We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding The 9 Best Weighted Blankets of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE Your answer to a better night's sleep By Rennie Dyball Rennie Dyball Rennie Dyball is a former editor at PEOPLE. She left PEOPLE in 2017. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 15, 2024 05:22PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Dera Burreson With our busy, high-stress lifestyles, self-care is more important than ever. One effective tool to keep on hand is a weighted blanket. Shown to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of relaxation, a weighted blanket can be an attractive and useful addition to any bed or couch. Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health, explains that weighted blankets work via pressure therapy. "Pressure therapy is shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which tells the body to rest and relax," says Dr. Williams. "Activating the parasympathetic nervous system also lowers anxiety and stress, helps to slow heart rate, helps with insomnia, and helps promote relaxation.” When shopping for your first weighted blanket, Dr. Williams advises looking for a blanket that’s about 10 percent of your body weight. To get you started, PEOPLE Tested put 35 weighted blankets to work, evaluating each for quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. We found top picks from brands like Bearaby, Saatva, and Nest Bedding, with prices starting at just $30. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Threshold Microplush Weighted Blanket at Target $73 Jump to Review Best Budget: Waowoo Weighted Blanket at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Saatva Organic Weighted Blanket at Saatva $345 Jump to Review Best Cooling: Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket at Sleepnumber.com Jump to Review Best Heavy: Quility Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover at Amazon $162 Jump to Review Best Knit: Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket at Amazon $249 Jump to Review Best Design: SALE Nest Bedding Weighted Blanket at Nest Bedding $187 $150 Jump to Review Best Washable: Sunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket at Nordstrom $269 Jump to Review Best for Kids: TOPCEE Weighted Blanket at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best Overall Threshold Microplush Weighted Blanket PHOTO: Target $69 at Target Star Qualities Microplush fabric is the coziest material we tested Easy to clean One of the more affordable options Red Flags Can feel a little too warm if using for an extended amount of time In our tests, we loved a lot about this blanket from Target. First and foremost, the fleece material is very soft and cuddly, which is especially great for winter months (although we warn it may be a little too warm after using it for an extended period of time). We also like the convenience of the cover being machine washable. During testing, we splashed the blanket with coffee and then washed the cover according to the care instructions, and it came out looking as good as new, despite the thickness of the blanket. It was also easy to spot clean between washes in the machine. Dimensions: 55 x 80 inches (15 lbs.) | Material: Microplush | Fill: 88% glass microbeads, 12% polyester | Care: Removable, machine-washable cover People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Budget Waowoo Weighted Blanket PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon Star Qualities Comfortable feel with evenly distributed fill Several weight options to choose from Easy to spot clean Red Flags Shrank after machine washing Not as plush as others we tested We tested the 15-pound option from Waowoo, and we felt this weight to be perfect — heavy enough but also easy to adjust and very comfortable. It’s nice and warm, but it does not trap body heat, keeping you at a nice temperature while using it. The glass bead filling is evenly distributed, thanks to the quilted sewing pattern that keeps the beads in place. Plus, the blanket is available in several different weight options and sizes. We did notice a few loose threads, but otherwise felt like it was very good quality. In our coffee spill test, a lot of the liquid came out with spot cleaning, and after laundering, we did notice some shrinkage, but the stains did come out. When laundering, it also takes a long time to air-dry, so plan accordingly if used daily. We do wish it was a softer, more plush material, but it's still comfortable and not at all itchy. Overall, this is a good value for such a low price. Dimensions: 60 x 80 inches (15, 17, 20, or 25 lbs.), plus other sizes | Material: Microfiber | Fill: Glass beads | Care: Removable, machine-washable cover People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Splurge Saatva Organic Weighted Blanket PHOTO: Saatva $345 at Saatva Star Qualities Excellent quality and