The 3 Best Outdoor Infrared Saunas

Can you place an infrared sauna outdoors?

Are there any true weather-resistant infrared saunas?

The answer is YES.

The problem is:

A truly outdoor-rated infrared sauna that can handle humidity, temperature swings, and moisture is hard to find.

In this post, you’ll find how to find a weatherproof infrared sauna you can place outside (patio and backyard) and save space in your home, and our top recommendations for 2026.

Can You Place an Infrared Sauna Outside?

Most “outdoor” infrared saunas are weather-resistant, not permanently exposed.

They are designed for patios, decks, or backyards with a roof, rain cover, or enclosure.

Fully exposed, uncovered placement will shorten the lifespan.

👉 In a Hurry?

See our top 3 picks compared in the table below, or jump to the outdoor infrared sauna reviews

Which outdoor infrared sauna actually fits your space and wiring?

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How to Choose an Outdoor Infrared Sauna

Outdoor far infrared saunas are different than indoor ones and are usually more expensive (see the best 2-person indoor infrared saunas or the best 3-4 person infrared saunas)

But still, they make a wise long-term choice and can help you detoxify, boost your immune system, relieve chronic pain, lose weight (not just water weight!), and much more.

👉 Related: The Amazing Far Infrared Sauna Benefits

In my experience reviewing infrared saunas, outdoor models fail most often due to poor insulation, unclear electrical requirements, or wood that isn’t suited for humidity.

Here are the most important factors to consider:

1. Electricity – an outdoor far infrared sauna needs electricity to function. Install on a dedicated circuit that meets local code (often 120 V/20 A for outdoor IR units).

Electrical Checklist (Outdoor IR Saunas):

• Dedicated circuit: Most outdoor IR saunas need a dedicated 120 V circuit; amperage varies by model (often 20 A).
• Breaker & wire: Size the breaker (e.g., 20 A) and wire gauge per your model/amp rating and local code.
• Plug vs. cord-only: Some outdoor models ship with a cord only and require you to attach the correct plug (e.g., 5-20P for 20 A). Confirm with the retailer.
• Outdoor receptacle: Use a weather-rated box; GFCI and in-use covers as required by local code.
• No extension cords: Install within reach of the dedicated outlet; don’t use extension cords (manufacturer guidance).

2. Space – The best thing about an outdoor infrared light sauna is the fact that it won’t take up space inside your home. You can place it on your patio, in your backyard, or on a deck outside.

And, if you have enough space outdoors, you can enjoy a large sauna – fit for 4-5 people.

3. Insulation – to be able to work up a sweat, you’ll need a far infrared technology sauna that keeps the heat inside even when the weather is cold.

A specially designed outdoor sauna is made with the right kind of solid wood (more on that below) and is well-insulated. This will also lower your electricity spend on the sauna.

4. EMF radiation – choosing a low EMF infrared sauna is critical for your safety.

A safe level of EMF is considered to be anything below 3.0mG.

5. The number of infrared heaters –  since outdoor IR saunas are typically larger (3-person or more) – the number of heaters can be between 6-10.

A sauna for 4 people requires 8-10 heaters, while a 3-person sauna will have 6-8.

The number of heaters can make a significant difference in terms of temperature control and the amount of heat inside.

6. Best wood type for outdoor saunas – the commonly used ones are hemlock, cedar, pine, and spruce.

Cedar is considered the best, followed by hemlock.

The cheaper ones are made with pine or spruce. Cedar and hemlock are the most stain and moisture-resistant.

7. Safety – make sure it is up to local building codes, safe, and able to withstand weather damage.

👉 Not sure if outdoor is right for you? See our best indoor infrared saunas comparison.

The 3 Best Outdoor Infrared Saunas (for the Backyard/Patio)

Why only 3 saunas made this list:

• Verified outdoor-rated construction
• Manufacturer-disclosed heater specs and EMF data
• Real buyer installation feedback
• 120V compatibility without custom builds

How these saunas were evaluated: 

Each sauna in this guide was assessed based on outdoor suitability, heater type, disclosed EMF data, electrical requirements, material quality, warranty terms, and real buyer installation feedback.

