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Best electric blankets and heated throws for 2026: top heated blankets for energy-efficient warmth
Hunker down and snuggle up with our pick of the cosiest energy-saving electric blankets. I've tested the UK's most-recommended heated throws and electric underblankets - these are the ones worth buying.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Dec 30, 2025
What's the best heated blanket? It's always a hot topic on the Mumsnet forums when cold weather comes around, so I put some of the UK's best electric blankets and heated throws through their paces, to see which ones are really worth their salt.
These clever blankets are loved not just for their cosiness or looks. The key to their appeal is their ability to keep you warm in winter while saving money on your heating bill.
What's the difference between a heated throw and an electric blanket? In a nutshell, a heated throw is designed to drape over you on the sofa, in bed or while sitting at a desk; an electric blanket goes under your bedsheets to heat your bed efficiently.
I spoke to Matt Harvey from YES Energy to find out how you can use a heated blanket to save money and keep warm. "They typically have low running costs and can be a nice way to complement an existing heating system in particularly cold situations or in a pinch when central heating fails," he says. "Consider using it to ‘pre-heat’ an area, and then use duvets or blankets to trap the heat, keeping you warm even after switching off the heated throw, or reducing the heat."
Related: Best electric heaters
Best electric blankets and heated throws, at a glance:
Best heated throw: Dreamland Deluxe Alaskan Husky Faux Fur Throw, £130
Best budget heated throw: Mia & Coco Electric Heated Blanket Throw,
£45£40Best electric blanket: Dreamland 100% Bamboo Electric Blanket, from £90
Best budget electric blanket: Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket, from £25
Most stylish heated throw: Dreamland Deluxe Velvet Herringbone Heated Throw,
£95£60Softest heated throw: Cosi Home® Luxury Faux Fur Heated Throw, £55
Why you can trust me
I’m a content editor at Mumsnet and have spent the past four years testing and writing about the products parents and homeowners actually use. I focus on home essentials and energy-saving buys, trying out the gadgets everyone’s talking about to see which ones really earn their keep. From dehumidifiers to changing robes, I look for comfort, value and practicality – the things that genuinely make life easier (and warmer).
How I tested heated throws and electric blankets
Hand-testing with an infrared thermometer gun
I've been on the hunt to find the best heated throw for every type of home. My first stop was the Mumsnet forums – the largest network of parents in the UK – where I gathered tried-and-tested recommendations from our trusted users to find the throws they love.
I tested a total of ten heated throw blankets and three electric blankets. Comparing the blankets with each other, I carefully assessed their performance both in terms of comfort and by using an infrared thermometer gun to fact-check their temperature. I then scored them against a set of objective criteria, including:
Fabric quality and cosiness
Temperature controls
How they washed
Value for money
After months of careful testing, I narrowed my list down to just four heated throws and two electric blankets that stood out from the crowd and I'd genuinely recommend.
These are the best heated throws and electric blankets to buy in 2026:
Best heated blanket overall
Dreamland Deluxe Alaskan Husky Faux Fur Throw
Soft, fluffy fabric
Cheap to run
Machine washable
Intelliheat+ functionality checks electrics when turned on
More expensive than some other options
Loses softness if washed a lot
Key specs
Price on writing: was £130 | Size: 120 x 160cm | Temperature settings: Six | Timers: One or nine-hour auto shut-off | Fabric: Acrylic, polyester | Machine washable: Yes | Wattage: 150W | Cost per hour: 4p
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Dreamland Alaskan Husky Faux Fur Heated Throw review
Mumsnetters can't get enough of the Dreamland Alaskan Husky Faux Fur Blanket, and after thorough testing, I couldn't help but agree - it was the clear choice for best heated throw overall. Crafted from gloriously soft and luxurious fabric, this blanket not only looks stylish, but is also super practical thanks to its machine washability, fast heat-up time and ease with which you can control the comforting heat.
The thick, cosy faux fur fabric really makes a difference to cosiness - my infrared thermometer gun registered a temperature of 38.1°C after just 10 minutes on the highest heat setting - making it the fastest heat up of all the blankets I tested.
While the initial outlay is pricey, it’s fairly cheap to run – we estimated that it should cost from around 5p per hour of use, depending on the heat setting. When the weather's chilly, I use it every time I sit on my sofa, plus there's a two-year guarantee for extra peace of mind.
The Dreamland Alaskan Husky is a safe choice too; it can be set to switch off automatically, plus the Intelliheat+ functionality runs a complete check of the electrics every time you switch your throw on. My only gripe was that it does lose some softness over time with repeated machine washing, so I recommend spot cleaning where possible.
Related: Best winter coats for women
Best budget heated blanket
Ideal for those who want something lightweight
Good selection of bright colours
Lots of heat settings to find the right fit for you
Affordable
You may prefer a thicker option for extra cosiness
Key specs
Price on writing: £34 | Size: 120 x 160cm | Temperature settings: 10 | Timers: Nine settings | Fabric: Flannel and sherpa fleece | Machine washable: Yes | Wattage: 60W | Cost per hour: 2p
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Mia&Coco Heated Throw review
The Mia & Coco Electric Heated Throw is perfect for people who are looking to get the best bang for their buck. I was really impressed with this heated blanket - it does the job and lets you switch off the central heating, all for under £50.
The affordable price tag is particularly impressive, considering it has a whopping 10 heat settings between 25°C and 53°C for individualised comfort. It’s a generous size for one person, and gets to 29.6°C in just ten minutes. There's also nine timer settings, so it will switch off exactly when you need it to, saving energy and keeping you safe. It cleans well in the washing machine too.
Admittedly, it's not the most luxurious option out there, and the sherpa fleece isn't as soft and silky as more expensive heated throws, but if you want a blanket that'll keep you cosy with minimal outlay, this is the best cheap heated blanket I've tested.
