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Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Sauna: They Aren't the Same
September 27, 2026 2 min read
Short answer: Red light therapy devices deliver a measured dose of red and near-infrared light from LEDs with little heat. Infrared saunas use heaters to warm the air and your body for a heat session. Some infrared saunas add red light panels, such as the Medical Breakthrough Medical 6 and Medical 7 Plus, but the two technologies do different jobs.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Educational only, not medical advice. See our disclaimer.
Side by side
| Red light therapy | Infrared sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| What it delivers | Red and near-infrared light from LEDs | Heat from far-infrared (and sometimes near or mid) heaters |
| Heat | Low, except pads with a heat function | The main point: a warm cabin |
| Session | Minutes, often timed by the device | Often 20 to 45 minutes of sweating |
| Size | Handheld to full-body bed | Cabin for one or more people |
| Specs to compare | Wavelengths, irradiance, coverage | Heater type, watts, EMF, wood, size |
Saunas with red light
- Medical Breakthrough Medical 6 Sauna (red light therapy included, $9,649)
- Medical Breakthrough Medical 7 Plus Sauna (corner unit, red light therapy included, $12,649)
Some full-spectrum infrared saunas also include near-infrared elements. Their output is not the same as a dedicated LED device, so compare specs.
Explore
- Infrared saunas: indoor and outdoor.
- Red light: Every Red Light Therapy Device We Carry.
Frequently asked questions
Is an infrared sauna the same as red light therapy?
No. Infrared saunas use heaters to warm your body, while red light devices deliver measured light with little heat.
Can I get both in one product?
Some saunas, such as the Medical Breakthrough Medical 6 and Medical 7 Plus, list red light therapy as included.
Read the Red Light Therapy Guide or ask our team.