1 Person Saunas - What You Need to Know

Sometimes you don’t need a big sauna to get big results. A 1-person sauna is perfect when space is tight, you want solo sessions, or you simply like having the whole sauna to yourself. They’re compact, energy-efficient, and can fit in places you might not expect—like a walk-in closet, small bathroom, or even the corner of a home office.

The beauty of a 1-person sauna is that it’s minimal and practical. You can tuck it into small spaces, heat it up quickly, and still enjoy the same core sauna experience you’d get in a larger unit. Plus, there’s something nice about having your own little private heat sanctuary—no negotiating seat space, no interruptions, just you and the heat.

Let’s break down the types, the key features worth paying attention to, the pros and cons of indoor vs. outdoor setups, and where to find the best models for your budget.

Types of 1 Person Saunas

There are four basic types of 1 person saunas: traditional (Finnish), infrared, hybrid and portable saunas. Here is some info on each type.

Traditional (Finnish) Saunas

These use an electric heater or wood-burning stove to heat the air, which then heats you.

Heat Range: 150–195°F (65–90°C)
Humidity: Low humidity unless you add steam by pouring water over the rocks.
Feel: Intense, classic sauna warmth that encourages a deep sweat.
Best For: People who want that authentic “hot and steamy” sauna feel.

Infrared Saunas

These use infrared heaters to warm your body directly, without needing to superheat the air.

Heat Range: 110–150°F (43–65°C)
Humidity: None—just dry, gentle heat.
Feel: More gradual heat buildup, easier to breathe, comfortable for longer sessions.
Best For: Anyone who prefers lower temperatures and faster heat-up times.

Hybrid Saunas

These combine infrared heaters with a traditional heater, giving you both experiences in one unit.

Best For: People who want total flexibility in their heat style, especially if different family members have different preferences.

Portable One-Person Options

If you’re on a budget or don’t have the space for a permanent sauna, there are smaller, more flexible choices:

Portable Tent Saunas: Foldable fabric enclosures with a small heater inside. Your head sticks out while your body heats up. Not the prettiest, but affordable and surprisingly effective.
Dome Saunas: Cylindrical infrared domes you lie under. They’re popular with people who want a full-body sweat without dedicating floor space to a standing sauna.
Steam Pods: Small steam units for one person, often collapsible, that work in apartments or tight spaces.

These aren’t going to match the craftsmanship of a cedar or hemlock cabin-style sauna, but they’re an easy way to try sauna therapy without committing to a full installation.

Learn about 2 person saunas here

Key Features to Look For

When you’re looking for a 1-person sauna, you want comfort, efficiency, and durability packed into a small footprint.

Here’s what matters most:

Footprint & Interior Space – Even for a single person, check the interior height and seat depth. You should be able to sit comfortably without your knees feeling cramped.
Wood Choice – Look for Canadian Hemlock for a smooth, clean look or Western Red Cedar for a rich aroma and strong moisture resistance. Learn more about sauna wood options
Heater Setup – Infrared models should have heaters along your back, sides, and sometimes under your calves for full coverage. Traditional heaters should have enough rock capacity for consistent, even heat.
Controls – An interior control panel is a big perk, so you can fine-tune the temperature mid-session without opening the door.
Door & Glass Options – A full-glass door makes it feel less enclosed, but solid panels keep heat in better.
Lighting – Soft LED lighting creates a relaxing feel. Chromotherapy lighting is a nice bonus if you like mood-based color options.
Entertainment – Wifi touch screens, Bluetooth speakers or AUX inputs let you watch shows, listen to music, audiobooks, or even guided meditations while you relax.
Assembly – Most 1-person saunas come in panels you can assemble in under an hour. Check reviews for real setup times.
Warranty – Even with smaller saunas, a good warranty on both the wood and the heaters is worth looking for.

Indoor vs. Outdoor 1 Person Sauna

Are you looking for an indoor or an outdoor model? Here are some considerations...

Indoor 1 Person Saunas

Pros: No need to worry about weather, perfect for small apartments or houses, and easy to access any time of year.
Cons: You’ll be limited by your indoor space and will need to make sure ventilation is adequate.

Outdoor 1 Person Saunas

Pros: A cozy personal escape in the backyard or garden—especially magical in cold weather. Often available in charming cabin or barrel designs.
Cons: More expensive, require weatherproof materials, and you’ll need to prepare the site before installation. They also tend to be less common in the 1-person size category.

Where to Find the Best 1 Person Saunas

Here’s a quick breakdown by budget so you can focus your search:

Budget-Friendly ($1,000–$1,800)

Amazon – Brands like Dynamic and Maxxus offer small infrared units that are affordable and easy to set up. Great for casual use or first-time sauna owners.

Mid-Range ($1,800–$3,000)

JNH Lifestyles – Known for clean designs, quality wood, and good heater placement in their infrared models.

Dynamic Saunas – Offers low-EMF infrared options with nice extras like chromotherapy lighting.

High-End ($3,500+)

Sunlighten – Luxury infrared models with top-tier build quality, medical-grade heaters, and optional wellness upgrades like red light therapy.
Heavenly Heat – Specializes in low-toxin, low-EMF saunas, perfect for chemically sensitive users.
Clearlight – Premium infrared saunas with beautiful craftsmanship, ultra-low EMF ratings, and excellent comfort features.

Final Tip: Even if you’re set on a “1-person sauna,” don’t ignore the 1–2 person category—most of those are realistically best for one person anyway, and you’ll have more room to stretch without taking up much more space. And if you’re on a budget or just testing the waters, portable tent or dome saunas can be surprisingly satisfying without the permanent commitment.