An outdoor sauna is one of the best investments you can make for your home in 2026. Whether you're looking to improve your health, increase your property value, or simply create a backyard retreat where you can unwind after a long day, the right outdoor sauna can transform your outdoor living space into a personal wellness sanctuary.
But with so many styles, sizes, and brands on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Barrel saunas, cabin saunas, cube saunas, pod saunas, hybrid saunas — each has its own strengths depending on your space, budget, and how you like to sweat.
We've put together this guide to help you cut through the noise. Below, you'll find our top picks for the best outdoor saunas you can buy in 2026, along with what makes each one stand out, who it's best for, and what to consider before you buy. Every sauna featured here is one we carry and ship free to your door — and our Oregon-based team is available to help you choose the right one.
Best Barrel Saunas for Your Backyard
Barrel saunas are among the most popular outdoor sauna designs for good reason. Their cylindrical shape heats up faster than rectangular saunas because hot air naturally circulates along the curved walls, meaning less wasted space and quicker sessions. They also tend to have a smaller footprint, making them a great fit for patios, decks, and smaller backyards.
SaunaLife Ergo Model E7 — Best Overall Barrel Sauna
The SaunaLife E7 Barrel Sauna is our top-selling barrel sauna for a reason. It comfortably seats four people in a 6-foot long barrel constructed from thermally modified Nordic spruce — a wood that lasts up to twice as long as cedar in outdoor conditions. The ergonomically contoured thermo-aspen benches provide genuine lumbar support, which is a feature you won't find in most barrel saunas at any price point.
What really sets the SaunaLife Ergo series apart from competitors is the engineering. The barrel includes a watertight asphalt shingle roof kit with drip edges to keep rain out, dual stainless steel floor drains so water never pools inside, and a Wi-Fi-controlled LED light bar for ambiance. At 6'9" of interior standing height, it's significantly taller than most barrel saunas, so you won't feel cramped.
Best for: Couples and small families who want a high-quality barrel sauna that will hold up for years in any climate. Heater sold separately — pair it with a quality electric sauna heater for the best experience.
SaunaLife Ergo Model E6 — Best Compact Barrel Sauna
If you love the SaunaLife Ergo design but need something smaller, the SaunaLife E6 delivers the same premium construction and features in a more compact 5-foot long package. It seats 2–3 people comfortably and is ideal for tighter spaces or solo sauna sessions where you still want room to stretch out.
Like the E7, it's built from thermally modified Nordic spruce with thermo-aspen benches, a shingle roof kit, dual floor drains, and LED lighting. The smaller footprint also means faster heat-up times, which is a nice bonus if you like to sauna on weeknights without a long wait.
Best for: Individuals or couples with limited backyard space who don't want to compromise on build quality.
SaunaLife Ergo Model E8 — Best Large Barrel Sauna
For those who want more room to spread out or regularly sauna with a group, the SaunaLife E8 stretches the Ergo series to a spacious 7-foot length. It seats up to six people and gives you enough bench space to comfortably lie down — a luxury most barrel saunas can't offer. Same premium thermo-spruce construction, same ergonomic aspen benches, same excellent weatherproofing.
If you're considering a glass-front option for a more modern look and natural light, check out the SaunaLife E8G, which features a full tempered glass front wall.
Best for: Families or anyone who entertains regularly and wants a barrel sauna with room for a group.
Golden Designs Klosters — Best Value Barrel Sauna
The Golden Designs Klosters 6-Person Barrel Sauna is one of the best barrel saunas you can buy if you want a heater included with the kit. Crafted from Pacific Premium Clear Cedar, this barrel seats up to six people and comes with a Harvia "The Wall" electric heater — so you're getting a complete, ready-to-assemble package without needing to purchase a heater separately.
The cedar construction gives it that classic, aromatic sauna experience, and the included Harvia heater is a trusted name in the sauna industry. If you're looking for a smaller option from Golden Designs, the Golden Designs St. Moritz 2–4 Person Barrel Sauna gives you the same quality in a more compact size.
Best for: Buyers who want a complete barrel sauna kit with heater included at a competitive price.
Browse our full collection of barrel saunas to compare all available models and sizes.
Best Cabin Saunas for Your Backyard
Cabin saunas are the traditional choice for a reason — they give you the most interior space, the most flexible bench layouts, and the closest experience to what you'd find in a Finnish sauna house. If you have the backyard space and want maximum comfort, a cabin sauna is hard to beat.
SaunaLife Model G4 — Best Overall Outdoor Cabin Sauna
The SaunaLife G4 is one of the most impressive outdoor cabin sauna kits on the market. It seats up to six people with two-tier I-shaped benches, features a stunning full-glass front wall and large side window that flood the interior with natural light, and is constructed from premium Nordic spruce with knotless aspen benches and backrests.
