Best Portable Sauna: 9 Recovery Options for 2024

Written by Emma Cronan, Writer

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Just Updated

We updated our list of the best portable saunas on April 17, 2024. After researching and exploring more options, we wanted to provide more pros and cons of each portable sauna for our users.

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Are you interested in purchasing a sauna for your home but not yet ready to commit to one of the larger, standard models? If this sounds like you, then we recommend checking out a portable sauna. 

Portable saunas are great cost-effective alternative to a regular sauna, with some costing thousands of dollars less than immobile ones. Of course, the other perk to these is that you can pack them up when they’re not in use and take them with you on trips.

In this article, we’ve included a mix of styles and types, which should give you plenty of options to choose from. We’ll also cover what to look for when buying a new portable sauna.

Best Portable Saunas

• SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best Overall Portable Sauna
• Nordic Ways Steam Spa – Best Portable Steam Sauna
• HigherDose Sauna Blanket – Best Sauna Blanket Starter Kit
• Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best Portable Luxury Sauna Blanket
• BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best User-Friendly Portable Sauna Blanket
• SweatTent Outdoor Sauna – Best Portable Outdoor Sauna
• LifePro Sauna Blanket – Best Portable Sauna Blanket
• Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna – Best Portable Infrared Sauna
• iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna – Best Two-Person Portable Sauna

SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket – Editor’s Pick

SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket

The SunHome infrared sauna has low levels of EMF and is affordable and easy to clean. Its competitive price and transport-friendly design make it worth your attention.

Sleep Advisor Score

5.00 / 5

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Why the SunHome Sauna Blanket Earned Best Portable Sauna Overall

The SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an infrared sauna for your home. Not only is it comfortable to lie down in, it is relatively affordable, easily transportable, and has low levels of EMF. Its quality construction and easy-to-use features earned it our top spot. Infrared saunas expose you to EMF, but according to the World Health Organization¹, low EMF levels are considered safe, with no adverse health effects being reported.

We also love that this product is easy to clean, constructed with non-toxic fabric, and includes industrial-grade zippers to trap the heat inside when the sauna blanket is in use. The infrared heating can reach up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can control the temperature using the control panel.

Our Take: The SunHome sauna blanket comes with safe EMF levels, a competitive price point, and a transport-friendly construction.

Pros

Low EMF – Sauna blankets use infrared technology, inherently having a certain level of EMF exposure. If you’re looking for a sauna blanket but are worried about exposing yourself to higher levels of EMF, this should be a safer choice for you.

30-day money-back guarantee – SunHome provides a 30-day trial period, so in the event you dislike it, you can get your money back. We appreciate this feature, especially for folks who are unsure if they’ll fit under the blanket comfortably.

Small when folded – This blanket is particularly small when folded up, as it can fit into the bag provided with your purchase. This easy folding makes this sauna blanket extra convenient for storage and transportation.

Cons

Takes a while to heat up – Compared to some other portable saunas, the SunHome Infrared Sauna Blanket takes longer to heat up. The company’s site says that the blanket should heat up within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your desired temperature.

One heating zone – While not a dealbreaker, this blanket lacks the zoned heating that some other portable saunas have. Since there is only one heating zone, you may not feel like the infrared heat is distributed equally across your body while you use the blanket.

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Nordic Ways Steam Spa – Best Portable Steam Sauna

Nordic Ways Steam Spa

The Nordic Ways Steam Spa features a high-powered design and eco-friendly features at an affordable price.

Sleep Advisor Score

5.00 / 5

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Why the Nordic Ways Steam Spa Earned Best Portable Steam Sauna

If you’re someone who prefers steam saunas and wants something you can easily use at home or while traveling, we think you’ll enjoy this product from Nordic Ways. This sauna features an eco-friendly and high-powered design while still retaining an affordable price. Another benefit for shoppers is that Nordic Ways will send your sauna free of charge if you live in the United States.

Although you can sit inside the Nordic Ways Steam Spa, don’t let that fool you about its compatibility; you can collapse it whenever it’s not in use. We also love how customizable this sauna is. With 16 steam levels, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something that suits you.

Our Take: We love the value you get with this steam sauna. This is most evident with the collapsable design and 16 steam levels available.

Pros

It’s customizable – We mentioned above that the Nordic Ways Steam Spa has up to 16 different levels of steam you can choose from. Another perk, though, is that you can use this product for 99 minutes.

