Versus · 7 min
Infrared vs Traditional Sauna: Which Should You Buy?
Infrared cabins run gentler and plug in indoors; traditional saunas bring real heat and steam. Here's how to pick the right one for your home.
Recovery Desk · August 19, 2026
Saunas · Sunlighten
mPulse Believe
A full-spectrum infrared sauna with an app, a tablet and a fairly serious opinion of itself.
$9,000
2-person, made to order. Price on request; typical quotes vary by wood. · approx., checked October 12, 2026
Restalogy Score
7.5/ 10Elite
- Cool Factor
- 7.9
- Hot Guy Energy
- 8.2
- Uniqueness
- 7.8
- Build Quality
- 8.4
- Worth the Splurge
- 5.8
The verdict
Sunlighten's mPulse line pairs near-, mid- and far-infrared heaters with programs you control from a built-in panel or your phone. It's the gadget-forward pick: owners report a gentler heat than a traditional sauna and like that they can run a session without fiddling. Pricing is quote-based, which is a mild annoyance at this level.
Why we like it
- +Full-spectrum infrared in one cabin
- +Preset programs and app control
- +Choice of woods and cabin finishes
Worth knowing
- –Quote-only pricing
- –Infrared heat doesn't feel like a Finnish sauna
- –Pricier than comparable infrared cabins
Specs
- Capacity
- 2 people
- Heat
- Full-spectrum infrared (near, mid, far)
- Controls
- Onboard panel and app
- Build
- Made to order, choice of woods
Buy at Sunlighten
We may earn a commission. How that works.
Mentioned in
From the Journal
You might also covet
Related picks
8.2
Almost Heaven
Pinnacle Barrel Sauna
$5,500
A backyard barrel sauna for people who want real Finnish heat and a reason to go outside in January.
7.9Staff pick
Clearlight
Sanctuary 2
$7,300
A two-person infrared cabin that leads with low-EMF heaters and furniture-grade woodwork.
7.1
Sleep Number
Climate360 Smart Bed
$10,200
A whole smart bed that heats, cools, adjusts firmness and raises your head, separately for each sleeper.