In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?
In This ArticleView All
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Others We Tried
What to Know
Behind the Scenes
Why Trust PEOPLE?
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
Photo:People
People
If you’re feeling the chill on a cold winter day, there are a few ways to stay comfortable without turning up the thermostat.Aspace heaterorelectric fireplaceis a good option to heat up the whole room, or you can cozy up on the couch (or in bed) with a heated blanket. Also called electric blankets, these throws have thin wires within the fabric that radiate gentle heat, and they use minimal electricity so that they won’t run up your energy bill.The Best Right NowOur favorite heated blanket is also one of the most affordable picks on our list. TheWestinghouse Electric Blanketis soft and plush, and it heats up quickly, too.Heated blankets aren’t always reliable, though, so we spent more than 70 hours testing a variety of popular models, evaluating them on their comfort, quality, and effectiveness. Keep scrolling for the best electric blankets we’ve tested this winter.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Westinghouse Flannel Electric Blanket at Amazon$110Jump to ReviewMost Comfortable:SALEBedsure Heated Blanket at Amazon$60$50Jump to ReviewBest for Couples:Sunbeam Heated Blanket at Amazon$38Jump to ReviewBest Throw:Sealy Soft Double Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewBest Upgrade:Thermee Heated Electric Blanket at Amazon$170Jump to ReviewBest Wearable:BeautyRest Heated Faux Fur Wrap at AmazonJump to Review
If you’re feeling the chill on a cold winter day, there are a few ways to stay comfortable without turning up the thermostat.
Aspace heaterorelectric fireplaceis a good option to heat up the whole room, or you can cozy up on the couch (or in bed) with a heated blanket. Also called electric blankets, these throws have thin wires within the fabric that radiate gentle heat, and they use minimal electricity so that they won’t run up your energy bill.
The Best Right NowOur favorite heated blanket is also one of the most affordable picks on our list. TheWestinghouse Electric Blanketis soft and plush, and it heats up quickly, too.
Our favorite heated blanket is also one of the most affordable picks on our list. TheWestinghouse Electric Blanketis soft and plush, and it heats up quickly, too.
Heated blankets aren’t always reliable, though, so we spent more than 70 hours testing a variety of popular models, evaluating them on their comfort, quality, and effectiveness. Keep scrolling for the best electric blankets we’ve tested this winter.
Our Top PicksBest Overall:Westinghouse Flannel Electric Blanket at Amazon$110Jump to ReviewMost Comfortable:SALEBedsure Heated Blanket at Amazon$60$50Jump to ReviewBest for Couples:Sunbeam Heated Blanket at Amazon$38Jump to ReviewBest Throw:Sealy Soft Double Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewBest Upgrade:Thermee Heated Electric Blanket at Amazon$170Jump to ReviewBest Wearable:BeautyRest Heated Faux Fur Wrap at AmazonJump to Review
Best Overall:Westinghouse Flannel Electric Blanket at Amazon$110Jump to ReviewMost Comfortable:SALEBedsure Heated Blanket at Amazon$60$50Jump to ReviewBest for Couples:Sunbeam Heated Blanket at Amazon$38Jump to ReviewBest Throw:Sealy Soft Double Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewBest Upgrade:Thermee Heated Electric Blanket at Amazon$170Jump to ReviewBest Wearable:BeautyRest Heated Faux Fur Wrap at AmazonJump to Review
Best Overall:Westinghouse Flannel Electric Blanket at Amazon$110Jump to Review
Best Overall:Westinghouse Flannel Electric Blanket at Amazon$110
Best Overall:
Most Comfortable:SALEBedsure Heated Blanket at Amazon$60$50Jump to Review
Most Comfortable:SALEBedsure Heated Blanket at Amazon$60$50
Most Comfortable:
SALE
Best for Couples:Sunbeam Heated Blanket at Amazon$38Jump to Review
Best for Couples:Sunbeam Heated Blanket at Amazon$38
Best for Couples:
Best Throw:Sealy Soft Double Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket at Amazon$70Jump to Review
Best Throw:Sealy Soft Double Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket at Amazon$70
Best Throw:
Best Upgrade:Thermee Heated Electric Blanket at Amazon$170Jump to Review
Best Upgrade:Thermee Heated Electric Blanket at Amazon$170
Best Upgrade:
Best Wearable:BeautyRest Heated Faux Fur Wrap at AmazonJump to Review
Best Wearable:BeautyRest Heated Faux Fur Wrap at Amazon
