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The 7 Best Electric Blankets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Safe and cozy options that'll warm up chilly nights

CureCure Heated Blanket draped over a sofa

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

If you’re someone who runs cold, an electric blanket is a must-have. Ideal for those who want to warm up their beds or stay comfortable without cranking up the thermostat, these heated blankets allow you to set the temperature and get extra cozy.

However, electric blankets are a bit more complex than your typical throw blanket, as they feature electric heating elements. To ensure you purchase a safe electric blanket, Daniel Majano, program manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International, recommends looking for products that have been certified for safety.

"This helps you avoid counterfeits that may not have built-in safety features like those which have been certified and tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)," he says. NRTL-certified products are guaranteed to meet current safety standards and are proven to be safe with proper use. 

We put nearly 30 electric blankets to the test in The Lab and at home to find the best options for warming up without leaving bed or getting off the couch. After researching and testing these blankets, we chose our favorites based on the material, size, features, temperature options, and certifications. All of the below electric blankets are UL- or ETL-tested and certified, both of which are recognized as an NRTL in the US.

Warning

In light of the November 2023 recall, we do not recommend any Berkshire Heated Throws or L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blankets. We will continue to monitor and update our recommendations accordingly.

Testing Stats
Products Tested  27 
Hours Spent Testing  12 
Tests Performed 
Unique Testers  11 
A woman in a bedroom measuring a Shavel Micro Flannel Sherpa Electric Blanket draped on a bed
PHOTO:

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Heat
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Machine washable

  • Comes in eight colors

  • Dual controllers for larger sizes

  • Five-year warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Can be hard to remove stains

For an all-around excellent option with ample settings, go with Shavel's Micro Flannel Sherpa Electric Blanket. Whether you run hot or cold, we found that the warm sherpa added an extra layer of comfort without any risk of overheating.

On low, this blanket feels cozy and luxurious, without overwhelming warmth. When you need a higher temp, it takes just a few minutes to reach the appropriate level of heat. It's also a great option to layer under your sheets, comforter, and other layers of bedding.

While sherpa material often runs the risk of shedding, that's not a problem with this micro-flannel blanket. The seven layers of fabric are filled with a down alternative fiber, so it's hypoallergenic. We also love that the queen and king sizes include two controllers so each person can program their perfect temperature for up to 12 hours. The blanket will even remember your favorite settings with the memory function.

Additionally, we like that this heated blanket has a 10-hour automatic shutoff feature. You can stay warm through the night without worrying about it turning off too soon or causing an electrical hazard. In our testing, we did find that coffee and other liquids may leave small stains when spot-cleaning, but you can also put this blanket in the washing machine for an easy refresh.

Material: Polyester cover, 100% down alternative fill, sherpa, micro flannel fabric | Size: Twin, full, queen, king | Timer: 10-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 10

A woman's foot peeking out from underneath a CureCure Heated Throw Blanket
PHOTO:

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3.5/5
  • Feel
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Heat
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Consistent and quick heating

  • Long power chord

  • Machine-washable

What We Don't Like
  • No advanced controls

Available at about half the price of the average electric blanket, the CURECURE Heated Blanket is a prime throw-style option for those on a budget. During testing, the soft-to-the-touch velour provided us with an undeniably comfortable experience without noticeable wires.

Though it only has four heat settings, the blanket gave a consistent heating experience, warming up quickly and maintaining its heat. The handy auto-shutoff feature kills the heat after six hours, ensuring you don't run into any potential dangers if you fall asleep. And, as an added bonus, we found that the control buttons are intuitive and easy to use.

The blanket is machine-washable on a cold cycle but should be air-dried, and it's available in five colors and four sizes. We do wish that this pick came with more controls for a higher level of temperature customization, but for such an affordable price, it's a great option. It's extremely user-friendly and easy to spot clean.

Material: Polyester, cotton | Size: 50 x 60 inches, 62 x 84, 72 x 84 | Timer: 3-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 4

A person leaning over a bed holding a controller for a Micro-Plush Heated Blanket with Foot Pocket
PHOTO:

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Feel
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Heat
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Foot pocket

  • Machine-washable

  • Five-year warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Shuts off after two hours

  • Cord connection point is bulky

Cold toes? Reach for the Micro-Plush Heated Blanket from Degrees of Comfort. It earned perfect scores for effectiveness and durability in our testing, thanks to the machine-washable, dryer-safe design and a generous five-year warranty.

