The Best Weighted Blankets to Keep You Calm and Cozy

To put it mildly, there’s been a lot to be stressed out about in recent years. You’re forgiven if you’ve experimented with new methods to cope with insomnia or anxiety, whether that’s creating a new bedtime routine or making small, thoughtful changes to your space to make it more conducive to deep, quality sleep. If there’s one thing you should consider adding to your arsenal if you haven’t already, it’s a weighted blanket. This one element of bedding is basically a miracle worker, scientifically proven to help relieve insomnia and anxiety. Of course, you should speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing either issue, but if non-invasive relief is what you’re after, a weighted blanket could be one of your best bets. Regardless, there’s no doubt that weighted blankets can be beneficial, and they’re absolutely worth checking out. If you’re not sure where to begin, especially since they’ve boomed in popularity over the past couple of years and every brand seems to have one, we researched, tested, and selected the best weighted blankets out there. Hot sleeper? There’s one for you. Unfamiliar with weighted blankets? We’ve got a pick for newbies, too.

• Best Overall: Baloo Living Weighted Blanket
• Best Budget-Friendly: Luna Cotton Weighted Blanket
• Best Beginner: ZonLi 100% Cotton 20 Lb Weighted Blanket
• Best Luxury: Sunday Citizen Bamboo Crystal Weighted Blanket
• Best All-Season: Coyuchi Honeycomb Organic Heavyweight Throw
• Best Heated: Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth Blanket
• Best Cooling: Bearaby Tree Napper Weighted Blanket
• Best Travel-friendly: Gravity Flex Travel Blanket
• Best Classic: Casper Weighted Blanket

So what exactly is a weighted blanket and how does it work? Let’s get into it.

A weighted blanket is, well, a blanket that has more weight to it than your average cozy blanket. This is usually achieved with hundreds of tiny weighted beads inside the blanket, which used to be made of plastic but nowadays are often glass. The extra weight provides a pressure that’s similar to being hugged or swaddled, which is now proven to have a calming effect for many people. That pressure, as well as the grounding effect of the extra weight, can help lower cortisol levels (aka, your fight-or-flight response). There’s still a lot of research that needs to be done on the effectiveness of weighted blankets, but they’ve been used for decades and many individuals swear by them, including AT editors. All in all, the early studies are promising — and if a weighted blanket works for you, all the better.

When it comes to picking a weighted blanket, finding the proper size and weight is the most important factor. The general rule of thumb is to choose a weight that’s 10 percent of your body weight, although you might prefer to go even higher if you really want to be swaddled. As for size, there are surprisingly quite a few different options out there. There are throw blanket-style ones that are made for lounging on the couch, which are often smaller, less expensive, and less extreme as the larger options. If you want your weighted blanket to act as a comforter, you can find larger sizes that can fit easily over your whole bed. There are even some travel sizes available if you want to take your weighted blanket with you on a flight or on the road.

Weighted blankets are typically made of two components: an outer shell and the inner weighted material. If duvet covers are included or sold separately, these make it much easier to keep your blanket clean and can even make it look exactly like a standard comforter. When it comes to the outer material, there are a few types to look for:

• Cotton: If you sleep hot or want something close to the feel of a typical comforter, look for cotton. Cotton is more breathable than microfiber and promotes airflow, plus it won’t detract from your bedroom’s aesthetics.
• Microfiber/polyester: Synthetic materials will result in a way less expensive weighted blanket, but you should avoid if you sleep hot because they retain heat.
• Lyocell: If sustainability is top of mind, look for plant-based fibers. These are less common but growing in popularity, both for their eco-friendliness and breathable, cool-to-the-touch feel.

The inner weighted piece of your weighted blanket is most likely made of a cotton or polyester batting with hundreds of tiny weighted beads. While most of the original weighted blankets used plastic beads, concerns for the environment have led many brands to switch to glass beads. A good weighted blanket is constructed so that you don’t notice the beads at all, and if you can feel them moving around too much, then you may want to upgrade to a higher-quality blanket.

Back to our point about duvet covers: Using one, whether it’s an add-on option with your weighted blanket or you find one separately, is more than worth considering, especially if the blanket you choose is less decorative and more functional. Weighted blankets can be hard on your washing machine, especially those over 10 pounds, and even harder to dry. We’ve specified the manufacturer’s washing recommendations for each of our top picks, but unless it’s an all-knit-style blanket, we recommend throwing a duvet cover on it. This also helps you customize the look and feel of your weighted blanket — but we don’t blame you for wanting to show off some of the options below just as they are.

