Infrared vs traditional sauna
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Infrared saunas heat your body with panels. Traditional saunas heat the air with a stove and stones. That one difference changes the wiring, the temperature, the size and the running cost. Here's how the 56 infrared and 84 traditional and hybrid saunas we list compare.
| From our catalog | Infrared (56) | Traditional and hybrid (84) |
|---|---|---|
| Median price | $3,399 | $8,099 |
| Price range | $1,999 to $9,995 | $3,496 to $34,763 |
| Run on 120V | 53 of 56 | 1 of 84 |
| Published max temperature | 140 to 170°F | 170 to 239°F |
| Median rated power | 1,965 W (17 publish it) | 6,000 W (82 publish it) |
| Built for outdoor use | 6 of 56 | 56 of 84 |
| Steam from water on stones | No | Yes |
Heat and feel
A traditional sauna heats the room, so the air is hot and you can raise the humidity by pouring water on the stones. Infrared panels warm you more directly, so the air stays cooler. People who grew up with Finnish saunas often find infrared too mild. People who find high air temperatures uncomfortable often prefer it. Neither is a health choice we can rate.
Wiring is usually the deciding factor
Nearly every infrared sauna we list runs on 120V, and 31 plug into a standard outlet. Every traditional and hybrid sauna needs a 240V circuit installed by an electrician. If adding a 240V circuit isn't practical, that narrows the choice to infrared. Our plug-in guide and electrical guide cover the details.
Running cost
Traditional stoves are rated at several times the power of infrared panels, and traditional sessions usually include a longer warm-up. At the U.S. average residential rate of 18.34¢ per kWh (EIA, June 2026), four sessions a week at full rated power cost about $5 a month for the median infrared sauna here (45 minutes) and $24 for the median traditional one (75 minutes, including warm-up). Those are upper estimates: stoves and panels cycle off once they reach temperature. Try your own numbers in our operating cost calculator.
Which suits you?
Infrared suits you if
- You can't add a 240V circuit
- The sauna is going in a spare room or bedroom
- You prefer milder air temperatures
- See the infrared guide
Traditional suits you if
- You want steam and high air temperatures
- You have space outdoors, or a room you can vent
- You can budget for a 240V circuit
- See the traditional guide
Let your answers decide
Find My Sauna weighs heat style against your wiring, space and budget, and shows the trade-offs.
Questions buyers ask
Is infrared or traditional sauna better?
Neither is better for everyone. Infrared is easier to wire and runs cooler. Traditional runs hotter and gives you steam. Your wiring and space usually decide it.
What temperature should a traditional sauna be?
Makers of the traditional saunas we list publish maximums from 170 to 239°F. Most people use a lower setting. Follow the maker's guidance and your own comfort.
Which costs less to run?
Infrared, in our catalog. The median infrared sauna is rated at a fraction of the power of the median traditional stove, and sessions are usually shorter.
Can I get both in one sauna?
Yes. A hybrid sauna has a stove and infrared panels. We list 5.
Related guides
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