Steam Shower Features Worth Upgrading For in 2026

If your steam shower is more than five years old, the biggest upgrades available today are smartphone control, easier maintenance features such as auto-drain and ozone sterilization, and better built-in entertainment. Here’s what’s new and which features are worth paying for.

Remote control

What it does: Start, stop, and adjust your steam session from a remote control.

Why it matters: Preheat the cabin ahead of your steam session so it’s ready the moment you walk in. It also makes it easy to adjust temperature or lighting without fumbling with the in-cabin panel.

Worth it? Yes, for daily users. It’s the feature most upgraders say they use every day.

Auto-drain

What it does: Automatically empties the steam generator after each session.

Why it matters: Standing water in the generator causes mineral buildup, the most common cause of weak steam and generator wear.

Worth it? Yes, especially if you have hard water.

Ozone sterilization

What it does: Releases a small amount of ozone into the cabin after use to help reduce bacteria and odors. Most steam shower models include ozone.

Why it matters: It adds a hygiene step on top of regular cleaning, which is especially helpful in a shower used by several people.

Worth it? A nice-to-have for most households and a stronger case for shared or heavily used showers.

Built-in audio

What it does: Bluetooth speakers stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your phone, and some models include FM radio. All models include Bluetooth speaker systems.

Worth it? Yes, if you enjoy longer sessions. It turns a steam shower into a true personal retreat.

Chromotherapy lighting

What it does: Colored LED lighting you can set to a single color or let cycle slowly. Read our chromotherapy guide.

Worth it? Yes, for relaxation-focused buyers. It’s an inexpensive feature that changes the feel of every session.

Better water features

Newer models offer larger rain heads, adjustable body jets, and improved handheld sprayers. If you use your steam shower as your daily shower, upgrades here make the biggest difference to everyday comfort.

More room and better seating

Older units were often tight one-person cabins. Today’s lineup includes wider two- and three-person enclosures with longer or double seats. Browse Platinum steam showers for larger layouts.

Worth it or nice-to-have? A quick guide

Feature	Best for	Our take
Smartphone / remote control	Daily users	Worth it
Auto-drain	Everyone, especially hard-water areas	Worth it
Ozone sterilization	Shared or heavily used showers	Nice-to-have
Bluetooth audio	Longer sessions	Worth it for most
Chromotherapy	Relaxation-focused buyers	Worth it
Upgraded water features	Daily showering	Worth it
Multi-person cabin	Couples and families	Depends on household

Can you add these features to an old unit?

Usually not. Most of these features are built into the generator and control system. Replacement parts can restore a failing unit, but they rarely add new capabilities. If you want the features above, a new steam shower is typically the most practical path. See Repair or Replace? 6 Signs It’s Time.

Frequently asked questions

What is ozone sterilization and is it worth it?

Ozone sterilization releases a small amount of ozone into the cabin after use to help reduce bacteria and odors. It complements regular cleaning rather than replacing it, and it’s most useful in a shower used by several people.

Do newer steam showers use less energy?

Newer steam shower models are more energy efficient than older models. Features like auto shut-off and timers also help by ensuring the generator only runs when you’re using it.

Can I add these features to my existing unit?

In most cases, no. Features such as smartphone control, auto-drain, and ozone are built into the generator and control system. Upgrading usually means replacing the unit, which is often simpler than people expect.

Compare models

Compare Platinum and Mesafeature sets, or call 800.791.8232 for a side-by-side recommendation within your budget.