Like other bedding essentials, weighted blankets should be safe to use and as easy on the environment as possible. You’ll find the usual suspects in the fields of safety and sustainability in our list, but here is a fuller list of certifications to look out for.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified: Products are free of harmful synthetics and dyes.
• Made in Green by OEKO-TEX certified: Materials used in products are traceable and have been tested for and are free from harmful substances.
• GOTS certified: Products align with the Global Organic Textile Standard, which defines the worldwide recognized requirements for organic textiles.
• Cotton LEADS program: A reliable cotton supply chain providing raw material that is responsibly produced and identified.
• Made Safe certified: Products are nontoxic and made with safe ingredients/materials.
• Fair Trade certified: Products are created in alignment with the economic standards in place for manufacturers to equitably distribute the benefits of ingredient, material, or product trade.

We tested a wide range of weighted blankets, judging them on the following criteria:

• Feel: Is the blanket appropriately weighted? Is it soft to the touch? Is it comfortable to wrap up in? Is it comfortable as a bedding layer during a full night’s sleep?
• Effectiveness: Does the weighted blanket actually help de-stress? Does it improve sleep quality or help us fall asleep faster?
• Availability: Is the weighted blanket available in different sizes and weights? Are there multiple color choices? Can it be used with a duvet cover?

It was not an easy task to select just one weighted blanket as the best overall, but when everything’s said and done, the Baloo Living blanket checks pretty much every box. First, its cover is made of cotton and it has a glass microbead fill, so there’s zero plastic and zero polyester — a plus for hot sleepers or those with sensitive skin. There are also quite a few different options, including a smaller throw blanket, regular bed blanket for sleeping, and a large comforter for those who are really serious about their weighted blanket life. The only con is that this blanket looks like your standard duvet insert, so you might want to invest in one of Baloo’s linen duvet covers. AT lifestyle editor Ella went with a weight higher than the 10 percent rule, and she says that it “puts me out like a light.” Even better? “Overall I love it, and I love that it doesn’t make me too heated when I sleep because I run really hot.” So whether you’re a hot sleeper or cold, looking for a throw blanket or heavy-duty comforter, prefer white bedding or something else, Baloo can make it happen.

Specifications:

• 100% cotton outer shell and glass microbead fill
• Available in 3 sizes, 3 weights, and 3 colors
• Available with linen duvet cover (sold separately)
• Portions of proceeds are donated to non-profits
• Machine washable

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who want something machine washable; those who want something plastic free; those who want something attractive.

Good to Know: If you want to save money, you can buy an open-box blanket for less.

Weighted blankets are pretty incredible, but they do have a flaw: They’re expensive. Even the “budget” ones tend to be pretty high-priced — in fact, it’s difficult to find any under $50, even on sale. That’s why our budget pick is the Luna, which is priced at around $70, depending on the size and weight. Although it’s certainly not “cheap,” the Luna is well priced compared to its near-$300 competitors and comes with some great features: an organic cotton shell, microbead fill, 16 different color choices, and some fun duvet cover options. According to AT home projects editor Megan: “This is a little cozier than my other weighted blanket thanks to the cotton construction (my other one is microfiber). The queen size is also HUGE, which I love! I can bury my whole body beneath it. It makes me feel like a giant, swaddled baby in the best way.” Yes, please.

Specifications:

• 100% cotton outer fabric with glass microbead fill
• Available in 5 sizes, 9 weights, and 22 colors
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified cotton
• Machine washable

Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t want to spend more than $100; those who want plenty of options.

Good to Know: You can also buy the set with the weighted blanket and duvet cover for just under $100.

*Honorable Mention: Amazon’s GSLE Weighted Blanket is an editor favorite and a really good gift option, as recommended by Megan for a few years running.

If you’re new to the weighed blanket scene or a little weary of topping yourself with 10 – 20 pounds of weight, we wanted to provide an option that requires very little investment and that you can get ASAP (because we don’t know how we lived without our weighted blankets for so long). The ZonLi 100% cotton blanket is our best weighted blanket for beginners for its quality construction, comfort, Amazon availability, and exceptionally low price. AT commerce managing editor Ivy says, “I was given this blanket as a gift and love it. I’m someone who ALWAYS sleeps cold and needs a ton of blankets, so I was very skeptical of this blanket because it’s so thin to the touch. But as soon as I slept with it, I quickly realized it was all I needed. It’s also incredibly soft, and at 20 pounds, it’s not exactly light.” We love high-performing yet non-bulky bedding, so Ivy’s find is already a team favorite. “It’s a great budget pick, and great for someone’s first foray into the world of weighted blankets.”

