Our product experts tested 10 weighted blankets to find the best options for snuggling up and winding down. These are the ones that soothed our stress.
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Nothing soothes the soul quite like a nice, cozy blanket. But blankets aren’t just for feeling warm and toasty. They can also quiet the mind, thus reducing anxiety. That’s where the best-weighted blankets come in. Unlike a traditional blanket, weighted blankets boast a filling—usually small glass beads—that increases the pressure it puts on the body. This results in a secure, hugging sensation that is proven to increase relaxation in some folks.
"Weighted blankets can be beneficial for sleep as their gentle, 'hug-like' feeling can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation."
Dr. John Saito
pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s Hospital of Orange County
But all weighted blankets aren’t equal. Variations like size, material, weight and even washability are all distinct features that set these snuggle buddies apart. Our Taste of Home team tested 10 different weighted blanket options in order to find the best picks for every age, style and specific use. Here are our winners.
In the wide world of weighted blankets, few offer options without beads. That’s where the Silk & Snow hand-knit weighted blanket comes in. This filler-free blanket derives its weight from its chunky, dense knit. This makes it less prone to holding heat than its competition. And, according to Senior Editor Katie Bandurski, that’s only part of what makes this a great comfort gift or couch buddy.
“I’ve been testing this Silk & Snow blanket for about a month,” says Katie. “I use the blanket most evenings, on rotation with other blankets I love. This certainly isn’t the softest blanket I’ve ever tried, but it has a breathable feel, both due to the cotton fabric and the open knit holes. I don’t feel ‘smothered’ at all, thanks to the generous gauge of the knitting and 100% organic cotton fibers.”
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“Silk & Snow makes a weighted blanket for everyone,” she continues. “With weights ranging from 8 to 25 pounds, kids and adults alike can enjoy a soothing, relaxing sensation. As someone who suffers from anxiety, this blanket really helps me ‘turn my brain off.’ After a tough day, it helps me slow down my thoughts and focus instead on soothing pressure. It’s very easy to fall asleep under this blanket!”
That said, Katie notes that she is a bit disappointed in the care instructions. “It claims to be machine washable, but only if I can ‘ensure my washing machine can handle the weight of the blanket before attempting to wash it,'” she warns. “I’ll likely just spot treat and set out in the sun when the weather gets nice, but I don’t love knowing I might not be able to ever properly wash it.”
With a range of colors and sizes, this option far surpasses the other comparable knit weighted options we’ve tried. And, as a bonus, it doesn’t pill or pull apart easily. Win! After nine months of testing, Katie is still impressed.
“There’s been no noticeable pilling, fading, stretching or other damage,” says Katie, though she has yet to give it a full cleaning. “I’ve accepted that, because of its weight, this is a blanket I need to treat like an heirloom quilt. So far, I haven’t really found a need to wash it. (I’m also in a home with no pets or kids!) When the time comes, I plan to put it outside on a sunny day and spot treat any areas, as needed. I continue to attest that this is a great option for relaxing or soothing an anxious mind. If I’m trying to meditate or clear my thoughts, the S&S blanket is a great help.”
Size(s): | 41” x 60”, 41” x 72”, 45” x 72”, 51” x 72”, 54” x 72” | Weight(s): 8, 12, 15, 20, 25 lbs | Color(s): Nimbus grey, vista blue, tempest blue, chestnut, oat, cream, ginger, terracotta | Outer Material: Natural cotton | Interior Fill: N/A | Machine Washable?: Yes—with caveats
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Best Budget
Luna Luxe Cotton Weighted Blanket
Pros:
Affordable price point
No bead bunching
Machine washable cover
Several pretty colors and patterns
Child sizes available
Cons:
May be a bit smaller than expected
Insert is spot clean only
Much like a weighted stuffed animal, weighted blankets come in all shapes, styles and sizes. So when it comes to the best weighted blanket overall, we decided to pick an option that caters to a variety of customers. Meet the Luna Luxe Cotton weighted blanket. Aside from its affordable price point and nearly a dozen different colors and patterns, this all-around option also offers all the features that we look for in our favorite blankets.
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Whether you’re looking for a child-sized blanket or a full-sized king quilt for your bed, Luna’s fleet of five different sizes has you covered—literally. While the available weights are tied to the size, we love that any and all needs are represented. Prefer a 5-pound lap blanket for movie watching? Snag the smaller child size. For a full cocoon feel, the 15-pound option is perfect.
Each blanket is constructed from Oeko-Tex-Certified organic cotton and multiple tightly-stitched panels filled with glass beads. The 300-thread count cover feels nice and soft against skin, while reinforced seams ensure that it’s built for endless evenings curled up on the couch. When it’s time to wash, simply unzip the cover and untie the insert, then pop the cover into your machine.
