Finnish Sauna vs Infrared Sauna

The benefits of sauna therapy are well worth the investment, whether you're looking to melt stress away after a long day or simply sweat out toxins your body is harboring. But with so many different styles it can be overwhelming trying to narrow it down.

Let us simplify things for you by comparing the two most common options: the Finnish sauna vs infrared sauna. This is a showdown between the traditional approach and the modern take on sauna therapy. Truthfully, you can't go wrong either way — it's all a matter of preference!

Finnish saunas rely on electric or wood-burning heaters to create intense heat, sometimes with water poured over hot stones to create steam. Infrared saunas heat the body directly rather than the sauna cabin — at much lower temperatures.

We'll compare the Finnish vs infrared sauna in much greater detail below to help you figure out which is more in line with your goals and desires. But why not get in touch with our experts here at Sauna Republic for a personalized recommendation instead?

After all, this is your one-stop shop for either an infrared sauna or a traditional Finnish sauna — all from the top manufacturers, at competitive prices, with HSA/FSA eligibility and free shipping.

What is a Finnish Sauna?

When you picture the most authentic sauna experience, this is probably the style that comes to mind. It can be traced back thousands of years to Finland, and it's still a popular way to tap into heat therapy today.

It uses either a wood-burning sauna stove or an electric sauna heater to warm up a pile of stones, which then radiate dry heat throughout the room. You can take things a step further and pour water over the hot stones to create steam — a practice known as löyly in Finland.

This moment of steam is a central part of the Finnish sauna ritual and makes the heat feel even more intense without increasing the actual air temperature. It can also do wonders for those with respiratory discomfort.

Typical operating temperatures range from 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C), with humidity levels fluctuating depending on how much water is added to the rocks. The heat feels intense compared to the more modern infrared sauna.

Finnish saunas are deeply rooted in cultural tradition. They're commonly used for relaxation, social connection, and general wellness. You'll find these outdoors most of the time, but they can be installed indoors as well. Our Auroom saunas and their thermally modified Aspen construction are a perfect example of modern Finnish craftsmanship.

What is an Infrared Sauna?

As the name suggests, this type of sauna relies on infrared light to heat the body directly rather than warming the air around you. This is the main difference between Finnish sauna and infrared sauna.

Instead of using a stove and hot rocks, infrared saunas rely on panels made of ceramic, carbon fiber, or a combination of both to emit infrared radiation, which your body absorbs as heat.

This type of heat can penetrate deep into the body — up to 1.5 inches. Yet this sauna style operates at much lower temperatures (usually between 110°F and 140°F), which is more comfortable for those who find the Finnish sauna experience a bit overwhelming.

You still sweat a ton, but you're getting some benefits that are harder to replicate with a traditional sauna — most notably deep tissue relief, faster muscle recovery, and pain management. Users also rely on infrared saunas for relaxation, circulation, and detoxification.

There are three types of infrared wavelengths: near, mid, and far-infrared. Most budget saunas are far-infrared only, but full-spectrum saunas include all three. Our Finnmark saunas use UL-listed full-spectrum Spectrum Plus™ panels with low EMF ratings.

One thing you won't get in an infrared sauna is steam. It's just a dry heat, which isn't a bad thing — but something to keep in mind if you're passionate about the löyly practice. That said, the absence of steam also makes maintenance a lot simpler.

Infrared saunas can be installed indoors or outdoors and tend to be more plug-and-play without much wiring needed. They're more affordable and more accessible. So, where does that leave you in choosing between the Finnish sauna vs infrared sauna?

Finnish Sauna vs Infrared Sauna: Key Differences

Before we take a closer look at the Finnish vs infrared sauna side by side, we want to be clear: each style brings something special to your self-care ritual. You're making a great investment in your health and happiness either way.

Ultimately, choosing between a Finnish sauna vs infrared sauna comes down to a few factors: what specific benefits are you most passionate about, how well do you deal with heat, and what's your budget? We'll cover all this and more below.

Heating Method and Temperature

The differences in benefits, experience, and cost can all be traced back to the heating method. Finnish saunas heat the air, infrared saunas heat your body directly.

Heat builds gradually in a Finnish sauna since they warm the space itself using an electric or wood-burning heater, raising the actual temperature inside the cabin. Water can be ladled over hot sauna stones to generate steam and increase humidity for the ultimate experience.

On the other hand, infrared saunas utilize radiant heat panels that emit infrared light to warm the body directly without significantly heating the air around you. No steam here — so if that matters to you, you'll probably want to stick with the Finnish sauna.

As for temperature, Finnish saunas are much more intense, usually reaching 160°F to 200°F compared to just 110°F to 140°F for infrared saunas.

But here's an important takeaway — you're not sacrificing any "health benefits" by going with an infrared sauna just because it's not as hot. The heat still feels intense, but more manageable, since it's warming your body directly.

Sweat Response and Detoxification

You still work up quite the sweat in an infrared sauna, even if it doesn't feel as hot as its Finnish counterpart. In fact, some users find they actually sweat more in an infrared sauna because the infrared wavelengths penetrate beneath the skin's surface to stimulate sweat glands directly.

