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Electric blankets can be a cozy addition to your bedroom or living space. Not only do they keep you warm and toasty, but they can even help you lower your heating bill, since you’ll be warm enough to turn that thermostat down.

Cozying up under something electric requires some careful thought and consideration, though. In addition to figuring out what electric blanket is most comfortable, you’ll also need to consider what products are safest.

No worries — we’ve got all the info you need to find something both safe and comfy.

Wondering why you might consider an electric banket? Here are a few reasons:

  • It helps save energy. By lowering the thermostat while you sleep and opting for an electric blanket for warmth, you may be able to save on your energy bill by lowering your energy consumption.
  • It provides warmth. This is probably the most obvious reason for using an electric blanket. It can keep you warm without adding bulk.
  • It can help relieve pain. If you live with a chronic pain condition like arthritis, added heat may help lessen aches and pains.

Choosing the perfect electric blanket for you is a lot like choosing a regular blanket — it largely comes down to personal preference.

Unlike regular blankets, electric blankets have heated wires and electric cords, so it’s important to also consider safety. In addition to positive customer reviews, we also made sure to include products with the following safety features:

  • Approved by a third party. Our list features products that are certified, listed, or approved by either Intertek ETL or Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This means the product underwent testing to ensure it meets certain safety standards. This is a must for electric blankets, especially because you’ll likely be using them while you’re snoozing and less able to catch safety hazards (like electrical and fire risks) in the moment.
  • Auto shutoff. All of our picks have an auto shutoff feature, ranging from 3 to 12 hours of use before they turn themselves off. Auto shutoffs are important to ensure the blanket doesn’t overheat and cause potential fire hazards or burns.

Pricing guide

Pricing for electric blankets can vary depending on what size you’re looking for. We compared each blanket’s price based on the full size.

  • $ = under $71
  • $$ = $71–$100
  • $$$ = over $100

Best electric blanket for couples

Beautyrest Heated Plush Electric Blanket

  • Price: $$
  • Material: microlight plush
  • Auto shutoff: up to 10 hours
  • Heat settings: 20 settings
  • Sizes: twin, full, queen, king, 60 by 70 inches

UL-certified queen- and king-sized Beautyrest electric blankets come with two controllers, allowing you and your partner to set different temperatures on each side.

The blanket also has 20 heat settings, giving you tons of room to find that perfect cozy temp. Even better, if you or your partner tend to sleep hot, the blanket is lightweight enough that it should still work for both of you.

Some reviewers say the controls are hard to read in the dark and they had to turn on the light to adjust the settings — good to keep in mind if you’re snoozing next to a light sleeper.

Pros

  • dual-sided design
  • range of heat settings
  • adjustable auto-shutoff
  • 5-year limited warranty

Cons

  • The controller may be hard to use in the dark.
  • Some customers report receiving defective units.
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Best heavyweight electric blanket

Micro Flannel Quilted Electric Heated Blanket

  • Price: $$$
  • Material: micro flannel
  • Auto shutoff: 10 hours
  • Heat settings: 8 settings
  • Sizes: queen, king

With seven layers of micro flannel filled with down alternative, this ETL-certified blanket is warm all on its own. It has eight heat settings and “quick heat” option. It’s a good option for anyone who sleeps cold, wants to save money on their heating bill, or just loves hopping into a super toasty bed.

As with many electric blankets, some reviewers aren’t huge fans of the controllers because they’re hard to read in the dark.

Pros

  • warm down-alternative fill
  • convenient quick heat setting
  • 5-year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

  • Some users say it’s too warm.
  • Instruction manual could be more thorough.
  • Some reviewers report controls are hard to use.
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Best lightweight electric blanket

Biddeford Blankets Comfort Knit Heated Blanket

  • Price: $$
  • Material: polyester
  • Auto shutoff: up to 9 hours
  • Heat settings: 10 levels
  • Sizes: twin, full, queen, king

This blanket is lightweight, but it still packs a punch with its 10 heat settings. Customers love how easy the controllers are to use.

Reviewers say they’re super happy with the warranty and customer service Biddeford Blankets provides. If customers saw any issues with the blanket, their problems were handled quickly and easily, according to reviewers.

While some customers in Amazon report problems with the controller, reviews on other sites are mostly positive.

