Best weighted blankets 2024 - after testing, these are my top picks to reduce stress and improve sleep

The best weighted blankets can have a bigger impact on your life than you’d think. From improving sleep to reducing anxiety and increasing comfort, these perks make investing in a weighted blanket a no-brainer.

But with a range of different weighted blankets out there - all boasting different weights, sizes, price points, and cleaning requirements - it can be hard to know where to start, making parting with your hard-earned money difficult. That’s why I’ve spent the last few weeks testing weighted blankets, so you don’t have to.

For this guide, I used my 15 years of experience as a professional product tester and my Ideal Home-approved testing process to put five weighted blankets through their paces. This meant using them in real-life situations, from cosy evenings in front of the TV to overnight testing with the best duvets in tow. During this process, I noted how relaxed the blanket made me feel and how it affected my sleeping patterns and overall well-being.

Then, I compared the weighted blankets against each other to determine which are the best in class and which are worth your money. So, read on for my top recommendations based on many hours of relaxation and comfort thanks to the best weighted blankets.

The quick list

Best weighted blanket overall

The Kudd.y blanket earned the top spot because it’s affordable, washable, cosy, and comes in a range of size and colour options. During testing the Kudd.ly weighted blanket was the one I automatically reached for when lounging on the sofa. I tried the 4.7kg blanket which is a nice comfortable weight to keep you feeling warm, snuggly, and relaxed while bingeing a Netflix series on a chilly autumn evening.

The fleecy fabric is super soft and cosy, yet I didn’t find it too warm during the night. It’s washable and the 4.7kg blanket came out of the washing machine pretty much exactly the same as it went in. It dried on an airer within 24 hours. But be aware that the 7kg blanket may be too heavy for your machine.

This affordable blanket is ideal if you’re looking for a blanket with a soft and cosy feel. However, if you’re planning to use it on your bed at night, pay attention to the dimensions. The smaller size might not provide enough coverage - it’s a little smaller than the average single duvet.

Best duvet replacement

As the second most expensive weighted blanket on this list, the Simba Orbit feels very good quality. It’s about the size of a single duvet and only comes in one weight. But, unlike the pricier blanket from Emma, this one comes with a removable cover included.

What I didn't expect is that the removable cotton cover makes this blanket feel the most like a duvet. It just felt a bit more familiar having this on the bed at night than a fleecy blanket or one of the ones without a cover on. 

However, the catch is that the cover is somewhat of a pain to put on and take off. This is partly due to the weight of the blanket making it a bit of a workout. But also because to keep the cover properly positioned, you have to tie it to the blanket - in seven places! But it’s worth noting that this is the case for most weighted blanket covers.

Notwithstanding, since the blanket isn’t washable, you really do have to put the washable cover on. And because it’s just like a cotton duvet cover it washes well and doesn’t make you feel too hot or sweaty.

Best premium weighted blanket

The Emma Hug blanket comes with a hefty RRP, but it’s worth checking the website as it’s often discounted. The blanket has a satin feel cotton outer layer and it feels very good quality, the glass beads don’t tend to bunch up within the pockets like they do with some cheaper blankets. 

The dimensions put it somewhere between a single and double duvet which is a good size, but there’s no choice of weights. And while it’s a nice, premium fabric, it doesn’t have the cosy, snuggly feeling that you get from some of the other blankets. 

Despite the care label on the blanket saying hand wash only, the website says it can be machine washed which is confusing. My washing machine has a 9kg capacity, so I gave it a gentle machine wash on a cool cycle and happily, it washed well. It took about 24 hours to dry on an airer.

Since the Emma Hug blanket is washable, there’s no pressing need to buy the cover. That said, washing a 7kg blanket frequently in your washing machine probably won’t do the machine much good. And at this price point, we would have liked it if the cover was included as is the case with its rival, the Simba Orbit. 

Best budget weighted blanket

The Silentnight Wellbeing weighted blanket is the budget choice on paper, but in practice it’s comparable to most others on the list, which makes it a great buy. It’s a large blanket available in two weights, both very reasonably priced. 

At this price bracket though, you don’t get a removable cover, nor is it made with a breathable cotton fabric. The exterior of the blanket is 100% polyester which might make it less breathable and a bit too warm for summer. But it’s very soft, and on chilly days it felt warmer and cosier than the Emma Hug or the Simba Orbit.

The care instructions say to spot clean only, which is a downside if you intend to use it on your bed. Silentnight doesn't sell a removable cover for it but the blanket has loops on the corners and sides to tie a cover on if you can find one to fit it. I was impressed with this blanket given the price, the beads do bunch together within the pockets, but that didn’t make it any less comfortable.

Best choice of weights

Sadly we weren't able to get our hands on the Oodie in time for this review so we can only compare this one in terms of specs. However, it’s the only blanket on this list that’s available in three weights, giving you ample opportunity to get the right weight for you.

Surprisingly, the RRP of £99 is the same for all three weights and like most blankets on this list it’s frequently discounted, so is actually a close second to the Silentnight in terms of affordability. But if you’re planning to use it at night, keep in mind that the dimensions mean it’s slightly smaller than a single duvet.

It’s not machine washable, so it might be tricky to keep clean if you have to hand wash it. Online reviewers praise it for being soft, cosy and snuggly. They like that the weight helps keep in body warmth, with many people saying it feels like a nice hug. 

