Top 3 Portable Saunas (with 5 stars)

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If you’ve seen the sauna reviews I’ve done over the last 3 years, you know it’s tough to find the best portable sauna that’s low EMF and low VOC.  Most of the companies selling these sauna tents on Amazon, are just lying in the product description. I’ve tested several firsthand like the Derherm, Serene Life, Relax Sauna, etc… that all said they were “low emf” and that turned out to not be true at all.

Most of the portable sauna companies have some spiel about how their sauna does something unique, is made from some special material, and some even tout that they mitigate EMF by way of using far infrared rays inside the sauna. That is about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, and is completely unfounded with a total lack of proof.

But anyway, navigating the sauna space in general is difficult as heck. If you haven’t seen what I went through with the stand up wooden saunas, check out CertifiedSaunas.com to see all the videos covering the scams and shills out there.

Most people are just looking for the health benefits of using a sauna in their own home everyday… Or are like me, suffered from health troubles, and are looking for a solution to detox heavy metals, pesticides, skin healing, and so on.

There is no perfect portable sauna as of 2022, but there are a handful that stand out among the best. I’ll do my best to distill all the portable sauna ratings below, and make it easy to understand. I’ll also go by budget, since some are outrageously expensive, while others are so cheap don’t even bother.


The 3 Best Portable Saunas For 2022

1) Relax Sauna

Relax Sauna Review By Matt Justice

Relax Sauna Review: Individual Review

Relax Sauna Discount Code: justice


Matt’s Cliff Notes: (more details further down the page)

  • Relax Sauna – the hottest of the portable saunas if that’s what you’re looking for
    • Pros: most comfortable chair by far, ability to get to the hottest temps, well built, very insulative. Self supportive, no support bar across the front zipper opening. Probably the highest quality package considering the tent material and portability.
    • Cons: fan noise if that matters to you, not silent. Infrared isn’t directly pointed at the body. $1300 price point if budget is a concern.
  • Synergy Sauna – the best value if price/budget is a concern
    • Pros: best portable sauna for the money at around $800, heats quickly, low preheat time just like the other two. Zip out washable neck liners.
    • Cons: so so chair quality, middle of the road foldable chair. Support bar across the front not my favorite, but you get used to it.
  • Therasage 360 – offers the nir led kit if you like those
    • Pros: good quality tent fabric, zip out washable neck liners, works well, upgradeable.
    • Cons: NIR addon light kit is not therapeutic PBMT output intensity for $1,100 PLUS model, but the $900 base model works just fine. Hard wooden chair takes some getting used to. Support bar across the front like most, not deal breaker, but takes getting used to.

We used to think the best portable infrared sauna was one of the cheap $200 dollar numbers on Amazon. The trouble is that if you’re planning to do the Niacin detox protocol, which I recommend that you do! It’s probably not a good idea to hop in a cheap-ass sauna from China for 30 days in a row. Lord knows what you could be breathing in! Granted, there are occasions when it might make sense to do some bargain shopping. But the Niacin detox protocol isn’t one of them; if you want to do it, you need to do it right, by aiming for quality rather than the cheapest available.

What’s worse is that now that I’ve personally tested these portable sauna brands with my EMF meters, the levels are SKY HIGH. Some of them are so high that I refuse to go back in one, and would never recommend one of these things to my friends or family (or you). I’m not stepping back into one under any circumstance – these aren’t saunas you want to use for 30 days straight.

Update – 02/10/19 – These are the 3 best full size wooden sauna brands that tested the best

Why Buy A Portable Sauna Tent Over A Cedar Sauna?

For most people, the idea of a traditional cedar box sauna with a door is all they can imagine when it comes to having a sauna in their home. For a lot of us who live in the city, we simply don’t have the space to put a three-foot-by-six-foot sauna anywhere in our house/apartment/condo.

But just because you don’t think a sauna can fit in your home doesn’t make it true. There are other options available.

