The choice between infrared and traditional saunas is one of the most common questions we receive from prospective buyers. Both offer significant health benefits and relaxation, but they deliver heat in fundamentally different ways, creating distinct experiences suited to different preferences and goals.
This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the key differences and determine which type aligns best with your needs, space, and budget.
How They Work: The Fundamental Difference
Traditional Finnish Saunas
Traditional saunas, also called Finnish saunas or steam saunas, heat the air around you using an electric or wood-fired heater. Temperatures typically range from 70°C to 100°C (sometimes higher), creating an intensely hot environment. Many users enhance the experience by throwing water on heated rocks to create bursts of steam, known as löyly in Finnish tradition.
In a traditional sauna, your body is heated primarily through convection (hot air) and conduction (contact with hot surfaces). You sweat as your body works to cool itself in response to the ambient heat.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared light panels to directly heat your body rather than heating the air. The infrared spectrum (typically far-infrared at 5-15 microns) penetrates your skin and warms your body from within. Operating temperatures are much lower, typically 40°C to 60°C, yet users often report sweating just as much or more than in traditional saunas.
A traditional sauna is like heating a room with a radiator—the air gets hot, and you feel warm because you're in hot air. An infrared sauna is more like standing in sunlight on a cool day—you feel warm even though the air around you isn't particularly hot.
Temperature and Experience
Traditional Sauna Experience
- Temperature: 70-100°C (some go higher)
- Heat-up time: 30-45 minutes
- Session duration: Typically 10-20 minutes (often with breaks)
- Humidity: Variable; can be increased with water on rocks (5-30%)
- Experience: Intense, enveloping heat; breathing heated air is part of the experience
Infrared Sauna Experience
- Temperature: 40-60°C
- Heat-up time: 10-15 minutes (can enter immediately while it warms)
- Session duration: Typically 20-45 minutes
- Humidity: Remains at ambient room level
- Experience: Gentler, more gradual warming; easier to breathe
Health Benefits Comparison
Both sauna types offer impressive health benefits, though they may work through slightly different mechanisms.
Both infrared and traditional saunas have been shown to support cardiovascular health, reduce stress, ease muscle soreness, improve sleep quality, and promote relaxation. The key is consistent use rather than the specific type.
Benefits Often Emphasized for Traditional Saunas
- Cardiovascular conditioning: The extreme heat provides a more intense cardiovascular workout
- Respiratory benefits: Steam can help open airways and sinuses
- Authentic experience: The cultural and ritual aspects valued by traditionalists
- Social bathing: Traditionally a communal activity
Benefits Often Emphasized for Infrared Saunas
- Deep tissue penetration: Infrared waves penetrate 3-4cm into the body
- Longer sessions possible: Lower temperatures allow extended exposure
- Accessibility: Better tolerated by those who find extreme heat uncomfortable
- Detoxification claims: Some studies suggest different sweat composition, though evidence is limited
Practical Considerations
Space Requirements
Infrared saunas are generally more compact. A 1-person unit can fit in a space as small as 90cm x 90cm, and they can often be placed in bedrooms, bathrooms, or spare rooms without special ventilation requirements.
Traditional saunas typically require more space and must account for proper ventilation. They need adequate clearance from walls and ceilings due to higher temperatures. Indoor installation often requires modifications to handle humidity.
Electrical Requirements
Infrared saunas: Smaller models often run on standard 10-amp household circuits. Larger models may need dedicated 15-amp circuits. Generally plug-and-play installation.
Traditional saunas: Almost always require dedicated circuits, often 15-32 amps. Professional electrical installation is typically necessary. Some models require three-phase power.
Running Costs
Infrared saunas are more energy-efficient due to lower operating temperatures and faster heat-up times. A typical infrared sauna session uses 1-2 kWh of electricity (roughly $0.30-$0.60 per session in Australia).
Traditional electric saunas use 4-8 kWh per session due to higher temperatures and longer preheating times (roughly $1.20-$2.40 per session).
If you use your sauna 3 times per week, the annual electricity cost difference could be $200-$400 or more, depending on your local rates. Factor this into your decision if budget is a concern.
Purchase Price
Entry-level infrared saunas start around $1,000-$1,500 for quality 1-person units. Mid-range 2-3 person models typically cost $2,000-$4,000.
Traditional saunas generally cost more, with quality indoor units starting around $3,000-$4,000 and larger or premium models exceeding $10,000.
Installation
Infrared saunas are designed for easy DIY assembly. Most prefabricated units can be set up in 30-60 minutes with basic tools and no modifications to your home.
Traditional saunas range from relatively simple prefab units to complex custom installations. They often require professional installation for electrical work and may need flooring and ventilation modifications.
Who Should Choose Which?
Consider a Traditional Sauna If:
- You love intense heat and the sensation of hot air surrounding you
- You appreciate the cultural tradition and ritual of Finnish sauna bathing
- You want the option of creating steam (löyly)
- You plan to use it socially with family or friends
- You have adequate space and electrical capacity
- You're considering an outdoor installation (barrel saunas are traditional-style)
Consider an Infrared Sauna If:
- You find extreme heat uncomfortable or have heat sensitivity
- You want a faster, more convenient sauna experience
- Space is limited (apartment, small home)
- You prefer longer, more meditative sessions
- Energy efficiency is important to you
- You want plug-and-play simplicity
- Budget is a primary concern
The "Best" Sauna Is Personal
There's no objectively superior sauna type—only the one that's right for your circumstances and preferences. Some enthusiasts eventually own both types, appreciating each for different moods and purposes.
If possible, try both types before purchasing. Many gyms, wellness centers, and float spas have saunas you can experience. Pay attention to how your body responds to each style and which you find yourself looking forward to returning to.
- First-time sauna buyer with limited space/budget: Infrared is usually the practical choice
- Sauna purist wanting authentic experience: Traditional is the way to go
- Health-focused user seeking regular sessions: Either works well; choose based on heat preference
- Outdoor installation: Traditional barrel saunas are popular and attractive
Ready to explore your options? Take our sauna finder quiz to get personalized recommendations, or browse our product finder to compare specific models.