The G4 includes Wi-Fi-controlled LED lighting, a weatherproof sloped roof, a lockable tempered glass door with professional-grade hinges, and a modifiable 16.5-inch front porch. The interlocking log-cabin-style wall construction gives it incredible structural rigidity. It's designed in Scandinavia and precision-crafted in Northern Europe — and the build quality is evident the moment you open the crate. You can configure the side window on the left or right and choose between a front or side door, so it adapts to your specific backyard layout.
The G4 requires a sauna heater purchased separately — we recommend an 11kW electric heater or a wood-burning sauna stove for the full traditional experience.
Best for: Anyone who wants a spacious, high-quality outdoor cabin sauna with a modern Scandinavian design. This is the sauna that makes your neighbors jealous.
SaunaLife Model G2 — Best Mid-Size Cabin Sauna
The SaunaLife G2 is a 4-person outdoor cabin sauna that offers SaunaLife's trademark build quality in a smaller, more accessible package. With a light spruce wood exterior and the same interlocking wall construction as the G4, it blends nicely into any outdoor space without dominating the backyard. It's an excellent middle ground between a barrel sauna and a full-size cabin — you get the standing room, flat floor, and bench layout of a cabin without needing a massive footprint.
Best for: Homeowners who want a traditional cabin sauna experience but have moderate yard space.
Dundalk Leisurecraft Georgian Cabin Sauna (CTC88W) — Best Canadian-Made Cabin Sauna
If you prefer the warmth and character of Eastern White Cedar, the Dundalk Georgian Cabin Sauna is handcrafted in Ontario, Canada, from sustainably sourced cedar that naturally resists rot, decay, and insects. It seats up to six people on two-tier L-shaped benches and features bronze tempered glass windows and door that create a beautiful ambiance inside.
The included metal shingle roof means it's ready for year-round outdoor use, and the dovetail corner construction makes assembly straightforward. Dundalk also offers a version with a built-in changing room (CTC88CW) — a major plus if you don't want to walk through the yard in a towel — and a version with a front porch (CTC88PW) for a true cabin-in-the-woods feel.
Best for: Buyers who value Canadian craftsmanship, cedar construction, and a more rustic aesthetic.
Dundalk Leisurecraft Granby Cabin Sauna (CTC66W) — Best Small Cabin Sauna
Not everyone needs a six-person sauna. The Dundalk Granby is a 2–3 person cabin sauna built from the same Eastern White Cedar as the Georgian, with a two-tier bench layout in a compact footprint. It's an excellent entry point into cabin-style saunas for couples or individuals who want more room than a barrel provides.
Best for: Couples and individuals who want a cabin sauna without the large footprint of a 6-person model.
See all of our cabin saunas to find the right fit for your yard.
Best Modern Cube Saunas for Your Backyard
Cube saunas are a newer category that's been gaining serious momentum. With their clean lines, glass fronts, and contemporary silhouettes, they appeal to homeowners who want their sauna to look as good as it performs. SaunaLife's Cube series is the standout here — every detail is meticulously designed for both comfort and aesthetics.
SaunaLife Cube CL5G — Best Modern 4-Person Outdoor Sauna
The SaunaLife CL5G is a 4-person cube sauna with a glass front wall that gives it a sleek, architectural look. Inside, the layout is surprisingly spacious with bench space long enough to lie down in the steam zone. The lower bench extends across both walls, giving you flexible seating arrangements. Built from thermally modified materials for long-term outdoor durability, this is the sauna that looks like it belongs in a design magazine.
Best for: Homeowners with modern or contemporary-style homes who want a sauna that complements their aesthetic.
SaunaLife Cube CL3G — Best Budget-Friendly Cube Sauna
The SaunaLife CL3G is the entry point to the Cube series. It's a 1–2 person cube sauna at 4.2 feet long — compact, efficient, and surprisingly capable. It features the same glass front design and thermally modified construction as the larger models. If you've always wanted a backyard sauna but thought you didn't have the space or the budget, the CL3G proves otherwise.
Best for: First-time sauna buyers, individuals, or anyone with a small patio or deck.
SaunaLife Cube CL7G — Best Large Cube Sauna
The SaunaLife CL7G takes the Cube series to its largest size at 7.6 feet long, seating up to six people. If you love the modern cube design but need room for a family or group, this is the model to choose. The glass front wall creates an open, airy feel, and the interior is spacious enough for a genuine communal sauna experience.
Best for: Families and entertainers who want a large, modern sauna with a premium glass-front design.
Best Pod Saunas for Your Backyard
Pod saunas combine the charm of a barrel sauna with the standing room and flat floor of a cabin. Their distinctive curved roofline sheds rain and snow naturally while creating a unique architectural element in your yard.
