6 Best Outdoor Saunas of 2024

Imagine stepping out into a snowy winter and into your backyard sauna, enjoying the invigorating blend of hot and cold. Owning the best outdoor sauna transforms your home into a sanctuary of relaxation. However, finding the right one can be daunting with numerous models and features to consider. But don't worry, we will take you through selecting the top outdoor sauna for your space, focusing on the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Our Top Outdoor Sauna Options for Backyards

#1 Outdoor Durability	#2 Immersive Garden Sessions	#3 Most Comfortable
SaunaLife 6 Person Barrel Sauna	Canadian Timber 2-4 Person Outdoor Barrel Sauna	SunRay Grandby 3 Person Infrared Sauna
Stainless steel barrel bands Thermally modified wood Spruce cradles for barrel stability	Floor-to-ceiling windows and a back panoramic window Porch area that seats two people Barrel design	Oxygen ionization system for air purification Side cup holders Wide bench for extra comfort
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Our sauna purchase from Sun Valley Saunas was easy and straightforward. Wes answered a question I had over email promptly. Their product availability and pricing are better than other companies. What I wanted was in stock, shipped quickly, and arrived in perfect condition. We're extremely happy with our purchase and our sauna gets used almost every day. - Stephanie D, Verified Customer, Boston 2022

With different price points, sizes, and types of saunas, this list should have something for everyone. But, we have to start with SaunaLife, the manufacturer of the absolute best barrel saunas out there.

#1 Best Outdoor Sauna for Small Space: SaunaLife E7w Ergo

Quite likely, you'd prefer a sauna that can tuck easily into a quiet corner of your backyard. Well, the SaunaLife E7w Ergo and SaunaLife E8G 6-Person Sauna are compact saunas that fit within a small footprint of 5,153 square inches.

Either one of these saunas will fit in a small backyard of about 6,000 feet. They maximize the usable space inside the sauna and minimize the space on the ground.

The SaunaLife E7w Ergo can fit 4 bathers while only occupying 5,153 square inches compared to the Luna Sauna CTC22LU which also fits 4 people but occupies 7,310 square inches.

If you have a slightly bigger backyard at 8,000 feet square, you can even fit a small waterfall pond kit and have leftover space to include a circular fire pit where you can enjoy a cozy evening together.

Getting the SaunaLife E7w Ergo offers you so many possibilities on what you can do in your backyard, while still facilitating a good number of people socializing.

On the other hand, the SaunaLife E8 6-Person Sauna fits 6 people and only occupies 5,153 square inches compared to the SaunaLife G4 Sauna which also fits 6 people but occupies almost 8,000 square inches.

Just imagine all the things you can do with the extra 2,847 inches. Maybe add a reading area surrounded by potted plants, a children’s play area, or a miniature greenhouse? It’s really up to you.

Amazing sauna. We use it 5 times a week. It was easy to assemble for 2 people and we got great help from Wes when we selected it. - Charles Mucc, Verified Customer Chicago 2023

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#2 Best for People Wanting a Modern Design: Dundalk Luna Sauna

The days when saunas included sharp corners, wooden doors and wood-burning stoves are gone. The Dundalk Luna Sauna’s modern design includes a cuboid shape with rounded corners, an electric heater, and monochromatic wood panels.

The wood panels are made from Eastern White Cedar timber and are stacked in a mixture of contrasting light and slightly tinted shades for that modern edge.

Modern sauna designs are also very minimalistic and foster connectedness with the outside world, and that’s at the heart of the Dundalk Luna.

Case in point, it only includes two wooden benches where bathers can lie down. There’s no clutter, whatsoever.

Additionally, it contains a tempered glass window and door which allow sunlight in, as well as enable sauna users to connect with nature. They’re both made using a minimalist rectangular design including white-colored timber at their borders to create visual interest.

The purchasing experience of the sauna was smooth and the delivery was timely. I found a video on YouTube that helped me with the gaps in the directions to assemble the sauna that came with the shipment. Now that the sauna is completed I am very pleased with the product and look forward to many years of enjoying it with my family. - Jeffrey Finch, Verified Customer USA 2022

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#3 Best Outdoor Sauna for All-Weather Enjoyment: SaunaLife Model G4

Most outdoor saunas are not made to withstand the elements. That’s what sets the SaunaLife Model G4 Sauna apart. It’s made using premium Nordic Spruce roof boards and wall beams that are 1.75” thick.

