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Our top picks start at just $36 Children's Electric Blanket
If you're always cold, then an electric blanket will keep you nice and toasty any time of year. These aren’t your grandmother’s heated blankets, though. Today’s electric blankets are designed to fit into a variety of home aesthetics, and PEOPLE is here to guide you on what to look for when making your choice.
“There are a few ways to identify a high-quality heated blanket. Look for a UL certification and a warranty on the product for at least one year. Heated blankets can come in an array of soft synthetic fabrics as well as natural fibers, so a comfortable texture and feel can be found for just about everyone." — Laurie March, a project manager, remodeling pro, and digital host for HGTV
We tested 26 electric blankets in our lab from brands like Beautyrest, Serta, Sunbeam, Pure Enrichment, and more. We ran a series of tests and scored each blanket based on the following attributes: quality, feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, ease of use, and overall value. We then tested our favorite blankets at home for an additional six months and reported back on their effectiveness and durability after prolonged use in real-life settings.
Keep scrolling to shop the best electric blankets for year-round comfort.
Takes just 5 minutes to warm up to a cozy temperature
Two-zone heating for queen and king sizes
Material is soft and doesn't shed
Programmable features were hard to figure out
This is a beautiful and effective electric blanket that kept us cozy and calm right away. It warmed quickly without overheating, and the weight felt luxurious. The materials are high-quality — quilted stitching offers that durable feel, and the addition of the teddy fabric provides softness (without leaving any annoying fuzzies behind). We could not feel any of the wires inside, and the cords were minimal.
In the king-size version (which we tested), as well as the queen-size, two controllers are included, so if you sleep with a partner, each person can attain their desired temperature. In our spilled coffee spot treatment test, we were able to easily remove most of the stain, though the flannel side required an extra spot cleaning. Given the quality and durability of this blanket, we were pleasantly surprised by the price.
The only downside was the lack of programming capabilities — we couldn’t find any instructions on how to program beyond the auto shut-off feature. That aside, we think this is a cozy, comfortable, and durable electric blanket that offers the user total control over the heat settings and provides important safety features.
After six months of at-home testing, our tester still loves snuggling under this soft, spacious blanket. They wish the cords were spaced out a little more, as they tend to get twisted up in one another. That said, it heats up quickly and stays warm for a while. The quality has remained consistent during use, and our tester said it’s the best heated blanket they’ve ever had.
Dimensions: 90 x 84 inches (queen), 100 x 90 inches (king) | Material: 100% polyester cover | Heat Settings: 10 | Auto Shut-Off: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
Super discreet wires don’t crinkle
Hard to see controller in the dark
There are lots of thoughtful touches in the design of this electric blanket. The wires are so discreet that this could even pass as a regular blanket. The dual controls (on the larger sizes) are well-designed, too. The control panel is angled upward, which makes it easier to see. The cords are also flatter than some others we tested, which makes them easy to maneuver and less likely to get tangled.
The thin, plush fabric has a very soft, warm, and luxurious feel, and you have a lot of control when it comes to warmth with a variety of settings. In our tests, the temperature went up 10 degrees on the high setting and four degrees on the low setting. You can also program the shut-off time anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours.
After washing, the blanket still looked and felt like new and performed to the level of its original capabilities. We found it to be an overall solid value, though we do wish the controller had a backlit screen for better visibility at night.
After long-term testing at home, we still appreciated the plushness this blanket offered. The dual controls are really designed for two-person use, so if you’re one person using the blanket, having to set both controls could be a setback; otherwise, it’s a neat feature.
Dimensions: 62 x 84 inches (twin), 77 x 84 inches (full), 84 x 90 inches (queen) | Material: Faux shearling polyester | Heat Settings: 10 | Auto Shut-Off: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
Everyone can enjoy the cozy warmth of a heated blanket. Everyone but your four-legged friends, that is. “Experts advise that pets should be kept off your bed when your heated blanket is in use so that they don’t damage the coils,” March tells PEOPLE. Humans, however, can enjoy all the benefits of electric blankets, both in keeping warm and in keeping costs down, as you may be able to set your thermostat to a lower nighttime temperature.
Perfect for wearing as a poncho or shawl
Feels cozy like a regular blanket
Heats up 21 degrees in just a few minutes
This plush faux fur electric blanket from Beautyrest is so large we’re calling it a wrap blanket, as you can lounge in your favorite chair and be enveloped (literally) by warmth. We barely noticed the heat wires, and while there is technically only one correct way to wear the wrap, both sides are equally soft and comfortable.
While the blanket heated up quickly and jumped 21 degrees in temperature, it didn’t feel that hot for more than 10 minutes or so. Being a fur-like material, it will absorb water more often than it repels, but this isn’t a dealbreaker for us since it is machine-washable and can be effectively spot-cleaned for most types of stains.