High temperature – Of course, saunas are known to be hot, but you may not feel as confident in a portable sauna. Will it actually get hot enough to make me sweat? The good news here is that Nordic Ways reports that this sauna has reached a maximum temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cons

Has some weight to it – According to the company, this sauna weighs roughly 21 pounds. This isn’t much weight in the grand scheme of things, but if you want the most lightweight product you can find to transport around, you might be put off by this.

Possible tearing – We were hard-pressed to find a lot of negatives about this product, but one customer did report a tear in the lining. The good news is that Nordic Ways does offer a complementary extended warranty of 24 months, which may put some of these concerns at ease.

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HigherDose Sauna Blanket – Best Sauna Blanket Starter Kit

HigherDose Sauna Blanket

The Higher Dose Sauna Blanket can make using your portable sauna on the go a breeze.

Sleep Advisor Score

5.00 / 5

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Why the HigherDose Sauna Blanket Earn Best Sauna Blanket Started Kit

The Higher Dose Sauna Blanket can make using your portable sauna on the go a breeze. With the purchase of Higher Dose’s sauna blanket, you’re also getting a convenient travel kit that makes transporting it much more convenient, a big reason why it earned the Editor’s Pick spot.

The travel kit includes the blanket itself, two organic towel inserts, and a stylish sauna blanket bag. This Higher Dose product is an infrared sauna blanket. Higher Dose advises you to wait 10 minutes for the blanket to heat up so you can sweat more quickly once you use it. We love the short wait time since many of us lead busy lives, and this is a big time saver.

Our Take: Despite the higher price tag, we think you’re getting great quality with the Higher Dose Sauna Blanket. The starter kit includes everything you need: the sauna blanket, two infrared inserts, and a travel blanket bag. 

Pros

The travel kit – The brand takes the idea of a portable sauna up a notch by providing customers with a convenient travel bag and two towel inserts. This can make taking your sauna with you on trips that much easier.

Quick heat-up time – According to Higher Dose, you should wait 10 minutes for the sauna blanket to heat up before. This is super convenient if you don’t have much time to wait around to use your sauna.

Cons

High price – The biggest drawback to this sauna blanket is the price; it’s much more costly than a lot of other sauna blankets out there. Even though we feel you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with the quality and add-ons, some people may not feel comfortable with such a high price for a non-standing sauna.

Shorter amount of time to return it – The Higher Dose Sauna Blanket comes with a 30-day return policy. This is definitely better than no return policy, but with such a high price tag, some people may prefer a longer amount of time to ensure it’s the right product for them before committing to the price.

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Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best Portable Luxury Sauna Blanket

Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket Zipper

We love this infrared sauna blanket from Vellgus, which features a sleek leather exterior, non-toxic fabrics, and a waterproof interior.

Sleep Advisor Score

5.00 / 5

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Why the Vellgus Infrared Sauna Blanket Earned Best Portable Luxury Sauna Blanket

Who says you have to skimp on luxury just because you’re buying a portable sauna? We love this infrared sauna blanket from Vellgus, which features a sleek leather exterior, non-toxic fabrics, and a waterproof interior.

With the Vellgus Sauna Blanket, you’re also getting a foldout box, digital controller, carrying bag, and user manual. We especially love the addition of the carrying bag because you can easily take your sauna blanket with you on trips.

Discover our picks for the best infrared saunas here.

BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket – Best User-Friendly Portable Sauna Blanket

BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Planket

Features an 8-layer heating system which warms up in only ten minutes.

Sleep Advisor Score

5.00 / 5

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Why the BESTQOOL Infrared Sauna Blanket Earned Best User-Friendly Portable Sauna Blanket

BESTQOOL has worked hard to ensure that their Infrared Sauna Blanket gives you hassle-free rest and relaxation. It boasts an 8-layer heating construction with an easy-to-use and easy-to-find controller—it reattaches to the front of the blanket when you’re done adjusting. Come that with the bed’s straightforward “plug and play” setup, and it’s easy to see why we dubbed this sauna the most user-friendly.

This blanket is easily foldable and weighs only 17 pounds for simple storage and transportation. Its polyurethane composition also makes it easy to clean when the sweating gets tough.

SweatTent Outdoor Sauna – Best Portable Outdoor Sauna

SweatTent Outdoor Sauna

The SweatTent is a collapsable at-home sauna that can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes. It comes with everything you need, including an insulated sauna tent and a wood thermometer.