The long power cord gives you plenty of space to use your blanket wherever you'd like, and we found the temperature settings to be warmer and more comfortable than anticipated. With plenty of room to curl up underneath its soft surface and easy-to-use controls, this electric blanket is an ideal pick for chilly nights.

What really stands out with this electric throw is the foot pocket, which offers a designated spot to tuck in your feet while working at a desk or cozying up on the couch. In our testing, we found that this pocket warmed up our cold feet fast (and if you're too warm, you can easily pop your feet out!).

We did find that the connection point between the power cord and blanket was a bit bulky, but it's a minor pain point.

After six months of testing, we were pleased to discover this electric blanket performed consistently, and it heated up extremely well after regular, frequent use, just as it did right out of the packaging. Our only complaint over the course of our long-term testing was we didn't wash this blanket regularly, as its care instructions called for air drying, a feat we found difficult due to its large size. Otherwise, we found it to be wonderfully consistent–and nicely warm with every use.

Material: Microplush polyester | Size: 50 x 62 inches | Timer: 2-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 3

Woman's hand pressing down on a Shavel micro flannel quilted electric blanket
PHOTO:

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Feel
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Heat
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Attractive color and pattern options

  • Thick, soft flannel material

  • Dual controls

What We Don't Like
  • Controller has a learning curve

One downside of electric blankets is that they can be bulky and an eyesore when not in use. Fortunately, this micro flannel pick from Shavel comes in multiple attractive patterns and colors to add a bit of color to your space while lounging around. While beautiful to look at, we love that this pick doesn't sacrifice construction or effectiveness.

In our testing process, the blanket heated as expected, and the wires weren't overly obvious when lying under it. We particularly liked the dual heat option, especially for partners sharing this blanket on a bed or while lounging on the couch together. It also includes a programmable timer with an automatic shutoff and eight heat settings to choose from, offering plenty of options for users of all temperatures and comfort levels.

We also like how thick and incredibly soft the flannel material feels, without drawing any attention to the wires inside. Though the price tag is a bit high, and it does take some time to learn the controls, we love this blanket for its aesthetically pleasing, yet effective design.

Material: Sherpa, velvet and microfiber | Size: 90 x 72 inches | Timer: 10 hours auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 10

Shavel Micro Flannel Quilted Electric Blanket draped over a couch

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Beautyrest 100% Polyester PV Fur to Plush Heated Wrap
PHOTO:

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

What We Like
  • Can use hands-free

  • Evenly distributed heat

  • Suitable for adults and kids

What We Don't Like
  • Plug and control panel can be bulky

  • Temperature does cycle and vary

For an electric blanket that you can use completely hands-free, we love Beautyrest's Reversible Sherpa to Fleece Electric Wrap. It's like a heated shawl that you can use whether you're working at your desk or lounging on your couch, with both style and plenty of warmth. The blanket wraps around your shoulders like a shawl to keep you warm when cuddling on the couch or walking around the house.

The three heat levels provide even warmth without noticeable wires. It gets to work quickly; in our testing, we found this electric blanket heated up within nine minutes. Its controls are easy to use, and it's simple enough to rely on day in and day out.

For such an affordable price and great color options, this is a great option for kids or teens. It also comes backed with a UL certification. In our testing, we did find the cord and control panel on this model can be a bit bulky, but we loved the even heat distribution and ease of use. We also, however, found that the heat output does cycle. This means you'll experience periods of high heat and lower heat, so be prepared for slight variations.

Material: Sherpa, fleece | Size: 64 x 50 inches | Timer: 2 hours auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 3

Person wrapped in Perfect Fit SoftHeat Luxury Micro-Fleece Heated Electric Warming Blanket while lying on bed
PHOTO:

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Feel
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Heat
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Mild, consistent heat

  • Well-hidden wires

  • Soft, plush fabric

What We Don't Like
  • Heavier than other options

  • Heat increased by single degrees

If you’re searching for an electric blanket that’s shareable and yet allows everyone to choose their own warmth level, the Perfect Fit SoftHeat Electric Blanket is a great option. With easy-to-use dual controls that lit up, we had no issue adjusting the temperature–or seeing which buttons we were pressing–as needed. Each side of the blanket could be controlled by a different user, a perk that’s particularly great if you’re sharing it on the couch or in a queen-size bed.