If you’re anything like me, you have put off buying a sauna simply because the idea of fitting it in your current house sounds like a pain in the butt. Not to mention, if you were moving anytime soon, that would be another reason to wait to even buy a sauna at all.

To be fair, those are reasonable thoughts to have. But this is your health we’re talking about. There are several potential health benefits of using a sauna on a regular basis, and you’re only hurting yourself by waiting to act on your instincts to get a sauna for your home. You can’t put off getting something you need for the sake of convenience. If you want the health benefits of a sauna, you can find a way to make it happen.

Large Cedar Saunas Can be Hard to Set Up, and Installation Is Not Always Easy

The complicated installation process of a normal sauna stops tons of people from buying one at all. I get it; it can be an intimidating project – and not exactly a fun way to spend an afternoon. All of us probably have better things we’d like to be doing with our time.

When I was first looking for a portable sauna, I wanted a cheap one because I thought that a few thousand dollars for a pre-built, made-in-the-USA quality sauna was a ripoff. I assume that a lot of you reading this had similar thoughts.

Well, it turns out that after building two or three near-infrared sauna lamp arrays myself now, it isn’t a bad deal to get something that’s tried and true and delivered to your door ready to go. Trust me when I say that the intimidation you feel before starting a project like that goes away quickly. You don’t need to be a professional handyman to get the job done without too much hassle. Plus, you’ll be grateful at the end when you have a sauna for your own personal use.

Building Your Own DIY Portable Infrared Sauna vs. Buying a Pre-Built Kit

To build a DIY near infrared sauna, you need some tools, a little knowhow, and, preferably, a garage. These are all things you most likely have. Of course, the first near-infrared sauna I built was little more than a dowel rod with some clamp lights. But that was just an initial test, and that wouldn’t work long-term because it became a pain in the ass to set it up and take it down all the time.

That’s not to say that you can’t build your own. I just know a lot of people who will never get around to doing it. For those folks like myself, it’s much better to just pay the money and have one arrive at your door next week, so a year from now you will have been using it all along and getting all the wonderful health benefits of red light therapy we all need instead of still “thinking about building one.”

If this is you, check out the diy sauna plans here.

We’ve All Seen the Horrible, “Best” Portable Infrared Sauna Reviews From Sauna Group Members Running Around With a TriField Meter (And No Idea How It Works!!!)

Portable saunas can be used for sauna therapy anywhere and everywhere. Just like traditional saunas, they offer benefits like detoxification, enhancing blood circulation, relieving muscle and joint pains, improving metabolism, reducing stress levels, and beyond.

The only difference between regular and portable saunas is that portable units are compact and usually designed to be used by one person at a time. They are also inexpensive and highly portable compared to standard built-in saunas.

When I say portable, I mean you can easily move them from one room to another inside your home. You can even take them on vacation if there won’t be a sauna where you’re staying and you don’t want to interrupt your regimen.

Some portable saunas may accommodate two or more people. However, I can’t guarantee that all of them will. Like I said, these are compact saunas, so some are only big enough for one person. Also, the best portable saunas should be lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around from one room to another. The awesome part is that you can use it by just plugging it into a regular power supply outlet. It’s that simple, which is why portable saunas are so convenient to use – and why you shouldn’t hesitate to buy one and put it together for the sake of improving your health.

The most common type of portable sauna is a box-like structure. You get inside and simply sit down comfortably on a chair. The sauna is secured with zippers, and you have openings for your head and hands. It almost looks like you’re living inside a giant bubble, but it gets the job done if you don’t want to install a permanent sauna inside your home. The best part is that it’s no different from sitting down and relaxing in your favorite chair. You can even enjoy your favorite TV shows or magazines while you have a nice and relaxing sauna session. This makes it so easy to make your sauna part of your daily routine.

What’s more, you can simply set your portable sauna anywhere you want. If you want to watch TV in your living room, you can do that. If you want to keep someone company in the kitchen, you can do that too. If you have outlets outside, you can even take your portable sauna into the backyard and get a little sun while sitting in your sauna (although the neighbors might wonder what you’re doing!)

