Infrared vs Traditional Sauna, Types Explained
A traditional sauna heats the air with hot stones, an infrared sauna warms you directly at a lower air temperature; traditional is the top heat type we list.
By Karson AbernathyContributing writer.
On this page
The short answer
A traditional sauna uses a heater, usually electric, that warms a bed of stones; the stones heat the air, and pouring water on them adds steam. An infrared sauna uses panels that send infrared heat straight to your body, so the air around you stays cooler. A steam room is a third kind, full of wet steam from a generator, and a hybrid combines a stone heater with infrared panels.
How the two compare
Finnleo, a sauna maker that sells both kinds, describes the main differences this way:
| Traditional | Infrared | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical temperature | 150 to 185 F | 120 to 140 F |
| Humidity | Very dry until you pour water on the stones | Close to normal indoor humidity |
| Warm-up | 30 to 40 minutes to reach 150 to 160 F | Usable soon after it is switched on |
| Power for a two-person room | 4.5 kW, 240 volt, dedicated circuit | 1.5 to 1.7 kW, 120 volt plug-in |
Neither one is the right answer for everyone. If you want a hot, steamy session and have room for a dedicated electrical line, a traditional sauna fits. If you want a lower air temperature and a plug-in unit, look at infrared.
Sauna types on Wiki Shopping
The saunas category on Wiki Shopping holds 2,137 products on October 26, 2026, and most are not saunas themselves. By product type:
| Product type | Products |
|---|---|
| Accessories | 945 |
| Steam generators | 347 |
| Sauna rooms and cabins | 325 |
| Portable saunas | 251 |
| Heaters and stoves | 152 |
| Infrared blankets | 76 |
| Not stated in the listing | 41 |
532 listings state a heat type: traditional 185, infrared 167, steam 134 and hybrid 46.
What size sauna do you need?
Start with how many people will use it at once. Finnleo says a two-person traditional room is most often 5 by 6 or 5 by 7 feet, while a two-person infrared room is often about 4 by 4 feet or smaller. On Wiki Shopping, you can filter by seating: 1 person, 2 people, 4 people or 5 and up.
How many watts does a sauna use?
The heater rating is the number to read. Using Finnleo's two-person examples above, the traditional room draws 4.5 kW and the infrared room 1.5 to 1.7 kW. A heater of that size also needs the dedicated 240 volt circuit Finnleo lists, so plan the wiring before the room. Filters by heater power run from under 4.5 kW to 9 kW and up.
How we count
Each product on Wiki Shopping has its type, heat type, seating and power read from the store listing. A product has at most one value in each of these; listings that give none are counted as "Not stated" or left out. The counts change as listings are added or removed.
Shop by spec
Saunas
Heater or stove, 4.5 to 6 kW
+4.5 to 6 kW power output for sauna rooms
+220V electric operation
+3 hour timer for controlled sessions
$126.07-18%List: $152.90
as of 11/04/2026 07:36 PST - DetailsProduct details
$126.07as of 11/04/2026 07:36 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+4.5 to 6 kW power output for sauna rooms
+220V electric operation
+3 hour timer for controlled sessions
+Adjustable temperature up to 176 to 318 degrees Fahrenheit
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
VevorVisit store
About this product
- Fast Heating: This heater is 220-240V AC, a special voltage. The site conditions need to be evaluated before use. Power: 4.5KW; Suitable Sauna Room: 105-210 cu.ft / 3-6 m³; Dimension: 16.1'' x 10.6'' x 22''. Sauna Stones Need: 33 lbs / 15 kg. Note: Sauna stones are NOT INCLUDED. The ample stone capacity allows the stones to absorb and store heat, ensuring effective heat retention and dispersion.
- Built to Last Construction: The sauna heater features an aluminized zinc shell, ensuring high resistance to corrosion and a long lifespan for the heater, even in high humidity environments. The 304 stainless steel heating element ensures quick and even heat distribution, providing a comfortable sauna experience in a short amount of time.Before purchasing, please carefully review the product details (voltage, power, additional accessories and parts required, installation information, etc.)
- Adjust the Temp and Time: The home sauna heater features user-friendly mechanical knobs for temperature and time control, providing you the flexibility to personalize your sauna experience based on your comfort. With a maximum temperature of 230℉ and a timing capability of up to 3 hours, you have full control over your sauna session.
- Wall-mount Design: Experience effortless installation with our steam sauna heater, featuring a pre-drilled bracket complete with reserved turnbuckles. Simply secure the heater using this labor-saving setup. For optimal heat dissipation and enhanced safety, we recommend installing the heater at a height of 3.5 inches from the floor. This not only ensures secure usage but also helps save valuable floor space.
- Gain Great Benefits: Our sauna stove is versatile and ideal for a wide range of sauna environments, including residential saunas, spas, fitness centers, and more. It provides the perfect opportunity to relax with your loved ones, allowing you to alleviate stress, enhance sleep quality, restore energy, rejuvenate your spirit, and improve overall well-being.