This electric blanket has user-friendly settings with five heat levels and an automatic shut-off feature after two hours. We think this would be a great electric blanket for a senior, and it’s affordable compared to others on our list. As soon as we took this blanket off, we wanted to put it back on, and we expect you will, too.
Dimensions: 65.5 x 50 inches | Material: Ultra-soft polyester | Heat Settings: 5 | Auto Shut-Off: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
Wires were quiet when adjusting the blanket
Backlit screen makes it easy to adjust in darkness
Two materials often mean double the comfort, and that’s certainly the case here. The inside of this throw is a fluffy teddy fabric, and the outside is a soft velour. A light-up screen makes it easy to adjust the temperature and heating time. The highest setting was quite warm, but with a wide range of 10 heat settings, there’s an option for everyone. The 11-degree change in our test felt like a huge jump in temperature. There was definitely a noticeable shift, but it was nice and cozy once heated.
While the wires inside the blanket were silent (no crinkling here), they were noticeable. Still, it doesn't diminish the soft, delicate feel, which was our favorite thing about this particular model. The downsides? A wet rag didn’t tackle the stain well in our spot testing, and it’s unclear whether the blanket will feel the same after machine washing. We’d recommend it as a smaller throw to use while relaxing but not for sleeping due to the smaller size and shorter auto-shut-off time.
Dimensions: 50 x 60 inches, 84 x 90 inches | Material: Polyester | Heat Settings: 10 | Auto Shut-Off: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
March suggests investing in a blanket with an automatic shut-off or a timer feature. “Use the automatic shut-off setting or timer on your heated blanket to defend against chilly nights and high energy bills,” she says. “Newer electric blankets heat up in minutes, and for fire safety, they should not be used all night.”
Easy to use and adjust
You can adjust the temperature and timer to your heart’s content with this blanket, designed with a mainly flannel feel and a silky border. The blanket heated up as expected, and the controls were intuitive to use, with up and down arrow buttons for the temperature and timer.
We started with the blanket at 70 degrees. On a low setting, we measured the blanket at 76 degrees, and on a high setting at 81 degrees. The wires (which are not overly obvious but still noticeable) were evenly spaced throughout the blanket, which also has dual settings so two people can use it at once. The flannel feels soft and would be a great pairing with your seasonal flannel sheets and a cozy comforter.
Our tester never experienced any issues with this blanket during six months of at-home testing. We continue to appreciate the dual controls and how well the blanket fits the bed. When in use, the blanket continues to heat up quickly, maintains a consistent temperature, and automatically shuts off after extended use. For the best experience, we suggest turning the blanket on while you’re getting ready for bed so you can immediately feel the warmth once it's time to go to sleep.
Dimensions: 66 x 85 inches (twin), 72 x 90 inches (full), 90 x 90 inches (queen), 90 x 108 inches (king) | Material: Quilted micro flannel (polyester) | Heat Settings: 8 | Auto Shut-Off: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
Built to last with machine-washable fabric and a 5-year warranty
Not as warm as some of the other models we tested
If you’re interested in an electric blanket that won’t take over the bed or couch, the Perfect Fit SoftHeat is a worthy contender. With a 10-hour shut-off and a non-bulky feel, it’s a nice addition to a bed if you run cold at night.
We did not notice discernible wires on this blanket, nor did the insides produce any crinkling sound. It had just the right feel and weight as an addition to our other bedding, too. We found this blanket to get comfortably warm, but less so than others we tested — so probably not the best choice for truly frigid nights.
Spot cleaning was successful, though the fabric did get a bit matted in the process. We were able to fluff it back up as it dried. This electric blanket would be good for someone who wants light warmth and a no-fuss setup.
After using this blanket at home for six months, our tester still appreciates its performance. It heats up quickly without getting too hot and provides a cozy experience with a soft fleece material. We found it can feel heavy at times, which could be good or bad depending on whether you like weighted blankets. The cord length was long enough to be versatile in various spots around the tester’s home, and the control button was user-friendly.
Dimensions: 90 x 84 inches (queen) | Material: Microfleece, polyester | Heat Settings: 10 | Auto Shut-Off: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
Machine-washable and has a 5-year warranty
Plug feels large for size of blanket
If you’re coming inside on a rainy day and want to get warm fast, this blanket is a great choice. We loved how fast it warmed up, and on the high setting, it warmed to a toasty 82 degrees. The size makes this electric blanket a good choice as a throw blanket for the couch, and the fabric is thin but soft. It also has a heated foot pocket, so your toes won’t stick out from under the blanket.
However, some loose threads around the plug (and the disproportionately large size of the plug itself) were the drawbacks for us on this one. It wasn’t the easiest to unplug, either. There are just three temperature settings on this model: low, medium, and high. On the high setting, the blanket warmed up 14 degrees from its starting temperature in our test in just 15 minutes. Overall, we appreciated the soft feel and quick heat time of this electric blanket.