comfort Very easy to spot clean Good temperature for year-round use Red Flags Dry cleaning recommended If you're looking to splurge on a weighted blanket knowing it will last you a long time, this Saatva option is high quality with a nice, evenly distributed weight. We were able to move it around easily, and the blanket remained nice and warm, perfect for three seasons — plus summer if you’re someone who runs cold. Since the cover is not removable, dry cleaning is recommended, but this is a bit inconvenient for a 12- or 20-pound blanket. So, we were happy to discover that it's super easy to clean by hand. When we spilled coffee on it during testing, the liquid rolled off in little beads, allowing a nearly effortless cleanup. Plus, it appears to be quite durable, as the material won’t snag from everyday use. While it is expensive, we think it is fairly priced for its quality, comfortable feel, and durability. Dimensions: 48 x 74 inches (single, 12 lbs.), 86 x 92 inches (queen/king, 20 lbs.) | Material: Organic cotton velvet | Fill: Glass beads | Care: Spot clean or dry clean People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Cooling Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket PHOTO: Sleep Number View on Sleepnumber.com Star Qualities Cooling, temperature-regulating fabric Weighted insert doesn't shift or bunch up Easy to spot clean Red Flags Shrank slightly in the wash during testing This Sleep Number blanket got top scores in the quality, comfort, and warmth categories during our tests, but what stands out is its temperature-regulating benefits. According to the brand, the proprietary fabric claims to adapt to your body's temperature via a particle technology that helps remove moisture and keep you from overheating. During our tests, we felt this actually worked — it's surprisingly cooling even after using it for awhile or when the climate is warmer, and it's even comfortable enough to wear overnight without getting too hot. We also appreciated that the Sleep Number blanket has a washable cover, although it was also easy to spot-clean with a damp cloth. In our machine washing test, the blanket did shrink somewhat, but we still believe it’s a durable choice; it feels like it would hold up to wear and tear in the long run, despite this slight shrinkage. Dimensions: 48 x 70 inches (12 or 20 lbs.) | Material: 80% cotton, 20% 37.5 polyester technology | Fill: 94% glass beads, 6% polyester | Care: Removable, machine-washable cover People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Heavy Quility Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover PHOTO: Amazon $162 at Amazon $20 at Target $55 at Walmart Star Qualities Evenly distributed pressure does not feel overly heavy Durable, machine-washable cover Several colors to choose from Red Flags Some loose threads near the zipper upon delivery This Quility blanket felt soft on both sides. While there were some loose strings near the zipper, that was the only flaw that our tester noticed. The weighted insert was removable and is attached at the corners of the cover, which is a nice touch. It’s durable, too — our coffee stain came right out, and the cover held up well after washing. Even though this blanket weighs 25 pounds, it did not feel too heavy, and the pressure felt evenly distributed, meaning the weight did not cluster or shift while moving around. We felt warm after just five minutes under this blanket, making it a good choice for someone who keeps their place cool (but it may be too warm for those who run hot, especially in the warmer months). Overall, this is a great choice for someone looking for a heavier-weighted blanket with an evenly distributed weight. Dimensions: 60 x 80 inches (25 lbs.), plus other weights and sizes | Material: 100% cotton | Fill: Glass beads | Care: Removable, machine-washable cover People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Knit Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket PHOTO: Bearaby $249 at Amazon $249 at Nordstrom $199 at Bearaby.com Star Qualities Open weave is ideal for hot sleepers Comes in several weight, size, and color options Kept its shape and quality after machine washing Red Flags Not the easiest to spot clean Different from most weighted blankets, the Bearaby Cotton Napper features a knit construction instead of a bead-filled interior. We found the fabric to be soft, the knitting to be uniform, and the blanket well-constructed. It’s easy to move around underneath it, with the feel being similar to a heavy comforter, and it's easy to pick up and move around. We recommend this blanket for hot sleepers because the large knit allows air to flow through and keeps us warm without overheating. Spot cleaning wasn’t the easiest due to the knit material, but the blanket did fare well in the wash. With a higher retail price than most of our winners, it’s a little spendy, but if you're a weighted blanket lover who runs hot, we