Pros

  • easy-to-use controllers
  • limited 5-year warranty
  • lightweight

Cons

  • There are some reports of controller issues.
  • Some people complain the blanket stops working after several weeks.
  • There are mixed reviews in terms of warmth.
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Best electric blanket for a no-wire feel

Perfect Fit Ultra Soft Plush Electric Heated Warming Blanket

  • Price: $$$
  • Material: polyester blend
  • Auto shutoff: no
  • Heat settings: 10 total
  • Sizes: twin, full, queen, king

If you tend to be bothered by the feel of the heated wires in electric blankets, this UL-listed blanket might be the right pick for you. Reviewers claim its thin wires are undetectable and make for a less bulky blanket.

As a heads up, the thin wires paired with the company’s low-voltage technology make this blanket a little different than what you’re used to. It might not feel hot to the touch, but it does provide gentle heat when lying underneath it.

Pros

  • thin, almost undetectable wires
  • lightweight construction
  • machine washable

Cons

  • lack of breathability
  • reports of faulty blankets
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Best electric throw blanket

iTeknic Heated Blanket Electric Throw

  • Price: $
  • Material: polyester
  • Auto shutoff: up to 3 hours
  • Heat settings: 10 settings
  • Size: 60 x 50 inches

This super soft, ETL-certified electric blanket has a 4.9-star rating on Amazon. Reviewers praise its softness and say its size is impressive for being a throw. Another pro is its easy-to-use controller and ability to heat up quickly.

This blanket might be large enough to use on your bed, but its auto shutoff has a maximum of 3 hours. That makes it a better choice for naps or couch cuddles than all-night warmth.

Pros

  • heats quickly
  • easy-to-use controller
  • lightweight

Cons

  • 3 hours is the max for the auto shutoff
  • limited size and color options
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Best budget electric blanket

Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket

  • Price: $
  • Material: polyester
  • Auto shutoff: 10 hours
  • Heat settings: 5 heat levels
  • Sizes: twin, full, queen, king

Sunbeam’s UL-approved Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket is currently a best seller on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. Its low price makes it a good option for electric blanket newbies who don’t want to splurge.

Some reviewers dislike the thickness of the wires and say they have trouble with the controllers. But if those elements don’t tend to bother you, Sunbeam’s electric blanket could be a good fit for your needs.

Pros

  • budget-friendly price
  • machine washable and dryer safe
  • comes with a 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Some users report poor quality controllers.
  • Reviewers report it has thick wires.
  • Some customers experienced durability issues.
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Best overall electric blanket

Degrees of Comfort Advanced Microplush Heated Blanket

  • Price: $$
  • Material: microplush
  • Auto shutoff: up to 10 hours
  • Heat settings: 20 settings
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king

This UL-certified Degrees of Comfort Advanced Microplush Heated Blanket gets rave reviews for its soft fabric and lightweight feel. It has 20 heat settings, giving you plenty of room to find your perfect temperature.

Reviewers are big fans of this blanket’s power and controller cord. The cord, according to the reviewers, is a good length to plug into the wall but still rest the controller on their nightstands.

Reviewers also say the LCD display controller is easy to use and adjust in the middle of the night.

Pros

  • soft feel
  • lightweight design
  • total of 20 settings
  • easy-to-use controller

Cons

  • Some users say they experienced a cold spot in the middle of the blanket.
  • Some reviewers mention it feels too slippery.
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Best reversible electric blanket

Westinghouse Electric Blanket Heated Throw

  • Price: $$$
  • Material: flannel
  • Auto shutoff: 12 hours
  • Heat settings: 10 settings
  • Size: throw, twin, queen

This thick reversible blanket features a soft, velvety side and a fluffy sherpa lining. It features a 12-hour auto shutoff and wiring throughout designed to deliver an even heating experience.

The blanket is also machine washable and equipped with 10 heat levels.

Reviewers like that it has a nice weight to it and that it has a generous auto shutoff time. Customers seem to agree that it heats evenly, but there are a few reports of blankets that stop heating after several months of use. That said, customers who returned the blanket praise the excellent customer service.

Pros

  • warm and comfortable
  • 12-hour auto shutoff
  • machine washable
  • reversible design

Cons

  • There are reports of some faulty products that stop heating.
  • Some customers had issues with wires overheating.
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Best foot-warming electric blanket

WAPANEUS Foot Pocket Heated Blanket

  • Price: $
  • Material: flannel
  • Auto shutoff: 4 hours
  • Heat settings: 3 levels
  • Size: 50 by 60 inches or 62 by 84 inches

Warm up your cold feet and toes with the help of this electric blanket equipped with a heated foot pocket. The affordable electric throw heats quickly, is safe to toss in the wash, and comes with a lengthy 9.8-foot power cable.

