The Best Portable Saunas for Invigorating Sweat Sessions at Home

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Sauna or heat bathing is an ancient practice humans have done for thousands of years. Today, saunas or steam rooms are a staple of many gyms and spas. They're used by people experiencing chronic pain, people looking to lose weight, athletes looking to enhance their performance or folks just looking to break a sweat without the workout. Advocates point to the potential benefits of saunas, some of which overlap with the other end of the temperature therapy spectrum, cold plunges.

Many of us lack time to go to the gym for a sauna or steam session or assume we don't have the resources or space to set up a heat bathing system in our homes. Fortunately, modern innovations have made the sauna experience far more accessible with the emergence of portable personal saunas.

Portable saunas, sauna blankets and sauna tents make it easier to enjoy heat bathing in your home, office or back yard. In this article, we'll highlight the benefits of heat bathing and go over some of the best portable saunas available today that could contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Our Picks for the Best Portable Saunas in 2024:

• Best Overall Portable Sauna: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket
• Best Portable Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna
• Best Portable Steam Sauna: SweatTent Outdoor Sauna
• Best Low-EMF Portable Sauna: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket
• Best Portable Luxury Sauna: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket

Best Overall Portable Sauna: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket

Key features:

• Type: Infrared sauna blanket
• Temperature range: 95-167 degrees Fahrenheit
• Number of people: One
• Material: Faux leather, waterproof non-toxic polyurethane, velcro
• Dimensions: 71 inches by 63 inches
• Power source: Requires access to 100-120 volts of electrical power
• Extra features: Remote-controlled adjustable heat
• Price at time of publication: $499
• Financing options: Affirm
• Warranty: 1-year warranty
• Shipping: Free shipping included

Portable but doesn’t necessarily mean travel-friendly, but that’s exactly the case with the Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket. What looks like a sleek garment bag is in fact an infrared-powered sauna blanket with a spa experience ready to tote on-the-go. The only thing tethering your sauna blanket is the power cord, compatible with a 120 volt outlet.

The heat can be set as high as 167 degrees Fahrenheit via remote control (although the makers recommend that beginners start no higher than 122 degrees). You can also set a timer (up to one hour), allowing you to close your eyes and relax into the blanket without fear of excessive heat exposure. Wearing sweat-absorbing clothing in the blanket is advised, although you’ll still want to wipe the blanket clean after each use. Fortunately, it’s an easy process, since the material is waterproof.

Related Post: Sun Home Equinox 2 Person Review

Pros:

• Easy to wipe clean with standard household products
• Portable enough to be packed for travel

Cons:

• Requires that you lie flat when in use

Best Portable Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna

Key features:

• Type: Infrared sauna
• Temperature range: Up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit
• Number of people: 1
• Material: Bamboo carbon on dome, pad and pillow. Celliant/cotton on pad cover and curtain
• Dimensions: Dome–69 inches by 28 inches x 18 inches. Pad–69 inches by 23.6 inches by 4 inches
• Power source: Dome–120 volts. Pad–120 volts
• Extra features: Built-in chromotherapy
• Price at time of publication: $3,199
• Financing options: Klarna and Shop Pay
• Warranty: 7-year residential limited lifetime warranty on heaters, 3 years on Solo and SoloPad controllers, 1 year on heater fabric and SoloPad memory foam
• Shipping: FedEx Ground. Standard service includes two-person delivery team

The Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna offers an immersive experience designed to envelop you in infrared light and heat therapy. You just slide into the Solo Dome, which has five zone-based digital heaters, as your body rests on the SoloPad equipped with four heaters. Far infrared wavelengths enter your body through radiant heat without contacting the skin. The dome's zone-based heaters allow you to customize temperature settings in targeted areas using Sunlighten's beach-themed Coconut controller. This personal sauna also offers the benefits of chromotherapy. You can choose visible light therapy in 16 colors with four brightness/intensity settings.

The Solo System is also low-EMF and uses non-toxic fabric, with no plastic components. When it's time to store the system, the nesting design lets you slide the pad into the dome to save space.

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The Sunlighten Solo System emits radiant far infrared wavelengths, the type most easily absorbed by the body. Infrared heat can significantly relieve inflammation caused by a tough workout or physically demanding day by increasing blood flow to strained or damaged muscles. Beyond athletes finding relief from a hard training session, this portable sauna could also be a potential tool for seniors dealing with chronic pain or recovering from a low-impact workout.

Pros:

• Immersive experience of nine far infrared heaters
• Radiant heat without skin contact
• Generous warranty coverage
• Financing options including Shop Pay and Klarna

Cons:

• Heavier and less compact than a blanket sauna

The Sunlighten Solo System is selling for $500 off at time of publication.

