We Tested Weighted Blankets: Here Are the Best Ones

Apr 08, 2025

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Jamie Fischer is a writer for Real Simple. She has experience writing shopping content and is passionate about home, lifestyle, and beauty products.

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If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, a weighted blanket could help you wake up feeling well rested. To come up with our list of the best options, we tested 35 of them in our lab and at home, considering factors like quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. We also tapped Peter Polos, MD, sleep medicine specialist, for expert tips on how to shop for a weighted blanket, including how to choose the right weight for you.

It’s super cozy and easy to clean.

It may not be the most durable long term.

After using this weighted blanket from Target’s Threshold line, we couldn’t get over how soft it was. The warm, cuddly microfiber kept us comfortably cocooned, and despite its fleece-like feel, we found it surprisingly easy to clean. Our coffee stain came out effortlessly, and for tougher stains, the removable micro-plush cover can be tossed in the wash with the rest of your laundry.

Over six months, the blanket maintained its high quality. It wasn’t until the fourth time washing it that we noticed a few loose threads on the perimeter, though we found them to be fairly minor. Just remember that this pick only comes in two weights and two colors, which might be limiting if you’re looking for more options. While this blanket wasn’t exactly large enough for our bed, we think it's great to cuddle up with on the couch or in other lounging spaces.

Weight: 15 or 18 pounds | Material: Microplush | Filling: Glass beads | Care: Cover is machine washable

It’s cozy without being overly warm.

It can get fairly wrinkly.

If you’re seeking the comfort of a weighted blanket without the heat, go for the Aricove Cooling Weighted Blanket. In terms of quality, the blanket was a dream. It’s filled with multiple layers of breathable sheets, hypoallergenic microfiber fill, and super-fine glass beads, all distributed evenly throughout.

The combination of soft, high-quality fabrics, breathable layers, and fine beads provided just the right amount of soothing pressure to help us sleep without causing overheating. The pressure was so evenly distributed and well-constructed that we practically forgot we were even using a weighted blanket.

After two weeks of use in both the bedroom and living room, the blanket has held up beautifully. Aside from a few spot cleans due to sticky hands and dirty pets, it still looks as good as new. We were especially impressed that it retained its buttery-soft texture, though it did develop a few wrinkles over time.

Weight: 12 weights, ranging from 5 to 32 pounds | Material: Viscose made from bamboo | Filling: Glass beads | Care: Machine washable

The knit weave is stylish and allows ample airflow.

Since it doesn’t have a traditional filling, it’s less warm and cozy than a standard weighted blanket.

This chic knitted option from Bearaby offers all the benefits of a weighted blanket without uneven filling or quilted construction. Thanks to its chunky knit pattern, the blanket allows for airflow, keeping you warm without overheating. Since it lacks the fill of a standard weighted blanket, it’s a great choice for hot sleepers or summer use.

During testing, it stood out for its uniform knitting, evenly distributed weight, and elegant design. The top-notch quality remained consistent, even after months of use. If you’re concerned that spot cleaning the knit fabric would be difficult, don’t be—it’s completely machine washable.

Available in six muted colors and four weights ranging from 10 to 25 pounds, you can tailor this weighted blanket to suit all sorts of decor styles. It would be a great addition to any space, whether it be on the edge of the bed or the living room sofa.

Weight: 4 weights ranging from 10 to 25 pounds | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine washable

We tested 42 weighted blankets and evaluated their quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, and durability. First, we assessed each blanket's construction and quality, checking for loose threads and noting whether the material felt smooth and well-made or scratchy and stiff. We also measured it right out of the box.

To mimic real-world usage, we spent five minutes underneath the blanket while monitoring the temperature, heat, airflow, and breathability. We also moved the blanket to see if the filling and material made noise. We then folded, moved, lifted, and pulled the blanket, paying attention to whether the fill shifted or stayed evenly distributed.

To determine how easy each blanket is to spot clean, we poured 1 tablespoon of coffee onto the surface, letting it sit for 30 seconds and blotting the area with a cool, wet towel. If a stain remained after this initial cleaning, we treated it with a Tide pen. For the machine-washable options, we washed them according to the manufacturer's instructions and evaluated whether they showed any signs of wear or damage. We also measured the blanket again to see if it shrunk after washing.

Once our lab tests were complete, we took the blankets home and evaluated their performance after three and six months of use. Combining our lab results with our long-term testing insights, we’ve rounded up the best weighted blankets on the market.

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According to Dr. Polos, weighted blankets can create deep pressure stimulation, which promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and helps those who struggle with falling asleep.

While some of the wellness claims surrounding weighted blankets remain anecdotal, more and more studies are being conducted to measure the effectiveness of them. One study showed that weighted blankets helped participants with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorder fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Another study found that weighted blankets improved insomnia in participants with sensory sensitivity.

When shopping for a weighted blanket, look for one that’s roughly 10% of your body weight—so if you weigh around 200 pounds, a 20-pound blanket will hit the mark. You can find your optimal blanket weight with this guideline, but keep in mind that the number doesn’t need to be perfectly precise—Dr. Polos says anywhere from 5% to 12% of your body weight should work.

As with standard blankets, the material can make a significant difference in warmth and comfort. For hot sleepers, we recommend a breathable material like cotton or a temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking material like bamboo. For example, our best cooling pick, the Aricove Cooling Weighted Blanket, is made with viscose from bamboo. And while they don’t technically have cooling technology, knit options like the Bearaby Cotton Napper allow for plenty of ventilation and airflow.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for an option to keep you cozy, consider a blanket with a faux-shearling or fleece backing to add an extra layer of warmth.

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This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 42 weighted blankets and evaluated them on quality, comfort, warmth, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. For expert tips, we consulted Peter Polos, MD, a sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number.

Bolic Baric, V., Skuthälla, S., Pettersson, M., Gustafsson, P. A., & Kjellberg, A. (2021). The effectiveness of weighted blankets on sleep and everyday activities – A retrospective follow-up study of children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 30(8), 1357–1367. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2021.1939414

Davis-Cheshire, Rhonda, Bennington, Savannah, Hartsek, Allison, Kelly, Teresa, Marinelli, Janeene, Perez, Amanda, The Impact of Weighted Blanket Use on Adults with Sensory Sensitivity and Insomnia, Occupational Therapy International, 2023, 3109388, 13 pages, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/3109388