definitely think it's worth the investment. Dimensions: 40 x 64 inches (10 lbs.), 40 x 72 inches (15 lbs.), 45 x 72 inches (20 lbs.), 48 inches x 72 inches (25 lbs.) | Material: Organic cotton | Fill: Natural cotton | Care: Spot clean or machine washable People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Design Nest Bedding Weighted Blanket PHOTO: Nest Bedding $150 at Nest Bedding Star Qualities Quilted design keeps fill in place Comes with tote bag Stains easily come out with spot cleaning Red Flags Machine washing caused a hole and some loose threads Bumps from the fill are noticeable at times One of the more aesthetically pleasing blankets we tested, this one from Nest Bedding has a nice texture, and the weight felt just right. We like that it's heavy enough to help us feel relaxed but doesn't trap heat, keeping us comfortable while using it. We loved that the fill didn't shift no matter how much we moved the blanket around; however, we did note that in some places, we could feel the tiny bumps of the fill. When cleaning the coffee stain in our tests, most of the liquid ran right off the blanket. For the remaining stain, blotting and a Tide Stick worked well. After laundering, however, the blanket came out with a hole and some loose threads. Aside from this issue, we found it to be a very good value, especially since it comes with a travel-ready tote. We would just advise against laundering it in the washing machine or taking extra care if you do choose to do so. Dimensions: 48 x 72 inches (15 lbs.), 60 x 80 inches (18 lbs.), 80 x 86 inches (25 lbs.) | Material: Polyester, bamboo rayon | Fill: 85% glass beads, 15% polyester fiber | Care: Spot clean or machine wash People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Washable Sunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket PHOTO: Sunday Citizen $269 at Nordstrom View on Sundaycitizen.co $269 at Verishop.com Star Qualities Filled with calming crystal pieces Super easy to clean Warm but still fairly breathable Red Flags Quite heavy to move around when folded Messy people and those with kids or pets — this may be the blanket for you. Just like your bed sheets, this blanket is washable. We found that in our coffee spill test, the liquid beaded and stayed on top of the blanket for over a minute, then completely disappeared like magic when blotted with a towel. Plus, the outer shell is machine-washable for added convenience. We loved that the super-soft microfiber exterior has a slight basket weave texture to it, which adds a nice decorative touch — not to mention that it's filled with bits of clear quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst crystals. The 10-pound blanket felt like just the right weight and comfort when lying underneath, but it did feel quite heavy and cumbersome to move while folded. While it was very cozy and warm, it did not trap body heat and kept us comfortable during use. Dimensions: 52 x 77 inches (10 lbs.), 52 x 77 inches (15 lbs.), 52 x 77 inches (20 lbs), 90 x 90 inches (35 lbs.) | Material: 100% microfiber | Fill: Glass pearls, polyester, clear quartz, rose quartz, amethyst | Care: Removable, machine-washable cover People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best for Kids TOPCEE Weighted Blanket PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon Star Qualities Soft and comforting Easy to hand wash and spot clean Fun prints and colors for children Red Flags May not be warm enough for winter temperatures This 3-pound weighted blanket is a super-soft, gentle option perfectly suited for kids. As an adult, you might want more weight, but the lighter weight is well-suited for a child who may need a little help falling asleep. While there’s a good amount of warmth, it's probably not warm enough for more frigid temperatures, but we love that the lighter weight and smaller size make for easy cleanup (although it's hand wash only, we found it easy to spot clean with a damp washcloth). Dimensions: 36 x 48 inches (3 lbs.) | Material: Microfiber | Fill: 0.8-1 mm non-toxic hypo-allergenic glass beads | Care: Spot clean or hand wash People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson The 6 Best Baby Blankets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Other Weighted Blankets We Tried Degrees of Comfort Weighted Blanket: This weighted blanket was soft and comfortable without being overly hot. It’s an excellent year-round blanket because it comes with two separate covers, one warmer and one cooler. But the blanket moves around inside the cover and sometimes becomes uneven, which can be annoying, and the noisy zipper can be disruptive to sleep. Uttermara Fleece Weighted Blanket: This dual-sided blanket is versatile, machine washable, and comes in several bright and neutral colors. While it might be too warm to use in the summer, it’s an ideal winter blanket. Ultimately, though, we felt it was too high-maintenance for this list