabins are weatherproofed for outdoor use, but infrared suits mild-to-moderate climates better than deep cold.