We liked the consistent, mild level of heat offered by this electric blanket, but be warned: If you’re someone who really wants to get toasty, the temperature here likely won’t meet your needs. While there are 10 heat settings, each setting appeared to only increase the temperature by one degree. Additionally, it is a weightier blanket, which makes it a bit trickier to lift and maneuver. 

After six months of use, this electric blanket continued to live up to our standards, delivering mild to moderate levels of heat consistently and never getting too hot for our liking. The only detail we weren’t happy with was the weight of the blanket. As one of the heavier options on our list, we found it to be noticeably difficult to lift and wrap up in as we used it often. However, if you don’t mind a weighted option, we think it’s still a worthwhile buy.

Material: Fleece | Size: 84 x 90 inches | Timer: 10-hour auto shut-off | Heat Settings: 10

How It Performed Long-Term

Eddie Bauer Portable Heated Electric Throw Blanket
PHOTO:

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Feel
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Heat
    5/5
  • Durability
    1.5/5
What We Like
  • Durable nylon on one side

  • Battery powered

  • Heats up quickly

What We Don’t Like
  • Takes some time to learn controls

  • Difficult to turn on post-wash

Eddie Bauer’s Portable Heated Electric Blanket offers the best of both worlds, as we discovered in our testing: It heats up fast in cold temperatures, and it doesn’t require you to stay plugged in at home. This is a blanket designed for outdoor adventures, from staying warm during fall football nights to curling up under the stars while camping. With a plush, soft polyester fabric on one side and a weather-resistant, durable nylon on the other, it can handle just about anything.

We particularly like the speediness with which this electric blanket heats up. When we put it to the test, it warmed up in seconds and was relatively easy to control. We did have to examine the controls a bit to understand which light referred to which of the three heat settings, but after a couple uses we got the hang of its features and functionality. 

After giving this blanket a wash (it’s machine-washable, per the manufacturer’s instructions), we noticed the power switch became a bit trickier to use. It was more difficult to turn the heat on and off–but we were still able to use its controls effectively. While the switch may not be the most durable, we were impressed overall by the warmth, speedy heating, and the weather-resistant nature of the blanket itself.

Material: Polyester, nylon | Size: 40 x 50 inches | Timer: None | Heat Settings: 3

Final Verdict

Our number one pick is the Micro Flannel Reverse to Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket, which scored a near-perfect score for its layers of comfort, multiple heat settings, and dual controls. For something a bit more affordable, we recommend the CURECURE Heated Blanket, which offers evenly distributed heat and maximum comfort at a budget-friendly price that makes it very worthwhile.

Person sitting on a bed and holding up an electric blanket

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

How We Tested

For this roundup, our editors researched the top electric blankets on the market. We then purchased almost 30 picks to put to the test at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating them on the basis of quality, feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, ease of use, and overall value.

During the testing process, we assessed how quickly these blankets heated to temperature, working with their controls to understand how intuitive or challenging to use they were. We also put the fabrics through some wear meant to simulate typical wear and tear, such as getting dirty and staining. We stained all of the blankets with coffee to see how easy each one was to spot-clean without permanent damage.

Once our lab-based testers evaluated how the blankets worked and felt, we continued to test the top-performing blankets for six months in our testers' homes. This gave us a more thorough look into how they performed in various real world settings.

During the at-home testing process, our testers evaluated how each blanket performed on a daily basis, utilizing different features and functionality like automatic shut-off, dual temperature controls, and memory settings to offer a deeper dive into the performance, durability, and overall capability of the products.

Since we used the blankets for a full six months, we also got insight into just how warm and welcoming they were in every type of weather. We put them to the test in a variety of climates and temperatures, from freezing winter nights to cool spring mornings, so we could experience their warming effects across different "cold" measurements.

What to Look for in an Electric Blanket

Soft, Cozy Fabric

If your electric blanket is warm but uncomfortably scratchy, you may not enjoy using it. Fortunately, many heated blankets are made with soft microfiber fabrics that feel cozy to the touch, ranging from velvety-soft plush material to fuzzy and warm sherpa-style options.

