8 Best Weighted Blankets for Calming Comfort
Cozy up with a top-tested knit or cotton weighted blanket.
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Weighted blankets were first used by occupational therapists as deep pressure therapy for patients with behavioral disorders. The pressure of the blanket produces serotonin, a chemical in the body that makes you feel happy and calm. Since then, weighted blankets have become a popular way to help people dealing with anxiety, insomnia and other sleep issues to fall asleep and stay asleep. However, it's not intended to cure any medical conditions.
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab test a variety of popular blanket styles including electric blankets and, of course, weighted blankets. In recent years, we evaluated over 20 weighted blankets, reviewing the materials, construction and key features of each before sending them to consumer testers for at-home testing. We also spoke with a medical professional to learn more about the benefits of using a weighted blanket.
A note of caution: Weighted blankets shouldn’t be used by anyone who can’t move freely beneath the weight. Even though they're sometimes used as a therapeutic tool for kids, it's important to first speak with a medical professional, like a child's pediatrician, before trying it out.
Weight options: 15 lbs (Twin/Throw), 20 lbs (Twin/Single) | Materials: Interior cotton cover with a microfiber (polyester) duvet cover | Fill: Glass beads | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine wash duvet cover and tumble dry on low; hand wash and air dry interior blanket
Who it's best for: If you or a loved one haven't previously used a weighted blanket, the Gravity Blanket is the perfect choice because it features quality construction and is easy to clean.
Why our experts love it: The name "Gravity blanket" is often synonymous with "weighted blanket" because the brand's viral Kickstarter campaign helped popularize the category over six years ago — and for good reason: The style checks off all the boxes for a quality weighted blanket.
It features grid-shaped stitching that helps keep the glass beads spread out for even distribution, a plush microfiber cover that's removable and machine washable and a smart system that keeps the blanket secured inside the cover. There are buttons and ties to fasten the blanket to the outer layer, plus an easy and secure zipper closure, which our testers confirmed helped keep everything in place.
Our testers also found that the blanket lives up to its hype. Though some said it may sleep hot (which makes sense given its cozy fleece cover), they gave it high ratings for even weight distribution and the fill staying in place. They also said it offered a good amount of pressure and that the outer cover felt comfortable to lie under.
Trainquility Weighted Blanket With Washable Cover
Weight options: 12 lbs | Materials: Interior polyester cover with a microplush (polyester) duvet cover | Fill: Glass beads and polyester | Colors: 2 | Care: Spot clean
Who it's best for: Shoppers sticking to a budget will appreciate this under-$50 weighted blanket that features temperature-regulating properties for those who run hot.
Why our experts love it: This weighted blanket is a fraction of the cost of others without skimping on quality or key features. Most cheap weighted blankets don't come with an outer cover (making the cost add up if you purchase one separately), but Tranquility's comes with one that's removable and machine washable. It's only available in one size though — 48" x 72," which a tester said "looked like a normal throw."
The fill uses glass beads, and one tester told us, "It helped alleviate my anxiety." Its outer cover has temperature-regulating properties, and our testers confirmed they didn't get too hot while using it. Just note that some testers did find the fill to clump a bit after extended use. Still, if you're looking to spend as little as possible on a weighted blanket without sacrificing features, this one's your best bet.
Luna Luxe Cotton Weighted Blanket
Weight options: 12 lbs (FullQueen), 20 lbs (Queen/King), 25 lbs (King) | Materials: 300-thread count OEKO-TEX 100 certified fabric | Fill: Glass beads | Colors: 6 | Care: Spot clean
Who it's best for: Anyone who is known to take naps during the day, will enjoy snuggling up under this weighted blanket designed to last.
Why our experts love it: The Luxe Cotton Weighted Blanket lives up to its name with a 300-thread count fabric and reinforced seams to help keep the glass beads in place. In fact, our testers scored it highly for even distribution and reported that the fill stayed in place well.
"I never fall asleep on the couch, but I did notice myself nodding off a couple times when I was under the blanket on the couch," reported one tester, adding that "It looked good on both my couch and bed; it was not an eye sore." Another tester, who had never tried a weighted blanket before, said that this one "was more comforting than a normal blanket and I found myself more relaxed more quickly."
Multiple consumer testers did find that when sleeping under the blanket overnight, they became too hot and woke up sweaty. It may be best shorter bursts of rest, like napping or lounging on your couch while reading a book or watching TV.
Weight options: 15 or 20 lbs | Materials: Tencel lyocell/cotton blend | Fill: N/A (fabric only) | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine wash with cold water and tumble dry on low
Who it's best for: Those who want to experience the benefits of a weighted blanket, but are looking for a more stylish option.
Why our experts love it: Chunky knit weighted blankets have gained popularity because they look more upscale yet deliver the same benefits. This one from Bearaby is entirely made of fabric (no bead fills) and is a blend of cotton and Tencel lyocell, a super soft fiber that's both smooth and cooling.
