Winter is coming, and a heated blanket is the simplest way to stay warm without turning up the heating. Modern heated blankets are soft, safe and surprisingly cheap to run, costing just a few cents per night. But there are important differences between models, and the wrong choice can mean cold spots, a blanket that is too small, or a controller that is impossible to use in the dark.

The first decision is size. A throw blanket, usually around 130 by 180 centimetres, is designed for one person on the sofa. A full or queen size blanket is designed for a bed and covers two people. Measure your bed or your sofa before you buy, because a blanket that is too small is the most common complaint in reviews.

Heating Technology and Safety

Modern heated blankets use thin, flexible wires woven into the fabric, with multiple heat settings controlled by a small controller. Look for a blanket with at least five heat levels and an auto shut-off timer, which turns the blanket off after a set period, usually between one and ten hours. This is the most important safety feature, and every reputable blanket has it.

Check for safety certifications before you buy. A blanket with proper certification has been tested for overheating, and the wires are designed to shut off if they detect a fault. Avoid no-name blankets with no certification and no warranty: a heated blanket is an electrical device you sleep under, and safety is not the place to save money.

Material and Comfort

The best heated blankets are made from soft fleece, microplush or sherpa, and they feel comfortable even when the heating is off. Look for a blanket that is machine washable, with a detachable controller and a clear washing guide. Most models can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but you must remove the controller first and let the blanket dry completely before using it again.

Dual controls are worth paying for if you share a bed. They let each person set their own temperature, which ends the nightly argument about whether the blanket is too hot or too cold. Some models also offer a preheat function that warms the bed before you get in.

Running Costs

Heated blankets are remarkably cheap to run. A typical model uses between 60 and 100 watts, which costs just a few cents for a full night of use. That is far cheaper than heating a whole bedroom, and it is one reason heated blankets have become so popular as energy prices have risen.

The most efficient way to use one is to preheat the bed for 30 minutes before you get in, then turn it down to a low setting or switch it off entirely. Your body heat and the blanket's insulation will keep you warm for the rest of the night.

Our Top Picks for 2026

The Sunbeam Royal Luxe is the best all-rounder, with soft microplush fabric, ten heat settings and a reliable auto shut-off. The Beautyrest heated blanket is the best choice for couples, with dual controls and a generous queen size. For a budget pick, the Bedsure heated throw offers good warmth and a soft fleece finish at a low price.

A heated blanket is one of the best winter purchases you can make. It is warm, cheap to run, and it makes cold nights genuinely comfortable. Buy a safe, well-reviewed model, and you will wonder how you ever slept without one.

Heated Blankets vs Electric Mattress Pads

A heated blanket sits on top of you, while an electric mattress pad sits underneath you, between the mattress and the sheet. Both keep you warm, but they work differently. A mattress pad heats the bed from below, which is efficient and comfortable, but it is harder to wash and it stays on the bed all year.

A heated blanket is more versatile. You can use it on the sofa, take it to another room, or fold it away in summer. It is also easier to wash and cheaper to buy. If you only want to warm your bed, a mattress pad is the better choice. If you want warmth wherever you sit or sleep, a heated blanket wins.