Maxxus vs Finnmark Designs Saunas

Shopping for a home sauna can feel like stepping into a whole new world. With so many options out there including infrared, traditional, hybrid, etc, it’s easy to feel both excited and overwhelmed. Two of the most talked-about brands today are Maxxus Saunas and Finnmark Designs. Both offer high-quality builds, great performance, and strong reputations, but they cater to slightly different lifestyles and needs.

If you’re considering adding a sauna to your home (or lake house, or backyard cabin), this guide breaks down the key differences between Maxxus and Finnmark so you can confidently choose the sauna that fits your space, wellness goals, and budget.

TLDR: Which Sauna Should You Choose?

Choose Maxxus Saunas if:

• You’re new to the sauna lifestyle and want an affordable, reliable entry point.
• You prefer infrared heat and longer, lower-temperature sessions.
• Space or budget is a key consideration.

Choose Finnmark Designs if:

• You want the flexibility of both infrared and traditional steam.
• You’re seeking a premium, spa-like build with advanced materials.
• You see your sauna as a centerpiece for wellness and relaxation for years to come.

The Philosophy Behind Each Brand

Maxxus Saunas

Maxxus focuses on delivering energy-efficient, affordable infrared saunas that make wellness accessible to more households. They’re designed with practicality in mind—smaller footprints, easy assembly, and a balance between cost and performance. Think of Maxxus as the entry point to the sauna lifestyle: solid, dependable, and budget-friendly without skimping on essential features.

Finnmark Designs

Finnmark, on the other hand, is all about elevating the sauna experience. These are premium builds that combine authentic Finnish tradition with cutting-edge infrared technology. Their units are handcrafted from sustainable woods like Canadian Hemlock or Aspen, and they lean heavily on design details that create a spa-like feel right at home. Finnmark is the brand you turn to if you want craftsmanship, advanced heater systems, and a true luxury experience.

Heating Technology: Infrared vs Hybrid

One of the biggest differences comes down to how each brand delivers heat.

Maxxus units are primarily low-EMF carbon infrared saunas. Infrared heat penetrates the body directly, creating a gentle and efficient sweat session at lower air temperatures (typically 120–140°F). This makes them a great option if you’re sensitive to high heat or simply prefer longer, more relaxing sessions.

Finnmark takes a more versatile approach. Their hybrid systems combine full-spectrum infrared panels with traditional electric heaters. That means you can run your sauna like a traditional Finnish steam sauna (up to 190°F with water poured over rocks) or switch to infrared mode for a gentler session. For sauna purists, or for families with mixed preferences, this hybrid technology is a game-changer.

Bottom line:

If you’re mainly interested in infrared therapy, Maxxus delivers excellent value. If you want both infrared and authentic steam sauna capability, Finnmark stands out.

Materials and Craftsmanship

When you invest in a sauna, you want it to look beautiful and last for years.

Maxxus Saunas are constructed from responsibly sourced Canadian Hemlock, are sturdy and attractive, but they keep design simple. You’ll find clean lines, tempered glass doors, and functional layouts sized for two to four people. They’re built for reliability without unnecessary frills.

Finnmark elevates materials to a higher tier. Many models are built from Aspen and Alder wood, which resist warping and handle high temperatures beautifully. Interiors are often finished with ergonomic seating, backrests, and ambient lighting for a polished, luxury feel. In terms of aesthetics, Finnmark saunas resemble boutique spa cabins more than just home wellness equipment.

Bottom line:
Maxxus = practical and functional.
Finnmark = premium and handcrafted.

Size and Space Considerations

Maxxus Saunas are known for compact footprints. A two-person infrared sauna can often fit in the same footprint as a card table, making them a great option for apartments, condos, or smaller homes.

Finnmark Designs, while offering two-person units as well, tend to run larger overall. Their barrel saunas and hybrid models can transform a backyard or dedicated wellness space. They’re perfect if you have room to showcase your sauna as a centerpiece of your home spa.

Quick tip: If you’re working with tight space, Maxxus might be more practical. If you’re building a long-term wellness retreat in your home, Finnmark will reward you with a showpiece.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Both brands deliver the core sauna benefits you’re after, detoxification, relaxation, improved circulation, and muscle recovery, but the way they deliver them differs slightly.

Pros of Maxxus Infrared

With lower operating temperatures, you can stay in longer sessions without feeling overheated. Many people find infrared especially effective for stress reduction, joint relief, and skin rejuvenation.

Pros of Finnmark Hybrid

The traditional steam sauna experience boosts cardiovascular conditioning, muscle recovery, and deep sweating for detox. With the hybrid option, you can alternate between high-heat steam and gentler infrared, tailoring each session to your needs.

Which is Easier to Install & Use?

Maxxus Saunas

Designed for easy assembly, most Maxxus units come in pre-fabricated panels that two people can put together in under an hour. They plug into standard household outlets (for smaller units), which makes setup simple and straightforward.

Finnmark Designs

While still relatively straightforward, Finnmark’s larger size and hybrid heater systems usually require more planning. Some models may need dedicated electrical lines or outdoor installation prep. That said, the build quality and end result justify the extra effort.

Price Point & Value

This is where many homeowners make their decision.

Maxxus Saunas Price Point

Typically range from $1,500–$3,500, depending on size and features. For many, this makes Maxxus the ideal entry-level option—affordable wellness without compromise on safety or reliability.

Finnmark Designs Price Point

Expect to invest between $4,000–$10,000+, particularly for larger hybrid or outdoor barrel saunas. These units are meant to last decades and deliver a luxury spa experience, so the higher price reflects both build quality and versatility.

Warranty and Support

At Sun Valley Saunas, both brands come with excellent support, but warranties do differ.

• Maxxus: Limited warranties generally cover heaters and electronics for a few years.
• Finnmark: Offers more comprehensive coverage, reflecting the brand’s premium positioning.

Either way, you’re backed by Sun Valley Saunas’ lifetime customer support and price match guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both Maxxus and Finnmark deliver incredible value—they just serve different goals. Maxxus makes it easy to bring infrared wellness into your daily routine without breaking the bank or needing tons of space. Finnmark creates a luxury-level sauna experience that blends modern infrared technology with the authenticity of Finnish tradition.

If you’re still unsure, the best next step is to reach out. At Sun Valley Saunas, we’ll help you weigh your lifestyle, wellness goals, and budget so you end up with a sauna you’ll love using for years.