- Steam room
- About 110–120°F
- Infrared
- About 120–150°F
- Finnish sauna
- About 150–195°F
The core difference
A sauna heats the air, usually to around 150°F to 195°F for a traditional one, with low humidity that rises for a moment when water hits the stones. An infrared sauna runs cooler air with radiant heat.
A steam room runs much cooler air, around 110°F to 120°F, but keeps it close to fully saturated with moisture from a steam generator. The steam condenses on your skin and the walls, which is why steam rooms feel so intense at a lower temperature.
Side by side
| Sauna | Steam room | |
|---|---|---|
| Air temperature | About 150–195°F (traditional) | About 110–120°F |
| Humidity | Low, with short bursts of steam | Near 100% |
| Room | Wood-lined, ventilated | Tiled or sealed, waterproof, sloped ceiling |
| Heat source | Stone heater or infrared panels | Steam generator |
| At home | Cabin, kit or outdoor building | Usually a converted shower enclosure |
How each feels
In a dry sauna you feel heat on your skin while sweat evaporates. In a steam room the air feels thick, everything is wet, and sweat cannot evaporate. Some people find steam easier to breathe in; others find it close and prefer dry heat. If you can, try both before choosing one for your home.
Having one at home
A home sauna is a self-contained cabin or room: see our buying guide. A home steam room is normally a shower with a sealed door and ceiling, a steam generator, a steam head and full waterproofing. That is a bathroom renovation, not a kit. Have a licensed electrician install the generator, and plan the waterproofing with a contractor.
Whichever you choose, keep sessions moderate, drink water, and ask a doctor first if you are pregnant or have a heart or blood pressure condition.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam room or sauna hotter?
A sauna has the higher air temperature, typically about 150°F to 195°F for a traditional sauna versus about 110°F to 120°F for a steam room. A steam room can feel just as intense because the air is saturated with moisture.
Can you turn a sauna into a steam room?
Not really. A traditional sauna can have bursts of steam from water on the stones, but a steam room holds near-100% humidity continuously, which needs a steam generator and a fully waterproof, sealed room. Wood sauna rooms are not built for that.
Is it cheaper to add a sauna or a steam shower at home?
It depends on the space. A steam shower can reuse an existing bathroom if the enclosure can be sealed and waterproofed for steam. A sauna needs its own cabin or room. Get quotes for your specific space.