Full Spectrum vs Far Infrared Sauna: Choose the Right Wavelength
The full spectrum vs far infrared sauna choice comes down to the wavelengths available during your session. Far infrared uses the long wavelength and creates the broad, steady heat associated with an infrared cabin. Full spectrum adds near infrared emitters, giving you access to near and far wavelengths in the same sauna. Both configurations typically take about 30 to 45 minutes to bring the cabin to 140°F. Full spectrum emitters begin producing warmth when switched on, so you can feel heat before the cabin reaches its full temperature. Far infrared has the lower starting price among the four examples below.
The prices above belong to the four saunas selected for this comparison. Capacity, materials, construction, and additional features also influence the price of an individual model.
4 things to know before buying
1. Wavelength technology
Far infrared cabins use carbon panels around the interior to provide the long wavelength and distribute heat across the cabin.
Full spectrum cabins retain those panels and add separate near infrared emitters. Near infrared works closer to the skin surface. The functional difference is access to both wavelength bands in one session.
Both typically need 30 to 45 minutes to reach 140°F. Full spectrum emitters begin producing warmth when switched on while the cabin continues warming.
The additional emitter system is one reason full spectrum often costs more. Capacity, wood, construction, controls, and other equipment also affect price.
These four saunas range from $2,219 to $5,789, with the far infrared examples at the two lower price points.
2. EMF, mG, and measurement distance
EMF means electromagnetic field. mG, or milligauss, reports the magnetic field reading. Read every Low EMF or Near Zero EMF label with its mG figure and measurement distance.
A meter can show a different result at another distance, so readings taken at 1 and 8 inches should not be ranked directly. These labels do not establish a universal safety threshold.
The selected Low EMF models are rated at 8 mG or less at 6 to 8 inches. Santiago Full Spectrum is rated Near Zero EMF at less than 2 mG at 2 to 3 inches. Neither label is a health guarantee.
3. Space and capacity
Check each model's exterior footprint, total height, and required clearances. These examples cover two, three, and four seat cabins with different dimensions.
Sauna dimensions: how to measure your room →
4. Electricity
Wavelength does not determine the circuit. These models require one or two dedicated 120V circuits rated at 15A or 20A, depending on the model.
Confirm voltage, amperage, and dedicated circuits for the exact model with an electrician.
Electrical requirements: the circuit section of that same guide →
Start with the wavelength
Choose far infrared alone or access to near and far infrared in one cabin.
Give the sauna its place
Set the capacity, then measure the exact footprint, height, and clearances of the model.
Confirm the electrical plan
Review voltage, amperage, and dedicated circuit requirements with an electrician before installation.
Read EMF in context
Keep every mG figure beside the distance at which it was measured.
Compare the complete cabin
Review price alongside capacity, materials, controls, heating equipment, and electrical requirements.
Our recommendations: choose your model
Far infrared
Choose far infrared for the classic, straightforward long wavelength configuration and the lower starting prices in this selection.
Full spectrum
Choose full spectrum when access to both near and far infrared is the priority. It usually costs more, partly because it adds separate near infrared emitters.
Related products and collections
We selected these four saunas to show both wavelength systems across two to four seats, several electrical requirements, and prices from $2,219 to $5,789. Dynamic Versailles and Dynamic Lugano are current best sellers.
Dynamic Versailles
Versailles is the entry priced option in this comparison, with two seats and far infrared heat.
Far infrared
8 mG or less at 6 to 8 inches
1,700 W · one dedicated 120V, 15A circuit
Dynamic Lugano
Lugano adds a third seat while keeping the far infrared configuration.
Far infrared
8 mG or less at 6 to 8 inches
2,200 W · one dedicated 120V, 20A circuit
Dynamic Santiago Full Spectrum
Santiago Full Spectrum brings both wavelengths to a two seat cabin.
Full spectrum
Less than 2 mG at 2 to 3 inches
1,700 W · one dedicated 120V, 15A circuit
Golden Designs GDI-8040-03
GDI-8040-03 is the four seat full spectrum option.
Full spectrum
0 mG at 3 inches · 1 mG at 1 inch
2,700 W · two dedicated 120V, 15A circuits
Explore infrared sauna collections
FAQs
Full spectrum vs far infrared sauna: what's the difference?
What is a full spectrum infrared sauna?
Are infrared saunas safe when it comes to EMF?
What does the mG number on an EMF spec actually mean?
What are the EMF readings for these saunas?
Does Near Zero EMF mean zero everywhere in the cabin?
What infrared sauna research has found
Post exercise recovery
Post exercise infrared sauna may help reduce perceived muscle soreness and support aspects of neuromuscular recovery.¹
Cardiovascular research
Far infrared sauna research has reported improvements in endothelial function and systolic blood pressure regulation in clinical populations with cardiovascular risk factors.²
Chronic pain research
Repeated far infrared Waon therapy has been associated with reduced subjective pain and fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia.³
Sources & methodology
Product comparisons use Kinaura Life catalog data and technical specifications normalized into one format. The evidence includes a randomized crossover study, a literature review, and a clinical Waon study. These sources do not predict individual results from everyday home use. Check current prices and availability on the linked pages. Last reviewed September 4, 2026.
- Ahokas EK, Ihalainen JK, Hanstock HG, Savolainen E, Kyröläinen H. A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biol Sport. 2023;40(3):681-689. PubMed PMID: 37398966. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2023.119289.
- Beever R. Far infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Can Fam Physician. 2009;55(7):691-696. PMCID: PMC2718593.
- Matsushita K, Masuda A, Tei C. Efficacy of Waon therapy for fibromyalgia. Intern Med. 2008;47(16):1473-1476. PubMed PMID: 18703857. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.1054.
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