Buying guide

Barrel Sauna vs. Infrared Sauna: Which One Is Right for You?

By Aura Saunas  ·  8 min read

It's one of the most common questions we get: "Should I get a barrel sauna or an infrared sauna?" The honest answer is that they're quite different experiences — and the right choice depends on what you want from your sauna, where you'll put it, and how you plan to use it.

Let's break it down properly.

The experience: traditional vs. modern

A barrel sauna is a traditional Finnish experience. You heat rocks with a wood-burning stove or electric heater, pour water over them to create löyly (the sacred sauna steam), and sit in intense, moist heat that can reach 180–200°F. It's primal, ritualistic, and deeply communal. Many people describe it as more emotionally satisfying than infrared — the sound of the hiss, the smell of cedar, the surge of heat all contribute to something that feels ancient and sacred.

An infrared sauna is a more modern, clinical experience — in the best way. The heat is gentler (120–150°F), the session is comfortable enough to read or meditate through, and the infrared light penetrates tissue directly for targeted physiological effects. It's what most wellness professionals recommend for daily use.

Who should choose a barrel sauna

You want a barrel sauna if: you have outdoor space and want a backyard centerpiece, you love the traditional Finnish sauna experience, you plan to use it with friends or family, or you prefer wood-burning stoves and that specific smell and atmosphere. The Aura Grove and Aura Grand are built for people who want their sauna to be an event, not just a routine.

Who should choose an infrared sauna

You want an infrared sauna if: you're focused on daily health optimization, you want something indoors, you're sensitive to intense heat, you're using it solo most of the time, or you want chromotherapy and Bluetooth audio built in. Our Lumina, Elite, and Solstice models cover every need from solo practice to family wellness.