Save Big on Luxury Hot Tubs! Up To $2,500 Off or 72 months of 0% Financing - Ends 4/30. Act Now!

Claim This Offer

Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas: Key Differences Explained

If you're thinking about adding a sauna to your wellness routine, one of the first decisions you'll face is the type of heat: infrared or traditional. Both offer meaningful health benefits—like stress relief, improved circulation, and muscle recovery—but the way they deliver those results is very different.

Understanding how each sauna works, how they feel, and who they’re best suited for can help you make the right choice for your space, goals, and comfort level. Whether you’re new to saunas or just unsure which type to choose, this guide breaks down the key differences so you can find the perfect fit.

What Is a Traditional Sauna?

Traditional saunas use a heating element to warm up the air inside the room, which in turn heats your body. Most include heated rocks that can be splashed with water to create steam and increase humidity. Temperatures usually range between 160°F and 190°F, creating a hot, dry environment that promotes deep sweating and full-body detox.

What it feels like:

Expect an intense, enveloping heat. The high temperature makes you sweat quickly, and the humidity can be adjusted to increase comfort or intensity.

Who it’s best for:

Traditional saunas are ideal for people who enjoy that classic high-heat experience and want to replicate what you’d find at a spa or health club. They’re also great for muscle recovery, post-workout relaxation, and deep detox sessions.

Recommended Models:

Halmstad™ 4

Spacious 4-person indoor model with app control and Bluetooth® sound

Reflection™ 3

Sleek, premium design with powerful heat and modern features

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat your body directly instead of warming the air around you. This creates a gentler, more targeted experience that operates at lower temperatures—typically between 120°F and 140°F—while still delivering powerful wellness benefits.

Tylö’s infrared saunas use CarbonFlex® heating panels, which provide even heat distribution and low EMR/EF output for safety and comfort.

What it feels like:

Instead of that immediate, all-around heat you get in a traditional sauna, infrared warmth builds slowly and penetrates deeper. It feels more like gentle sun on your skin than hot air in your lungs—making it easier to stay in longer.

Who it’s best for:

Infrared saunas are great for those who want the wellness benefits without the intensity of high heat. They’re especially ideal for circulation support, skin health, stress relief, and users who are heat-sensitive.

Recommended Models:

Kiruna™ 2

Compact two-person sauna with CarbonFlex® panels and Aspire Controls

Kiruna™ 3

Sleek, premium design with powerful heat and modern features

What Is a Hybrid Sauna?

Hybrid saunas combine the best of both worlds—offering traditional and infrared heating in one unit. You can choose an intense high-heat session one day and a lower-temp infrared experience the next, all in the same space. This flexibility makes hybrid models a smart choice for households with varying preferences or wellness goals.

Tylö’s hybrid saunas feature both CarbonFlex® infrared panels and a Sense heater with sauna stones, plus app-connected controls for customizing your session.

What it feels like:

You choose your experience. Want a steamy, traditional sweat? Turn on the heater and splash water on the rocks. Prefer a slower, more relaxing session? Use just the infrared panels for targeted warmth and a gentler environment.

Who it’s best for:

Hybrid saunas are ideal for those who want versatility. They’re perfect if you're new to saunas and want to try both styles, or if you're sharing your sauna with others who have different comfort levels.

Recommended Models:

Kiruna™ Hybrid 2

Compact two-person hybrid model with app control and customizable lighting

Kiruna™ Hybrid 3

Spacious three-person sauna with both heating systems, Bluetooth® sound, and premium features

How to Choose the Right Sauna for You

Choosing the right sauna comes down to how you want to feel during—and after—your sessions. Each type offers unique benefits, so the best fit depends on your personal goals, comfort level, and the space you have available.

Traditional Sauna

If you're drawn to that intense, spa-like heat and love the feeling of a deep sweat, a traditional sauna is likely your best match. These models create a powerful, full-body experience that’s great for muscle recovery, detox, and serious relaxation. A model like the Halmstad™ 4 gives you all the benefits of high-heat therapy with the bonus of modern controls and ambiance features.

