Near vs. Far Infrared Sauna: The Buyer’s Guide to Making the Right Choice
Last month, a customer named Jennifer called me frustrated and confused. She’d visited three sauna showrooms, talked to five different sales reps, and read dozens of product descriptions online. Everyone claimed their sauna was better, but nobody could explain why in terms she actually understood.
“One guy told me I need near infrared for healing. Another said far infrared is what actually works. A third said I need ‘full spectrum’ or I’m wasting my money. Chris, I want to know—what should I actually buy?”
I get calls like this weekly. The infrared sauna market is deliberately confusing because confusion sells expensive products to people who don’t know better. I’m writing this near vs. far infrared sauna guide to provide you with a practical buying framework that sales reps hope you’ll never see.
After building over 3,000 custom infrared saunas and consulting with hundreds of buyers, I know exactly what questions to ask, what claims to ignore, and what actually matters when you’re spending $5,000-$15,000 on wellness equipment.
Let’s cut through the marketing and figure out what you should actually buy.
Understanding What You’re Actually Shopping For
Before we compare options, let’s establish what infrared sauna therapy actually does and why wavelengths matter.
The Goal: Raising Your Core Temperature
Every legitimate health benefit from infrared saunas—detoxification, cardiovascular conditioning, weight loss, muscle recovery, better sleep—comes from one mechanism: raising your core body temperature.
When your core temperature increases by 1-3 degrees:
- Your heart rate elevates (cardiovascular workout)
- You sweat profusely (toxin elimination)
- Blood flow increases dramatically (nutrient delivery and healing)
- Heat shock proteins activate (cellular protection and repair)
- Metabolic rate spikes (calorie burning)
The sauna’s job is to raise that core temperature safely, comfortably, and sustainably for 30-40 minutes. Everything else is just the method of delivery.
Infrared Wavelengths: The Technical Reality
Infrared energy comes in three wavelength bands:
Near Infrared: 0.7-1.4 microns (surface penetration)
Mid Infrared: 1.4-3.0 microns (moderate penetration)
Far Infrared: 3.0-1000 microns (deep tissue penetration)
Here’s what the sales reps won’t tell you: in a sauna environment, only far infrared works effectively and safely.
Why? Physics. Specifically, Wien’s Displacement Law.
The Physics Every Buyer Needs to Understand
I’m going to give you a straightforward formula that will protect you from 90% of the BS you’ll hear while shopping:
Peak Wavelength (microns) = 5268 / (Surface Temperature °F + 460)
This formula determines the wavelength a heater actually produces based on its surface temperature.
What This Means in Practice
For Far Infrared (what actually works):
- Ideal wavelength: 7.9 microns
- Required surface temperature: 200°F
- Result: Deep tissue heating, comfortable to sit near, 360° coverage possible
For Near Infrared (what’s physically impossible):
- Target wavelength: 1.4 microns
- Required surface temperature: 2,150°F+
- Result: Literally hotter than molten lava, impossible to use safely
This is why I wrote my comprehensive near vs. far infrared sauna guide explaining why “near infrared saunas” are physically impossible—you cannot create a 2,150°F heater that you sit inches away from. (Note: Replace # with actual blog post URL once published)
Any company claiming to sell a “near infrared sauna” is either:
- Lying about the physics
- Using halogen bulbs (which actually produce far infrared at ~4 microns)
- Confused about their own product
Buyer’s Guide: Comparing Your Options
Let’s break down what you’ll actually encounter when shopping, using a practical decision framework.
Option 1: “Near Infrared Saunas” (Usually Halogen-Based)
What they claim: Near infrared wavelengths for superior healing, more natural therapy, more profound cellular benefits
What you actually get: Halogen bulbs running at 775°F, producing far infrared at 4.26 microns
Typical price: $3,000-$6,000
Red flags:
- Heaters only on one side (too hot for 360° coverage)
- Instructions to “rotate your body” every few minutes
- Can’t explain the physics when you ask about Wien’s Law
- Use terms like “natural” and “traditional” instead of citing wavelengths
Who this works for: Almost nobody. You’re paying for far infrared, but being told it’s near infrared, and experiencing an uncomfortable heat distribution.
My verdict: Pass. Suppose you want far-infrared (which you should), get a properly designed far-infrared sauna. If you wish to experience the benefits of near-infrared light, consider adding LED red light panels (more on this later).
