If you happen to’re coping with muscle stiffness, soreness, or cramps, a heating pad might be able to present some reduction. From small pillows to massive blankets and even wearable wraps, these gadgets will be plugged in or microwaved to supply soothing warmth virtually anyplace. Some are designed to focus on particular areas, like your again, whereas others have adjustable straps and rechargeable batteries that make them extra versatile.
To seek out one of the best heating pads in the marketplace, we began by asking medical doctors and bodily therapists for his or her recommendation on which key options to search for whereas purchasing. Then, we examined 17 expert-approved heating pads within the Verywell Testing Lab and assessed their consolation, options, and performance. Our high picks have earned excessive scores for his or her setup, design, options, heating high quality, and total worth.
Learn how to Use a Heating Pad
To make use of a heating pad safely, begin on the bottom setting and step by step enhance the warmth as wanted. If the pad doesn’t have a canopy, wrap it in a towel to stop burns, says sports activities medication specialist and orthopedic surgeon Natasha Trentacosta, MD. She recommends utilizing a heating pad for ten to half-hour at a time. Don’t sleep with a heating pad—chances are you’ll burn your self or trigger excessive irritation. All the time be sure to learn the producer’s directions rigorously, provides bodily therapist Alex Corbett PT, DPT.
Greatest General
Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Electrical Heating Pad
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Amazon
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Giant, versatile design
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Simple to make use of
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Heats up quick
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: 105 to 140 levels | Warmth Settings: 6 | Auto Shutoff: Sure | Energy Supply: Corded electrical | Our General Score: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for many who need a big, versatile heating pad that can be utilized on virtually any space of the physique.
Why We Love It
After in depth testing in our Lab, Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief XL Heating Pad is our clear favourite for its massive, versatile dimension and wide selection of warmth settings. We like how comfy, simple to make use of, and efficient this heating pad is. Measuring 12 inches large and 24 inches lengthy, it’s massive sufficient to cowl virtually any muscle group, together with your again and legs.
Not like a few of our different high picks, this heating pad has six warmth settings, for a extra customizable expertise. And we admire that it heats up rapidly, taking just one minute to achieve every temperature.
With a user-friendly design, Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief XL Heating Pad has a simple setup and easy controls, together with a transparent LCD display and massive buttons. Plus, the wire is 9 ft lengthy, making it simple to regulate your place or transfer the pad round. We additionally love {that a} handy storage bag and a detachable, machine-washable microplush cowl are included along with your buy.
Potential Flaws
- We like that this pad has a two-hour self-timer, however we want there have been extra intervals to select from.
Most Precious Perception
“It is a comfortable heating pad with a number of choices. Regardless of having 4 buttons, it is easy to make use of and perceive.” —Kayla Hui, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
Greatest General Runner-Up
Geniani Additional Giant Heating Pad for Again Ache Reduction
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Courtesy by Amazon
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: Not listed | Warmth Settings: 3 | Auto Shutoff: Sure | Energy Supply: Corded electrical | Our General Score: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for soothing decrease again ache or menstrual cramps.
Why We Love It
With an analogous design and value level to Pure Enrichment’s Heating Pad, Geniani’s Additional Giant Heating Pad additionally stood out throughout testing. Its versatile design permits it to simply contour to the form of your physique with out feeling too heavy or cumbersome. We additionally observed that the smooth, ultra-plush cowl is right for mendacity in your again or abdomen, making it an important selection for these with again ache or menstrual cramps.
In testing, we discovered that the pad solely wants one or two minutes to achieve the very best warmth setting. It runs scorching sufficient to ease aches and pains, however doesn’t get so heat that it feels uncomfortable. Three settings make it simple to handle the warmth as you want it, whereas the two-hour computerized shutoff characteristic offers peace of thoughts with every use. Plus, the extra-long ten-foot wire means you don’t want to take a seat proper subsequent to an outlet.
Potential Flaws
- Though this pad heats up rapidly, we did discover that the warmth doesn’t go all the best way to the sides.
- The massive energy button is simple to make use of—however we realized throughout testing that it’s additionally simple to press unintentionally whereas utilizing this pad.
Most Precious Perception
“I actually love how comfy and versatile this heating pad is. It feels prefer it melts over your lap.” —Christina Oehler, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
Greatest Price range
SuzziPad Microwavable Heating Pads
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SuzziPad
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Moveable
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Versatile
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Mushy and cozy
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: Varies | Warmth Settings: 0 | Auto Shutoff: No | Energy Supply: None | Our General Score: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for occasions if you’re not near an outlet.
Why We Love It
Trying to find an excellent deal? We advocate SuzziPad’s Microwavable Heating Pad as a result of it’s budget-friendly however doesn’t skimp on high quality. In testing, we observed how simple it’s to make use of—with a pleated design, you may fold it up, toss it within the microwave for 60 seconds, and it’s able to go.
