Discover the Sauna Showdown - Heat Battle ♨️

When it comes to choosing between an infrared sauna and a steam sauna, the answer isn't a one-size-fits-all. Both types have their unique benefits and can suit different needs and preferences. Let's dive into the specifics to help you make an informed decision.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dive into Infrared Saunas: Feel the Deep Heat🔥

Infrared saunas provide a dry heat experience. They use infrared light waves to heat your body directly, leading to a deep, detoxifying sweat at a cellular level. This type of heat is often preferred by those who find traditional saunas too hot or humid.

One of the main infrared sauna benefits is that they operate at a lower temperature (around 120-150°F) compared to steam saunas. This can make your sauna session more comfortable and tolerable, especially if you're new to the sauna experience.

Furthermore, infrared saunas are praised for their health benefits. Regular usage can potentially help with pain relief, weight loss, detoxification, and improved circulation. They're also known for providing a relaxing environment that can help reduce stress and improve sleep.

For more insights, check out the factors to consider when buying an infrared sauna.

Relaxing Infrared Sauna Session

Steam Saunas: Embrace the Classic Sweat Session💦

Steam saunas, also known as traditional or Finnish saunas, provide a high humidity experience. They operate at higher temperatures (usually between 150-194°F) and generate steam by pouring water over hot rocks.

Steam saunas are known for their ability to open up pores and cleanse the skin. The high steam levels can promote deep skin hydration and enhance skin health. Additionally, the high heat and humidity can help to relax muscles, alleviate joint pain, and promote better sleep.

However, the high temperature and humidity levels may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions. Always consult your doctor before starting a new sauna regimen.

For more on steam saunas, read our article on the difference between a dry sauna and a steam sauna.

To give you a better idea, let's take a look at this video, which provides a firsthand account of a steam sauna session.

As you can see from the video, steam saunas can provide a deeply relaxing and detoxifying experience. However, as we've mentioned earlier, they might not be suitable for everyone due to the high temperature and humidity levels. Now, let's move on to discussing the differences between infrared and steam saunas in detail.

Infrared or Steam Sauna: Your Ultimate Sweat Showdown🥊

Ultimately, the choice between an infrared sauna and a steam sauna comes down to personal preference and health goals. If you prefer a lower temperature with dry heat and deep tissue penetration, an infrared sauna may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy high temperatures with lots of steam for skin health and relaxation, a steam sauna could be the way to go.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Infrared Sauna vs Steam Sauna: A Comparative Analysis

To make the decision-making process easier for you, let's break down the features, benefits, and drawbacks of both infrared and steam saunas in the following comparison table:

FeaturesInfrared SaunaSteam Sauna
Heat TypeDry Heat 🔥Steamy Heat 💨
Temperature RangeLower (110-130°F) 🌡️Higher (150-195°F) 🌡️
Humidity LevelLow 💧High 💧💧💧
Heat PenetrationDeep Tissue Penetration 💪Surface Level 🖐️
Health BenefitsDetoxification, Pain Relief, Weight Loss, Improved Circulation 🏥Skin Health, Relaxation, Improved Circulation, Respiratory Relief 🏥
DrawbacksLess effective for skin health, May not feel as hot to some users ❗Can be uncomfortable for those sensitive to high heat and humidity, Higher energy usage ❗

As you can see, both types of saunas have their unique features and benefits. Your choice should depend on your personal preferences, health goals, and how much you're willing to invest in terms of installation and running costs.

In terms of installation and cost, infrared saunas are generally easier to install and more energy-efficient, making them a popular choice for home saunas. However, the initial cost can be higher than steam saunas.

For further reading, explore our guide on the best portable saunas.

Infrared Sauna vs Steam Sauna: Which is Right for You?

Test your knowledge and find out which type of sauna best fits your personal preference and health goals.

Learn more about 🔥 Infrared Sauna vs Steam Sauna: Which is Right for You? 🔥 or discover other quizzes.

