Finnish Sauna vs. Infrared: Which is Right for You?

Two Types of Sauna, Two Very Different Experiences

If you are exploring the world of sauna, you have probably come across two main options: the traditional Finnish sauna and the infrared sauna. Both offer health benefits, but they deliver heat in fundamentally different ways and create very different experiences. Let us break down the differences so you can decide which one is right for you.

How They Work

Finnish Sauna

A traditional Finnish sauna uses a wood-burning stove (or electric heater) to heat the air and a bed of stones to temperatures between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You pour water over the hot stones to create steam called loyly. This steam is the heart of the Finnish experience, raising the felt temperature and humidity to create an enveloping warmth that penetrates deep into your muscles.

Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna uses special panels that emit infrared light waves to heat your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. The air temperature in an infrared sauna is much lower, typically 120 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Because the heat penetrates your skin directly, you still sweat, but the ambient temperature feels significantly cooler.

The Experience

This is where the two types diverge dramatically.

Finnish sauna is a full sensory experience. The crackle of the wood fire, the hiss of water on hot stones, the rush of steam, the aroma of cedar. It is immersive and deeply rooted in centuries of tradition. The heat is intense and all-encompassing. When you step outside for a cold plunge, the contrast is exhilarating.

Infrared sauna is a quieter, more clinical experience. You sit in a warm room with panels glowing softly around you. There is no steam, no stones, no fire. The lower temperatures make it more accessible for people who cannot tolerate high heat, but the experience lacks the depth and tradition of a Finnish sauna.

Health Benefits Compared

Both types of sauna offer genuine health benefits, but the research base is different:

Finnish sauna has been studied extensively for decades, particularly by Finnish researchers. Major studies have linked regular Finnish sauna use to reduced cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, improved immune function, better sleep, and reduced risk of dementia.

Infrared sauna has a growing body of research showing benefits for pain relief, muscle recovery, and relaxation. However, the long-term studies are not as extensive or conclusive as those for traditional sauna.

The Social Factor

Finnish sauna is inherently social. It is designed to be shared with family and friends. Our mobile sauna seats six to eight people, making it perfect for gatherings. The shared ritual of pouring water, stepping outside, and conversing in the warmth creates authentic connections.

Infrared saunas are typically designed for one to two people and tend to be a more solitary experience.

Cost and Practicality

Infrared saunas are generally less expensive upfront and can be installed in a spare room or corner of your home. They plug into a standard outlet and require minimal maintenance.

Finnish saunas represent a larger investment but deliver a premium experience. A custom wood-fired sauna is a lifetime purchase that can increase your property value and become a cherished gathering place for decades.

Our Take

We are biased, and we are proud of it. As second-generation Finnish Americans, we believe there is no substitute for an authentic wood-fired Finnish sauna. The tradition, the ritual, the depth of heat, and the social experience are irreplaceable. Infrared saunas have their place, but they offer a fundamentally different experience.

If you have never tried a traditional Finnish sauna, we encourage you to rent ours before making any buying decisions. Once you experience authentic loyly, you will understand why this tradition has endured for over two millennia.