If you want to reap the benefits of sauna bathing without spending a small fortune on weekly spa visits, it’s worth considering an at-home portable sauna.

Unlike sauna cabins, which are seriously pricey and take up significant space, these pop-up pods are lightweight, can be moved around the house and cost a few hundred pounds.

“Steam saunas promote excessive sweating to support blood flow, circulation, lymphatic draining and detoxification,” explains Nikita Manduca, studio director at biohacking and wellness centre Repose Space. "They're good for exercise recovery and stress relief as well as those seeking clearer skin or dealing with chronic pain and inflammation.”

Studies show regular sauna sessions can reduce blood pressure, support cardiovascular health, alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and may lower the risk of dementia.

As a dedicated sauna fan, I roped in my Good Housekeeping Institute colleagues to help me put one of the most popular products on the market – the Pulsio Sauna Pod – to the test. Here’s what happened when we sweated it out, plus everything you need to know about steam saunas.

The Pulsio Sauna Pod is a fully enclosed pop-up steam sauna that reaches temperatures up to 55C. Unlike an infrared sauna, which uses infrared light to directly heat the body, it creates a high-humidity environment by turning water into steam.

It includes a 3.5L steamer that pumps humid air into the quilted cabin and a wireless remote control to flit between the 15 intensity settings, whether you want some gentle warmth or intense heat for a serious sweat session. It takes between 10-15 minutes to pre-heat and the maximum timer length is 90 minutes.

The pod – which is suitable for users up to 6”4 – features an auto power-down mode when the water level reaches zero for safety and it packs away into a 15cm-thick carry case.

In terms of size, it's essentially a long tent, so it will easily fit in your living room or bedroom.

How We Tested

We put the Pulsio Sauna Pod through rigorous testing in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab.

We judged how simple it was to set up and how easy the instructions were to follow, checking if there were clear health and safety guidelines included. We also assessed the design, noting the quality of materials, how responsive the controls were and whether the features were customisable.

Crucially, we considered how comfortable it was to use and whether it provided an effective steam sauna experience. Once testing was complete, we awarded the sauna pod an overall score.

Our Sauna Pod Review 74/100

Instructions And Set-Up

Setting up the Pulsio Sauna Pod was a relatively faff-free process – you simply unzip the bag, unfold the tent and it pops up, without any poles and screws required.

Next, you have to fill the steam unit with water, ensuring that the lid is on properly to keep the steam in, and connect it to the pod using the hose, once again making sure it’s secure to prevent steam from escaping. Finally, there’s a diffuser, which sits inside the pod to stop the steam coming out in streams.

I’m not the most practical person so I’ll admit, I found the instructions a bit confusing. Thankfully our senior sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, is a DIY whizz, and put it all together in no time.

Storing it back in the carry case did take a fair few attempts, but once you get the knack of it, it should be straightforward.

Design And Ease Of Use

Once constructed, the pod looks smart and the structure is robust, with smooth zips that can be used from the inside and outside. There’s a window design, so you don’t feel claustrophobic when you’re inside and two exit points for safety.

The design has been well-thought-out, with a responsive, easy-to-read digital screen on the steamer unit and a small remote control to tinker with the heat and time settings mid-sauna.

The compact case means you can happily stash it away in a cupboard or underneath the sofa when not in use and the pod is also extremely roomy inside, making it suitable for whole family use. It doesn’t come with a stool, but you can easily pick one up online.

Performance

As someone who spends a lot of time sweltering in saunas, I can confirm the Pulsio pod put in a solid performance during testing. It took between five and 10 minutes to warm up and as I soon as I stepped inside, it was hot, steamy and soothing. I was sweating within moments, and I could feel my body relaxing, my muscles loosening and my sinuses clearing – it was like being in a spa!

I also liked that I could control the temperature while sauna-ing via the remote control – I started with a gentle heat and amped it up when I felt comfortable. Just note, it’s more like being in a steam room than a sauna due to the moist heat.

The final verdict: Is a sauna pod worth it?

If you’re looking to bring the benefits of a wellness retreat into your home – no need to sweat it out with strangers in your local leisure centre – the Pulsio Sauna Pod is a worthwhile investment. It’s also a good pick for those who are short on space and don’t have the funds to splurge of a fully-fledged wooden sauna cabin.

It heats up quickly and delivers an intense spa-like experience to help you relax and recover. We would have appreciated a stool, and more detailed instructions would have been helpful (especially when it came to packing the sauna away) but that wouldn’t stop us from using it time and time again.

Sauna Blanket FAQs

How often should you use a sauna?

Manduca recommends between 15 and 30 minutes per session three to five times a week to reap the rewards. If you’re a total beginner, start slow and gradually build up the time once you feel comfortable. The same goes for heat intensity.

Who shouldn’t use a sauna pod?

While sauna pods are generally safe, they’re not for everyone. “High heat exposure isn’t recommended during pregnancy,” notes Manduca. “Those with heart disease or high blood pressure should consult a doctor first, as well as those taking certain medications like diuretics, beta blockers or barbiturates, which may affect how your body handles heat.

“Those with open wounds or who have had recent surgery should also take care, as saunas may interfere with healing,” she adds.

If you’re unsure, we’d always recommend seeking advice from a medical professional first.

How to get the most out of your sauna pod

Here, Manduca shares her top sauna tips:

• Always hydrate before and after your sauna session, ideally with electrolytes. If you’re looking to shop, we’ve found the best electrolyte drinks and powders on the market
• Use a wellness journal, noting down how you feel before, during and after. This will help you track your body’s response to sauna and identify the benefits
• Pair with cold water to maximise the benefits, whether it’s an icy face wash, a cold shower or an ice bath. “Contrast therapy, when you alternate between sauna and cold exposure, is the ultimate biohacking duo,” says Manduca. “It trains your stress response, boosts circulation and supports immune function.”