At LuxeWell Life, saunas are one of the cornerstone categories of our wellness offerings—and they’re also one of the most talked-about. Whether it’s a professional athlete looking to enhance performance and recovery, a busy parent trying to carve out time for self-care, or someone dealing with chronic pain or inflammation, more and more people are turning to saunas as a key part of their wellness routine.

But the moment someone decides they’re ready to buy a sauna, one big question always comes up:

“Should I go with an infrared or a traditional sauna?”

It’s a great question—one that doesn’t have a universal answer. The best sauna for you depends on your goals, preferences, health considerations, budget, and the space where you plan to install it. In this guide, I’ll break down the key differences between infrared and traditional saunas, covering everything from how they work and what benefits they offer, to what kind of electrical setup they need and what you can expect in terms of upfront and ongoing costs.

1. How They Work: The Core Difference

The biggest difference between infrared and traditional saunas comes down to how they produce and deliver heat.

Traditional Saunas (a.k.a. Finnish or Dry Saunas)

Traditional saunas heat the air first, and that heated air warms your body. Inside a traditional sauna, temperatures typically reach 160°F to 190°F, and the environment is dry (though some people like to pour water over the rocks to create steam).

The heat source—usually an electric heater with stones or a wood-burning stove—heats the room gradually. It’s the hot air itself that warms your body and induces sweating.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared light to warm your body directly. Instead of heating the air around you, infrared panels emit infrared waves that penetrate your skin and heat your body from the inside out.

Infrared saunas operate at a lower ambient temperature—usually between 135°F and 150°F—but because the heat penetrates deeper (about 1.5 inches into soft tissue), the therapeutic benefits can be just as strong, if not more targeted.

2. Health Benefits: What Each Sauna Type Offers

Both traditional and infrared saunas offer incredible health benefits, but the way your body responds can differ due to the method of heat delivery.

Traditional Sauna Benefits

• Deep Detoxification: The high temperatures cause profuse sweating, helping to eliminate toxins and heavy metals through the skin.

• Cardiovascular Conditioning: The intense heat raises your heart rate, simulating light to moderate exercise. Studies show regular sauna use may improve heart health and circulation.

• Muscle Relaxation: The enveloping heat relaxes muscles and relieves tension, especially after exercise.

• Immune Support: Repeated heat exposure may help stimulate white blood cell production, improving the immune response.

• Mental Health & Stress Relief: The quiet, ritualistic nature of a sauna session encourages mindfulness, relaxation, and lower cortisol levels.

• Improved Sleep: Heat exposure followed by cooldown can enhance deep sleep and reduce insomnia.

Infrared Sauna Benefits

• Joint and Muscle Pain Relief: The deeper penetration of infrared heat makes it especially effective at reducing inflammation and easing chronic pain (including arthritis and fibromyalgia).

• Improved Circulation: Infrared therapy boosts blood flow, which helps oxygenate tissues and speed healing.

• Detox at a Cellular Level: Infrared saunas may stimulate the release of toxins stored in fat cells, including heavy metals and environmental pollutants.

• Skin Rejuvenation: Infrared light promotes collagen production and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne, and skin irritation.

• Faster Recovery: Athletes and physically active users love infrared saunas for reducing soreness and accelerating recovery after intense workouts.

• Stress Reduction: The gentle, soothing warmth helps relax the nervous system without overwhelming the body with intense heat.

Bottom line: If you crave the traditional hot-room sauna experience, traditional wins. If your priority is targeted pain relief, recovery, or a more gentle session, infrared might be the better fit.

3. Cost: Upfront Investment & Long-Term Operation

Let’s talk dollars and cents—because choosing the right sauna also means understanding the financial commitment.

Infrared Saunas

• Upfront Cost: Infrared saunas are generally more affordable, especially for entry-level models. Most residential infrared units range from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on size, materials, and features like Bluetooth speakers, chromotherapy lighting, and digital controls.

• Operating Cost: Infrared saunas are highly energy-efficient. A 1-person unit may only use about 1.5–2 kWh per session, costing mere cents per use depending on your energy rates.

• Maintenance: Very minimal. No water, steam, or rocks to clean. Just wipe down surfaces and occasionally check the panels.

Traditional Saunas

• Upfront Cost: Traditional saunas tend to cost more upfront, especially for custom builds or outdoor barrel saunas. Prefab models usually range from $4,000 to $10,000+, with custom installations starting closer to $8,000 and climbing based on size and finishes.

• Operating Cost: Traditional saunas use more electricity due to higher temps and longer heat-up times. Expect 3–8 kWh per session, especially for larger units.

• Maintenance: Slightly more involved. You’ll need to occasionally clean the rocks, heater, and wood surfaces, and maintain ventilation if you're using steam.

Pro tip: If you plan to use your sauna several times per week, infrared will generally be more cost-effective in the long run.

4. Electrical Requirements: What to Expect Before Installation

This is an important factor many first-time buyers overlook. Always assess your space and available power before you purchase.

Infrared Saunas

• Most infrared saunas plug into a standard 120V outlet, making installation a breeze for 1- to 2-person models.

• Larger models (3- to 4-person) may require a dedicated 110V or 240V line and a 20amp outlet, but this is still relatively simple for a licensed electrician.

• Because there’s no water or steam, ventilation is not typically necessary.

• Ideal for home gyms, bedrooms, basements, or wellness corners.

Traditional Saunas

• Require a dedicated 240V electrical connection, even for most 2-person units.

• Could require professional installation to handle the heater and ventilation.

• If using steam or water over the rocks, you’ll need to consider ventilation, drainage, and moisture-resistant materials.

• Ideal for outdoor installations or interior rooms with good air flow

If you’re in a rental, smaller home, or limited space, infrared might be the easier path. For those doing home renovations or custom wellness rooms, traditional can be integrated seamlessly with the right planning.

Which Sauna Is Right for You?

There’s no wrong choice—only the right fit for your body, space, and lifestyle.

Choose a Traditional Sauna if:

• You love the intense heat and steam of a classic sauna session.

• You want that invigorating, full-body sweat and circulatory boost.

• You have space, ventilation, and electrical capacity for a 240V unit.

• You’re building a custom wellness area and want a long-term luxury addition.

Choose an Infrared Sauna if:

• You’re sensitive to high heat but still want powerful health benefits.

• You’re focused on inflammation, chronic pain, or recovery.

• You want something affordable, efficient, and easy to install.

• You plan to use it frequently and want lower operating costs.

I have helped hundreds of customers across the country choose the right sauna for their homes, businesses, and wellness goals. Whether you want a modern infrared unit you can install in a spare bedroom, or a  cedar barrel sauna for your backyard, we carry only the highest-quality brands and provide white-glove support from consultation to delivery.

Still unsure which direction to go? Give us a call or stop by our Powell, Ohio showroom. We’re here to answer your questions, walk you through features, and help you feel confident about investing in your health.

Because wellness isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life.

Stay well,
— Matt