Option 2: Carbon Panel Far Infrared Saunas
What they claim: Gentle, even heat with low EMF; comfortable and safe
What you actually get: Large carbon fiber panels operating around 140-150°F, producing wavelengths around 8.5-9.4 microns
Typical price: $2,000-$5,000 (prefab), $4,000-$8,000 (custom)
Pros:
- Low EMF (usually under three milligauss)
- Large surface area creates even heat
- Comfortable to sit near
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Often not hot enough to raise core temperature effectively
- Longer preheat times (25-30 minutes)
- May struggle in cold climates or large spaces
- Lower intensity = less pronounced effects
Who this works for: Budget-conscious buyers, people sensitive to heat, those in warm climates
My verdict: Better than “near infrared” scams, but underpowered for most serious users. A good entry point, but you may want to increase the intensity eventually.
Option 3: Ceramic Far Infrared Saunas
What they claim: High-power heating, faster warm-up, more intense sweat
What you actually get: Ceramic rod heaters at 350-400°F producing 6.0 micron wavelengths
Typical price: $3,500-$7,000
Pros:
- High heat output
- Fast preheat (15-20 minutes)
- Raises core temperature effectively
- Works well in cold climates
Cons:
- Too hot to sit close to (uncomfortable if placement is wrong)
- Often creates hot spots rather than even heat
- It can be overwhelming for heat-sensitive people
- Higher EMF on cheaper models
Who this works for: People who want intense sessions, those in cold climates, and experienced sauna users
My verdict: Effective but requires careful design. Heat intensity can be uncomfortable if heaters aren’t positioned correctly.
Option 4: Optimized Far Infrared (Carbon-Ceramic Hybrid)
What they claim: Balanced heat at the optimal wavelength for maximum absorption
What you actually get: Engineered heaters (like our VantaWave™) operating at 200°F, producing 7.9 micron wavelengths
Typical price: $7,000-$15,000 (custom builds)
Pros:
- Perfect wavelength for human tissue absorption (7.9 microns)
- Surface temperature ideal for 360° placement
- Comfortable for 30-40 minute sessions
- Raises core temperature effectively without discomfort
- Lower EMF than ceramic, hotter than carbon
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Usually requires a custom build (not available as a prefab)
- Longer lead times for installation
Who this works for: Serious users who want optimal results, people building custom saunas, and those prioritizing long-term performance over upfront cost
My verdict: This is what I build and personally use. The science is sound, the results are consistent, and the experience is comfortable. Worth the investment if you’re committed to daily use.
Option 5: “Full Spectrum” Saunas
What they claim: Complete therapy with near, mid, and far infrared all in one unit
What you actually get: Far infrared panels + halogen bulbs claiming to be “near infrared” (they’re not)
Typical price: $5,000-$10,000
Red flags:
- Can’t physically produce all three wavelengths from heat alone
- Usually, far infrared at different wavelengths within the FIR band
- Premium pricing for questionable additional benefits
- Marketing focuses on “complete” therapy without explaining physics
Who this works for: People who don’t understand the physics and trust marketing claims
My verdict: Overpriced far infrared with confusing marketing. You can achieve the same or better results with properly designed far-infrared + LED red light panels for less money.
The Real Way to Get Near Infrared Benefits: Red Light Therapy
Here’s where we properly address the near-infrared question.
You can get legitimate near-infrared benefits in a sauna—just not from heat-based heaters. The solution is based on LED red light therapy.
How LED Red Light Therapy Actually Works
Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) uses LED panels emitting specific wavelengths:
Red Light: 630-670 nanometers (nm) – for skin and surface tissue
Near Infrared Light: 810-850 nanometers (nm) – for deeper cellular activation
Notice that we’re now measuring in nanometers, not microns, because these are light-based wavelengths, not heat-based. The LED panels emit near-infrared energy without generating dangerous surface temperatures.
The Science You Need to Know
When near infrared light (810-850nm) penetrates your skin, it’s absorbed by mitochondria—specifically by cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme critical to cellular energy production.
This triggers:
- Increased ATP production – cells generate more energy
- Reduced inflammation – cytokines decrease, anti-inflammatory markers increase
- Enhanced collagen synthesis – accelerated skin repair and tissue regeneration
- Improved circulation – nitric oxide production dilates blood vessels
- Faster recovery – cellular repair processes accelerate dramatically
Thousands of peer-reviewed studies validate these effects for wound healing, muscle recovery, joint pain relief, skin rejuvenation, and improved cognitive function.
The Critical Detail Most Saunas Get Wrong
Red light therapy only works when LEDs are within 6 inches of your skin.