Best Wearable:
Best OverallWestinghouse Flannel Electric BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$110 at Amazon
Best OverallWestinghouse Flannel Electric Blanket
PHOTO: Amazon
$110 at Amazon
Star QualitiesSoft, plush fabric that’s not too bulkyHeats up quicklyEven heat distribution with no cold spotsRed FlagsInner wires are slightly noticeable
Star QualitiesSoft, plush fabric that’s not too bulkyHeats up quicklyEven heat distribution with no cold spots
Soft, plush fabric that’s not too bulky
Heats up quickly
Even heat distribution with no cold spots
Red FlagsInner wires are slightly noticeable
Inner wires are slightly noticeable
This heated blanket is so soft and plush that it will keep you cozy and warm even if you don’t turn on the heating elements. We loved its soft fleece fabric, and when you turn it on, the blanket heats up quickly, becoming warm to the touch in around a minute. It provides consistent heat across the entire surface, and unlike other electric blankets, there are no awkward cold spots.
The throw size has six heat settings and an adjustable shut-off timer, and its controller is similar to one you might find on a heating pad. We did notice that you can feel the inner wires if you run your hand over the blanket, but they’re not so bulky that the blanket is stiff.
We tested (and loved) this blanket in the throw size, but it’s worth noting that the larger models have a few different features. They have a different controller with 10 heat settings, and the queen and king options come with two controllers to operate each side of the blanket independently.
Dimensions:50 x 60 inches (throw) |Material:Fleece |Heat Settings:6 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:Yes
PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People
Most ComfortableBedsure Heated BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$60$50 at AmazonStar QualitiesWires aren’t noticeable through thick fabricEasy-to-use controls with large buttonsEven heat distributionRed FlagsShort power cordOne common complaint about electric blankets is that you can feel the wires inside, but this model from Bedsure has thick fabric that hides the inner heating elements, making it extra comfy.It has a soft fleece top and faux shearling on the reverse, and we found that the blanket heats up in a matter of minutes, delivering an even and consistent heat distribution across its entire surface.This heated blanket has an intuitive controller with six settings and an adjustable timer, and we liked that the buttons are oversized and easy to press.The throw comes in a range of fun patterns — unlike many other blankets that only come in solid colors — but we do wish its power cord was a bit longer, as its short length limits where it can be used.Dimensions:50 x 60 inches (throw) |Material:Fleece with faux shearling |Heat Settings:6 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:YesPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeopleExperts Say“Heated blankets can come in an array of soft synthetic fabrics as well as natural fibers, so a comfortable texture and feel can be found for just about everyone.” —Laurie March
Most ComfortableBedsure Heated BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$60$50 at Amazon
Most ComfortableBedsure Heated Blanket
$60$50 at Amazon
Star QualitiesWires aren’t noticeable through thick fabricEasy-to-use controls with large buttonsEven heat distributionRed FlagsShort power cord
Star QualitiesWires aren’t noticeable through thick fabricEasy-to-use controls with large buttonsEven heat distribution
Wires aren’t noticeable through thick fabric
Easy-to-use controls with large buttons
Even heat distribution
Red FlagsShort power cord
Short power cord
One common complaint about electric blankets is that you can feel the wires inside, but this model from Bedsure has thick fabric that hides the inner heating elements, making it extra comfy.
It has a soft fleece top and faux shearling on the reverse, and we found that the blanket heats up in a matter of minutes, delivering an even and consistent heat distribution across its entire surface.
This heated blanket has an intuitive controller with six settings and an adjustable timer, and we liked that the buttons are oversized and easy to press.
The throw comes in a range of fun patterns — unlike many other blankets that only come in solid colors — but we do wish its power cord was a bit longer, as its short length limits where it can be used.
