8 Best Electric Blankets to Stay Warm All Winter Long
These blankets are so soft and toasty you'll never want to get up.
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There’s nothing like snuggling up under a warm blanket, whether you’re on the couch watching TV, camping outdoors or drifting off to sleep. For those who run on the chillier side, an electric blanket is one of the fastest and easiest ways to warm up quickly without having to crank up the thermostat or use a space heater. Not only are electric blankets super soft and cozy, but they feature multiple heat settings so you can quickly adjust to the best temperature for your body.
The fiber scientists and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test everything from heating pads to weighted blankets, duvet inserts and other bedding essentials that help you stay warm during winter months. When narrowing down the best electric blankets on the market, our experts evaluated picks for durability and performance, taking note of materials, size and the number of heat settings as well as safety features and industry certifications. Additionally, we reviewed hands-on feedback from our consumer testers, who reported on everything from a blanket’s softness to its ease of use. Ahead you’ll find the best electric blankets of 2024 according to our extensive testing data and consumer reviews.
Bedsure Ribbed Heated Blanket
Pros
- GH Bedding Awards winner
- Quickly heats up
- Even heat distribution
- Made of soft, cozy material
Cons
- Cord could be longer, according to some online reviewers
A Good Housekeeping Bedding Awards winner, this versatile blanket from Bedsure is guaranteed to keep you nice and toasty wherever you're lounging. Not only does it feature two super comfy sides — a velvety ribbed top and soft Sherpa bottom — but the attached control offers six heat levels and four time settings so you can adjust as needed.
Both our analysts and testers were impressed by how quickly the blanket heated up, as well as its even distribution. Testers loved using it both as a blanket and heated blanket, describing it as “perfect for taking a nap.” Our pros also appreciate that it’s available in 15 colors and patterns. Just note that some online reviewers wish the cord was a bit longer.
Dimensions: 50" x 60" | Number of heating settings: 6 | Auto shut-off feature: 3-hour max
Sunbeam Royal Ultra Heated Throw
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Auto shutoff after 4 hours
- Not bulky
Cons
- Less soft than plush microfiber and fluffy sherpa
Prefer a simple yet effective electric blanket? Check out this cozy pick from Sunbeam that has more than 50,000 Amazon reviews and an average 4.3 star rating, and comes at a fraction of the price of other electric blankets. It offers four different heat settings with comfy fleece fabric and automatically shuts off after four hours, so you can fall asleep nice and toasty.
Sunbeam's blankets typically perform well in our tests, with testers giving high scores for the cozy feel of the fabric. Testers also noted that they liked how Sunbeam's blankets didn't feel as bulky as other blankets they've owned. Keep in mind that this listing is for the smaller throw, but if you're willing to spend a little more, the brand also offers the same blanket in larger sizes with 12 heat levels and a 12-hour selectable automatic shut-off to match your bed size.
Dimensions: 50" x 60" | Number of heating settings: 4 | Auto shut-off feature: 4-hour max
Sunbeam Royal Mink Sherpa
Pros
- Soft and cozy feel
- Great value
Cons
- Relatively short auto shut-off range
Curl up in this dreamy blanket that’s available in nine rich colors to match your room’s décor. Not only do heated blankets from Sunbeam tend to be top performers in our evaluations, but they’re crowd favorites among our testers. We like this Royal Mink Sherpa model in particular for its super comfy, luxurious feel and reversible design. On one side it features a silky-smooth mink fabric while on the other you’ll find soft, warm sherpa.
With four different heat settings to choose from, you can customize your blanket to whatever temperature suits you best. It has a 4-hour automatic shut-off function that makes this blanket perfect for curling up on the couch or winding down before bed. Just keep in mind that it won’t stay on all night. While not as feature-rich as other electric blankets out there, consumer testers of a similar Sunbeam blanket raved about how soft and cozy the plush fabric felt and how easy the controls were to use. Plus, we were impressed by how well Sunbeam blankets have performed in our Lab's wash testing — yes, it's machine washable.