Infrared blanket
+Adjustable heat range from 86 to 158 °F
+Timer adjustable from 20 to 60 minutes
+Two heating layers
$152.99-15%Was: $179.99
as of 11/03/2026 23:59 PST - DetailsProduct details
$152.99as of 11/03/2026 23:59 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Adjustable heat range from 86 to 158 °F
+Timer adjustable from 20 to 60 minutes
+Two heating layers
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
Best BuyVisit store
About this product
- UNWIND WITH FULL BODY WARMTH: This infrared sauna blanket warms you from the inside out with no hot air; carbon fiber wires emit 5-14 micron far infrared waves for a less intense feel than a traditional sauna, so you can relax and enjoy a spa-like session at home
- A SETTING FOR EVERY SESSION: Adjust from 86 to 158 °F to match your goal; start at 86 to 95 °F for calming, soothing warmth or move to 116 to 135 °F to help relax tired muscles after workouts; raise heat in 10-degree jumps and fine-tune it in one-degree steps
- STAY COMFORTABLE AND HANDS-FREE: Zip in like a sauna sleeping bag with your head outside, then slip your arms through the zippered arm holes to read a book or sip water while your body stays wrapped in warmth; this body sauna lets you settle in and enjoy every minute
- WARMTH FRONT AND BACK: Upper and lower carbon fiber heating layers surround your body for warmth on both sides; soft PU and Oxford fabric shell; plugs into a standard 110 V outlet; this portable sauna blanket folds once fully cool for easy storage between sessions at home
- SET IT AND RELAX: Pick a 20 to 60 minute session and it turns off on its own; built-in overheating protection; reaches full heat in 10 to 15 minutes; wipes clean with a damp cloth; includes a handheld controller and disposable thermal wraps to use as a sauna wrap
- READ BEFORE YOU RELAX – USER MANUAL INCLUDED: Your Lifepro BioRemedy Plus infrared sauna blanket comes with a printed user manual in the box and is also available on the product detail page. Be sure to read it before first use to get the most from your sessions and follow safety guidelines.
Infrared blanket
+Portable sauna bag for use at home
+71 by 32 inch size with armholes for arm placement
+Even heating across the blanket
$89.01-10%List: $98.90
as of 11/04/2026 07:36 PST - DetailsProduct details
$89.01as of 11/04/2026 07:36 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Portable sauna bag for use at home
+71 by 32 inch size with armholes for arm placement
+Even heating across the blanket
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)About this product
- Sauna Blanket Heating: Adopting premium heating technology with a five-layer composite structure, this sauna blanket provides a soft and skin-friendly feel while effectively retaining far-infrared heat for long-lasting warmth
- Multi-Function Control: The precise multi-level temperature control and timer system of this sauna blanket infrared allows you to customize your personal relaxation routine based on your comfort level, helping soothe daily fatigue
- Lightweight & Portable: Made with lightweight Oxford fabric, the sauna blanket infrared can be folded and compressed for storage. The included carry bag makes it easy to store and transport, ideal for short trips and on-the-go use
- Practical Arm Opening: Designed with convenient arm openings, this sauna bag allows you to freely use your hands to scroll on your phone, drink water, or read a book during your session, without frequently getting in and out
- Multi-Scene Relaxation Use: This portable sauna blanket is designed for home spa sessions, evening relaxation, and post-workout recovery. Enjoy a private sauna experience anytime without leaving home
Portable sauna, Steam, 1-Person
+Steam heat type for a steam sauna experience
+Sized for one person
+Includes a foldable chair and remote control
−Steam heat is less intense than a dry sauna
$123.77-5%Was: $129.90
as of 11/04/2026 07:36 PST - DetailsProduct details
$123.77as of 11/04/2026 07:36 PST - Details
View on AmazonPros
+Steam heat type for a steam sauna experience
+Sized for one person
+Includes a foldable chair and remote control
+Portable sauna tent for home use
Cons−Steam heat is less intense than a dry sauna
Compared with this page−1: 265 of the 328 here have a higher person capacity
How pros and cons are picked (About: Disclaimer)Other stores (1)
VevorVisit store
About this product
- 360-Degree Full-Body Heating: This portable steam sauna acts like a mobile therapy center, featuring a fully enclosed design and a 360° steam nozzle that delivers balanced, all-around warmth to your entire body
- 10-Min Rapid Sweat Session: No need for intense workouts-this portable steam sauna heats up quickly with a 1200W system. Just sit and sweat within 10 minutes. The adjustable temperature range of 104℉–131℉ suits both beginners and sauna enthusiasts
- 3L Steam Pot for Personalized Spa: Customize your sauna tent experience by adding essential oils, milk, or herbal packs to the 3L steam pot based on your needs. Easily adjust the steam duration for a truly personalized home spa session
- Heat-Locking Insulated Design: Made with 3-layer thermal fabric, this foldable sauna box is lightweight yet highly effective at trapping heat. The inner layer blocks steam to avoid damp absorption and loss of insulation
- Foldable Chair with Strong Support: Includes a durable folding chair with reinforced poles, supporting up to 276 lbs. Stable and comfortable for all family members-from kids to seniors