One of the most common questions infrared sauna buyers ask is:
“Should I buy a far infrared sauna or spend more on a full spectrum sauna?”
The answer depends on your wellness goals.
Both sauna types use infrared technology and provide many of the same relaxation, recovery, and wellness benefits. However, full spectrum saunas include additional infrared wavelengths that are not typically found in standard far infrared saunas.
Understanding these differences can help you determine whether the additional investment in full spectrum technology is worthwhile for your needs.
The Short Answer
Far Infrared Sauna
Includes:
- Far infrared heat therapy
Best for:
- Relaxation
- Recovery
- Healthy sweating
- Cardiovascular wellness
- Daily sauna use
Full Spectrum Sauna
Includes:
- Near infrared
- Mid infrared
- Far infrared
Best for:
- Heat therapy
- Photobiomodulation
- Cellular wellness
- Recovery
- Skin wellness
- Maximum flexibility
If your primary goal is heat therapy, a far infrared sauna may be all you need.
If you’re interested in both heat therapy and light-based wellness technologies, a full spectrum sauna may be the better choice.
What Is a Far Infrared Sauna?
Far infrared saunas use infrared wavelengths that primarily produce heat.
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, far infrared saunas warm the body through radiant heat.
Many people choose far infrared saunas because they enjoy:
- Comfortable heat
- Relaxation
- Recovery support
- Healthy sweating
- Wellness routines
Far infrared remains the foundation of modern infrared sauna therapy.
Related Reading:
https://celebrationsaunas.com/how-does-an-infrared-sauna-work/
What Is a Full Spectrum Sauna?
A full spectrum sauna includes multiple infrared wavelengths:
- Near infrared (NIR)
- Mid infrared (MIR)
- Far infrared (FIR)
This allows users to experience both:
- Infrared heat therapy
- Photobiomodulation technology
within the same sauna session.
Related Reading:
https://celebrationsaunas.com/what-is-full-spectrum-sauna-technology/
The Biggest Difference: Near Infrared
The primary reason people upgrade to a full spectrum sauna is access to near infrared therapy.
Near infrared wavelengths are commonly associated with:
- Photobiomodulation
- Cellular wellness
- Recovery support
- Skin wellness
Unlike far infrared, which is primarily used for heat production, near infrared is often selected for its light-based wellness applications.
Related Reading:
https://celebrationsaunas.com/what-is-near-infrared-sauna-therapy/
Full Spectrum vs Far Infrared Benefits
Benefits Shared by Both
Both sauna types provide:
- Relaxation
- Recovery support
- Stress reduction
- Healthy sweating
- Cardiovascular wellness support
- Daily wellness routines
For many users, these shared benefits represent the primary reason they purchase a sauna.
Benefits Unique to Full Spectrum
Full spectrum saunas additionally provide:
- Near infrared therapy
- Photobiomodulation support
- Expanded wellness applications
- Greater flexibility
This additional functionality is often what justifies the higher price point.
Full Spectrum and Photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation is one of the fastest-growing areas of wellness technology.
Researchers continue studying how specific wavelengths of red and near infrared light interact with cells and tissues.
Many buyers interested in photobiomodulation specifically seek out full spectrum saunas because they include near infrared emitters.
Related Reading:
https://celebrationsaunas.com/what-is-photobiomodulation/
Full Spectrum and Red Light Therapy
Many modern full spectrum sauna systems also incorporate red light therapy.
These technologies are commonly used together because they complement one another.
For buyers interested in advanced wellness technology, full spectrum systems often provide more options than traditional far infrared saunas.
Related Reading:
https://celebrationsaunas.com/what-is-red-light-therapy/
Is Full Spectrum Worth the Extra Cost?
This depends entirely on your goals.
Choose Far Infrared If:
You want:
- Relaxation
- Recovery
- Healthy sweating
- Cardiovascular wellness
- Excellent value
Many people are perfectly happy with a far infrared sauna and never feel the need to upgrade.
Choose Full Spectrum If:
You want:
- Near infrared therapy
- Photobiomodulation
- Cellular wellness support
- Skin wellness support
- Maximum infrared flexibility
For wellness enthusiasts, athletes, and buyers interested in the latest infrared technologies, full spectrum often represents the preferred option.
Which Sauna Is More Popular?
Far infrared saunas remain the most common infrared sauna category.
However, full spectrum saunas continue growing in popularity as awareness of photobiomodulation and near infrared therapy increases.
Many buyers who initially research far infrared saunas ultimately upgrade to full spectrum models after learning about the additional technologies available.
The Bottom Line
Both far infrared and full spectrum saunas provide excellent wellness experiences.
Far infrared saunas focus primarily on heat therapy and relaxation, while full spectrum saunas add near infrared and mid infrared technologies that expand the sauna’s wellness capabilities.
If your goal is simply enjoying the benefits of infrared heat, a far infrared sauna may be the perfect choice.
If you’re interested in combining heat therapy, photobiomodulation, recovery support, and advanced wellness technology, a full spectrum sauna may be worth the additional investment.
Related Articles
What Is Full Spectrum Sauna Technology?
https://celebrationsaunas.com/what-is-full-spectrum-sauna-technology/
How Does an Infrared Sauna Work? Understanding Infrared Heat Therapy
https://celebrationsaunas.com/how-does-an-infrared-sauna-work/
Near Infrared vs Far Infrared Sauna: What’s the Difference?
https://celebrationsaunas.com/near-infrared-vs-far-infrared-sauna/
What Is Near Infrared Sauna Therapy?
https://celebrationsaunas.com/what-is-near-infrared-sauna-therapy/
What Is Photobiomodulation?
https://celebrationsaunas.com/what-is-photobiomodulation/
References
Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/
de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5215870/
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Infrared Radiation and Biological Effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745411/
Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review.