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The Best Space Heaters for Every Type of Home (and Budget)

updated Oct 25, 2022
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It may not be cold cold yet, but winter is indeed coming, and it’s bringing those bone-chillingly crisp evenings with it. Now’s the time to get ready for the freezing nights, before they’re actually here and everyone’s on the hunt for a heater. You might be stocked up on weighted blankets, plush comforters, and fuzzy socks, but even all those layers are no match for a drafty bedroom. No matter your budget, there are dozens (upon dozens) of quality space heaters out there that will safely keep your room warm and save you a bit on your heating bill. We rounded up our favorites at all price points, from $20 to $600, to help you get your home warm and winter-ready. Not only that, but most of them are small and compact, so they won’t take up too much space if you live in a tiny apartment. Read on to see our top tips and finds!

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Space Heater Safety Tips

  • First step: Make sure your space heater’s label shows that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn, or damaged, do not use!
  • Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close.
  • Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing, and rugs.
  • Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Also — don’t plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
1 / 10
Amazon
$38.32

This tiny heater can put out a whole lot of warmth. It measures a mere 8 inches tall and 6.8 inches wide, but it includes a powerful 1,500 watts and adjustable thermostat that lets you crank the heat on cold days. Thanks to the small size and simple, sleek black-and-white design, you can easily move it almost anywhere you want — even stick it on your work desk for some targeted warmth while you type away. An automatic overheat shutoff and tip-over switch gives you peace of mind whether you’re using this during the day or at night.

2 / 10
Amazon
$29.99
was $44.99

A no-frills option, this heater is a great supplemental heating source during the winter months. It offers two heat settings (900 watts and 1,500 watts), an adjustable thermostat so you can find the optimal temperature for your space, and a fan option for hot sleepers. It's also super lightweight, so you can easily move it around as needed — the oversized handle makes carrying it even easier. At just $20, it’s the cheapest option on this list.

3 / 10
Amazon
$36.99
was $41.99

If you like the idea of a teeny-tiny heater, this is another great compact option. It’s 9" tall and 6.2" wide, so it has a small footprint and great transportability. The 1,500-watt heating element has 11 temperature settings, plus low and high heat settings, so if you like options, this heater has plenty — plus the standard safety features like overheat shutoff and a tip-over switch. And the exterior is a simple, shiny gray that’s not half-bad to look at.

4 / 10
Amazon
$49.92

This heater’s got the same features as the others — 1,500 watt heating power and an adjustable thermostat, plus all the typical safety features. What sets this one apart is its stylish design. The compact “capsule” look is incredibly sleek and simple, a rare find in space heaters. It comes in a sleek black with a brown ergonomic carrying handle for easy transport, and the temperature knobs are tucked away on either side of the handle to maintain a minimal look you won’t mind displaying out in the open.

5 / 10
Home Depot
$86.89

Get the benefits of a larger heater without the huge footprint with this console heater by Lasko. The space-saving design features a thin base that can easily stand out of the way against the wall while the tall, angled top efficiently heats the room. It’s a cyclonic heater, meaning it takes in cool air at the bottom, cycles it up, and releases it as warm air at the top. That efficient circular heating pattern means your room is evenly heated at all times, and a digital display and remote control ensure you can easily keep your room at a comfortable temperature.

6 / 10
Walmart
$36.94

Want a digital option without the high price tag? This little heater has a digital reader sleekly displayed on the side that makes it easier to monitor your room’s temperature, plus a row of buttons along the top that let you quickly adjust the settings. It may be small, but with 1,500 watts, it does a good job of keeping a room warm. And it’s only $37!

7 / 10
Amazon
$21.99

Lasko is at it again with the super compact space heaters. This one is just 6" tall and lower wattage than standard sizes, but that only makes it perfect for placing on your nightstand or at your feet while sitting at a desk. Heck, even take it to work if your office likes to blast the AC at full power. The heater arrives fully assembled and is so easy to transport, providing you with additional warmth in areas that lack it. And at just over $20, it's a steal.

8 / 10
Walmart
$51.59
was $59.99

A lot of heaters blast warm air in only one direction, but as the TaoTronics electric space heater's name suggests, it oscillates back and forth to evenly spread the heat to every side of the room. This machine is also super quiet, so it won't disturb you from a restful sleep, and it has a built-in auto-off timer so you don't have to worry about whether you unplugged it after you leave the house. Notably, this heater also comes with its own remote, which allows you to control it without leaving your bed.

9 / 10
Amazon
$29.99

The first thing you'll likely notice about this genius heater is that it plugs directly into outlets without a cord, a feature that makes this tiny but mighty device so easy to take along on trips. Another cool element, though, is that you can manually set it to the temperature you desire down to the exact degree. The heater also shuts off by itself if it happens to overheat, preventing unwanted accidents.

10 / 10
Dyson
$499.99

This find is easily the priciest product on our list, but with the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool HP01, you're getting a lot for your money. That's because this isn't just a heater, but also a cooling fan and air purifier that removes nearly 100 percent of the air pollutants in your space. Additionally, the HP01 model's bladeless design is super quiet, and its stream of hot or cold air is strong enough to reach across the room.

Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.