Best Overall

Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Electric Heating Pad

$38

$29 at Amazon $38 at Kohls.com

$47

$38 at CVS

Key Specs

Temperature Range: 105-140 degrees Fahrenheit Heat Settings: 6 Auto Shutoff: Yes, after 2 hours Power Source: Corded electric Cord Length: 9 feet Cover Care Instructions: Machine wash, air dry UL/ETL Certification: UL certified Warranty: 5 years Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for those who want a large, flexible heating pad that can be used on almost any area of the body.

Why We Love It

After extensive testing, Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief XL Heating Pad is our clear favorite for its large, versatile size and wide range of heat settings. We like how comfortable, easy to use, and effective this heating pad is. Measuring 12 inches wide and 24 inches long, it’s large enough to cover almost any muscle group, including your back and legs. 

Unlike some of our other top picks, this heating pad has six heat settings for a more customizable experience. And we appreciate that it heats up quickly, taking only one minute to reach each temperature. 

With a user-friendly design, Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief XL Heating Pad has a straightforward setup and simple controls, including a clear LCD screen and large buttons. Plus, the cord is 9 feet long, making it easy to adjust your position or move the pad around. We also love that a convenient storage bag and a removable, machine-washable microplush cover are included with your purchase. 

Potential Flaws

• We like that this pad has a two-hour self-timer, but we wish there were more intervals to choose from. 

Best Overall Runner-Up

Geniani Extra Large Heating Pad

$50

$34 at Amazon $39 at Walmart

$31

$30 at Geniani.com

Key Specs

Temperature Range: Not listed Heat Settings: 3 Auto Shutoff: Yes, after 2 hours Power Source: Corded electric Cord Length: 10 feet Cover Care Instructions: Machine wash, air dry UL/ETL Certification: UL certified Warranty: 5 years Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for soothing lower back pain or menstrual cramps.

Why We Love It

With a similar design and price point to Pure Enrichment’s Heating Pad, Geniani’s Extra Large Heating Pad also stood out during testing. Its flexible design allows it to easily contour to the shape of your body without feeling too heavy or bulky. We also noticed that the soft, ultra-plush cover is ideal for lying on your back or stomach, making it a great choice for those with back pain or menstrual cramps. 

In testing, we found that the pad only needs one or two minutes to reach the highest heat setting. It runs hot enough to ease aches and pains, but doesn’t get so warm that it feels uncomfortable. Three settings make it easy to manage the heat as you need it, while the two-hour automatic shutoff feature provides peace of mind with each use. Plus, the extra-long 10-foot cord means you don’t need to sit right next to an outlet. 

Potential Flaws

• Although this pad heats up quickly, we did notice that the heat doesn’t go all the way to the edges. 
• The large power button is easy to use—but we realized during testing that it’s also easy to press accidentally while using this pad.

Best Budget

SuzziPad Microwavable Heating Pads

$25

$21 at Amazon $23 at Suzzipad.com $20 at Shein.com

Key Specs

Temperature Range: Varies Heat Settings: 0 Auto Shutoff: No Power Source: None Cord Length: No cord Cover Care Instructions: Brush or wipe clean UL/ETL Certification: No Warranty: 1 year Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for times when you’re not close to an outlet. 

Why We Love It

Hunting for a good deal? We recommend SuzziPad’s Microwavable Heating Pad because it’s budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on quality. In testing, we noticed how easy it is to use—with a pleated design, you can fold it up, toss it in the microwave for 60 seconds, and it’s ready to go. 

Through our tests, we found that this portable pad evenly distributed heat for about 10 minutes at a time. We also noticed that the flexible shape is ideal for molding to your legs, neck, or stomach. We like that it’s cordless, so you aren’t tethered to one spot while using it. Plus, it’s covered in fuzzy fabric that’s comfortable to the touch. Choose from neutral grey or bright purple. 

Potential Flaws

• Since this pad is more compact than some other options on our list, it may not work well for larger areas (like your back).
• In our tests, we found that the pad did absorb the scent of foods that were microwaved prior to it, so we recommend cleaning the microwave before heating it up.
  

