Best heated throws and electric blankets for 2026: top heated blankets for energy-efficient warmth

What's the best heated blanket? It's always a hot topic on the Mumsnet forums when cold weather comes around, so I've tested the UK's best heated throws and electric blankets.

If you want to keep warm on the sofa without heating the whole room, start with the Dreamland Alaskan Husky. In Mumsnet's test of 11 heated throws and three electric underblankets, it warmed up fastest in the ten-minute check. Its thick faux fur feels lovely, though repeated washing takes the edge off that softness. For less money, the lighter Mia & Coco is our budget pick. If it's your bed that's cold, go for an underblanket instead: the Dreamland Bamboo gives each side its own controls, while the Silentnight Comfort Control keeps things simpler and cheaper.

There's a quick comparison below, followed by what each blanket was like to use. Prices change, so check the retailer before buying. For ways to warm a room rather than the person in it, see our best electric heaters guide.

Best heated throws and electric blankets, at a glance

How we choose and test heated blankets

Hand-testing with an infrared thermometer gun

We started with recommendations from Mumsnet users. Mumsnet parent tester Poppy O'Neill then tested 11 heated throws and three electric underblankets at home, comparing comfort and checking their warmth with an infrared thermometer. She also assessed the controls and how the blankets washed. These seven stood out for different needs, from a thick sofa throw to an underblanket for two.

Find the right heated blanket for you

The different types of heated blankets

Heated blankets now come in a few different styles, designed for how and where you want to use them. All work in broadly the same way, with built-in heating wires providing warmth, but they’re made for slightly different situations.

Electric blankets are designed to be fitted to your mattress under your bedsheets, and they warm the bed before you get in. They often feature multiple heat zones, and are a popular choice if you’re cold at night or want to cut down on overnight heating costs.

Heated throws are a more flexible type of electric blanket. They’re smaller, lighter, and designed for use on the sofa or while working from home. Because they heat up quickly and use relatively little energy, they’re often one of the most economical ways to stay warm.

Can a heated throw help keep heating costs down?

A heated throw warms the person using it, so it can be useful when you don't need to heat the whole room. Matt Harvey from YES Energy says heated blankets usually have low running costs and can complement an existing heating system in especially cold situations or when central heating fails. He suggests using a throw to warm up, then trapping that heat with an ordinary blanket or duvet after switching it off. It isn't a replacement for keeping your home adequately heated.

Related: Best quiet dehumidifiers

How much does it cost to run a heated throw or electric blanket?

This depends on how long you use it for and which setting you opt for. As a general rule, you can expect running a heated throw to cost somewhere between 4p and 8p an hour.

The best way to check is using the Sust-It Energy Calculator. Simply add in the watts of the throw and the time you will use it for, and it will give you an estimate running cost.

Are heated throws and electric blankets safe?

Heated throw blankets are generally safe to use, provided they meet current UK safety standards (which all the heated throws and electric blankets on this list do) and are used as directed. Modern electric throws typically include built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off timers, overheat protection and low-voltage controllers, which significantly reduce the risk of overheating.

For everyday use on sofas or armchairs, it’s important to avoid folding the throw while it’s switched on and to check cables regularly for signs of wear. Most manufacturers advise against using heated throws while sleeping or on infants and very young children, and people with reduced mobility or sensitivity to heat should choose models with clear, simple controls and shorter auto-off settings. Always follow the care instructions carefully, especially when washing, to ensure the safety features continue to work properly.

Are heated throws safe for children?

If you're worrying about your children staying well this winter, then it's understandable that you might be considering allowing them to get under your heated throw. These blankets are perfectly safe for children to use under supervision, but they're not recommended for under fives. They're also not safe for children to sleep with, as they should always be supervised when using a heated throw.

Matt Harvey of YES Energy explains: "It is generally not recommended to use heated throws with for babies or young children as they may not be able to recognise or communicate that they are getting too hot," he says. "They should also not be used with children who still wet the bed, as the combination of electricity and moisture can create a safety risk."

What's the best heated throw and electric blanket to buy?

Our pick for the best heated throw blanket in the UK is the Dreamland Alaskan Husky Faux Fur Heated Blanket for its super soft faux fur and efficient heating. If the price tag is a barrier, our favourite cheap heated throw is the Mia & Coco Electric Heated Blanket.

If you're looking for an electric underblanket, we recommend the Dreamland Pure Comfort Bamboo Electric Blanket - it has dual controls and is made from temperature regulating bamboo, so you can be cosy without feeling stifled or sweaty.

How we rate and assess heated throws

We compare fabric quality, cosiness, heat settings, controls, cleaning and value for money. Warm-up speed matters, but so does what a blanket is like to live with: whether the heat reaches the edges, how the fabric feels after washing and whether the controls are easy to use. Price and running cost count too, but a cheap blanket isn't much of a bargain if it's awkward or uncomfortable.

Each award reflects the job the product does best; the throw and underblanket picks serve different uses.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. With two kids, a dog, husband and a home to run, she knows all too well just how easy it is to rack up high utility bills when you’re trying to keep everyone warm, so she’s constantly on the lookout for products that are affordable, long-lasting and cost-efficient. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.

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