The Best At-Home Saunas, From Sabrina Carpenter's to a $250 Option

Homedics SaunaZen Portable Steam Sauna ($250)

While the other selects on this list offer dry heat, the SauanZen Portable Steam Sauna has steam, which can be beneficial for skin and can even help to alleviate symptoms of the common cold. At first sight, I was skeptical that this device, which resembled a portable changing room more than a sauna, would work. Once I stepped in, I was surprised at the amount of steam contained in the small area. It heats up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit with 100 percent humidity. The SaunaZen can be used for up to an hour and has a window if you want to look outside or try to watch TV (though it does get quite foggy, so you'll spend a fair amount of time wiping down the condensation).

It's worth noting that it includes a stool that is small and slightly flimsy, so I capped most of my sessions to around 20 minutes, which was more than enough time for me to drip sweat. This steamy tent is perfect if you're looking for an affordable way to steam at home. It's collapsible and can be stored under a bed.

Heat Healer Energy Sauna Dome ($1,948, originally $2,598)

If you're someone who loves habit stacking, the Heat Healer Energy Sauna Dome allows you to experience multiple wellness treatments at once. In addition to being a far infrared sauna, it uses PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field), which has been studied to promote enhanced recovery; red light therapy, which can boost collagen production; and red light chromotherapy. While it's certainly an investment, these treatments are also found in the $160,000 Ammortal Chamber that is available at wellness centers and luxury hotels.

The dome design places your body just six to 10 inches from the infrared, red light, and PEMF sources to help your body better absorb them. It heats faster than traditional wood cabin infrared saunas and the dome can reach 194 degrees Fahrenheit, and the PEMF mat heats to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat feels intense yet comfortable. Since your head is outside of the sauna, I didn't get as overheated as I normally do in saunas and was able to stay in longer. The sauna takes just a few minutes to store compactly. It looks inconspicuously like an entry table and would make a great talking point at a dinner party.

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna ($10,700, originally $11,499)

If you're looking to invest in an outdoor sauna, the Sun Home Lunimar Outdoor Infrared Sauna is the luxurious option approved by celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter. The price point is much higher than the other saunas on this list due to a few key qualities. Its robust heating includes two full spectrum heaters and seven far infrared heaters that allow for a temperature range of up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this sauna is enclosed, it seals the heat intensely and I found it most comfortable around the 160-degree range. As with the other infrared saunas on this list, it uses direct radiant heat to deliver a deep and effective sweat. Despite this sauna being large enough for two people, it heats up quickly in about 15 minutes.

The Sun Home Luminar is the only infrared sauna engineered with an aerospace-grade aluminum exterior to withstand all seasons and weather, including rain and snow. While testing it over a few months, there were several torrential rainstorms. I used the protective cover and the sauna weathered these elements without any leaks or damage. The interior is made from non-toxic materials including a cedar wood interior, which is naturally antimicrobial. It is ultra low EMF (electromagnetic field) for safe exposure, and includes an oxygen ionizer to purify the air.

I used this sauna during a three-month period when I was running two marathons. I credit the Luminar for allowing me to make it through training without injury or burnout. This full-spectrum infrared sauna includes all three infrared wavelengths: near infrared, mid infrared, and far infrared. I noticed during the times that I used the Luminar after a long run I had decreased soreness (or DOMS) the next day.

The Luminar was the most relaxing of the saunas I tried. As a mom of two young children who works from home, my time inside tends to send me spiraling down my never-ending to-do list. Since the Luminar is outdoors, the standalone space made me feel like I had been transported to a spa, far away from life and responsibility. The sauna offers a full range of vibes thanks to its bluetooth audio system and chromotherapy. A red light and energizing playlist would have me ready to take on the day, or a particularly chaotic bedtime.

There are a few elements to keep in mind with the Sun Home Luminar. First, you'll need space. While the other saunas listed have a fairly small footprint and could work in most apartments or homes, the Luminar requires an outdoor area. The width is 57 inches, with an 82.7-inch height and 51.5-inch depth. The brand recommends leaving four to six inches of space around the sauna and 20 to 24 inches above the roof. It also requires 240 volts and 20amps, which may require an electrician. Sun Home offers palletized curbside drop-off where it can be assembled by at least two people, or from the company's network of contractors with Pure Install. The sauna can be controlled by an interior control panel or through the Sun Home Sauna app, which also offers guided breathwork sessions. With 10,000-hour lifetime heaters, its a sauna with longevity.