Smartmak or Benovo? Saunas Compared in 2026
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When comparing smartmak vs benovo sauna options, you face two distinct approaches to home heating. Both brands provide dedicated spaces for relaxation, but their implementations differ significantly. The Smartmak unit is a portable, indoor infrared tent designed for quick setup and personal use. In contrast, the Benovo model is a permanent, outdoor wooden structure built for steam bathing and larger groups. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize portability and infrared heat or permanent installation and steam capacity.
Key differences
| Aspect | Smartmak Portable 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna | Benovo 6-8 Person Cedar Outdoor Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Type | Far Infrared with carbon panels | Steam with electric stove |
| Person Capacity | 2 Person | 6-8 Person |
| Placement | Indoor | Outdoor |
| Design Material | Portable tent fabric | Canadian Cedar wood |
| Heater Power | 1600W | 8KW |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Smartmak Portable 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna if
- You need a sauna that fits inside your home and moves easily between rooms.
- You prefer infrared heat with red light therapy features for personal relaxation.
- You want a setup that assembles in minutes without permanent construction.
Choose Benovo 6-8 Person Cedar Outdoor Sauna if
- You have outdoor space and want a permanent, weather-resistant wooden structure.
- You need a large capacity for 6 to 8 people to enjoy steam bathing together.
- You prefer traditional steam heat generated by an electric stove with lava rocks.
Verdict: Choose the Smartmak if you want a flexible, indoor infrared solution for one or two people. Select the Benovo if you have the outdoor space and budget for a large, permanent steam sauna for groups. Each serves a different lifestyle and physical constraint.
Smartmak vs Benovo Sauna Comparison
Heating type
The Smartmak Portable 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna uses carbon panels to generate far infrared heat. It includes 660nm red light therapy panels for added benefits. The Benovo 6-8 Person Outdoor Wooden Sauna uses a 220V electric stove to create steam. It comes with lava rocks to enhance the steam experience. Infrared heat penetrates deeper into tissues, while steam offers high humidity. You choose infrared for dry heat or steam for moist heat. The Smartmak provides light therapy, whereas the Benovo focuses on traditional steam heat.
Person capacity
Capacity is a major difference between these two units. The Smartmak sauna is designed for two people. Its interior dimensions are 47.28 inches wide by 35.46 inches deep. This fits two adults comfortably for a personal session. The Benovo sauna accommodates six to eight people. Its interior is significantly larger, measuring 78.74 inches wide and deep. This makes it suitable for families or group sessions. If you need space for multiple users, the Benovo is the clear choice. For solo or couple use, the Smartmak is sufficient.
Placement
Placement options differ significantly for these two saunas. The Smartmak unit is an indoor portable tent. It sits on the floor and can be moved between rooms. It requires no permanent installation or outdoor space. The Benovo sauna is designed for outdoor use. It features a weatherproof sloped roof and a raised floor to prevent moisture damage. It is built to withstand extreme weather conditions. You must have an outdoor area for the Benovo. The Smartmak is ideal for indoor apartments or homes without yard space.
Heater power
Heater power affects how quickly the sauna reaches temperature. The Smartmak has a 1600-watt heating system. It uses three carbon panels to heat up quickly. The Benovo sauna uses a high-power electric stove. The data lists the heater power as 8KW in key specs, though attributes mention 6KW. Regardless of the exact wattage, it is substantially more powerful than the Smartmak. This allows the Benovo to heat its large wooden structure efficiently. The Smartmak heats its small tent volume rapidly with less power.
Build material
The construction materials define the feel and durability of each sauna. The Smartmak is made from a portable fabric tent with a metal pipe structure. It includes foldable chairs and an anti-slip mat. The Benovo is crafted from premium Canadian Cedar wood. The natural thermal properties of cedar ensure efficient heat retention. It also features a tempered glass door for safety. The wooden build offers a traditional, aromatic sauna experience. The fabric tent is lightweight and easy to store. Wood provides a more permanent and robust structure.
Which sauna fits your home best
Apartment dwellers with limited space
The Smartmak unit measures 47.28 inches by 35.46 inches, making it compact enough for indoor rooms. Its portable design allows you to move it easily between spaces. The 1600-watt carbon panel heater provides efficient far infrared heat without requiring permanent installation or outdoor access.
Families seeking group relaxation sessions
The Benovo sauna accommodates 6 to 8 people, offering ample room for groups. Its 78.74-inch square footprint and 96.46-inch height create a spacious interior. The 8-kilowatt electric stove heats the Canadian cedar structure quickly, ensuring everyone stays warm during longer steam sessions together.
Homeowners with outdoor yard space
This wooden sauna is built for outdoor placement with a weatherproof sloped roof and raised floor. The Canadian cedar construction resists moisture and retains heat effectively. You get a dedicated backyard retreat that withstands the elements while providing a traditional steam experience with tempered glass doors.
Users preferring quick assembly setups
The Smartmak sauna assembles in approximately five minutes using a stable metal pipe structure. It includes foldable chairs and an anti-slip mat for immediate use. This low-commitment option lets you enjoy infrared therapy without the construction effort required for a permanent outdoor wooden structure.
