When you are specifying a premium steam shower, the control is as important as the generator. The Mr. Steam iSteamX and the ThermaSol ThermaTouch2 are the two most advanced residential steam shower controls on the market — and both are genuinely excellent. But they take different approaches to the steam experience, and the differences matter when you are making a decision. This guide breaks down exactly what each one does, where they differ, and which one belongs in your shower.
TheSteamStore.com is an authorized dealer of both Mr. Steam and ThermaSol. Contact our team for help choosing the right control for your project.
Side by side: iSteamX vs. ThermaTouch2
| Mr. Steam iSteamX | ThermaSol ThermaTouch2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes | One size — slimline touchscreen | 7", 10", and 15" — largest in-shower control on the market |
| Display type | Full color LCD capacitive touchscreen | Full color Android-powered capacitive touchscreen |
| Wi-Fi | Yes — via SteamLinx module | Yes — built in, automatic software updates |
| Voice control | Amazon Alexa via SteamLinx | Amazon Alexa |
| Streaming apps | Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Amazon Music, Pandora, ESPN, Audible, Weather | YouTube TV, Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, Apple Music, SiriusXM, HBO Max, Calm, and more via Android app store |
| Audio | AUX, Bluetooth, Radio — requires AudioX system or compatible Bluetooth speaker | Built-in Bluetooth — pairs with HydroVive rainhead for in-shower audio |
| Chromatherapy | Yes — optional | Yes — plus Tranquility Scenes (nature-inspired visuals and soundscapes) |
| Aromatherapy | Yes — optional AromaInfuser | Yes — via SteamVection steamhead with built-in essential oil reservoir |
| User profiles | Up to 8 customizable profiles | 2 customizable profiles + guest setting |
| Auto preheat | Yes — schedule preheat to a set time | Yes — remote control via app |
| Smart home integration | SpaNet Hub controls up to 4 bathroom devices (heated floors, fog-free mirrors, towel warmers, lighting) | Compatible with Digital Shower Valve, HydroVive rainhead, PRO Series III generator — full wellness system integration |
| Generator compatibility | Mr. Steam generators only (serial 1174000+) | ThermaSol PRO Series III only |
| Installation location | Inside or just outside the shower | Inside the shower only — mounted at 60" from floor |
| Finishes | Black or white glass, 8 designer finishes | 15 finishes |
| Waterproof | Yes — distinguishes between water drops and finger touch | Yes — fully waterproof and steamproof |
| Languages | 6 — English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian | Android-based — language support via OS |
The Mr. Steam iSteamX — what makes it stand out
The iSteamX is Mr. Steam's flagship control and one of the most feature-complete steam shower controls available. It is the control of choice for homeowners who want a proven, full-featured system that integrates deeply with the broader Mr. Steam ecosystem.
Eight user profiles. No other residential steam control offers this many customizable profiles. For households with multiple users — or commercial installations with diverse clientele — the ability to store eight completely independent temperature, duration, lighting, and steam therapy settings is a genuine practical advantage.
SpaNet Hub integration. The iSteamX pairs with Mr. Steam's SpaNet Hub, which extends control of up to four separate bathroom devices — heated floors, fog-free mirrors, towel warmers, and lighting — all from the same interface and app. This is the most comprehensive bathroom ecosystem integration available from any steam brand.
Flexible installation. Unlike the ThermaTouch2, the iSteamX can be installed inside or just outside the shower enclosure. This gives more flexibility on projects where tile design or enclosure configuration makes inside placement challenging.
Waterproof technology. The iSteamX touchscreen is sophisticated enough to distinguish between a water droplet and a fingertip — so steam and condensation do not trigger accidental inputs mid-session.
Browse the Mr. Steam iSteamX and full controls lineup at TheSteamStore.com.
The ThermaSol ThermaTouch2 — what makes it stand out
The ThermaTouch2 is ThermaSol's flagship control and the most visually impressive steam shower control on the market. It is the control of choice for homeowners and designers building high-end primary baths or dedicated wellness spaces where the control itself is part of the design statement.
Three screen sizes — including the largest in-shower control available. The ThermaTouch2 is available in 7", 10", and 15" screen sizes. The 15" ThermaTouch2 — measuring 15-7/8" × 10" — is the largest in-shower touchscreen control available from any brand on the market. For a luxury primary bath or dedicated wellness room, the 15" display transforms the control into a focal point of the space rather than a functional accessory.