Dimensions:50 x 60 inches (throw) |Material:Fleece with faux shearling |Heat Settings:6 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:Yes
Experts Say“Heated blankets can come in an array of soft synthetic fabrics as well as natural fibers, so a comfortable texture and feel can be found for just about everyone.” —Laurie March
“Heated blankets can come in an array of soft synthetic fabrics as well as natural fibers, so a comfortable texture and feel can be found for just about everyone.” —Laurie March
Best for CouplesSunbeam Heated BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$38 at AmazonStar QualitiesTwo independently controlled heat zonesHeats up in five to 10 minutesNoticeable difference between heat settingsRed FlagsFabric attracts lint and hairLots of wires required for setupNo more fighting over who gets to pick the blanket temperature at night! When you purchase a queen or king size, this heated blanket comes with two controllers, allowing you to select individual settings for each side — it’s an ideal solution for couples with different temperature preferences.In testing, we found that the blanket generally heats up in five to 10 minutes, and there’s a noticeable difference between its 10 heat settings, making it easy to find the perfect level of warmth.Because it has two controllers, this blanket is a bit complicated to set up, as you have to run separate wires to each side of the bed, but it may be worth the extra effort for the adjustability it provides. We also noticed that the polyester fabric is a magnet for lint andpet hair, so you may end up cleaning it more frequently than other options.Dimensions:90 x 84 inches (queen) |Material:Polyester fleece |Heat Settings:10 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:YesPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeopleExperts SayMarch suggests investing in a blanket with an automatic shut-off or a timer feature. “Use the automatic shut-off setting or timer on your heated blanket to defend against chilly nightsandhigh energy bills,” she says. “Newer electric blankets heat up in minutes, and for fire safety, they should not be used all night.”
Best for CouplesSunbeam Heated BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$38 at Amazon
Best for CouplesSunbeam Heated Blanket
$38 at Amazon
Star QualitiesTwo independently controlled heat zonesHeats up in five to 10 minutesNoticeable difference between heat settingsRed FlagsFabric attracts lint and hairLots of wires required for setup
Star QualitiesTwo independently controlled heat zonesHeats up in five to 10 minutesNoticeable difference between heat settings
Two independently controlled heat zones
Heats up in five to 10 minutes
Noticeable difference between heat settings
Red FlagsFabric attracts lint and hairLots of wires required for setup
Fabric attracts lint and hair
Lots of wires required for setup
No more fighting over who gets to pick the blanket temperature at night! When you purchase a queen or king size, this heated blanket comes with two controllers, allowing you to select individual settings for each side — it’s an ideal solution for couples with different temperature preferences.
In testing, we found that the blanket generally heats up in five to 10 minutes, and there’s a noticeable difference between its 10 heat settings, making it easy to find the perfect level of warmth.
Because it has two controllers, this blanket is a bit complicated to set up, as you have to run separate wires to each side of the bed, but it may be worth the extra effort for the adjustability it provides. We also noticed that the polyester fabric is a magnet for lint andpet hair, so you may end up cleaning it more frequently than other options.
Dimensions:90 x 84 inches (queen) |Material:Polyester fleece |Heat Settings:10 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:Yes
PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People
Experts SayMarch suggests investing in a blanket with an automatic shut-off or a timer feature. “Use the automatic shut-off setting or timer on your heated blanket to defend against chilly nightsandhigh energy bills,” she says. “Newer electric blankets heat up in minutes, and for fire safety, they should not be used all night.”
March suggests investing in a blanket with an automatic shut-off or a timer feature. “Use the automatic shut-off setting or timer on your heated blanket to defend against chilly nightsandhigh energy bills,” she says. “Newer electric blankets heat up in minutes, and for fire safety, they should not be used all night.”