Specifications:

• 100% cotton outer shell and glass microbead fill
• Available in 5 sizes, 8 weights, and 4 colors
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified
• Purchasing a separate duvet cover for washing recommended

Who It’s Best For: Those new to weighted blankets, not looking to spend too much; those who want something 100% cotton.

Good to Know: This blanket also has a ton of fans — over 24,000, actually — on Amazon and it often goes on sale.

The perfect luxury weighted blanket caters to the aesthetic and quality construction requirements of any other blanket and the calming, sleep-improving requirements of a weighted one — no missteps. Sunday Citizen’s Bamboo Crystal weighted blanket uses crystals instead of glass microbeads, which are added for further therapeutic qualities. “Amethyst is a natural tranquilizer; it relieves stress and soothes negative emotions,” reads the brand’s website. “Rose quartz is the stone of universal love, and clear quartz is known to magnify the vibrations of other crystals. Together, the three stones help you relax and sleep like never before.” AT assistant shopping editor Britt says the Sunday Citizen weighted blanket “is smooth, sleek, and cool to the touch, and it drapes beautifully. When I shift around, the quilting keeps the beads and crystals from gathering on any one side. The insert comes wrapped snugly in a cooling (machine washable) bamboo cover that’s available in white or grey.” During colder temps, Britt recommends using the snug cover it comes with, which is removable, to add plush coziness that’s ideal for chillier months.

Specifications:

• 100% microfiber cover and clear quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst microcrystal fill
• Available in 1 size, 3 weights, and 3 colors
• Machine washable cover; hand-washable insert

Who It’s Best For: Those who want to invest in a beautiful, high-quality weighted blanket; those who believe in the power of crystals or are willing to explore them.

Good to Know: You can try this blanket out for 90 days — including using and washing it — before returning it should it not be for you.

*Honorable Mention: Saatva’s Fair Trade Certified cotton velvet weighted blanket is both worth seeing and using, and bound to be the bit of bedding that gets the most fought over.

If you love the effect of a weighted blanket but find you can really only break yours out during the chillier months, we found the ultimate option that offers a sweet spot between full-on weighted blanket and lightweight bedspread: the Coyuchi Honeycomb heavyweight throw, a new addition to the home goods brand’s collection. Ivy, possibly AT’s biggest fan of the throw, says, “I love this blanket SO much. Where to start? It’s a new blanket from the brand that I got to try a few months ago, and I haven’t been able to part with it since the day I got it. It’s so luxe and soft. It’s not the heavy, bead-type of weighted blanket that may come to mind right away, and far from it. It’s a gorgeous piece of bedding that kind of transforms the way one might think about weighted blankets, being more functional and less beautiful. This blanket is 8 pounds and has a truly calming, relaxing quality. It’s heavy enough to feel a definite weight on top of you, but light enough as to where you can sleep comfortably and move around.” Being able to trek your weighted blanket from the couch to bed easily is an absolute plus. “It definitely helps me get a better night’s sleep, and makes me drift off more quickly. It’s great by itself, with a sheet, and with a sheet and blanket to layer beautifully — I’ve tried all three. It’s 100 percent organic cotton, GOTS + Fair Trade Certified, and washes so easily and has gotten softer each time.”

Specifications:

• 100% solid organic cotton
• Available in 1 size, 1 weight, and 1 color
• GOTS and Fair Trade Certified
• Machine washable on delicate

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a lightweight weighted blanket; those new to weighted blankets; those who want a versatile, attractive throw option.

Good to Know: Try it out for 30 days before returning it if you’re not into it. You can even test it for a full year and return it for store credit if you’re unhappy.

If warmth and weight is what you’re after, you may be just fine with most weighted blanket options that aren’t specifically “cooling.” But for the best of the best in this category, we’re going with the Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth blanket, a 2-in-1 option that heats and adds 13 pounds of comfortable pressure. Talk about the best hug ever! Britt wrote in her love letter to this weighted electric blanket that “an added bonus is that the power cord is detachable, so heat is conveniently optional for those of us who won’t feel the relief of cold weather anytime soon. There are four settings (warm, low, medium, and high), with the highest temperature reaching 105 degrees, and a built-in timer that automatically shuts off the heat after two hours of consistent use.” When it’s too warm to use the heating features of the WeightedWarmth blanket, Britt “found that medium heat was my sweet spot. I turn my A/C low at night to cool the apartment down before I go to sleep, and nearly dozed off on my sofa from how soothing the blanket felt!”

Specifications:

• Micromink and sherpa outer shell and glass bead fill
• Available in 1 size, 1 weight, and 1 color
• Includes LED controller and removable electric cord for optional heat
• Spot clean only
• 5-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep cold; those who want weight and warmth; those who want optional added heat with their weighted blanket.