Sleep Advisor Score

4.90 / 5

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Why the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna Earned Best Portable Outdoor Sauna

The SweatTent Outdoor Sauna earned the best portable outdoor sauna spot because it comes with a lot of great features at a pretty reasonable price. This sauna costs about 1,600 dollars and includes the insulated sauna tent, a sauna stove, sauna rocks and a basket, a wood thermometer, a fire poker, a weatherproof roof cover, and heat-resistant gloves. 

Additionally, this outdoor sauna can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, only requiring 30 minutes to heat up. SweatTent even offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it. 

Our Take: Even with its portable design for on-the-go use, this sauna has many amazing features.

Pros

Affordable – Although purchasing the SweatTent is still an investment, this product is much more affordable than an immovable wood sauna. What really sells us on it, though, is that the SweatTent still comes with impressive components for a successful sauna session, like a wood-fired stove and sauna rocks. As such, you get plenty of value with this product.

Wood-fired design – Since this sauna is wood-fired, there’s no EMF exposure like you’d get with infrared saunas.

Fast setup – This portable sauna can be moved around fairly easily, and it should only take about three minutes to set up. If you store your sauna in a closet or under your bed when it’s not in use, you won’t be wasting a lot of time taking it down and putting it back up each time you use it.

Cons

Not aesthetically pleasing – We know that, sometimes, the aesthetic appeal of a product, especially one as large as a sauna, can be important for consumers. You may not find this one as appealing as standard, immobile saunas.

Heavier – Even though the SweatTent is portable, it’s still quite heavy compared to other portable saunas on the market. The tent weighs around 30 pounds, and the stainless steel stove weighs about 50 pounds.

Explore our picks for the best home saunas here.

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LifePro Sauna Blanket – Best Portable Sauna Blanket

LifePro Sauna Blanket

A sauna blanket option which is perfect for those on-the-go seeking the benefits an infrared sauna can offer.

Sleep Advisor Score

4.50 / 5

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Why the LifePro Earned Best Portable Sauna Blanket

Instead of purchasing a sauna that takes up lots of space, you may be wondering if there are other options outside of stationary or foldable saunas. The LifePro is a sauna blanket, which means you can receive all of the benefits of a traditional sauna experience while lying down on your bed or couch. 

This sauna blanket includes infrared heating, two detox wraps, and a lifetime warranty. It is also available in eight color variations. According to LifePro, this product is designed to ease tension, support well-being, rejuvenate aging skin, and boost metabolism. The LifePro is easy to assemble and use, and it weighs less than 11 pounds, making it convenient to take on the go and store away when it’s not being used. 

Our Take: While not a traditional sauna, the LifePro Sauna Blanket is a unique, convenient way to experience a sauna’s advantages.

Pros

Comfortable – You’re able to lie down while using this sauna blanket, so you may find it more comfortable than sitting in a more traditional sauna setting in which you may need to sit upright.

The price – The black color variation of the LifePro costs around 200 dollars, while some of the other color variations are slightly cheaper. If you want the benefits of a sauna without breaking the bank, we suggest you check out the LifePro.

Speedy delivery – You can buy this sauna blanket on Amazon, which is convenient if you need quick delivery. For example, if you’re buying the LifePro for someone as a last-minute gift, Amazon’s speedy delivery could really help you out.

Cons

Taller and heavier folks may dislike this one – Since this sauna blanket only comes in one size, it may be too small, tight, or uncomfortable for heavier people. Additionally, if you’re taller than average, this blanket may not be long enough. Make sure you check the dimensions of the LifePro before you order one if this is a concern for you.

Your face is excluded from sauna benefits – In a more traditional, immovable sauna, your face is inside of it, also reaping the sauna’s benefits. However, the LifePro blanket does not cover your face, which may be a drawback for some.

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Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna – Best Portable Infrared Sauna

Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna

This portable infrared sauna is easy to take apart and store away. Its compact nature and high-quality infrared technology make it an excellent option if you want a relaxing experience.

Sleep Advisor Score

4.70 / 5

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Why the Sunlighten Earned Best Portable Infrared Sauna 

The Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna is a great portable infrared sauna because its pieces can easily be taken apart and stored away Its compact nature makes this sauna space-saving, which is ideal if you don’t have room for a traditional sauna in your home. 

This portable sauna has high-quality infrared technology, including nine infrared heaters. The Sunlighten Solo System comes with a dome, a pillow, a pad to lie on, and various control panels. When using this sauna, you can lie down in a comfortable position, which will hopefully enhance your relaxing sauna experience. 

