5 Best Portable Saunas Of 2024 To Prioritize Your Recovery From Home

Hot and cold therapy methods are more accessible than ever, with increasing research to back their benefits.

Saunas in particular have been shown to aid in pain relief1 and muscle recovery2 and have significant cardiovascular benefits3 as well. While still a bit hazy, there's even research suggesting that infrared can promote healthy skin and collagen production4.

The best portable saunas save you a trip to the spa and cost a lot less than a studio membership.

This best-selling infrared sauna blanket is beloved by many (including our co-founder, Colleen Wachob!).

The sleeping bag design makes this one super easy to use: simply lay the blanket out, set your desired temperature using the attached remote, and slide in.

 From there, a combination of charcoal, magnets, clay, and amethyst and tourmaline stones will get to work heating your body from the inside out.

A serious splurge compared to some of the other picks on our list, this infrared sauna is high-quality and built to last—and, in our opinion, well worth the investment.

It’s made from USA-manufactured steel, organic bamboo, sustainably-harvested wood, and GOTS-certified organic canvas. The organic cotton canvas cover and curtain are machine washable, which makes it easy to clean and extend the life of your sauna. Plus, the sauna comes with an ergonomic wooden stool that can be stored flat when not in use and a bamboo mat to keep your floors safe.

While set-up and take-down are easy enough to bring on the go, you may wind up keeping this sauna out if you have the space.

This compact model is a great pick for sauna newbies and folks who don’t want to spend a ton. PVC poles and a polyester cover create a small, cave-like nook that you zip yourself into from the neck down.

It also has zippered arm holes, a pocket for your phone or a book, and comes with a carrying case and chair.

You will need to put the frame together (reviews are mixed on how easy this is), which should be considered if you’re planning on popping this sauna up and down frequently.

Tall people rejoice: the full-size design of the SereneLife Portable Steam Sauna makes it a standout pick for sauna-lovers of all sizes.

Whether you choose to stand (if you’re under 6-feet tall) or sit in the included folding chair, this pop-up sauna allows you to fully immerse yourself into a pod of steam.

The design itself isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, but it’s simple and effective. Simply fill the chamber with water (ideally distilled water, which many reviewers say helps keep the chamber and sauna clean) and control the timer and steam output on the steamer unit.

If standing upright or sitting in a tent is not your idea of relaxation, you’ll love the Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna. This dome-shaped design offers space for you to fully lay down while you soak up the infrared heat.

The Solo System includes a cushy, memory foam mat and two domes to slide over yourself and adjust to your ideal fit. When you’re finished, the lightweight mat and domes stack together to save space.

The whole set can be easily stored in a closet or packed into the car—just note: this pick is a bit heavy, which might limit how often you’ll want to travel with it.

In addition to the five infrared heaters in the domes and four in the pad, this sauna includes an LED therapy feature. There are 16 colors to rotate between, with four color-changing modes and four brightness settings.

You can use the attached console to set a timer and set the temperature on each of the two domes (up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit).

Purposely forcing heat on our bodies may seem counterintuitive, but research shows that short bursts of stress can actually benefit our overall health in the long run5.

These hormetic stressors (think intermittent fasting, cold plunging, or spending time in a sauna) have been shown to enhance overall health, slow aging, and make you more resilient to future stress (both physical and mental).

Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia adds that a study from 20156 found regular sauna use to be associated with lower death rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke, likely because of the blood-pressure-lowering effects of the sauna.

Saunas have come a long way in recent years, and today you can find a slew of portable models in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

While few things compare to the luxury of visiting a spa, at-home versions may prove just as beneficial as professionally operated saunas.

"Portable infrared saunas can give you all the health benefits of a regular infrared sauna," says Bonney. "They are an effective and economical way to get those longevity benefits from improved circulation and detoxification."

Infrared or steam: This truly comes down to preference. Some people prefer the feeling of walking into a hot, steamy space over a hot, dry surrounding. Infrared saunas may heat up faster than steam saunas, but the heat from steam can sometimes be more immersive. One consideration from Butner: "Steam saunas are incredible, but they also mandate that you shower afterward and that simple fact may make them less convenient." Trying out both versions at a spa before committing to one for your home is a safe way to decide which works best for you.

Your preferred position: Some portable saunas are designed for sitting, while others are meant to lie down or stand in. Think about which will make you more comfortable and what you have space for, especially if you're planning to travel with your sauna. It's also worth considering whether you'd like to have your head and arms exposed for reading or spending time on your phone, as not all models accommodate this.

Your budget: While the upfront price of a portable sauna is an obvious consideration, it's worth considering the added costs too. Steam saunas require water, and most experts and reviewers recommend using distilled water. Some saunas come with a chair, and a few come with travel cases, mats, or other add-ons.

While regular sauna use is typically deemed safe for healthy adults, Butner says there are a few contraindications to be aware of.

If you enjoy the experience of a sauna or steam room, a portable option can make your home feel like a personal spa.

Consider your preferred heat source and the features that are most important to you, and weigh the pros and cons of choosing a pricier unit that may last longer over a short-term budget-friendly pick.