Both will make you sweat and help you unwind, but they work in completely different ways. A traditional sauna heats the air, and the hot air heats you. An infrared sauna heats your body directly with infrared panels, while the air stays relatively cool.
Quick comparison
| Infrared sauna | Traditional sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Air temperature | ~120–140 °F (50–60 °C) | 160–195 °F (70–90 °C) |
| Warm-up time | ~10–20 min | ~30–60 min |
| Water on the stones | no | yes |
| How it feels | gentle, deep warmth | intense heat, bursts of steam |
| Electrical | small units often 120 V | most heaters need a dedicated 240 V circuit |
| Space | fits in an apartment or spare room | needs more room and proper ventilation |
| Purchase price | usually lower | usually higher |
| Running cost per session | lower | higher |
What does a session cost to run?
Here’s a simple estimate, using an electricity rate of $0.18 per kWh (check your own bill, as rates vary a lot by state).
Infrared, 2-person, ~1.7 kW: 15 minutes of warm-up plus a 40-minute session ≈ 1.6 kWh ≈ about $0.30 per session.
Traditional, 6 kW heater: 45 minutes of full-power warm-up (4.5 kWh), then the heater cycles on and off for a 45-minute session (≈ half power, 2.25 kWh). That’s ≈ 6.75 kWh ≈ about $1.20 per session.
At three sessions a week that’s roughly $50 a year for infrared versus $190 a year for traditional. That’s a real difference, but rarely the deciding factor.
When an infrared sauna makes sense
- You live in an apartment or have limited space.
- Very high temperatures make you uncomfortable.
- You want short, frequent sessions, for example after work.
- You don’t want to run a new 240 V circuit.
Panel quality is where infrared saunas differ most. Look at the panel type (carbon, ceramic or full-spectrum near/mid/far infrared), where the panels sit (back, calves, sides) and the total wattage. Many buyers also care about EMF levels. If that matters to you, ask for independent test data rather than relying on a “low EMF” label.
You can find budget infrared models on Amazon, while premium brands like Sunlighten and Sun Home Saunas sell direct.
When a traditional sauna makes sense
- You want the “real” sauna experience: throwing water on hot stones for a wave of steam (the Finns call it löyly).
- You’ll sauna with family or friends.
- You have room in a basement, garage or backyard.
- You’re into contrast therapy: hot sauna followed by a cold plunge or cold shower, repeated a few times.
The heater is the heart of a traditional sauna. We explain how to size it in our home sauna buying guide. For outdoor barrel and cabin saunas, have a look at Redwood Outdoors.
Is there a middle ground?
Yes. Hybrid saunas combine a traditional heater with infrared panels. You pay more and need both power setups, but you get both experiences. Another option is a traditional sauna run at a lower temperature with more water on the stones, a softer “bio sauna” style session.
Verdict
- Choose infrared for convenience, small spaces, plug-in simplicity and lower running costs.
- Choose traditional for intense heat, real steam and the social, ritual side of sauna.
If you’re on the fence, try both at a local gym or spa before you buy. An afternoon there can save you from a very expensive mistake.