It’s a busy time of the year and juggling work, family, and your social life can sometimes get a little overwhelming. We get it. No matter your age, status, or occupation, it’s important to take the time to unwind. Aside from spa breaks, watching reality TV, or ordering your favorite takeout, making sure you get quality sleep can do wonders for your well-being. But that’s easier said than done.
Well, a weighted blanket can help. Designed for deep sleep and relaxation, it’s no surprise they’ve become one of the most popular products on the market. It’s true, weighted or "gravity" blankets have proven to ease stress and anxiety, so you can drift off with ease.
Skeptical? Many of our weighted blanket testers were too. So take it from us: We’ve tried out some of the most talked about blankets, as well as some newcomer options, to see how snuggly they actually are.
Once you’ve upgraded to a comfy mattress and found the pillow of your dreams, it’s time to jump on the weighted blanket bandwagon, because you deserve to get a great night's sleep.
The best weighted blankets, tested by our experts
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When you're shopping for weighted blankets, the designs often start looking all the same. Quilted designs packed with glass beads to distribute even weight is the norm. Bearaby's signature weighted blanket, the Napper, instead delivers a statement loop knit design that makes a super stylish addition to the bed and the couch.
Features
You won't have to be disturbed by any sounds of glass beads when shifting under the blanket, or worry about the blanket ripping and creating a massive mess since this one is made from layers and layers of fabric. It's available in three configurations, the original cotton made with organic cotton; the Tree Napper, made of Tencel (and the most breathable of the lineup); and the indulgent Velvet Napper, which uses eco velvet made from recycled marine plastic (aka 900 plastic bottles that are upcycled into 100% recycled polyester).
Our verdict
Our weighted blanket tester Jaclyn is a reformed skeptic. Yes, we said it, she absolutely loves the Bearby for its hand-knit weave that's hard to find in weighted blankets. Especially because the chunky open-knit also helps promote airflow. Her only note of caution: The chunky knit can space out if pulled on too much, and you may notice the ability to poke your toes through. It is surely an investment piece, too.
Luna weighted blankets are a testament to the fact that you don't have to spend a fortune to find a great product. Many models are available in different sizes designed as either a throw or full bedspread.
Features
There's a lot to love here. Choose from a variety of stylish prints and colors, or make the most of the perimeter loops and add your own duvet cover in a soft cotton or breathable bamboo. Then choose from a great selection of weights, ranging from 5 lbs to 30 lbs. It's super easy to care for, too, thanks to the machine-washable design.
Our verdict
A common concern of most bead-filled weighted blankets is that after a while, the beads may start to leak. Unfortunately, that was the case for some reviewers who noted that beads shifted through the baffle-box design or were spilling out of the blanket. This wasn't our former ecommerce editor Amy's experience though. In fact, she said the design felt durable, with a full layer of glass beads for even weight. Besides, there is a lifetime warranty to cover you if this does occur.
The Brooklyn Bedding Dual Therapy Blanket is an all-season option, whether you're looking to be cool and comfortable or cozy and snug. It's a dual duvet cover design made of bamboo and plush microfiber.
Features
Made of two different materials, you can simply flip the blanket over depending on the experience you're after — either a cooling bamboo surface or a soft and warm microfiber. The machine-washable duvet cover has 12 ties to stay snug to the weighted blanket.
Our verdict
Jaclyn our toughest critic normally finds the pressure on her feet too great, like they're being pushed down when she wraps herself in a weighted blanket. She ends up kicking off a blanket near her feet. However, with this Brooklyn bedding blanket, she didn't have the same experience. She felt it wasn't too heavy and perfectly snug, without smothering her feet. Trying this blanket in the humid late spring, the slick bamboo fabric was cooling, refreshing even against her skin, even though the plush side showed outward.
Baloo offers one of the greatest ranges of weighted comforters we've seen that are fit for various bed sizes. The insert is designed to drape down on either side for a more visually appealing look, and the weighted glass beads are located in the center to keep it from slipping off the bed.
Features
This is one of the few weighted blankets to also use cotton batting rather than polyester for its inner padding, which makes it a highly breathable, cool, and comfortable blanket to sleep under. The organic cotton outer is deliciously soft, but it has 10 tie loops (at the sides and corners) to securely connect to a duvet if you'd prefer. Baloo offers its own linen covers or you can choose your own.
Our verdict
A stand out for Amy was the fact this comforter arrived in beautiful plastic-free packaging, as well as a card for how to connect to Baloo's playlist of soothing Tibetan and crystal singing bowl sounds, so you can start your deep relaxation experience from the minute the package lands on your doorstep. Baloo's plastic-free ethos is further enhanced by a carbon-neutral commitment achieved via its partnership with Sea Trees by Sustainable Surf.
The brand Gravity is often credited with starting the craze for weighted blankets and shedding a light on deep pressure simulation, so it would be remiss to NOT include its blankets. They have varied designs, but its best buy is also the brand's coolest.
Features
The newly refabricated Cooling blanket, now dubbed Gen 4, was recently revamped to be made of premium cooling lyocell for a cover that is silky-soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and extremely comfortable to lay under. Not to mention, the beautiful color selection. The blanket is available in three weights (15, 20, and 35 lbs). The duvet covers are sold separately so you can swap your cover for other designs throughout the year such as flannel, faux fur, or the original plush.
Our verdict
Much to Jaclyn's disappointment, if you move around it does sound similar to being on a bean bag, and the beads are fairly easy to feel, which isn't always the most comfortable. However, she was impressed with how the weight stayed in one place instead of one side becoming heavier than the other. The weighted inner is secured to the cover via an updated zipper and button fastening system too, ensuring it won't slip.