since its thick, plush material takes a long time to dry after washing. Baloo Weighted Blanket: This eco-friendly weighted blanket comes in three sizes and is made from 100 percent cotton, so it’s lightweight and won’t cause overheating. It also has corner loops to attach it to your existing bedding. However, in our testing, we weren’t able to blot out coffee stains. While it’s machine washable, it might be difficult to keep clean, particularly in lighter colors. What to Know About Weighted Blankets Weight and Size Dr. Williams says that a blanket of roughly 10 percent of your body weight will provide the best results for comfort, calmness, and ease in falling asleep. If you are in between sizes, Dr. Williams suggests going 1 or 2 pounds above the suggested weight. “The idea is to feel the comfort and hugging sensation without pressure or difficulty moving,” she says. In terms of blanket size, she suggests choosing a blanket that is appropriate for your height instead of something that covers the size of your bed. Size and Materials Dr. Williams advises considering the climate you live in, the fabric's breathability, whether you typically run hot or cold, and which textures and materials you find comforting. "Some common fabrics are minky, cotton, bamboo, flannel, linen, and microfiber,” she says. There are also blankets with other elements, like the Sunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket, which is filled with pieces of crystal for added calming effects. Price Range A washable cover, cozy materials, and durable quality will all drive up the price of a weighted blanket. But if you can afford it, a higher-priced weighted blanket can be worth it. For example, the most expensive option we tested is the Saatva Weighted Blanket. However, we found it to be durable and ultra-comfortable, and it's also made from organic cotton and natural glass beads. Behind the Scenes We tested 35 of the top-rated weighted blankets from brands like Bearaby, Baloo, Saatva, and more to determine which are the best for a transformative night's sleep. We rated each blanket on the following criteria: quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. Quality: We carefully examined the construction and quality of each weighted blanket, noting any loose threads or snags upon arrival.Comfort and Warmth: We then timed ourselves lying under each blanket for five minutes, taking note of the blanket's trapped heat and if we felt cool, warm, or overheated in this initial use. We also pulled the blanket up and rolled over underneath it to test how it felt while moving around, along with folding and pulling the blanket up on a bed to evaluate its maneuverability.Ease of Cleaning: We determined how easy it was to spot-clean each blanket by pouring one tablespoon of coffee on the blanket, letting it stand for 30 seconds, and then blotting it with a cool, wet towel. If the stain remained, we treated the spot with a Tide pen. Machine-washable blankets and covers were put through the wash to evaluate their durability after laundering.Durability: After the initial testing, we brought the blankets home with us for long-term testing, gathering more insights after one, three, and six months of use. We rated each blanket on a one-to-five scale against each attribute. The products with the highest average scores across all attributes made it onto this PEOPLE-approved list of the best weighted blankets. The 15 Best Pillows at Amazon for Every Sleep Position Frequently Asked Questions Should you sleep with a weighted blanket or use it during the day while relaxing? "There is no right or wrong time to use your blanket," says Dr. Williams. "Whenever a sensory tool is needed to help with calmness, a weighted blanket can be used along with deep breathing, sensory toys, or grounding. A weighted blanket is another tool to help the body relax and may help with focus while working.” Keep in mind, however, your body's typical temperature level when sleeping. Just like an electric blanket or a heavy comforter, some weighted blankets may be too hot to use for an extended amount of time. Can children use weighted blankets? Dr. Williams says weighted blankets are an excellent tool for children, especially those with autism, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, make sure they don't use a blanket that's too heavy for them; follow the 10 percent body weight rule for children, too. Why Trust PEOPLE? Rennie Dyball is a contributing freelance writer who’s tested many products in the home and cleaning space. For this story, she spoke to Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health, about the benefits of weighted blankets and used insights from both our lab and home tests to determine the best weighted blankets. Our Expert Panel Dr. Bridget Cole Williams is a board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase. The 11 Best Mattress Toppers of 2024, According to Our Tests