Best ThrowSealy Soft Double Sherpa Electric Heated BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$70$60 at AmazonStar QualitiesBlanket heats up quicklyThick fabric hides heating elementsEasy to washRed FlagsMinimal warmth on low settingThis heated throw blanket is the perfect size to use on the couch or drape across your lap in the office. It’s made from a thick double-sided faux shearling that effectively hides the inner heating elements, and it offers six heat settings and an adjustable shut-off timer. We found that the blanket heats up in just a few minutes, and it has a long enough power cord to reach an outlet several feet away.There’s a noticeable difference between the settings on this blanket — the warmth is barely noticeable on low, while the highest setting is almost uncomfortably warm. We could only ever use it for a few minutes before needing to turn it down.We also found that this blanket washes well, retaining its fuzzy texture and not taking up too much space in the washing machine.Dimensions:50 x 60 inches (throw) |Material:Faux shearling |Heat Settings:6 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:YesPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People
Best ThrowSealy Soft Double Sherpa Electric Heated BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$70$60 at Amazon
Best ThrowSealy Soft Double Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket
$70$60 at Amazon
Star QualitiesBlanket heats up quicklyThick fabric hides heating elementsEasy to washRed FlagsMinimal warmth on low setting
Star QualitiesBlanket heats up quicklyThick fabric hides heating elementsEasy to wash
Blanket heats up quickly
Thick fabric hides heating elements
Easy to wash
Red FlagsMinimal warmth on low setting
Minimal warmth on low setting
This heated throw blanket is the perfect size to use on the couch or drape across your lap in the office. It’s made from a thick double-sided faux shearling that effectively hides the inner heating elements, and it offers six heat settings and an adjustable shut-off timer. We found that the blanket heats up in just a few minutes, and it has a long enough power cord to reach an outlet several feet away.
There’s a noticeable difference between the settings on this blanket — the warmth is barely noticeable on low, while the highest setting is almost uncomfortably warm. We could only ever use it for a few minutes before needing to turn it down.
We also found that this blanket washes well, retaining its fuzzy texture and not taking up too much space in the washing machine.
Dimensions:50 x 60 inches (throw) |Material:Faux shearling |Heat Settings:6 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:Yes
Best UpgradeThermee Heated Electric BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$170 at Amazon$200 at WalmartView on Bed Bath & BeyondStar QualitiesSoft, quilted fabric with luxe satin trimTimer adjusts in one-hour incrementsProvides even, consistent warmth on high settingsRed FlagsTakes around 30 minutes to heat upNo indicator light to show blanket is oncontrollers, allowing you and your partner to adjust your temperature separately, and we found that it provides even and consistent heat on higher settings — we generally used setting five or higher, as the lower settings didn’t offer quite enough warmth.The blanket’s construction retains heat well, staying warm throughout the night, and we love that its shut-off timer can be adjusted in one-hour increments, offering more flexibility than other models.However, this blanket does take around 30 minutes to heat up, and we wish there was an indicator light on the controller to show when the blanket is on or off.Dimensions:90 x 90 inches (queen) |Material:Polyester micro-fleece |Heat Settings:10 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:YesPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People
Best UpgradeThermee Heated Electric BlanketPHOTO: Amazon$170 at Amazon$200 at WalmartView on Bed Bath & Beyond
Best UpgradeThermee Heated Electric Blanket
$170 at Amazon$200 at WalmartView on Bed Bath & Beyond
Star QualitiesSoft, quilted fabric with luxe satin trimTimer adjusts in one-hour incrementsProvides even, consistent warmth on high settingsRed FlagsTakes around 30 minutes to heat upNo indicator light to show blanket is on
Star QualitiesSoft, quilted fabric with luxe satin trimTimer adjusts in one-hour incrementsProvides even, consistent warmth on high settings
Soft, quilted fabric with luxe satin trim
Timer adjusts in one-hour increments
Provides even, consistent warmth on high settings
Red FlagsTakes around 30 minutes to heat upNo indicator light to show blanket is on
Takes around 30 minutes to heat up
No indicator light to show blanket is on
controllers, allowing you and your partner to adjust your temperature separately, and we found that it provides even and consistent heat on higher settings — we generally used setting five or higher, as the lower settings didn’t offer quite enough warmth.
The blanket’s construction retains heat well, staying warm throughout the night, and we love that its shut-off timer can be adjusted in one-hour increments, offering more flexibility than other models.
However, this blanket does take around 30 minutes to heat up, and we wish there was an indicator light on the controller to show when the blanket is on or off.
