Choosing the right sauna

Which Sauna is Right for You?

Here is your quick guide to choosing the right sauna.

Your wellness goals are unique. Your sauna should be too.

SaunaBox offers four distinct heat-therapy experiences—from portable steam to full-spectrum infrared. This guide breaks down who each sauna is for, how each one works, and what to expect so you can choose the perfect fit for your lifestyle, goals, and budget.

Option #1

The SOLARA

The Solara feels like having a spa retreat inside your home. Step in, close the door, and let your body relax deeply.
The heat seeps deep into your muscles, red-light waves activate recovery, and stress just leaves your system.

✅ Full-spectrum infrared (NIR, MIR, and FIR)

✅ Canadian hemlock wood spa-like sauna experience at home.

❌ Ability to stand up

❌ Ultra-portable and lightweight

Perfect for you if:

➤ You prefer a semi-permanent, furniture-grade sauna setup.

➤ You’re ready to invest in long-term, daily wellness.

➤ You want premium, spa-level heat therapy at home.

➤ You want deep infrared + built-in red light in one unit.

Price

$$$$

Heating Type

Infrared

Red Light

660nm - 850nm Red Light Therapy

Fits

1-Person

Shop the Solara

Option #2

SmartSteam Kit Pro

The SmartSteam Kit Pro feels like instant calm at the end of a long day.
You step inside, the steam surrounds you, and every ounce of tension leaves your body. It’s simplicity, comfort, and relief — ready when you are.

✅ Ability to stand up and stretch around

✅ Aromatherapy compatibility (Eucalyptus, etc.).

❌ Dry heat

❌ Permanent solution

Perfect for you if:

➤ You love high-humidity, high-sweat steam sessions.

➤ You want the most affordable way to start heat therapy.

➤ You need something lightweight, portable, and renter-friendly.

➤You value skin benefits from high humidity + aromatherapy options.

Price

$

Heating Type

Steam / Water

Red Light

660nm - 850nm Red Light Therapy

Fits

1-Person

Shop the SmartSteam Kit Pro

Option #3

The Pulse PRO

When time is limited but results matter, this is the one. The heat builds quickly, muscles release, and you come out sharper, clearer, and ready to move again.

✅ High temperature dry heat (up to ~160°F).
✅ Portable, lightweight infrared sauna solution
❌ Humid environment

❌ Wood structure

Perfect for you if:

➤ You need a powerful infrared sauna in a small space.

➤ You want strong recovery benefits at a mid-range price.

➤ You prioritize portability, storage, and easy setup.

➤ You want dry heat + red light without a wooden cabin.

Price

$$$

Heating Type

Infrared

Red Light

660nm Red Light Therapy

Fits

1-Person

Shop the Pulse PRO

Option #4

SmartSteam Kit XL

Couples, shared recovery sessions, larger bodies, or anyone wanting space to move/stretch

✅ Large interior footprint for stretching or shared sessions.
✅ Ultra portable and easy to store (Takes less than 5 minutes to setup/take down)
❌ Takes up more space compared to other saunas

❌ Dry heat

Perfect for you if:

➤ You want a sauna you can share with a partner.

➤You need extra room to stretch, move, or sit comfortably.

➤ You prefer steamy, high-sweat sessions over dry heat.

➤ You want a spacious setup without the cost of a wooden sauna.

Price

$$

Heating Type

Steam / Water

Red Light

Red Light Wand Add-On

Fits

2-3 People

Shop the SmartSteam Kit XL

What People Are Saying

There's not much more to say about this sauna, it works and it works well I use it every single day right before my cold plunge! I feel more energized, less stressed - My sauna is my new best friend.

Paul - Verified Reviewer

I am not going to lie. I was a little skeptical. I absolutely love saunas/steam showers. I have joined wellness centers just for saunas, and have purchased one for my home…along with installing steam showers in my last 3 homes! This baby gets the job DONE! It is extremely hot and I sweated my ass off…...

Patrick - Verified Reviewer

This is phenomenal! I use mine everyday after my workouts. 7 days a week. Customer service has been outstanding as well! Highly Recommend

Jason - Verified Reviewer

As I've started to focus on "me." I've been searching for ways to level up my health, and sauna bathing came up in a Google search. Heat therapy has numerous benefits, such as improving muscle recovery, sleep, and has cardiovascular benefits. SaunaBox has now become my new daily routine - I can't live without it!

Kyle - Verified Reviewer

ON SALE TODAY

SaunaBox^® SmartSteam Pro

$320.00 $449.00

SaunaBox^® Pulse PRO: Infrared Sauna with Red-light Therapy

$799.00 $998.00

SaunaBox^® SmartSteam XL

$499.00 $599.00

SaunaBox^® Solara: Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

$2,699.00 $3,000.00

View all

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The Science

Click Below to Understand the Physiological Effects of Heat Therapy

Increase in Body Temperature

Mechanism: Heat exposure raises your body’s core temperature as you enter the sauna, leading to an increase in sweat production. Benefits: Helps in cooling the body through sweating and prepares it for enhanced detoxification and relaxation.

