Heated Blankets We Also Tested

Through our rigorous testing process, we’ve tried dozens of heated blankets—but they can’t all make our list of favorites. While these blankets impressed us in some ways, they ultimately missed the mark: 

• Made from soft fleece and shearling, Woolrich’s Linden Mink to Berber Electric Blanket feels cozy to curl up under. But it’s on the smaller side, and the blanket’s edges don’t heat up. It also only warms up by 9 degrees—compared to around 15 degrees for some of our favorite blankets.
• Pure Enrichment’s WeightedWarmth Blanket heats up nicely, and it’s weighted (unlike many of our top picks). But the fleece matted quickly after we spot-treated a stain. We also found that the controls were tricky to use. 
• Silky soft and budget-friendly, Comfort Classics’ Arielle Heated Metallic Print Throw heats up evenly. However, the fabric feels thin and the edges had some loose threads. Plus, we wish it was easier to spot-clean. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Heated Blankets

• Heat Settings: Heated blankets may have anywhere from three to 20 different heat settings. The more, the better, according to Royer—she says variety creates a more comfortable experience. If you’re planning on sharing the blanket with others, consider a larger option with multiple heating zones. This can minimize disagreements and promote a restful night’s sleep for all, says Emeka Aludogbu, DC, CCN, CSCS, a chiropractic and sports medicine doctor. 
• Materials: Physical therapist Lalitha McSorley, BS, MS, PT, recommends looking for heated blankets made from polyester because they’re soft, durable, easy to wash, and fire-resistant. Microfiber is another great option that feels even cozier, rarely pills, and can also go in the washing machine, she adds. 
• Size: Heated blanket sizes start at throws (perfect for lounging on a chair or sofa) and go all the way up to California king (ideal for sharing with significant others and pets). Deciding where you’ll be using your blanket and how many others you’ll be sharing it with can help you choose the right size.
• Automatic Shut-Off: Every blanket on our list has at least one remote control that adjusts its heat settings and an automatic shut-off safety function.
• Features: Some have an LED screen that’s easy to read in the dark or a programmable timer. When it comes to design, you may want to look for pockets to stash cold feet, smartphones, or remotes. 
• Safety: “All new electric blankets are required to have safety features, like a rheostat control. A rheostat control is used to control the amount of current flowing in a circuit. Drastic changes in current are what usually cause fire and burns,” McSorley says. To ensure your heated blanket is safe to use, Royer and board-certified family medicine physician Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, agree that it should be purchased new—never second-hand. Also, check that it has an up-to-date warranty and an independent verification. 
• Independent Verifications: According to Royer, Purdy, and McSorley, it’s important to buy a heated blanket that is certified safe by a nationally recognized testing agency. Check for an ETL Listed Mark or a UL Certification Mark. These symbols are a signal that the heated blanket you’re purchasing is safe to use. 
• Care and Maintenance: Look for a heated blanket that can be washed regularly, and always launder it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most blankets on our list are machine-washable—but if your coffee or tea takes a tumble, you should use a damp cloth and some dish soap to spot-clean it.

How We Tested the Heated Blankets

To find the best heated blankets, we’ve tested 11 expert-recommended options from top brands. During testing, we evaluate each product based on the following key criteria:

• Quality: When we first unbox each blanket, we consider how it looks and feels. Are there crooked seams and loose threads? Can we see or feel the cords inside, or are they well-hidden? We also check to see if the blanket has an ETL Listed Mark or a UL Certification Mark.
• Comfort and Feel: As we test the blanket, we assess how it feels. Is it soft and smooth to the touch, or is the material thin and scratchy? If the blanket has two different sides, are they both pleasant to use? Is it still soft at the end of the testing period, after multiple washes and spot-cleaning sessions? 
• Effectiveness: To earn a perfect score in this category, a blanket has to heat up quickly and evenly. If the blanket has any additional features, we also test those and note how well they work. 
• Heat: The best heated blankets have lots of heat settings that all work correctly. Some are automatic, while others require the user to control the heat level. If a blanket has multiple heating zones or other features, we make sure to test those, too. Do all heat settings match the manufacturer’s claims and specifications?
• Durability: As we use the blankets, we note how easy they are to clean. After weeks of regular use, does the blanket still look and feel brand new? Do the controls still work?
• Ease of Use: We make sure each heated blanket has settings and controls that are easy to use. Is the display easy to read? Can we work the remote without consulting the blanket’s instruction manual? Do we find ourselves continually reaching for it, or is there something that keeps the blanket from becoming a regular part of our routines? 
• Overall Value: To accurately rate each heated blanket’s value, we don’t look at its price until the end of each testing period, after we’ve evaluated it in every other category. How much would we pay for the blanket, based on its performance? Heated blankets with a high value score are often worth less than what we’d consider paying for them.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Royer, helped us determine how to use heated blankets safely. Others provided guidance on how using a heated blanket can improve your daily routine. We choose products independently, but input from experts helps us tailor our selections.

• Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT, a physical therapist, Pilates teacher, and Balanced Body Master Instructor in Centennial, CO
• Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a board-certified family medicine physician in Miami, FL
• Lalitha McSorley, BS, MS, PT, a physical therapist and owner of Brentwood Physiotherapy Clinic in Calgary, AB, Canada
• Emeka Aludogbu, DC, CCN, CSCS, a chiropractic and sports medicine doctor in Dallas, TX
• Kathleen Gassner, DPT, a physical therapist and running coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Are heated blankets worth it?

Using a heated blanket to apply heat to sore muscles can help relieve tightness, soothe chronic pain or aches, and improve blood circulation, says Purdy. In addition to using it for heat therapy, a heated blanket can also help your body maintain a consistent temperature on cold days and nights, making it a valuable investment for many people. 

How much does a top-rated heated blanket cost?

You can expect to spend between $40 and $350 on a high-quality heated blanket. Our top overall pick costs up to $150 when we published this list (depending on the size).

Is it okay to sleep with a heated blanket?

It’s fine to use a heated blanket in bed, but experts don’t recommend leaving yours turned on all night long. Royer and Aludogbu recommend manually turning your blanket off before falling asleep (even if it has an automatic shut-off feature) to prevent overheating or injury. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, is a certified personal trainer, Verywell Fit writer, and fitness enthusiast who researches and reviews fitness products. As a runner from the Midwest, she knows how helpful it can be to curl up with a heated blanket for rest and recovery after a cold outing. Jessica is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers.

Additional reporting by Ravi Davda

As a certified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

For this article, both authors reviewed insights from our experts and the Verywell Fit testing team to evaluate each blanket. They considered key criteria from blanket quality to feel, effectiveness, heat levels and options, durability, ease of use, and overall value.