The Short Answer
Full spectrum saunas combine near, mid and far infrared; far infrared saunas use only far infrared. Full spectrum suits people who want the broadest range of benefits, including skin, recovery and circulation. Far infrared suits those who want deep, relaxing heat and a good sweat at a lower price. Neither is better for everyone: it depends on your goals and budget.
Full Spectrum vs. Far Infrared at a Glance
The main difference is wavelength: full spectrum saunas emit near, mid and far infrared, while far infrared saunas emit only far infrared.
| Far infrared sauna | Full spectrum infrared sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelengths | Far infrared (FIR, IR-C): about 3 µm to 1 mm (3,000 nm and above) | Near (NIR, IR-A): about 0.7–1.4 µm (700–1,400 nm); mid (MIR, IR-B): about 1.4–3 µm; plus far infrared |
| How heat is felt | Deep, gentle, enveloping warmth | Similar deep warmth, plus a brighter, more surface-level glow some users find more intense. |
| Typical cabin temperature | About 115–130°F | About 115–130°F |
| Main benefits | Relaxation, sweating, muscle comfort | The same, plus ranges associated with skin, surface tissue and circulation |
| Session length | 20–45 minutes (beginners 15–20) | 20–45 minutes (beginners 15–20) |
| Price | Typically lower | Typically higher, due to more heater hardware |
| Best for | Relaxation and value | Recovery, skin and therapy stacking |
Wavelength bands vary slightly between standards; these follow the common IR-A, IR-B and IR-C divisions. Benefit entries describe associations and user reports, not proven medical differences.
What Is a Far Infrared Sauna?
A far infrared sauna uses heaters that emit the longest infrared wavelengths, which warm your body directly instead of heating the air around you. Far infrared (FIR) sits beyond roughly 3 microns (3,000 nm). Cabin temperatures usually stay around 115–130°F, well below the 170–200°F of a traditional sauna, yet many people still sweat heavily. Mayo Clinic describes an infrared sauna as one where light provides the heat, warming the body directly rather than the air.
Most far infrared cabins use carbon heaters, which give longer wavelengths at lower output, or ceramic heaters, which give higher output at shorter wavelengths. Many buyers choose far infrared for comfortable, relaxing heat at a lower cost, and there are good reasons to: the technology is simpler, the cabins are widely available, and the experience is easy to enjoy from the first session.
What Is a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna?
A full spectrum infrared sauna delivers near (NIR), mid (MIR) and far (FIR) infrared together in one cabin. Each range is associated with different effects: near infrared with skin and surface tissue, mid infrared with circulation and muscles, and far infrared with deep heat and sweat.
Research on near-infrared light, usually called photobiomodulation, has looked at wound healing, inflammation and skin rejuvenation, as summarized in a 2018 dermatology review in Medical Research Archives. Those studies mostly used dedicated light devices, not sauna heaters, so it is not established that a sauna delivers comparable doses. Evidence comparing full spectrum and far infrared saunas directly is limited.
Key Differences That MatterWhich type offers a wider range of benefits?
Full spectrum covers more of the infrared range, so it is associated with a wider set of effects. A wider range is not the same as proven better. Cleveland Clinic notes that possible sauna benefits for heart health, soreness, pain, relaxation and sleep still need more research, particularly for infrared saunas.
How does the heat feel?
Both types feel milder than a traditional sauna at 115–130°F. Far infrared tends to feel like a deep, even warmth. Many full spectrum users report a brighter, more intense warmth on the skin, which some love and others find too strong at first. If you are sensitive to heat, start with a lower setting and shorter sessions, whichever type you choose.
Is the heater technology different?
Yes, and it is where labels can mislead. True full spectrum heaters emit all three ranges, while some cabins sold as full spectrum add low-wattage near-infrared LEDs to a far infrared system. Ask for the spec sheet showing which ranges each heater emits and at what wattage.
How do the costs compare?
Full spectrum cabins typically cost more upfront because they need more heater hardware. Running costs are generally comparable, because both types run at similar temperatures and heat up in about 10–15 minutes. Check each model’s wattage and your local electricity rate.
Why check EMF and ELF in either type?