Best With Massager

Comfier Heating Pad with Massager

$44

$33 at Amazon

$53

$31 at Walmart

Key Specs

Temperature Range: 110-130 degrees Fahrenheit Heat Settings: 2 Auto Shutoff: Yes, after 30 minutes Power Source: Corded electric Cord Length: Not listed Cover Care Instructions: Not listed UL/ETL Certification: UL approved Warranty: 1 year Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for targeting low back pain while working from home. 

Why We Love It

Although we tested a few heating pads with massage settings, Comfier’s Heating Pad Waist Belt is by far our favorite. We appreciate the pad’s wearable design, which wraps around your abdomen like a belt so you can move around while enjoying both heat and massage therapy. Whether we wore it while standing or sitting, this soft, cushioned pad felt comfortable and secure.

Overall, we like this pad’s versatility: It has three different massage modes, two intensity levels, and two heat settings. We noticed that the massage modes can effectively relieve lower back pain, although this pad can also be used on your upper back, abdomen, shoulders, or thighs. Plus, we like that it comes with an extension strap for a better fit. 

Potential Flaws

• The pad’s massage feels soothing and effective, but we noticed during testing that it may not be intense enough for targeting deep knots.
  

Best for Back

Sunbeam Heating Pad Back Wrap

$60

$49 at Amazon

$60

$46 at Walmart $50 at Fsastore.com

Key Specs

Temperature Range: Not listed Heat Settings: 4 Auto Shutoff: Yes, after 2 hours Power Source: Corded electric Cord Length: 9 feet Cover Care Instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry UL/ETL Certification: UL certified Warranty: 5 years Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for low back pain, especially if you want to be able to move around while wearing your heating pad.

Why We Love It

If postural exercises haven’t helped alleviate your low back pain, a heating pad can be a handy alternative. Sunbeam’s Heated Back Wrap makes targeting your trunk convenient and comfortable. During testing, we were impressed by the pad’s wearable design that contours to the curves of your back. Adjustable elastic waist straps with fasteners in the front provide a snug, customized fit.

This pad reaches the highest of four heat settings in one to two minutes and feels effective without getting uncomfortably hot. Although we could feel the heat throughout the pad, we noticed that it’s most concentrated in the center. We also confirmed that the 9-foot cord allows you to walk around while wearing the pad. And if you happen to spill your favorite beverage on the fluffy cover, you can easily clean it by disconnecting the pad from the cord and tossing it into the washing machine.

Potential Flaws

• Although we like that the pad comes with an additional strap, it may be too large for some users to get a secure fit.
• This pad is ideal for targeting your back, but we noticed that its shape makes it harder to use on other areas.
  

Best for Neck and Shoulders

Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad

$60

$44 at Amazon $55 at Target $60 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Temperature Range: 110-140 degrees Fahrenheit Heat Settings: 4 Auto Shutoff: Yes, after 2 hours Power Source: Corded electric Cord Length: 9 feet Cover Care Instructions: Machine wash on delicate, air dry UL/ETL Certification: UL certified Warranty: 5 years Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for relieving neck and upper back pain from Pilates or other workouts. 

Why We Love It

Still feeling your upper body workout? Get relief without putting your rest day routine on hold with Pure Enrichment’s Pure Relief XL Extra-Long Back & Neck Heating Pad. With a fitted, shawl-like design, it wraps around your shoulders and features a high collar that reaches your neck. During testing, we were impressed by how well the pad stayed in place, thanks to its secure magnetic closure and hook-and-loop strap around the waist. 

We also noticed that the pad’s user-friendly button makes it easy to choose from four heat settings. Even better, it only took 90 seconds before we started to feel the heat, and the highest settings felt hotter than most other pads we tested. Plus, we like that the soft, plush pad can be taken off and cleaned in the washing machine after each session.

Potential Flaws

• While we started to feel some warmth after 90 seconds, it takes this pad three to four minutes before it heats up all the way. Most other pads on our list come up to temperature in about half that time.
• This heating pad doesn’t have a self-timer feature, although it does turn off automatically after two hours.
  

