Infrared Vs. Traditional Sauna for Home

If you’re thinking about getting a sauna but are stuck choosing between infrared and traditional, fret not! 

It’s a pretty common dilemma, and honestly, there’s no universal winner because it really depends on what you’re looking for. Both types bring major health perks, but they heat your body in completely different ways.

For instance, if you’re after muscle recovery, pain relief, and a lower-heat session that still makes you sweat, an infrared sauna is considered the best bet. But if you crave a hot, steamy, full-on sauna experience, traditional sauna heat is definitely hard to beat. 

Either way, you’ll be sweating out toxins and boosting circulation—you just need to figure out which experience fits your lifestyle.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. You don’t actually have to choose!

There are hybrid saunas, like the Loviisa 3-Person Hybrid Sauna by Golden Design Saunas. It gives you both options in one setup. But before we get into this product, let’s break down what each type of heat brings to the table.

Benefits of Infrared Saunas Over Traditional

Infrared’s deep heat works smarter, not hotter!

Basically, infrared saunas don’t heat the air around you the way traditional saunas do. Instead, they use infrared light to warm your body directly. That’s why they can run at a lower temperature—usually between 120°F and 150°F—while still making you sweat just as much as a steam sauna.

The main benefit of Infrared heat is that it digs deeper into your muscles and joints, so it’s amazing for recovery. If you’ve got sore muscles, chronic pain, or stiffness, this type of heat can help loosen things up without the overwhelming blast of hot air.

People also swear by infrared for boosting circulation and flushing out toxins. It heats your core from the inside out, which increases blood flow and kicks your sweat glands into overdrive. And if skin health is on your radar, near-infrared light is known to help with collagen production and fine lines.

Another big plus is that infrared saunas don’t need nearly as much power to run. They heat up quickly, use less energy, and don’t leave you gasping for air like some traditional setups. If you’re not a fan of extreme heat but still want the detox benefits, infrared is a solid choice.

Traditional Saunas Benefits over Infrared

Traditional saunas offer classic heavy-hitting sweat sessions—high heat, thick steam, and that “just stepped out of a Nordic spa”feel.

These saunas use either a wood-burning stove or an electric heater to warm up the air, and they can reach 160°F to 200°F. You can also toss some water on the hot stones to create steam, which helps open up your airways and makes breathing feel easier. If you deal with allergies or congestion, the humid heat of traditional saunas can charm you.

Traditional saunas also get you sweating almost instantly. The intense heat gets your circulation into high gear, helps flush out toxins, and gives you full-body relaxation that just melts stress away. 

Plus, there’s something ritualistic about the whole experience as well—pouring water over the rocks, feeling the heat rise, and stepping out feeling like a brand-new person.

One thing to keep in mind is traditional saunas use more power and take longer to heat up. And if you’re not into super high heat, they might feel a bit overwhelming. But for those who love an old-school sweat session, nothing beats the real deal.

Loviisa Hybrid Sauna By Golden Designs Gives You Both

Now, if you’re still stuck choosing between the two, here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose!

The Golden Designs Loviisa 3-Person Hybrid Sauna lets you switch between infrared and traditional heat whenever you want.

Reasons We Love This At-home Sauna Option:

• Infrared & Traditional Heat in One – You can do a quick infrared session for muscle recovery or go all in with the Harvia 8KW traditional stove for that classic sauna experience.
  
  

• Top-Notch Craftsmanship – Built with Canadian Red Cedar, it looks just as good as it performs. Plus, it’s built to handle the elements, so you can set it up outdoors without worry.
  
  

• Red Light Therapy for Skin & Recovery – The Galaxy Star Ceiling lights on its roof aren’t just for looks—they're actually red light therapy that helps with collagen production, improves healing, and reduces inflammation within the body.
  
  

• Modern Comforts – It comes with a touchscreen control panel, Bluetooth speakers, and FM radio, so you can relax without boredom.
  
  

• Energy Efficient – If you don’t feel like running the full traditional setup, you can use infrared for a lower-energy, quick sweat session.

Both infrared and traditional saunas have their own perks. But why limit yourself? Especially when you can get both options in one setup, that too with an installment plan? No need to take risks with your hard-earned money; simply switch things up whenever you want.