Dimensions:90 x 90 inches (queen) |Material:Polyester micro-fleece |Heat Settings:10 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:Yes
Best WearableBeautyRest Heated Faux Fur WrapPHOTO: Pottery BarnView on Amazon
Best WearableBeautyRest Heated Faux Fur Wrap
PHOTO: Pottery Barn
View on Amazon
Star QualitiesPerfect for wearing as a poncho or shawlExtremely soft fabricHeats up in just a few minutesRed FlagsShort shut-off timer
Star QualitiesPerfect for wearing as a poncho or shawlExtremely soft fabricHeats up in just a few minutes
Perfect for wearing as a poncho or shawl
Extremely soft fabric
Heats up in just a few minutes
Red FlagsShort shut-off timer
Short shut-off timer
We also liked that it heats up quickly, becoming warm to the touch in just a few minutes, and as soon as we took the blanket off, we wanted to put it back on — we expect you will, too.
This electric blanket has user-friendly settings with five heat levels and an automatic shut-off feature after two hours. We think it would be a great choice for anyone who likes to wrap up in a blanket, and it’s affordable compared to others on our list.
Dimensions:65.5 x 50 inches |Material:Ultra-soft polyester |Heat Settings:5 |Auto Shut-Off:Yes |Machine-Washable:Yes
PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People
Beautyrest Heated Electric Blanket:While this electric blanket was made from a soft fabric, it just wasn’t as comfortable or versatile as the others we tested. We could easily feel its inner wires due to the thin construction, and it only has three heat levels, the lowest of which was barely noticeable. It’s also more expensive than other throw-size blankets and has to be air-dried, making it more cumbersome to clean.
Electric blankets are almost always made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester fleece or faux shearling, which are less flammable than natural materials like cotton. All the blankets we tested had a polyester construction, but they still look and feel different depending on the type of fabric.
For instance, fleece blankets like theWestinghouse Electric Blankethave a smooth and soft feel, and they’re often a bit thinner and easy to store. On the other hand, options like theSealy Heated Blankethave a thick faux shearling construction that’s better for hiding the inner heating elements.
She suggests erring on the side of caution and finding one that has the certification: “It will be worth it in the long run to know that your blanket has been independently tested and deemed safe,” she says. Check the packaging and the cord for UL certification or ETL certification, as they are often printed on the item itself and not necessarily in the online description.
You may want to take a peek at a blanket’s controllers before you buy — some are unintuitive, which can make them frustrating to use. “Make sure the heating control is easy to read and easy to operate,”Deanna Hodges, CEO of H2 Home Collection and Hodges International, tells PEOPLE. “Look for a blanket with an auto shut-off and a timer. Always consider your needs and how easy or difficult the blanket temperature may be to control or regulate.”
You’ll also want to consider how many heat levels the blanket offers. Products like theBeautyRest Heated Faux Fur Wrapoffer five settings, while more expensive blankets like theThermee Heated Blankethave 10, allowing you to fine-tune the warmth to suit your needs.
If you’re planning to use your heated blanket on the bed, it’s worth looking for a model with individual controllers for each side, such as theSunbeam Heated Blanket. “If you are part of a couple, consider a blanket with two controls and two zones," Hodges recommends. “This makes it easier for each person to find their perfect temperature and keeps everyone happy.”
This feature is generally only available on queen- and king-size blankets, and it does make setup a bit more complicated, as you’ll need to run wires to both sides of the bed to set up the controllers.
We tested all sorts of electric blankets, ranging in price from $40 to $150+. Throw blankets like theBedsure Heated Blankettend to fall on the lower end of this range, and you should expect to spend more on a larger blanket or one with extra features, such as dual controllers or more heat settings.
To find the most cozy, comfortable, and safe heated blankets, we spent a whopping 72 hours testing seven different products for this new round of testing. (We previously tested 26 heated blankets in our lab.) Our testers used each electric blanket at least three times in their homes, and they evaluated the products on the following factors:
The top performer overall was theWestinghouse Electric Blanket, which scored well thanks to its soft fabric, fast heating time, and even heat distribution.
We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
source: people.com