If you’re shopping for a home sauna, the first real decision isn’t the brand — it’s the heat type. Infrared and traditional saunas deliver very different experiences, cost differently to run and install, and suit different homes. Here’s how they actually compare.
How They Heat You
Traditional saunas heat the air around you, typically to 170–200°F, using an electric heater or wood-burning stove loaded with volcanic rocks. Pour water on the rocks and you get löyly — the burst of steam that makes traditional sauna sessions feel intense and immersive.
Infrared saunas skip heating the air. Instead, infrared panels warm your body directly with radiant heat, usually around 140°F. The experience is gentler, and most people find it easier to tolerate for longer sessions.
Installation & Power Requirements
This is where the decision often gets made for people, not by them. Many infrared cabins run on a standard 120V household outlet and heat up in 10–15 minutes — no electrician required. Traditional saunas generally need a dedicated higher-voltage circuit and more ventilation planning, which usually means an electrician and a bigger installation budget.
If you’re retrofitting a spare room or garage corner without rewiring, infrared is the path of least resistance. If you’re building new construction or a dedicated outbuilding, the electrical gap matters less.
The Experience Itself
Traditional sauna is the more intense, more “authentic” experience if you grew up with or love the Finnish sauna tradition — high heat, steam, quick sessions. Infrared is the more approachable option for people who find traditional sauna heat overwhelming, want longer low-intensity sessions, or are using the sauna primarily for recovery rather than ritual.
Price
Most people land on a 2-person infrared cabin priced between $1,800 and $4,000 new. Traditional saunas span a wider range depending on materials and whether you’re building custom versus buying a prefab kit, but tend to run higher once you factor in electrical work.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose infrared if: you want simple installation, lower running costs, and gentler, longer sessions.
Choose traditional if: you want the highest heat, steam, and the closest thing to an authentic Finnish sauna experience — and you’re prepared for the installation requirements.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pingback: Best Sauna Blankets for At-Home Infrared Therapy in 2026 – The Sauna Culture