Nothing beats getting cozy under a heated blanket -- whether watching TV, working from home or curling up in bed. A regular blanket provides some warmth, but when temperatures drop, nothing matches the cozy comfort of a heated blanket. If you've been thinking about upgrading, now is the time. Plus, getting one now will also have you prepped and ready when winter rolls back around.
What to look for in a heated blanket
After you've scoured the internet for electric blankets, there are a few things you should consider before selecting the best one. Read each product description carefully, and pay special attention to the following features:
Material: Look for heated blankets made with warm materials such as polyester, fleece, flannel, sherpa or faux fur.
Heat settings: The best electric blankets will have multiple heat settings. Depending on your preference, the more heat settings, the better the blanket generally is.
Machine-washable: At some point, your blanket will get dirty. Make sure your heated blanket is machine-washable.
Safety: You want a blanket with an automatic shut-off feature for safety. If you tend to be forgetful, look for a blanket that shuts off within a few hours.
The following heated blankets have taken the above features into consideration. Each blanket is shown at a twin price, if applicable. Heated throw blankets only come in one size.
Here are the best electric blankets you can get.
Amazon Beautyrest reversible electric wrap blanket Best wearable heated blanket $55 at Amazon $55 at Walmart Like - Machine washable - 3 heat levels Don't like - 1 size option Beautyrest is another trusted name in the mattress industry, and its mattresses often appear on our lists. This wearable wrap from Beautyrest is available on Amazon for a reasonable price. It comes in one size and is a little larger than a throw at about 50 by 64 inches. The "U" shape of the blanket drapes over your shoulders and frees your arms for movement, letting you keep your mobility as you stay warm. Available in nine fun patterns, the wrap is made of sherpa on one side and fleece on the other. It has a five-year limited warranty. This wrap blanket has three heat levels and a 2-hour automatic shut-off setting. Be aware 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. Tumble dry on low. Product features: Three heat settings
2-hour automatic shut-off
Five-year limited warranty $55 at Amazon $55 at Walmart
L.L. Bean L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy heated blanket Best ultrathin heated blanket $119 at L.L. Bean Like - Machine washable - 10 heat settings Don't like - No specified shut-off time - Short cord This L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy heated blanket also appears on our best products for sleeping in the winter list. It's perfect if you're looking for an extra layer of warmth on your bed because the blanket is thin enough that it won't be too hot. This blanket comes in three sizes: twin, full-queen and king. Available in four colors, the L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy blanket is made of premium Primalush and loftmink polyester. There is no stated warranty. The unique aspect of this blanket is it comes with dual controllers for partners who share the same blanket. It has 10 heat settings and an automatic shut-off setting, but it doesn't specify how long it'll be before the blanket shuts off. Be aware that some customers have stated that the cord isn't long enough. Unplug and machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low. Product features: 10 heat settings
Automatic shut-off $119 at L.L. Bean
Amazon Sunbeam Royal Ultra heated blanket Best affordable heated blanket $40 at Amazon Like - Machine washable - 4 heat settings Don't like - Only one size option - Only 4 hours before automatic shut-off Our runner-up for the best heated blanket comes from the same brand. This Sunbeam product is more affordable. The Sunbeam Royal Ultra throw blanket comes in one size, approximately 50 by 60 inches. Like the other heated blanket from this brand, the Royal Ultra is made of 100% polyester but only comes in four colors. It has a five-year limited warranty. With four heat settings and a 4-hour automatic shut-off setting, the Royal Ultra may have fewer heat settings than the Royal Luxe, but the shorter auto shut-off will suit those who worry they might forget their products are plugged in. Unplug and machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low. Product features: Four heat settings
4-hour automatic shut-off
Five-year limited warranty $40 at Amazon
Amazon Sunbeam Royal Luxe heated blanket Best overall heated blanket $50 at Amazon The best electric blanket on the market can be found on Amazon at a surprisingly reasonable price. The Sunbeam Royal Luxe blanket comes in sizes twin, full, queen or king. 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. It can automatically shut off after a maximum of 12 hours if you forget to unplug it. If you plan to use a heated blanket for longer, opt for the Sunbeam Royal Luxe, as it's a blanket on this list that allows for the longest time before its automatic shut-off. Unplug and machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low. Product features: 12 heat settings
12-hour automatic shut-off
Five-year limited warranty $50 at Amazon
Best Heated Blankets Compared undefined Serta Fleece to Sherpa Beautyrest reversible electric wrap Beautyrest heated oversized faux fur throw L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Sunbeam Royal Ultra Sunbeam Royal Luxe Heat settings 5 3 3 10 4 12 Auto shut-off Yes, after 3 hours Yes, after 2 hours Yes, after 2 hours Yes, but no specified time Yes, after 4 hours Yes, after 12 hours Warranty 3-year limited warranty 5-year limited warranty None stated None stated 5-year limited warranty 5-year limited warranty
Heated blanket FAQs
Can I sleep with a heated blanket? Heated blankets great for lounging on the couch or , but they're not recommended for all-night use due to safety concerns. If you're asleep, you can't notice if a cord gets tangled or something malfunctions. Short-term use is safe as long as no wires or tears in wires are visible.
Can you use a heated blanket while pregnant? Yes, you can use a heated blanket while pregnant, on lower heat settings for limited amounts of time. Make sure that the heat setting isn't too high. A body temperature of 101 degrees or more can be dangerous for the fetus. Heated blankets are also not recommended for infants.