SaunaLife Model G3 — Best Pod Sauna
The SaunaLife G3 features a striking parabolic arched roof that makes it one of the most visually distinctive saunas you can buy. It seats four people comfortably and is built with the same Scandinavian-crafted quality as the rest of the SaunaLife lineup. The pod shape creates excellent heat circulation while providing the flat floor and proper bench layout that barrel saunas lack.
Best for: Homeowners who want something visually unique that still delivers a traditional sauna experience.
Dundalk Leisurecraft MiniPOD (CTC77MW) — Best Value Pod Sauna
The Dundalk MiniPOD is a 7'x7' pod sauna handcrafted from Eastern White Cedar that seats 2–4 people. It features side wall benches, an EPDM membrane roof for reliable weather protection, and double-pane bronze tempered glass in the front window. As part of Dundalk's economically priced Canadian Timber Collection, it delivers excellent value for a pod-style sauna.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a pod sauna with quality Canadian craftsmanship.
Explore all of our pod saunas to see the full selection.
Best Hybrid Outdoor Sauna (Traditional + Infrared)
Golden Designs Karlstad — Best Hybrid Outdoor Sauna
If you can't decide between a traditional steam sauna and an infrared sauna, the Golden Designs Karlstad gives you both in one unit. This 6-person outdoor sauna features a Harvia 8kW traditional electric heater alongside 13 full-spectrum infrared heating panels — four carbon near-zero EMF panels and nine near-infrared elements. You can use them individually or together for a truly customizable experience.
The Canadian red cedar interior provides a rich, aromatic environment, while the all-weather composite exterior is built to withstand snow, rain, and extreme temperatures. It's loaded with tech features including a touchscreen control panel, Bluetooth speakers, FM radio, chromotherapy lighting, and exterior accent lighting. It also includes a red light therapy kit, adding another layer of wellness benefits.
Best for: Buyers who want the ultimate do-it-all sauna with both traditional and infrared heating capabilities.
For a 3-person hybrid option, check out the Golden Designs Visby. Browse all outdoor hybrid saunas.
Best Pre-Assembled Outdoor Sauna
SaunaLife Model G6 — Best Pre-Built Outdoor Sauna
Don't want to deal with assembly at all? The SaunaLife G6 arrives fully assembled and ready to use — just place it on a level surface, connect a heater, and you're done. This 5-person outdoor cabin sauna represents the pinnacle of convenience without sacrificing quality. It's a genuine luxury sauna that skips the DIY process entirely.
For an even larger pre-assembled option, the SaunaLife G7 offers a spacious 6-person layout with the same fully assembled convenience. Browse all pre-assembled saunas to see your options.
Best for: Buyers who want zero assembly hassle and are willing to invest in the ultimate plug-and-play experience.
Best Unique Outdoor Sauna
SaunaLife Model G11 — Best Hobbit House Sauna
The SaunaLife G11 Hobbit House Sauna is unlike anything else on the market. This whimsical 8-person sauna features two equally sized rooms — a traditional hot room and a separate changing room — wrapped in a distinctive barrel-shaped design that looks like it was pulled from a storybook. The changing room can also double as a cold plunge room, yoga space, or just a place to cool down between rounds.
It's built with the same thermally modified construction SaunaLife is known for, with an upper L-bench layout and rolling ceiling in the hot room for excellent heat performance. It's a serious conversation piece and a seriously good sauna.
Best for: Homeowners who want a statement piece that doubles as a multi-functional wellness space.
Best Luxury Modern Outdoor Sauna
Auroom Mira — Best Premium Glass Sauna
The Auroom Mira is a stunning 4–5 person outdoor sauna that represents the pinnacle of European sauna design. Its full glass front wall showcases an elegant thermo-aspen interior, and the Thermory exterior is built for long-term outdoor durability. The Mira features a mass timber core that delivers extraordinary thermal mass — heat radiates from every surface for what many sauna enthusiasts describe as "surround-sound heat."
If you're looking for a sauna that performs at the highest level while looking like a piece of modern architecture, the Mira is it. It's Europe's most popular garden sauna for a reason.
For a smaller luxury option, check out the Auroom Mira 1–2 Person model. Explore our full collection of outdoor glass saunas and luxury saunas.
Best for: Design-conscious buyers who want the highest-performing, most beautiful outdoor sauna available.
Best Canadian-Made Outdoor Sauna
True North Schooner Barrel Sauna — Best Handmade Canadian Barrel Sauna
The True North Schooner is handmade in Ontario, Canada, and developed specifically for outdoor use in harsh weather conditions. It can withstand any climate and comes with the option of a wood stove or an electric heater inside. The sauna arrives as a DIY kit that requires assembly, but the build quality and craftsmanship are exceptional — this is a sauna built by people who know Canadian winters.