Dimensions: 50" x 60" | Number of heating settings: 4 | Auto shut-off feature: 4-hour max
Beautyrest Plush Electric Blanket
Pros
- Even heat distribution
- 20 adjustable heat settings
- Features preheat option
Cons
- Slow to heat up
Featuring more than 20 adjustable temperature settings, this electric blanket is a must-have for any bedroom. It’s available in various sizes from Twin to King and comes in a range of pretty colors, including a penguin pattern for little ones. A 10-hour auto shut-off feature means that you can stay bundled up and warm on chilly nights without it turning off. Though we found it slow to heat in our tests and not quite as powerful as some of our other picks, the heat distribution was fairly even and the blanket itself felt soft and plush. We also found the controller buttons easy to use and love that there’s a one-hour preheat option so you can warm up your bed before jumping in.
Dimensions: 100" x 90” | Number of heating settings: 20 | Auto shut-off feature: 10-hour max
Sealy Electric Blanket
Pros
- Super soft, reversible material
- Dual temperature control
- Variety of sizes available
Cons
- Only sold in three colors
While we haven’t yet tested this model in the Lab, we have reviewed numerous Sealy mattresses and electric blankets and stand behind the brand. This pick is available in a variety of sizes, from a smaller throw to a large blanket that can fully cover a king-size bed. According to online reviewers, the flannel and sherpa materials are both super soft and snuggly. The Queen and King blanket sizes also come with dual temperature control. You and your partner each have a controller to choose from among 10 temperature settings — an extremely useful feature to have if one person likes it cooler than the other. We just wish it was offered in a wider range of colors.
Dimensions: 100" x 90” | Number of heating settings: 10 | Auto shut-off feature: 12-hour max
Perfect Fit Ultra Soft Plush Electric Blanket
Pros
- Divided into two zones with dual controls
- 10-hour automatic shut-off
- Available in five different colors
Cons
- Has heat-reflective layer that can be crinkly
Available in Twin, Full, Queen and King sizes, this blanket offers dual controls, which allows each person to personalize the heat on their side of the bed. This blanket from Perfect Fit features 10 heat settings and ultra-thin wires that are evenly spaced 3 inches apart throughout the blanket to prevent cold spots. It'll automatically shut off after 10 hours, so you can snooze in warmth all night long. This soft, ribbed heated blanket was a tester favorite for its attractive look and quality fabric, and we found that it maintained its temperature over time in our Lab tests. Just note that some online reviewers find that the plastic, reflective surface inside the blanket makes noise when crumpled. Color options are also limited.
Dimensions: 90" x 84" | Number of heating settings: 10 | Auto shut-off feature: 10-hour max
The Cozee Battery Operated Cordless Heated Blanket
Pros
- Comes with rechargeable battery pack
- Ideal for outdoor activities
- Weather resistant shell with soft lining
Cons
- Only available in navy
Outdoor enthusiasts will love this electric blanket from Cozee that you can take with you on the road. It features a rechargeable battery pack that makes the blanket completely portable. The brand claims that it takes just 5 minutes to heat up, and it will automatically shut off after 5 hours. We love that it features microfiber plush for a cozy feel with a weather-resistant shell for a truly unique, versatile option. Reviewers agree, calling this soft blanket an "absolute game changer" when it comes to camping and other outdoor adventures. While it is on the pricey side, reviewers say it's worth it because of the innovative features and "unsurpassed customer service."
Dimensions: 60" x 60" | Number of heating settings: 3 | Auto shut-off feature: 5-hour max
Pros
- Larger than most throw blankets
- Plush velvet fabric with ultra thin wires
- App- or voice-assistant-controlled heat and time settings
Cons
- Expensive
This electric blanket connects to an app on your smartphone for temperature and time control (up to 12 hours!). With the option to seamlessly integrate into your smart home for easy voice control, you can use Alexa or Google Assistant to adjust the heat level without having to fumble with a remote. Choose from five heat settings for the throw or 10 if you upgrade to the larger blanket. We also appreciate that the electric blanket uses advanced Invisiwire technology, which means it's made with thinner wires (our testers and analysts couldn't feel them through the fabric!). The blanket also has a removable cord for easy laundering and soft, plush velvet-like fabric that's sure to be a new favorite on cold winter nights.
