“Weighted blankets can create a sense of comfort and possibly facilitate deeper sleep in people who like the feeling–often compared to being swaddled,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, owner of SiliconPsych and BrainFoodMD. When shopping for weighted blankets, look at the weight, material, fill, and care as these factors can impact the comfort and durability. To create this list of the best weighted blankets, we researched the category and tested 35 blankets for two days. Our expert testers carefully examined each blanket and recorded their ratings for quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. We also researched the qualities to look for in the best weighted blankets and compared our findings to insights gathered during testing. The Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket is our best overall pick because it earned perfect scores for quality, comfort, warmth, and value. Here are the best weighted blankets to help you relax. Keep in Mind: It shrunk a little after being washed. The inner blanket has ties so you can attach it to the cover and prevent the blanket from shifting. The weight was evenly distributed and the filling stayed in place well, unlike some of the other weighted blankets we tested. For best results, re-fluff or shake the inner blanket and removable cover after washing to ensure the fill stays evenly distributed. During our spot treatment test, the coffee stain came out easily with a damp cloth. Testers didn’t notice any tears, snags, or loose threads. The only downside is that it shrunk a little after being washed. Price at time of publish: $200 Weight: 12 or 20 pounds | Material: 80% Cotton, 20% polyester (top); 100% polyester (bottom) | Fill: 94% glass beads, 6% polyester | Care: Remove cover and machine wash cold, tumble dry low Keep in Mind: We noticed some loose threads while testing this blanket. The best weighted blankets have evenly distributed fill, which is another plus of this blanket. Features like small pockets and extra stitching prevented the glass bead fill from shifting during testing. This weighted blanket wasn’t very noisy, which can sometimes be a concern with other weighted blankets. We tested the grey blanket so it was difficult to see stains, but it did pretty well during the spot treatment test. Overall, this budget-friendly blanket was durable and didn’t show any signs of wear after testers blotted it, but it did shrink a little after being washed and had some loose threads. To keep this weighted blanket in the best shape, we recommend using it with the Waowoo duvet cover which is sold separately. Price at time of publish: $30 Weight: 15, 17, 20, or 25 pounds | Material: Cotton | Fill: Glass beads | Care: Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle, air dry Keep in Mind: Since it’s white, it may be difficult to keep clean. With the look and feel of a lightweight comforter, this weighted blanket is made of breathable fabric, so testers didn’t have to worry about overheating while using it. They found the weight of this blanket to be just right—not too heavy or light. This blanket is machine washable, but the coffee stain was difficult to get out during the spot treatment test. Since this blanket is white, it may be difficult to keep clean. We really liked this weighted blanket, but it’s a little pricier than some of the other blankets we tested. But because of its quality and comfort, it’s the best weighted blanket for those looking for a queen-sized option. Price at time of publish: $200 Weight: 15 or 20 pounds | Material: 100% cotton | Fill: Glass microbeads | Care: Machine wash in cold water and dry on low heat Keep in Mind: It might take more than one cycle to fully dry this weighted blanket. Our testers really liked the look and feel of this soft knitted weighted blanket and think it would add a cozy texture to a bed or on a sofa. This sustainable weighted blanket has been pre-washed for added softness. It also comes with a natural cotton bag for convenient washing and storage. Although this blanket is machine washable, it might take multiple cycles to fully dry. To prevent the loops from stretching out, do not hang this blanket to dry. The tide stick wasn’t effective for removing the stain during our spot treatment test—a spray may work better with this type of delicate knitted fabric. It’s a little pricey but worth the cost because of its quality, warmth, and breathability. We especially like this hand-knitted weighted blanket because it can be used year-round and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, pesticides, synthetics, or artificial softeners. Price at time of publish: $249 Weight: 10, 15, 20, or 25 pounds | Material: 100% organic cotton | Fill: N/A | Care: Wash separately in cold water, tumble dry on low Keep in Mind: This weighted blanket may be too hot to use in warm weather. This blanket is filled with eco-friendly organic glass beads with natural plant extract. It’s also constructed with box stitching to prevent the fill from shifting while keeping the weight evenly distributed. Our testers loved the velvet feel of this washable weighted blanket and described it as a “constant snuggle wrap for cold winter nights.” The temperature of this blanket was comfortable for use in cold rooms or on cool nights, but it may be too hot to use in warm weather. We didn’t see any stains, snags, tears, or loose threads when testing this weighted blanket—a testament to its durability. If you’re looking for options, this blanket is available in a few different colors and weights. Price at time of publish: $53 Weight: 15, 20, or 25 pounds | Material: Cotton | Fill: Organic glass beads | Care: Machine washable Keep in Mind: Some of the threads unraveled after we washed this blanket. During testing, we found this blanket to be smooth on the skin and comfortable to lay under. The glass beads were also very quiet and did not shift