EMF (electromagnetic fields) and ELF (extremely low frequency fields) come from the electric current running through a sauna’s heaters and wiring, so far infrared and full spectrum cabins both produce them. You sit close to the heaters for 20 minutes or more, which is why many buyers want to keep exposure as low as possible, and why it is worth checking before you buy. Levels depend on the heater design, wiring and shielding of each model, not on the sauna type, so a full spectrum cabin is not automatically higher or lower than a far infrared one. Brands often cite 3 mG (milligauss) as a low-EMF benchmark. Ask for tested EMF and ELF figures, where they were measured and whether a test report is available.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose far infrared if you:
- Mainly want relaxing, deep heat and a strong sweat
- Prefer a lower upfront cost
- Like a gentler, more even warmth
- Do not plan to layer other light therapies
Choose full spectrum if you:
- Want the broadest range of wavelengths for skin, recovery and circulation
- Already use, or plan to add, therapies such as red light
- Are comfortable paying more for added heater hardware
- Are happy to build up slowly to a brighter, more intense warmth
Do I need near infrared in my sauna?
No. Far infrared alone produces deep heat and sweating, and no direct evidence shows near infrared in a sauna is required for a good result. Add it if the skin and surface-tissue associations matter to you.
Safety first: drink water before and after, start with short sessions and stop if you feel dizzy. Check with a doctor before using any sauna if you are pregnant or have a heart condition.
What to Look For in Either Type
Whichever type you choose, five checks separate a well-made sauna from a poor one:
- Heater placement: heaters at body level around the bench, not just overhead
- Low EMF/ELF: documented test results, not only a claim
- Non-toxic wood: basswood or mahogany, with low-odor glues and a smooth finish
- Warranty: length, and whether it covers parts, labor and shipping
- Certification: recognized electrical safety marks such as ETL or CE
Brands that make both types let you compare like with like. Berkeley, California-based Clearlight®, which has made infrared saunas since 1997, sells far infrared Premier™ models and Clearlight® Sanctuary™ full spectrum saunas, a line that includes the sauna Better Homes & Gardens named Best Overall for 2026. On the heater and EMF checks above, Clearlight says its patented True Wave® heaters combine carbon and ceramic elements and measure under 1 mG at the heater. As with any brand, ask to see the test report behind a figure like that.
FAQ
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Is full spectrum better than far infrared?
Not necessarily. Full spectrum adds near and mid infrared, which are associated with skin and circulation, but direct evidence that it outperforms far infrared is limited. Far infrared delivers deep, relaxing heat and a strong sweat at a lower price. The better option depends on whether you want the extra wavelengths.
Is near infrared safe in a sauna?
Near infrared is non-ionizing and generally considered safe for most healthy adults at sauna exposures; Mayo Clinic reports no harmful effects from infrared saunas. Avoid staring at bright light sources and follow the manufacturer’s guidance. If you are pregnant, take photosensitizing medication or have a heart condition, ask a doctor first.
Does full spectrum get hotter?
Not by default. Both types typically run at about 115–130°F. The difference is the wavelength mix, not the thermostat. Some users say full spectrum feels more intense on the skin, but you control the cabin temperature with the settings on either type.
Which is better for detox or sweating?
Both make you sweat at comparable temperatures, and far infrared is known for deep heat and a strong sweat. Sweat volume depends more on session length and hydration than on type. Evidence that sweating detoxifies the body is limited, since the liver and kidneys do most of that work.
How long should a sauna session be?
Typical infrared sessions run 20–45 minutes, with beginners often starting at 15–20. Cleveland Clinic suggests keeping sessions to roughly 20–30 minutes. Preheat for 10–15 minutes beforehand, drink water before and after, and leave the cabin straight away if you feel dizzy, faint or unwell.
Can I add red light therapy to a far infrared sauna?
Often yes. Some far infrared saunas accept red or near-infrared light panels as an upgrade, and you can also use a standalone panel before or after a session. Check that the sauna is designed for the add-on, including electrical load and panel placement.
The Bottom Line
Full spectrum offers the widest range of wavelengths; far infrared offers deep, comfortable heat for less. Neither has been shown to be medically superior, so match the type to your goals. Choose far infrared for relaxation and value, or full spectrum if recovery, skin and layered therapies matter most. Either way, check heater specs, EMF test results, wood and warranty, and start with short sessions.
Contact Clearlight® Saunas
Phone (toll-free): 800.798.1779
International: +1.510.601.1775
Email: info@infraredsauna.com
Address: 1077 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710 (administrative offices)
Website: infraredsauna.com