Within the Lab, we discovered that this moveable pad evenly distributed warmth for about 10 minutes at a time. We additionally observed that the versatile form is right for molding to your legs, neck, or abdomen. We like that it’s cordless, so that you aren’t tethered to 1 spot whereas utilizing it. Plus, it’s lined in fuzzy material that’s comfy to the contact. Select from impartial gray or shiny purple.
Potential Flaws
- Since this pad is extra compact than another choices on our checklist, it could not work properly for bigger areas (like your again).
- In our exams, we discovered that the pad did take in the scent of meals that had been microwaved previous to it, so we advocate cleansing the microwave earlier than heating it up.
Most Precious Perception
“This pad is tremendous simple to make use of and I like that it is created from high quality supplies. It could get up by itself fairly properly.” —Kayla Hui, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
Greatest with Massager
Comfier Heating Pad with Massager
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Amazon
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Handy, wearable design
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Mushy, plush materials
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Versatile for various muscle teams
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: Not listed | Warmth Settings: 2 | Auto Shutoff: Sure | Energy Supply: Corded electrical | Our General Score: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for focusing on low again ache whereas working from residence.
Why We Love It
Though we examined just a few heating pads with therapeutic massage settings, Comfier’s Heating Pad Waist Belt is by far our favourite. We admire the pad’s wearable design, which wraps round your stomach like a belt so you may transfer round whereas having fun with each warmth and therapeutic massage remedy. Whether or not we wore it whereas standing or sitting, this smooth, cushioned pad felt comfy and safe.
General, we like this pad’s versatility: It has three completely different therapeutic massage modes, two depth ranges, and two warmth settings. We observed that the therapeutic massage modes can successfully relieve decrease again ache, though this pad will also be used in your higher again, stomach, shoulders, or thighs. Plus, we like that it comes with an extension strap for a greater match.
Potential Flaws
- The pad’s therapeutic massage feels soothing and efficient, however we observed throughout testing that it will not be intense sufficient for focusing on deep knots.
Most Precious Perception
“The very best factor about this belt is that it suits like a weightlifting belt—but it surely’s padded, for a cushty match.” —Kayla Hui, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
Greatest for Again
Sunbeam Heating Pad Again Wrap
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Amazon
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: Not listed | Warmth Settings: 4 | Auto Shutoff: Sure | Energy Supply: Corded electrical | Our General Score: 5/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for low again ache, particularly in order for you to have the ability to transfer round whereas sporting your heating pad.
Why We Love It
If postural workout routines haven’t helped alleviate your low again ache, a heating pad is usually a useful different. Sunbeam’s Heated Again Wrap makes focusing on your trunk handy and cozy. Throughout testing, we had been impressed by the pad’s wearable design that contours to the curves of your again. Adjustable elastic waist straps with fasteners within the entrance present a cosy, custom-made match.
This pad reaches the very best of 4 warmth settings in a single to 2 minutes and feels efficient with out getting uncomfortably scorching. Though we might really feel the warmth all through the pad, we observed that it’s most concentrated within the heart. We additionally confirmed within the Lab that the 9-foot wire means that you can stroll round whereas sporting the pad. And should you occur to spill your favourite beverage on the fluffy cowl, you may simply clear it by disconnecting the pad from the wire and tossing it into the washer.
Potential Flaws
- Though we like that the pad comes with an extra strap, it could be too massive for some customers to get a safe match.
- This pad is right for focusing on your again, however we observed that its form makes it tougher to make use of on different areas.
Most Precious Perception
“The very best factor about this pad is that it may be used whereas transferring round a room. I really like that it provides an additional strap for dimension inclusivity.” —Christina Oehler, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
Greatest for Neck and Shoulders
Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad
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Amazon
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Takes longer to warmth up
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No self-timer characteristic
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: 110 to 140 levels | Warmth Settings: 4 | Auto Shutoff: Sure | Energy Supply: Corded electrical | Our General Score: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for relieving neck and higher again ache from Pilates or different exercises.
Why We Love It
Nonetheless feeling your higher physique exercise? Get reduction with out placing your relaxation day routine on maintain with Pure Enrichment’s Pure Reduction XL Additional-Lengthy Again & Neck Heating Pad. With a fitted, shawl-like design, it wraps round your shoulders and incorporates a excessive collar that reaches your neck. Throughout testing, we had been impressed by how properly the pad stayed in place, because of its safe magnetic closure and hook-and-loop strap across the waist.
We additionally observed that the pad’s user-friendly button makes it simple to select from 4 warmth settings. Even higher, it solely took 90 seconds earlier than we began to really feel the warmth, and the very best settings felt hotter than most different pads we examined. Plus, we like that the smooth, plush pad will be taken off and cleaned within the washer after every session.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas we began to really feel some heat after 90 seconds, it takes this pad three to 4 minutes earlier than it heats up all the best way. Most different pads on our checklist come as much as temperature in about half that point.
- This heating pad doesn’t have a self-timer characteristic, though it does flip off mechanically after two hours.