Best of all, once you’re done, you can fold it and store it away in your closet or carry it with you wherever you go. It doesn’t take up any more room than anything else you’re storing in your closet, and it will be easy to take out and set up the next time you want to use it. Portable saunas are ideal for you if you have limited space in your home, or if you’re a frequent traveler.

How Does the Portable Sauna Work?

The portable sauna either uses a steamer that produces steam to heat the sauna or it works on a far-infrared technology (using carbon or ceramic heaters). The portable sauna heats up fast and reaches its maximum temperature within 5-10 minutes. Another reason why portable saunas are a good option. They heat up quickly, making them ideal for quick use.

Typically, the maximum temperature of most portable saunas is around 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit, but some let you select your desired temperature. The sauna also has a footpad that emits far-infrared rays so that you can enjoy a complete sauna session.

Most portable saunas come with a handheld remote control that allows you to set the required temperature and time. Keep in mind that you don’t want the temperature to get too hot, and you don’t want to stay in longer than your body can tolerate.

How to Assemble the Portable Sauna

This is where you start to see the true benefits of a portable sauna. Unlike larger saunas that come as to-be-assembled kits and require at least two people to put it together, portable saunas are less complicated than all that. They have pre-constructed panels that can be assembled by anyone, and I truly mean anyone. Young or old, handy or clumsy, it doesn’t matter, everyone is capable of assembling one.

The best portable saunas are small in size and lightweight, so they can be easily maneuvered and you can set it up in just a few minutes. Plus, once you have finished using the sauna, you can dismantle it just as quickly and easily. The best part is there are no tools required to assemble or dismantle a portable sauna. This should make everyone who doesn’t have a fancy toolbox or a lot of knowhow feel better about putting one together and dismantling it when they’re done.

How Expensive Are Portable Saunas?

When compared to conventional saunas, portable saunas are easily affordable, even for someone with a fixed income or living on a tight budget. Obviously, there will be some differences in the price based on the model and size you want. However, most portable saunas are quite cheap and affordable. The best part is that you should be able to buy one without burning a hole in your pocket, whereas traditional saunas can easily cost thousands of dollars.

I’ve taken a long look at the market for portable saunas and found that you can usually get an excellent portable sauna in the price range of $200 to $600. The best news is that in terms of operating costs, it is almost negligible. You’ll probably end up spending just around $5 per month for the electricity charges of running your portable sauna. But that amount isn’t all that different from what it costs on your monthly bill to run some of the other appliances in your house. It’s also a small price to pay for the health benefits you can experience from having regular access to a sauna without leaving home.

Advantages of Using a Portable Sauna

Size

Of course, this is one of the biggest advantages of getting a compact, portable sauna. Compared to a regular, full-sized sauna that you build in your home, portable saunas are much smaller in size. This allows you to use portable saunas in limited spaces and carry them around anywhere you wish. Like I mentioned, you can move them from one room to another. You can take them outside if you have outlets available. You can even take it over to a friend’s house if they want to give it a try before buying their own.

The sauna can be easily folded and stored away when not in use. Some portable saunas even come with carrying cases. These saunas are extremely user-friendly and suitable for people who are often on the move. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train, you can take your portable sauna with you next time you leave home for more than a day or two.

You probably shouldn’t use it en route, but when you reach your destination, portable saunas can be used in any hotel room, no matter how small it is.

Smart Design

The best portable saunas are usually constructed with openings that allow you to keep your head outside the unit. After all, how are you going to watch TV or read a magazine if your head is inside the sauna with the rest of your body? Some of the models also have zippered sides that allow you to take your hands out, which is always nice. This lets you read a book or browse through your favorite magazines while enjoying a sauna session.

Energy Consumption

As you’d expect because of their smaller size, portable saunas consume much less energy than standard saunas. I know not everyone has the same concerns, but if you worry about minimizing your carbon footprint, a portable sauna could be a better option than a permanent one. You’ll get the benefits of a sauna while reducing energy consumption as much as possible. The best portable saunas offer a great balance between energy consumption and efficiency.

