The best weighted blankets use deep pressure stimulation to help soothe anxiety and create calm. It's the same warm feeling you get from a hug with a loved one, or when a pet climbs into your lap. And as research suggests stress is a leading cause of poor sleep, a weighted blanket can help you sleep longer and wake up feeling fresher.
There are many ways for weighted blankets to create a full-body hug, but most use glass beads. Sewn into small pockets, these beads are then draped evenly across the body. You can use a weighted blanket for cat naps and relaxing on the couch, or pair with the best mattress for your sleep style when going to bed.
Weighted blankets are more expensive than your average comforter or duvet but in the Black Friday sleep and mattress sales, we expect to see discounts from many of our favorite brands. Just in time for hibernation season...
The best weighted blankets in 2026
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Best weighted blanket overall
There's no bigger endorsement for the Gravity Weighted Blanket than the response of our lead tester. A noted insomniac, he found the even pressure relief of the Gravity blanket helped gum fall asleep faster and wake up fresher. It was like a "gigantic bear hug", thanks to its soft touch and gridded design.
The Gravity Blanket doesn't have quite the color and weight options as other designs in this guide (opt for the YnM if you wanted a huge amount of choice). But the subtle finishes will suit most decors and the machine washable cover makes it easy to care for. The interior does have to be hand washed but that's standard for a weighted blanket.
Our review team described the plush cover as "absolutely fantastic for burrowing away from the winter chill." That brings us to the one downside, which is that it can get warm when you snuggled under the Gravity. If you're a hot sleeper looking for a weighted blanket, try the Bearaby Tree Napper instead.
Prices start at $189 from Gravity, which is a premium price for a weighted blanket (although not as expensive as the Bearaby knitted blankets). We think it's worth the investment but for a more affordable choice, consider the YnM or Layla weighted blankets.
- Read our Gravity Weighted Blanket review
Best cheap weighted blanket
We'd be hear for a while if we wanted to list all the colors, sizes and weights of the YnM weighted blankets on Amazon, but suffice to say there are options to suit almost every need. And there's one thing they all have in common; a budget-friendly price tag.
The YNM is made with a 100% OEKO-TEX certified premium cotton cover, glass beads and hypoallergenic synthetic fiber fill. Like other weighted blankets in this guide, it provides deep pressure stimulation (DPS) thanks to the glass-bead fill. The beads sit within individually stitched pockets, sandwiched between layers of polyester fabric, to distribute pressure evenly across your body.
Our reviewer found it helped reduce tossing and turning in bed, which in turn kept her sleeping longer. We rate this weighted blanket for both naps and sleeping at night, particularly as you can pick large sizes to cover your best mattress.
On Amazon the price varies depending on the size and weight option. Direct from YNM, this weighted blanket comes with a one-year warranty and 30-day returns (for a small fee), plus free shipping.
- Read our YNM Weighted Blanket review
Best luxury weighted blanket
The Bearaby Cotton Napper takes an unusual approach to weighted blankets. Instead of glass beads in pockets, it uses heavy knitted yarns to create deep touch pressure stimulation. The knitted finish gives it a stylish, luxurious look that you'll love thrown over the back of your couch or draped across the bed.
But it's not just about the look. The knitted finish helps create almost totally even deep touch pressure stimulation. There's no bunching, even if you toss and turn at night, to ensure you get the same bear hug from head to toe. And it's crafted from 100% OEKO-TEX, Fairtrade and GOTS certified organic long-staple cotton, which makes it soft, breathable, safe and absolutely sustainable. (It also means that this is the top organic weighted blanket in our guide.)
The Bearaby isn't quite as 'cozy' as the soft touch options in this guide (although for something that sleeps cooler again, try the Bearaby Tree Napper). For a blanket you can burrow into, stick with the Gravity at the top of this guide.