Infrared Sauna

On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler, more soothing environment—or if you're sensitive to high temperatures—a Tylö infrared sauna may be a better fit. Infrared heat works by warming your body directly rather than the air around you, making it easier to stay in longer while still supporting circulation, skin health, and stress relief. The Kiruna™ 2 is a great example of this type: compact, stylish, and loaded with comfort features.

Hybrid Sauna

Still can’t decide? You’re not alone—which is exactly why hybrid saunas exist. These models combine both traditional and infrared heat, so you can switch between high-heat intensity and low-temp relaxation whenever you like. The Kiruna™ Hybrid 3 offers this flexibility in a beautifully designed indoor unit, making it ideal for households with varying preferences—or anyone who wants it all in one space.

Need Help Choosing?

If you're unsure where to start, our team at Seven Seas Pools & Spas is here to help. We’ll walk you through the options, answer your questions, and help you find the sauna that truly fits your life.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Sauna?

Whether you’re looking for a high-heat traditional experience, the soothing comfort of infrared, or the versatility of a hybrid, finding the right sauna is about more than just features—it’s about how you want to feel, unwind, and take care of your body.

At Seven Seas Pools & Spas, we carry the full line of premium Tylö saunas, each one thoughtfully designed to support your wellness goals with advanced technology, beautiful craftsmanship, and easy-to-use controls. From compact indoor models to outdoor retreats built for every season, we’ll help you find the sauna that fits your home and your lifestyle.

Visit one of our Western PA showrooms or explore our full sauna collection online to get started. Your personal wellness space is closer than you think.

Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas: Key Differences Explained FAQs

What’s the main difference between infrared and traditional saunas?

Traditional saunas heat the air around you, while infrared saunas use radiant heat to warm your body directly. The result is a different feel and temperature range.

Which sauna gets hotter—infrared or traditional?

Traditional saunas reach higher temperatures, typically between 160°F and 190°F. Infrared saunas operate between 120°F and 140°F, offering a gentler heat.

Is one type of sauna healthier than the other?

Both types offer health benefits like improved circulation, stress relief, and muscle recovery. The best choice depends on your heat tolerance and wellness goals.

Do infrared saunas make you sweat like traditional ones?

Yes, though sweating may start more gradually. Infrared heat penetrates deeper into the body, so it can trigger sweat at lower ambient temperatures.

Are traditional saunas more detoxifying than infrared?

Both support detox through sweating. Infrared saunas may promote deeper detox due to their ability to stimulate sweat at a cellular level.

Which sauna is better for sore muscles?

Both can help, but infrared saunas are often preferred for post-workout recovery because of their deep-penetrating heat and lower temperature.

Can you pour water on the rocks in an infrared sauna?

No. That’s only for traditional saunas. Pouring water on infrared panels can damage the system.

Do infrared saunas use less electricity than traditional saunas?

Yes. Infrared saunas generally use lower wattage and heat up faster, making them more energy-efficient for daily use.

How long should I stay in a traditional sauna?

Start with 10–15 minutes and work up to 20–30 minutes. Always listen to your body and stay hydrated.

How long should I stay in an infrared sauna?

Infrared sessions can last longer—typically 20 to 40 minutes—since the heat is milder and easier to tolerate over time.

Are hybrid saunas worth it?

Hybrid saunas are a great option if you want both traditional and infrared benefits in one unit. They’re ideal for families or anyone who wants variety.

What’s the best sauna for sensitive users?

Infrared saunas, like the Kiruna™ 2, are perfect for those sensitive to heat or new to sauna bathing.

Can I install a sauna in a small space at home?

Yes. Compact models like the Kiruna™ 1 or Halmstad™ 2 are designed for smaller spaces and standard electrical setups.

Do I need special wiring for a sauna?

Many infrared saunas plug into a standard outlet, but traditional and hybrid saunas often require a 240V circuit. Always check the model’s specs before installing.

Where can I compare sauna models in person?

You can visit any of the five Seven Seas Pools & Spas showrooms in Western PA to see and compare Tylö saunas up close. Our team is here to help you choose the right fit.