1-Person vs 2-Person Sauna: Which Size Should You Buy?

Choosing between a 1-person and a 2-person sauna comes down to three things: who will use it, how much floor space you can give up, and your budget. A 1-person sauna slips into tight rooms and costs less to buy and run. A 2-person sauna gives you space to lie back, share sessions with a partner, and resell more easily down the road. This guide breaks down the real differences so you pick the right size the first time.

The short answer

Buy a 1-person sauna if only you will use it, your space is under about 4 feet wide, and you want the lowest price and simplest install. Buy a 2-person sauna if you want room to recline, you plan to share sessions, or you want a unit that appeals to more buyers if you ever sell your home. A 2-person cabin usually adds only 1 to 1.5 feet of width over a 1-person model, yet it roughly doubles usable bench room and comfort. The price gap is often a few hundred dollars, not thousands. For most homeowners weighing long-term value, the 2-person size is the safer pick because it covers solo use and shared use, while a 1-person cabin only ever seats one. Match the size to your household, not just today's plan.

How the two sizes actually differ

The labels describe seating, not just footprint. A 1-person infrared sauna typically measures around 36 to 42 inches wide and seats one person upright. A 2-person model usually runs 48 to 60 inches wide, enough for two people side by side or one person to stretch a leg up on the bench. Depth and height are often similar between the two, so the width is where you feel the difference.

Who should buy a 1-person sauna

A 1-person cabin is the right call when the sauna is for you alone and floor space is tight. It fits a bedroom corner, a closet-sized nook, an apartment, or a spot in a home gym where every inch counts. It draws less power, warms up a little faster because there is less air to heat, and costs the least up front and per session. If you rent or expect to move soon, the smaller cabinet is also easier to disassemble and transport. Browse options in our collection of one-person saunas.

Who should buy a 2-person sauna

A 2-person sauna is the better long-term buy for most households. The extra bench width lets you recline instead of sitting bolt upright, which changes the session from a chore into something you look forward to. You can share it with a partner, a training buddy, or a family member, and two people warming up together often means you use it more consistently. When you sell your home, a 2-person unit appeals to a wider set of buyers than a single-seat cabin. Because the price and space jump is modest, many buyers who can fit it choose the larger size. See our 2-person infrared saunas for sale, or compare the full range of infrared saunas.

Space and electrical needs

Measure your room before you shop, and leave a few inches of clearance around the cabin for airflow and access. A 1-person sauna almost always runs on a standard household 120V outlet. Many 2-person infrared models do too, but larger or higher-wattage 2-person cabins can call for a dedicated 20-amp circuit or a 240V line, so check the spec sheet and your outlet. If you want help translating your room into a size, our sauna sizing guide walks through the math, and the broader sauna buying guide covers heater type, wood, and features.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 2-person sauna worth the extra cost?

For most buyers, yes. The price difference is usually a few hundred dollars, but you gain room to recline, the option to share sessions, and stronger resale appeal. If only you will ever use it and space is very tight, the savings on a 1-person model can still make sense.

Can one person use a 2-person sauna?

Yes. A single user gets extra room to stretch out and lie back, which many people prefer. The only trade-offs are a slightly larger footprint and marginally more energy to heat the bigger cabin.

Does a bigger sauna cost a lot more to run?

Not dramatically. A 2-person infrared cabin uses somewhat more electricity because it has more air and mass to heat, but for a typical 30-minute session the difference in cost is measured in cents, not dollars.

Restore Suite is an authorized retailer with free US shipping, HSA and FSA eligibility on qualifying units, financing, and a best-price guarantee. Ready to choose a size? Shop our two-person infrared saunas and see financing options, or contact our team for a sizing recommendation.