- We spent over 50 hours researching and testing the top heated and weighted blankets on the market and consulting with sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 13 different blankets from eight brands and recorded our findings to identify standout features, document issues with each product, and describe when we might recommend them to readers.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations for weighted blankets, including price, weight, material, filling, and sizes.
- Learn more about how we review the best weighted blankets.
Key takeaways
- The Luxome Weighted Blanket is our overall pick for the best weighted blanket because it comes with a removable cover option, has multiple designs and colors to choose from, and is available in four different weights and sizes.
- Weighted blankets can encourage feelings of calm and safety, and may help with emotional regulation.
- Weighted blankets have been associated with better sleep in a wide spectrum of people, from toddlers to older adults.
- The weighted blankets included in this review range in price from $99 to $495.
According to a growing body of research, the use of weighted blankets may help some people feel more calm and physically relaxed. Research suggests that weighted blankets may help reduce the severity of chronic pain, decrease anxiety, increase melatonin levels before sleep, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep or help with sleeping longer, and reduce the symptoms of insomnia for people with sleep disorders and related conditions.
Nicole Villegas, OTD, OTR/L, a mental health occupational therapist and founder of Sensory Conscious Institute in Portland, Oregon, describes weighted blankets as “therapeutic tools” that can provide deep pressure to help with emotional and physical regulation, as well as providing calming and stress relief properties.
According to Villegas, weighted blankets may reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and promote the warm feelings and emotions that can come from safe physical human touch. Aside from the physical benefits, some people may also just enjoy a weighted blanket.
“Anyone who has a pleasant feeling from the deep pressure of a weighted blanket may benefit,” she explains. “People who experience anxiousness, sensory overwhelm, chronic pain, sleep issues, and difficulties with physical and emotional regulation may benefit from talking to an informed provider about trying a weighted blanket.”
While weighted blankets may help you feel more calm and comforted, it’s always best to talk with your doctor or a licensed mental health care provider about the issues you’re addressing in case they have an underlying medical cause.
Here are some of the best weighted blankets we have researched and tested for you to consider. You can also read our review of the best heated blankets.
The 6 best weighted blankets of 2024
- Luxome Weighted Blanket: Best overall weighted blanket
- Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket: Best cooling weighted blanket
- Dreamland Baby Weighted Blanket: Best weighted blanket for kids
- Bearaby Tree Napper: Best knit weighted blanket
- Saatva Weighted Blanket: Best cotton weighted blanket
- Brooklinen Weighted Blanket: Best machine-washable weighted throw blanket
Luxome Weighted Blanket: Best overall weighted blanket
Why the Luxome Weighted Blanket is our pick for best overall weighted blanket
We chose the Luxome Weighted Blanket as the best overall brand for weighted blankets because they offer the most choices and personalization options. Their weighted blanket comes in an integrated one-piece design, with the cover and weighted component built-in together, or a two-piece option that has a removable, machine-washable cover.
We appreciate the option to choose either the all-in-one integrated blanket design or the blanket with a removable cover, especially for sleepers who share a bed with other people or pets and need to wash their blanket more frequently. We also love the material choices. You have three options: bamboo lyocell on one side and minky on the other side, bamboo lyocell on both sides, and minky on both sides. Plus, this is one of the few weighted blankets we reviewed that offers a variety of design and color options.
We tested the full minky material version of the blanket and were impressed by this super soft and comfortable fabric. Our tester feels like this is a blanket they can use to stay cozy on the couch or to sleep with at night on the bed.
We like that there are also four different size and weight options: a small 42” x 86” 8-pound weighted blanket, a medium 54” x 72” 15-pound weighted blanket, a large 60” x 80” 18-pound weighted blanket, and an extra large 80” x 90” 25-pound weighted blanket.
Who may want to use the Luxome Weighted Blanket: People who are looking for a weighted blanket with weight ranges from eight to 25 pounds and a removable, machine washable cover option. Taller and larger bodied people who need an extra large or long blanket.
Who may want to avoid the Luxome Weighted Blanket: People who prefer bedding that is made only from all-natural materials, since this includes polyester.
Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket: Best cooling weighted blanket
Why the Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket is our pick for the best cooling weighted blanket
The Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket can help sleepers stay cool through the use of a cooling technology that repurposes natural volcanic minerals, which are embedded in the fabric of the blanket. Called 37.5® Technology, the responsibly-sourced volcanic minerals capture your body’s heat and excess moisture to keep your body’s sleeping temperature consistent and balanced and to prevent overheating.
We like that users can choose from either a 12- or 20-pound option, but we would prefer to have more than one size choice. The 48” x 70” size is smaller than a standard twin size blanket, so this might not be a good option for taller people who want full body coverage. As well, the 48-inch width may not be enough for people with larger bodies.
