1. Heating Method and Temperature
- Finnish Sauna: Also known as a traditional sauna, it uses a heater (often wood or electric) to warm the air and stones, which can reach temperatures from 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C). Water can be poured over the stones to create steam, increasing humidity.
- Infrared Sauna: Uses infrared heaters to warm your body directly rather than heating the air. This leads to lower air temperatures, typically between 120°F and 150°F (50°C to 65°C), which some find easier to handle for longer sessions.
2. Intensity of Heat
- Finnish Sauna: Offers a hotter and more intense experience, where the air feels thick with heat, and the steam boosts humidity significantly. This is great for those who love high-heat experiences.
- Infrared Sauna: Provides a gentler, more penetrative heat, which many find soothing. The direct infrared heat warms your body deeply but doesn’t make the surrounding air overwhelmingly hot, making it more tolerable for longer sessions.
3. Health Benefits
- Finnish Sauna: The intense heat and added humidity can improve circulation, help relax muscles, support cardiovascular health, and promote skin detoxification. Many people find it beneficial for loosening muscles after workouts and helping with sleep.
- Infrared Sauna: Claims to offer similar benefits, with an emphasis on deeper tissue penetration. Many people report that infrared saunas are great for relieving joint and muscle pain, as the infrared waves may reach up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) into the body, which may be beneficial for healing or chronic pain management.
4. Session Duration and Comfort
- Finnish Sauna: Because of the high heat, most people limit sessions to around 10–20 minutes per round, often with breaks in between. The intensity may require some adaptation, and the high humidity can feel stifling to some users.
- Infrared Sauna: The lower air temperature means people can typically stay in longer—up to 30–45 minutes—without needing breaks. The warmth is more tolerable for users who prefer moderate temperatures but want the benefits of extended exposure.
5. Energy Efficiency and Installation
- Finnish Sauna: Typically requires a dedicated space and may consume more energy to heat up to high temperatures. It also usually needs a few minutes to reach the desired temperature.
- Infrared Sauna: Generally more energy-efficient and faster to heat up, since it heats your body directly rather than the entire space. Installation tends to be simpler, and many infrared saunas are designed to be plug-and-play.
6. Cost and Maintenance
- Finnish Sauna: Can be more costly to install and maintain, particularly if you’re using a wood-fired stove. Electric heaters in Finnish saunas require periodic maintenance but are generally easier to clean.
- Infrared Sauna: Generally costs less to operate and maintain, and many models don’t require much cleaning since there’s no steam or high humidity involved.
Which Is Better?
- For Intense Heat and Tradition: Go with a Finnish sauna. It’s ideal if you enjoy the classic sauna experience, high temperatures, and steam.
- For Gentler Heat and Pain Relief: Try an infrared sauna. It’s better for those seeking lower temperatures, deeper muscle relaxation, and longer sessions without breaks.
Many people enjoy having both types available since each sauna offers a unique experience and benefits. If that’s not an option, choose based on your heat tolerance, desired effects, and available space.