1. Xmatch 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna Best Value

Best for – Families or couples who want a spacious, outdoor-rated sauna without stepping up to custom builds.

The Xmatch 4-person cedar infrared sauna looks like a standalone house on its own.

The double-wall construction (which can be assembled by yourself) comes with a weather-sealed tempered glass door, two classic windows, and is made with Kiln Dried Premium Hemlock Wood – which is weather resistant (and smells awesome)

Four people can sit in it, three comfortably, and two can stretch out on their own benches (or do some hot yoga).

Anyone up to 6.3 ft. can stand upright in it with no problem.

The 8 carbon infrared heaters heat up in 15-20 minutes, and the sauna reaches 149°F, with an auto shut-off function for safety.

The assembly process is relatively easy, taking approximately 1 to 90 minutes, and the end result is gorgeous.

Inside the Xmatch Sauna, you’ll have 2 vents on the top ceiling, a wooden seat with a 660-pound weight limit, two advanced 12V 4-inch music speakers (with Bluetooth connection), and an LCD controller (and another one outside).

Plus, you also get 2 LED Reading Lights and 4 Colorful LED Lights!

Users highly rate the Xmatch saunas, and many of them come back months after purchasing to share their delight with the sauna and their health and stress-relief results.

Pros

• Spacious interior that comfortably fits 3–4 people or lets 1–2 people stretch out fully
• Built-in Bluetooth speakers for music, meditation, or guided sauna sessions
• Fast heat-up time (about 10–15 minutes), so you’re not waiting to start sweating.
• Chromotherapy and reading lights create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere
• Solid, outdoor-rated hemlock construction designed to handle humidity and temperature changes
• Smooth, modular panels make assembly straightforward with two people
• Strong warranty and responsive customer support add long-term peace of mind

Cons

• Instructions are lacking for pairing Bluetooth

✅ Available on Amazon ($2999)

• 120 V dedicated; ~2050 W (17 A). Plan a 20 A breaker. Confirm plug type with seller (some units ship cord-only).
• Assembly: 2 adults, 1 hr; tongue-and-groove modular panels with latches; Phillips driver recommended

The same sauna is also available in a 2-person size with 1750W and 9 low EMF heaters:

2. Xmatch Far Infrared Outdoor Sauna – Best for 2 People

Best for –  Couples with limited patio space who still want low-EMF, outdoor use.

The Xmatch 2-person outdoor infrared sauna fits people up to 4.9-6.2 ft. tall and uses 9 low-EMF carbon Far Infrared plates built inside..

Within 10-15 minutes, the carbon panels heat up to 140°F, and you can control the temperature and treatment time through the LCD panel inside.

Buyers on Amazon praise its ease of assembly (no help needed) – the tongue and groove design ensures a quick assembly, and all 6 parts arrive sanded and smooth to the touch.

We like that the company discloses the sauna’s EMF radiation (average of 8mG – lower than a microwave), and most buyers mention the quick response and assistance from the customer service, and the quick delivery.

We also like that the inside wood is not treated with chemicals (the exterior layer of wood is treated with waterproof oil paint).

Xmatch 2-Person Infrared Sauna Pros

• Compact footprint that fits small patios or decks without sacrificing performance
• Low-EMF carbon heaters positioned to warm the entire body evenly
• Quick heat-up time makes it easy to use even on busy days
• Built-in Bluetooth speakers for relaxing music or guided breathing sessions
• Chromotherapy and reading lights enhance relaxation without adding clutter
• Well-insulated walls help maintain temperature in cooler outdoor conditions
• Untreated interior wood avoids unnecessary chemical exposure during heat sessions
• Simple tongue-and-groove assembly that most buyers complete in about an hour
• Long 12-year warranty reduces concern about outdoor wear and tear

Cons

• Not ideal for people taller than 6 feet 2 inches
• You are advised to keep it covered when it’s raining
• Takes longer to heat when the outside temperature is below zero

✅ Available on Amazon ($2499)

• 120 V dedicated; 1750 W (~14.6 A). 20 A breaker is recommended. Confirm plug (often 5-20P on similar units)
• Assembly: 2 adults, ~1 hr; tongue-and-groove modular design for quick setup; basic Phillips tool is enough

3. SalusHeat Full Spectrum IR Sauna – Best With Red Light Therapy 

Best for – people who want a 3-person outdoor infrared sauna with low-EMF far infrared heat, built-in red/NIR light therapy, and reclining seating.

