"In my grown adult age, I never thought I’d be the type of person to rely on a specific blanket to help me sleep (some may call this a blankie). As much as I so desperately want to be the type of person who can just sleep under a non-descript blanket and call it a day (night?), I’m not. I will literally accept all the sleep aids possible. Fan on full blast, blackout curtains, eye masks, mouth tape, ear plugs—if someone told me something helped them sleep better, chances are, I’ve tried it. Despite trying all these tips and tools, the number one item that I would take with me on a deserted island to sleep better is my weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets are exactly how they sound. A blanket, but filled with weight. If you’ve never slept with one before, I’d compare it to the weight of having several blankets on top of you, except all that weight is coming from one. I am a super light sleeper, as any ounce of light or slight sound will wake me up (and keep me awake), but when I use a weighted blanket, my sleep is deep and uninterrupted. It’s immediately comforting, and the light pressure of the blanket gives me a perfect and calming night’s sleep that stacking blanket after blanket on me could never achieve.
What do weighted blankets actually do?
OK, I know what you may be thinking, “Why the hell would I want to sleep with a 15-pound object on me?” But hear me out. Weighted blankets are known to provide controlled pressure on your body as you sleep, allowing you to feel calm and secure, similar to how a baby feels when it’s swaddled (and who doesn’t want to feel like a swaddled baby every night?). They mimic deep pressure stimulation, which leads to a higher quality of sleep based on your body producing extra serotonin and melatonin.
How much does a weighted blanket cost?
Weighted blankets are usually on the pricier side. They’re not quite the same as that simple throw blanket you can pick up at Home Goods for $25 and swap out depending on the season. You’ll mostly see standard weighted blankets start at upwards of $100 and go up in price depending on size and weight. While they are more expensive, they’re usually made of high-quality materials, so you can be confident you’re getting your money’s worth. Because of their high quality, they last a long time and won’t disintegrate or pill after going through the wash. Plus, this is something you will be using every single night, so you already know that cost-per-use will pay for itself in no time.
How do I choose a weighted blanket?
The outer layer of weighted blankets is typically normal blanket materials—cotton, rayon, flannel, bamboo, and so on—but the inner fill could be dense yarn, beads, pebbles, or pellets, usually made of glass or microfiber. If there are beads or pellets in your blanket, you’re going to want to look for one that’s quilted because it allows the weight to be evenly distributed within the blanket itself.
Weighted blankets vary in size and could range in weight, typically from 15 to 25 pounds. Your weighted blanket should be 10 percent of your body weight—that’s why you’ll find most standard weighted blankets begin at 15 pounds and go up based on your needs. They typically come in all bed sizes, from twin (for solo sleep moments) all the way to king (for sharing, of course).
If you’re ready to jump into the world of weighted blankets but aren’t sure where to start, this weighted blanket buying guide is the perfect place. Below, I’ve listed seven of the best weighted blankets you can pick up to ensure a a perfect night’s sleep night after night.
The Best Weighted Blankets
Best Overall Weighted Blanket
Best Overall Weighted Blanket: Baloo’s weighted blankets are definitely the gold standard for weighted blankets. There’s no fuss nor frills about them, and they look stylish and chic on display. They’re made of 100 percent cotton and have a high-quality look and feel that’s lightweight and soft to use year-round.
- Filled with glass micro-beads
- Quilted design
- Machine washable and dryable
- Available in 12-25 pound options
- Throw size is only available in a 12 pound option
$188 – $261
5 colors available
WHAT OUR TEAM SAYS
“I have been a devoted weighted blanket user for years now—hence, why I wrote this article—and by far, my favorite one I have owned has been my Baloo blanket. I run hot when I sleep, and I’m sensitive to certain materials, so the Baloo Weighted Blanket is everything I could ask for in one 12-pound package. It’s the perfect size for one person, and the material is soft and lightweight enough to keep me cool.”
— Bella Gil, Associate Commerce Editor
Best Splurge Weighted Blanket
Best Splurge Weighted Blanket: If you want a weighted blanket that doesn’t quite look like a weighted blanket, Bearaby is the brand for you. Their chunky knit blankets are hand-knit and woven specifically with the body in mind for calmness and comfort. It has all the functions of a weighted blanket while being a standout piece of decor in your bedroom.