The products compared
Smartmak Portable 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna
Best for: compact indoor use with red light therapy
- Heating Type
- Far infrared, carbon panels
- Person Capacity
- 2 person
- Placement
- Indoor
- Heater Power
- 1600 watt
- Control Type
- Remote control
- Features
- 660nm red light therapy, folding chairs
View on Amazon: Smartmak Portable 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna Affiliate link
This is a portable 2-person far infrared sauna designed for indoor use. It features 1600W of heating power from three carbon panels and includes 660nm red light therapy. The unit measures 47.28 x 35.46 x 63 inches and sets up in about five minutes. It includes two foldable chairs and an LED reading light. This model suits you if you want a compact, movable spa experience without permanent installation.
Pros
- Portable tent design for easy movement and storage
- Includes 660nm red light therapy panels
- Three carbon heating panels for efficient warming
- Quick five-minute assembly with stable metal frame
- Transparent windows allow natural light and fresh air access
Cons
- Smaller 2-person capacity compared to larger wooden saunas
- Indoor placement only, not suitable for outdoor use
- Heater power is lower than traditional high-wattage units
Good fit if
- You need a sauna that fits in a standard room and moves easily
- You want the benefits of red light therapy alongside infrared heat
- You prefer quick setup without permanent construction or wiring
Skip if
- You require an outdoor sauna made of wood
- You need a unit for more than two people
- You prefer high-temperature traditional steam or wood-fired heat
Verdict: Smartmak 2-Person Portable Far Infrared Sauna is a compact, movable option for small spaces. It fits you if you prioritize portability and red light therapy over high capacity or outdoor durability.
Benovo 6-8 Person Cedar Outdoor Sauna
Best for: large outdoor group steam sessions
- Heating Type
- Steam
- Person Capacity
- 6-8 Person
- Placement
- Outdoor
- Heater Power
- 6KW / 8KW
- Voltage
- 220V
- Wood Type
- Canadian Cedar, Japanese Cedar
View on Amazon: Benovo 6-8 Person Cedar Outdoor Sauna Affiliate link
This Benovo outdoor steam sauna holds 6 to 8 people inside a Canadian cedar structure. It uses a 220V 8KW electric stove for rapid heating. The 78.7-inch square footprint and 96.5-inch height provide ample room for groups. The white house-style exterior and sloped roof suit backyard placement. You get a large, durable unit designed for shared use.
Pros
- Accommodates 6 to 8 people
- 8KW electric stove for fast heating
- Premium Canadian Cedar construction
- Weatherproof sloped roof design
Cons
- Requires 220V electrical connection
- Large 78.7-inch footprint needs space
- Assembly required for outdoor kit
Good fit if
- You need a sauna for a group
- You have a 220V outlet outside
- You want a large cedar structure
Skip if
- You only have standard 110V power
- You prefer a small indoor unit
- You want a pre-assembled kit
Verdict: Benovo 6-8 Person Outdoor Cedar Sauna fits large families needing shared steam sessions. Its high wattage and cedar build support serious outdoor use.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Smartmak Portable 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna | Benovo 6-8 Person Cedar Outdoor Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Type | Far infrared, carbon panels | Steam |
| Person Capacity | 2 person | 6-8 Person |
| Placement | Indoor | Outdoor |
| Heater Power | 1600 watt | 6KW / 8KW |
| Voltage | not stated | 220V |
| Wood Type | not stated | Canadian Cedar, Japanese Cedar |
| Control Type | Remote control | not stated |
| Features | 660nm red light therapy, folding chairs | Lava rocks, bucket, ladle, thermometer |
| Dimensions | 47.28" x 35.46" x 63" | 78.74 * 78.74 * 96.46 in |
| Design | Portable | not stated |
| Heater Type | not stated | Electric Heater |
| Use | Recovery | not stated |
| Shape | Foldable | not stated |
| Size | 2 Person Sauna | not stated |
| Color | Black Green | White-6 Person |
| Model | HL-017 | SMT-040C |
Frequently asked questions
Is Smartmak or Benovo better for small apartments?
Smartmak is the better choice for small apartments. Its portable design allows you to move it easily between rooms. The unit measures 47.2 inches long and 35.4 inches wide. This compact size fits well in limited indoor spaces. Benovo requires a large outdoor area for its 78.7-foot footprint.
Can I use Benovo sauna indoors?
Benovo is designed specifically for outdoor placement. The brand lists it as an outdoor cedar sauna. Its large dimensions and electric heater require exterior ventilation and space. You should place it outside to accommodate its 96.5-inch height and 6-8 person capacity.
Does Smartmak include red light therapy?
Yes, the Smartmak portable sauna includes red light therapy. It features 660nm red light panels alongside its far infrared heating. This combination offers added wellness benefits during your session. You get targeted light therapy in a compact, portable unit.
How many people can fit in the Benovo sauna?
The Benovo sauna accommodates 6 to 8 people. It is built for large families or group steam sessions. The spacious interior supports multiple users comfortably. This high capacity makes it suitable for shared outdoor relaxation experiences.
What type of wood is the Benovo sauna made of?
The Benovo sauna is constructed from red cedar. This wood type is known for durability and natural resistance to moisture. The cedar build supports serious outdoor use. It provides a traditional sauna aesthetic with functional benefits.
Is the Smartmak sauna easy to move?
Yes, the Smartmak sauna is designed for portability. You can move it easily between different indoor spaces. Its lightweight, tent-like structure allows for quick setup and takedown. This makes it ideal for renters or those with limited permanent space.