What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

According to Dr. Breus, first and foremost, weighted blankets help to lower anxiety which is hugely beneficial toward being able to fall asleep and stay asleep. In addition, Dr. Blank says weighted blankets are specifically beneficial for individuals with ADHD and autism, as well as those suffering from restless legs.

How to choose the right weight for your blanket

“The data suggests that [a weighted blanket] should be approximately 10 percent of your body weight ,” says Dr. Breus, though he adds that that’s not necessarily a hard and fast rule. He suggests anyone who weighs more than 100 pounds start with a 12-pound blanket. If you’d like more pressure, gradually work your way up.

Who should not use a weighted blanket?

People with certain medical conditions may not be recommended to use a weighted blanket. Check with your doctor to be sure before using one.

The 16 Best Weighted Blankets of 2023

The options for stress-busting, sleep-enhancing solutions are endless these days. Essential oils, supplements, sound machines, and meditation apps are plentiful, but there’s one quick and easy fix that checks both boxes, reducing anxiety while simultaneously helping you sleep better. We’re talking about the weighted blanket, a fairly new concept that’s quickly become a wellness mainstay.

The buzz around weighted blankets isn’t just hype. The benefits of these blankets are legit, and clinically backed. Think of them as the equivalent of being wrapped up in a tight hug by one of your loved ones or having your beloved pet fall asleep on top of you. “Weighted blankets offer a calming effect, the same way a swaddle does to a baby,” explains licensed psychologist, Tamar Blank. “When pressure is applied in a calm and expected manner the brain receives signals to relax, lowering anxiety and calming our energy as we give in to the weight that’s on top of us.” (And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to feel calmer and less anxious?)

We conducted hours of research on the best weighted blankets, evaluating each model on weight options, material, breathability, style, and overall effectiveness. We also looked at how easily each blanket could be washed, by hand, machine, or dry clean only. After considering dozens of models and consulting a sleep doctor and psychologist, we narrowed down our picks to these top-rated selections.

Ahead, find the best weighted blankets to help you calm your nerves and fall asleep fast.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Casper Weighted Blanket at Amazon

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Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Layla Weighted Blanket at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Fandiishop Weighted Blanket at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Gravity Blanket at Amazon

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Best With Extra Benefits:

Sunday Citizen Crystal Weighted Blanket at Nordstrom

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Best Style:

Bearaby Cotton Napper at Nordstrom

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Best Washable:

Remzy Weighted Blanket at Walmart

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Best for Bed:

Brooklinen Weighted Comforter at Brooklinen

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Best Customized:

SensaCalm Weighted Blanket at Sensacalm.com

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Best Cooling:

BlanQuil Chill Cooling Weighted Blanket at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Casper

What We Like

Comes in three different weights
Versatile size
Breathable

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note the weight was too heavy

Casper may be known for its mattresses, but the brand has plenty of great bedding accessories, too, this weighted blanket included. We like that it comes in three weights—10, 15, and 20 pounds—and three colors, all made of extra-breathable cotton that keeps you from over-heating. The 50 by 70-inch throw blanket size is great for cozying up on the couch or layering over your bed.

Price at time of publish: $169

Material: Polyester, cotton | Sizes: 50” x 70” | Colors: 4

Layla

View On Amazon View On Laylasleep.com

What We Like

Comes in three different weights

What We Don't Like

Fleece material can make it a bit hot

This dual-sided option features super smooth cotton on one side and plush, minky fur on the other, ideal for when you want to feel either nice and cool or extra warm and cozy. Plus, the hexagon quilting adds not only a nice stylistic element but also keeps the weight spread out evenly across the entire blanket.

Material: Cotton fleece | Sizes: 87” x 80” | Colors: 1

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Moisture-wicking fabric
Machine-washable
Breathable

What We Don't Like

Polyester might be off-putting to some

We love this Amazon fan-favorite that is super affordable when it comes to weighted blankets. It's made from 100% polyester and nontoxic ultra-fine glass beads, which keeps the price low. It's machine-washable and has moisture wicking capabilities, ideal for hot sleepers. Fans note how soft and comfortable this blanket is, and although it only comes in one weight, reviewers note it works for most.

Price at time of publish: $116

Material: Polyester | Sizes: 48” x 72” | Colors: 1

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Gravityblankets.com View On Gravityblankets.com

What We Like

Comes in different sizes and weights
Removable and washable cover

What We Don't Like

If you buy on Amazon, it’s not a Prime item

This cult classic is part of the reason why weighted blankets are sometimes called gravity blankets. It comes in both single and king/queen sizes, and in 15- and 20-pound options for each. The micro-plush (removable, washable) cover is soft and snuggly but still super breathable, and also surprisingly stylish.

