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Far vs Near Infrared Saunas
By Marcus Ellery. Prices checked .
Far infrared has the longest wavelength and gives a soft, even heat from large carbon or ceramic panels. Near infrared has the shortest and comes from hotter, brighter emitters. Far-only cabins cost $4,799 to $6,199. Cabins with near infrared too cost $5,450 to $10,950.
The three bands
| Band | Wavelength | Typical sauna source | How it feels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near | About 0.78 to 1.4 micrometers | Halogen or LED emitters | Bright, direct, hot up close |
| Mid | About 1.4 to 3 micrometers | Halogen or quartz heaters | Strong, focused warmth |
| Far | About 3 micrometers and longer | Carbon or ceramic panels | Soft, even, whole-body warmth |
Far infrared saunas
Most home infrared saunas are far infrared. Wide panels line the walls and sit at a lower surface temperature, so heat spreads evenly and nothing feels scorching. These are the least expensive cabins: $4,799 to $6,199 when we checked.
Near infrared saunas
Cabins sold as near infrared, or as full spectrum, add emitters that put out shorter wavelengths. Some are stand-alone lamp-style units. In cabins, near infrared usually comes as part of a full spectrum package rather than on its own.
Near infrared from a heater is not the same product as LED red light panels. See infrared saunas with red light.
Which should you buy
- Far infrared for the lowest price and gentlest heat.
- Full spectrum if you want all three bands. See prices here.
Questions people ask
Is near or far infrared better for a sauna?
Neither is better in general. Far infrared does most of the heating and costs less. Near infrared adds a more intense, direct heat. Many buyers choose on feel and budget.
Are all infrared saunas far infrared?
Nearly all include far infrared. Full spectrum models add near and mid infrared heaters to it.