Sweating and Detoxification

Mechanism: Exposure to heat increases body temperature, triggering the sweating mechanism. Sweating helps the body expel toxins and waste products through the skin. Benefits: Regular sweating through heat therapy can support detoxification by aiding in the removal of heavy metals, chemicals, and metabolic waste products.

Blood Flow

Mechanism: Heat therapy induces vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. This process improves blood flow and circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach tissues. Benefits: Enhanced blood flow supports muscle relaxation, accelerates the healing process, and can help reduce pain and stiffness in conditions like arthritis and muscle strains.

Muscle Relaxation

Mechanism: Heat helps to relax muscles by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which reduces muscle tension and spasm. It also promotes the elasticity of muscle fibers and connective tissues. Benefits: This relaxation effect can alleviate muscle pain, stiffness, and soreness, making heat therapy a valuable tool for recovery and pain management.

Increased Metabolic Rate

Mechanism: Heat therapy raises the body’s core temperature, which in turn increases the metabolic rate. This heightened metabolic activity supports various physiological processes, including calorie expenditure Benefits: A higher metabolic rate supports metabolic health and can contribute to improved energy levels and overall metabolic function.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

Mechanism: Heat stimulates the release of endorphins, providing a natural mood boost and stress relief. Benefits: Enhances mental well-being, reduces stress levels, and contributes to a sense of relaxation and calm.

Respiratory Health

Mechanism: The warm, humid air in saunas can help open airways, loosen mucus, and improve breathing. Benefits: Can be beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis by aiding in easier breathing and reducing congestion.

Post-Sauna Cooling

Mechanism: After exiting the sauna, the body begins to cool down as it returns to its normal temperature. Rehydration helps to restore fluid balance lost through sweating. Benefits: Cooling down helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, which can promote better sleep. A lowered core temperature after a sauna session can align with your body’s natural sleep rhythm, leading to more restful sleep. Proper rehydration also supports overall recovery and maintains hydration levels essential for a good night’s rest.

Increase in Body Temperature

Mechanism: Heat exposure raises your body’s core temperature as you enter the sauna, leading to an increase in sweat production. Benefits: Helps in cooling the body through sweating and prepares it for enhanced detoxification and relaxation.

Sweating and Detoxification

Mechanism: Exposure to heat increases body temperature, triggering the sweating mechanism. Sweating helps the body expel toxins and waste products through the skin. Benefits: Regular sweating through heat therapy can support detoxification by aiding in the removal of heavy metals, chemicals, and metabolic waste products.

Blood Flow

Mechanism: Heat therapy induces vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. This process improves blood flow and circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach tissues. Benefits: Enhanced blood flow supports muscle relaxation, accelerates the healing process, and can help reduce pain and stiffness in conditions like arthritis and muscle strains.

Muscle Relaxation

Mechanism: Heat helps to relax muscles by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which reduces muscle tension and spasm. It also promotes the elasticity of muscle fibers and connective tissues. Benefits: This relaxation effect can alleviate muscle pain, stiffness, and soreness, making heat therapy a valuable tool for recovery and pain management.

Increased Metabolic Rate

Mechanism: Heat therapy raises the body’s core temperature, which in turn increases the metabolic rate. This heightened metabolic activity supports various physiological processes, including calorie expenditure Benefits: A higher metabolic rate supports metabolic health and can contribute to improved energy levels and overall metabolic function.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

Mechanism: Heat stimulates the release of endorphins, providing a natural mood boost and stress relief. Benefits: Enhances mental well-being, reduces stress levels, and contributes to a sense of relaxation and calm.

Respiratory Health

Mechanism: The warm, humid air in saunas can help open airways, loosen mucus, and improve breathing. Benefits: Can be beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis by aiding in easier breathing and reducing congestion.

Post-Sauna Cooling

Mechanism: After exiting the sauna, the body begins to cool down as it returns to its normal temperature. Rehydration helps to restore fluid balance lost through sweating. Benefits: Cooling down helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, which can promote better sleep. A lowered core temperature after a sauna session can align with your body’s natural sleep rhythm, leading to more restful sleep. Proper rehydration also supports overall recovery and maintains hydration levels essential for a good night’s rest.

Understanding Perceived

Temperature in Steam Saunas

The perception of heat in a steam sauna is influenced by both temperature and humidity. High humidity can make the environment feel significantly hotter than it actually is.

Concept Explained:

Heat Index: The Heat Index combines temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels to the human body. In a steam sauna, the high humidity increases the perceived temperature, making the air feel hotter.

Example Calculation:

Actual Temperature: 130°F
Humidity: 95%
Estimated Perceived Temperature: Approximately 145°F

A steam sauna at 130°F with 95% humidity might feel similar to a dry sauna at around 145°F.

This is a rough estimation and the actual perceived temperature can vary based on individual sensitivity and other factors like ventilation and air movement within the sauna.

Heat therapy trusted by top performers

"The SaunaBox trains the body to handle stress more effectively, increasing resilience and promoting a deep state of relaxation by pushing one's physiological limits."

Dr. Marc Cohen: professor, doctor, wellness consultant