The 6 Best Weighted Blankets, Tested by Bedding Experts

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our scientists have tested 25 weighted blankets in recent years, both in the Lab and with the help of at-home consumer testers. We also interviewed occupational therapist Christine Rocchio Mueller to gain insight into the science behind how weighted blankets work.

✔️ Expert evaluation: We consider aspects like the outer cover fabric, fill materials, construction, care instructions, whether it connects to a duvet cover, and more. We also measure and weigh each blanket to ensure accuracy.

✔️ Consumer testing: Consumer testers sleep with the weighted blankets for several weeks before filling out their surveys. They rate the blankets on factors like comfort, weight distribution, whether the fill stayed in place, fabric feel, temperature regulation, and other qualities. They also provide insight on their user experience, especially any notable likes and dislikes, and any impact on sleep quality.

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 all-fabric design 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.
• 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, but these have become less popular over the years.

✔️ 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. Note that a larger size may be more difficult to wash and take longer to dry, depending on the style.

✔️ Price: We found that the best weighted blankets typically fall in the $50 to $250 range. There are more expensive blankets included in this guide that ring in closer to $300, but we made sure to also feature more affordable options that can be as affordable as under $50.

✔️ 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.

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 occupational therapist Christine 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," says 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."

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 first. 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.

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.

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, Apparel and Paper Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She currently leads product testing in the Lab and has assigned bedding products to more than a thousand home testers. Senior Analyst Grace Wu has also updated this story based on testing, as well as Amanda Constantine, home & apparel reviews analyst (and weighted blanket lover).