Good to Know: It’s dual sided, so you can take your pick between cozy sherpa and micromink fleece when cozying up or even displaying.

The iconic Bearaby Tree Napper is, indeed, worth all of the hype. Yes, it’s expensive. No, it doesn’t look like a “normal” blanket. But it somehow manages to be perfectly weighted without any fill (no bead movement here), and is probably the most eco-friendly option you can buy. It’s made from silky-smooth eucalyptus fibers rather than cotton or polyester, and has been awarded a whole slew of certifications to confirm that it’s made in an environmentally and socially conscious way. The unique design means that it’s the most breathable option out there. “I love a good weighted blanket,” AT commerce writer Sarah muses, “but finding one that wouldn’t overheat me was always a struggle. In the past, I opted for options with fleece covers that I found, when combined with the weight, would always result in me breaking out in a sweat and not being able to properly enjoy the benefits of the blanket. The Tree Napper is a game changer. Because of its knitted design and eucalyptus fibers, this blanket provides great air circulation and remains cool to the touch all day long. Not to mention, it looks SO much nicer draped across my couch than my previous blanket.” Great aesthetics and functionality: our favorite combo. You can also buy in either cotton or velvet, as well as a newly launched kids version adorably called the Nappling. Looking for something travel-able or extra-extra-large? Bearaby has 6 total styles, each of which vary in size.

Specifications:

• 100% sustainable TENCEL lyocell
• Available in 1 size, 3 weights, and 7 colors
• Additional sizes and styles available
• FFC, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and Fair Trade-certified
• Machine washable
• 30-day warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something cool; those who want no fillers; those who want something eco-friendly; those who want something stylish.

Good to Know: You can also buy at West Elm (in exclusive colors!).

The original Gravity Blanket may have been the first weighted blanket you heard of, and it’s a reliable choice that we still recommend. While not the prettiest option, nor the most exciting, it absolutely gets the job done — and very, very well. All of this actually makes the Gravity Flex Travel Blanket an ideal travel essential, as it’s easily cleaned, just 10 pounds, comes in a waterproof carrying case, and remains as big as possible without the bulk (it’s just 6 inches smaller than the original). The blanket comes with an inner piece filled with fine-grade glass beads wrapped up in a plush cover that’s perfectly soft and cozy, and it’s straightforward and reliable, coming in one stain-resistant black color. AT real estate editor Madeline, a weighted blanket newbie before trying out the Gravity Blanket, says: “I’ll admit I was a bit of a skeptic at first…but I tried it right after taking it out of the box and was surprised at how calm I felt under it! It feels like getting a gentle hug in the best way possible, and it’s also allowed me to consciously decompress after work — a really wonderful gift during stay-at-home orders!” Britt says in her love letter to the blanket: “I could tell right away that the Gravity Flex Travel Blanket is super convenient for travel. You can hold the adjustable strap on the bag by hand or loosen it to sling over your shoulder. Most importantly, the blanket is easy to roll up and repack without any complicated maneuvering.”

Specifications:

• Technical, moisture-wicking outer shell material and glass microbead fill
• Available in 1 size, 1 weight, and 2 colors
• Includes carrying case and removable outer cover
• Produced in an OEKO-TEX Certified factory
• Machine washable outer cover

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a calming travel essential; those who don’t want to sacrifice weight for portability; those who want something easily washable.

Good to Know: You can also buy at Amazon.

Another fantastic choice if you want something classic, Casper’s weighted blanket looks good draped over the sofa or at the foot of the bed. Everything about it is simple, unfussy, and straightforward, from the construction (cotton with a polyester fill) to the weight (just three choices and only one size). The color options are neutral and available in a selection of classics like navy and gray or millennial-approved dusty rose, so you can be sure your pick will go well with your decor. The nice thing about Casper is that it provides a one-year warranty on its blanket, something that most others don’t do, and shipping is always free. While those perks don’t affect the quality, they do make ordering way less stressful. “I’ve only tried a few other weighted blankets in my day, but I loved this one!” says AT email and acquisition manager Hollis. “Most of the ones I’ve used have square patterns, but this one has rectangular ones, which seem to distribute the weight more evenly. I also really like how it’s a pretty heavy weight but doesn’t get too hot! It can definitely be used year-round, which I think is a major perk.”

Specifications:

• 100% cotton shell and polyester microbead fill
• Available in 1 size, 3 weights, and 4 colors
• Machine washable
• 1-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something simple and stylish; those who want something reliable to fit multiple decor schemes.

Good to Know: You can also buy at Amazon and Nordstrom.