Recommended Products

LTCCDSS Steam Sauna Tent,Full Size Personal Home Sauna,Portable Sauna SPA 1,000watt Steam Generator with Protection,60 Minute Timer with Remote Control Our Recommendation
LTCCDSS Steam Sauna Tent,Full Size Personal Home Sauna,Portable Sauna SPA 1,000watt Steam Generator with Protection,60 Minute Timer with Remote Control
$198.99
TOREAD Single Person Sauna Portable Folding Steam Sauna with 1000W&2.6L steam Generator, Personal Sauna Tent for Relaxation, Fast Heating in 6 Min, with Remote Control, Black Our Recommendation
TOREAD Single Person Sauna Portable Folding Steam Sauna with 1000W&2.6L steam Generator, Personal Sauna Tent for Relaxation, Fast Heating in 6 Min, with Remote Control, Black
4 (451+ Reviews)
$101.99 Prime Eligible
Aceshin Portable Steam Sauna Spa Personal Indoor Sauna Tent with Remote Control&Chair&Timer, Personal Sauna Tent for Therapeutic Relaxation Detox at Home (Black Yellow) Our Recommendation
Aceshin Portable Steam Sauna Spa Personal Indoor Sauna Tent with Remote Control&Chair&Timer, Personal Sauna Tent for Therapeutic Relaxation Detox at Home (Black Yellow)
$69.99
Maxxus Saunas Maxxus Gracia 1-2-Person Low EMF (Under 8MG) FAR Infrared Sauna, Curb Side Delivery Our Recommendation
Maxxus Saunas Maxxus Gracia 1-2-Person Low EMF (Under 8MG) FAR Infrared Sauna, Curb Side Delivery
$1,799.00
Sauna Steamer Portable Pot, 1500W Sauna Steamer for Sauna, 4 Liters Stainless Steel Pot Generator, Home SPA Fumigation Steam Machine for Body Detox Timer Display and Remote Control (110V, US Plug)… Our Recommendation
Sauna Steamer Portable Pot, 1500W Sauna Steamer for Sauna, 4 Liters Stainless Steel Pot Generator, Home SPA Fumigation Steam Machine for Body Detox Timer Display and Remote Control (110V, US Plug)…
$85.99
Dynamic Barcelona 1 to 2 Person Hemlock Wood Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna For Home with LED Control Panel and Tempered Glass Door - Curbside Delivery Our Recommendation
Dynamic Barcelona 1 to 2 Person Hemlock Wood Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna For Home with LED Control Panel and Tempered Glass Door - Curbside Delivery
4.7 (472+ Reviews)
$1,994.99
ZONEMEL Portable Steam Sauna, Personal Full Body Sauna Spa for Home Relaxation, 4 Liters 1500 Watt Steamer, Remote Control, Timer, Portable Sauna Chair (L31.5 x W31.5 x H55.1, Clear Door) Our Recommendation
ZONEMEL Portable Steam Sauna, Personal Full Body Sauna Spa for Home Relaxation, 4 Liters 1500 Watt Steamer, Remote Control, Timer, Portable Sauna Chair (L31.5 x W31.5 x H55.1, Clear Door)
$189.99
COSVALVE Full Size Portable Steam Sauna Kit, Personal Sauna Tent for Home Spa,4L & 1500W Steam Generator,Remote Control,Timer, Hook,Indoor Steam Room for Relaxation(Super Size 35.45L*35.45W*70.87''H) Our Recommendation
COSVALVE Full Size Portable Steam Sauna Kit, Personal Sauna Tent for Home Spa,4L & 1500W Steam Generator,Remote Control,Timer, Hook,Indoor Steam Room for Relaxation(Super Size 35.45L*35.45W*70.87''H)
$229.99
Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna Spa for Relaxation at Home, 60 Minute Timer, 800 Watt Steam Generator, Chair Included Our Recommendation
Durasage Lightweight Portable Personal Steam Sauna Spa for Relaxation at Home, 60 Minute Timer, 800 Watt Steam Generator, Chair Included
4.4 (3095+ Reviews)
$159.95 Prime Eligible
TOREAD Portable Folding Steam Sauna with 1000W&2L steam Generator, Personal Sauna Tent for Relaxation, Fast Heating in 6 Min, with Remote Control, Black Our Recommendation
TOREAD Portable Folding Steam Sauna with 1000W&2L steam Generator, Personal Sauna Tent for Relaxation, Fast Heating in 6 Min, with Remote Control, Black
