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Questions? Call us on +1 888 693 9031
Questions? Call us on +1 888 693 9031
Looking for the best at-home sauna? I’ve tried out two leading brands to see which one delivers on heat performance, material quality, and overall value. The good news is that these saunas are well priced. Thankfully you no longer have to spend thousands of dollars to get an at-home spa experience so kudos to both brands for that. What was I looking for? I wanted deep heat, convenience, and a daily recovery tool that didn’t take up my whole living room. Here’s what I learned after trying both.
Last updated on March 19, 2025
Over the last few years, at-home wellness has become more accessible than ever, thanks to innovative brands creating affordable products. Previously, high-quality saunas were luxuries that cost thousands of dollars- think large, wooden saunas that, while impressive, were out of reach for most American wallets. Not only that but they're super bulky and difficult to move once installed.
Now, with so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which brand to trust with your hard-earned money. To simplify the decision, I’ve narrowed it down to two standout brands: The Pod Company and Nurecover. Keep reading to find out which one checks all the boxes for at-home heat therapy.
When purchasing a sauna, the two most crucial aspects to consider are temperature capability and material quality. Let’s break them down.
It's so important to choose an at-home sauna that can reach high enough temperatures to reap all the benefits of heat therapy. If your sauna doesn't hit 160°F then you risk losing some of the physiological benefits.
The built-in heater in The Pod Company’s Sauna Pod provides the heat you need. Reaching up to 185°F within 20 minutes, it allows for a truly intense sauna experience, similar to traditional wooden saunas. This high heat level promotes deeper sweating, improved circulation, and better detoxification.
On the other hand, Nurecover’s Tropic Sauna, even with its new heating unit, still doesn’t match the integrated design and efficiency of The Pod Company’s offering. The max temperature in its original form is 115°F, and with the new heater (not optimized for a sauna setting) it hits somewhere between 135-140°F. Having to place this separate heater inside the sauna presents potential safety concerns and doesn’t offer the same seamless experience. After all saunas are meant to be a relaxing, zen experience.
When you expose your body to high, consistent heat, your blood vessels dilate, increasing circulation and delivering oxygen-rich blood to tired muscles. This helps flush out lactic acid, reduce stiffness, and speed up tissue repair after intense training. The science behind saunas recommends that you need to be exposed to temperatures of at least 165°F to reap the rewards of these physical benefits.
Next up, materials. Why’s this important? Because it affects heat retention, durability, and comfort - all crucial for an effective sauna experience. As well as this, there can be potential health and safety risk with using the wrong materials.
The Pod Company primarily uses organic black cotton, which enhances heat retention while offering a more breathable and comfortable experience. This eco-friendly material also ensures durability and sustainability.
In contrast, Nurecover relies on plastic-based materials, which may not offer the same level of durability, comfort, or heat retention. Additionally, plastics can release unwanted odors and chemicals when exposed to high heat, making them less desirable for long-term use.
Below you can see the material breakdown provided by the Pod Company highlighting the attention to detail and quality of their product.
So I've reviewed the two most important criteria points for an at-home sauna but it's worth also discussing how easy these saunas are to setup. After all, this is another key differentiation and improvement on the bulky, wooden saunas that have been on the market for years.
The first thing I noticed was how quickly I could get both saunas up and running. It took me less than 10 minutes to set up, no tools needed, and when I was done, it packed away in under 2 minutes. They're both light enough to carry with one hand, and the compact footprint means I could store it in a closet or corner without it being an eyesore.
If you're serious about at-home wellness and want the best heat therapy experience, The Pod Company is the way to go. Both brands aim to provide affordable at-home sauna solutions, but The Pod Company offers a more premium and refined experience. The combination of superior heat performance, better materials, and a safer, all-in-one design makes it a worthwhile investment.
Yes, The Sauna Pod comes in at about $100 more than The Tropic, but the difference in experience made that gap feel like a no-brainer. The Tropic worked, but it felt like a “lite” version of a sauna, whereas The Sauna Pod genuinely felt like a premium wellness tool I could use every day for years.
If you're looking for an at-home sauna that truly delivers, The Pod Company is the clear winner.