Price at time of publish: $250

Material: Microfiber, cotton | Sizes: 48” x 72”; 90” x 90” | Colors: 3

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Anthropologie View On Food52

What We Like

Has crystals inside rather than micro glass beads
Comes in four weights
Very soft

What We Don't Like

Blanket contents must be hand-washed

A weighted blanket is great, but a weighted blanket filled with crystals? Be still our self-care-loving hearts. This amped-up option is a favorite of Senior Commerce Editorial Director Dwyer Frame. Rather than using the standard glass or plastic beads in so many other options, it’s filled with crystals—more specifically, amethyst, clear quartz, and rose quartz. The exterior is noteworthy too, a cozy microfiber that comes in three subdued neutral hues.

Price at time of publish: $269

Material: Microfiber | Sizes: 52” x 77”; 90” x 90” | Colors: 3

4.5

Bearaby

View On Nordstrom View On Bearaby.com View On Pottery Barn

What We Like

Versatile style that doesn’t look like a weighted blanket
Machine washable and dryable
Lots of colors and weights

What We Don't Like

Loops can sometimes pull and snag

For those who don’t like the look of typical weighted blankets, this oversize throw can’t be beaten. The chunky knit blanket is made from buttery soft, certified-organic cotton and comes in three weights. The loops keep it nice and breathable, and it’s machine-washable (and dryable), too. Available in nine colors, there’s an option to fit every design aesthetic, no matter whether you’re using it as an extra layer on top of your bed or tossed over your couch for Netflix and snuggling.

Price at time of publish: $199

Material: Cotton | Sizes: 4 available | Colors: 6

Michael's

View On Walmart View On Michaels

What We Like

Removable cover
Has both cool and warm side

What We Don't Like

Single weight may not be heavy enough for some

Nationally recognized sleep expert Michael J. Breus, PhD, partnered with this brand to develop this blanket—and accordingly, it checks all the boxes. It's filled with high-density micro glass beads so it's nice and thin, despite the weight, and it's immersed in fiber mesh so it's not noisy—a common complaint when it comes to some other weighted blankets, says Dr. Breus. It comes in a 12-pound weight, and the dual-sided duvet cover, with both warm and cool sides, is removable and machine-washable.

Price at time of publish: $88

Material: Minky fleece; bamboo lyocell | Sizes: 48” x 72” | Colors: 1

Brooklinen

View On Brooklinen

What We Like

Great size and weight range
Ideal for using for bed

What We Don't Like

Ideal for using for bed

If you want to use your weighted blanket as your primary bed covering (or, not just for naps on the couch) this is the way to go. True to its name, it’s unique in that it’s a weighted comforter, not just a blanket. You get the same great type of comforter you’d expect from the standout bedding brand, just with built-in, evenly-distributed glass microbeads. It also comes in up to 35 pounds, a nice option if you have a king-size bed or are sharing the comforter with a partner.

Price at time of publish: $249

Material: Cotton sateen | Sizes: Twin-Cali King | Colors: 1

SensaCalm

View On Sensacalm.com

What We Like

Completely customizable design
Made with the needs of children on the Autism spectrum in mind
Double-sided sensory material options available
Cooling material options available are ideal for hot sleepers

What We Don't Like

May take longer to arrive because of custom features

Choose from not only 50 different fabric choices (in various colors, patterns, and even waterproof options), but also five different sizes. There are also—wait for it— 21 weights to choose from, ranging from 3 to 40 pounds, so you can easily find one that works for the whole family.

Material: Multiple | Sizes: 5 | Colors: Multiple

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Cool to the touch
Great for hot sleepers
Stays lined up with duvet during sleep

What We Don't Like

Not very large for its price

It’s only logical to assume that a weighted blanket will make you feel warm. After all, if a regular blanket does that, one that’s heavier will even be warmer, right? Generally speaking, yes, that is the case, but this is the exception to the rule. A great choice for hot sleepers, it touts a unique fabric that wicks away moisture and actually absorbs body heat, so much so that it actually feels cool to the touch—even though you’re still getting all those same weighted blanket benefits.

Price at time of publish: $150

Material: N/A | Sizes: 48” x 74” | Colors: 1

Luxome Ultra-Plush Minky Weighted Blanket

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Nice range of sizes and colors
Very cozy

What We Don't Like

Some may not like that it’s entirely polyester

On the flip side, if you’re always cold and are searching for a weighted blanket that will help you chill out and warm you up at the same time, this is choice. Both sides are made of plush minky fur to make this extra warm and cozy. Also nice: It’s one of the few options out there that comes in 8 pounds, which is lighter than most of the weighted blankets on the market and great for anyone easing into the trend.

Price at time of publish: $120

Material: Polyester | Sizes: 3” | Colors: 7

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Oversized size makes it great for sharing

What We Don't Like

Can be hard to store and fold

Most weighted blankets aren’t meant to be the same size as your bed; otherwise, they’d hang off the sides and end up getting pulled off. But if you’re seeking an extra-large option—be that because you do want it to fit the whole bed or just want to cuddle up with someone—this is a great option. It comes in several different sizes, the largest being an impressive 86 by 92 inches that’s available in 15-, 20-, and 25-pound sizes.