Price

Portable saunas are significantly less expensive compared to regular saunas. Most of the time, we’re talking about a few hundred dollars for a portable one compared to a few thousand dollars for a regular sauna. Needless to say, that’s a big difference for folks on a budget. They are lightweight, portable and reliable too, so the benefits extend beyond price.

Other Benefits

Just like regular saunas, portable saunas offer a host of health and beauty advantages. Portable saunas help in detoxification by producing intense heat that causes you to sweat, which makes harmful toxins flush out of your body. The intense heat and sweating can also help with weight loss in a safe way that doesn’t involve intense diets that I and you and everyone could never stick to.

Sauna sessions in your portable sauna can also help to boost blood circulation, strengthen immunity, boost metabolism, improve skin and hair, and relieve aches and pains. You might also find that time in your sauna helps you to relax and reduce stress levels.

Types of Portable Saunas

Portable saunas are available in three types – steam sauna, and infrared i.e. near-infrared, and far-infrared saunas.

Portable Steam Saunas

Steam saunas usually come along with a unit that generates steam, which is used to heat the sauna unit. The raised temperature causes your body to get heat up and start to sweat. Compared to the infrared saunas, a steam sauna generates higher temperatures. However, because it’s not easy to create steam in a portable device, it takes longer to heat up compared to infrared saunas.

Portable Infrared Saunas

Portable infrared saunas emit infrared light that does not affect the surrounding air. Instead, the infrared waves are directly absorbed by the body. Compared to the steam saunas, infrared saunas are quicker to heat up. These saunas are usually integrated with carbon fiber heating panels.

There are two types of portable infrared saunas, far-infrared saunas and near-infrared saunas:

Far Infrared (FIR) Saunas

Most of the portable infrared saunas are equipped with FIR technology. FIR comprises long wavelengths, which are used in FIR saunas and cannot be seen by the human eye. Far infrared saunas generate more heat compared to near-infrared saunas.

Near-Infrared Saunas

Near-infrared saunas work on short wavelengths of infrared light, which is closer to visible light. Saunas using near-infrared waves do not get as hot as FIR saunas, which is why they’re not as common.

What to Consider When Buying a Portable Sauna.

A sauna therapy session can be one of the most relaxing experiences of your life. If you’ve never had one, it’s hard to put into words; it’s just one of those things you have to experience first-hand to understand.

However, going out to get sauna therapy on a regular basis may not be possible. There are plenty of financial and logistical obstacles that most people face if they want regular sauna therapy sessions.

The idea of a sauna session, especially after a long and tiring day, sounds like heaven. But for most people, this is only possible if you have your own personal sauna at home. This is probably one of the main reasons why more people every day are making the investment and buying a personal sauna. It’s like eating chips – after the first one, you just want more.

Of course, buying a sauna is different than buying a bag of chips. It’s a big purchase that requires a little thought and preparation before making a decision because you can’t just buy a new one the next time you go to the grocery store. With that in mind, when buying a portable sauna, you should be cautious and look out for the following things.

Ease of Assembly

The main reason people consider portable saunas is that the design is simple, which makes them convenient, reliable, and easy to use. The sauna should be quick and easy to set up, and all the parts must be easy to assemble without much effort. Even if you’re good at putting things together, you don’t want to spend a lot of time and effort assembling a portable sauna. If you need to put in a lot of effort every time you use your personal sauna, you’ll be less likely to use it regularly, which kind of defeats the purpose of getting one in the first place.

Size

This is an important aspect to consider when buying a portable sauna. The size of the sauna and its dimensions should be spacious enough for you to sit inside it comfortably. For shorter folks, this will be less of an issue, but everyone should double-check the size of the sauna anyway. The size of the sauna you buy should be according to your body size and shape, and you should not feel any suffocation or discomfort while sitting in the sauna. Keep in mind that if you’re not comfortable inside your sauna, you’ll be more reluctant to use it, so you don’t want to get one that isn’t a good fit.

