Portable Sauna Tent vs Sauna Barrel: 9 Ultimate Facts

Sauna enthusiasts interested in using a sauna at home often have to make a few decisions before they can start sweating. One of the biggest choices is the type of sauna they wish to buy. For outdoor use, the choice often comes down to comparing a portable sauna tent vs sauna barrel.

Both a tent and a barrel sauna deliver the benefits of heat therapy. With that in mind, no matter what you buy, it will do the job you need it to do. However, they generally serve different needs and have different requirements.

When it comes to sauna tents, they are generally more affordable and convenient. They are also very portable, so you can move them around or disassemble them when you don’t need them.

Sauna barrels are a more permanent alternative. They are closer to what a traditional sauna looks and feels like. They are also better at keeping the heat in, and are generally larger, meaning that more people can fit in at once.

Before you choose the one you wish to buy, you need to know how they compare. This guide aims to help with that by explaining their main differences.

Portable Sauna Tent vs Sauna Barrel: What is the Difference?

Despite the fact that both a sauna tent and a sauna barrel do the same thing, they are quite different. Starting with a tent, it uses fabric and a frame to create the enclosure.

While these fabrics are often made to be thick and waterproof, they still let some heat through. After all, insulation can only do so much when you use fabric to keep the heat in.

Usually, portable sauna tents use steam or infrared heating. If they are steam-based, they come with an external steam generator. This is a small machine that you fill with water, which is then heated to create vapor. The vapor then moves into the tent via a hose.

Infrared saunas use infrared panels embedded in the tent fabric. These target the user’s body directly, unlike steam, which heats up the air around the user. For more information on that, check out our guide on steam vs infrared heating.

Since they only include a frame and fabric, portable sauna tents can be assembled quickly and are easy to store away.

You can simply fold them and put them in a drawer, a closet, under the bed, or some similar free space. Another benefit is their portability. You can easily move them around or set them up where you have room.

While they are primarily designed to be used indoors, you can easily set them up outside. Ideally, all you need is a flat surface and the most basic protection from the elements.

People have been known to use them in garages, on the porch, and alike. Since they require electricity, having them set up under the open sky can be risky, in case it rains.

Lastly, portable sauna tents are fairly inexpensive. You can find something for less than $100, or you can go for a $500+ premium model.

In short, you can easily find a model that fits your budget, and you are unlikely to pay too much. We even have a guide on how to find the best portable sauna under $200 for those on a tight budget.

How Does A Sauna Barrel Compare?

On the other hand, we have sauna barrels. The first thing to note is that barrel saunas are permanent wooden saunas. You won’t be tearing them down after use and setting them up before the next one.

Once you install them, they will occupy the space they are placed in. As such, they are for those who are serious about an outdoor sauna.

However, the plus side is that they offer much better insulation and heat retention. They also win in terms of durability, but their portability is practically zero.

Another positive is that you get a significantly larger interior. Portable tent saunas are typically made for one person, while larger ones can fit two people. A well-built barrel sauna can fit anywhere between 2 and 8 people, depending on size.

In terms of heat source, a wood sauna usually relies on an electric heater. You can also get a wood-burning model if you want a more traditional experience. If you are already familiar with how a Finnish sauna works, this is fairly similar.

The biggest downside of this option is the barrel sauna’s higher installation cost. Like other types of traditional saunas, barrel saunas will cost several thousand dollars to set up. That will include both the materials and the installation itself.

This is why it is not a good choice for someone who just wants to test the sauna experience at home. If you are a casual sauna user, a portable sauna tent is a much more sensible option.

How Hot Do Portable Sauna Tents and Sauna Barrels Get?

Due to their indoor design, portable sauna tents generally don’t get as hot as traditional ones. Typically, a portable sauna tent will only reach temperatures from 110°F to 160°F.

In comparison, a sauna barrel gets much hotter, typically between 160°F and 195°F.

While they have a bigger space to heat up, a wood-burning stove is more than capable of doing it. Plus, strong insulation and heat retention mean that most of the heat stays in. Not only that, but their barrel shape actually helps the heat circulate better.

Portable sauna tents are more suitable for shorter wellness sessions. Barrels, on the other hand, offer a more authentic sauna session.

With all that said, it might seem that a sauna barrel is a better option. However, you must keep in mind that they were meant for different things.

Portable saunas were generally designed to be used indoors. They cost less, but they are easy to move around and store away when you don’t need them.

They are also highly affordable in comparison to sauna barrels. In short, they represent a portable sauna kit for those who want to add the experience to their wellness routine.

A sauna barrel, on the other hand, is for frequent sauna bathing and multiple users. It is hotter and more intense, but also much more expensive, and you can’t move it around.

Cost, Space, and Maintenance

The last thing to consider when comparing a portable sauna tent vs barrel sauna is cost, space, and maintenance.

Generally, portable sauna tents win at all three. Their upfront cost is lower, as discussed earlier. They only cost a few hundred dollars, and even the more expensive models are still quite affordable.

They all require minimal storage space, although they do need a bit more when you set them up. But they are easy to move around, and you can use them inside and outside.

Finally, they generally need little maintenance. You can just let them dry in a well-ventilated place after use. Once or twice per month, depending on use, they need to be cleaned with water and soap.

The most important thing to do is make sure they are dry before you fold them up. That way, you prevent mold and bad portable sauna smells from forming on the inside.

Sauna barrels need a significant initial investment. They can typically cost a few thousand dollars, while the biggest, most premium models can cost quite a bit.

In some cases, they could require you to pay over $20,000, including kit, labor, and electrical work. They are also not portable, so wherever you set them up is where they will remain.

As for maintenance, they need both wood maintenance and heater maintenance. Of course, heater maintenance depends on the type. If you are using an electric heater, you will have to maintain it more than if you use a wood-burning stove.

FAQ

Which One Is Right for You?

In the end, when comparing a portable sauna tent vs sauna barrel, only you can decide which is best for you. A portable sauna tent offers convenience, affordability, flexibility, and mobility.

It is a good choice for apartments or small homes. It is also ideal if you are on a tight budget, and especially if you are a first-time sauna user.

Alternatively, sauna barrels are for homeowners with plenty of outdoor space. It costs a lot, but if you want a traditional experience and you want it frequently, it is the way to go.

As such, it is best for families, or those who want to use a sauna with friends, where all can fit in at the same time. Barrels offer a traditional sauna experience with higher heat.

With all that said, your choice should depend on your budget and space first. If you have room and can afford it, a sauna barrel requires more work, but the experience is unmatched.

If you lack either space or money for it, a portable sauna tent will definitely do the job. You can get the same sauna benefits, but the experience will feel somewhat weaker.

Check out our guide if you wish to learn more about how a portable sauna tent compares to a traditional sauna.

If you opt to go for the portable sauna, our guide on the best portable sauna tents for home use can help you get started.