Infrared saunas have gone from a niche wellness gadget to one of the most-searched sauna types in the UK, and for good reason: they are gentler, cheaper to run and easier to fit indoors than a traditional sauna. But they also work in a fundamentally different way, and that difference matters when you are deciding what to install at home. This guide explains what an infrared sauna actually is, how it compares to a traditional Finnish sauna, what the benefits and drawbacks are, whether they are safe, and what one costs in 2026.
What is an infrared sauna?
An infrared sauna is a heated cabin that uses infrared heaters to warm your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. Where a traditional sauna warms a room to 70-100°C using a stove and stones, an infrared sauna runs at a much lower air temperature, typically 45-60°C, while infrared panels emit radiant heat that your skin absorbs directly. The result is a session that feels milder and less intense, but that still raises your core temperature and makes you sweat.
Infrared is the same type of gentle radiant warmth you feel from the sun on a cool day, or from a hot radiator across a room, without any harmful UV. Most home infrared cabins use carbon or ceramic panels built into the walls, bench and floor, so the heat surrounds you from several directions at once.
Infrared vs traditional Finnish saunas
The simplest way to understand the difference is this: a traditional sauna heats the air, and the hot air heats you; an infrared sauna heats you directly and barely warms the air at all. That single distinction drives every other difference in how the two feel and perform.
- Temperature: Traditional saunas run at 70-100°C; infrared saunas at 45-60°C.
- Heat-up time: Infrared panels reach working temperature in 10-15 minutes; a traditional stove usually needs 30-45 minutes.
- The experience: Traditional saunas let you ladle water over hot stones for steam (löyly) and a powerful heat ritual. Infrared saunas are a dry, quiet, lower-intensity heat with no steam.
- Running cost: Infrared draws less power, so it is cheaper per session.
- Fit: Infrared cabins are compact and plug into a standard socket, making them well suited to indoor spaces.
Neither is objectively better, they suit different people. If you want the authentic, social, high-heat sauna experience and have the space, a traditional Finnish sauna is hard to beat. If you find intense heat uncomfortable, want quick sessions, or need something that fits a spare room or garage, infrared makes a lot of sense. We cover this trade-off in more depth in our complete guide to home saunas in the UK.
Are infrared saunas any good? The benefits
Infrared saunas have a genuine following, and much of the appeal comes down to how approachable they are. Because the heat is milder, many people who can’t tolerate a 90°C traditional sauna can happily sit in an infrared cabin for 30-45 minutes. The most commonly reported benefits include:
- Relaxation and stress relief: Like any sauna, the warmth encourages your body to unwind, and a quiet infrared session at the end of the day is a reliable way to switch off.
- Muscle recovery: Gentle, sustained heat helps ease tired and aching muscles after exercise, which is why infrared cabins are popular with runners, cyclists and gym-goers.
- Better sleep: Many regular users find that an evening session helps them wind down and sleep more deeply.
- A gentler sweat: Because you can sit comfortably for longer at a lower temperature, infrared sessions produce a steady sweat without the breath-taking intensity of a hot Finnish sauna.
- Low commitment: Fast heat-up and low running costs make it easy to use an infrared sauna daily rather than saving it for special occasions, and consistency is where the real wellness benefit of any sauna lies.
It is worth being honest about the evidence. Most long-term sauna research has been done on traditional Finnish saunas, where regular use is associated with better cardiovascular health, sleep and stress levels. Infrared research is younger and smaller in scale, so while early findings and user experience are positive, it is best to view an infrared sauna as a wellness and relaxation tool rather than a medical treatment.
Are infrared saunas safe?
For most healthy adults, infrared saunas are very safe when used sensibly. The infrared used in home saunas is far-infrared radiant heat, the same gentle warmth you feel from the sun without the UV, and the lower operating temperature means there is less risk of overheating than in a traditional high-temperature sauna. A few common-sense rules keep sessions safe:
- Stay hydrated, drink water before and after your session.
- Start with shorter sessions of 15-20 minutes and build up gradually.
- Don’t use a sauna after drinking alcohol.
- Step out if you feel dizzy, faint or unwell.
If you are pregnant, have a heart condition, low blood pressure or any other medical concern, speak to your GP before starting sauna use. Children and older adults should use saunas with care and supervision. Used within these limits, an infrared sauna is a low-risk addition to a home wellness routine.
How much does an infrared sauna cost in the UK?
Infrared saunas span a wide price range depending on size, build quality and where they are installed. As a rough guide for 2026:
- Compact one to two-person cabins: Entry-level flat-pack infrared cabins typically start in the low-to-mid thousands.
- Larger and premium cabins: Three to four-person units with better timber, controls and panels sit higher up the range.
- Bespoke and built-in infrared rooms: A sauna designed around your space, with quality materials and a proper finish, is a larger investment but delivers far more in longevity and the way it complements your home.
Running costs are one of infrared’s biggest advantages. Infrared panels draw less power than a 6-9kW traditional heater, and with the short heat-up time a typical session costs only a small amount at current UK electricity prices. Over years of daily use, that difference adds up.
As with any sauna, the more it is designed around your specific space and how you will actually use it, the more value it holds over time. A cheap flat-pack cabin squeezed into an awkward corner rarely gets used; a well-considered installation becomes part of your daily routine. Our indoor sauna range includes options for exactly these tighter, year-round-use spaces, and our custom builds start from around £35,900 for those who want something designed from the ground up.
Is an infrared sauna right for you?
An infrared sauna is an excellent choice if you want a gentler heat, quick and low-cost sessions, and something that fits comfortably indoors, in a bathroom, garage, basement or spare room. It suits people who find high heat uncomfortable, anyone focused on recovery and relaxation, and homes without garden space for a standalone cabin.
If, on the other hand, you are drawn to the full traditional experience, steam, high heat and the social ritual of a Finnish sauna, or you have the garden for a standalone build, a traditional sauna is usually the better long-term investment, both for the experience and for property value.
The best way to decide is to feel the difference for yourself. You are welcome to try both a traditional and an infrared sauna at our Glasgow showroom before committing, and our team can advise on what will work best for your space.
Infrared sauna FAQs
Do infrared saunas make you sweat?
Yes. Although the air temperature is lower than a traditional sauna, infrared warms your body directly and raises your core temperature, so you will still sweat, usually after 10-15 minutes, in a steadier and more comfortable way.
How long should an infrared sauna session last?
Most people use an infrared sauna for 20-45 minutes. Beginners should start at the lower end and build up as they get used to the heat.
Can you put an infrared sauna indoors?
Yes, this is one of infrared’s main advantages. Cabins run at lower temperatures, plug into a standard socket and are compact, making them ideal for indoor rooms where a traditional stove would be impractical.
Is infrared better than a traditional sauna?
Neither is universally better. Infrared is gentler, cheaper to run and easier to fit indoors; traditional saunas offer higher heat, steam and the authentic ritual, and have the deeper base of long-term health research. The right choice depends on your space, your tolerance for heat and the experience you want.
Thinking about a sauna for your home? Explore our indoor saunas, browse the portfolio, or get in touch to talk through your space.
