How much does a sunbed cost to buy? UK prices for 2026
Home sunbed prices in the UK range from about £1,200 for a budget domestic bed to £8,000 for salon-spec equipment. Here's what each tier actually gets you, what it costs to run, and how buying compares with hiring at £175 for 4 weeks of unlimited sessions.
Sunbed prices by type
| Type | Typical UK price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget domestic lie-down | £1,200 – £2,000 | Lower output, longer sessions, home-use tubes |
| Commercial-grade stand-up (26 tube) | £3,300 delivered | Fast 6–12 min sessions, new tubes, warranty |
| Commercial lie-down (40+ tube) | £4,000 – £6,500 | Heavy, needs a large permanent space |
| High-output / hybrid commercial | £6,500 – £8,000+ | Salon spec, often needs a dedicated supply |
The sweet spot for most homes is a commercial-grade 26-tube stand-up bed: fast sessions, an even all-over tan and a much smaller footprint than a lie-down. Ours is £3,300 delivered UK-wide.
Running costs
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Electricity per 10-minute session | Roughly 40p – 70p at current UK rates |
| Tube replacement | £300 – £600 every 500–800 hours of use |
| Acrylic cleaner and goggles | £20 – £40 a year |
| Servicing / electrical check | £60 – £120 a year if you want one |
Buying vs salon vs hire
Salon sessions are usually £6–£12 each, so tanning three times a week costs roughly £100–£140 a month. A £3,300 bed pays for itself in around two to three years of regular use, and faster if more than one person in the house uses it. If you only tan before holidays or events, hiring is the cheaper route — £175 covers four weeks of unlimited sessions with delivery, installation and collection included.
FAQs
How much does a sunbed cost to buy in the UK?
Budget domestic beds start around £1,200. Commercial-grade stand-up beds run from about £3,000 to £8,000. Our Caribbean 26-tube stand-up sunbed is £3,300 including UK delivery with new tubes fitted.
How much does a home sunbed cost to run?
Around 40p to 70p of electricity for a 10-minute session at current UK rates, plus tube replacement every 500–800 hours of use. For most households that's a few pounds a month.
Is it cheaper to buy a sunbed than go to a salon?
If you tan regularly, yes. Salon sessions typically cost £6–£12, so 3 sessions a week is roughly £100–£140 a month. A £3,300 bed pays for itself in around 2–3 years of regular use — sooner if more than one person uses it.
Is buying cheaper than hiring?
Only if you use it year-round. Hire is £175 for 4 weeks of unlimited sessions with delivery, install and collection included, which is far better value for holiday or event tanning.
Do home sunbeds need special wiring?
Most 26-tube stand-up beds run on a standard domestic supply. Larger commercial lie-down beds can need a dedicated circuit — always check before you buy.
How long do sunbed tubes last?
Typically 500–800 hours of use. With three 10-minute sessions a week that's several years before output drops enough to need replacing.
Does a sunbed hold its value?
Commercial-grade beds hold value far better than budget domestic units — there's a steady second-hand market, especially for stand-up beds with recent tubes.
What's included in your £3,300 price?
The bed, new tanning tubes and UK-wide delivery. You pay a £250 refundable deposit, we arrange delivery over WhatsApp, then the £3,050 balance once your date is confirmed.
Related: hiring vs buying a sunbed · home sunbed hire