Our tester likes the breathable cotton blend fabric of this blanket, and thinks it feels much cooler than the other weighted blankets on our list. It feels more like a light linen fabric than the heavier fleece microfiber and minky fabrics. Our tester also finds that the fill inside the blanket stays evenly distributed throughout, even when they move around with it.
We tested the 12 pound version of the blanket, and while it felt comfortable for our tester, they noted that people over 200 pounds might prefer the 20-pound option to get the right amount of pressure on their body from the blanket.
Who may want to use the Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket: People who want a weighted blanket with natural cooling properties.
Who may want to avoid the Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket: Taller people who need a blanket that is longer than 70 inches, and larger people who need a blanket that is wider than 48 inches. People who want a weighted blanket that can cover their bed.
Dreamland Baby Weighted Blanket: Best Weighted Blanket for Kids
Why the Dreamland Baby Weighted Blanket is our pick for best weighted blanket for kids
One of our writers owns the Dreamland Baby Weighted Blanket and attests that the blanket has been a favorite for their 10-year-old child, who experiences restless legs and anxiety at night, which can make it hard for them to settle down and go to sleep. After introducing what they call the “special blanket,” they say their child experiences calming sensations that help the child to relax. We like that the blanket is machine washable (hang to dry), an essential detail for kids’ blankets. According to our writer, their Dreamland Baby blanket has been washed a number of times and the quality of the fabric hasn’t diminished, even after years of use.
Research backs up our team member’s claim. In a study of adults and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), researchers found that regular use of a weighted blanket improved the subjects’ ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, and improved their daily routines.
The Dreamland Baby Weighted Blanket is available in one size: a 36” x 48” four-pound toddler bed size.
Who may want to use the Dreamland Baby Weighted Blanket: Parents of children over the age of three and more than 30 pounds. Parents of children who have sensory issues, trouble settling down for the night, or who live with other conditions that keep them awake at night, such as restless legs or anxiety.
Who may want to avoid the Dreamland Baby Weighted Blanket: Parents of children under the age of three or less than 30 pounds. Parents of children who are developmentally unable to move the blanket off of their body should not use a weighted blanket.
Bearaby Tree Napper: Best Knit Weighted Blanket
Saatva Weighted Blanket: Best cotton weighted blanket
Why the Saatva Weighted Blanket is our pick for best cotton weighted blanket
We chose Saatva for the best cotton weighted blanket because the brand uses ethically-sourced cotton for its blankets. With most of the weighted blankets we have reviewed, the velvet material is made from polyester fiber blends. We appreciate that Saatva’s velvet is made entirely from all-natural cotton fibers. We also like that the cotton is dyed with non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes.
One feature that stands out to our testers about this blanket is the fill, which is a mix of micro glass beads and cotton. With some weighted blankets, we can feel or hear the glass beads or plastic pellets inside the cover when you shift or move. Our tester says the fill in the Saatva Weighted Blanket is hardly noticeable and improves the feel of the blanket.
Saatva consistently earns high marks from our Handbook Team testers for their well-made mattresses and bedding.
The Saatva Weighted Blanket is available in two sizes: a 48” x 74” 12-pound weighted throw, and an 86” x 92” 20-pound weighted queen size blanket. This is the most expensive blanket on our list and one drawback for our testers is that it is not machine washable and must be dry cleaned.
Who may want to use the Saatva Weighted Blanket: People who prefer, or need, all-natural materials and dyes. People who want a blanket that can cover two people (queen size). People who don’t mind dry cleaning their blanket.
Who may want to avoid the Saatva Weighted Blanket: This blanket is dry-clean only, so if a trip to the dry-cleaner is not something you want to take on, you may want to choose one of the machine-washable weighted blankets in this review. Those looking for a weighted blanket under $300.
Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket: Best machine-washable weighted blanket
Why the Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket is our pick for the best machine-washable weighted blanket
We chose to highlight Brooklinen’s weighted blanket due to its simplicity and ease of use. It’s entirely machine washable, there’s no outside cover to mess with, and because it’s relatively lightweight at 12 pounds and made with mostly cotton fabric (a small amount of spandex is used on the face of the blanket), the whole thing can be tossed into a standard-size washing machine for cleaning.
Some of the blankets we have reviewed can be machine washed but need to be hung to dry. For people who live in small spaces, this may not be possible. The Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket is heat friendly, so it can be dried in a standard dryer, too (on low heat/warm temp, not high heat).
Our testers like the two different textures on the sides of the blanket, with a textured cotton and spandex crepe fabric on one side and a soft washed cotton material on the other. They say that this could be a good throw blanket for the couch or recliner, but note that it is not big enough to use as a duvet or full body blanket at night. It is also only available in one size and weight, and it may be too small or light for some.