when in use unlike some other weighted blankets. Our testers thought it had an ideal amount of pressure. Although this blanket didn’t provide as much airflow as some of the other blankets we tried, it did keep our testers at a comfortable temperature thanks to its moisture-wicking properties. The new and improved design (compared to older versions of this weighted blanket) features a revamped cover made of 100% premium cooling lyocell which is eucalyptus-derived and plant-based. It’s also Oeko-Tex certified and non-toxic. This blanket has a machine washable cover, but we could still see some of the coffee stain in the stitching during our spot treatment test. Our testers did notice that the weighted blanket shrunk a little after washing and some of the threads unraveled. Price at time of publish: $188 Weight: 15, 20, or 35 pounds | Material: 100% lyocell from eucalyptus | Fill: 100% cotton and evenly distributed glass beads | Care: Machine washable cover (cold water, tumble dry on low); hand wash and air dry the inner weighted blanket Keep in Mind: There was some pilling on this blanket after we washed it. This weighted blanket has smaller pockets filled with nano-ceramic bead technology and a 10-point locking system that keeps the weight evenly distributed, contours to your body, and prevents the fill from shifting. The micro-glass bead fill is more durable than plastic beads and more comfortable than ordinary glass beads. Since the fill is fine and dense, it requires less fill than other blankets of the same weight. We thought this blanket was soft, comfortable, and a perfect weight. Our testers expected this blanket to be too warm, but were pleasantly surprised that it didn’t get too hot. The only downside is that we noticed some pilling after washing this blanket. Overall, we recommend this weighted blanket for its quality, comfort, warmth, and value. It’s available in several sizes including lighter weight options for kids. Price at time of publish: $59 Weight: 8, 10, 12, 15, or 25 pounds | Material: Polyester | Fill: Micro-glass beads | Care: Machine washable Keep in Mind: It felt heavy when folded. It has a soft microfiber cover with a basketweave pattern that adds a textured touch. Although this blanket felt heavy when folded, our testers agreed that it had just the right amount of weight and comfort when distributed, allowing them to move freely and comfortably while using it. This blanket also kept our testers warm and cozy without trapping body heat. Despite having a light-colored outer shell, this weighted blanket exceeded our expectations during the spot treatment test—the coffee stain completely disappeared after it was blotted with a towel. We love this weighted blanket for its warmth, durability, and ease of cleaning, but wish it was a little less expensive. This blanket is available in four different weights and three color options. Price at time of publish: $269 Weight: 10, 15, 20, or 25 pounds | Material: 100% microfiber | Fill: Polyester, glass pearls, and natural crystals (amethyst, clear quartz and rose quartz) | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry low (removable cover), hand wash with cold water (inner blanket) Keep in Mind: A commercial washing machine is recommended for laundering. Testers also found this blanket to be cozy and comfortable and could see the quality construction in features like the uniform squares and thick seams. With a seven-layer design and tiny ceramic beads sewn into small squares, testers noticed that the fill didn’t bunch up in one area while using the blanket. Although this blanket didn’t snag or tear during testing, testers did notice some minor wrinkles and hair caught on the fleece side. This weighted blanket is machine washable, but we were unable to remove the stain completely from the tufted fleece side during our spot treatment test. For under $100, this fuzzy weighted blanket is the best weighted blanket to evoke a warm and relaxing feeling. Best of all, there are multiple color and weight options to choose from. Price at time of publish: $63 Weight: 12, 15, or 20 pounds | Material: Fleece | Fill: Ceramic beads | Care: Commercial machine wash, hang dry or dry flat; spot clean Keep in Mind: This weighted blanket is dry clean only. This blanket was easy to take on and off during testing and the weight was distributed equally, which added to the blanket’s comfort. It felt warm without getting too hot, but some may find it a little too warm to use in the summer depending on your body temperature and sleeping preferences. Although it felt a little rougher than some of the other weighted blankets we tested, it’s a great option if you don’t like super soft blankets. Even though this weighted blanket is dry clean only, it did well during the spot treatment test. Overall, it’s a little more expensive than most of the other weighted blankets we tried, but the quality, comfort, and durability justify the higher price, especially if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option. This blanket comes in two weights—a 12 pound single or a 20 pound queen/king. Price at time of publish: $345 Weight: 12 or 20 pounds | Material: Organic cotton velvet | Fill: Glass beads | Care: Dry clean
Our Testing Process
We tested out 35 of the best weighted blankets for two days in our lab and ranked them based on their quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. Our testers first took the measurements of each blanket and evaluated how well they were constructed. They also recorded the quality and feel of the material. Our testing process included lying underneath each weighted blanket and recording the warmth. We also evaluated how well the fill stayed in place, whether or not it was noisy, and how easy it was to maneuver each blanket. To test out the durability and ease of cleaning, we conducted a spot treatment test and washed and dried the machine washable blankets.