We enjoyed using this blanket at home for an additional six months. It easily covered two people sitting on the couch, and we were surprised with how well the blanket performed, with its quick heat-up time, comfortable material, and snug foot pocket. In general, it was intuitive to use, but we wish it had a longer shut-off time and that the cord wasn’t as bulky.
Dimensions: 50 x 62 inches | Material: Polyester | Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Shut-Off: Yes | Machine-Washable: Yes
Large enough for outdoor events
Did not perform properly after machine-washing
If you’re looking for extra warmth while camping or watching sports outdoors in the colder months, look no further than Eddie Bauer’s portable electric throw. A pocket for the battery with a Velcro closure means you can take this blanket with you, and the fabric itself is weather-resistant.
We were able to feel the wires, but it did not detract from the blanket’s flexibility. It’s an easy size to manage on the go, even with the weight of the battery, and provides four to six hours of heat and three heat settings. It warmed immediately, and the heat is focused in the hand pouch area, which is ideal for camping, sporting events, and more. This blanket did not work well after machine-washing it, so we would only recommend spot-cleaning.
Dimensions: 50 x 40 inches | Material: Polyester, nylon | Heat Settings: 5 | Auto Shut-Off: No | Machine-Washable: No
If you're in the market for an electric blanket, chances are your space is chilly or you're someone who gets cold easily. If that's the case, we recommend the following PEOPLE-tested products to add to your cart.
In our space heater test, this small Aikoper space heater was named our "best portable" space heater. We loved that we could easily move it from room to room. Plus, it's budget-friendly at less than $40.
This heated jacket was warm and toasty in only 54 seconds, according to our testing. That's only one of the reasons it won our award for best heated jacket. We also love that it's water-resistant, warms both the chest and back areas, and is easy to use thanks to its one-button operation.
“Make sure the heating control is easy to read and easy to operate,” Deanna Hodges, the 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.” The Shavel Home Micro Flannel Heate Blanket features both auto shut-off and a timer for ultimate customization that's easy to use.
“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. Several blankets we tested passed ETL certification, including our best overall pick, the Shavel Micro Flannel Quilted Heated Blanket.
“If you are part of a couple, consider a blanket with two controls and two zones," Hodges says. "This makes it easier for each person to find their perfect temperature and keeps everyone happy.” She says keeping an electric blanket or two on hand can really help with your electric bill in the winter months, making it more comfortable to keep the heat a bit lower.
We tested all sorts of electric blankets, ranging in price from $36 to $350. The size of the blanket is often a key factor in pricing, as you can typically buy a twin, queen, or king, and often a throw size, too. If you plan to use an electric blanket on your bed, don’t skimp on the size; you’ll regret not having more surface area. But if you’re buying one to warm up a couch for cozy nights, get the best quality you can afford in a throw size.
“If you know that you are going to buy an electric blanket, do not wait until the winter,” Hodges recommends, adding that prices are often higher then. She suggests buying one in the summer, if available, and then putting it away until it gets colder. “As soon as the weather changes, you will be happy that you already bought yours at a fraction of the price,” she says.
We spent a full day getting warm and cozy in our lab, trying out 26 different electric blankets, including top picks from brands like Serta, Beautyrest, Sunbeam, and more.
According to our tests, the Shavel Micro Flannel Quilted Heated Blanket was the best overall pick. We found it to be super soft, and we loved that it warmed up to a nice temperature in just five minutes. It has 10 heat settings in addition to the auto shut-off feature and is easy to spot-clean. In terms of size and quality, we thought it was a good value for the price, too.
This depends entirely on where you’ll be using it. Before buying, our experts suggest measuring your space to make sure the cord connected to the blanket will reach the outlet where you intend to use it. “Long electrical cords are ideal to reach your outlets while remaining comfortable,” a representative for Bed Bath & Beyond tells PEOPLE. We certainly appreciated the 19-foot-long cord on the Brookstone Heated Blanket.
When it comes to features for an electric blanket — whether that's programmable timers, two-zone heating, or automatic shut-off — it's all about figuring out what works best with your lifestyle. We don’t necessarily suggest sleeping with an electric blanket, but if you need to for any reason, then look for blankets that have a longer auto shut-off time rather than a shorter one, so it doesn't turn off after a couple of hours.
However, if you just want an electric blanket for reading or watching TV, a shorter auto shut-off period isn't a deal-breaker. There are also some blankets that offer programmable timers, so you can choose exactly how long it stays on, or more exact temperatures. If you expect to use it a lot, perhaps prioritize a blanket that is machine-washable or easy to spot-clean.
Rennie Dyball is a contributing freelance writer who’s tested many products in the home and cleaning space. Madison Yauger is a commerce editor at PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. For this story, they spoke to industry experts and used insights from our lab tests and home tests to determine the best electric blankets.
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