Why You Can Trust CNET Best Weighted Blankets for 2024
Weighted blankets are an easy way to ease anxiety and sleep better at night. Here are the top options on the market.
- Certified Sleep Science Coach, Certified Stress Management Coach
- American Board of Family Medicine, Family Medicine
- State of Illinois, Medical Examining Board License
Think of weighted blankets like the best full-body hug you'll ever get. They use deep-touch pressure stimulation to calm the nervous system. As you use one, your brain releases serotonin and melatonin, reducing the stress hormone cortisol in the body.
Picking the best weighted blanket comes down to personal preference, weight distribution and durability. Our team of sleep experts has tested almost every sleep product under the sun, from mattresses to sleep masks. In this list, we've gathered the best weighted blankets, detailing feel, fill and quality for each option. Read on to find your perfect slumber sidekick.
What is the best weighted blanket?
There are a lot of weighted blankets out there, all of which vary by fill, price and feel. But if you want some expert help, we found that the Luna weighted blanket is the best weighted blanket you can buy.
The Luna is a weighted blanket that anyone can like. It's soft and breathable without feeling overwhelming, a common issue with weighted blankets. It's made from 300-thread-count cotton and is filled with microglass beads. It's also the most affordable weighted blanket on the list by far -- a welcome trait in a notoriously expensive category, thanks to the high cost of the filling. The Luna weighted blanket is the perfect balance between quality and affordability.
Best weighted blankets of 2024
Like
- Doesn't shift around when you sleep
- Regulates body temperature
- Oeko-Tex 100 certified
- Hypoallergenic
- Budget-friendly option
Don't like
- Not actively cooling
The Luna is our pick for the best overall weighted blanket because it's super soft and heavy without feeling overwhelming. It's designed with a patented layer construction that promotes breathability, and while it's not actively cooling, the design can help regulate your body temperature.
This blanket is made of 300-thread-count cotton and filled with polyester, microfiber and micro glass beads. One of the most annoying things about some weighted blankets is that the beads inside shift around, clumping as you sleep. The Luna doesn't do that thanks to its microfiber filling and quilted design.
Many of the best weighted blankets are on the expensive side, but the Luna strikes a nice balance between quality and budget.
Price: $
Care instruction: Machine washable
Material: Cotton
Weight: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 pounds
Filling: Microglass beads, polyester and microfiber
Like
- Cooling
- Made with moisture-wicking fabric
- Soft microfiber feel
Don't like
- Expensive
- Not as warm as other options
- Insert not machine washable
The key to deep-touch pressure stimulation is that the weighted blanket must cover as much of your body as possible. This can be a problem, especially for hot sleepers who struggle even with normal blankets.
During testing, the Gravity weighted blanket emerged as the best cooling weighted blanket. The soft microfiber fleece feels similar to the Luna; however, there is one key difference: The Gravity blanket is made with moisture-wicking fabric designed for hot sleepers who need extra breathability.
Price: $$$
Care instructions: Machine washable cover, insert hand-wash only
Material: Polyester blend
Weight: 15, 20, 35 pounds
Filling: Glass beads
Like
- Two-sided design: fuzzy or soft feel
- Affordable option
- Three weight options
- Machine washable
Don't like
- Not for hot sleepers or people who live in hot climates
- Doesn't have a weight option for petite people
- Only one color option
The Layla weighted blanket is our choice for the best weighted blanket for couples, thanks to its two-sided design. One side features a soft, plush material that is snuggly and warm. The other is a 100% cotton knit. Unlike some weighted blankets, it's available in a king size, which is perfect for sharing.
It's also one of the best weighted blankets for people with pets because it's so easy to clean. Fur is easily brushed off without getting stuck in the fabric. The Layla is also snuggly warm -- ideal if you get chilly easily but not for warmer climates or hot sleepers. If you want to try the Layla weighted blanket and see if it works for you, there is a 120-night trial and a 100% money-back guarantee.
Price: $
Care instructions: Machine washable
Material: Side one: Cotton; Side two: Polyester and mink
Weight: 15, 20, 25 pounds
Filling: High-density micro glass beads
Like
- Machine washable
- Soft cotton cover
Don't like
- Not for kids under 4
Children shouldn't use just any weighted blanket. Older children should use weighted blankets that are at most 10% of their body weight, and younger children should steer clear entirely: Weighted blankets are not safe for children under 4.
That said, kids' weighted blankets are designed specifically for the weight and size that kids can handle. The Mini from Baloo is the best weighted blanket for kids with its soft, quilt-like design. It's made from natural cotton for breathability and has a glass microbead filling.
The Baloo is only available at 9 pounds, making it a good choice for kids over 90 pounds. This blanket is machine washable, but it dries quickly in the dryer, so if you leave it in too long, you may damage it.
Price: $$
Care instructions: Machine washable
Material: Cotton
Weight: 9 pounds
Filling: Glass microbeads
Like
- Customizable
- Three weight options
- Machine washable
Don't like
- Not the best choice if you don't care about customization
- Beads shift around in the blanket
Mosaic weighted blankets, made by a family-owned and -operated company, are the best customizable weighted blankets you can get. They come in three weights, multiple fabrics and various patterns. If you'd value the chance to create your ultimate weighted-blanket experience, then you'll like the Mosaic.
However, if you don't want to spend time on customization, there are better options. We found that the Mosaic's weighted beads shift when you move, which can result in the weight pooling in one area.
