Outdoor vs. indoor sauna: which one fits your home?
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Quick answer
- Spare room, garage or basement and a standard circuit? An indoor infrared sauna is the easiest install — several run on 120V.
- Want the classic hot, steamy sauna and have a yard? An outdoor barrel or cabin gives you more room and löyly, but plan for 240V power and a level base.
- Tight budget? The lowest prices we found are indoor models: from $4,299 for a traditional indoor unit and $5,599 for a 1-person infrared.
Side by side
| Indoor | Outdoor | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical heat | Mostly infrared, some traditional | Mostly traditional (stones + steam), some infrared |
| Power | Small infrared units often 120V · 20A | Usually 240V, often hard-wired (e.g. 240V · 30A for a 6 kW heater) |
| Site prep | Flat floor, clearance around the unit | Level, solid foundation; power run to the yard |
| Capacity | Usually 1–2 people | Commonly 3–6 people |
| Weather | None | Wood needs upkeep; check the wood warranty |
| Lowest price we found | $4,299 (Redwood Alcove 2-person) | $5,549 on sale (Redwood Barrel 6-person) |
Real models to compare
| Model | Where | Heat | Power | Price (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood Alcove 2-Person | Indoor | Traditional | Check manual | $4,299 |
| Sun Home Solstice 1-Person | Indoor | Far-infrared | 120V · 20A | $5,599 |
| Sun Home Equinox 2-Person | Indoor | Full-spectrum | 120V · 20A | $6,799 |
| Redwood Barrel 6-Person | Outdoor | Traditional, Harvia 6 kW | 240V · 30A, hard-wired | $5,549 (was $6,299) |
| Redwood Cabin 4-Person | Outdoor | Traditional | Check manual | $6,549 (was $7,299) |
| Sun Home Luminar 2-Person | Outdoor | Full-spectrum | 240V · 20A | $11,599 |
The costs people forget
- Electrician. A 240V circuit, a new breaker or a long run to the backyard can add real cost. Get a quote before you order. See our sauna power guide.
- Foundation (outdoor). A 6-person barrel weighs around 900 lb before people get in — it needs a level, solid base such as pavers or a concrete pad.
- Delivery access. Measure gates, doors and stairs. Outdoor units usually arrive in large crates.
- Permits. Some towns or HOAs regulate backyard structures and new circuits. Check locally.
Our take
If you are not sure you'll use a sauna several times a week, start indoors: it's cheaper, faster to install and easy on power. If sauna is already part of your routine and you have the yard, an outdoor traditional sauna is the bigger, more social upgrade.
Next: infrared vs. traditional · barrel sauna buying guide · Redwood Outdoors review