Many of the options on our list, from our best overall pick–Shavel's Micro Flannel Sherpa Electric Blanket– to our best dual-control pick, the Perfect Fit SoftHeat Luxury Micro-Fleece Heated Electric Warming Blanket, are plush, soft, and meant to feel sumptuously cozy.

If you're searching for something that's more durable than soft, however, you can also find options that feature other materials. For example, electric blankets can also include weather- and water-resistant options, though, like our best outdoor pick, the Eddie Bauer Portable Heated Electric Throw Blanket.

Here’s another reason to take a close look at the material of any electric blanket: Many polyester microfiber blankets are machine-washable for easy care. If you're concerned about regular washing and don't want to work with more complex care needs, you'll want to choose a blanket made from a material that's easy to toss into your home washing machine.

Our best budget pick, CureCure's Heated Throw Blanket, and our best with foot pockets pick, Degrees of Comfort's Micro-Plush Heated Blanket, are two great examples of simple, straightforward options you can wash.

Throw Blanket or Bed Sizing

Electric blankets come in a variety of sizes. You can opt for heated throw blankets, which are ideal for lounging or using on the couch. Or, you can add one to your bed for warmth while sleeping, with options available in common bedding sizes from Twin to King.

Here's how to find the right size for your needs: Consider whether you want an electric blanket for your bed or just for lounging. A comforter-size electric blanket, though practical for sleeping, may overwhelm your couch or sitting space while also being less energy efficient. There are many heated blankets the size of your average throw available.

On the other hand, if you want an electric blanket to warm your whole bed, there's every size from twin to king on the market.

Hand holding a controller for an electric blanket

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

An Automatic Shutoff Feature

A majority of the heated blankets you can buy today have an automatic shutoff feature. This means that if you forget to power it down, it'll automatically turn off after a period. Some electric blankets turn off after two or three hours, but for those designed for sleeping, it's usually closer to 10 hours.

According to Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International, "Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping." This automatic shutoff feature ensures your blanket remains safe, even through the night.

UL Safety Certifications

"Make sure it includes labels from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another recognized national testing laboratory," says H. Landis "Lanny" Floyd, a professional engineer, certified safety professional, and adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "The label is an assurance the blanket complies with product safety standards. A standard safety feature is a control on the power cord that allows the user to adjust the temperature setting and turn the blanket off without unplugging the power cord."

FAQ
  • Can you wash an electric blanket?

    Most electric blankets on the market today are machine-washable—just make sure you detach the power cord before throwing it in the wash. Some can be dried in a dryer, though others are designed to be air-dried. Read the directions thoroughly before washing an electric blanket, and always follow the manufacturer's care recommendations.

  • Are electric blankets safe?

    "Electric blankets are safe to use at home," Floyd tells The Spruce, "but an electric blanket is an electrical appliance." For this reason, he urges you to always read the manual before using one, as it will explain how to identify damage and prevent potential hazards.

    Additionally, Majano states that electric blankets are safe as long as they are used properly. "Do not allow anything on top of a heating pad or electric blanket when it is in use. When covered by anything, including other blankets or pets, electric blankets may overheat. Do not plug electric blankets into an extension cord or power strip as they could overheat and cause a fire," he says.

  • How much energy does an electric blanket use?

    Generally speaking, electric blankets don't use up very much energy. They tend to consume about 100 watts on average, which would run you somewhere around $0.011 in electrical costs per hour of use. Lots of folks use heated blankets during the winter months as a way to stay warm and keep their energy bill at a minimum. Majano shares that the wattage will usually be shared on the packaging of your electric blanket.

Hand holding a tag on the Eddie Bauer Portable Heated Throw Blanket

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Why Trust The Spruce?

Heather Adams is a senior editor for The Spruce, and since joining the team in 2022, she's written about sheets, comforters, bath towels, and blankets of all kinds. As someone who always runs cold, she's an expert in cozy, warm, and extra-soft blankets, and she loves turning up the heat on her own electric blanket on chilly nights year-round.

In writing this article, Adams utilized insights and experiences gathered during the lab and at-home testing processes, using the firsthand research conducted by The Spruce’s testers. Each product highlighted here earned high scores in multiple categories, including quality, design, fabric, heat levels, effectiveness, and durability.

Our Experts:

  • H. Landis "Lanny" Floyd, professional engineer, certified safety professional, and adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

  2. Can I Save on my Heating Bills by Using an Electric Blanket? Consumer Reports.