Our Take: We love how easy the Sunlighten Solo System Portable Sauna is to store away, which is helpful for people with limited storage space.

Pros

Zoned heating – This sauna’s infrared technology provides two separate zones of heating, so your upper and lower body get enough heat. Zoned heating should ensure that the sauna’s heat is evenly distributed throughout the entire sauna.

Stores away easily – You should be able to easily store the Sunlighten Solo System. The company claims that this is the perfect product for small spaces and that it can be pushed into a closet or corner.

Cons

Somewhat heavy – The domes weigh 46 pounds and the pad that you lie on weighs 13 pounds. If you have limited mobility or strength, the domes may be too heavy for you, which will make it more difficult to move the sauna into storage when you’re not using it.

Price – This sauna costs around 3,200 dollars, which is on the more expensive side, especially for a portable sauna.

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iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna – Best Two-Person Portable Sauna

iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna

The iDOTODO is a full-body portable sauna that can reach a temperature of up to 140 Fahrenheit. It has a collapsable frame, so it’s easy to store or take with you on a trip.

Sleep Advisor Score

4.30 / 5

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Why the iDOTODO Earned Best Two-Person Portable Sauna

The iDOTODO Full Body Portable Personal Infrared Sauna is great if you want to spend your sauna time with a companion. This sauna is spacious, you’re fully enclosed when you’re using it, and it can reach a temperature of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Moreover, when you’re not using your home sauna, you can easily fold it up to store it away. Or, maybe you want to bring it on a road trip with you, which is also possible. 

The iDOTODO sauna has a collapsible frame that makes it easier to take the product apart. Additionally, since this sauna uses infrared heating technology, there are no extra pieces that you need to store away, such as a wood stove for a dry sauna. 

Our Take: The iDOTODO is a fantastic choice for people looking for a portable sauna that can also accomodate two people.

Pros

Two-person sauna chair – This sauna comes with a two-person folding chair, which makes it portable and shareable. Additionally, since the two parts of the chair are connected, if one person is using the sauna, they may be able to lie down comfortably on the folding chair.

Heats up in under 10 minutes – The infrared heating panels only take around eight minutes to fully heat the entire sauna. This quick timing means is great for those with busy schedules.

Quick assembly – Not only does the iDOTODO heat up quickly, but it can be assembled rapidly as well. The entire assembly process should only take around five minutes, according to the company, making it convenient to take apart and set up when you want to use the sauna.

Cons

Not clear what the EMF levels are – The manufacturer of the iDOTODO does not state the specific level of electromagnetic fields (EMF) for this particular sauna, but most infrared saunas have fairly low EMF levels. We advise contacting the company directly if you want to know exactly what the levels are in this product.

Not aesthetically pleasing – Some people value the aesthetic appeal of the items in their home, especially an item as large as a sauna. This sauna will not likely blend seamlessly into your home, which may be a downside. That said, since it’s a portable sauna, it may only be an issue if you plan to leave it out all the time.

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What Is a Portable Sauna?

A portable sauna is a sauna that you can use in your home or your yard, but when you are not using the sauna, you can store it away so it does not take up space in your home. Additionally, a portable sauna typically folds up so you can transport it, whether you’re moving it from room to room in your home or bringing it in your car during a trip.  

What to Look for In a Portable Sauna

Size and Capacity 

When shopping for a portable sauna, you’ll want to consider its size and how many people it can hold. Most portable home saunas are only meant for one or two people, so if you’re looking for a home sauna to hold more people, you may want one that is not portable. Additionally, since these saunas tend to be on the smaller side, taller and heavier people may want to check out the dimensions to ensure that they will comfortably fit in them. 

Portability

Another factor you’ll want to look into is how portable the sauna actually is.

• Is it heavier?
• Can it be rolled up like a blanket?
• Does it have a large, bulky carrying case?
• Can it fit in the trunk of your car or under your bed? 

Considering portability is critical if you travel a lot or if you aren’t ready to commit to a more permanent sauna setup in your home.

Type of Portable Sauna

There are many different types of portable saunas to choose from.

You can buy a tent like the SweatTent, a blanket like the LifePro, or one that zips up like the Vellgus.

Additionally, there are some more unique sauna designs such as the Sunlighten Solo System, which is similar to a pod enclosure on the ground. 

Heating Technology

If you have started looking for a portable sauna, you have likely come across various saunas with different heating technology, including a dry sauna, a steam sauna, and an infrared sauna. 