Best for Knees

Comfier Heated Knee Brace

$60

$50 at Amazon $65 at Comfier.com

Key Specs

Temperature Range: Not listed Heat Settings: 2 Auto Shutoff: Yes, after 30 minutes Power Source: Corded electric Cord Length: Not listed Cover Care Instructions: Not washable UL/ETL Certification: UL approved Warranty: 1 year Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners or walkers with sensitive knees. 

Why We Love It

Traditional rectangular heating pads don’t contour well to joints, like your knees—but Comfier's Heated Knee Brace Wrap provides both targeted heat and massage therapy in that area. Designed to wrap around your entire knee for 360-degree warmth, it looks like a traditional knee brace and comes as a set of two sleeves connected by a thin cord. 

During testing, we were impressed that the pads warmed up quickly and evenly. We also appreciated their comfortable, secure fit, soft material, and open holes in the back that provide some much-needed flexibility. Comfier’s Wrap is equipped with two massage motors, five vibration modes, and a 30-minute timer. During testing, the vibration felt powerful but not overwhelming, and we like that you can use the heat and massage features independently.

Potential Flaws

• While we were able to get a secure fit around our knees, we noticed that the pad’s straps don't have a ton of give, so they may not fit everyone. 
• This heating pad is one of the pricier options on our list. But we still think it’s worth the investment if classic options aren’t providing the relief you need.
  

Best for Feet

Gintao Electric Heated Foot Pad

$33

$30 at Amazon

Key Specs

Temperature Range: 95-120 degrees Fahrenheit Heat Settings: 3 Auto Shutoff: Yes, after 2 hours Power Source: Corded electric Cord Length: 10 feet Cover Care Instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry low or air dry UL/ETL Certification: ETL certified Warranty: 1 year Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners with foot pain or anyone whose feet are always cold. 

Why We Love It

Gintao’s Electric Heated Foot Warmer looks a bit like a pillowcase, but it’s actually a heating pad designed to warm up your feet. In testing, we found that it’s super easy to set up and use—just plug it in, choose from three heat settings, and slip your feet inside. We also like that the cover is made of a very soft, plush flannel that comes in a range of colors.

With a larger surface area, the pad’s design is ideal for soothing achy feet, ankles, and lower legs. Since the pocket lies flat when your feet aren't inside, you can also use it for other areas by draping it over your body. It even has enough room for two pairs of feet—if you’re willing to share. 

Potential Flaws

• This heating pad isn't very fitted, so it may take some adjusting at first.
• The pad takes about 8 to 10 minutes to heat up, which is much longer than most other pads we tested.
  

Best Portable

Yeamon Portable Cordless Heating Pad

$30

$20 at Amazon $35 at Walmart

Key Specs

Temperature Range: 113-149 degrees Fahrenheit Heat Settings: 3 Auto Shutoff: Yes, after 30 minutes Power Source: Battery and charging cord Cord Length: 5 feet Cover Care Instructions: No cover UL/ETL Certification: Not listed Warranty: 1 year Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for those who want a cordless heating pad that targets their back or abdomen and can be worn discreetly.

Why We Love It

Many heating pads require you to be close to a power source, but that’s not the case with Yeamon’s Portable Cordless Heating Pad. Once you charge it, you can wrap it around your waist, adjust the strap for a snug fit, and walk around freely. We also like the pad’s lightweight, portable design that’s easy to wear discreetly underneath your clothing. 

During testing, we noticed that it took less than a minute to heat up, and the heat was distributed evenly across the entire pad. In addition to cord-free heat therapy, the pad comes in 10 colors and has three vibration settings to choose from. Lined with a soft, comfortable material on the inside, it’s our top pick for targeting your back or abdomen either at home or on the go. 

Potential Flaws

• This pad is a great option for relaxing your back or abdomen, but its size and shape mean it's not versatile enough to target other muscle groups.
• While we appreciated the soft lining, we found that the plastic exterior can feel uncomfortable if you’re using this heating pad while lying down in certain positions.