Many people are buying outdoor infrared saunas so they can enjoy the health benefits of infrared light conveniently in their own homes.
There is an overwhelming number of products on the market, though, including portable and indoor units as well as outdoor infrared saunas.
The aim of this article is to review 5 of our favourite outdoor infrared saunas so you can decide if one of them is right for you.
The 5 Best Outdoor Infrared Saunas we’ll be reviewing are:
- ALEKO Canadian Red Cedar Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna
- ALEKO Canadian Hemlock Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna
- Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Sauna
- 4 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna – Hemlock Wood
- 3 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna – Red Cedar Wood Shingle Roof
Before we get into the specific models let’s talk about outdoor infrared saunas in general. They have their unique strengths and weaknesses and it would help you to understand what they are before making a purchase.
Advantages of an Outdoor Infrared Sauna:
Outdoor infrared saunas are more comfortable than portable saunas and don’t take up room inside your home
They are usually more durable and solid than indoor and portable saunas
Outdoor Infrared Saunas often come with features such as chromotherapy lighting, air ionizers, and sound systems
Disadvantages of an Outdoor Infrared Sauna:
Many home infrared saunas state they are designed for 2 or 3 people when in reality they suit 1 or 2
They can take longer to reach higher temperatures, particularly if it’s very cold outside
Depending on the layout of your home, you might be more likely to use an indoor sauna regularly because of convenience
Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna?
So what exactly do you need and what is your budget?
Here are the details on the best outdoor infrared saunas currently on the market. As you know, models come and go and we do our best to keep all the information up to date. Thankfully, the best infrared saunas stay on the market year after year, with minimal improvements.
| ALEKO SD2PRUT Canadian Red Cedar Indoor Outdoor Wet Dry Mini Sauna | ALEKO Canadian Hemlock Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna | Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Sauna | 4 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna - Hemlock Wood | 3 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna - Red Cedar Wood Shingle Roof | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
| EDITOR RATING | BEST | BEST SPACE & STYLE | |||
| FEATURES | BEST LOW EMF | BEST STYLE | BEST ADD ONS | BEST SPACE | |
| Seating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Footpad | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Air/Oxygen Ionizer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chromotherapy | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Timer | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | ✓ | Not stated |
| DESIGN | |||||
| Capacity | 2 person | 2 person | 4 person | 4 person | 3 person |
| Material | Red Cedar | Hemlock | Hemlock | Hemlock | Red Cedar |
| Exterior Dimensions | 47” x 47” x 75” | 47” x 47” x 75” | 72” x 52” x 83” | 59.1” x 59.1” x 84.5” | 75” x 62” x 102” |
| Weight | 291 Pounds | 291 Pounds | Not stated | 550 pounds | 450 pounds |
| Portable | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| FUNCTIONALITY | |||||
| Heat Source | FAR Infrared | FAR Infrared | FAR Infrared | FAR Infrared | FAR Infrared |
| EMF | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 2.5 | Not stated |
| Temperature | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Time To Heat | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| PRICE COMPARISON | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ |
 | | | | |
ALEKO Canadian Red Cedar Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna:
If you’re looking for a good-quality, basic, affordable sauna, the ALEKO Canadian Red Cedar Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna could be the perfect one for you.
Features:
- 8 FAR infrared carbon panels
- Oxygen ionizer
- CD player
- Reading lamps
- Tempered glass door with wooden handle
Pros and Cons:
This is the most affordable red cedar sauna in this review. Red cedar is durable, solid, and has a pleasant smell.
The unit is easy to put together, comes partially preassembled with built-in vent holes.
It includes 8 carbon heating panels which are more efficient than ceramic models and well distributed for good all-round heat.
All 5 saunas in this review come with air ionizers as standard, These not only have health benefits, they also help keep your sauna clean and hygienic.
Although this is advertised as a 2-person sauna, it’s probably more comfortable for 1. Its small footprint is useful if you don’t have a lot of space.
Overall:
This is the most affordable cedar sauna in this review, so if you’re looking for durability and quality on a budget, the ALEKO Canadian Red Cedar Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna could be your best choice.
ALEKO Canadian Hemlock Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna
Another ALEKO product, this time made from Hemlock, this sauna is the cheapest outdoor sauna in this review.
Features:
- 2 FAR Infrared carbon panels, 6 ceramic panels
- Oxygen ionizer
- CD player
- Reading lamps
- Tempered glass door with wooden handle
Pros and Cons:
ALEKO Canadian Hemlock Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna is very similar to the company’s cedar version reviewed above, the only differences being the wood which is hemlock rather than more-durable cedar, and the infrared panels, which are a mixture of ceramic and carbon. Ceramic panels can be less-efficient than carbon.