Read More: Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna

A dry sauna uses burned wood or a traditional heater to heat the inside of a sauna. Conversely, a steam sauna is what we typically think of as a steam room filled with humidity. Steam saunas use either a steam generator to create this humidity, or you can pour water over hot rocks. Some saunas can be used as either a dry sauna or a steam sauna depending on the settings you select. 

Finally, an infrared sauna uses infrared light waves to generate heat², warming your body directly instead of heating the air around you. 

Temperature

Different saunas can reach different maximum temperatures, so when shopping for a portable sauna, read the manufacturer’s website to obtain this information. You’ll want to make sure your desired sauna reaches a temperature suitable for you. 

Additionally, it is important to know how long your sauna takes to reach a certain temperature. Some saunas may take as long as 30 minutes to an hour to heat up, whereas others can reach their maximum temperature in under 10 minutes. Knowing this information will help you know how far in advance to turn on your sauna before using it. 

Installation

With portable saunas, installation should not be an issue. You’ll likely receive the product in the mai, along with directions on how to set it up. Compared to stationary saunas, the installation of portable saunas should be less time-consuming. 

Quality Durability

Another consideration when buying a portable sauna is its materials and overall durability. Depending on the materials used, one portable sauna may last longer than another.

Though it’s not the only measure of durability, a sign of a durable product is a good warranty and return policy, which signals that the brand stands behind the quality of its product.

Warranty 

Before you purchase a portable sauna, we suggest that you check out the product’s warranty, especially if you are buying a more expensive sauna. This will help give you some peace of mind in the event of any issues with the product. Usually, you can find a sauna’s warranty listed with the product details on the manufacturer’s website.  

Budget

It is important to remember your budget when sauna shopping. Some of these portable saunas are pretty pricey, but there are more affordable ones that can still provide a great experience.

Especially if you’re a newer sauna user, you may want to buy a less expensive sauna so it’s not as much of a financial commitment. 

Portable Sauna Benefits

Saunas have various benefits, and portable saunas, in particular, have their own additional perks. 

• May help with hypertension – A study³ conducted in 2017 suggests that regular sauna use could help with high blood pressure.  
• Could reduce pain – According to a 2019 study⁴, dry saunas have been found to decrease back pain.
• May improve sleep – If you struggle to sleep, investing in a sauna to use before bed might help. After your exposed to heat in the sauna, your body temperature drops⁵, creating an increase in melatonin, an important hormone for facilitating sleep. 
• Could boost metabolism – Dry saunas have been found to increase metabolic rate⁶ because you burn calories when you sweat in a sauna. 
• Convenient – Portable saunas are a convenient option when you don’t want a sauna to take up too much space in your home or you want the flexibility of moving it from one place to another. 
• More affordable – Portable saunas are also usually more affordable than immovable in-home or outdoor saunas.   

Looking for a non-portable sauna? Explore our picks for the Best Home Saunas and Best Infrared Saunas.

Portable Sauna Safety Tips

Safety should be your top priority when using a sauna. While we advise that everyone consult their healthcare provider before using a sauna, and this is especially true for older adults or those who are pregnant or have other medical conditions. 

Typically, it is recommended that you stay in a sauna for a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes⁷. Hydration is also key since you’ll be sweating a lot and will need to replenish your body’s water levels.

Portable Sauna FAQs

Emma Cronan

Writer

About Author

Emma is an Editorial Intern for Sleep Advisor. She collaborates with the editor and staff writers to come up with article ideas, create article outlines, and write for the website.

Combination Sleeper

Resources

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• 2. Bauer MD, Brent A. “What is an infrared sauna? Does it have health benefits?”. Mayo Clinic. 2022. –
• 3. Zaccardi, Francesco., et al. “Sauna Bathing and Incident Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study”. American Journal of Hypertension. 2017. –
• 4. Cho, Eun-Hee., et al. “Dry sauna therapy is beneficial for patients with low back pain”. Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 2019. –
• 5. “Sauna & Sleep: A Winning Combo?”. Oura Ring. Webpage accessed November 28, 2024. –
• 6. Leppäluoto, J., et al. “Some cardiovascular and metabolic effects of repeated sauna bathing”. National Library of Medicine. 1986. –
• 7. “Sauna benefits, types and safety tips”. State Farm Simple Insights. Webpage accessed November 28, 2024. –
• 8. “Sauna Cost Calculator”. Salus Saunas. Webpage accessed November 28, 2024. –