SaunaCloud Models Compared: Atlas, Sierra, Atlas One, and Outdoor
Key Takeaways
- Four models, one technology platform: Atlas (flagship indoor), Sierra (compact indoor), Atlas One (dual-therapy with clinical red light), and Outdoor (weather-resistant). All four use identical VantaWave heaters, CORE 5 controls, and solid Western Red Cedar — there's no 'budget' option with inferior components
- Every SaunaCloud sauna is custom built to YOUR exact dimensions — to the inch. You're not choosing from a catalog of 3-4 fixed sizes. The 'model' determines the base configuration and feature set; the dimensions are always custom to your space
- Quick decision: Indoor with standard space? Atlas. Compact space? Sierra. Red light therapy is a priority? Atlas One. Want it outdoors? Outdoor model. Not sure? Call 800-370-0820 — Christopher will help you measure and decide
- The Atlas One is the only sauna with clinical-grade red light therapy (630nm + 850nm) as a STANDARD feature — not decorative LEDs, but therapeutic-power photobiomodulation panels at the correct 2-4 inch treatment distance, integrated into bench seats and backrests
- The process: Book a Call, Christopher designs custom plans for your space, SaunaCloud ships the complete component kit, your contractor installs per the plans with SaunaCloud phone/video support. Typically a weekend installation.
If you're comparing SaunaCloud's sauna models, here's what you need to know upfront: every SaunaCloud sauna uses the same premium technology. There's no "good/better/best" hierarchy where cheaper models get inferior heaters. The differences between models are about size, configuration, and intended use — not quality.
What every SaunaCloud sauna shares
Before comparing models, here's the foundation that's identical across all four product lines:
- 100% solid Western Red Cedar construction — zero plywood, zero glue, zero MDF
- VantaWave® proprietary heaters — 7.9μm peak wavelength, 0.97 emissivity, under 0.5 mG EMF
- CORE 5™ power supply — precise digital temperature control from 100°F+
- Atlas™ heater placement system — optimized coverage calculated for your custom dimensions
- Red light therapy integration available across all models
- Chromotherapy LED lighting and Bluetooth audio
- 7-year limited lifetime warranty on all components
- Custom built to YOUR exact space — no prefab boxes
- Full phone and video installation support with the team that designed your sauna
The model you choose determines the base configuration. The dimensions are always custom.
All Models Compared
| Feature | Atlas | Sierra | Atlas One | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VantaWave® heaters | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CORE 5™ control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Western Red Cedar | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Red light therapy | Optional | Optional | STANDARD | Optional |
| Custom dimensions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chromotherapy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weather-sealed | — | — | — | ✓ |
| 7-year warranty | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Capacity | 1-4 | 1-2 | 1-4 | 1-4 |
The Atlas — flagship custom infrared sauna
The Atlas is SaunaCloud's original and most popular model — the one that launched 3,000+ installations. It's a fully custom indoor infrared sauna designed to fit any standard residential space with 1-4 person capacity depending on your dimensions.
Full VantaWave heater coverage across walls, ceiling, and bench level. Cedar bench configurations tailored to your layout. Glass door options. Red light therapy available as an add-on. If you have a dedicated space — a spare room, basement area, master bath extension, or garage corner — and want the complete SaunaCloud experience, the Atlas is where 80% of customers start.
Who it's for: Homeowners with indoor space who want a permanent, built-in infrared sauna. The "if you're not sure, start here" option. See the full Atlas page →
The Sierra — compact custom infrared sauna
The Sierra delivers the same premium construction and VantaWave technology in a smaller footprint — designed for spaces where the Atlas won't fit. 1-2 person capacity with heater placement optimized for compact dimensions.
Same heaters. Same control system. Same cedar. Same warranty. Just engineered for tighter spaces. Perfect for apartments, condos, home offices, master bedrooms, large closet conversions, or basement nooks.
Who it's for: Anyone with limited indoor space (under 4’x5’) who doesn't want to compromise on technology or materials. See the full Sierra page →
The Atlas One — red light infrared sauna
The Atlas One is SaunaCloud's dedicated dual-therapy sauna. It combines full VantaWave far infrared heat therapy with clinical-grade red light therapy as a standard built-in feature — not a decorative add-on.
Red light panels at 630nm (red) and 850nm (near-infrared) are integrated into bench seats and backrests at the optimal 2-4 inch treatment distance for photobiomodulation. This is the same technology used in clinical settings for collagen production, wound healing, mitochondrial ATP stimulation, and inflammation reduction. Most saunas that claim "red light" use low-power decorative LEDs at insufficient distances. Atlas One uses clinical-grade panels at therapeutic power densities.
Who it's for: People who specifically want red light therapy benefits — skin health, collagen, wound healing, anti-aging, athletic recovery, mitochondrial support — combined with infrared in every session. See the full Atlas One page →
The Outdoor — outdoor infrared sauna
Everything you get from an indoor SaunaCloud sauna, built to live outside. Weather-sealed construction with reinforced roof drainage, UV-resistant exterior treatment, and marine-grade stainless steel hardware. All the same VantaWave, CORE 5, and cedar quality — engineered to withstand the elements.
Particularly popular for contrast therapy setups (sauna → cold plunge or pool nearby), backyard wellness retreats, pool houses, mountain and lake homes, and warm climates where outdoor living is the lifestyle.