Best Portable Steam Sauna: SweatTent Outdoor Sauna

Key features:

• Type: Tent sauna
• Temperature range: Up to 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit
• Number of people: One to three
• Material: Insulated, weather-proof Oxford 210D fabric
• Dimensions: 72 inches L x 72 inches W x 84 inches H
• Power source: Wood fire stove
• Extra features: Waterproof cover, ergonomic fire poker, heat resistant gloves, 20 pounds of sauna rocks with basket
• Price at time of publication: $1,599
• Financing options: Shop Pay
• Warranty: 1-year limited lifetime warranty for tent and stove
• Shipping: Free shipping inside the contiguous U.S.

If you want to use the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna as a portable steam sauna, it's all in the rocks. This tent-style outdoor sauna includes 20 pounds of sauna rocks that you can pour water over for a steam room experience. The SweatTent is heated by a wood fire stove that can raise the temperature to between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit in about 30 minutes. It's also equipped with a chimney and air vent to make sure the smoke from the fire doesn’t remain in the tent with you.

As for portability, the tent and stainless steel stove (30 pounds and 50 pounds, respectively) should be relatively easy to move and transport. The company says you can set up or take down the tent in three minutes, thanks to the tent's pop-up design.

SweatTent is made with double-insulated, weather-proof Oxford 210D nylon fabric, and your purchase includes a waterproof cover. According to SweatTent, you can leave the sauna up indefinitely outdoors, except in cases of extreme weather. SweatTent costs a bit more than other sauna tents, but the price reflects how SweatTent aims to combine durability with portability.

For more details, check out our SweatTent Outdoor Sauna review.

Pros:

• Capable of steam or dry heat
• Easy, three-minute set-up and takedown process
• Large enough for up to three people

Cons:

• Electric sauna heaters provide more consistent temperatures than wood stoves
• More expensive than other sauna tents

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Best Low-EMF Portable Sauna: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket

Key features:

• Type: Infrared sauna blanket
• Temperature range: 95-167 degrees Fahrenheit
• Number of people: One
• Material: Faux leather, waterproof non-toxic polyurethane, velcro
• Dimensions: 71 inches by 63 inches
• Power source: Requires access to 100-120 volts of electrical power
• Extra features: Remote-controlled adjustable heat
• Price at time of publication: $499
• Financing options: Affirm
• Warranty: 1-year warranty
• Shipping: Free shipping included

The Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket offers the benefits of infrared-heat therapy—with low EMF—anywhere you can access an outlet. Sun Home claims its EMF-shielding technology provides the lowest EMF in the industry. In fact, the Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket is recommended by doctors and other health practitioners. It's also used by professional athletes from the arenas of football, basketball, baseball and combat sports.

The blanket has multiple layers of non-toxic waterproof polyurethane, a faux leather exterior and strategically placed infrared heating throughout its design. Any flat, heat-resistant surface it's placed on can become a sauna in a second, allowing you to sweat on a yoga mat on your patio or a blanket on your couch. Unlike a traditional sauna, the blanket has a remote that allows you to adjust the temperature between 95 and 167 degrees Fahrenheit, plus timer control. To help ensure a consistent temperature, it features industrial-grade zippers designed to lock in heat.

While the Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket is waterproof, it does require some cleaning before storage; non-toxic standard household cleaners or a self-made vinegar and water mix can be used to quickly wipe down the blanket before putting it away until your next session. 

Pros:

• Waterproof layers and design help to contain sweat
• Able to be used on any heat-resistant flat surface (this includes beds and sofas)

Cons:

• Requires cleaning after each use

Best Portable Luxury Sauna: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket

Key features:

• Type: Infrared sauna blanket
• Temperature range: Up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit
• Number of people: One
• Material: Non-toxic PU leather body with charcoal, clay and magnetic inner layers
• Dimensions: 71 inches W x 71 inches H
• Power source: 100-120 volts (U.S./Canada) or 220 volts (UK/EU)
• Extra features: Handheld controller, crystal therapy layer
• Price at time of publication: $699
• Financing options: Affirm
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
• Shipping: Free shipping

With a focus on holistic recovery as a central pillar of its brand, HigherDOSE packs plenty of deluxe features into its infrared sauna blanket. To complement the sauna blanket experience, HigherDOSE offers several luxury accessories, including organic cotton blanket inserts and heat-activated body oil. The design aims to provide luxury in every layer, starting with the polyurethane leather body material.

The far-infrared blanket also has a layer that includes a medical-grade magnetic strip, which the brand claims will help enhance blood flow. (Although some research suggests a connection between magnetic fields and improved circulation, the benefits of other features such as healing crystals lack scientific backing.) In terms of technical specs, the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket is designed to keep EMF and ELF currents low. Our expert tester found it easy to operate, with a heat-up time of 10 minutes (as promised).

