The 6 Best Heated Blankets of 2025, Tested by PEOPLE ArticlePure

Others We Tried

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.

What to Know About Heated Blankets

Cozy (Synthetic) Materials

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 the Westinghouse Electric Blanket have a smooth and soft feel, and they’re often a bit thinner and easy to store. On the other hand, options like the Sealy Heated Blanket have a thick faux shearling construction that’s better for hiding the inner heating elements.

Safety Certification

As with any heating device, safety should be a key consideration when shopping for a heated blanket. “A UL certification means that the blanket has been tested and deemed safe for use by underwriters laboratories,” says Hodges. “There are many blankets out there, especially online, that do not have a UL certification.” 

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.

Easy-to-Use Controls

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 the BeautyRest Heated Faux Fur Wrap offer five settings, while more expensive blankets like the Thermee Heated Blanket have 10, allowing you to fine-tune the warmth to suit your needs.

Two-Zone Heating — or a Spare

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 the Sunbeam 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.

Price Range

We tested all sorts of electric blankets, ranging in price from $40 to $150+. Throw blankets like the Bedsure Heated Blanket tend 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.

Behind the Scenes

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: 

• Ease of Use: Our testers set up each heated blanket in their home — throw blankets were used on a couch or chair, while larger models were tested on beds. While using each blanket, we considered whether the controller was intuitive and easy to operate, the length of the power cord, and the effectiveness of features like timers.
• Comfort: Blankets — including the heated kind — should be comfortable, so we evaluated the overall feel, weight, and softness of each product. We also considered whether we could feel the blanket’s inner heating elements while using it.
• Effectiveness: While trying out each heated blanket, we paid close attention to how long it took to heat up, how much warmth it provided, whether there was a noticeable difference between heat settings, and whether it ever felt too warm. 
• Durability: After several days of testing, we looked for any signs of wear, such as loose threads or fraying edges. We also considered each blanket’s cleaning instructions and whether it could be put in the washing machine and dryer. 
• Value: After testing was complete, our reviewers looked at the price of each product in comparison to its performance to decide whether it was a good value or not. 

The top performer overall was the Westinghouse Electric Blanket, which scored well thanks to its soft fabric, fast heating time, and even heat distribution.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer for PEOPLE specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her over eight years of experience as a product tester, she’s tested hundreds of different bedding products, including more than a dozen heated blankets. While writing this article, she consulted with two experts and carefully reviewed the firsthand testing notes provided by the PEOPLE Tested team.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to 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. 

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. 

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.