Dimensions: 60" x 70" | Number of heating settings: 5 |Auto shut-off feature: 12-hour max
How we test the best electric blankets
The GH Institute Textiles Lab experts continuously test top electric blankets from popular brands in our Lab and with consumer testers. In our most recent Lab test, we focused on evaluating the performance of each blanket using our climatology chamber to gauge factors such as the time needed for each blanket to reach 70 degrees, the time needed to cool down, the efficiency of its electricity use and more. We also evaluated the durability of each blanket, including how it fared in our wash tests. Next, we worked with consumer testers who tested electric blankets in their homes to gather feedback and gauge blankets' ease of use, softness and appearance. The picks above are a combination of top-performing electric blankets as well as those with rave consumer tester and user feedback.
What to keep in mind when shopping for electric blankets
Here are a few tips for deciding which electric blanket is worth the purchase.
- Fabric: Most electric blankets are either made of microfiber (a type of polyester) or acrylic. In our tests, we found that consumers preferred the softness of microfiber over acrylic but could often feel the wiring through the microfiber fabrics. Testers didn’t tend to feel the wires through the acrylic blankets.
- Size: Many electric blankets are throw blanket size, but some options come in Queen and King sizes, so decide whether you're looking for something to snuggle up with on the couch or something that will cover your entire bed. Some larger blankets provide dual heating so you and your partner can opt for different levels of warmth.
- Automatic shutdown timer: Electric blankets often have an automatic timer for safety reasons that will shut off the blanket after a predetermined amount of time. It can range anywhere from 2 to 12 hours, so consider whether you truly need a blanket that will stay warm through the entire night.
How do electric blankets work?
Heated blankets plug into an electrical socket (or use a battery pack) to use electricity to heat the blanket. They feature insulated wires that are safely kept in place between the fabric layers of the blanket. The wires warm up to heat the entire blanket — quite quickly too!
Are electric blankets safe?
Generally, yes. Most electric blankets on the market feature auto shut-off, meaning they will automatically turn off after 2 to 12 hours. Blankets that offer longer periods of heat can be used overnight, and we recommend unplugging them when not in use.
Before purchasing, ensure that the blanket has a third-party safety certification like UL or Intertek. Always make sure to follow all care and use instructions to ensure everyone’s safety. Check your electric blanket's manual to see how many volts it can handle from the power supply. Then, use a power adapter for outlets with higher voltage to avoid overheating and damaging the blanket.
Do electric blankets raise your heating bill?
Using an electric blanket is actually cheaper than cranking the heat in your house. If your blanket uses 200 watts (the watt usage should be listed in the manual), leaving it on for 10 hours corresponds to 2 kilowatt-hours, which will cost between 20 to 40 cents, depending on where you live. If using an electric blanket lets you turn the heat down at night, then it can actually be a money-saving investment.
How do I care for an electric blanket?
First and foremost, you must, must, must follow all care and use instructions that are included in your electric blanket's manual so everyone stays safe. Aim to keep your electric blanket spread out evenly and not bunched up in a ball, which can create hot spots or damage the wires. When not in use, unplug and neatly fold the blanket to keep it in pristine condition. If you notice any brown spots on your blanket, stop using it immediately and purchase a replacement: the brown spots likely mean it has overheated, causing burnt areas. For step-by-step care instructions, check out our guide on how to wash an electric blanket.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product analyst who oversaw recent electric blanket testing both in-Lab and with consumer testers. She has evaluated everything from warm socks to heated gloves. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University. Grace has also worked on wearable technology, smart clothing and electronic textiles within various academic laboratories.
Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over four years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for cooling blankets, pillows and more. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear. As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction.
Product analyst and writer Olivia Lipski updated this guide based on the Textiles Lab’s most recent testing notes.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
