Top Home Sauna Features for 2025
Top Home Sauna Features for 2025
Home saunas remain one of the most
sought-after health and wellness products for individuals seeking to improve
their quality of life in 2025. In our 17-year history of selling saunas for
homes, we have witnessed numerous changes in design, functionality, and
feature enhancements that have significantly improved the home sauna
experience. As we look forward to the
summer and fall sales season, we wanted to share some of the design, technology
and feature improvements that we have seen in the last year.
Here are the most
important and sought-after features in today’s home saunas:
1. Heating Technology
Heating technology continues to evolve with manufacturers
focusing on energy efficiency and conservation as utility rates increase.
Infrared saunas continue to lead the pack in energy efficiency with
carbon-plated panels providing both efficiency and heating power without
sacrificing energy consumption.
-Infrared Heating: IR saunas, also commonly referred to as Infrared
Saunas, utilize far, mid, or near-infrared panels for deep tissue
penetration and efficient, even heating. Full-spectrum models allow users to
customize the type of infrared for specific health benefits.
-Traditional Electric or Wood-Burning Heaters: Provide classic
dry or steam sauna experiences, with electric heaters being the most common for
home use due to ease of installation and precise temperature control. Finnish
saunas require the most energy since they get hotter than IR saunas.
2. Smart Controls and
Customization
Most saunas today come with control pads on the inside of
the cabin, outside of the cabin, or both. Smart controls, which utilize
Wi-Fi-enabled devices, are also gaining popularity as technology advances.
Smart controls are currently offered as upgrades for many sauna models, but may
soon be commonplace for most models as we look toward 2026 and beyond.
-WiFi & Mobile App Controls: Enable remote preheating,
temperature adjustment, and session customization from anywhere in your home.
-Programmable Settings: Allow different users to save
personalized temperature and lighting preferences for a tailored experience.
3. Build Quality and
Materials
The build quality of DIY sauna kits continues to improve.
The use of integrated hinge systems, pre-molding corners and edges, makes
assembly of a home sauna easier than ever without requiring a professional
handyman. Roofing systems for outdoor saunas continue to evolve, with
lightweight metal roofs becoming increasingly popular compared to older-style
shingle roofs.
-Premium Woods: Cedar, hemlock, and other durable, aromatic woods are
preferred for their resistance to moisture, heat, and mold, as well as their
aesthetic appeal.
-Robust Construction: High-quality builds using
materials like aluminum roofing systems and carbonized cedar ensure longevity
and resistance to environmental stress.
4. Ergonomic and Modular
Design
The design and layout of saunas for home use continue
to focus on comfort and flexibility over trendy or non-traditional styles with
most people opting for comfort over aesthetic appeal.
-Comfortable Seating: Features like slanted or
ergonomic backrests and modular benches improve comfort and allow for different
uses, such as cycling, hot yoga or stretching.
-Flexible Layouts: Some saunas offer modular benches or convertible
spaces to accommodate more users or different activities.
5. Size and Capacity
Options
Most manufacturers continue to offer saunas for homes
in various sizes, ranging from 2-4 person models for apartments and townhomes
to 6-8 person models for larger spaces or communal gatherings. Recent trends in
downsizing of homes has dictated that smaller saunas or those that best utilize
available space will continue to be popular in 2025.
-Multiple Sizes: Home saunas come in various sizes to fit different
spaces and accommodate from one to several users, with options for compact
portable units or larger permanent installations.
6. Enhanced Wellness
Features
Chromatherapy, red light therapy and Bluetooth capability
top the list again in 2025 as the most sought-after feature enhancements for
2025.
-Chromotherapy Lighting: Integrated color therapy lights or
red light therapy enhance relaxation and provide additional wellness
benefits.
-Bluetooth Audio and Entertainment: Built-in audio
systems or screens for streaming media create a spa-like atmosphere at home.
7. Energy Efficiency and
Safety
Top sauna companies continue to offer models with low to
ultra-low EMF levels.
-Low EMF Emissions: Advances in technology have allowed
most modern infrared sauna manufacturers to be able to feature ultra-low
electromagnetic field (EMF) ratings making their saunas safe for everyday use.
-Efficient Operation: Most saunas being manufactured
today are designed for low energy consumption, with some costing as little as
$25 per year to operate. Keep
in mind that traditional saunas which reach higher heat levels than Infrared
saunas will cost 3-4 times more to operate.
8. Easy Assembly, Installation
and Maintenance
-Simple Assembly: Most sauna models being manufactured today are
designed for quick assembly and setup, with clear instructions and minimal
installation requirements. This
eliminates the necessity of a carpenter or handyman for most installations,
with the exception being any electrical or ventilation required.
-Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Non-porous materials and
removable mats or benches that are integrated into today’s home saunas simplify
cleaning and maintenance.
9. Versatility
-Hybrid Models: While we continue to receive inquiries regarding
hybrid saunas(combined infrared and electric capabilities) we have determined
that hybrid saunas; while they give you more flexibility do not necessarily
justify the additional cost.
-Portable Saunas: Portable steam or infrared saunas also provide more flexibility for renters or those with limited space.
To learn more about home saunas and their potential health benefits,
please visit https://www.missionhealth.org/healthy-living/blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-a-sauna.