The Bearaby weighted blanket comes in a range of chic calming colors and a choice of four weights: 10lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs, and 25lbs. A 10lb blanket is priced at $199 while a 20lb one is available at $279. This also includes a 30-day return (for a small fee), free shipping and a 1-year warranty.
- Read our Bearaby Weighted Blanket review
Best reversible weighted blanket
The Layla Weighted Blanket stands out from the other options in this guide thanks to its unique dual-sided cover. You can flip the blanket to match your mood and what you're up to. We like the smooth cotton side for sleeping and the 'mink' feel finish for naps on the couch and curling up with a book.
The top side is crafted from 300 thread count cotton that feels soft and smooth, while the other features a polyester faux fur that's instantly soothing. On the inside there are high-grade, high-density glass microbeads, evenly distributed and secured within Layla's signature hexagonal pocket stitching. This means that the weight and pressure applied by the blanket is uniformly distributed across your body and mimics a relaxing hug.
According to our reviewer, who tested a 20 lbs queen size Layla weighted blanket, it minimized tossing and turning in bed and elicited feelings of calm and comfort, both while using it for quick naps on the couch and for a full night's sleep in bed. But if you're prone to overheating, consider the Bearaby Weighted Blanket instead.
The MSRP of a 15lbs Layla blanket is $204 (20lbs and 25lbs are also available) but sales run year-round at Layla so you'll never pay that much. Expect up to 50%, which reduces a 15lbs blanket to around $102.
- Read our Layla Weighted Blanket review
Best for hot sleeper
Bearaby's Tree Napper uses the same large looped knitting as the luxury Cotton Napper, but with Tencel fibers for a more breathable finish. The result is a weighted blanket that's both cool to the touch and doesn't trap any heat.
For those who experience night sweats, that means you don't have to choose between the soothing hug of a weighted blanket or disrupted sleep from overheating. You can enjoy them both (plus the attractive finish of the Bearaby's signature knitted design). Our reviewer found that throughout the night the Tree Napper blanket maintained an even temperature and when she woke up she felt as fresh as she did climbing into bed.
That does mean the Tree Napper lacks that hibernating hug of a more traditional design, like the Gravity Weighted Blanket. If you don't mind a little excess warmth and you want a blanket fit for hibernating, we recommend sticking with our top choice.
But it's rare to find a cooling weighted blanket that actually feels cool and for that, we think the Tree Napper justifies its premium price tag. Prices start at $249 and there are 10, 15, 20, and 25 lb blankets available in a variety of sothing colors.
How we test weighted blankets
A thorough research and review process backs our best weighted blanket guide. This involves exploring the market to understand the popular picks at a time and why they are crowd favorites. After filtering and selecting the top models, we put each to a two-week testing period where we evaluate its overall performance out of a score of 5 across six parameters:
- Shipping
- Material quality
- Weight distribution and pressure relief
- Temperature regulation
- Impact on sleep quality
- Ease of maintenance
The next step is to compare our score with user ratings on the various retailer websites to gauge customer feedback and their concerns, if any. This helps us provide you with all the details regarding a particular weighted blanket and its specs and gives us a chance to see if the features and benefits really match what each brand claims.
Weighted Blanket Shopping Advice
How to choose the best weighted blanket for you
The first thing to consider before you choose a plush weighted blanket for yourself is to see if it matches your body weight. The ideal blanket should not be more than 10% of your body weight. We look at this in more detail further down in this guide (see FAQs), so for now here are some other things to consider when choosing a heavy blanket:
- Is it the right fit? Weighted blankets aren't meant to drape over the sides of your bed like a traditional duvet. Instead, they should rest neatly on top of your body. This ensures the weight is evenly distributed across your body, so you can get the full relaxing effect without it slipping off during the night.
- Can you wash it easily? Some blankets can be machine washed on a cold setting, while others have removable covers. The hardest to care for are spot-clean only. Check the care tag before you buy, in case you are after a washable weighted blanket.
