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 types of saunas it can be overwhelming trying to narrow it down to a single style.
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 sauna heaters to create an intense heat, sometimes with water poured over hot stones to create steam. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, 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 Nordica Sauna for a personalized recommendation instead?
After all, this is your one-stop shop for either an infrared sauna for sale or traditional sauna for sale - all from the top sauna manufacturers, and at the lowest prices online. Take our sauna quiz below and bring the benefits of sauna therapy into your home today!
| Feature | Finnish Sauna | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Method | Heats the air with a stove and rocks | Uses infrared panels to heat the body directly |
| Typical Temperature | 160–200°F (high heat) | 110–140°F (lower, more tolerable) |
| Humidity | High — often includes steam from water poured on rocks | Dry — little to no humidity involved |
| Setup Requirements | Requires ventilation and more power; typically larger footprint | Easier to install; compact and plug-and-play |
| Maintenance | More upkeep — stove cleaning, steam moisture control | Low maintenance — no water or rock residue |
| Cost (Initial/Ongoing) | Higher upfront and operating costs (stove, ventilation, power use) | Generally lower upfront and ongoing energy costs |
| Wellness Benefits | Traditional ritual, deep sweat, cardiovascular stimulation | Gentle heat, pain relief, joint support, better heat tolerance |
| Best For | Those seeking a traditional, high-heat, immersive experience | Those who prefer low-heat therapy or want easier home setup |
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 in a dedicated room.
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 very deep into the body, up to 1.5 inches in fact. 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 you wouldn’t experience with the traditional sauna style - most notably, muscle recovery and weight loss. Users also rely on the IR sauna for relaxation, circulation, detoxification, the list goes on and on.
There are three types of infrared wavelengths: near, mid, and far-infrared. Most saunas you’ll find are far-infrared, although full-spectrum saunas include all three. We have a more detailed guide on the full spectrum vs far infrared sauna if you want to take a closer look.
One thing you won’t get in the infrared sauna, though, 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 a more plug-and-play style 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 below, we want to be clear in saying 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 to help you feel confident picking the perfect sauna.
Heating Method and Temperature
The differences in benefits, experience, and cost can all be traced back to the heating method between a Finnish vs infrared sauna, so this is a fitting place to start. 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, though - 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 a range of 160°F and 200°F compared to just 110°F and 140°F for infrared saunas.
But here’s an important takeaway - you’re not sacrificing any sort of “health benefits” by going with an infrared sauna, just because they’re not as hot. The heat still feels intense, but more manageable, since it’s warming your body directly. Speaking of which…
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 quite a bit longer to start sweating, so sessions are usually longer.
Installation and Setup Requirements
There’s a pretty dramatic difference between a Finnish sauna vs infrared sauna from an installation perspective, too. Most Finnish saunas need their own dedicated 240V power source or a safe location for a wood-burning stove, along with proper ventilation.
This means you’ll probably need to hire an electrician, which can add to the initial cost. Moisture control is really important too since you might be using steam with your Finnish sauna, and this requires careful planning around flooring, nearby materials, and drainage.
Infrared saunas are way easier to install with most models being plug-and-play. 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.
There are extra maintenance steps that come into play if your Finnish sauna is powered by a wood-burning stove, too. You’ll need to regularly clean up ash. This sauna heater also comes with the hassle of constantly stocking firewood, but the rustic ambiance is worth it for some.
Infrared saunas require little ongoing maintenance with no water involved, and the heating panels don’t produce any residue. Upkeep just involves wiping down surfaces and checking the wiring or connections occasionally.
Cost Considerations
We want to make it clear that a sauna can be a great investment in your health and happiness, and you’re worth it!But, you need to understand the upfront and ongoing costs of owning a sauna - and there are differences here between a Finnish vs infrared sauna.
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 will draw more power than an infrared system, and using water to generate steam (if electric) adds to wear on components over time.
Now, wood-burning saunas can be more affordable if you have access to free or low-cost firewood, otherwise, you’ll need to budget for this as well.
But 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, you can count Nordica Sauna for the lowest prices online on either a Finnish sauna vs infrared sauna. We have a price-matching guarantee, and we make it easy to finance your sauna, too!
Sauna Experience and Ritual
The experience in a Finnish vs infrared sauna is very different. The Finnish sauna is all about tradition, balancing ritual and relaxation. 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 in this regard.
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 you won’t get in the Finnish sauna, including:
- Lower heart rate, longer sessions: You can stay in longer since the heat is lower for a steadier cardiovascular workout without as much strain on the body.
- Deep tissue relief: Infrared waves can 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 you get can help flush toxins from skin tissue, potentially reducing breakouts and helping you unlock clearer skin over time.
- Faster recovery: Athletes rely on infrared heat to increase blood flow and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after hard workouts or games.
That said, you could make the case for a traditional Finnish-style sauna as well since it has its own unique set of benefits. For instance, the steam that comes from pouring water over rocks can support respiratory health.
There’s also something to be said for the ritualistic aspect of a Finnish sauna and the way it can impact your mental wellbeing. But, we think infrared saunas have an edge in terms of more diverse benefits.
Let Nordica Sauna Help You Bring the Benefits of Sauna Therapy into Your Home!
So, are infrared saunas worth it - or should you go with a Finnish sauna? Ultimately, only you can determine which style makes the most sense for you between a Finnish sauna vs infrared sauna. But, Nordica Sauna is your trusted choice for any type of sauna.
We proudly stock premium brands like TheraSauna, Auroom, HUUM, Almost Heaven, and more, so you can rest assured you’re getting reliable, long-lasting equipment from a brand you can count on.
Our team is sauna-obsessed and highly trained, ready to answer your questions with real insight, not just specs off a brochure. Still need help deciding between a Finnish vs infrared sauna? We offer free personalized consultations, a sauna quiz for quick recommendations.
You can also get the best deal online thanks to our price-matching policy. We provide flexible financing and let our customers use HSA/FSA funds, too, so you don’t have to stress about the budget side of things.
We’ve helped thousands of people transform their homes and routines with the right sauna. You’ll get honest guidance, prompt support, and white-glove delivery options that take the hassle out of the process. Take the next step today!
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.
Our blog has additional resources on the differences between an infrared sauna vs dry sauna, or you can read our sauna buying guide for a more comprehensive overview of what goes into picking the perfect sauna.
But whether you want the best infrared sauna or a traditional Finnish style sauna, the only thing left to do today is shop our selection at Nordica Sauna - or better yet, connect with our experts for one-on-one support choosing the right sauna!
A personalized recommendation is a click or call away. Bring the benefits of sauna therapy into your space today.