Who it's for: Homeowners who want their sauna connected to nature — decks, patios, pool areas, backyards. See the full Outdoor page →
How to choose
Which Model Is Right for You?
Where will your sauna go?
Indoor + standard space?
Atlas
Flagship custom, 1-4 person
Indoor + limited space?
Sierra
Compact custom, 1-2 person
Red light therapy priority?
Atlas One
Dual-therapy, clinical red light
Want it outdoors?
Outdoor
Weather-sealed, decks & patios
Not sure? Call 800-370-0820 \u2014 Christopher will help you decide
- Indoor with standard space? → Atlas
- Indoor with limited space? → Sierra
- Red light therapy is a priority? → Atlas One
- Want it outdoors? → Outdoor
- Converting an existing sauna? → Conversion guide
- Commercial or hospitality? → Commercial page
- Not sure? → Call 800-370-0820 — Christopher will help you measure and decide
Every SaunaCloud sauna is custom — what that means
You're not choosing from a catalog of 3-4 fixed sizes. Every SaunaCloud sauna is designed to your exact dimensions — to the inch. The "model" determines the base configuration and feature set. The dimensions, bench layout, door placement, heater positioning, and electrical routing are all designed for YOUR specific space.
Christopher creates detailed architectural plans — heater placement calculated by the Atlas™ system for your exact cabin geometry, bench configurations, electrical specifications, and installation instructions. SaunaCloud ships the complete component kit. Your contractor builds from the plans with SaunaCloud's phone and video support. This is how 3,000+ saunas have been installed — including projects for Tony Robbins, Westin Hotels, and Cavallo Point.
The process
- Book a Call or request free custom plans
- Christopher discusses your space, goals, and preferences
- SaunaCloud creates custom plans: heater placement, bench layout, electrical specs
- You review and approve the design
- SaunaCloud ships the complete kit: heaters, control panel, wiring, hardware
- Your contractor installs per the plans with SaunaCloud's phone/video support
- You're using your sauna — typically within a weekend of installation
Ready to start? Call 800-370-0820 or book a call online. Christopher personally designs every sauna. 4.8 stars on Trustpilot from 65+ verified reviews. Why SaunaCloud →
Frequently Asked Questions
SaunaCloud offers four product lines: the Atlas (flagship custom indoor sauna, 1-4 person), the Sierra (compact indoor for smaller spaces, 1-2 person), the Atlas One (dual-therapy with clinical-grade red light as standard), and the Outdoor (weather-resistant for decks, patios, backyards). All four use identical VantaWave heaters, CORE 5 controls, and solid Western Red Cedar — differences are in size, configuration, and intended use.
The Atlas is the full-size custom indoor sauna for standard to large spaces (1-4 person capacity). The Sierra fits smaller footprints — apartments, condos, or rooms under 4 by 5 feet (1-2 person). Both use identical VantaWave heaters, CORE 5 controls, and Western Red Cedar. The Sierra optimizes heater placement for compact dimensions using the same Atlas heater mapping system.
The Atlas One features clinical-grade red light therapy (630nm + 850nm) as a standard built-in feature — not an optional add-on with decorative LEDs. Red light panels are integrated into bench seats and backrests at the optimal 2-4 inch treatment distance for photobiomodulation. You receive both far infrared heat therapy and clinical red light therapy simultaneously in every session.
Yes — the Outdoor model is specifically designed for decks, patios, pool areas, and backyards. It features weather-sealed construction, reinforced roof drainage, UV-resistant exterior treatment, and marine-grade stainless steel hardware. All the same VantaWave technology, CORE 5 controls, and Western Red Cedar as indoor models, engineered to withstand weather.
Every SaunaCloud sauna is custom designed to your exact dimensions — to the inch. You're not choosing from a catalog of fixed sizes. Christopher designs the heater layout, bench configuration, and electrical specifications based on your specific space. SaunaCloud ships the components as a complete kit, and your contractor installs them using detailed custom architectural plans with SaunaCloud's phone and video support.
Indoor with standard space: Atlas. Indoor with limited space: Sierra. Red light therapy as a priority: Atlas One. Outdoor installation: Outdoor. Converting an existing sauna: call for a conversion kit consultation. Not sure? Call 800-370-0820 — Christopher will help you evaluate your space and recommend the best fit.
Yes. Every SaunaCloud model uses VantaWave proprietary heaters (7.9 micron peak wavelength, 0.97 emissivity, under 0.5 milligauss EMF) and the CORE 5 digital control system. The heater quality, construction materials, and 7-year warranty are identical across all four product lines. There is no 'budget' model with inferior components.
Founder & Lead Designer, SaunaCloud®
3,000+ custom saunas built since 2014 · Author of The Definitive Guide to Infrared Saunas · Featured in Forbes, Inc., and MSN
Chris has been designing and building custom infrared saunas since 2014. He wrote one of the first comprehensive books on infrared sauna therapy and is personally involved in every SaunaCloud build — from design consultation through delivery and beyond.
Custom Designed for Your Space — Call Christopher
800-370-0820. Every sauna personally designed. 3,000+ installations. 4.8 Trustpilot. Same VantaWave technology across every model. Tell us your space — we'll design the perfect fit.