Both will make you sweat, recover and sleep better. They differ in how they heat you, what they cost, and how hard they are to install.
Traditional (Finnish) saunas heat the air to 150–195°F with an electric or wood-burning heater and hot stones. Pour water on the stones for steam (loyly). Infrared saunas use panels that heat your body directly at 120–150°F, with dry air and no steam.
| Infrared | Traditional | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost | $1,500 – $7,000 | $3,400 – $25,000+ |
| Installation | Same day, often plug-and-play | 1 day – 4 weeks, dedicated circuit |
| Warm-up time | ~15 minutes | 30 – 60 minutes |
| Session length | 30 – 60 minutes | 10 – 20 minutes |
| Steam | No | Yes |
Choose infrared for budget, apartments, home gyms and longer, gentler sessions. Choose traditional for the authentic high-heat ritual, steam, and outdoor or custom builds. Not sure? Call (888) 123-4567 and a local specialist will compare both for your space — free.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a local sauna & bathroom remodeling specialist in your area.
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