I’ve tested my Luna blanket for about a year, and it still looks just as lovely as it did the day it arrived. This is despite the cover receiving multiple spins in the washer, countless cuddles and even an overzealous kneading kitty. It’s become my go-to for almost everything, including movie nights, napping, snoozing and relieving anxiety after my work day.
While I don’t love that the insert is spot clean only, I do love that the cover keeps debris and stains off of the insert, so it doesn’t get as soiled as some other blankets I’ve tried. After nine months, my blanket insert is still perfectly protected, so I haven’t had a need to spot clean it. I do encourage folks who use it at night to remove the insert and let it air out between uses, especially if you tend to be a hot sleeper. This helps avoid any kind of musty smells that might creep up.
Looking for something a little more luxe? Luxome’s weighted blanket boasts a lovely balance of softness, style and overall comfort. From the moment it arrives in its own carrying case, it’s clear that this weighted blanket is the best pick for those seeking a statement along with a reduction in their overall anxiety.
My favorite aspect of the blanket is its reversible, machine-washable cover. Apart from ensuring that the inner blanket stays nice and clean, the cover includes two distinct sides: a satiny bamboo side that cools, and a soft minky side for warmth. Not only does this add versatility, but it also looks absolutely lovely when tossed over the arm of a couch or spread over a comforter.
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While you can opt for a cover-free blanket, we encourage folks to splurge for the added peace of mind the cover provides. It’s fully machine-washable and is available for purchase separately in case you’re craving multiple colors. The insert is also machine washable, but we recommend ensuring your machine can handle such weights prior to popping it in.
Three sizes and weights—from a small, 15-pound pick to a larger 25-pounder—ensure optimal comfort for a variety of folks. While I didn’t find that the interior glass beads shifted around the panels thanks to some additional filling, it’s worth noting that the insert sometimes requires readjustment inside the cover. The blanket is also rather pricey, which is expected due to the overall quality.
Overall, this is my favorite option for the living room. It offers deep pressure while still feeling nice and soft thanks to the plush, velvety side. And, in the warmer months, the bamboo lyocell wicks up any sweat and offers a pleasant cooling sensation. After nine months of use, I can safely say that this is still the throw blanket I reach for the most. Similar to the Luna blanket, I occasionally remove it from the cover to air it out.
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Lowest Price in 30 days
Best Throw
Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket
Pros:
Calming and cooling 12-pound weight
Breathable cotton
Beautiful color and texture
Reversible
Cons:
Dry clean only
Limited colors and sizes
“I had never experienced a weighted blanket before, but the Brooklinen weighted throw blanket has converted me to the practice,” raves product tester Sheri Kaz of this basic option. While it’s on the simple side and offers only a single 12-pound size, it’s an excellent cozy gift for the friend who needs a little extra love.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say I sleep with it nightly,” continues Sheri. “The effect of the weight helps me unwind and quickly grounds me in a deep sleep. It’s a very generous size and weight for a throw. It’s more like a twin-size quilt,” she adds. “The cotton is soft and surprisingly breathable even on a hot night. It’s shocking how cool I sleep even with a 12-pound blanket. I tried to go without it for a few nights, but I’m addicted to it.”
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After nine months of consistent use, Sheri is still obsessed. “I use it whenever I’m feeling anxious or restless, and it instantly calms me down. At one point, I tucked it away in my cedar chest and found that I was constantly dragging it back out. Now, it lives on top of the chest. It’s quite heavy to be considered a throw (I can’t throw it!). It has held up very well, even with a small dog that likes to scratch it to build a nest. It’s obviously high-quality, and I haven’t witnessed any fraying, snags or damage. It still looks brand new.”
While we’re disappointed that there are few color options and the blanket is dry clean only, we appreciate that there’s no need to fuss over weights or dimensions with this one. It’s simple, does what it’s supposed to do and offers a little extra comfort to afternoon naps.
Size(s): | 48″ x 72″ | Weight(s): 12 lbs | Color(s): Deep navy, deep alpine | Outer Material: 160 GSM 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Interior Fill: Glass beads | Machine Washable?: No
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Best Eco Friendly
Nuzzie Weighted Blanket
Pros:
Cocoons you while you sleep
Knit fabric is cooling
More stylish compared to other weighted blankets
No beads—so the fill doesn't move or get displaced
Soft
Cons:
Knit can loosen in places
Edges of the blanket do not lay flat
A bit hard to pick up
No removable cover
Pricey
While many weighted blankets come with organic cotton covers, most can’t say they’re truly eco-friendly. However, the Nuzzie weighted blanket certainly can! Filled with recycled bottles, this clever option is equal parts cozy and planet-conscious. Unlike the other knitted options we’ve tested, the blanket comes in a filled velvet fabric that makes it a touch heftier.