In contrast, the sweat response in a Finnish sauna comes primarily from the ambient heat, which gradually raises the body's core temperature. It takes longer to start sweating, so sessions are usually longer.

Installation and Setup Requirements

There's a pretty dramatic difference here. Most Finnish saunas need a dedicated 240V power source or a safe location for a wood-burning stove, along with proper ventilation. You'll probably need to hire an electrician, which adds to the initial cost. Moisture control is important too since steam requires careful planning around flooring, nearby materials, and drainage.

Infrared saunas are way easier to install. Many run on a standard 120V outlet and don't require any special venting or drainage. That makes them ideal for spare rooms, basements, garages, or really anywhere you can fit your sauna.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Both types of saunas are relatively low-maintenance, but Finnish saunas typically require more frequent attention given all the moisture inside the cabin. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent mildew or mold, especially around benches and flooring.

If your Finnish sauna is powered by a wood-burning stove, you'll need to regularly clean up ash and stock firewood. The rustic ambiance is worth it for some, but it's more hands-on.

Infrared saunas require little ongoing maintenance — no water involved, and the heating panels don't produce any residue. Upkeep just involves wiping down surfaces and checking connections occasionally.

Cost Considerations

A sauna is a great investment in your health and happiness — and you're worth it! But you need to understand both the upfront and ongoing costs.

Operating costs for Finnish saunas tend to be higher due to the energy required to heat the cabin. A typical 6kW or 8kW heater running for an hour draws more power than an infrared system. Using water to generate steam also adds wear on components over time. For a full breakdown, see our sauna electricity cost guide.

In general, infrared saunas are more energy-efficient. They heat up quickly, draw less power, and don't need time to warm the air — just the body. They're also cheaper upfront most of the time.

That said, Sauna Republic offers competitive prices on both Finnish and infrared saunas, plus HSA/FSA eligibility through Truemed — saving 20–40% with pre-tax dollars.

Sauna Experience and Ritual

The experience in a Finnish vs infrared sauna is very different. The Finnish sauna is all about tradition — from pouring water over the rocks to the sensation of steam rising around your body. This type of sauna engages multiple senses.

Infrared saunas provide a quieter, more passive form of therapy. There's no steam, no ladle, no sudden bursts of heat — just a steady, gentle warmth that lets users sit, read, meditate, or even stretch during a session.

Think about it this way: infrared saunas are all about convenience, while Finnish saunas are big on tradition. One isn't inherently "better" than the other.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Both sauna types offer meaningful wellness benefits with plenty of overlap. Each supports relaxation, detoxification, and mental clarity. But there are some unique benefits that come from the infrared sauna:

Lower heart rate, longer sessions: You can stay in longer since the heat is lower — a steadier cardiovascular workout without as much strain on the body.

Deep tissue relief: Infrared waves reach deeper into muscles and joints, which can have profound effects for people with chronic pain, arthritis, or inflammation.

Improved skin clarity: The deep sweat can help flush toxins from skin tissue, potentially reducing breakouts and improving skin over time.

Faster recovery: Athletes rely on infrared heat to increase blood flow and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after hard workouts.

That said, you could make the case for a traditional Finnish sauna as well. The steam from pouring water over rocks can support respiratory health. There's also something to be said for the ritualistic aspect and the way it impacts your mental wellbeing.

Our Picks for Both: Finnish and Infrared Saunas

Sauna Republic is your trusted choice for any type of sauna. Here's what we recommend:

Best Finnish (Traditional) Saunas

All Auroom saunas require a heater purchased separately. We recommend the Harvia KIP 60W ($1,450) for best value or the Saunum Air 7 ($3,195) for the most even heat distribution. Browse all our electric sauna heaters.

Best Infrared Saunas

Best of Both Worlds

Wrapping Up Our Finnish vs Infrared Sauna Comparison

That does it for our Finnish sauna vs infrared sauna comparison. We hope you have a clear understanding of the benefits each brings to the table and which is right for you. You really can't go wrong either way.

Whether you want a traditional Finnish sauna or a full-spectrum infrared sauna, the only thing left to do is explore our full collection — or better yet, connect with our experts for a personalized recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna?
Finnish saunas heat the air to 160–200°F using electric or wood-burning heaters, with the option for steam. Infrared saunas heat your body directly at 110–140°F using light panels — no steam, lower temperatures, and gentler sessions.

Is an infrared sauna as good as a Finnish sauna?
Both offer real wellness benefits including relaxation, detoxification, and cardiovascular support. Infrared saunas have an edge for deep tissue relief and muscle recovery, while Finnish saunas offer the traditional steam experience. Neither is objectively "better" — it depends on your preferences.

Which is cheaper to run — Finnish or infrared?
Infrared saunas are more energy-efficient. They draw 1.5–3 kW vs 4–7.5 kW for traditional heaters, costing roughly $3–$6/month vs $9–$15/month with regular use.

Can I get both Finnish and infrared in one sauna?
Yes. The Finnmark FD-4 Trinity ($7,795) combines infrared, traditional steam, and red light therapy in a single cabin.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds for a sauna?
Yes. All saunas on our store are HSA/FSA eligible through Truemed, saving 20–40% with pre-tax dollars.