Light intensity follows the inverse square law—it drops exponentially with distance:
- At 6 inches: 100% therapeutic dose
- At 12 inches: 25% effectiveness
- At 24 inches: 10-12% effectiveness
Most saunas mount red light panels on walls 24-36 inches from where you sit. It looks impressive—glowing red panels in a cedar room—but delivers almost no therapeutic benefit.
The SaunaCloud Red Light Bench Solution
This is why we completely redesigned how red light integrates into saunas.
Instead of wall-mounted panels, we integrate LEDs directly into bench seating. When you sit down, the panels are 2-6 inches from your:
- Hamstrings and glutes
- Lower back and lumbar region
- Calves and posterior legs
- Upper back (if backrest-integrated)
These are precisely the areas carrying the most tension, inflammation, and soreness:
- Runners/cyclists: hammered posterior chain
- Desk workers: chronic lower back pain
- Athletes: accumulated muscle tightness
- Everyone: lower body inflammation from daily activity
By positioning the red light where you’re actually sitting, we deliver therapeutic near-infrared light exactly where your body needs it most.
The Synergistic Effect: Why Combining Far IR + Red Light Works Better
When you use far infrared heat and properly positioned red light therapy together, the benefits multiply:
Far infrared heat:
- Raises core temperature
- Dramatically increases circulation
- Opens capillaries and improves blood flow
- Promotes deep sweating and detoxification
Red light therapy:
- Stimulates mitochondrial function
- Reduces cellular inflammation
- Accelerates tissue repair
- Enhances collagen production
Combined effect:
- Increased blood flow delivers more oxygen/nutrients to red-light-stimulated tissues
- Cellular activation is enhanced by improved circulation
- Inflammation decreases while energy production increases
- Recovery time drops dramatically compared to either therapy alone
Our customer data shows that people using integrated red light benches report:
- 72% improvement in recovery time
- 68% reduction in joint pain within 30 days
- 81% improvement in skin appearance
- 77% significantly better sleep quality
This is the honest answer to the near vs. far infrared question: use optimized far infrared for core heating and add LED-based red light for near-infrared cellular benefits.
For more technical details, please visit our Red Light Infrared Sauna page.
Buyer’s Checklist: Questions to Ask Every Sales Rep
When you’re shopping, use these questions to separate legitimate companies from those relying on marketing confusion:
About Far Infrared Heaters:
❓ “What’s the surface temperature of your heaters?”
✅ Good answer: “Around 200°F for optimal 7.9 micron output”
🚩 Red flag: Can’t answer or gives vague response
❓ “What wavelength do your heaters produce?”
✅ Good answer: “7.9-8.0 microns at operating temperature”
🚩 Red flag: “Full spectrum” without specific numbers
❓ “What’s the EMF reading at sitting distance?”
✅ Good answer: “Under three milligauss with test documentation”
🚩 Red flag: “Very low” without specific measurements
About “Near Infrared” Claims:
❓ “How do your near infrared heaters achieve the required 2,150°F surface temperature?”
✅ Good answer: “They don’t—we use LED panels for near infrared wavelengths”
🚩 Red flag: Deflection, confusion, or claims that halogen bulbs produce near infrared
❓ “Can you show me the Wien’s Law calculation for your heaters?”
✅ Good answer: Provides actual math showing wavelength output
🚩 Red flag: Doesn’t know what Wien’s Law is
About Red Light Therapy:
❓ “How far are the red light panels from my body when seated?”
✅ Good answer: “2-6 inches, integrated into the bench”
🚩 Red flag: “Mounted on the wall” (too far to be effective)
❓ “What specific wavelengths do your red light panels emit?”
✅ Good answer: “630-670nm red and 810-850nm near infrared”
🚩 Red flag: Vague answers about “therapeutic wavelengths”
About Overall Design:
❓ “Can I see heater placement in the design? Is it 360-degree coverage?”
✅ Good answer: Shows you the layout with heaters surrounding the user
🚩 Red flag: Heaters only on one or two sides
❓ “What’s the total wattage, and how does it match my space?”
✅ Good answer: Provides calculation based on cubic feet
🚩 Red flag: One-size-fits-all recommendation
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
Based on a decade in this industry, here are the warning signs of companies you shouldn’t buy from:
🚩 Claims “near infrared sauna” using heat-based heaters
Physics makes this impossible. They’re lying or ignorant.
🚩 Can’t explain the science when asked
If they can’t discuss wavelengths and surface temperatures, they don’t understand their own product.
🚩 Aggressive marketing about “full spectrum” without specifics
Usually refers to far infrared at different wavelengths, rather than genuine spectrum coverage.