How to choose the best weighted blankets

I understand that choosing a weighted blanket can be daunting, especially when you’re faced with different weights, sizes, and materials. Because of this, I’ve outlined the five main points to consider when choosing a weighted blanket below:

Weight: Of course, a weighted blanket has to be weighty to work its magic, but there are general guidelines you need to consider with this. Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, a neurophysiologist and sleep expert, explains, ‘If you're looking for a weighted blanket, choose one that's no heavier than 10% of your body weight.’

However, it’s important to note that this can vary from person to person, and the main aim is to feel comfortable under the blanket. You want to feel relaxed but not too constricted, and you should be able to move around easily if you need to.

Some people also find that it takes some time to get used to the extra weight and can only use a weighted blanket in short bursts, so you might prefer to start with a lighter weight before upgrading to a heavier weight after a while.

Size: Weighted blankets come in a variety of lengths and widths, so it’s important to determine how you’ll be using your weighted blanket. If you intend to use it for sleeping, you’ll need to buy one that will fit your bed - or at least your side of the bed.

If you only intend to use it while hanging out on the sofa to unwind after a long day, you won’t need to buy anything that big. Of course, if you’re buying a weighted blanket for multiple uses, it’s better to go bigger rather than smaller.

Cleaning: A very important consideration when buying a weighted blanket is cleaning, especially if you plan to use it as a bed cover. It either needs to be washable or come with a washable cover. And remember, if it’s washable but too heavy for your washing machine, that’ll be a problem. This is also the case when cleaning electric blankets.

Temperature regulation: Do you run hot at night? Are you always cold? Due to their weight, weighted blankets can often make you feel very hot while you’re sleeping. Of course, this may not be an issue for you, but it’s something to consider when choosing a weighted blanket. It may be that you need to opt for a cooling weighted blanket instead.

Cost: Lastly, cost will inevitably come into your decision-making process. Some weighted blankets have very high RRPs, but we regularly see them discounted, so if there’s a pricey one that takes your fancy, it’s always worth a look to see if it’s on sale. This is especially true during peak sales periods, such as Amazon Prime Day or Boxing Day sales.

How we test the best weighted blankets

You can find more information on how we review products at Ideal Home here, but to test the best weighted blankets for this guide, there was only one thing for it - I had to snuggle up and cosy down to see how they felt and how they impacted my sleep.

As a freelance reviewer, I used my Home Economics degree and career with the Good Housekeeping Institute to understand the specs of these products and how they positively or negatively affected my everyday life.

I tested these weighted blankets over a few weeks, noting how they fared when relaxing on the sofa and overnight and how the different sizes, weights, and thicknesses affected my overall enjoyment of the products. To understand how well they were washed, I also machine-washed them as per the care instructions to see how they fared in the washing machine and how easy it was to dry them afterwards.

I also considered the product's price point and other third-party reviews to see if other customers' experiences with weighted blankets matched my own. With all that information, I was then able to compile this list of the best weighted blankets.

FAQs

How does a weighted blanket work?

Most weighted blankets use tiny glass beads sewn into little quilted sections or pockets, and this is what gives them the weight. The pressure from the blanket supposedly calms the nervous system and aids relaxation.

Dr Holly Milling, Behavioural Medicine Sleep Specialist and Director of The Sleep Practice explains, ‘Weighted blankets can be a useful tool in achieving this, particularly for individuals who experience restlessness, anxiety, or neurodivergent conditions like ADHD. For those who benefit from sensory input to 'wind down' before bed, weighted blankets can be a valuable, non-invasive addition to their sleep routine.’

Some people find the weight comforting and liken it to being hugged or swaddled. It is also said to help with a variety of issues, such as stress and anxiety, that may adversely affect sleep.

However, it’s important to note that weighted blankets don’t suit everyone. Dr. Milling adds, ‘Some individuals may feel claustrophobic under the weight (which can make them feel less safe and relaxed), while others can find they get too hot (which can negatively impact sleep quality). It’s therefore important to listen to your body and assess how a weighted blanket makes you feel before making it part of your nightly routine.’

Do weighted blankets help you sleep?

Yes, weighted blankets can help you sleep. Dr Nerina Ramlakhan explains, ‘A weighted blanket can mimic the feeling of being cocooned, which can help you feel safe and alleviate feelings of restlessness - and both are conducive to deeper, more restorative sleep.’

However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. A weighted blanket may make very little difference if you’re already a good sleeper and fall asleep quite quickly.

Ultimately, this all depends on the individual. We delve a bit further into the topic and talk to some experts in this article.

Should a weighted blanket go over or under a duvet?

If you want to use a weighted blanket at night, you’ll be happy to know that there is no right or wrong way to use it. You could choose to lay it over the top of your duvet, underneath your duvet, or even instead of your duvet.

Ultimately, you need to find what works for you and what helps you sleep. Some people find that they don’t feel the benefits if it’s on top of their duvet, while others find that it’s a little too heavy underneath their duvet.

The easiest way to decide is to test both and take note of which one helps you sleep better. In some cases, weighted blankets can have the opposite effect and cause stress and anxiety because they’re uncomfortable, so you must ensure that they feel comfortable and comforting.

We'll do our best to keep this piece updated as we test more weighted blankets to make sure you find the perfect one for you.