Infrared or Finnish sauna?

If you are thinking about buying a sauna for your home, one of the first questions that usually comes up is: infrared or Finnish sauna? Both options offer pleasant relaxation, warmth and a feeling of complete escape, but they differ in how they work, the temperature they use, the feeling during use and the overall sauna experience.

The right choice depends mainly on what you expect from your home sauna. Do you want intense heat, a classic sauna ritual and the option of pouring water over hot sauna stones? Or do you prefer a gentler, deeper warmth at a lower temperature?

In this article, we compare both options and help you choose the sauna that best suits your home, body and lifestyle.

What is the main difference between an infrared and a Finnish sauna?

When choosing between an infrared or Finnish sauna, the main difference lies in two different ways of heating the body.

A Finnish sauna heats the air inside the cabin. The temperature is usually higher, and the heat is transferred through hot air, wooden surfaces and a sauna heater with stones. The user can further intensify the feeling of heat by pouring water over the sauna stones.

An infrared sauna works differently. Instead of heating the entire room first, infrared heaters direct warmth straight towards the body. This means the temperature inside the sauna is lower, while the feeling of warmth remains pleasant, deep and relaxing. You can also read more about how infrared light works in our blog post What is infrared therapy?.

 

Infrared or Finnish sauna – which is better for beginners?

For beginners, an infrared sauna is often the more comfortable choice. Because it operates at lower temperatures, the feeling of heat is less intense, and many users find it easier to breathe. This makes it a good option for those who are just starting with sauna use or do not feel comfortable with very high temperatures.

A Finnish sauna is more classic and intense. It is suitable for users who want a truly traditional sauna experience, strong heat and the feeling created by a sauna heater and hot sauna stones. If you enjoy intense warmth and the ritual of sauna bathing, a Finnish sauna is an excellent choice.

What is the temperature difference between an infrared and a Finnish sauna?

One of the biggest differences is temperature. Infrared saunas usually operate at lower temperatures, approximately between 40 and 60 °C, depending on the model and type of heaters. Despite the lower temperature, the body feels the warmth directly because infrared heaters work in a targeted way.

Finnish saunas reach higher temperatures, often between 70 and 100 °C. Due to the heated air, the feeling is more intense, especially when the user pours water over the sauna stones. This briefly increases the sensation of heat inside the cabin, which is a characteristic part of the Finnish sauna experience.

When is an infrared sauna the better choice?

An infrared sauna is an excellent choice if you are looking for a gentler yet effective form of relaxation. It is suitable for everyday use, shorter relaxation routines and anyone who wants pleasant warmth without extremely hot air.

The most common benefits of an infrared sauna are:

• lower temperature and a more comfortable feeling for beginners,
• direct body heating with infrared heaters,
• faster preparation for use,
• a suitable choice for smaller spaces,
• a good solution for relaxing muscles after a long day or workout.

If you are interested in models for home use, take a look at the range of JJSPA infrared saunas.

 

When is a Finnish sauna the better choice?

A Finnish sauna is the right choice for anyone who wants a classic sauna experience. It is ideal for those who enjoy high temperatures, a wooden interior, a sauna heater and the feeling of heat filling the entire space.

It is suitable for users who want a traditional home wellness corner, similar to what they would experience in spa centres or hotels. A Finnish sauna creates a more intense sauna experience, making it an excellent choice for relaxing after a long day, weekend wellness rituals or shared use with family.

You can find a selection of different models in the category Finnish saunas JJSPA.

What is better for home wellness: infrared or Finnish sauna?

The best choice is not the same for everyone. If you want gentler heat, simple use and quick relaxation, an infrared sauna is a very practical solution. If, however, you prefer the classic feeling of heat, a traditional sauna experience and a stronger wellness ritual, a Finnish sauna will probably be the better choice.

When it comes to the question infrared or Finnish sauna, it is therefore not only about which sauna is “better”, but which one better suits your habits. For regular, gentle relaxation, choose an infrared sauna. For an intense, traditional sauna experience, choose a Finnish sauna.

In both cases, one thing is true: a high-quality home sauna is not just an addition to your space, but an investment in relaxation, better well-being and moments you can dedicate to yourself every day.