🚩 Red light panels on walls 2+ feet from seating
Looks good, does nothing therapeutically.
🚩 Pressure to buy immediately with limited-time discounts
Quality sauna companies don’t need urgency tactics.
🚩 No EMF testing documentation
If they can’t show you test results, assume EMF levels are problematic.
🚩 Vague warranty or “lifetime” warranties with massive exclusions
Read the fine print—many “lifetime” warranties exclude the most expensive components.
Decision Framework: What Should You Actually Buy?
Let me give you my honest recommendation based on different buyer profiles:
If You’re Budget-Conscious ($2,000-$4,000):
Get a carbon panel far infrared sauna. It won’t be the most powerful option, but it’s a legitimate form of far infrared therapy that works. Avoid the temptation to buy “near infrared” or “full spectrum” in this price range—you’re paying for marketing, not performance.
Best path: Prefab carbon panel sauna from a reputable manufacturer. Focus on low EMF certification and good reviews.
If You’re Serious About Daily Use ($5,000-$8,000):
Invest in a custom far infrared sauna with optimized heaters (200°F surface temperature producing 7.9 microns). This is the sweet spot for most committed users—significantly better performance than budget options without the premium price of fully loaded builds.
Best path: Custom-built with high-quality far-infrared heaters, proper insulation, and 360° coverage. Skip the red light at this budget if needed; you can add it later.
If You Want Optimal Results ($8,000-$15,000):
Build a custom far infrared sauna with integrated LED red light therapy. This combines the core heating benefits of optimized far infrared with the cellular benefits of properly positioned red light. This is what I personally use and what I recommend to anyone serious about recovery and wellness.
The best path is to work with a builder who understands both far-infrared optimization and red light integration. Don’t compromise on LED placement—bench integration is critical.
For custom builds, explore options on our custom infrared sauna design page or check out our DIY infrared sauna guidance if you’re building one yourself.
If You’re Building Your Own:
Follow the technical guidance in our comprehensive building guide. Focus on getting far-infrared heaters right first—aim for a 200°F surface temperature, 7.9 micron output, and proper 360° placement. Add red light later if the complexity is overwhelming initially.
The Bottom Line for Buyers
After thousands of conversations with customers and seeing what actually works long-term, here’s what I want you to remember:
1. Near infrared saunas using heat don’t exist. If someone claims otherwise, they are either misinformed or dishonest. For the full physics explanation, read the complete near vs. far infrared sauna guide. (Note: Link to previous blog post once published)
2. Far infrared is what works for sauna therapy. Specifically, heaters operating at around 200°F produce 7.9-micron wavelengths. This raises core temperature safely and effectively.
3. Real near-infrared benefits come from LED red light therapy, not heat. And it only works when positioned within 6 inches of your body—bench integration, not wall mounting.
4. “Full spectrum” is usually marketing hype. Most are just far infrared at different wavelengths, not genuine near-, mid-, or far-infrared coverage.
5. The best approach combines both: optimized far infrared for core heating + LED red light for cellular benefits. This is what we build at SaunaCloud because it’s what actually delivers results.
Making Your Decision
Shopping for an infrared sauna shouldn’t be this confusing, but the industry has intentionally made it complex. Now you have the framework to see through the marketing.
When you’re ready to move forward:
When buying a prefab, focus on EMF testing, heater specifications, and warranty details. Ignore marketing about “near infrared” or “full spectrum” unless backed by physics.
If going custom: Work with builders who can explain Wien’s Law, show you heater placement layouts, and discuss wavelength optimization. Explore our Atlas sauna line or discover how we approach building differently.
If building yourself, start with the fundamentals—proper far-infrared heaters, adequate insulation, and 360° coverage. Add red light therapy once you have the basics dialed in.
And if you have questions? Call me. I’d rather spend 30 minutes on the phone helping you make an informed decision than see you waste money on a sauna that doesn’t deliver the results you’re looking for.
📞 800-370-0820
📧 hello@saunacloud.com
The infrared sauna industry thrives on confused customers. Don’t be one of them.
— Chris Kiggins
SaunaCloud Founder
Infrared Sauna Designer Since 2014
Still Answering Customer Questions Every Week
P.S. — When you’re visiting showrooms or talking to sales reps, ask them to explain Wien’s Displacement Law and how their heaters achieve the wavelengths they claim. Most won’t be able to answer—the ones who can are worth your time.
P.P.S. — Want the deep dive into why “near infrared saunas” are physically impossible? Read “The Complete Near vs. Far Infrared Sauna Guide: What the Industry Won’t Tell You” for the full physics breakdown.