- Made of buttery soft 100 percent cotton
- Machine-washable (but not machine-dryable!)
- Weight in blanket is evenly dispersed
- Velvet and cooling options available
- Available in 10-25 pound options
$199 – $279
7 colors available
WHAT OUR TEAM SAYS
“I sleep with my Bearaby weighted blanket every single night. I particularly love how the knitted weave makes it super breathable, so I can sleep with it on even the warmest summer nights. It’s a non-negotiable part of my nighttime routine that helps make sure I get the best sleep possible. As an added bonus, it looks gorgeous laying across the end of my bed when not in use.”
— Garri Chaverst, Senior Managing Editor
WHAT OUR TEAM SAYS
“I’ve had my Bearaby weighted blanket for years, and I’m still in love with how cozy it is. I have one of the Velvet Nappers, and the super-soft material makes it feel way more luxurious than your average weighted blanket. I love that the weight comes from the material itself, so there are no beads or pellets inside that might shift around or make noise. It’s the perfect option if you want all the benefits of a weighted blanket without compromising on look or feel.”
— Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Best Budget Weighted Blanket
Best Budget Weighted Blanket: If you’re unsure if a weighted blanket is for you, start here. This Amazon option is simple and affordable yet still boasts good quality for a comforting sleep.
- Cooling and breathable for year-round use
- Made of microfiber material
- Quilted design
- Machine washable
- Available in 10-30 pound options
$49 – $140
10+ colors available
WHAT OUR TEAM SAYS
“I got my first weighted blanket on Amazon in 2020 and haven’t slept without once since. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about weighted blankets, so the accessible price point allowed me to try it out without making a huge investment. I was truly obsessed with it, hence why I later upgraded to a more aesthetically pleasing Bearaby blanket. That said, my Amazon weighted blanket has held up very well—I now keep it in my guest room so that anyone who visits can experience how great they are, too!”
— Garri Chaverst, Senior Managing Editor
Best Look for Less Weighted Blanket
Best Look for Less Weighted Blanket: Our team loves Quince, so when we saw Quince’s weighted blanket in their bedding section, we knew it was going to be a good one. Quince’s weighted blanket has that chic, chunky knit look that Bearaby does, but at a fraction of the price.
- 15-pound polyester fill
- Made of a soft jersey material
- Woven look makes it breathable and light, good for warmer months
- Spot clean only
- Only available in 15 pounds
$149
5 colors available
Best Weighted Blanket for Hot Sleepers
Best Weighted Blanket for Hot Sleepers: Gravity’s Cooling Weighted Blanket is made from lyocell, which is highly breathable and cool to the touch, making it ideal for hot sleepers. The lyocell cover can be detached, and you zip it over the inner weighted blanket like a duvet, so you can easily wash or change the cover.
- Lightweight and thermoregulating
- Evenly distributed glass beads within
- Machine washable and dryable
- Available in 15-35 pound options
$99 – $117
6 colors available
Best Weighted Blanket Throw Option
Best Weighted Blanket Throw Option: This is the blanket your guests may be fighting over during your Love Island reunion watch party. It’s cozy and calming and feels like a comforting warm hug whenever you’re using it. It has a textured cotton design on one side and a smooth reverse side, so you can choose which one best matches your aesthetic.
- Filled with glass beads, evenly dispersed through quilt
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Only available in 12 pound option for lighter comfort
$169
4 colors available
Best Faux Fur Weighted Blanket
Best Faux Fur Weighted Blanket: Weighted blankets typically come in basic materials like cotton, but The Marshmallow is the exception. This faux fur option is soft, velvety, and boasts a lighter weight for slight pressure and easy mobility.
- Machine washable, line dry
- Less heavy than traditional weighted blankets
- Available in five to 17 pound options
$229-$489
10+ colors available
Bella Gil, Associate Commerce Editor
Because shopping is quite literally her full-time job, Bella is dedicated to making sure you spend your hard-earned money on products you’ll fall in love with. She spends her days testing, researching, and writing about a wide range of topics, from beauty products to rug cleaners and everything in between.