Infrared vs traditional sauna
As of September 27, 2026, the median infrared sauna in our catalog costs $3,699 against $7,259 for a traditional sauna, the median infrared heater is rated 2.01 kW against 7.5 kW, and 84 percent of infrared models that publish a supply run on 120 V against 0 percent of traditional ones.
Side by side
| Infrared | Traditional | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Models in the catalog | 171 | 229 | 17 |
| Median verified price | $3,699 (141 priced) | $7,259 (193 priced) | $11,999 (17 priced) |
| Typical price range (middle half) | $2,489 to $5,599 | $5,655 to $9,963 | $7,999 to $16,999 |
| Median price per person | $1,315 (140 models) | $1,750 (178 models) | $3,033 (17 models) |
| Median heater rating | 2.01 kW (75 models) | 7.5 kW (168 models) | 8 kW (16 models) |
| Heater rating range | 0.8 kW to 5.58 kW | 3.5 kW to 10.5 kW | 1.9 kW to 8 kW |
| Run on 120 V | 84 percent (137 of 163 stating a supply) | 0 percent (0 of 136 stating a supply) | 6 percent (1 of 17 stating a supply) |
| Median capacity | 2 persons | 4 persons | 3 persons |
| 1 or 2 persons | 58 percent | 17 percent | 12 percent |
| 5 persons or more | 5 percent | 41 percent | 35 percent |
| Listed for outdoor placement | 7 percent (12 of 164) | 73 percent (165 of 225) | 82 percent (14 of 17) |
| Electricity per one hour session | $0.37 (75 models) | $1.37 (168 models) | $1.46 (16 models) |
Prices are verified retailer offers, checked September 27, 2026. Each row is computed over the models publishing that figure, so the counts differ by row. Supply voltage is read from the circuit each maker publishes; a listing that names both 120 and 240 V without saying which serves the heater is not counted. The session cost assumes the heater draws its full rating for one hour at the national average residential rate of 18.31 cents per kWh published by the EIA; a heater that cycles once the room is up to temperature uses less.
What the gap is made of
Per person, the median infrared model costs $1,315 and the median traditional model $1,750. 58 percent of infrared models seat one or two people against 17 percent of traditional ones, so part of the price gap is a size gap. If you have a 120 V outlet and no 240 V circuit, the 120 V row is the one that narrows the choice: a model whose maker specifies 240 V needs that circuit run before it can be used.
Prices and specifications verified September 27, 2026, and re-checked weekly after that. How these numbers are checked.
Browse the models by category
Each category page lists every model in it, with its verified price and specifications, in one table:
- Infrared saunas, 171 models
- Traditional saunas, 229 models
Free guide: sizing and budgeting a home sauna
A fill-in worksheet covering room sizing math, the electrical checklist, indoor vs outdoor decisions, a full cost worksheet, and ten questions to ask the dealer.
One confirmation email delivers the guide. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, ever.