Short answer
An infrared sauna uses radiant heat in a relatively dry cabin. A steam room uses a generator to fill an enclosed, moisture-resistant room with warm vapor. Choose primarily for the heat you enjoy, the space available and the installation required. Research does not establish either as the healthier choice for everyone.
A steam room is also different from a traditional Finnish sauna where water is poured over hot stones. That distinction matters when comparing temperatures, equipment and building costs.
| Decision | Infrared sauna | Steam room |
|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Infrared panels radiate heat toward your body; the cabin air also warms. | A steam generator heats water and delivers vapor into the enclosure. |
| Typical air temperature | About 110–135°F (43–57°C), depending on the model and setting. | Often around 110–120°F (43–49°C), with very high humidity. |
| What you feel | Radiant warmth in relatively dry air. | Moist heat; high humidity makes sweat evaporation less effective. |
| Home installation | A prefabricated cabin may be simpler to assemble. Check its electrical circuit, clearance and location requirements. | A suitable enclosure, vapor and waterproofing, a generator, plumbing and electrical work are usually needed. |
| Cleaning | Wipe sweat from approved surfaces and allow the cabin to dry; follow the wood and panel care instructions. | Clean the wet enclosure and follow the generator’s flushing or descaling schedule. |
| Best starting point | Try one if you prefer dry warmth and want a home cabin. | Try one if you enjoy humid heat and already have access at a gym or spa. |
Temperature ranges are descriptive, not personal safety limits. See the Cleveland Clinic infrared overview and MrSteam’s steam-room comparison. Always follow the instructions for the equipment you use.
Which feels hotter?
The thermometer cannot answer this on its own. Humidity, radiant heat, seating position and your own tolerance all change the experience. A steam room can feel intense at a temperature that looks modest next to a traditional sauna. A lower-temperature infrared cabin still places heat stress on the body.
Try each at a comfortable setting before buying. You do not need to tolerate the highest temperature or stay until a timer runs out. Our sauna temperature guide compares the different types.
Is either better for your health?
There is promising sauna research, but it does not justify a universal winner between infrared and steam. Mayo Clinic notes that larger, more precise studies are needed to establish many proposed infrared benefits.
A systematic review of dry sauna bathing also found insufficient evidence to recommend particular sauna types for specific conditions. Its findings should not simply be transferred to steam rooms. Studies of Finnish sauna use do not prove that every heat treatment produces the same results.
Do not use detoxification, fat-loss or disease-treatment promises as your buying criteria. Sweating alone does not establish a clinically useful detox effect. Cleveland Clinic describes detox research as preliminary. Neither format should replace prescribed treatment or physical activity.
What does each cost to run?
Compare the actual equipment, not just the category name. Heater or generator power, warm-up time, operating time, thermostat cycling and your electricity tariff determine the electricity bill.
Electricity cost = average power used (kW) × operating time (hours) × price per kWh.
For example, equipment drawing 2 kW continuously for 45 minutes uses 1.5 kWh. At an illustrative $0.20/kWh, that is $0.30. Equipment drawing 6 kW continuously for the same time uses 4.5 kWh and costs $0.90. These are calculation examples, not measurements of particular saunas. Add warm-up time and adjust for actual cycling.
For a purchase decision, request an installed quote covering delivery, assembly, the electrical supply and any required building work. Steam systems may also add water, maintenance and descaling costs. See our home sauna planning guide for the wider decision.
Installation questions to ask before buying
- For an infrared cabin: What voltage, amperage and dedicated circuit does this exact model require? Is it approved for the proposed indoor or outdoor location?
- For a steam room: Is the enclosure designed for continuous moisture and vapor? How will the generator be sized, supplied, drained and accessed for service?
- For either: What clearances, ventilation, cleaning products, warranty conditions and local installation requirements apply?
A plug does not mean every cabin can share an ordinary household circuit. A steam generator does not work by pouring water over sauna stones. Have the installer check the manufacturer’s requirements before ordering.
Using either comfortably
Begin with a short session at a low setting, avoid alcohol and leave if you feel dizzy, nauseated or unwell. Do not push through symptoms to finish a session. If you are pregnant, have a health condition or take medication that affects heat tolerance, ask your clinician whether heat bathing is appropriate. Cleveland Clinic’s guidance discusses precautions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam room the same as a wet sauna?
The terms are sometimes mixed together. Here, steam room means a wet enclosure supplied by a steam generator. A Finnish sauna with water poured on heater stones is a different system.
Can I add steam to an infrared sauna?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly designed the cabin for it. Do not add a steam generator, pour water onto infrared panels or modify electrical equipment to combine the two.
Which should I choose?
Start with the experience you prefer and an installed quote for your space. Compare the exact models and their maintenance needs. There is no reason to pay more solely because a seller promises stronger detoxification or guaranteed health benefits.
Editorial update: September 16, 2026. This comparison is based on the linked clinical guidance, research and manufacturer information; it is not a hands-on product test or medical advice.