Our testers agreed, highlighting the appearance, softness and cooling capabilities as their favorite aspects. One described it as having "the right amount of weight and warmth, without ever feeling too heavy or hot," while another added, "It’s not too heavy, and it’s easy to move around my bed. I sleep so well under it."
Though the open-knit construction makes it more stylish and breathable, there are some factors to consider when deciding if it's the right fit for you. For starters, some testers noted that it wasn't as comfortable to lie directly under it and found it better to layer over another comforter. And though the entire blanket can go in the washer and dryer, it takes longer to dry and may not be as convenient for regular cleaning as one that has a duvet cover.
RELATED: Best Chunky Knit Blankets
Weight options: 10 choices ranging from 5 to 40 lbs | Material: Cotton outer fabric (no duvet cover included) | Fill: Glass beads | Colors: 26 | Care: Machine wash on gentle and tumble dry on low
Who it's best for: If you turn to Amazon in search of low prices and high praise from online reviewers, this weighted blanket from YnM is for you.
Why our experts love it: A smidge under $30, this weighted blanket costs much less than other picks. However, the duvet cover is sold separately, and the brand recommends using a duvet cover to prevent damage from repeated laundering. Still, the blanket has almost 48,000 reviews with an average 4.6-star rating. Users reported the weight stays evenly distributed, thanks to the small boxes that separate the fill.
The weighted blanket also uses materials recommended by our experts, like a cotton outer cover and glass bead fill for dense pressure. You can choose from a wide variety of weights and sizes to match your body weight and bed size, along with over two dozen colors. Just note that some online reviewers said it tends to sleep warm, making it less suitable for hot sleepers.
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Layla Sleep Weighted Blanket
Weight options: 20 lbs (Queen) or 25 lbs (King) | Material: Cotton on one side, polyester on the other side | Fill: Glass beads | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine washable
Who it's best for: Beginner users of weighted blankets will appreciate the versatility of this blanket.
Why our experts love it: Layla's weighted blanket stands out primarily for its two-sided design: One side has a smooth cotton fabric that feels more like a bedsheet, while the other side is a plush faux mink that feels more like a throw blanket. You can simply flip over the blanket if you want to change the feel. It's only available in one color, however, our pros appreciate that it's gray on one side and black on the other.
There isn't a separate duvet cover included, but the entire blanket is machine washable. Each weight is specified for a different bed size, though testers noted that a 25-pound King size felt like there was less pressure per person once it was spread out.
RELATED: The Best Throw Blankets
Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket
Weight options: 5 choices ranging from 8 to 25 lbs | Material: Cotton | Fill: N/A (fabric only) | Colors: 8 | Care: Machine wash with cool water and tumble dry on low 2-3 times or lay flat
Who it's best for: If you are willing to splurge, the Silk & Snow weighted blanket is a great stylish knit option that will provide top-tier comfort.
Why our experts love it: A chunky knit option that looks more stylish than a typical weighted blanket, Silk & Snow's blanket is made entirely of cotton, meaning it gets its weight from fabric instead of beads. Testers gave it perfect scores across the board, from comfort to weight distribution to overall satisfaction. They also highlighted the appearance, with its throw-blanket aesthetic as a major selling point.
It comes in five weights, and each weight varies in size, so make sure to check the size chart before you buy. You can also choose from a variety of trendy neutral colors that help enhance the decorative aspect. Just note that because it's 100% cotton — and it takes a lot of cotton to make up the weight — it'll take much longer to dry and it doesn't have an outer cover to wash separately. The brand recommends users lay the blanket flat to air dry or tumble dry on low for two to three cycles.
Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket
Weight options: 12 or 20 lbs | Material: Interior polyester cover, cotton/polyester blend outer cover with 37.5 Technology | Fill: Glass beads and polyester | Colors: Dark blue | Care: Machine wash cover with cold water and tumble dry on low; spot clean inner blanket
Who it's best for: Anyone who is worried a weighted blanket might cause them to feel too hot overnight will benefit from this option designed with hot sleepers in mind.
Why our experts love it: The True Temp Weighted Blanket has 37.5 Technology built into the outer cover, which helps regulate body temperature. It won't feel instantly cold when you touch it, but it works through the night to help prevent you from overheating. The temperature-regulating cover is removable and machine washable, while the inner blanket has channels that help keep the glass bead fill evenly distributed.
The blanket comes in just two weights: 12 or 20 pounds. There's no 15-pound weight available, which is typically the most popular size for weighted blankets and what most of our testers prefer. Still, users liked sleeping under this blanket, saying it worked effectively and felt comfortable.
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How we test weighted blankets
The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested over 20 weighted blankets in recent years. We first inspect the weighted blankets to evaluate construction and overall quality, then we have real testers try them out in their homes and fill out surveys based on their experiences. We also interviewed occupational therapist Christine Rocchio Mueller to gain insight into the science behind how weighted blankets work.