It also features an auto shutoff and three heat settings.

Reviewers like that the blanket offers comfort and warmth, but many say they wish there were more color options. Customers also say it washes well. But some people say the blanket just doesn’t get warm enough for their taste.

Pros

  • affordable
  • heats quickly
  • warming foot pocket

Cons

  • The cord placement is awkward.
  • There are some reports of durability issues.
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Best Wi-Fi connected electric blanket

Sunbeam LoftTec Wi-Fi Connected Heated Blanket

  • Price: $$
  • Material: polyester
  • Auto shutoff: up to 10 hours
  • Heat settings: 10 settings
  • Sizes: twin, full, queen, king

This fuzzy electric blanket from Sunbeam has built-in smart features. It allows you to control it remotely via voice assistant or smartphone app.

The thin wires aim to keep you comfortable and keep you from noticing the blanket’s electrical components. King-sized models have a dual-sided design but only one control.

Reviewers say the blanket is great all-around, with or without electricity. According to customers, the app is intuitive, but some say the smart assistant integration can be unresponsive at times.

Pros

  • smart-assistant enabled
  • ability to set schedules
  • soft and cozy construction
  • dual-sided heating for king size

Cons

  • middle cold spot with dual-sided models
  • connectivity issues
  • Some users say it’s not warm enough.
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Best king-size electric blanket

Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket

  • Price: $$$
  • Material: polyester
  • Auto shutoff: up to 10 hours
  • Heat settings: 10 settings
  • Sizes: twin, queen, king

Whether you sleep with a partner or just want a comfortable heated blanket that covers your entire king-size bed, this soft generously-sized blanket might be right for you.

The cozy polyester blanket features 10 heat settings and a 10-hour automatic safety shutoff. The material is also antishrink, so you don’t need to worry about the machine-washable blanket shrinking in the dryer.

Customers rave about how evenly it heats and like that the electric wiring goes all the way to the foot end of the blanket. However, a few people say they don’t love the controller.

Pros

  • fully wired from head to toe
  • machine washable, dryer safe
  • keeps its shape
  • even heating
  • thick construction

Cons

  • Some say the controller isn’t intuitive.
  • A few people complain of faulty blankets.
  • There’s no indicator light on controller.
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ProductsPriceAuto shutoffSize
Beautyrest Heated Plush Electric Blanket$$up to 10 hourstwin, full, queen, king, 60 by 70 inches
Micro Flannel Quilted Electric Heated Blanket$$$ 10 hoursqueen, king
Biddeford Blankets Comfort Knit Heated Blanket$$up to 9 hourstwin, full, queen, king
Perfect Fit Ultra Soft Plush Electric Heated Warming Blanket$$$N/Atwin, full, queen, king
iTeknic Heated Blanket Electric Throw$up to 3 hours60 by 50 inches
Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket$10 hourstwin, full, queen, king
Degrees of Comfort Advanced Microplush Heated Blanket$$up to 10 hourstwin, twin XL, full, queen, king
Westinghouse Electric Blanket Heated Throw$$$12 hoursthrow, twin, queen
WAPANEUS Foot Pocket Heated Blanket$4 hours50 by 60 inches or 62 by 84 inches
Sunbeam LoftTec Wi-Fi Connected Heated Blanket$$up to 10 hourstwin, full, queen, and king
Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket$$$up to 10 hours twin, queen, king

When you’re trying to find the perfect electric blanket, you’ll have to consider your personal preferences and what feels comfiest to you. It can be helpful to think about the following:

  • Sizing. Many blankets come in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, but some are smaller and meant to be used as a throw.
  • Blanket weight and material. Some blankets are lightweight and made with thinner fabrics, while others are heavier and made from plush materials.
  • Auto shutoff. Most electric blankets have an auto shutoff for safety reasons. But if you want to sleep with an electric blanket, keep an eye out for blankets with shorter auto shutoff timers, usually 1 to 3 hours, that might not keep you warm all night.
  • Controllers. Check to see if the controllers are digital and backlit for easy adjustments in the middle of the night.
  • Ability to see and feel the heating wire. If you tend to like thinner blankets, you might be able to see or feel the heating wires in your electric blankets. This is usually easier to avoid with thicker, plush blankets or blankets with thinner wires.
  • Power cord wire length. Make sure to check the length of the power cord if available and check reviews for what customers thought of the placement.
  • Washability. Most new electric blankets are machine washable, but some are harder to wash than others because they require a bit of disassembly for safety reasons. Take a look at what reviewers think about the washing process and always pay attention to care instructions.
  • Durability and warranty. Like any electronic, you might purchase a dud with a broken controller or shorted wire. Or, you might use it 365 days a year and have a higher chance of it breaking from use. So always be sure to check reviews for how durable the blanket is and if it comes with a good warranty.

All of the electric blankets on our list are machine washable, but not every electric blanket on the market will be.

Each electric blanket will have specific washing instructions that you should always follow. Following these instructions will not only help ensure your safety while using the product, but it’ll also extend the lifetime of the product.

Using an electric blanket can come with safety risks that you should be mindful of.

Electrical and fire risks

The general rule of thumb is to properly dispose of any electric blanket that’s more than 10 years old or showing any wear and tear. If you’re looking for a new electric blanket, you’re likely in the clear in terms of any major electrical or fire risks. But there are things you can do to further minimize risk:

  • Follow instructions. Read your electric blanket’s user manual to become extra familiar with how to store, wash, and use your specific product.
  • Don’t leave it on. When you’re not using it, turn it off.
  • Look for safe choices. Only use electric blankets that have been tested and approved by a third-party like Intertek ETL or UL.
  • Wash safely. Either refrain from washing your blanket or ensure you’re following the exact care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Also, never dry clean your electric blanket.
  • Choose a blanket with an auto shutoff. If your blanket doesn’t have one, turn it off before you go to sleep.
  • Keep it loose. Don’t tuck your electric blanket under your mattress (even if you hate when it slips off the bed!). Avoid sitting or putting objects on top of your blanket.
  • Don’t double-up. Only use one electric blanket or heating pad at a time.
  • Never use near water. Don’t pair your blanket with a hot water bottle, use it on a water bed, or use it if the blanket itself is wet.
  • Check for recalls. Always check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website to see if your electric blanket has been recalled.
  • Try it out first. Test it out for an hour before the first use to ensure proper operation, temperature, and that it’s free of defects.

If you’re pregnant

There’s limited research on how electric blankets can affect fetal development. But, according to some research, exposure to higher temperatures could increase the risk of miscarriage. Knowing that electric blankets increase your core body temperature, you may want to avoid them if possible.

If you have diabetes or poor circulation

One complication associated with diabetes is nerve damage. That can make it harder to tell if an electric blanket is too hot, which may lead to burns.

If you have diabetes or poor circulation and want to use an electric blanket, it’s recommended using it to warm up your bed and turning it off before you get in.

Potential cancer risk

Like all electronics and household appliances, electric blankets emit electromagnetic fields (EMF).

According to the World Health Organization, the type of EMF emitted by electric blankets — extremely low frequency (ELF) — is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on research on childhood leukemia. However, scientists haven’t determined whether there’s a cause-effect relationship between exposure to ELF-EMF and childhood leukemia.

ELF-EMF exposure also happens from using computers, TVs, and mobile phones, so the risks with using electric blankets are likely similar to your typical day-to-day electronic use.

Is it OK to sleep with an electric blanket on?

Experts typically recommend that you avoid sleeping with an electric blanket on all night. It’s a good idea to set a timer or enable the auto shutoff so that the blanket turns off before you fall asleep. Keeping it on all night isn’t just a potential safety hazard, it might cause you to overheat, affecting your overall sleep quality.

What are the side effects of using an electric blanket?

Potential side effects include:

  • risk of fire
  • risk of burns
  • overheating and interrupting sleep
  • risk of electric shock
  • potential complications during pregnancy

There’s something super luxurious about hopping into an extra warm bed — and an electric blanket might be the perfect way to get that luxury. If not for the spa-like feel, you can look forward to turning down the thermostat and potentially saving some cash.

While using an electric blanket can seem like it’s all about comfort, it’s also important to consider safety. Make sure you’re paying close attention to the quality and reputability of the product and always read the user manual before using your new electric blanket.