Norway Spruce is known to have both tough and elastic timber, and it maintains its integrity even in changing humidity.

Because of these properties, and the slanted roof with a self-adhesive waterproofing system, you can comfortably use this sauna in any weather, without encountering damage.

Easy ordering. The packaging was well done! Nothing was damaged in transit. Easy to assemble. Well thought out design. I love my new sauna. - Tonja D, Verified Customer Michigan 2023

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#4 Best for People Focused on Health & Wellness: SunRay Cayenne Outdoor Sauna

The SunRay Cayenne Outdoor Sauna is the sauna for you if you’re keen on maximizing health benefits from sauna use.

I’ll tell you why; it has 8 infrared heaters that’ll emit deep heat into your body tissues while remaining comfortable for you.

Since infrared heaters can penetrate deep tissue, they can improve benefits like detoxification, muscle soreness, and relaxation.

And because this sauna heats up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it’ll cause you to sweat more—improving detoxification and your skin’s appearance.

To top it all off, there’s an oxygen ionization system to purify the air, so you can avoid respiratory inflammations from any impurities in the sauna.

Simply hop into the sauna in the privacy of your backyard and reap all the health benefits you can.

Finally delivered... Its assembly was a breeze, the parts were clearly labelled and the weight of the panels was quite manageable. It looks and works just as described. I'm quite content with it. - Henry Schweitzer, Verified Customer Oregon 2023

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#5 Best Backyard Sauna for Relaxation and Socializing: Tranquility Barrel Sauna

The Tranquility Barrel Sauna is the perfect sauna if you’re going to be sharing a sauna session with a large group—it comfortably fits 6 people.

But its capacity isn’t the only thing that makes this sauna perfect for relaxation and socializing.

It includes 2 long solid benches placed across from each other, which facilitate meaningful conversations to catch up with your friends while maintaining eye contact.

Additionally, with this much space, it’s easy to play games with a group. Whether you’re having friends or family over, the seating arrangements in this sauna will make everyone feel connected.

Finally, there’s a small porch seating area for two. This is an ideal intimate space for couples, close friends or family.

Imagine lounging on those comfortable seats after an intense, relaxing session playing a board game or sipping fresh juice to rehydrate as you enjoy the fresh breeze. What a great way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon!

Why Get An Outdoor Sauna? An outdoor sauna helps you save valuable indoor space to make room for other essential facilities or design elements within your home.

Awesome sauna - perfect in the backyard and can't wait to get this thing going in the winter. - Jillian H., Verified Customer Los Angeles 2021

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#6 Best for Evening & Night-time Use: Golden Designs Uppsala Sauna

The Golden Designs Uppsala Sauna has many fantastic features. However, what I find most outstanding is the interior accent lighting strip.

Not only does it create a soothing ambience, but can you picture just how lovely this ambient lighting looks under the night sky? It’s like having your own little haven.

The light is functional, helping you find your way around and preventing injuries, while also helping you relax more.

We are enjoying our sauna. It was easy to put together. Sun Valley Saunas was very easy to work with. Our sauna arrived quickly and is of very good quality. - James S., Verified Customer, Washington State, 2021

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Whether you decide to go with an infrared sauna or a traditional sauna, I think we can all agree there's just something magical about hopping into an outdoor sauna, especially if it's sitting there in your backyard.

Give us a call at 1-855-963-5665 or reach out via email to discuss your sauna options with a sauna expert.

Author's Note: Updated on 13th December 2023 to highlight specific qualities that make each sauna fit for backyard use including taking up minimal backyard space, the sauna’s ability to withstand weather elements, the presence of modern design elements, and aspects that improve the health and wellness of users.

Wes McMahon, is the founder of Sun Valley Saunas and a seasoned ski town sauna enthusiast. In early 2021, Wes transitioned from being an attorney and sauna aficionado in Sun Valley, Idaho, to founding Sun Valley Saunas. His deep appreciation for the Finnish sauna tradition has helped him understand and select high-quality, hand-built saunas for customers throughout North America. Combined with his understanding of the therapeutic and communal benefits of sauna culture, he advocates for the wellness practices that saunas can bring to your overall health. Got questions? Get in touch by calling 1-855-963-5665 or info@sunvalleysaunas.com

Important: The information provided in our articles about saunas and related topics is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before using saunas, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant. Individual health needs vary, and what benefits one person may not be suitable for another.