The 10 Best Heated Blankets for Hibernation Season, According to Enthusiastic Reviewers

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·7 min read

At this point in the winter, our wardrobe is stuffed cozy items but our home decor could use a few hygge-inducing additions before the colder weather fully sets in. The first thing we’re going to invest in? A heated blanket. Because although our throw blanket from last year keeps us pretty warm, there’s nothing like an electric blanket on those truly sub-zero nights. Here, the 10 best heated blankets to shop this year.

Our picks at a glance:

Before we go through our finds, let’s go over some of the basics.

Are electric blankets safe?

Simply put: Follow the use instructions in the blanket’s manual and you shouldn’t have any issues. And before you ask, most electric blankets have an auto shut off feature, so you don’t have to worry about them overheating.

Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?

Nope! Electric blankets don’t require a ton of power, even if you keep them on for hours. In fact, using one regularly could help you lower your utility costs since you won’t have to keep the overall house temperature as high.

How do you wash an electric blanket?

Step one: Check the blanket’s instruction manual for details on how to wash your particular model. It will likely tell you to disconnect the blanket from its power source and remove the power cord from the blanket. Then, stick it in the washing machine. Most heated blankets should be washed in cool to warm water on the gentle cycle. Your blanket’s manual should include specific instructions on how to dry it, too.

Now that we’ve got those questions cleared up, let’s dive into the best heated blankets for hibernation season, according to enthusiastic reviewers.

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1. Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket

Best Overall

Pros:

  • 10 different heat settings

  • Auto shut off after 10 hours

  • Pre-heat feature

Cons:

  • Some reviewers say the heat function stops working after a few months of use

Featuring 10 different heat settings, soft microplush and even heat distribution, this electric blanket is a clear winner. It even has a pre-heat setting that you can flip on for 30 minutes, so your bed is nice and toasty when you’re finally ready to climb in. And if you accidentally leave it on all day, the 10-hour auto shut off will ensure it doesn’t overheat. No wonder almost 7,000 people have given it a five-star rating on Amazon.

$60 at Amazon

2. Sunbeam Heated Fleece Throw

Best Value

Pros:

  • Three heat settings

  • Auto shut off after three hours

Cons:

  • The fleece material isn’t the softest

When we saw the $25 price tag, we assumed these reviews were too good to be true. But according to buyers, this heated fleece throw—which comes in six color options—actually works pretty well. “This is my fourth heated throw that I’ve purchased through the years [and it’s] by far the warmest,” one shopper explains.

Buy It ($25)

3. L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket

Splurge-Worthy

Pros:

  • Special technology to ensure an even temperature throughout

  • Thin, flexible wires for a bulk-free feel

  • Auto shut off

Cons:

  • So slick that sometimes it slips off the bed

“Really soft blanket! It toasts up quickly and is attractive enough to be the top cover on our bed,” one reviewer writes. This luxe heated throw comes in twin, full/queen and king sizes to fit your bed—rather than just being a standard throw. It also boasts five heat settings, a pre-heat function and soft-to-the-touch material.

Buy It ($209)

4. Pure Enrichment Purerelief Electric Throw Blanket

Best Sherpa Heated Blanket

Pros:

  • Reversible micro mink and sherpa sides

  • Machine washable

Cons:

  • No auto shut off feature

One customer says this blanket’s Sherpa material is so soft, she never wants to sleep without it. Its 60-by-50 inch size is perfect for naps on the couch or cuddling up with in a reading chair. Oh, and you can choose between four different warmth settings for customized comfort.

Buy It ($180; $108)

5. Perfect Fit Electric Heated Warming Blanket

Best Heated Blanket for Couples

Pros:

  • Two heat zones with separate controls

  • Auto shut off after 10 hours

  • 10 different heat settings

Cons:

  • Inner heat layer makes a crinkly noise when adjusted

If you and your partner are in a constant battle over the thermostat, this heated blanket is for you. The queen and king sizes come with two separate zones (which are controlled by their own knobs) so that you can keep your side of the bed’s temp just the way you like it. Multiple couples say it’s the best electric blanket they’ve ever owned.

$134 at Amazon

6. True North by Sleep Philosophy Electric Queen Blanket

Best Automatic Heated Blanket

Pros:

  • 20 different heat settings

  • Ultra-soft, reversible sides

  • Comes with an automatic timer

Cons:

  • Expensive

This weighted blanket takes the pre-heat feature to a whole new level. Rather than having to turn your blanket on 15 to 20 minutes before you want to get in bed, all you have to do is connect this one to the included automatic timer. Then, it’ll start warming up for you every day at the time you choose. Just a heads up: Buyers say that once you’ve snuggled up underneath this plush design, you’ll never want to get out of bed.

Buy It ($426; $127)

7. Biddeford Comfort Fleece Electric Blanket

Best Fleece Heated Blanket

Pros:

  • Machine washable

  • Two controllers

  • 10 different heat settings

Cons:

  • Some reviewers received defective blankets

One shopper loved Biddeford’s electric blankets so much, she bought one for every bedroom in her house. “They heat up great and look nice too,” she explains. Others add that the fleece material is lightweight, but warm. And the two controls mean that both you and your partner can adjust the temperature throughout the night without having to get up.

Buy It ($260; $78)

8. Micro Flannel Electric Heated Queen Comforter

Best Heated Comforter

Pros:

  • Soft down alternative fill

  • Reaches maximum temperature within 30 minutes

  • Separate heat settings for each side

Cons:

  • Some reviewers say it’s too heavy

Want an electric blanket that you can leave on your bed all winter long? Opt for this comforter and you won’t have to worry about layering less-than-stylish heated throw on top. It looks just like a typical comforter but has eight heat settings and separate heat zones for each side of the bed. Plus, you can program it to automatically turn on at a certain setting every night. As if we weren’t already totally sold, one person goes so far as to call it the best purchase they’ve ever made.

Buy It ($180)

9. Beautyrest Ultra Soft Sherpa Electric Blanket Poncho

Best Wearable Heated Blanket

Pros:

  • Poncho shape that’s designed to be draped over you

  • Pre-heat feature

Cons:

  • Some customers say it doesn’t get warm enough

If your main goal this winter is to find a heated blanket you can actually wrap yourself in while you work from home, look no further. This unique shawl design from Beautyrest is made to drape over your shoulders for easy bundling. “[It’s] super soft, extremely warm even on the medium setting and allows me to stay cozy at the computer while I work for hours at a time,” one reviewer attests.

$50 at Amazon

10. Treksafe Heated Travel Blanket

Best Heated Blanket for Travel

Pros:

  • Plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter

  • 58’’ cable can stretch to anywhere in the car

Cons:

  • Some buyers say it takes a while to warm up

According to customers, this compact blanket is a game-changer for cold morning commutes and winter road trips. You can drape it over your lap while you drive or keep it in the back for passengers to use. Once you plug it into the cigarette lighter, you’ll feel it warm up in no time.

Buy It ($20)

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