$101.99 Prime Eligible
DYNAMIC SAUNAS Maxxus 4 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Carbon Canadian Hemlock Sauna Our Recommendation
DYNAMIC SAUNAS Maxxus 4 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Carbon Canadian Hemlock Sauna
$2,999.00
Sauna Rocket | 2-Person Full Body Sauna Bundle | in-Home Use for Relaxation, Recovery, and Wellness (Tent & Steamers) Our Recommendation
Sauna Rocket | 2-Person Full Body Sauna Bundle | in-Home Use for Relaxation, Recovery, and Wellness (Tent & Steamers)
$259.99
Portable Sauna Tent for Home, Sauna Box Personal Steam Sauna with 1000W 2.6L Steamer, Indoor Sauna Steam Room, at Home Sauna Kits Saunas Full Body, Sauna Portatil 63"x 35.5"x 35.5" Our Recommendation
Portable Sauna Tent for Home, Sauna Box Personal Steam Sauna with 1000W 2.6L Steamer, Indoor Sauna Steam Room, at Home Sauna Kits Saunas Full Body, Sauna Portatil 63"x 35.5"x 35.5"
$189.99
LifePro Sauna Blanket for Detoxification - Portable Far Infrared Sauna for Home Detox Calm Your Body and Mind Regular Black Our Recommendation
LifePro Sauna Blanket for Detoxification - Portable Far Infrared Sauna for Home Detox Calm Your Body and Mind Regular Black
4.3 (3277+ Reviews)
$179.99 Prime Eligible
Cofute Full Body Personal Home Sauna Box, Portable Steam Saunas Tent, 1100W & 3L Sauna Steamer, Remote Control, Foldable Chair(Black) Our Recommendation
Cofute Full Body Personal Home Sauna Box, Portable Steam Saunas Tent, 1100W & 3L Sauna Steamer, Remote Control, Foldable Chair(Black)
4.6 (32+ Reviews)
$229.99 Prime Eligible
Runitude Portable Sauna Steam Tent | Full Size Home Personal Sauna Box Steam Room | Touchscreen 1000W 2.6 Litre Generator | Including 1x Chair, 1x Foot Mat & 1x Protective Floor Mat | Men & Women Our Recommendation
Runitude Portable Sauna Steam Tent | Full Size Home Personal Sauna Box Steam Room | Touchscreen 1000W 2.6 Litre Generator | Including 1x Chair, 1x Foot Mat & 1x Protective Floor Mat | Men & Women
4 (209+ Reviews)
$139.99 Prime Eligible
SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa, One Person Sauna with Heating Foot Pad and Portable Chair, Black Our Recommendation
SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa, One Person Sauna with Heating Foot Pad and Portable Chair, Black
4.4 (2484+ Reviews)
$213.99 Prime Eligible
Personal Steam Sauna,Portable steam Sauna for Home,Foldable Sauna with 3L, up to 90min,800W Steam Generator with Safety Protection,Remote Control & Portable Chair,UL Certification Passed Our Recommendation
Personal Steam Sauna,Portable steam Sauna for Home,Foldable Sauna with 3L, up to 90min,800W Steam Generator with Safety Protection,Remote Control & Portable Chair,UL Certification Passed
$139.99 Prime Eligible
DYNAMIC SAUNAS Maxxus 3 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Carbon Corner Canadian Hemlock Sauna Our Recommendation
DYNAMIC SAUNAS Maxxus 3 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Carbon Corner Canadian Hemlock Sauna
$2,899.00
SereneLife SLISAU35BK Full Size Portable Steam Sauna –Personal Home Spa, with Remote Control, Foldable Chair, Timer Our Recommendation
SereneLife SLISAU35BK Full Size Portable Steam Sauna –Personal Home Spa, with Remote Control, Foldable Chair, Timer
4.1 (2498+ Reviews)
$262.99 Prime Eligible
Radiant Saunas BSA2400 1-2 Person Hemlock Ceramic Infrared Sauna,Brown Our Recommendation
Radiant Saunas BSA2400 1-2 Person Hemlock Ceramic Infrared Sauna,Brown
$1,595.73
WILLOWYBE Portable Steam Sauna with Bluetooth Control, Steamer, Body Tent, Foldable Chair | Personal Home Spa Our Recommendation