So, what does this esoteric combination of materials and design bring to the table in purely scientific terms? Believers in the therapeutic value of healing crystals and other biohacking concepts are likely to find it an intriguing mix, even though adding luxury accessories will increase the overall cost of the investment.

For more details, check out our HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket review.

Pros:

• Unique design and luxury features
• Offers models compatible with U.S./Canada or EU/UK voltage
• Average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on HigherDOSE website

Cons:

• Less affordable than some other sauna blankets
• Some users have reported shipping delays

Benefits of a Portable Sauna

A portable sauna allows one to embrace the health benefits of heat bathing without attending a gym or spa. This means you don't have to commute to use a sauna, and most importantly, you have complete control of the temperature, privacy and standard of hygiene you experience during your sweat sessions. There are upfront costs and maintenance to consider, but a portable sauna or portable steam room could save you considerable money on gym memberships or spa visits over time.

How to Use a Portable Sauna

This depends on the type of portable sauna you have. However, whether using a tent with zippers or a blanket with velcro, portable saunas or steam spas are designed to be extremely easy to use and set up. Sauna tents sometimes include sauna rocks that let you turn the interior into a portable steam sauna by pouring water over them. All portable saunas include a setup and safety manual, which should be consulted before use. While this depends on the individual, heat-bathing protocol usually suggests sweat sessions of 15-20 minutes at a time.

What to Look for in a Portable Sauna

Power

Portable saunas are usually far more electricity efficient than larger saunas used at a spa or gym. However, to make sure, consult the volts your portable sauna or steam spa requires to function in advance.

Portability

Ease of set-up and storage are defining traits of a portable sauna or portable steam room. Before choosing your portable sauna (whether a far-infrared sauna or steam-based sauna spa), make sure that its size fits the space you will be using it in and that its storage capacity fits your home needs.

Cost

Saunas—portable or stationary—can vary dramatically in price. Therefore, when choosing a portable sauna, it's good to establish your budget in advance and navigate the portable sauna market with an understanding of what your budget allows. From there, you can single out the type of sauna your wallet permits, compare attributes and special features and choose the best one that works for your home and personal needs.

Portable Sauna Accessories

Most portable saunas use a steamer, dry-heat or infrared technology to stimulate sweating or the overall heat-bathing experience. Accessories like sauna chairs, sauna suits or remote controls that allow for customization can make one sauna worth purchasing over another. When choosing a sauna, double-check to ensure all accessories mentioned by the company are included in the price.

Cleaning Your Portable Sauna

Most portable saunas include a sweat-resistant floor base for easy washing or cleaning. Cleaning requirements should be advertised by the portable or indoor sauna's parent company and can be consulted before finalizing your purchase.

How We Chose our List of Best Portable Saunas

To evaluate our picks for best portable saunas, we focused on criteria including:

• Portability. While it's a given that sauna blankets are easy to move, we also factored in size when considering tent saunas (ideally in the 100-pound range, tent and heat source combined)
• Quality materials and design. Non-toxic fabrics for sauna blankets, weather-resistant fabrics for tent saunas, etc.
• Pricing options. Sauna blankets in the $500-$700 range, tent saunas in the $1,600 range
• Warranty. Products that include at least one year of warranty coverage

See our product review process for more information on the methods we use to evaluate portable saunas and other products.

Portable Sauna FAQs

How long do portable saunas take to heat up?

Portable saunas, whether in blanket or tent form, tend to heat up very quickly due to their modern technological components and small size. For example, a traditional gym or stationary full-room sauna can take 45 minutes to an hour to heat up, while a portable infrared or steam-based sauna can reach your desired temperature in 10 to 15 minutes.

Do portable saunas really work?

Portable saunas really work. Despite the size, portable saunas can provide the temperature and space your body needs to experience the benefits of heat bathing.

Do portable saunas use a lot of electricity?

Portable saunas certainly use some electricity, but a fraction of what traditional or public-sized saunas use. The electricity requirements of your sauna should always be listed on the product's advertisement for you to understand what sort of bill will come alongside using it.

Where should I place a portable sauna?

Place your portable sauna wherever you like; this is the benefit of a portable sauna. Whether on your patio or in your living room, portable saunas typically need only a bit of space and access to an electrical outlet.

Final Thoughts: Are Portable Saunas Worth It?

There are proven benefits to the ancient practice of heat bathing, from reduced inflammation to improved stress levels. Portable saunas offer an affordable and practical opportunity to embrace this practice from home and on your terms. Many people may not have access to a sauna at a gym or spa, but may still want to reap the benefits of heat bathing. In this case, a portable sauna is a great way to bring the sauna experience into a home.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.