Are personal infrared saunas actually as effective as a traditional sauna?

Across the reviewers we read, the honest consensus is no — infrared units typically top out around 130–165°F versus 180–200°F for a Finnish-style sauna. r/Sauna threads repeatedly describe them as a 'compromise' that still delivers a real sweat and recovery benefit, especially for apartments or budgets where a stove-heated room isn't realistic.