If you can afford it, we think you'll want to reach for this beautiful blanket every day. Uniquely filled with thousands of pieces of clear quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst that harness natural healing energy, this weighted blanket is different from what we've ever seen or felt before.
Features
The blanket is available in several weights, and in either a throw size that comfortably covers one person or as a large bedspread. The inner cover is a combination of glass beads and crystals, while the outer blanket is made of the softest, snuggliest microfiber blend called 'Snug Fabric' that claims to feel like a cloud.
Our verdict
Now, if you're not the type that feels spiritually connected with crystals, such as our tester Jaclyn, the blanket itself could feel a little gimmicky. But combined with the super soft fabric, she's hooked! She loved how the packaging also came with a sample of gems to show her what was inside the blanket or to simply pass along the good vibes.
Real Homes review process
We evaluate characteristics like material, construction, quality, availability of differing weights, washability, and cost. During testing, we tried all of these weighted blankets in all areas of the house, from the couch to the bed, to see how well we slept or relaxed. Making sure we used it more than a few times to get a good enough feel for the weight and design, we wash them, too.
Two of our expert reviewers tried the best weighted blankets in this guide. They typically tested 20 lb. blankets since it aligns closest to their weights.
Meet our weighted blanket testers:
Jaclyn is a hard nut to crack. Prior to trying out the best-weighted blanket on the market, in our opinion: the Bearaby Napper weighted blanket, she was a sure skeptic. To confirm she was truly converted to being a weighted blanket advocate, she also tried the Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket, Brooklyn Bedding's Dual Therapy Blanket, and Sunday Citizen's Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket,
Jaclyn used to be Real Homes' sleep editor but now writes for our sister brand, Homes & Gardens.
Amy had the chance to try out both Baloo's Weighted Blanket and the Luna Weighted Blanket. "As a self-proclaimed 'bad sleeper' whose rest is often disturbed by a racing mind, I have certainly had a whole lot of people recommend a weighted blanket to me over the past few years," she says. "However, weighted blankets don't come cheap, and as a skeptic I was doubtful they would really work. I mean, it's just a gimmick, right? Wrong! I can definitely say that their even weight helped me sleep more soundly and they're also great for snuggling up on the couch."
Amy was previously our decor editor but now writes for our sister brand Ideal Home.
What to look for when buying a weighted blanket
- Weight: Most manufacturers recommend opting for a blanket that weighs 10% of your overall body weight. We typically tested 20 lb. blankets since it aligned closest to our weights.
- Fabric: When seeking cooling weighted blankets, choose natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo over wholly-polyester models. If you're looking to cozy up, go for microfiber and polyester.
- Filling: Glass microbead pellets are today's standard, considered hypoallergenic and more sustainable, while plastic pellets can be noisy, trap heat, and are more likely to be noticed (though they're usually cheaper). Another growing design is seen in Bearaby's iconic knit weave design, where the weight is achieved by stacking layers of fabric.
- Care: Some weighted blankets are machine-washable themselves, but as a bulky item, a large drum washing machine or commercial-sized machine is likely necessary for larger sizes and heavier weights. Some take a while to dry, so having a cover you can untie and pop in the wash is far quicker and more convenient. (Have a read of our advice on how to wash a weighted blanket to answer all your questions, and refer to your blanket's care tag.)
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
Firstly, some science and psychology help explain the hoped-for benefits of a weighted blanket:
A weighted blanket falls under the principles of Deep Pressure Therapy, or DPT for short, which is the application of sensory touch — like a hug, squeeze, massage, or swaddling sensation. It has been shown in various studies to help to soothe the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
"Originally used to treat anxiety and autism spectrum disorders, it was noted that a heavier blanket often calmed users and helped them sleep more soundly," explains Baloo Living founder Elizabeth Grojean. "However these benefits aren't limited to those seeking help with a specific medical need; weighted blankets are now beloved by many for their help with general relaxation and comfort, as well as relief from stress, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and even PTSD."
Bearaby founder and CEO Kathrin Hamm says, "A weighted blanket has many therapeutic benefits and resting under one helps improve sleep, ease anxiety, and relieve stress." Hamm also notes, "Deep, restorative rest is the simplest form of self-care and in today’s busy, demanding, and increasingly complex world, we need more of it. A weighted blanket is an effective, natural, and drug-free way to fall into a deeper sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Resting under weight is proven to stimulate the production of serotonin (the happy hormone), reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), and increase melatonin, which helps you fall (and stay) asleep."
What’s the best weight for a weighted blanket?
There's no exact science to finding the best weight for a weighted blanket, but the generally agreed-upon principle is that you should opt for a blanket that weighs roughly 10% of your body weight. Of course, you can always start with a lighter blanket, and move up from there if you're worried the weight will be too much.
As an example, a 150-lb person would benefit from a 15-lb blanket, while someone closer to 200 lbs should choose the 20-lb option. Depending on brands, blankets usually come in at 5, 8, and 10 lbs for kids, and 12, 15, 18, 20, and 25 lbs for adults.
"The ideal blanket is meant to be relaxing, lull you to sleep, and calm your nerves; it shouldn’t be so heavy as to be uncomfortable," advises Baloo Living founder Elizabeth Grojean. In addition to weight, Grojean also points out to consider your sleep position: back or stomach sleepers can likely handle a heavier blanket while side sleepers might prefer something lighter. She also highlights thinking about concerns such as any joint sensitivity, such as in the knees, hips, or back, in which case a better option would be something on the lighter side. "And no matter what, whether the blanket will be used for an adult or a child, you should always be sure that the overall weight is something that that person will be able to move easily,"