When it comes to evaluating the weighted blankets in our Lab, we consider aspects like the outer cover fabric, fill materials, construction, care instructions, whether it connects to a duvet cover and more. Consumer testers sleep with the weighted blankets for several weeks before filling out their surveys. They score the blankets on factors like comfort, weight distribution, whether the fill stayed in place, fabric feel, temperature regulation and other qualities. They also have the opportunity to expand on anything they liked or disliked.
What to look for when shopping for the best weighted blanket
Though all weighted blankets serve the same purpose — they provide pressure to help you relax and feel calm — there are a variety of factors that set the styles apart. Here are the most important details to consider when choosing the right weighted blanket for you:
✔️ Outer cover: Because you'll feel the fabric on your skin, it's important that you like the overall feel of the material. Polyester fleece is a popular option for the outer cover because it's soft and cozy like a throw blanket, but some brands use smooth cotton for a more natural feel.
As an alternative, chunky knit-style weighted blankets are made with a different construction. Instead of using pellets to add the weight inside, these are entirely made of fabric. Chunky knits look more stylish, but they are more cumbersome to wash because there's no outer cover and the fabric takes a long time to dry. Also, they don't distribute weight as evenly if you are lying directly underneath it because of the open-knit structure.
Also note that some weighted blankets are designed to be used with a duvet cover, while others are not. Which you choose comes down to personal preference (including appearance), but keep in mind that it's easier to wash just the duvet cover on a regular basis than it is to regularly launder a heavy blanket.
✔️ Filling: Weighted blankets are usually filled with small glass or plastic beads to provide pressure. Glass beads are the most common filling because they're denser than plastic and you won't typically feel the individual pellets. We recommend looking for small, grid-like stitching that helps keep the fill evenly distributed. You can also find some weighted blankets with down-alternative polyester filling along with the beads, which helps add a plush feel.
✔️ Size: Avoid oversize options. The blanket shouldn't hang off the side of your bed, as the weight can make it fall off during the night. If you plan to use it yourself, opt for a Twin or throw size. If you plan to share it with a sleeping partner, then you can use a Queen or King, but note that a larger size will mean the weight is more spread out and won't feel as heavy.
✔️ Price: We found that the best weighted blankets typically fall in the $50 to $150 range. There are more expensive blankets included in this guide that ring in closer to $200 or even $300, but we made sure to also feature more affordable options that can be as affordable as under $30.
✔️ Laundering instructions: Check the care label to ensure you'll be able to keep it clean easily. Some weighted blankets are spot-clean only, but using a duvet cover can help keep it fresh. Other blankets will come with a removable cover that is machine-washable for easy cleaning. Styles that are entirely machine washable usually take a while to dry and can be more prone to wear and tear over time. Most brands instruct users to either tumble dry on low or lay flat to air dry.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
Experts report there are a range of real benefits to using a weighted blanket. "There is recent research suggesting they can help reduce or relieve anxiety," says Rocchio Mueller. She also says they can help people who may not consider themselves anxious, yet still experience insomnia or sleep disturbances: "A weighted blanket might provide just enough physiological calm that it helps them relax to fall asleep." Many users describe the sensation of lying under a weighted blanket as feeling like a hug.
"It is one of the most natural things to hug a family member or friend when they are upset or anxious," according to Rocchio Mueller. "While a hug might not solve all your problems, it often helps you feel better by calming your body, which then allows you to think a little bit clearer."
Can you machine wash a weighted blanket?
Yes, most of the time you can machine-wash weighted blankets, but it's important to check the care label first. The majority of our recommendations are either entirely machine washable or have a washable duvet cover.
For machine-washable weighted blankets, the GH Institute Cleaning Lab recommends considering the size and capacity of your washing machine. Some washing machines have a weight limit of around 20 pounds, so you'll want to avoid washing a heavy 25- or 30-pound blanket at home. It's also a good idea to use a low-speed spin and to make sure there's ample space for the blanket to move around. For drying, the manufacturer will often recommend using a low setting or laying flat to air dry.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
A weighted blanket should never feel so heavy that you can't easily move around underneath it. To find the best weight for you, you'll need to do some basic math. Most manufacturers recommend choosing a weighted blanket that's roughly 10% of your body weight. So if you weigh around 150 pounds, a 15-pound blanket is ideal. Don't worry about hitting the exact number; within the 7% to 12% range is considered good.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy & operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has extensively tested all types of bedding using specialized Lab equipment and feedback from thousands of consumer testers. Besides coordinating weighted blanket tests in recent years, Sachs is also an avid user of weighted blankets and has tried many of these picks out herself before recommending them.
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. For four years, she has led product testing in the Lab and has assigned bedding products to more than a thousand home testers. Seymour previously updated this article based on testing.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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