Indoor vs outdoor sauna
- 149 saunas, 11 brandsEvery spec linked to its source
- True cost, upfrontInstall and running costs
- Fit and wiring checkedCheck your space
Indoor saunas use space you already have. Outdoor saunas add a building to your yard. The right choice usually comes down to floor space, ceiling height and how far the sauna will be from your electrical panel.
| From our catalog | Indoor (78) | Outdoor (62) |
|---|---|---|
| Median price | $4,048 | $7,950 |
| Infrared / traditional or hybrid | 50 / 28 | 6 / 56 |
| Run on 120V | 50 of 78 | 4 of 62 |
| Median footprint | 19 sq ft | 45 sq ft |
| Tallest exterior | 88 in | 101 in |
Space and access
An indoor sauna needs floor space, ceiling height and a way in. Most come flat-packed, but the largest panels still have to fit through your doors and down your stairs. An outdoor sauna needs a level base and room for clearances. Fit Check compares any sauna against your space, including headroom.
Basements
A basement is a common spot for an indoor sauna because it's out of the way and often near the panel. Ceiling height is the usual limit: the tallest indoor sauna here stands 88 inches before any clearance above it. Check the maker's manual for flooring, moisture and ventilation requirements. Infrared models are often easier to fit because many run on 120V. See our plug-in guide.
Garages
A garage gives you floor space and often easy access to the panel. Whether a given model is rated for a garage, and what temperatures it can be stored or used in, is up to the maker's manual. Few makers state it on their product pages, so check before you buy. A 240V circuit in a garage is usually a shorter run than one to the back of the yard.
Outdoor
An outdoor sauna is a small building. It needs a base, an outdoor-rated electrical run and, in some areas, a permit. Our outdoor guide compares every outdoor model, and our installation cost guide collects sourced price ranges for the base and wiring.
Wiring
Most indoor saunas here are infrared and run on 120V. Most outdoor saunas use a stove and need 240V. A longer run from the panel costs more, which often makes outdoor installs pricier even when the sauna itself costs about the same. Our electrical guide lists each model's circuit. For two-person options in either setting, see our 2-person guide.
Check your space against every sauna
Enter your room or yard size and ceiling height, and see which saunas fit.
Questions buyers ask
Can you put a sauna in a basement?
Often, yes, if you have the ceiling height and the maker allows it. The tallest indoor sauna we list is 88 inches before clearance. Check the manual for flooring, moisture and ventilation.
Can you put a sauna in a garage?
Many people do, but whether a model is rated for a garage is the maker's call. Few say so on their product pages, so check the manual before you buy.
Can you install an outdoor sauna indoors?
Sometimes. Some outdoor models can also be used indoors, but the reverse is rare. The maker's manual decides.
Is an indoor or outdoor sauna cheaper?
In our catalog the median indoor sauna costs $4,048 and the median outdoor sauna costs $7,950. Installation can widen the gap, because outdoor saunas need a base and a longer wiring run.
Related guides
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