“I’ve been testing the blanket for four weeks and use it for lounging or sleeping nearly every day,” says former weighted blanket business owner Nicole Doster. “The woven knit is weighted without beads. Instead, it’s filled with recycled plastic bottles. Though you definitely would never be able to tell from using it. It really just feels like a heavy fabric. According to the company website, each blanket removes 500 bottles from landfills.”
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“It’s held up well so far,” Nicole goes on to say. “The one thing that’s quirky about it is that the knit fabric stretches, so you can accidentally fit your fingers or even hands through a hole in the knitting, causing parts of the knit pattern to become uneven. With a little pushing and prodding, you can fix it pretty quickly.” She also notes that if you get the right size, it’s a nice blanket for movie night cuddles. “It’s definitely stylish enough to keep on a couch for lounging and super nice to snuggle up in as you sit,” she says.
That said, there are a few observations that slightly dampened her appreciation. “The knit can be a bit rigid and ‘tent’ itself when it’s bunched up instead of hugging your body, which kind of defeats the purpose. You either need a smaller size blanket or enough room on your couch to lay it flat.”
Overall, though, she says the slightly higher price point is worth it. “This blanket has definitely been my go-to for sleeping,” says Nicole. “I run hot, and its knit design definitely lets the air through instead of adding extra warmth. The blanket design is perfect for cocooning yourself, as the fabric is a bit stretchy. It could just be me, but I actually sleep better and have more dreams (aka REM sleep!) when I use this weighted blanket.”
Size(s): | 40″ x 50″, 44″ x 60″, 48″ x 72″, 60″ x 80″, 80″ x 80″ | Weight(s): 8, 12, 16, 22, 28lbs | Color(s): Misty grey, cream, taupe, dusty blue, charcoal, forest green, dusty rose, marigold | Outer Material: Soft jersey knit | Interior Fill: 100% recycled blanket filing | Machine Washable?: Yes
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Best for Kids
Woven Woven Kids Weighted Blanket
Pros:
Perfectly suited for kids
No beads that shift around
Easy to machine wash
Ideal size for a lap blanket
Cons:
Limited sizes and weights
There are several considerations that separate kids weighted blankets from their adult counterparts. Lighter weights, softer fabrics and better durability (and washability) are among the top differences. While many of the best weighted blanket brands offer kiddie counterparts to their adult options, few focus solely on this niche market. That’s one reason why we love Woven Woven.
This Australian-based company prides itself on its bead-free knits. The blanket’s weight comes primarily from its dense bamboo fiber and organic cotton construction. Because there are no glass beads or additional filler, it’s safer for young kids since there are no choking hazards. While there’s no cover, the blanket is entirely machine washable—just lay it out to dry after.
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I tested the organic cotton version and was incredibly impressed with my blanket’s 4.85-pound weight. It looks like a standard blanket, but there’s a definite heftiness to it that softly cradles the body. The knit is nice and tight, making it ideal for rambunctious. Additionally, Woven Woven offers smaller 3.31-pound picks for tinier tots.
While it’s designed for kids, I found the larger size perfect as a lap blanket. In fact, I reach for this blanket more than any other throw in my house! Those seeking a comforting cuddle buddy for the couch or who want to test the waters with weighted blankets will find this a good starting point. As a bonus, the brand offers many different colors and a few different materials for those wanting to customize their experience further.
Since acquiring the blanket nine months ago, I’ve washed it several times in the machine, and it’s held up incredibly well. I love keeping this one draped over the arm of my reading chair—it’s quickly become a household favorite for relaxing!
I had the pleasure of testing Sleep Number’s True Temp blanket last year. It’s still one of my favorite blankets in my bedding rotation. The original True Temp is breathable in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter—it truly is the goldilocks of blankets for those that suffer from night sweats. When I heard that Sleep Number released a weighted version of my beloved blanket, I had to test it—and I was not disappointed.
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Sleep Number uses a fill with its proprietary 37.5 active particle technology that moves heat away from the body. While it’s not a cut-and-dry cooling blanket, the cover is incredibly breathable and offers excellent temperature regulation for sleepers who swing from toasty to chilled throughout the night. Unzip the cover, and a pretty standard weighted blanket greets you. The panels, filled with glass beads, are also stuffed with a pleasant-feeling fill for extra comfort.
Available in both 12- and 20-pound sizes, this blanket is ideal for single sleepers. It’s not as soft or silky as some of the other options, so it might not appeal to those seeking a cozy couch blanket. That said, it certainly does a good job at cradling my body at night without trapping any heat. I love it so much that it has a permanent place on my side of the bed.