WILLOWYBE Portable Steam Sauna with Bluetooth Control, Steamer, Body Tent, Foldable Chair | Personal Home Spa
4.2 (602+ Reviews)
$159.95 Prime Eligible
OPPSDECOR Portable Steam Sauna Spa, Personal Indoor Sauna Tent Remote Control&Chair&Timer Included, One Person Sauna for Therapeutic Relaxation Detox at Home (29.5 x 35 x 40.3inch, Silver Grey) Our Recommendation
OPPSDECOR Portable Steam Sauna Spa, Personal Indoor Sauna Tent Remote Control&Chair&Timer Included, One Person Sauna for Therapeutic Relaxation Detox at Home (29.5 x 35 x 40.3inch, Silver Grey)
$129.99
Portable Personal Steam Sauna with 1000W&2L Steamer and Foldable Chair, Full Body Sauna Tent at Home Spa, Fast Heating in 6 Min, with Remote Control, Black Our Recommendation
Portable Personal Steam Sauna with 1000W&2L Steamer and Foldable Chair, Full Body Sauna Tent at Home Spa, Fast Heating in 6 Min, with Remote Control, Black
$159.99 Prime Eligible
SereneLife Portable Full Size Infrared Home Spa| One Person Sauna | with Heating Foot Pad and Portable Chair Our Recommendation
SereneLife Portable Full Size Infrared Home Spa| One Person Sauna | with Heating Foot Pad and Portable Chair
4.2 (2668+ Reviews)
$388.99 Prime Eligible
Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna with FAR Infrared Carbon Panels, Heated Floor Pad, Canvas Chair Our Recommendation
Heatwave Rejuvenator Portable Personal Sauna with FAR Infrared Carbon Panels, Heated Floor Pad, Canvas Chair
4.4 (1552+ Reviews)
$99.99
Maxxus Geneva 1-2-person Low EMF (Under 8MG) FAR Infrared Sauna, Curb Side Delivery Our Recommendation
Maxxus Geneva 1-2-person Low EMF (Under 8MG) FAR Infrared Sauna, Curb Side Delivery
$1,799.00
TOREAD Full Size Sauna, Portable Steam Saunas Tent Fold-able with 2.6L 1000W Steam Generator Remote Control Our Recommendation
TOREAD Full Size Sauna, Portable Steam Saunas Tent Fold-able with 2.6L 1000W Steam Generator Remote Control
3.8 (355+ Reviews)
$209.99 Prime Eligible
LifePro Far Infrared Sauna Blanket - Portable Infrared Sauna for Home Relaxation - Sauna Blanket - Infrared Blanket Sauna with 77–176 °F Temp Range Our Recommendation
LifePro Far Infrared Sauna Blanket - Portable Infrared Sauna for Home Relaxation - Sauna Blanket - Infrared Blanket Sauna with 77–176 °F Temp Range
4.5 (1080+ Reviews)
$399.99 Prime Eligible
Infrared Home Sauna Room 1-2 Person Hemlock Wooden Indoor Sauna Spa,1200W/110V Low EMF Heaters,10 Minutes Pre-Warm up,Time and Temp Pre-Set, New Year Gifts Our Recommendation
Infrared Home Sauna Room 1-2 Person Hemlock Wooden Indoor Sauna Spa,1200W/110V Low EMF Heaters,10 Minutes Pre-Warm up,Time and Temp Pre-Set, New Year Gifts
4.4 (71+ Reviews)
$1,399.99
Full Body Home Steam Sauna Set, 4L Large Steam Pot One Person Portable Sauna Spa with Time & Temperature Remote Control, Upgraded Chair for Detox Therapy(Grey Border, 33.9" L*33.9" W*65.8" H) Our Recommendation
Full Body Home Steam Sauna Set, 4L Large Steam Pot One Person Portable Sauna Spa with Time & Temperature Remote Control, Upgraded Chair for Detox Therapy(Grey Border, 33.9" L*33.9" W*65.8" H)
$216.99
OUTEXER Far Infrared Sauna Home Sauna Spa Room Low-EMF Canadian Hemlock Wood 800W Indoor Saunas with Control Panel and Tempered Glass Door, Room:35.2 * 27.6 * 61.6Inch Our Recommendation
OUTEXER Far Infrared Sauna Home Sauna Spa Room Low-EMF Canadian Hemlock Wood 800W Indoor Saunas with Control Panel and Tempered Glass Door, Room:35.2 * 27.6 * 61.6Inch
$999.00
Sophie Miller
Saunas, Fitness, Recovery, Health

Sophie Miller is a certified personal trainer who advocates for the use of saunas in recovery and rest days. Her articles focus on the intersection of fitness and sauna use.