True North also offers cabin-style options, including a 5-Person Outdoor Cabin Sauna for those who prefer a traditional rectangular layout. Explore all True North Saunas.
Best for: Buyers in cold climates who want a rugged, handcrafted Canadian sauna built for harsh winters.
What to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Sauna
Size and Capacity
Think about how many people will use the sauna at once. A 2-person sauna is perfect for individuals or couples, while a 6-person sauna is better for families or entertaining. Keep in mind that manufacturer capacity ratings assume everyone is sitting upright — if you like to lie down, size up.
Sauna Type
Your main choices are traditional (steam) saunas that use electric or wood-fired heaters with stones you pour water on, infrared saunas that use infrared panels for a gentler heat, and hybrid saunas that combine both. Traditional saunas reach higher temperatures (up to 190°F+) and produce steam, while infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures with deeper-penetrating heat. If you're not sure which is right for you, use our Sauna Selector Tool to get a personalized recommendation.
Heating Options
Many outdoor sauna kits require a heater purchased separately, which actually gives you more control over your experience. Electric sauna heaters are the most popular choice for convenience and precise temperature control. Wood-burning stoves offer an authentic, off-grid experience with the aroma and crackle of real fire. Gas-powered heaters are another option that delivers fast heat-up times without requiring high-amperage electrical service. Use our Sauna Heater Sizing Tool to find the right heater for your sauna's cubic footage.
Wood Type
The wood your sauna is made from affects its appearance, durability, aroma, and maintenance needs. Cedar (both red and white) is naturally resistant to decay and insects and has a pleasant aroma. Thermally modified spruce — used by SaunaLife — is heat-treated for enhanced dimensional stability and can last up to twice as long as untreated cedar in outdoor conditions. Hemlock is a clean, knot-free softwood popular in infrared saunas. Thermo-aspen is commonly used for benches because it stays cool to the touch and has a smooth, knot-free surface.
Assembly: DIY Kit vs. Pre-Assembled
Most outdoor saunas ship as DIY kits that you assemble on-site. Assembly typically takes anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on the model and your experience level. If you'd rather skip the build entirely, pre-assembled saunas like the SaunaLife G6 and G7 arrive ready to use.
Electrical Requirements
Most traditional electric sauna heaters require a dedicated 240-volt circuit hardwired by a licensed electrician. The amperage depends on heater size — typically 30 to 50 amps for residential saunas. We always recommend contacting an electrician before purchasing to confirm your home can support the electrical needs of your chosen heater. Curious about operating costs? Use our Sauna Electrical Cost Calculator to estimate monthly electricity expenses based on your usage and local rates.
Budget
Outdoor saunas range from around $3,000 for compact barrel and cube models to $20,000+ for large luxury and pre-assembled units. We offer saunas on sale regularly, and every purchase includes free shipping, and financing through Shop Pay for 6–24 months. You can also use pre-tax HSA/FSA funds through TrueMed for eligible sauna purchases — potentially saving you up to 40%.
Health Benefits of Regular Outdoor Sauna Use
The health benefits of sauna bathing are well-documented by research and have been practiced for thousands of years in Finnish and Nordic cultures. Regular sauna use has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, better circulation, reduced muscle and joint pain, enhanced detoxification through sweating, stress reduction, improved sleep quality, and even potential immune system benefits. Many of our customers report that their outdoor sauna quickly becomes the most-used feature of their home — not just a luxury, but a cornerstone of their daily wellness routine.
Pairing your outdoor sauna with a cold plunge tub creates the ultimate contrast therapy setup right in your backyard. And if you're interested in adding red light therapy to your sauna sessions, several of our saunas are compatible with add-on panels.
Why Buy Your Outdoor Sauna from Haven of Heat?
We're not just an online storefront — we're sauna enthusiasts who have helped thousands of customers find the right sauna for their home. Here's what you get when you buy from us:
-
Free shipping on every order to the lower 48 statesF
-
Price match guarantee — we'll match or beat any competitor's price
-
Real human support from our Oregon-based team — call or text us at (360) 233-2867
-
Financing available through Shop Pay for 6–24 months
-
HSA/FSA eligible purchases through TrueMed
-
Authorized dealer for every brand we carry, with full manufacturer warranties
Not sure which outdoor sauna is right for you? Contact our team — we'll help you narrow it down based on your space, budget, and sauna goals. You can also try our Sauna Selector Tool for a quick personalized recommendation.
Ready to start? Browse our full collection of outdoor saunas and transform your backyard into the wellness retreat you deserve.
Leave a comment