We get questions all the time about portable saunas, their benefits and whether they’re worth investing in. We thought we’d spend some time defining what a portable sauna is, when to consider buying one and we even reviewed some products to help you find the best one for your needs.
If you’re looking for a TL;DR (too long; didn’t read), the synopsis is that portable saunas are great if you’re just getting started, on a budget or you just don’t have the space for a permanent sauna structure. The sauna tent model is a frugal but worthy investment for anyone on a tight budget.
Hope we didn’t give too much away off the top. Let’s dive in, shall we?
What is a portable sauna?
A portable sauna is a small, compact unit that allows you to experience the benefits of sauna therapy that is easy to move and store. These saunas are typically made of durable materials such as wood or aluminum, making them lightweight and easy to assemble, or disassemble.
Portable saunas as a type of tent-like frames. While they aren’t intended to be as durable or permanent as a traditional, infrared or steam sauna, they are generally well-reviewed and perfect for people on a budget or with limited space in their home or workspace.
Why would someone want a portable sauna?
Portable saunas have a range of benefits that make them appealing to health and wellness enthusiasts, especially those on a budget. And as we’ve already covered, they provide significant health benefits such as detoxification, muscle relaxation & improved cardiovascular health.
Regular sessions in a portable sauna coupled with regular exercise and a healthy diet can aid in weight loss, enhance skin health & even provide mental health benefits such as stress relief. The best part, though, is that these units are compact and easily transportable wherever life takes you.
Convinced yet?
What is the best portable sauna?
The best portable sauna will depend on your wellness goals and what your preferred sauna type is. There are several excellent infrared options on the market that we’ll get into in a minute. There are also some great steam options as well.
We’ll dive into both types in a second. Before we do, I recommend considering which option seems more suitable to your lifestyle. Infrared saunas tend to be lower maintenance but deliver a body-penetrating dry heat. Steam saunas on the other hand hydrate your skin and can provide a more refreshing experience, although they take longer to heat up and don’t get as hot.
If you’re good with it, let’s take a closer look at some of the best options available.
1. Portable far infrared saunas:
These saunas use far infrared technology to heat the air inside the sauna, which can help to increase circulation and improve the appearance of your skin. Far infrared saunas are typically more energy efficient and easier to use than steam saunas.
Our top far infrared sauna picks:
Best luxury portable infrared sauna
1. SaunaSpace Luminati Infrared Sauna
- Elegant, minimalist design
- Hypoallergenic
- Tool-free assembly
- Machine-washable cover
- No EMFs
- Industry-leading 10 year warranty + 100 day risk-free trial
- Dimensions: 52″ x 52″ x 63″ (132 cm x 132 cm x 160 cm)
Best full spectrum portable infrared sauna
2. Therasage Thera360 PLUS Personal Portable Sauna
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- Full spectrum infrared sauna experience
- Advanced EMF remediation
- Bio-energetic harmonizing technology
- Gem Stone Technology (GST)
- Negative ion bio-tech
- Special digital controller with enhanced temperatures from 100-170°F (37-76°C)
- Complete 2 year warranty
- Dimensions: 33″ x 33″ x 46″ (84 cm x 84 cm x 119 cm)
Best affordable portable infrared sauna
3. WILLOWYBE Portable Infrared Home Sauna
- Bluetooth Controller
- Heats up in 10 Mins
- Portable & easy
- Health & relaxation
- Hassle free 1 year warranty
- Dimensions: 31.5″ x 31.5″ x 39.4″ (80 cm x 80 cm x 100 cm)
Best far infrared portable sauna
4. Relax Far Infrared Black Sauna
- Fast heating far infrared sauna
- <10 minute heat up time
- Folds up for easy portability
- 30 day risk free guarantee
- 1 year manufacturer’s warranty
- Dimensions: 32″ x 32″ x 46″ (81 cm x 81 cm x 116 cm)
2. Portable steam saunas:
Portable seam saunas use steam to create a humid environment, which can be especially beneficial for those with respiratory issues. They are typically more affordable than other types of saunas but may not be as effective at increasing circulation. However, these saunas tend to heat up faster and leave your body feeling refreshed and energized.
Our top portable steam sauna picks:
Best portable steam sauna under $150
1. Single Person Portable Steam Sauna
- Patented steam sauna design
- Quick heat up time
- 9 heating levels up to 140°F/60°C
- 2.6L boiler for up to 90 minute sessions
- Dimensions: 31.5″ x 31.5″ x 51″ (80 cm x 80 cm x 130 cm)
Best compact portable steam sauna
2. Durasage Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna
- Detachable frame for easy storage
- 800 watt steam generator
- Folds up for easy portability
- Dimensions: 28.5″ x 33.5″ x 39″ (72 cm x 85 cm x 99 cm)
Best full body portable steam sauna
3. ZONEMEL Portable Steam Sauna Kit
- Fast heating steam sauna
- 1500W heating power
- 10 minutes to full heat
- 16 heating levels
- Up to 99 minute sessions
- Max temperature of 122°F/50°C
- Dimensions: 31.5″ x 31.5″ x 55.1″ (80 cm x 80 cm x 140 cm)
NOTE: Before purchasing any sauna, Sauna Squad encourages you to do some research and make sure the product is the right fit for your home and for your desired results. While the recommended products above are generally well-reviewed products, it is important to read reviews, check the dimensions and product specifications.
Choosing the right portable sauna
Selecting a portable sauna can feel overwhelming. We get it. But we are confident that if you choose any of the options on our list, you’ll be happy with your purchase.
That said, we recommend considering factors like the type of sauna (infrared or steam), size, cost, energy efficiency & brand reputation before you make your decision. Researching online reviews and comparisons can help you make an informed decision.
How to use a portable sauna
What we love about portable saunas is how… well… portable they are. It’s great that there are sauna options for those on a budget or with smaller living quarters. The overall footprint of a portable sauna is going to be much, much less than a permanent structure, which are often heavy and pretty much immovable.
Using a portable sauna is super easy. We recommend simply setting up the sauna according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and follow the included guidelines for use. Most portable saunas can be easily assembled in just a few minutes and can be used with minimal effort. Set up doesn’t change much between an infrared or steam version, other than loading the steamer with water ahead of using it for the steam variety.
Simply sit inside the sauna and relax, enjoying the heat and humidity as you unwind. Oh and it’s always a good idea to make sure you stay hydrated and take breaks as needed to avoid overheating!
Conclusion
Overall, portable saunas are a convenient and effective way to enjoy the benefits of sauna therapy in the comfort of your own home. While they can be used everyday, they generally won’t be as durable or long-lasting as their permanent counterparts. However, portable saunas come at a much more reasonable price point so they really do provide a ton of value.
This is especially true for those new to the sauna life who aren’t ready to make a substantial investment in a more permanent solution. So, whether you are looking to improve your circulation, reduce stress, or improve the appearance of your skin, a portable sauna may be just what you need.
And as always, if you have any questions or comments, please do reach out to us on Instagram or Twitter @thesaunasquad or hit us up via our contact form.