Temperature

For an enjoyable and beneficial sauna therapy session, your portable sauna should reach an optimal temperature level. Otherwise, the therapy will not be as effective as it could be in other saunas. Most of the portable units available in the market reach up to around 150°F, which is sufficient for weight loss and detoxification. Reaching the proper temperature shouldn’t be a huge issue when looking at different models, but you don’t want to overlook this factor. Make sure you do your research and know that the sauna you’re getting can get to 150°F.

Accessories

Look for extra features and bonus accessories with the portable sauna that might be appealing to you. Obviously, this is all about your personal preference, because a portable sauna may have accessories that don’t find useful but that other people might like. For example, you can add extra features like:

  • Foldable chair
  • Heating footpads
  • Remote control for time and temperature
  • Zippers that allow your hands outside of the unit

All can make the sauna experience more enjoyable. But if these aren’t that big of a deal for you, there’s no reason to pay for extra features that you’re going to use.

Price

Usually, portable saunas are quite cheap, at least compared to full-size saunas that become a permanent part of your home. However, ensure that cheap does not mean low-quality, which can lead to a lot of complications. For example, cheaper saunas tend to have a short life. They also may not be as effective as some more expensive models at providing the health benefits you’re trying to get out of the sauna in the first place. Remember, the cheapest price isn’t always the best price.

The best advice I can give you is to make sure that you pay according to the features of the portable sauna. Today, there are many portable saunas out there that are not very pricey yet offer many good features and are durable too. In the end, you probably want a sauna that gives you the best bang for your buck. You may not want to end up with the cheapest one available, but you also may not want to get the most expensive sauna either.

Warranty

Portable saunas are usually backed by a manufacturer warranty to ensure that you get a high-quality sauna that’s both durable and efficient. Ensure that the product you buy is backed by a reasonable warranty period so that it can be repaired or replaced if there are any issues. The length of a warranty can sometimes be a good indicator of the quality of the portable sauna you’re getting, so don’t overlook this aspect when you’re shopping for a sauna.

Reviews of the Top 3 Best Portable Infrared Saunas on Amazon

What is the best portable infrared sauna on amazon you ask?

Durherm Portable Home Steam Sauna

The Durherm Portable Home Steam Sauna is made of high-quality materials, making it one of the more durable saunas on the market. Compared to the other products in this category, the Durherm Portable Sauna is more affordable and has excellent features that make the sauna convenient to use.

The compact size of the sauna makes it space-saving and ideal for use in small homes with limited space. The bathtub and the steam generator are separate, which makes the sauna safe. The Durherm Portable Sauna is also aesthetically designed and has a gray-colored tent with the edges and zippers having a pink or blue outline.

This portable sauna comes along with an 800 watts steam generator that can produce steam at a temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The sauna is equipped with a timer that can be programmed up to 60 minutes. And this portable sauna is easy to assemble, which is always nice. Plus, for enhanced beauty benefits, you can add fresh flowers, essential aromatic oils, and so on. Pretty cool!

Features of the Durherm Portable Home Steam Sauna

  • Compact Size: 28 x 33 x 43 inches
  • 80 W steam generator with a maximum temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Timer with programming up to 60 minutes maximum.

Pros and Cons of the Durherm Portable Home Steam Sauna

Pros
  • Separate bathtub and steamer design for greater safety.
  • Inexpensive and affordable.
  • Quick and easy to set up.
Cons
  • Sauna does not come with a chair

Far Infrared Portable Sauna with Negative Ion Detox

The Far Infrared Portable Sauna with Negative Ion Detox is a rugged, sturdy portable sauna that is wonderful for detoxification and weight loss. The sauna is equipped with an ultra-thin, high-tech heating element that is super-conductive and helps the sauna to heat up very quickly.

The Far Infrared Sauna is equipped with intelligent temperature control that has different preset levels of heating. The unit comes with a handheld remote control that allows you to control the heating level and set the time. The sauna has special FIR heating panels and the negative ion detox feature of the sauna enhances the cleansing and detox effect and has a 97 percent energy emission.

