Sometimes, you just need a little extra warmth to feel cozy. These heated blankets distribute the heat evenly throughout the blanket compared to a heating pad or bag, and they are much more comfortable to use. With a high-quality heating blanket, you’ll also see a lot of energy efficiency, so you can not only use it to cozy up your mattress without overheating or feeling uncomfortable, but also without worrying about racking up energy bills.
What to look for in a heated blanket
After searching online for electric blankets, there are a few things you should consider before choosing the best one. Read each product description carefully and pay particular attention to the following features:
Material: Look for warm blankets made with warm materials such as polyester, wool, flannel, sherpa or faux fur.
Heating settings: The best electric blankets will have multiple heat settings. Depending on your preference, the more heat settings, the better the blanket is generally.
Machine washed: At some point, your blanket will get dirty. Make sure your heated blanket is machine washable.
Security: You want a blanket with an auto-closing feature for safety. If you tend to be forgetful, look for a blanket that turns itself off in a few hours.
The following heated blankets have taken the above features into consideration. Each blanket is shown at a double price, if applicable. Warm throw blankets only come in one size.
Here are the best electric blankets you can get.
HOW
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– Machine washable – 4 heat settings
I don’t like it
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– One size only option – Only 4 hours before auto close
Our runner-up for best heated blanket comes from the same brand. This Sunbeam product is more affordable. The Sunbeam Royal Ultra Blanket comes in one size, approximately 50 by 60 inches. Like the other heated blanket from this brand, the Royal Ultra is made from 100% polyester, but only comes in four colors. It has a five-year limited warranty.
With four heat settings and a 4-hour auto-off setting, the Royal Ultra may have fewer heat settings than the Royal Luxe, but the shorter auto-off will suit those worried they might forget that their products they are plugged in. and machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Dry on low.
Product features:
- Four heat settings
- 4-hour automatic shut-off
- Five-year limited warranty
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– Machine washable – 5 heat settings
I don’t like it
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– 3-year limited warranty – 1 size option
Serta is a well-known mattress brand, and its products are often sold in stores like Kohl’s, JCPenny, and Bed Bath and Beyond. The Serta Fleece to Sherpa Heated Blanket comes in one size, approximately 50 by 60 inches. The top of the blanket is made of cozy wool and the other side is faux sherpa. It’s available in six colors and has a three-year limited warranty.
The controller has five heat settings and features a 3-hour automatic shut-off. The cord connected to the controller and the blanket is about 6 feet long, so you’ll be able to sit on the couch and plug it into the wall. Unplug and machine wash warm on a gentle cycle. Dry on low.
Product features:
- Five heat settings
- 3 hours automatic shutdown
- Three-year limited warranty
HOW
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– Machine washable – 3 heat levels
I don’t like it
Beautyrest is another trusted name in the mattress industry, and its mattresses appear frequently on our lists. This wrap from Beautyrest is available on Amazon for another reasonable price. It comes in one size and is slightly larger than a throw at about 50 by 64 inches. The “U” shape of the blanket stretches over your shoulders and frees your arms for movement, allowing you to maintain your mobility while staying warm. Available in nine fun patterns, the wrap is made of sherpa on one side and wool on the other. It has a five-year limited warranty.
This swaddle blanket has three heat levels and a 2-hour auto-off setting. Note that while this is a wrap, it still needs to be plugged into the wall. The controller cord is 3 feet long and the power cord is 6 feet. Unplug and machine wash on a gentle cycle. Dry on low.
Product features:
- Three heat settings
- 2-hour automatic shut-off
- Five-year limited warranty
HOW
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– Machine washable – 3 heat settings – Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Certified
I don’t like it
Another Beautyrest product makes this list. This Beautyres throw is 50 by 70 inches and weighs 4.5 pounds. Available in eight colors, the blanket is made of ultrasoft, 100% polyester faux fur. The fabric is also Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Certified, which means it has been tested for harmful substances and chemicals. There are no stated warranties.
The digital controller has three heat settings and a 2-hour automatic shut-off. The power cord is 6 feet long. Unplug and machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Dry on low.
Product features:
- Three heat settings
- 2-hour automatic shut-off
HOW
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– Machine washable – 10 heat settings
I don’t like it
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– No set closing time – Short cord
This LL Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket also appears on our best sleep products for winter list. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an extra layer of warmth in your bed because the blanket is thin enough that it won’t get too hot. This blanket comes in three sizes: twin, full queen, and king. Available in four colors, the LL Bean Wicked Cozy Blanket is made from premium Primalush and loft polyester. There are no stated warranties.
The unique aspect of this blanket is that it comes with dual controllers for partners sharing the same blanket. It has 10 heat settings and an auto-off setting, but it doesn’t specify how long it will be before the blanket turns off. Note that some customers have stated that the cord is not long enough. Unplug and machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Dry on low.
Product features:
- 10 heat settings
- Automatic closing
The best electric blanket on the market can be found on Amazon at a surprisingly reasonable price. The Sunbeam Royal Luxe Blanket comes in twin, full, queen or king sizes. It is made of 100% polyester and is available in five colors. It has a five-year limited warranty.
This heated blanket comes with a digital controller and 12 heat settings to choose from. It can automatically turn itself off after a maximum of 12 hours if you forget to unplug it. If you plan to use a heated blanket for longer, choose the Sunbeam Royal Luxe, as it is the blanket on this list that allows for the longest time before auto-closing. Unplug and machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Dry on low.
Product features:
- 12 heat settings
- 12-hour automatic shut-off
- Five-year limited warranty
Frequently asked questions about heated blankets
Can I sleep with a heated blanket?
Electric blankets are great to use on the couch or while you’re resting in bed. Heated blankets are not recommended for overnight use. Short-term use is safe as long as no wires or tears are visible.
Can you use a heated blanket during pregnancy?
Yes, you can use a heated blanket during pregnancy. Make sure the heat setting is not too high. Low heat settings are safer. Heated blankets are not recommended for babies.
Can you wash a heated blanket?
Yes, you can wash a heated blanket. Remove the cords, read the care instructions, wash on a gentle cycle, then dry low.