The Salusheat Full Spectrum IR Sauna uses far infrared carbon panel heaters and includes a built-in 660nm red light + 850nm near-infrared therapy panel.

That makes it a better fit for people who want more than just heat.

You still get the full-body infrared sauna experience, but with the added red/NIR light therapy angle for people interested in recovery, skin, pain relief support, and general wellness.

The biggest practical advantage is the size.

The inside of the Salusheat IR Sauna height is 70.1″, which can comfortably fit people up to 6′7″/400 lbs, which makes it a better choice for taller users than many compact 3-person outdoor saunas.

It also has reclining-style seating, wide bench space, Bluetooth speakers, 2 reading lights, 2 chromotherapy lights, and a single LCD control panel.

It reaches a max setting of 149°F, with expected temperatures of 140-149°F in 25-40 minutes in warm months, 140-149°F in 40-60 minutes when it’s around 50-55°F outside, and 131-140°F in below-freezing weather, especially if you use the rain cover and insulation.

Pros

• Built-in 660nm red + 850nm near-infrared therapy panel
• Ultra-low EMF claim, with SalusHEAT listing the 903VT/903VR heaters below 0.5mG
• Large interior for a 3-person outdoor sauna
• Better for taller users than many compact 3-person models
• Outdoor design with roof overhang and rain-cover/insulation support
• Reclining seating design
• Bluetooth speakers, reading lights, and chromotherapy included
• Far infrared heating areas include front, back, shoulder, leg, and calf

Cons

• Needs a dedicated 120V / 20A outlet
• Outdoor wood requires real maintenance every 6-12 months

✅ Available on Amazon ($3380)

• 120V / 20A dedicated outlet required /NEMA 5-20R socket recommended.
• Assembly: 2 adults, about 30 minutes, no special tools required

Accessories

• Bluetooth audio
• 2 speakers
• 2 reading lights
• 2 chromotherapy lights
• Rain cover
• 10-foot power cable

Indoor vs. Outdoor Infrared Sauna 

An indoor FIR sauna takes up space inside your home, while an outdoor sauna doesn’t.

Indoor saunas use a power supply already in your home, while outdoor ones require weather-resistant cables and an adequate outlet.

Outdoor saunas are usually larger and can accommodate more people, while indoor saunas are more private.

An outdoor sauna must have a roof and be built with humidity-resistant wood, while indoor saunas may last longer because they won’t be affected by temperature changes.

Finally, outdoor saunas require more power and may heat up slowly compared with indoor saunas.

How Much Does an Outdoor Infrared Sauna Cost?

DIY outdoor infrared sauna kits, which include all the necessary materials and instructions to build your outdoor infrared sauna, typically cost between $2,000 and $10,000.

The cost to buy and build an outdoor infrared sauna will vary depending on the size, quality of construction, wood type, heater type, and energy rating.

Size is usually the biggest factor in determining the price.

The larger the sauna, the higher the purchase price.

How Much Does it Cost to Run an Outdoor Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas use less electricity than traditional saunas.

They use less power because they mostly heat surfaces and not the surrounding air.

They also have a lower preparation time – most FIR saunas heat in up to 30 minutes, while traditional saunas take an hour or more to heat up to the “sweating temperature”.

The electricity cost for an FIR sauna depends on how much you pay per kilowatt-hour on your current plan.

For example, a 2200W FIR sauna, running for one hour, will generally use 2.2 KWh of electricity – around $0.35 in the USA.

What is the Best Wood for an Infrared Sauna?

According to sauna experts, Cedar has always been the most popular choice for an infrared sauna because it is naturally resistant to moisture and will not contract or expand as other wood does when the temperature changes.

It is also one of the most durable woods. However, it can vary in quality and health certifications.

To your health and happiness,

Meital