Traditional Sauna vs Infrared Sauna: What's the Difference?

Saunas are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking relaxation, detoxification and a sense of overall wellbeing. Within the world of saunas, though, several options offer distinct experiences. Traditional saunas and infrared saunas are the two most popular, but what's the difference between them? Let's compare these two options and help you decide which is best for you.

What is a traditional sauna?

A traditional sauna is the classic model, heated by a stove that warms the air and stones to generate dry heat. Temperatures can vary between 70 °C and 100 °C. This type of sauna is ideal if you enjoy a more intense experience, where the dry heat promotes deep sweating. To briefly increase humidity, you can pour water onto the stones, creating a temporary sensation of steam — but the focus stays on dry heat.

The traditional sauna is known for improving circulation, easing muscle pain and supporting detoxification through sweating.

What is an infrared sauna?

An infrared sauna uses infrared light emitters to heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around it. This type of sauna runs at lower temperatures, typically between 40 °C and 60 °C, which makes it a more comfortable option for some people. The heat penetrates more deeply into muscle tissue, giving a more internal sense of warmth.

Because it's a gentler experience temperature-wise, the infrared sauna can be an excellent option if you want the benefits of a sauna but find the intense heat of a traditional sauna uncomfortable.

Key differences:

• Temperature: The main difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna is temperature. Traditional saunas are significantly hotter, while infrared saunas offer a gentler heat experience.

• Type of heat: Traditional saunas heat the air around you, which can feel more intense. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, heat the body directly, giving a more internal, deeper sense of warmth.

• Sweating and benefits: Both types promote sweating, but the infrared sauna is known for inducing faster, more intense sweating at lower temperatures. This can be more comfortable for anyone sensitive to heat. The traditional sauna, meanwhile, can offer a more classic feeling of relaxation and detoxification.

Which is the better choice for you?

If you enjoy intense heat and a classic sauna experience, the traditional sauna may be your choice. If you're after similar benefits at lower temperatures, the infrared sauna can be more comfortable while still offering effective detoxification.

Still undecided between traditional and infrared? All our indoor saunas can be hybrids, with both an electric heater and infrared emitters. At Saunamo, you'll find the perfect choice for anyone who wants the best of both worlds — both experiences in a single unit.

Now that you know the differences between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna, you can decide which best suits your wellbeing needs. If you still have questions or need help choosing the right option, get in touch. We're here to help you choose the right sauna for you.

Explore our products

Discover our infrared saunas — efficient heating and simple installation:

• Aura 150 Infrared Sauna
• Aura 110 Infrared Sauna
• Kajo Electric Heater

See infrared saunas →