Who may want to use the Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket: People who want a one-person weighted blanket that can be washed and dried in standard machines. People who prefer all (or mostly all) cotton materials.
Who may want to avoid the Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket: Brooklinen only offers a 48” x 72” 12-pound option, so if you want a larger or heavier blanket, check out the Bearaby Tree Napper, which is made with eco-friendly natural materials and is available in four sizes and weights.
How we research and test the best weighted blankets
To create our list of the best blankets, both heated and weighted, our team spent more than 50 hours researching eight popular brands and identified 13 blankets to compare and review. Here are the factors we used to test and compare the best weighted blankets:
Cost
We looked for blankets with a range of prices, including more affordable options and those with the most luxurious materials for a higher price. The weighted blankets in our review range in price from $99–$495.
Material
The best weighted blankets are made from materials like micromink, faux fur, cotton, microfleece, bamboo, and velvet. Our testers evaluated each one for softness and feel.
Filling
Many weighted blankets get their weight from micro glass beads within the blanket itself. We looked for blankets that included lead-free glass beads and included several options that don’t use beads for their weight. We also compared the blankets to see if the fill shifted at all when testers changed positions or moved the blanket.
Cleaning and care
A lot of weighted blankets are spot-clean only or dry-clean only because of the materials. We included several options that are also machine washable.
Available sizes and weights
We like weighted blankets that come in multiple sizes and weights. This gives users the option of choosing between a throw pillow for the couch or something larger to cover their bed. The right weight for a weighted blanket will depend on personal preference, but we tried to include as many options as possible.
Learn more about our sleep product testing and review methodology.
Purchase blankets as mystery shoppers.
Unbox and spread out the blanket after delivery.
Evaluate the fabric and materials of the blanket.
Lie on back and side with the blanket on.
Evaluate comfort and weight of the blanket.
Test the fill and weight distribution after changing positions.
Test how much heat the blanket retains after 10 minutes.
If applicable, remove the washable cover and note how long it takes to reattach.
How to choose the best weighted blanket for you
We spoke with Nicole Villegas, a mental health occupational therapist and founder of Sensory Conscious Institute in Portland, Oregon. Villegas says that when choosing a weighted blanket, it’s important to prioritize the features that fit your body and needs. If you have different sensory or pressure needs than a partner, for example, it would be better to each get an individual weighted blanket rather than one to share.
If you don’t feel comfortable with your weighted blanket, you won’t get the benefits, says Villegas. “A poorly fit weighted blanket may also increase anxiousness or stress, the issues that most people are trying to address [with a weighted blanket].”
Here are some other factors to consider when choosing a weighted blanket.
Blanket weight
“A lot of people think that heavier must be better, but that’s not necessarily the case,” explains Villegas.
Villages tells us that the most important thing to consider is how the blanket will fit you and your lifestyle. Ideally, you want a weighted blanket that is about 10 percent of your body weight. For example, a 12-pound weighted blanket would be recommended for someone who weighs around 120 pounds.
While a blanket that is equal to 10 percent of your body weight is a good starting point, some people personally prefer the pressure of heavier weight on their body, or have sensory needs that respond best to weights that might be outside of the standard recommendations. Keep this in mind as you research weighted blankets.
In general, you can start light and increase weight as needed. If this is your first time using a weighted blanket, you might want to go with a company that offers a generous return period in case the blanket doesn’t work out for you.
Villegas also notes that you can purchase two lighter blankets and use both of them together when you need more pressure, or to add more weight to just one part of your body.
Blanket material
Most weighted blankets have outer layers with soft materials like velvet, faux fur, cotton, bamboo, or blended microfibers, and inner layers that hold the weighted materias, which are typically glass beads. Material can be an individual preference due to concerns about the environment or treatment of laborers, but the choice of material may be more of a need for some people, especially those who are sensitive to fabrics and dyes that are not naturally derived, and those who have sensory needs that require specific types of textures.
“The texture and color of the fabric provide additional sensory information,” says Villegas. “When choosing a weighted blanket, consider fabrics that are pleasant for the person using it.”
Consider the materials of both the outer and inner layers. You can also find weighted blankets that incorporate materials that are designed for cooling or warming.
Blanket filling
The filling is what makes the “weighted” portion of a weighted blanket. The filling is often made with micro glass beads, sand, or a fill that’s made up of combined materials. Some blanket brands also offer eco-friendly or certified lead-free fill. The Bearaby Tree Napper reviewed here uses its own material and a style of hand knitting that adds the weight to the blanket, without the use of other materials, like glass beads.
Maintenance
Maintenance for a weighted blanket should be a major consideration, especially if you plan on using it regularly, are buying it for a child, or have pets. Some weighted blankets are spot-clean or dry-clean only, which can make frequent cleanings a challenge.