Android-powered with a full app store. The ThermaTouch2 runs on Android, which means access to the full Google Play ecosystem rather than a curated list of pre-installed apps. YouTube TV, Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, Apple Music, SiriusXM, HBO Max, Calm, and Chakra Meditation are all available — and new apps can be added as they become available without a hardware update.
Tranquility Scenes. An exclusive ThermaSol feature — the ThermaTouch2 includes preset nature-inspired visual scenes with ambient soundscapes that play on the screen during a steam session. For homeowners focused on the meditative and wellness aspects of steam bathing, this is a meaningful differentiator.
Full system integration. The ThermaTouch2 is the command center for ThermaSol's entire wellness ecosystem — pairing with the PRO Series III generator, HydroVive rainhead, and Digital Shower Valve to control steam, water temperature and pressure, chromatherapy lighting, and audio from a single interface. No other control integrates this level of shower, steam, and sensory management in one touchscreen.
Browse the ThermaSol ThermaTouch2 and full controls lineup at TheSteamStore.com.
The key differences that actually matter
Screen size. The iSteamX comes in one size. The ThermaTouch2 comes in three — including the 15" option that is simply not available from any other brand. If screen size is a priority, ThermaTouch2 wins by default.
User profiles. The iSteamX supports 8 user profiles vs. ThermaTouch2's 2 profiles plus a guest setting. For families with more than 2–3 regular steam users, or for multi-user residential settings, the iSteamX has a meaningful advantage.
App ecosystem. The iSteamX has a curated list of pre-installed streaming apps. The ThermaTouch2 runs Android and has access to the full Google Play store — a broader selection and one that expands over time without hardware changes.
Bathroom ecosystem. The iSteamX with SpaNet Hub controls up to 4 additional bathroom devices beyond the steam shower itself. The ThermaTouch2 integrates deeply with ThermaSol's shower system but does not extend to third-party bathroom devices in the same way.
Installation flexibility. The iSteamX can be mounted inside or outside the shower. The ThermaTouch2 must be installed inside the shower at 60" from the floor — confirm this is feasible before specifying on a retrofit project.
Generator lock-in. Both controls are only compatible with their respective brand's generators. The iSteamX works only with Mr. Steam generators (serial number 1174000 and higher). The ThermaTouch2 works only with ThermaSol PRO Series III generators. Your control choice locks in your generator brand — and vice versa.
Bottom line: If you want the largest screen, Android-powered apps, and the most immersive visual wellness experience — ThermaTouch2 is the right choice, paired with the ThermaSol PRO Series III generator. If you want maximum user profiles, the most comprehensive bathroom device ecosystem, and installation flexibility — the iSteamX paired with a Mr. Steam generator is the better fit. Both are excellent. The right answer depends on how you use your steam shower and what matters most to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the ThermaTouch2 with a Mr. Steam generator?
No — the ThermaTouch2 is only compatible with ThermaSol PRO Series III generators and the ThermaSol CAN Bus system. It is not compatible with Mr. Steam generators. Similarly, the iSteamX only works with Mr. Steam generators.
Does the iSteamX require a separate module for Wi-Fi and Alexa?
Yes — Wi-Fi connectivity and Amazon Alexa integration on the iSteamX require the SteamLinx module, which is sold separately. The ThermaTouch2 has Wi-Fi and Alexa built in with no additional module required.
What is the largest ThermaTouch2 screen size?
The ThermaTouch2 15 measures 15-7/8" × 10" and is the largest in-shower touchscreen control available from any brand on the market.
Can the ThermaTouch2 be installed outside the shower?
No — the ThermaTouch2 must be installed inside the shower, mounted at 60" from the floor to the center of the control. The iSteamX offers more flexibility and can be mounted inside or just outside the shower enclosure.
How many user profiles does each control support?
The iSteamX supports up to 8 customizable user profiles. The ThermaTouch2 supports 2 customizable profiles plus a guest setting.
Which control has more streaming app options?
The ThermaTouch2 — it runs Android and has access to the Google Play app store, which provides a broader and continuously expanding selection of apps. The iSteamX has a curated set of pre-installed streaming apps including Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Pandora, and ESPN.
Shop controls at TheSteamStore.com
- Mr. Steam iSteamX and controls — the full Mr. Steam control lineup
- ThermaSol ThermaTouch2 and controls — 7", 10", and 15" options
- Mr. Steam generators — required for iSteamX
- ThermaSol PRO Series III generators — required for ThermaTouch2
Not sure which system is right for your project? Contact our team or call 877-881-5501 — we are authorized dealers of both Mr. Steam and ThermaSol and can help you spec the right control and generator combination for your space.