The core difference: how the heat is generated

A traditional (Finnish-style) sauna heats the air in a sealed room using a wood, gas or electric heater, often with rocks you can pour water over for steam (löyly). You’re warmed primarily by hot air and radiant heat from the heater and walls.

An infrared sauna uses infrared panels that emit infrared light, which is absorbed directly by your skin and warms your body without needing to heat the surrounding air to the same degree. This is why infrared cabins are typically run at a lower ambient temperature — often 45–60°C, compared to 70–100°C in a traditional sauna — while still producing a strong sweat response.

Practical differences that matter when choosing

  • Temperature tolerance. If a hot traditional sauna is uncomfortable for you, an infrared session at a lower ambient temperature may be easier to sit through for longer.
  • Session length. Infrared sessions are often run longer (30–45 minutes is common) than a traditional sauna sit (often 10–20 minutes per round), partly because the lower air temperature makes that more tolerable.
  • Steam option. Traditional saunas can usually add steam (löyly) by pouring water on hot rocks; infrared cabins generally can’t.
  • Setup and running cost. Infrared panels are common in single-person or small studio pods and home units because they’re cheaper to install and run than a full traditional sauna heater and insulated room — this is part of why infrared has become the more common format for compact urban studios and home saunas in Australia.

Which should you choose?

Neither is objectively superior — they’re different experiences:

  • Want the classic, intense sauna experience (and possibly steam)? Try a traditional sauna.
  • Prefer a lower, more sustained heat, or are considering a compact setup for a small studio room or home? Consider infrared.
  • Not sure? Many Sydney studios offer both — see our full list of traditional saunas and infrared saunas and try each once before deciding.

If you’re thinking about buying one for home rather than visiting a studio, see our guide to buying a home sauna, which covers the same infrared-vs-traditional trade-off from a purchasing angle.

As with any heat exposure, stay hydrated and keep sessions to a sensible length. This is general information, not medical advice — check with a health professional first if you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have any other relevant health concern.