The Far Infrared Sauna has openings in the body for your head and hands that allow you to read or watch TV while you are enjoying a sauna therapy session in your portable sauna. The sauna is quick and easy to set up and also to fold and store when not in use. Made of high-quality materials, the Far Infrared Portable Sauna is a great purchase for folks on a tight budget.

Features of the Far Infrared Portable Sauna with Negative Ion Detox

  • Size: 27.5 x 30 x 38 inches
  • Takes 5 minutes to heat up.
  • Chair and heating foot pad included.
  • Timer can be set up to 30 minutes.
  • Negative ion heating elements.

Pros and Cons of the Far Infrared Portable Sauna with Negative Ion Detox

Pros
  • 97 percent Far Infrared (FIR) energy emission.
  • Comes with a heating footpad, foldable chair and foam padded floor pad.
  • Combined with a high-quality heating element made of carbon fiber.
Cons
  • Many users find the quality of the zippers poor.
  • Sauna may be too small for taller people or those with heavier builds.

Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna

Rated as one of the best portable saunas, the Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna offers the best value for your money. The portable sauna is extremely lightweight, so you can easily fold it and put it into a suitcase when you travel.

The Radiant Portable Sauna has a completely insulated frame and five preset temperature options that allow the sauna to reach a maximum temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit has a built-in thermostat for temperature control. The automatic shutoff feature ensures maximum safety. And the three infrared heater panels made of carbon fiber offer high energy efficiency and low EMF, making it ideal for your sauna therapy session.

This elegant portable sauna is made of triple-layered satin-polyester fabric on the outside and reflective polyester on the inside. The entire sauna unit is lock-stitched to provide superior panel strength. The sauna is also durable and moisture-resistant, as the material is reinforced with cotton insulation.

Features of the Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna

  • Weight: 18 lbs.
  • Includes a pre-attached dowel frame made of beech hardwood.
  • Includes a portable chair.
  • Foldable design.
  • Comfortable double-lining neck collar.
  • Handheld remote control with 6 timer selections.
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty.

Pros and Cons of the Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna

Pros
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Sauna unit comes with a chair.
  • Beech hardwood dowel frame makes the sauna sturdy and durable.
Cons
  • Portable chair is not very sturdy, and may not be able to withstand too much movement.
  • Sauna takes a long time to heat up.

Portable saunas can be a great way to enjoy a calming and rejuvenating sauna session in the comfort of your own home. Saunas have been shown to have multiple health benefits, including weight loss and detoxification. They are also a good way to relax after a long day, so there are a lot of reasons why people should consider getting a portable sauna for their home.

If putting a full-scale, permanent sauna in your home doesn’t make sense for you, there are a few portable sauna options on the market that I highly recommend. Some might be a good fit for your needs and budget, while others may not be an ideal choice for you. It’s usually best for you to evaluate the features of several models before choosing what saunas is best for you.

Remember: this is a big investment that you want to get right.

If you like the idea of having a sauna available in your home at any time, a portable sauna could be the perfect option. You just have to make sure you invest in the right one, one that you’ll use for years on end. (It’s so worth it!)

Every sauna has its feature – the best portable sauna is the one that works best for your situation. Consider everything, then make your decision.Thinking Of A Full Size Home Sauna Instead?

5 thoughts on “Top 3 Portable Saunas (with 5 stars)”

  1. Would you ever use a Radiant Saunas Rejuvenator Portable Sauna? Are they really, truly low EMF? Is there any way to cut down on the EMF that is emitted by one of these types of saunas?

    Reply
    • I’m contemplating getting one of these types of sauna as well & have the same questions. Did you get your questions answered somewhere & did you purchase one?

      Reply
  2. I did not get my questions answered, that I know of. I had one that put out really, really high levels of electromagnetic radiation, so built a near infrared sauna out of heat lamps, PVC pipe and heavy duty Mylar. It puts out nearly zero radiation!

    Reply

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