What to Know About Weighted Blankets Before Shopping
Weight
Weighted blankets typically range from 10 to 25 pounds. It’s important to choose a weighted blanket that is about 10% of your body weight for the most comfortable feel. This will also allow you to experience all of the benefits of weighted blankets–like better sleep quality and stress relief.
Material
Weighted blankets are available in a variety of materials including cotton, polyester, microfiber, and lyocell. Some of the weighted blankets we tested are reversible and feature two different materials like fleece and flannel. Different materials impact how the blanket feels, whether soft, plush, smooth, or fuzzy.
Fill
The fill (what’s on the inside of a blanket) gives the weight to weighted blankets. Glass or ceramic beads are common types of fill, and are more durable than plastic pellets. One of the weighted blankets we tried also features crystals for added calming effects. The best weighted blankets are constructed well to evenly distribute the weight and prevent the filling from shifting.
Care
Ease of cleaning is an important feature to consider when shopping for the best weighted blankets. Many of the blankets on our list are machine washable, but some must be dry cleaned, hand washed, or spot treated only. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to keep your blanket in the best shape possible.
Other Weighted Blankets We Tested
Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket at Brooklinen
This weighted throw blanket has two different textures but both sides felt rough when we tested it. The weight was evenly distributed, but the blanket pulled a little when we rolled over. It was also very warm without much airflow, so we wouldn’t recommend it for hot sleepers. We liked that this blanket is machine washable and easy to clean, but it shrunk a little after being washed. Overall, we think it’s too expensive given the low quality compared to others we tried.
Tranquility Temperature Balancing Weighted Blanket at Walmart
Not too hot or cold, this weighted blanket by Tranquility has a machine washable cover, but there are a few downsides worth mentioning. We could feel the blanket shifting and it was noisy compared to other blankets we tried. We also noticed a few snags and loose threads at the zipper closure. We thought the BlanQuil Premium Weighted Blanket was soft and cozy, but the weight wasn’t evenly distributed so we had to manually smooth it out. This plush blanket may also be too warm for some sleepers, but the main reason it didn’t make our list is because of the uneven weight distribution.
Your Questions, Answered
Are weighted blankets good for anxiety?
Weighted blankets provide the sensation of deep pressure, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. “The data on weighted blankets for both anxiety and insomnia is generally mixed," says Alex Dimitriu, MD, owner of SiliconPsych and BrainFoodMD. However, in the end, what makes someone feel better, more comfortable, more cozy or safe, is most important.”
Can a couple share a weighted blanket?
“Couples can certainly share a blanket–just be sure they are both comfortable with it, and that it’s not too hot,” Dimitriu says. If you are going to share a weighted blanket, make sure you choose the most comfortable weighted blanket to accommodate both partners.
Do weighted blankets make you hot?
Some weighted blankets can make you hot depending on the material and weight. If you are worried about getting too hot underneath a weighted blanket, consider a cooling weighted blanket that’s made of breathable materials–and designed to promote better airflow.
Who We Are
Erica Reagle is a freelance writer focused on interior design and the home. When writing this story, she researched the best weighted blankets and reviewed findings from our real world testing. She also talked with Alex Dimitriu, MD, owner of SiliconPsych and BrainFoodMD.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
