The best weighted blankets for better sleep and relaxation, tried and tested

Score: 98/100

Drumroll, please, for our winning weighted blanket, which was praised by our panel for its “velvety-soft feel” and “perfect weight distribution”. Not only did it help them drift off quickly and peacefully, the fleecy material provided plenty of warmth and was ideal for cooler evenings on the sofa. “It’s such a game-changer – I’m buying it for the whole family!” said one enthusiastic tester.

The blanket moulded to testers’ bodies nicely without feeling claustrophobic and the glass beads were barely noticeable. Plus, it was super quiet – meaning no irritating rustling sounds in the middle of the night.

It was a tad bulky to lug around the house but that’s to be expected with weighted blankets. All in all, a seriously snuggly choice.

Score: 91/100

This faux fur design from Next will fit right in with your interiors and help you get a restorative night’s sleep. It was an instant hit with our panel, who said it looked “luxurious” when draped over their sofa or laid across their bed.

Good looks aside, testers confirmed it was bliss to curl up with and helped them relax after a stressful day. Despite being comforting and cosy, they didn’t get too hot when using it at night, the beads rarely needed arranging, and the fabric felt gloriously soft against their skin. It's also easy to keep in tip-top condition – the cover is removable, so you can pop it in the washing machine if you spill your hot chocolate, or if it simply needs a refresh after a few months of consistent use.

Next offers a range of weights to suit all shapes and sizes and it comes with a neat storage bag. It's also large enough for two people to snuggle up beneath. Every single tester said they would recommend it to others.

Score: 87/100

This quilted blanket looks like a traditional throw and would make a stylish addition to any bed. Testers loved the feel of the cotton exterior, saying it was incredibly soft without being too fluffy, and found the blanket worked just as well on top of a duvet as it did when used as a standalone cover. It also comes with a zip-up bag, complete with handles – ideal if you want to pack it away during warmer months or take it with you on the go.

It’s fully machine washable, making it that much easier to care for, though it didn’t do so well in our tumble dryer — it had to be left hanging overnight before it was fully dry. But that was our only qualm with this high-performing weighted blanket.

Score: 87/100

Kudd.ly's Therapeutic Weighted Blanket proved popular among our panellists, who rated its double-sided design. One side is crafted with soft, fleecy fabric to keep you snug on chilly winter nights, while the other features cooling bamboo to keep you comfy as you catch some Zs during the summer months.

Everyone found it a dream to cosy up with, noting that the weight distribution was on point and the microbead filling was barely noticeable. “This is my favourite weighted blanket I’ve tried,” one tested told us, while another said: “It helped me fall asleep quicker and have a deeper sleep.”

They found the lighter 4kg option super easy to pull into place without feeling claustrophobic, and they appreciated the neat drawstring bag – ideal if you want to pack it away or take it with you on the go. There’s also a removable cover to keep the blanket looking and smelling fresh.

Score: 81/100

One for hot sleepers, this cooling blanket features HydroCool technology and is made with temperature-regulating fabric – so you can enjoy its calming effects without overheating.

Sure enough, it kept our testers at their ideal temperature throughout the night. “It allowed me to immediately relax and helped me fall asleep quicker,” said one. Others complimented its weight distribution, saying the microbeads stayed in place and the blanket rarely needed rearranging. They also loved its snug, cosy feel and liked how easy it was to clean (just pop it in the washing machine and let it air dry).

Note that's on the smaller side and will only cover one person comfortably in bed. For peace of mind, Kudd.ly offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try before committing.

Score: 80/100

Another good choice for hot sleepers, this weighted blanket is part of Silentnight's Restore collection, designed for those prone to overheating. It’s made with breathable, cooling fabric to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

According to testers, it wasn’t ultra cooling, but it did a good job of regulating their temperature, allowing them to get a peaceful night’s rest without feeling hot and bothered. They praised its “high-quality feel” and said the weight distribution was spot-on. They also appreciated the bag for discreet storage.

There’s only one weight option (6.8kg) so it’s not suitable for everyone, and we would have liked a few more colour and size options, too.

Score: 79/100

Wellness brand ESPA is best known for its luxury skincare and beauty products, but its weighted blanket is also worth considering. Made from 100% cooling cotton, it's another top pick if you tend to run hot at night.

It went down well with testers, who reported improved sleep quality and rated it highly. “I usually wake up throughout the night, but my sleep was interrupted when I used the weighted blanket,” said one satisfied panellist. Another described it as a “total game-changer.”

Our panel was also impressed with its generous size – the blanket comfortably covered their whole body, even when they were tossing and turning at night. It rarely needed readjusting thanks to effective, even filling distribution and it comes with a handy cotton drawstring bag for storage. There are also four different weights available (with helpful tips online to find which one is best for you).

The only downside? You can’t put it in the washing machine as it’s spot-clean only. For help keeping it in tip-top condition, read our guide on how to wash a weighted blanket.

Score: 79/100

We liked the simple, elegant design of the Emma Hug Weighted Blanket, and found the weight spread evenly when it was laid out on top of a duvet. Testers also said it helped them unwind and relax in the evening, and the blanket’s generous dimensions meant it covered them completely with ease.

There is only one weight option (7kg) and the removable bamboo cover is only available as an optional extra (something our testers recommended for boosting the blanket’s cosiness credentials). But it earned praise for its comfort, with one tester saying the small glass beads seemed to mould around their body.

Score: 79/100

If you're dipping your toe into the world of weighted blankets and are concerned about feeling claustrophobic, consider the brand's 4kg design. It's also a great choice for kids – one tester said they would definitely recommend it to other parents after it became an integral part of their daughter’s nightly routine. The only downside is that it’s hand-wash only, should you have any spillages or accidents to deal with. However, it’s a lightweight, soft blanket, with three different colours to choose from.

While many children may enjoy the feeling of sitting under a weighted blanket, note that they shouldn't be used for those aged under three. They also shouldn't weight more than 10% of a person's body weight and when it comes to kids, it's best to go for the lightest option.