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Best electric blanket
Made from smooth, breathable bamboo
Dual controls
6 heat settings
Straps can ping off the corners of the mattress
Key specs
Price on writing: from £90 | Size: Single, double, king, super king | Temperature settings: Six | Timers: One, three or nine-hour auto shut-off | Fabric: Bamboo | Machine washable: Yes | Wattage: 300W (king size, both sides) | Cost per hour: 8p
What Mumsnet users say
Tested by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Dreamland Bamboo Electric Blanket review
Electric underblankets go under your bedsheets, to create a delicious envelope of warmth between your mattress and duvet. Dreamland are the most highly recommended brand for electric blankets - Mumsnet users love them just as much as the brand's highly rated heated throws.
This dual-control electric blanket is made from breathable, sustainable bamboo fibres, that felt luxurious when I tested it in my bed. The blanket has elastic straps to secure it to the corners of your mattress, which I found ping off if I shifted around in bed a lot. With separate controls for the two sides of the blanket, I could set the temperature for my side of the bed just how I like it, with a different temperature for my partner. The controls are simple and intuitive, with a 1, 3 or 9 hour timer to choose from.
While heated throws are popular for use all around the home, an electric blanket will retain its heat for longer, as it's sandwiched between your mattress and bedsheet. If you run cold at night or have a chilly bedroom, the Dreamland 100% Bamboo Electric Blanket makes going to bed a real treat.
Read next: Best changing robes
Best budget electric blanket
Affordable
Simple controls
Machine washable and tumble-dryer safe
Strap goes right under the mattress for a secure fit
Not dual control
No timer settings
Key specs
Price on writing: from £25 | Size: Single, double, king, super king | Temperature settings: Four | Timers: No, auto shut-off only | Fabric: Polyester | Machine washable: Yes | Wattage: 90W (king size) | Cost per hour: 2p
What Mumsnet users say
To upgrade your bed for under £50 (even if yours is a super king), this electric blanket from Silentnight is an excellent, no-frills option. While it doesn't have the dual controls or timer functions of the more expensive Dreamland electric blanket, it warms up your bed quickly and evenly on a cold night.
With four heat settings and straps that run under the mattress for a secure fit, this is a great value electric blanket that'll warm you up with minimal fuss or expense.
Related: Best electric fireplaces
Most stylish heated blanket
Dreamland Deluxe Velvet Herringbone Heated Throw
Luxurious velvet-feel fabric
Cheap to run
Machine washable
Choice of rich colourways
Not as fluffy as other options
Pricey
Key specs
Price on writing: £60 | Size: 120 x 160cm | Temperature settings: Six | Timers: One, three or nine hour auto shut-off | Fabric: Polyester | Machine washable: Yes | Wattage: 150W | Cost per hour: 4p
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Dreamland Deluxe Velvet Herringbone Heated Throw review
With soft and sumptuous velvet-like fabric and a choice of four rich colourways (I love the mustard yellow, personally), the Dreamland Deluxe Velvet Herringbone Heated Throw is the winner of our best pick for style. After five months of testing, I was impressed with the design – it's super soft and looks fantastic as a throw even without the heating elements on.
It's not all style over substance, however – this throw certainly packs a punch when it comes to heating power, which is distributed evenly across the blanket. There's six settings to choose between so there's plenty of range, though I found the highest settings were actually a little too hot!
As with many electric throws, the main downside is the initial cost, though it does come in slightly cheaper than our best overall pick and is cheap to run. I have this one at my WFH desk to avoid putting the heating on. The fabric drapes nicely over my chair, so I think it's the best heated throw for office use, and more versatile for around the house than the faux fur version, whose thickness makes it drape more stiffly.
Softest heated throw
Incredibly soft
Easy to unclip power cord
9 heat settings
1-9 hour timer
Machine washable
Heat does not reach the very edges of the blanket
Key specs
Price on writing: £55 | Size: 130 x 160cm | Temperature settings: Nine | Timers: One to nine-hour auto shut-off | Fabric: Microfleece and faux fur | Machine washable: Yes | Wattage: 85W | Cost per hour: 3p
What Mumsnet users say
Tested by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Cosi Home® Luxury Faux Fur Heated Throw review
Of all the heated throws I've tested, this is definitely the softest. Even after machine washing and air-drying, the faux fur and microfleece are still gorgeously soft.
With nine heat settings and a 1-9 hour timer, it's also really versatile - allowing you to set the heat and time to exactly your preference. The power cord is easy to unclip when not in use, and it warms up well, reaching a respectable 32°C in just ten minutes on the highest heat setting.
Read next: Best fan heaters
What's the difference between a heated throw and an electric blanket?
While they use very similar technology - thin heated wires sandwiched between soft fabric - they're designed for slightly different uses. In short, heated throws go over you on the sofa or at your desk, and electric blankets go under your bedsheets.
Most heated throws come with a timer function, but even with this safety feature, it's not advised to sleep under them. Electric blankets are specifically designed to be fitted to your mattress and for sleep.
Read next: Best oil-filled radiator
How do heated throw blankets work?
Heated throw blankets emit heat via coil wires that provide a steady source of warmth when plugged into an electrical outlet. Each heated throw blanket has a controller, a built-in timer, and a temperature control gauge. That means it will only get as warm as you want it to. The timer means the heat should cut off after a specified time of your choice, so you don't need to worry if you fall asleep while snuggled up in it.
Related: The best men's dressing gowns for your DH
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.
Related: Best quiet dehumidifiers
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 £130 price tag is a barrier, our favourite cheap heated throw is the Mia & Coco Electric Heated Blanket at £45.
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.
Are heated throws safe for kids?
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."