Our Handbook Team recommends looking for a weighted blanket that has a removable cover or is fully machine-washable. And if you live in a small space and don’t have room to hang-dry a blanket, being able to machine dry your blanket may also be an important detail to take into account.
How to wash a weighted blanket
Before washing your weighted blanket, carefully read through the user guide or manual that came with it, go to the brand website to find instructions, or call the brand’s customer service and ask for advice. How your weighted blanket can be cleaned safely depends on its design and materials. Some weighted blankets are fully machine-washable, and some are spot clean or dry clean only.
There are also styles that have a removable cover that can be machine washed, but an inner blanket that cannot be machine washed. If you have that type of blanket and the inner blanket gets soiled and needs to be cleaned, check your user manual or call the blanket brand’s customer service to ask for guidance.
Our final verdict
Our Handbook Team’s overall pick for the best weighted mattress is the Luxome weighted blanket because it has the most variety of size and weight options, ranging from eight pounds to 25 pounds, and lengths of up to 90 inches. We also like that it comes in eco-friendly bamboo lyocell, multiple designs and colors, and has options for both weighted blankets with removable covers and one-piece weighted blankets that are fully machine-washable.
There are different ways to use a weighted blanket, so it may take some time and experimentation to find the right one for you. Weighted blankets are not just for full-body use. You may only want to place pressure on specific parts of your body. For instance, Villegas suggests trying some weighted blanket strategies such as:
- Draping a weighted blanket over your hips and legs to prepare for sleep.
- Keeping a lighter weighted blanket in the car to help with travel anxiety.
- Using a child-safe weighted blanket for children over 50 pounds.
- Using a throw blanket over your shoulders for a soft, hugging feeling.
- Introducing weighted lap blankets to older adults in the evenings to help them relax.
However, if you are caring for someone with circulation issues, neuropathy, or cognitive impairment—anything that might prevent them from managing the blanket themselves or asking for help—avoid using a weighted blanket on them.
Villegas points out that anyone who uses a weighted blanket should be able to express consent to use it and have the ability to stop using it, whether that is by physically removing the blanket on their own or having the capability to request help removing the blanket. Additionally, people with joint disorders should be cautious about using sustained weight on those areas.
Compare the best weighted blankets of 2024
| Price | $105–$230 | $200 | $99 | $239–$309 | $345–$495 | $169 |
| Weight | 8 lb., 15 lb., 18 lb., 25 lb. | 12 lb., 20 lb. | 4 lbs. | 10 lb, 15 lb., 20 lb., 25 lb. | 12 lb., 20 lb. | 12 lb. |
| Material | Bamboo lyocell and minky | Cotton and polyester | Microfleece and minky | Tencel lyocell and cotton | Cotton velvet | Cotton and spandex |
| Filling | Glass beads | Glass beads | Micro glass beads | None | Glass beads | Glass beads |
| Maintenance | Fully machine-washable (one-piece), washable cover (two piece) | Machine-washable removable cover | Machine-washable | Machine-washable | Dry-clean only | Machine-washable |
| Best for | Adults, teens | Adults, teens | Kids over age three and more than 30 lbs. | Adults, teens | Adults, teens | Adults, teens |
Frequently asked questions
The best type of weighted blanket is one that’s 10 percent of your body’s weight, fits your body size, and meets your pressure needs. For instance, hot sleepers who want a weighted blanket to use at night may want one that uses cooling materials in its fabric, like the Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket, which uses volcanic minerals to help keep sleepers cool. People in cold climates who prefer additional heating may benefit from a heated weighted blanket.
It’s best to choose a weighted blanket that’s 10 percent of your body’s weight. So a 15-pound weighted blanket would be best for people who weigh around 150 pounds, while a 20-pound weighted blanket would be best for people who weigh around 200 pounds or more.
Mental health occupational therapist Nicole Villegas tells us that a 30-pound weighted blanket may be too heavy for most people. Heavier blankets can be difficult for some people to move and could pose risks to circulation and breathing. Blankets are generally not made to be that heavy for that reason. The maximum weight we found was 25 pounds.
If you do choose a heavier weighted blanket, Villegas recommends draping it over only a section of your body, like your legs, or folding it and resting next to it, like you would when cuddling a pet or loved one.
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- Penn Medicine. (2022, March 24). 4 Ways Weighted Blankets Can Actually Help You. University of Pennsylvania. Link
- Meth, E.M.S., Brandão, L.E.M., van Egmond, L.T., Xue, P., Grip, A., Wu, J., Adan, A., Andersson, F., Pacheco, A.P., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Cedernaes, J., Benedict, C. (2023, April). A weighted blanket increases pre-sleep salivary concentrations of melatonin in young, healthy adults. Journal of Sleep Research, 32(2):e13743. Link
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- Autism Response Team. (2023, October 16). Sensory Friendly Fabrics For Children With ASD. Link