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 true weatherproof outdoor infrared sauna 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 2025.

Can You Place an Infrared Sauna Outside?

Most home infrared saunas are built for indoor.

If you want to place your FIR sauna outside, you have to make sure it is specially designed as an outdoor sauna room.

This is because exposing the sauna elements to humidity, heat, snow, and wind can ruin them, and if the sauna is not well insulated, it will be harder to keep the heat inside.

An outdoor infrared sauna has to be built with waterproof solid wood, it has to be well insulated, and it usually comes with a roof.

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

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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 will 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

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.

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

Unfortunately, pickings are slim. It took us a lot of research and digging to find the 5 high-quality FIR saunas below:

1. Xmatch 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna Best Value

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

•  Top-notch at-home spa experience
• Has 2 Bluetooth speakers that let you connect your phone or other devices to play music
• It heats up within just 10-15 minutes, allowing you to hop in and start enjoying it right away
• Energy-efficient compared to traditional Finnish saunas or steam rooms
• Has 2 LED reading lamps and 4 chromotherapy lights that create a relaxing atmosphere
• Excellent customer service and quick delivery
• Assembly is a breeze with two people

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

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

• Perfect for 2 people, doesn’t take up much space
• Comes with 2 LED Reading Lights and 4 Colorful LED Lights
• 12V speakers with Bluetooth connection
• Well-insulated and designed for outdoor use
• Heating elements cover the entire body
• Heats up quickly
• Easy assembly, quick shipping, and good customer service
• 12-year warranty

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 ($2459)

• 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. Sunray Saunas Grandby – Best for  3 People 

The SunRay Saunas Grandby FIR rectangle outdoor sauna has a pitched, waterproof roof and comes with a rain cover, making it safe to assemble and use outside – even when it rains.

It comfortably accommodates 3 people, has 7 ceramic heaters (which heat up faster in colder weather), and reaches up to 140°F, inside a solid Canadian Hemlock build.

The natural  Canadian hemlock is mildew, rot, rust, and corrosion resistant, and blends beautifully with nature outside your home.

This sauna also comes with an oxygen ionizer, which releases negatively charged ions into the air, which attach to positively charged particles such as dust, bacteria, and other pollutants.

This process neutralizes the particles and makes them too heavy to remain in the air, causing them to fall to the ground. This helps to improve the air quality inside the sauna and provides a more comfortable and healthy experience for the users.

Pros

• A huge list of accessories
• Accommodates 3 people comfortably
• Fits taller people
• Easy and fast assembly
• Has an oxygen ionizer

Cons

• Instructions are confusing – state that it’s meant for indoor use

✅ Available at Nordica Saunas ($3990)

• 120 V / 20 A dedicated; ~2100 W. ETL/CSA. Some resellers note 20 A plug; confirm if your unit ships cord-only.
• Assembly: 2 adults, ~1 hr; pre-fitted panels with turnbuckle latches; minimal tools (Phillips).

Accessories

• 1 seating bench & 3 backrests
• Vent
• LED lighting
• Oxygen ionization
• FM radio w/CD and MP3
• Cup holders

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