If you are researching home saunas in 2026, you have encountered two dominant technologies: steam saunas and infrared saunas. Both deliver heat therapy. Both claim health benefits. But they work in fundamentally different ways and serve different needs.
This guide breaks down the science, the practical differences, and which type makes the most sense for your home, your budget, and your wellness goals.
How Steam Saunas Work
A steam sauna uses a water-based heating element to generate steam. Water is heated in a reservoir, turns to vapor, and fills an enclosed space with humid heat. Traditional Finnish saunas and modern portable steam saunas both use this method.
Key characteristics:
- Heat source: Boiling water creates steam
- Temperature range: 100°F to 130°F (38°C to 54°C)
- Humidity level: 100% (saturated air)
- Heat penetration: Indirect, heats air which heats skin
- Sweat mechanism: High humidity prevents sweat evaporation, raises skin temp
How Infrared Saunas Work
An infrared sauna uses light-spectrum heating panels to emit infrared radiation that penetrates skin directly without significantly heating the surrounding air. Think of it like standing in sunlight: you feel warmth on your skin even if the air temperature is cool.
Key characteristics:
- Heat source: Infrared light panels (near, mid, or far infrared wavelengths)
- Temperature range: 110°F to 140°F (43°C to 60°C)
- Humidity level: 10 to 20% (dry heat)
- Heat penetration: Direct, infrared waves penetrate 1 to 2 inches into tissue
- Sweat mechanism: Infrared stimulates sweat glands without high ambient temperature
Steam Sauna Vs Infrared Sauna: Direct Comparison
| Feature | Steam Sauna | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heat-up time | 5 to 10 minutes | 10 to 20 minutes |
| Operating temperature | 100–130°F | 110–140°F |
| Humidity | 100% (wet heat) | 10–20% (dry heat) |
| Respiratory benefits | Yes (opens airways) | No |
| Portability | Very portable | Some portable, most fixed |
| Cost (portable) | $300–$600 CAD | $800–$2,500 CAD |
| Electricity use | 1500W | 1600–2400W |
| Ideal for small spaces | Yes | Depends on model |
Health Benefits: What Does The Science Say?
Benefits Common To Both
Both steam and infrared saunas have been shown to support:
- Improved cardiovascular function through increased heart rate and circulation
- Muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow
- Stress reduction via parasympathetic nervous system activation
- Temporary relief from joint and muscle pain
- Enhanced sleep quality when used 60 to 90 minutes before bed
Steam Sauna-Specific Benefits
1. Respiratory Support
The humid heat from steam saunas helps open airways, loosen mucus, and ease breathing. This makes steam saunas particularly effective for people with:
- Seasonal congestion
- Sinus pressure
- Mild asthma symptoms (always consult a doctor first)
2. Skin Hydration
Steam increases skin moisture temporarily, which can improve skin texture and appearance. The high humidity prevents the drying effect that some people experience with dry heat.
3. Detoxification Through Sweating
While both sauna types induce sweating, steam saunas produce higher sweat volume due to the combination of high heat and humidity preventing evaporation.
Infrared Sauna-Specific Benefits
1. Deeper Tissue Penetration
Infrared wavelengths penetrate 1 to 2 inches into tissue, potentially reaching muscles and joints more effectively than surface-level steam heat. Some research suggests this may provide greater pain relief for chronic conditions.
2. Lower Ambient Temperature
Infrared saunas operate at lower air temperatures (110–140°F) compared to steam saunas, which can feel more comfortable for people who struggle with intense heat. You still sweat, but the experience feels less overwhelming.
3. Faster Calorie Burn (Claimed)
Some infrared sauna manufacturers claim higher calorie expenditure due to deeper tissue heating. However, research on this is mixed and not definitively superior to steam sauna calorie burn.
Which Type Is Better For Home Use?
Choose A Steam Sauna If:
- ✓ You have limited space (portable steam saunas fold flat for storage)
- ✓ You want faster heat-up time (5 minutes vs 10 to 20 minutes)
- ✓ You prefer humid heat or have respiratory concerns
- ✓ You are budget-conscious ($300 to $600 CAD vs $800 to $2,500 CAD)
- ✓ You rent and need a non-permanent solution
- ✓ You want immediate setup with no assembly required
Choose An Infrared Sauna If:
- ✓ You prefer dry heat and find humid environments uncomfortable
- ✓ You have chronic pain or deep tissue inflammation
- ✓ You want a lower operating temperature experience
- ✓ You have dedicated space for a permanent or semi-permanent unit
- ✓ Budget is not a primary concern
Cost Breakdown: Steam vs Infrared
Upfront Cost
Portable Steam Sauna: $300 to $600 CAD
Portable Infrared Sauna: $800 to $2,500 CAD
Built-In Steam Sauna: $8,000 to $15,000 CAD
Built-In Infrared Sauna: $3,000 to $8,000 CAD
Operating Cost Per Session
Steam Sauna (1500W for 20 min): ~$0.07 CAD
Infrared Sauna (2000W for 30 min): ~$0.13 CAD
At Canadian electricity rates of $0.13/kWh, both are negligible over time.
Long-Term Value
A steam sauna used daily for a year costs $0.95 per day (upfront cost divided by 365).
An $1,800 infrared sauna used daily for a year costs $4.93 per day.
Both pay for themselves compared to gym memberships or spa visits, but steam saunas offer faster ROI for home users.
Space Requirements: Which Fits Better In Apartments?
Portable Steam Sauna
- Setup footprint: 33" × 37" (fits most bathrooms or bedrooms)
- Storage: Folds to under 10 inches thick
- Weight: 15 to 25 lbs (easy to move and store)
Portable Infrared Sauna
- Setup footprint: 35" × 35" to 40" × 48" (larger footprint)
- Storage: Some models fold, many do not
- Weight: 40 to 80 lbs (less portable, often semi-permanent)
Winner for small spaces: Steam saunas. They collapse completely and can be stored in a closet between uses.
Which One Should You Buy?
For most Canadian apartment dwellers and homeowners looking for practical home wellness, a portable steam sauna is the better choice in 2026. Here's why:
- Lower upfront cost (3x to 4x cheaper than infrared)
- Faster heat-up time (5 minutes vs 20 minutes)
- True portability (folds completely flat for storage)
- Respiratory benefits that infrared cannot provide
- No assembly required (unfold and plug in)
Infrared saunas have their place for people with chronic pain conditions who need deeper tissue penetration, or those who strongly prefer dry heat. But for general wellness, recovery, and sleep optimization in a small space, steam wins on practicality and value.
The Best Portable Steam Sauna For Home Use In 2026
If you have decided a steam sauna is right for you, the Lumana Portable Home Sauna is the top-performing option for Canadian homes in 2026.
Why Lumana stands out:
- less than $1/day over a year
- 5-minute heat-up time with 1500W steamer
- 9 adjustable temperature levels (107°F to 130°F)
- Premium safety features: anti-dry protection, leak prevention, 304 stainless steel liner
- Folds flat for closet storage (under 10 inches thick)
- Ships across Canada with full tracking (10 to 14 business days)
The Lumana system is designed specifically for apartment living and delivers spa-grade heat therapy without the cost, complexity, or space requirements of built-in or infrared alternatives.
Ready to bring heat therapy home?
Shop the Lumana Portable Home Sauna
Free shipping across Canada. 30-day returns. Complete kit included.
About Lumana Wellness: Lumana is a Canadian wellness brand focused on practical, performance-driven recovery tools. From portable saunas to sleep optimization essentials, every product is designed for real life in real Canadian homes. Learn more about Lumana →