Steam Sauna vs. Infrared Sauna: Which Should You Get for Home?
Short answer: a steam sauna heats the air with moist steam; an infrared sauna uses infrared light to warm your body directly. Neither is proven better. Cleveland Clinic says there is no clear evidence that dry or wet heat wins. Choose on what fits your home, your budget and how you like to feel in a session. We sell a steam sauna, so we say so up front and give you the trade-offs both ways.
How each one works
Steam sauna. A steamer boils water and fills an enclosure with warm, humid air. The air feels heavy and wet, and your skin gets damp quickly. It is the same idea as a steam room, shrunk down for a home.
Infrared sauna. Infrared heaters warm your body directly rather than heating the air first. Cleveland Clinic gives typical infrared sauna temperatures of about 110 to 135°F, lower than the 150 to 195°F of a traditional dry sauna. The air stays dry.
Side by side
| Steam sauna | Infrared sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Moist air from a steamer | Infrared light warms your body |
| Feels like | Warm, humid, enclosed | Gentle dry heat |
| Typical temperature | Varies by product; check specs | About 110 to 135°F (Cleveland Clinic) |
| Water needed | Yes, you fill a tank | No |
| Upkeep | Rinse and descale the tank | Wipe down surfaces |
| Space | Portable models can be stored away | Cabins usually stay in place |
Which one should you choose?
A steam sauna suits you if
- You like humid heat, like a steam room.
- You want something you can put away between sessions.
- You do not want a permanent installation.
An infrared sauna suits you if
- You prefer dry, gentler heat.
- You have a spare room or corner for a cabin that stays put.
- You do not want to fill or descale a water tank.
Where does a red light panel fit?
People often mix up infrared saunas and red light panels. They are different products. A sauna is a heated enclosure. A panel is a flat array of LEDs that you stand or sit in front of for a few minutes. Our Aura Pro 300W is a panel with 60 LEDs at 660nm (red) and 850nm (near-infrared). It does not heat a room. If you want to know how panels work, see our red light panel buying guide.
What we would tell a friend
If you already know you like steam rooms, a portable steam sauna is the simplest way to get that at home. Our 6FT Pro has a 1200W steamer, takes about 5 minutes to set up, needs no plumbing, and has a 30-day trial so you can find out for yourself. If you know you want dry heat, shop for an infrared cabin and measure the room first.
Safety
Both types raise your heart rate and make you sweat. Drink water before and after. Cleveland Clinic advises checking with a healthcare provider first if you have a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, are pregnant, are over 65 or under 16, or take medication. Leave the sauna if you feel dizzy, weak or short of breath. More in our session length guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam sauna better than an infrared sauna?
Not on current evidence. Cleveland Clinic says there is no clear evidence that dry or wet heat is better. Pick the one you will use.
Is a steam room the same as a steam sauna?
They use the same principle. A steam room is a built-in space; a portable steam sauna brings the steam to a small enclosure you can store.
Do infrared saunas get as hot as steam saunas?
Infrared saunas usually run cooler in air temperature, about 110 to 135°F per Cleveland Clinic, because they warm you directly.
Is a red light panel the same as an infrared sauna?
No. A panel is a flat LED device used for a few minutes at a set distance. A sauna is a heated enclosure.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medication, talk to your healthcare provider before using a sauna.
Sources
By Tod Key, founder of ThermoLab. Last updated October 22, 2026.