These differences are reflected in the price, which is considerably less than the cedar unit, making this the cheapest sauna in this review.
Like the cedar version, this is a small sauna, more comfortable for 1 person rather than 2.
Overall:
If you’re looking for an outdoor sauna on a budget, the ALEKO Canadian Hemlock Indoor Outdoor Infrared Sauna is an affordable option.
Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Sauna
The Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Sauna is one of the largest saunas in this review and is beautifully made from tongue and groove hemlock.
Features:
- 8 FAR Infrared ceramic heating panels
- Oxygen ionizer
- LCD control panel
- Reading lamp, cupholder, backrests, recessed exterior and interior lighting
- FM radio, CD player, MP3/Auxiliary audio input with stereo system (with remote)
Pros and Cons:
The Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Sauna is well-crafted and easy to construct. It has 8 ceramic heating panels for good all-round heat distribution and an oxygen ionizer.
This sauna comes with a range of accessories including a good sound system, cupholder and backrests, and recessed interior/exterior lighting.
It is one of the largest saunas in this review, so it is comfortable for 2 or 3 people. (It is advertised as a 4-person unit).
Although hemlock isn’t as durable as cedar, and ceramic heating panels aren’t as efficient as carbon, the price of this unit is considerably less than a similar sized cedar/carbon sauna.
Overall:
A spacious, well made, good looking sauna at a mid-range price with excellent add-ons. This is our favourite outdoor sauna as we believe it offers the best value-for-money.
4 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna – Hemlock Wood
This 4 person sauna is stylish. It comes with 2 benches, so although it isn’t the largest unit in this review, it is convenient for two or more people.
Features:
- 8 FAR Infrared ceramic heaters
- Air ionizer
- Chromotherapy lighting
- MP3 / Auxiliary input for iPod, iPhone
- Weather sealed door
Pros and Cons:
This sauna is one of the more expensive products in this review. It’s worth bearing in mind that the other units in this price bracket are made from cedar which is more durable than hemlock. This unit also has ceramic heating panels which are less-efficient than carbon.
At 550 pounds, it’s also the heaviest. This means it feels solid when constructed, but you should bear the weight in mind for delivery and construction.
This sauna is a stylish looking unit and comfortable for 2 people, particularly as it has benches on two walls. It comes with chromotherapy lighting and a good sound system.
Many saunas let heat out through the crack around the door, so it’s useful that the door to this sauna is weather-sealed.
Overall:
This is a stylish, space-efficient sauna with well thought out seating and good accessories, but for the price, you can get saunas made from cedar with better heating panels.
3 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna – Red Cedar Wood Shingle Roof
If you’re looking for quality materials and great add-ons, this cedar sauna is a strong choice.
Features:
- 7 FAR Infrared carbon fiber heating panels
- Oxygen ionizer
- Chromatherapy LED and interior colour lighting (with remote)
- Waterproof shingled roof
- MP3/Auxiliary audio input with stereo system (with remote)
Pros and Cons:
The 3 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna is one of the more expensive saunas in this review but the price reflects the quality of materials and the accessories.
This sauna is strongly made from red cedar, with a waterproof shingled roof and 7 well-distributed carbon heaters for optimized heat distribution, including under the bench. It is the largest sauna in this review and has the most head-room.
It also comes with chromotherapy lighting which has added health benefits, and a good sound system.
It is advertised as a 3-person sauna, although it is more comfortable for 2.
Overall:
Although pricey, this sauna is strongly built from quality materials and includes good accessories as standard. It is also more spacious than similar products.
What’s the best Outdoor Infrared Sauna?
Given that people have differing needs, there is no single best outdoor infrared sauna for everyone. They key is being clear about what your own needs are. Is style, wood type or having chromotherapy or more important to you?
There you have it – a break down of quality outdoor infrared saunas for you to chose from. Outdoor infrared saunas can really bring family and friends together and take your health to the next level.
If you are looking for an infrared sauna to go inside your home, then have a look at our Home Infrared Sauna Buying Guide.
Or perhaps you would like the portability and freedom of a portable infrared sauna. If so, take a look at our Portable Infrared Sauna Buying Guide.
We hope that this has brought some clarity in your search for the best outdoor infrared sauna.
You can remind yourself of all the amazing health benefits by clicking HERE.
Don’t forget about some of the accessories you might need with your new outdoor infrared sauna:
Learn more here: Best Infrared Sauna Accessories
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Infrared Sauna World or its staff.