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

The best weighted blankets are designed to offer a grounding pressure that helps us to relax. From improving sleep to reducing anxiety, these perks make investing in a weighted blanket a no-brainer.

But, with a range of different gravity blankets out there – all boasting different weights, sizes, price points, and cleaning requirements – it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I’ve spent the last few months testing a range of bestselling weighted blankets to help you narrow down your choice.

I have 15 years of experience as a professional product tester, so I set to work putting each weighted blanket through real-life testing 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. Read on for my top recommendations.

The quick list

Short on time? This quick list is an overview of three best weighted blankets I've tested. You'll find more information on each option if you keep on scrolling.

Best weighted blankets

Best weighted blanket overall

The Kudd.ly blanket earned the top spot because it’s affordable, washable, cosy, and comes in a range of sizes, weights, 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 I found was a nice comfortable weight to keep me feeling warm, snuggly, and relaxed while bingeing a Netflix series on a chilly autumn evening.

However, the good thing about this blanket is that both of the size options (you can opt for the smaller 122 x 198cm or larger 152 x 203cm size) are available in a choice of two weights, 4.7kg or 7kg, making it easier to find a manageable size and weight for your needs.

The fleecy fabric is super soft and cosy, yet I didn’t find it too warm during the night. Kudd.ly also do a cooling version with a non-fleecey outer, although I haven't tested this – it could be a good alternative if you're prone to overheating though.

Unfortunately, this blanket doesn't have a removable cover, but the blanket itself is washable. The 4.7kg blanket came out of my washing machine pretty much exactly the same as it went in. It dried on an airer within 24 hours. Just be aware that the 7kg blanket may be too heavy for your machine, and the brand recommends hand washing.

Best budget-friendly weighted blanket

I really liked the feel of this blanket. Its 'teddy bear' fleece outer is super soft and cosy, making it perfect to snuggle up under during cold evenings.

Unlike many weighted blankets it also comes in a good range of colour options – in fact, there are five in total, including the silver grey I tested, a darker charcoal grey, pretty blush pink, natural, and navy blue.

This blanket is also available in a great choice of sizes and weights. There's the 125 x 150cm 4kg weighted blanket, the 125 x 180cm 6kg weighted blanket, or the 150 x 200cm 8kg weighted blanket to choose from. Unlike the Kudd.ly weighted blanket, there just isn't a choice of weights for each size of blanket.

But on the plus side? This blanket is super affordable. In fact it's the most budget-friendly I've come across, with prices usually around £20-£30 depending on the size you opt for.

The only downside I found is that you can't machine wash it and the cover isn't removable. That means it's handwash only which may not be suitable for everyone.

Best heavy weighted blanket

If you're looking for a heavier weighted blanket, the Silentnight Wellbeing blanket may only be available in one size (roughly 150 x 200cm), but it comes two weights, a 6.8kg and a heavier 9kg option.

Even better, both are very reasonably priced. In fact, this blanket is considerably cheaper than many on the market

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, and I found its suede-like surface a bit of a strange texture, but that could just be me.

The care instructions say to spot clean only, which is a downside, and 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 though, I found the beads did bunch together a little within the pockets, but that didn’t make it any less comfortable.

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 sizes or weights, only this 7kg option. 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. However, that does mean it could be a good summer option.

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

However, washing a 7kg blanket frequently in your washing machine probably won’t do the machine much good. Instead, there's an Emma Bamboo Weighted Blanket Cover you can buy to protect this blanket, but you do need to purchase it separately, and as of writing that means an additional £35. Still, it's great to have the option as none of the other blankets I've tested offered this feature, and to my mind it's a lot easier to wash a cover than it is the heavy blanket itself.

How to choose a weighted blanket

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. Just bear in mind that weighted blankets are naturally heavy, so a larger size blanket is going to require more strength to lift and move around the house.

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.