Price at time of publish: $58

Material: Cotton | Sizes: 86” x 92” | Colors: 7

4.3

Baloo

View On Amazon View On Baloo View On Huckberry

What We Like

100% cotton
Great option of sizes and weights
Machine washable

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

One of the only options on the market that features both an interior and exterior made of 100% cotton, this is a choice pick for those seeking to avoid synthetic materials. We also like that it comes in four different weights—ranging from nine to 25 pounds—and different bedding sizes, as well as throw size. The whole thing is machine washable, and the tightly-knit quilted design keeps the weighted filling snug and in place for even weight distribution. Although this is a more expensive pick, we appreciate that its interior and exterior are made of 100% cotton to justify the spending.

Price at time of publish: $199

Material: Cotton | Sizes: 4 | Colors: 2

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Lunablanket.com

What We Like

Wide range of options
Good price point

What We Don’t Like

Ideally should be hand-washed

No matter what your weighted blanket preference is, this brand makes it. The weight range can’t be beaten, starting at as light as five pounds and going all the way up to 35 pounds. It also comes in over 20 colors and prints, and sizes ranging from 36” x 48” to 80” x 87”. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the best-selling weighted blankets on Amazon.

Price at time of publish: $90

Material: Cotton | Sizes: 5 | Colors: 23

4.8

Saatva

View On Saatva

What We Like

Made of 100% organic cotton
Comes with a 1-year warranty

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Has to be dry cleaned

Not only is this made entirely of cotton, but it’s 100% organic cotton that’s also fair trade certified. Even the glass beads used inside are entirely natural. The quilted texture combined with the velvet material also makes this both look and feel extra luxurious; it’s beautiful draped over a couch or the end of the bed.

Price at time of publish: $345

Material: Organic cotton velvet | Sizes: Single, King | Colors: 2

Dreamland Dream Weighted Sleep Blanket for Kids

Dreamland Baby

View On Dreamlandbabyco.com

What We Like

Great for kids
Has both a cooling and warm side

What We Don’t Like

Only comes in one weight

Kids may benefit from using a weighted blanket, too. (In fact, a 2017 study found that they had a positive effect on reducing anxiety, insomnia, and overstimulation in children with autism and other developmental conditions.) Obviously, they need to be much less heavy than ones you’d use for adults; this four-pound option is great for children ages 3+ or who are over 30 lbs. It features both a cooling and cozy side, and even though it’s technically made for kids, is also a good choice for adults who are looking for a lighter option.

Price at time of publish: $99

Material: Micro-fleece, minky | Sizes: 36” x 48” | Colors: 2

Final Verdict

There’s no dispute as to whether or not the benefits of weighted blankets—reduced anxiety and stress, improved sleep, and a general feeling of calm—are legit. Experts agree that they most certainly are, making this one hyped-up product definitely worth trying. The Casper Weighted Blanket comes in three different weights and is breathable to prevent overheating. The Fandiishop Weighted Blanket is an Amazon fan favorite and super affordable option, though it does only come in one weight.

Meet the Expert

Tamar Blank is a licensed psychologist and the founder and director of Riverdale Psychology in Riverdale, New York. She treats individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal relationships, and other life stressors.
Also known as “The Sleep Doctor,” Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized sleep expert. He is a clinical psychologist and one of only 138 psychologists in the world with a specialty in sleep disorders.

What to Look For in a Weighted Blanket

Weight

Weighted blankets come in different weights, ranging from 2 to 30 lbs and up. It's generally recommended to use a weighted blanket that accounts for 10 percent of your body weight, though you might prefer a blanket on the lighter or heavier side. There are even weighted blankets made in special sizes and weights for toddlers and young children, which will be much lighter than a weighted blanket made for an adult. Some blankets offer a range of weights so you can find the one that feels right to you.

Price

Though weighted blankets can get pricey, you can find some solid options for under $100 on this list. So a cozy, weighted blanket that won't break the bank is out there. If you do want to splurge, you'll find plenty of varieties from high-end retailers as well as at big-box stores.

Extra Features

You can find weighted blankets on this list that come with extra benefits, like one that's filled with crystals and one with a cooling feature. Another blanket has an extra warming feature, so whether you sleep hot or cold, you'll be covered.

FAQ

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

According to Dr. Breus, first and foremost, weighted blankets help to lower anxiety which is hugely beneficial toward being able to fall asleep and stay asleep. In addition, Dr. Blank says weighted blankets are specifically beneficial for individuals with ADHD and autism, as well as those suffering from restless legs.
How to choose the right weight for your blanket

“The data suggests that [a weighted blanket] should be approximately 10 percent of your body weight,” says Dr. Breus, though he adds that that’s not necessarily a hard and fast rule. He suggests anyone who weighs more than 100 pounds start with a 12-pound blanket. If you’d like more pressure, gradually work your way up.
Who should not use a weighted blanket?

People with certain medical conditions may not be recommended to use a weighted blanket. Check with your doctor to be sure before using one.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Along with writing about beauty, she also frequently covers wellness. Her favorite way to unwind every evening? Snuggling up on the couch with her weighted blanket and watching Bravo.

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