Price: $$
Care instructions: Machine washable
Material: Cotton
Weight: 5, 8 and 10 pounds
Filling: BPA-free, hypoallergenic, FDA-compliant plastic pellets
Like
- Great value
- Machine washable cover
Don't like
- Lightest weight option is 15 pounds, which is too heavy for some
- Better for lounging on the couch
- Inner blanket is not machine washable
Weighted blankets can get expensive -- upwards of $250 for some brands. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Blanquil weighted blanket retails for $149. We found it to be more of a lounge-around-on-the-couch type of blanket than a bed buddy, but that may be what you're looking for. It features a removable outer cover that is machine washable.
Price: $
Care instructions: Machine washable
Material: Poly-blend
Weight: 15, 20, 25 pounds
Filling: Eco-friendly glass
Like
- Machine washable
- Soft, velvet feel
- Four weight options
- Two-sided design
Don't like
- 15 pounds is the lightest option
- Expensive
You want your weighted blanket to feel good, but it should look good, too. The SensaCalm weighted blanket is the best-looking weighted blanket. It has a quilted pocket design and an almost crushed-velvet look and feel. The other weighted blankets we tested look great, but SensaCalm is a step above. This looks like it could be displayed on your bed or couch all year.
The all-weather version of this weighted blanket features two sides: warm fleece and cool cotton, making it a great year-round option. It's one of the warmest weighted blankets for cool weather. Unfortunately, this is one of the most expensive weighted blankets on the list. The high-quality materials and luxury look will cost you around $265.
Price: $$$
Care instructions: Machine washable
Material: Cotton
Weight: 15, 20, 30, 40 pounds
Filling: Hypoallergenic, non-toxic glass beads and poly-fil
How we tested the best weighted blankets
Our sleep experts carefully curated this list based on first-hand testing. We tested the weighted blankets exactly as you would expect -- we snuggled with them, noting how they helped us sleep and relax.
Each weighted blanket was evaluated on its performance, cost and materials. The fill, weight and cleaning instructions were also considered.
What to consider when shopping for a weighted blanket
If you're looking to improve your sleep or ease anxiety, weighted blankets can help. So how do you choose the right one? There are a lot of weighted blankets on the market, so sorting through the brands can be tough. Keep these things in mind when shopping:
Fill and material
The magic of weighted blankets comes from the fill. Common fill materials include glass beads, plastic pellets and polyester microfill. This comes down to preference. Plastic beads are larger, making the blanket a little bulkier, while glass beads usually bump up the price. Also, consider what material you want the outside of the blanket. For instance, cotton can feel cooler than polyester.
Weight
If you don't choose carefully, weighted blankets can feel too heavy. Getting a weight appropriate for your needs and body type is important. Your weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight for optimal comfort. That means if you weigh from 160 to 190 pounds, you want a 15- or 20-pound weighted blanket. Typically, 35 pounds is too heavy for most people.
Price
There's a wide price range for the best weighted blankets. They can be as affordable as $35 or as expensive as $250 or more. Many cheaper options are just as soft as the expensive ones, while some at higher prices have special cooling technology. No matter your preferences, there is a weighted blanket at every price point.
What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets use deep-touch pressure stimulation to calm the nervous system. When we experience stress or experiencing anxiety, our nervous system kicks into high gear. Our hearts start to race, our muscles contract and our bodies are flooded with cortisol and adrenaline.
Studies have shown that deep-pressure stimulation can reduce cortisol levels in the body while increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. Then the body relaxes, and our parasympathetic nervous system takes over. Weighted blankets are essentially big hugs that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets can help us sleep better at night. But the upsides don't stop there. Benefits of weighted blankets include:
- Creating a sense of calm by reducing cortisol levels in the body
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety
- Increasing serotonin and oxytocin levels
- Improving quality of sleep
Best weighted blanket FAQs
Is it safe for kids to use weighted blankets?
You should never use a weighted blanket on infants and small children (age 4 and under) as it increases suffocation risks. Weighted blankets are not safe at this age.
Weighted blankets designed for older children are smaller in weight and size compared with the blankets for adults. Weighted blankets should only be 10% of a person's total weight. This means most adult weighted blankets aren't suitable for older children; they will be too heavy. Choose one specifically designed for children to ensure that it's correctly proportioned.
Here are the key things to consider when letting older children use weighted blankets:
- Only purchase weighted blankets that are designed for children. The blanket should only be about 10% of your child's weight. Do not round up.
- Start with supervised use to ensure your child can move around and lift the blanket without assistance.
- Remember, weighted blankets are tested for adults. Speak to your child's doctor to see whether a weighted blanket is appropriate for them. There may be other things you can do to help your child sleep.
Do weighted blankets really work?
Weighted blankets aren't a magic cure-all for anxiety and interrupted sleep. However, weighted blankets can help both things. They use deep-pressure stimulation to calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation -- somewhat like swaddling blankets do for babies.
More research is needed to fully investigate how weighted blankets work. However, various studies show they do help trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body.
How do I wash a weighted blanket?
Care instructions vary for weighted blankets. Some of them are easier to wash than others.
A lot of the best weighted blankets are machine washable in some way. Some have a removable cover, while others are fully machine washable on cold without a dryer cycle. However, others are spot-clean only. Always read the label on your blanket for specific care instructions.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
Weighted blankets are available in different sizes and weights, but you shouldn't pick casually. The general rule: Choose a weight close to 10% of your body weight. Choose less if that's your preference, but refrain from choosing more. For reference, if you weigh 150 pounds, you're suited for a 15-pound weighted blanket or less. If you weigh 200 pounds, opt for a 20-pound blanket or less.
Do the best weighted blankets make you hot?
Weighted blankets can feel hot for some sleepers. Blanket manufacturers combat this by using certain knit materials or special cooling technology. If you're a particularly hot sleeper, stick to a blanket that focuses on cooling such as the Gravity Cooling weighted blanket.
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