Should I Get an Infrared or Traditional Sauna?

Our verdict

In most cases, we recommend a traditional sauna.

• Choose traditional if you want a permanent installation you will use for many years. It costs more and takes more effort to set up, but many of our customers end up here eventually, and it is worth it for a family home or any sauna you and a partner will use regularly. Once it is installed, people tend to use it more.
• Choose infrared if you want something affordable, easy to set up and mostly plug-and-play, or if you rent or may move.
• Choose a hybrid if one person wants high heat and the other wants a gentler infrared session (see the hybrid section below).

Infrared vs traditional at a glance

Price

Infrared saunas

Infrared saunas are typically more affordable than traditional saunas, offering a convenient entry point for first-time buyers. With over 15 years of advancements, these saunas now come in easy-to-install, plug-and-play designs. You can get started with a basic indoor infrared sauna from $1,899, which plugs into a standard 15-amp outlet.

Factors affecting infrared sauna cost:

• Lower EMF (Electromagnetic Field) technology
• High-quality wood materials
• Higher maximum temperature settings
• Extended warranties

For larger saunas (3+ people), you may need a 20-amp circuit and potentially an electrician for installation. At this point, you might wonder if a traditional sauna is worth considering instead.

People who spend roughly $2,000 to $3,000 on infrared are usually very happy with it and use it often. You do not need to overspend, since infrared saunas are built in much the same way.

Traditional saunas

Traditional saunas are generally more expensive upfront. Prices start around $4,999 for indoor models before installation costs. These saunas use 240v electric stoves requiring a certified electrician, which adds $1,000 to $5,000 to the overall cost, depending on your electrical setup.

Example Cost Breakdown for a Traditional Sauna:

• 2-3 Person Indoor Sauna Kit: $4,000
• Basic Sauna Heater: $1,000
• Electrical Installation: $2,000
• DIY Assembly: $0

Total Cost: $7,000

Hiring professionals for assembly increases the cost to $9,000 to $10,000 for larger models.

Benefits

Infrared saunas

Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, typically around 120°F–150°F, making them more comfortable for extended use. They heat the body directly using infrared light, which penetrates deep into tissues, offering the following benefits:

• Improved circulation and metabolism (Huang et al., 2015).
• Reduced inflammation (Biro et al., 2003).
• Enhanced immune function (Pilch et al., 2013).

For individuals sensitive to high heat, infrared saunas provide a therapeutic experience without discomfort.

Research on infrared saunas is more limited than research on high-heat traditional saunas.

Traditional saunas

The primary advantage of traditional saunas lies in their high heat, which typically reaches 185°F–194°F. Scientific studies have extensively validated their health benefits, including:

• Cortisol reduction: Repeated sauna bathing at 194°F+, followed by cold-water immersion (51°F), has been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels (Podstawski et al., 2021).
• Improved cardiovascular health: Regular sauna use correlates with reduced cardiovascular mortality and enhanced vascular function (Laukkanen et al., 2018).
• Boosted physical performance: Sauna use supports testosterone levels and recovery after exercise (Heinonen & Laukkanen, 2017).

The intense heat and steam create a classic sauna experience that many enthusiasts prefer for its invigorating effects.

What about a hybrid sauna?

Hybrid saunas are becoming more popular, and there are more indoor and outdoor options than ever. A hybrid gives you both a traditional stove and infrared panels in one cabin. The catch is that you use one at a time. Infrared panels typically run at around 150°F and are not built for high heat, while a traditional sauna can run at 200°F or more. Many people buy a hybrid expecting to use both together and get all the benefits at once, and that is not how they work.

The reason to buy a hybrid is when one person wants high heat and the other prefers a lower-heat infrared session. One sauna covers both. If you are buying for yourself and want the most proven option, a traditional sauna is usually the better choice.

We often recommend the AH Classic Hybrid series. It is a cedar tongue-and-groove traditional sauna built to handle heat and humidity, and it works with an infrared retrofit kit, so you can add infrared panels. This applies to the 2, 3, 4 and 6 person models.

Indoor or outdoor?

Indoor saunas are usually more cost-effective and easier to install, and work well in basements, garages and spare rooms. Outdoor saunas make a standalone retreat, from compact barrels to cabin-style rooms. For the full comparison, see Indoor or Outdoor Sauna: Which Is Better?.

We do not recommend outdoor infrared saunas. In cold climates you will usually need a traditional stove to preheat, so most outdoor infrared owners end up using the traditional heat anyway. If you want an outdoor sauna, get an outdoor traditional sauna.

Our top pick in each category

Getting a cold plunge too?

If you plan to add a cold plunge, choose a traditional sauna. The contrast therapy research we point to uses sauna temperatures of about 170°F or higher, and infrared panels do not reach that heat.

Frequently asked questions

Is infrared better than traditional?

No. There is little research showing infrared is better, and far more research on high-heat traditional saunas. Infrared is a great choice for price and convenience.

Can I use infrared and traditional at the same time?

In most cases, no. Hybrid saunas have both, but you use one or the other. Infrared panels top out around 150°F, while a traditional sauna runs much hotter.

Who should buy a hybrid sauna?

Couples who want different heat levels, for example one person who wants high heat and one who prefers gentle infrared. It is not the right choice if you want to use both at once.

Are outdoor infrared saunas a good idea?

Usually not. In cold climates you will need a traditional stove to preheat, so most outdoor infrared owners end up using the traditional heat. Just buy an outdoor traditional sauna.

Do I need a traditional sauna if I am getting a cold plunge?

Yes, to get the temperatures used in contrast therapy research (about 170°F or higher).

Can I take an infrared sauna with me if I rent or move?

Infrared is the easier choice for renters and movers. Most are plug-and-play and set up in an hour or two with two people.

Does a traditional sauna need an electrician?

Yes. Traditional electric saunas use a 240V stove that needs a certified electrician, which adds roughly $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your electrical setup.

How much does a home sauna cost?

Infrared starts around $1,899. Indoor traditional saunas generally cost more up front, and installation adds to the total. See the price section above for an example breakdown.

As always, our team is here to help. Contact us to build a tailored list of options for your space and budget.