- Do you sleep hot or have allergies? If you're prone to overheating, look for a weighted blanket with breathable, cooling materials. And if you have allergies, the best weighted blanket for you is one made with hypoallergenic materials such as organic cotton.
- Do you have an existing health condition? The blankets in our guide are designed for use by healthy adults. If you have conditions like asthma, low blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, type 2 diabetes, or claustrophobia, the use of weighted blankets is not advised. If in doubt, speak with your doctor before buying.
Once you know which weight is right for you, choosing the best weighted blanket for your sleep and mental health is down to personal preference. If you’re having trouble deciding, then pick a blanket that comes on a risk-free trial. The Layla is a good option in this case with its 30-day free trial.
Best Weighted Blanket FAQs
What do doctors say about weighted blankets?
"When patients of mine feel stressed out or worried, I frequently recommend giving a weighted blanket a try. It makes your body feel at ease. It can relax your heart rate and assist your brain in releasing relaxing chemicals such as serotonin," says Dr Emma Lin, a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist, and co-founder of ReadyO2.com.
"As a physician of sleep medicine, I’ve seen it make an impact in relaxing individuals prior to sleeping," she adds.
However, medical experts also point out that weighted blankets may not be for everyone. "They can be quite warm , which is not ideal for hot sleepers or during warmer months. Some people may find them too restrictive, particularly if they move a lot during sleep or have claustrophobia," says Dr Mosun, a consultant Psychiatrist at Cassioburt Court.
"People with certain medical conditions should avoid them. For example, sleep apnea sufferers may find the weight exacerbates breathing difficulties and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions also might struggle with the added pressure. Children under the age of 2 should never use them due to the risk of suffocation," she explains.
Is a 20 pound weighted blanket too heavy?
This entirely depends on your body weight. The general rule is that a weighted blanket should be no more than 10% of your body weight. So, if you roughly weigh between 220lbs, you will want a weighted blanket of around 20lbs. It’s safe to go lighter at first if you're unsure what weight would give you the most benefit.
If you're lighter than that, a 20lb blanket might feel too heavy. It can restrict your movements and end up being claustrophobic, which can disrupt sleep rather than improve it. For most adults, a 10-20 lbs weighted blanket is common. If you're not sure, it's a good idea to size down rather than up.
On the other hand, children should never use a weighted blanket that is intended for adults, so keep yours out of reach from little hands when not in use.
What does a weighted blanket actually do?
Relaxation, deeper sleep and stress relief are the main reasons why people search for the best weighted blankets, although plenty of people have reported that they also offer pain relief, and can calm restless leg syndrome in bed.
Also known as anxiety blankets, these are constructed in layers and contain evenly distributed weights – usually tiny glass beads – that provide gentle ‘deep pressure therapy’ all over the body.
"Weighted blankets can reduce symptoms of insomnia, particularly when caused by anxiety or sensory disorders. This works because the sensation of weight provides a feeling of grounding or being held, which can be particularly comforting for those who feel unsettled or overwhelmed," says Dr Leah Kaylor, a clinical psychologist who specialises in sleep and trauma.
Here's a quick list of how this pressure relief helps users:
- Increases feelings of security during sleep by recreating a ‘swaddling’ effect. This lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases serotonin (the happy hormone).
- Promotes deeper and more restful sleep, which is ideal if you wake due to insomnia, restlessness or perimenopause, for instance.
- Eases some symptoms of stress and anxiety.
- Produces a gentle, full body hug sensation.
- Calms restless sleepers who usually switch constantly between positions.
Are there any downsides to a weighted blanket?
This largely depends on whether you opt for a weighted blanket that suits your sleeping style. Opting for the wrong one can lead to too much restriction, potential overheating and disrupted sleep.
It's important to stick to the '10% of your body weight rule when shopping for a weighted blanket. Hot sleepers should also go for a cooling option or those incorporating organic materials like cotton or bamboo known for natural breathability.
