Sauna brand comparison checklist

Alpine Spas™ vs Tasman Saunas vs Clearlight® Saunas

This guide is here to help you decide which option best fits your budget, preferred sauna style, and long-term goals.

Understanding the differences between sauna brands

Each brand approaches saunas with a slightly different philosophy. Tasman Saunas focuses on delivering a traditional sauna experience. The company specialises in authentic, high-temperature saunas designed to recreate the classic sauna environment. Many of their saunas use premium Finnish heaters such as Harvia or Sawo, allowing temperatures to reach around 70–90°C. Tasman also offers more flexibility in design, with custom options and smaller-batch production that emphasises craftsmanship and quality.

Clearlight® Saunas, on the other hand, is best known for infrared sauna technology. Instead of heating the air like a traditional sauna, infrared heaters warm the body directly. These saunas typically operate at lower temperatures and often include additional wellness features such as red-light therapy, chromotherapy lighting, and full-spectrum infrared panels. Because of this, Clearlight® Saunas are often chosen by people looking for a wellness-focused sauna experience rather than a traditional high-heat sauna.

Alpine Spas™ takes a different approach again. The brand offers both traditional and infrared sauna options, with a strong focus on accessibility and value. Many of their models are designed to be relatively easy to install and are available as ready-to-assemble units. This makes Alpine Spas™ a popular option for people looking for a more affordable or straightforward home sauna setup.

Type of sauna experience

One of the biggest differences between these brands is the type of sauna heat they provide. Tasman Saunas specialises in traditional high-temperature saunas, designed to deliver the classic sauna experience where the air and sauna stones are heated by a dedicated sauna heater. This allows temperatures to reach around 70–90°C, which many sauna enthusiasts consider essential for an authentic session.

Clearlight® Saunas focuses almost entirely on infrared saunas, where infrared panels warm the body directly rather than heating the air. Because of this, sessions typically occur at lower temperatures, usually between 40–60°C. Many users enjoy this style of sauna for gentle heat and longer wellness sessions.

Alpine Spas™ offers a mix of both approaches, although many of their popular models are also infrared units designed for convenient home use.

Customisation and craftsmanship

Another difference lies in how the saunas are built and configured. Tasman Saunas places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. Their saunas are often produced in smaller batches, with attention given to construction quality and performance. Buyers looking for a more tailored sauna or custom configuration often find this approach appealing.

Clearlight® Saunas tend to follow a premium infrared design model. The company focuses heavily on technology and interior features rather than structural customisation. Their saunas typically arrive as refined, well-designed wellness units with integrated lighting, audio systems, and infrared panels.

Alpine spas™ are generally offered as pre-designed models. These are intended to be practical and easy to install rather than highly customisable.

Installation and setup

Installation requirements can vary significantly between sauna types. Many infrared saunas from Alpine Spas™ and Clearlight® are designed to be relatively simple to install. Some models can operate using standard household electrical outlets, which makes them appealing for indoor installations.

Traditional saunas, usually require a dedicated electrical circuit and a suitable installation space, especially for outdoor models. While this requires a bit more planning, it allows the sauna to deliver the higher temperatures and performance associated with traditional sauna culture.

Temperature and heat style

Temperature is often the deciding factor for many sauna buyers. Traditional saunas like those offered by Tasman typically reach 70–90°C, producing the intense heat and steam that many people associate with classic sauna bathing.

Infrared saunas, such as those from Clearlight® and many Alpine Spas™ models, operate at lower temperatures of around 40–60°C. While the heat feels different, many people find these sessions more comfortable for longer relaxation or wellness routines.

Overall brand focus

Each brand ultimately serves a slightly different type of sauna buyer. Tasman Saunas is a dedicated sauna company, focused on craftsmanship and delivering a traditional sauna experience. Their approach prioritises authentic heat, durable construction, and quality materials.

Clearlight® Saunas is a premium infrared wellness brand, focusing on health technology such as full-spectrum infrared heaters, red-light therapy, and modern design features. Alpine Spas™ sits somewhere in the middle, offering accessible sauna options designed for convenience and affordability, with models suitable for many home environments.

Which sauna brand is right for you?

The best choice ultimately depends on what you want from your sauna. If you're looking for the classic high-temperature sauna experience with strong craftsmanship and traditional heaters, Tasman Saunas may be the best fit. If your focus is on infrared technology, wellness features, and lower-temperature sessions, Clearlight® Saunas could be a solid option. If you're looking for a more accessible entry point into home saunas with straightforward installation, Alpine Spas™ offers practical and affordable options.

**Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information and general product categories. Features may vary between specific models.