My only complaints are the same as my gripes with the original True Temp blanket: the way it looks. Let’s be honest, the sleeping bag-ish material and wrinkly exterior aren’t exactly eye-catching. Additionally, I don’t love that it only comes in a single navy hue.
That said, while the material is unmistakably polyester instead of organic like, say, cotton, the blanket does such a good job with heat regulation that I’m willing to work with it. It’s also one of the weighted blankets in the list with a removable cover, which makes it so much easier to wash. After several spins in the washer, the cover continues to deliver its delightful cooling sensation.
Former weighted blanket business owner Nicole Doster notes that when it comes to shopping for a weighted blanket, size does matter.
“The thing that most people may not realize when shopping for weighted blankets is the size-to-weight ratio matters,” she says. “Most weighted blankets have panels that distribute the filling evenly throughout the blanket, so if you are tempted to order a larger-sized blanket, you may lose out on the amount of pressure or weight against your skin. I usually opt for a smaller, heavier blanket to feel the full ‘hugging’ effect.”
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Additionally, Nicole urges customers to consider the following when shopping for the best weighted blanket for you:
Weight: Unsurprisingly, weight may be the most important aspect of a weighted blanket. While the perfect weight depends on personal preference, the general ratio is to aim for around 10% of your body weight.
Material: “A lot of people want glass beads instead of plastic; some knit blankets (like the one I tested) don’t use beads at all, which is cool,” says Nicole. The external material is also a consideration, especially if you plan to sleep with your blanket. If so, a softer option might be best.
Size: Weighted blankets come in a variety of sizes, from lap throws to king-sized options. The best weighted blanket size is based on preference, but keep in mind that larger blankets offer less weight per panel, and smaller panels tend to offer better coverage. “The smaller the panels, the less likely you are to have uneven distribution of the glass beads,” notes Nicole.
Washing: The biggest complaint with weighted blankets is that they’re often difficult to wash. While washing a weighted blanket is possible, many require machines rated for heavier items. Circumvent this by spot-cleaning or dry cleaning your blanket. Additionally, consider one with a removable cover for easy cleaning.
How We Found the Best Weighted Blankets
We put 10 different blankets to the test for over a month—and in some cases, even longer. There’s a lot more that goes into testing blankets than simply sleeping with them. To get a sense of the full experience, testers used their blanket for snuggling up on their couch, cuddling with partners, napping and getting a full night’s sleep.
Testers detailed their experience, noting negatives like audible rusting, shifting beads, overheating and whether the blanket easily washes in an at-home machine. While washing weighted blankets can be tricky, we opted to give more points to those that can easily be machine-washed, rather than those that can only be spot cleaned. We also preferred blankets with multiple different weights and sizes that cater to a variety of sleepers.
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Additional considerations include softness, interior fill, material and available colors. Blankets that offered a variety of shades received bonus points, along with those that were nice and cozy to cuddle up with. If the blanket has glass beads, we tested to see whether the beads offered good coverage or shifted around inside the panels. Sustainable fabrics are our preference, though a few blankets that made our top picks use man-made materials.
The final consideration is probably the most important: price compared to value. We noted whether—after testing for several weeks—we felt we’d pay the purchase price for each blanket we tested.
Other Blankets We Tested
Avocado Knitted Blanket: While we love the look and feel of this chunky knitted option, it’s a bit too indistinguishable from the other knitted blankets.
Bearaby Cotton Napper: I absolutely love my Bearaby Napper. That said, the very similar Silk and Snow version offers more colors and weights.
FAQ
Which weighted blanket weight is best?
“A general guideline is that a weighted blanket should be about 10% of a person’s body weight,” says Dr. John Saito, pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. That said, the best weighted blanket weight depends on personal preference.
Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
“Yes, for most people, it’s perfectly safe to sleep with a weighted blanket,” says Dr. John Saito, pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. “There are exceptions for young children or people with breathing, circulation, or mobility issues–those individuals should speak with their healthcare provider first.”
Who should not use a weighted blanket?
Folks with medical conditions, including but not limited to sleep apnea, diabetes, or respiratory issues, should ask their doctor before using a weighted blanket. Additionally, kids should only use weighted blankets made for children—and pets should never go underneath weighted blankets.
Why You Should Trust Us
I am a professional shopping editor with over three years of experience testing and recommending the best products for Taste of Home. My experience focuses mainly on kitchen and home. I’ve lent my expertise to dozens of tests, ranging from the Our Place Wonder Oven to the best modular sectionals. As someone who works from home, the importance of cultivating a comfortable space to live in is a passion of mine. I take pride in recommending only the best home essentials for every budget, space and lifestyle.
For this piece, I also spoke to Dr. John Saito, pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s Hospital of Orange County and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Dr. John Saito provided insight and guidance about what to look for when shopping for weighted blankets.
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