A full spectrum sauna adds near and mid infrared heaters to the far infrared panels found in a standard infrared cabin. A far infrared sauna uses far infrared heaters only. Both warm your body directly at a lower air temperature than a traditional sauna. The difference is the range of wavelengths, and for most buyers the choice comes down to price, build and size rather than wavelengths.
Near, Mid and Far Infrared in Plain English
Infrared is the part of the light spectrum just past visible red. It is usually split into three bands by wavelength:
Near infrared: the shortest wavelengths, closest to visible light.
Mid infrared: the middle band.
Far infrared: the longest wavelengths, produced by most carbon and ceramic panels.
Infrared heat is non-ionizing and is the same kind of radiant warmth you feel from sunlight, without UV. See our guide on whether infrared saunas cause cancer for the safety basics.
Full Spectrum vs Far Infrared: Side by Side
| Far infrared | Full spectrum | |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelengths | Far infrared only | Near, mid and far infrared |
| Heaters | Carbon or ceramic panels | Panels plus near-infrared lamps or tubes |
| Feel | Gentle, even warmth | Often a brighter, more intense feel from the near-infrared lamps |
| Typical price | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Where to look | Infrared saunas | Full spectrum infrared saunas |
What the Research Does and Does Not Show
There is little solid research showing that one infrared band gives better results than another for home sauna use. Claims about specific wavelengths healing or treating conditions are not well supported, so we do not make them. Treat infrared sauna use as a relaxation habit, and read what the research actually shows before deciding what to pay extra for.
What to Check Before You Buy
Heater type: carbon, ceramic or a mix. Browse carbon heater models to compare.
EMF levels: look for stated low or ultra-low EMF figures and how they were measured.
Size: match the cabin to your space and number of users with our sauna size guide.
Power and install: check voltage and circuit needs on the product page.
Wood and build: see best wood for a sauna.
Warranty and support: read what is covered.
Who Should Choose Which
Choose far infrared if you want a simple, lower-cost infrared cabin for regular relaxation. Choose full spectrum if you like the added near-infrared glow and the budget allows. Both fit the same kind of room.
Still deciding between sauna types? Compare infrared vs traditional saunas or see all types of saunas.