Most Precious Perception
“This pad can be utilized on completely different components of your physique, together with your neck, again, and legs. I really like the adjustable strap and the way form-fitting the pad is.” —Kayla Hui, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
Greatest for Knees
Comfier Heated Knee Brace
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Amazon
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: Not listed | Warmth Settings: 2 | Auto Shutoff: Sure | Energy Supply: Corded electrical | Our General Score: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for runners or walkers with delicate knees.
Why We Love It
Conventional rectangular heating pads don’t contour properly to joints, like your knees—however Comfier’s Heated Knee Brace Wrap offers each focused warmth and therapeutic massage remedy in that space. Designed to wrap round your complete knee for 360-degree heat, it appears like a standard knee brace and comes as a set of two sleeves linked by a skinny wire.
Throughout testing, we had been impressed that the pads warmed up rapidly and evenly. We additionally appreciated their comfy, safe match, smooth materials, and open holes within the again that present some much-needed flexibility. Comfier’s Wrap is supplied with two therapeutic massage motors, 5 vibration modes, and a 30-minute timer. Throughout testing, the vibration felt highly effective however not overwhelming, and we like you can use the warmth and therapeutic massage options independently.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas we had been in a position to get a safe match round our knees, we observed that the pad’s straps do not have a ton of give, so they could not match everybody.
- This heating pad is likely one of the pricier choices on our checklist. However we nonetheless suppose it’s well worth the funding if basic choices aren’t offering the reduction you want.
Most Precious Perception
“I actually like what number of vibration settings these pads have. I feel that anybody with a situation like arthritis would actually profit from the twin heat-and-vibration characteristic.” —Christina Oehler, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
Greatest for Ft
Gintao Electrical Heated Foot Pad
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Amazon
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Simple to arrange and use
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Giant floor space
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Mushy, comfy cowl
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Not a comfortable match
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Takes longer to warmth up
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: Not listed | Warmth Settings: 3 | Auto Shutoff: Sure | Energy Supply: Corded electrical | Our General Score: 4.2/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for runners with foot ache or anybody who’s ft are at all times chilly.
Why We Love It
Gintao’s Electrical Heated Foot Heaters look a bit like a pillowcase, but it surely’s truly a heating pad designed to heat up your ft. In testing, we discovered that it’s tremendous simple to arrange and use—simply plug it in, select from three warmth settings, and slip your ft inside. We additionally like that the quilt is fabricated from a really smooth, plush flannel that is available in a variety of colours.
With a bigger floor space, the pad’s design is right for soothing achy ft, ankles, and decrease legs. Because the pocket lies flat when your ft aren’t inside, you may also use it for different areas by draping it over your physique. It even has sufficient room for two pairs of ft—should you’re keen to share.
Potential Flaws
- This heating pad is not very fitted, so it could take some adjusting at first.
- The pad takes about 8 to 10 minutes to warmth up, which is for much longer than most different pads we examined.
Most Precious Perception
“This heating pad is nice for ft and ankles and has a brilliant comfy cowl. I feel it’s positively value its total worth.” —Christina Oehler, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
Greatest Moveable
Yeamon Moveable Cordless Heating Pad
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Amazon
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Not as versatile
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No smooth cowl
Key Specs
Temperature Vary: 113 to 149 levels | Warmth Settings: 3 | Auto Shutoff: Sure | Energy Supply: Wire plus battery | Our General Score: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for many who desire a cordless heating pad that targets their again or stomach and will be worn discreetly.
Why We Love It
Many heating pads require you to be near an influence supply, however that’s not the case with Yeamon’s Moveable Cordless Heating Pad. When you cost it, you may wrap it round your waist, alter the strap for a comfortable match, and stroll round freely. We additionally just like the pad’s light-weight, moveable design that’s simple to put on discreetly beneath your clothes.
Throughout testing, we observed that it took lower than a minute to warmth up, and the warmth was distributed evenly throughout all the pad. Along with cord-free warmth remedy, the pad is available in ten colours and has three vibration settings to select from. Lined with a smooth, comfy materials on the within, it’s our high choose for focusing on your again or stomach both at residence or on the go.
Potential Flaws
- This pad is a superb choice for stress-free your again or stomach, however its dimension and form imply its not versatile sufficient to focus on different muscle teams.
- Whereas we appreciated the smooth lining, we discovered that the plastic exterior can really feel uncomfortable should you’re utilizing this heating pad whereas mendacity down in sure positions.
Most Precious Perception
“I might like to put on this round all day—it’s so cosy and discreet you can maintain it with you for everytime you would possibly want it.” —Christina Oehler, Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
The place We Stand
After testing 17 heating pads, our favourite is Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief XL Heating Pad for its versatile and versatile design, smooth cowl, and easy-to-use controls. We proceed to check these heating pads at residence, and we’ll replace our picks if we discover something new or noteworthy that we haven’t already touched on right here.
What to Search for When Looking for a Heating Pad
- Dimension and Form: First, take into account how you propose to make use of your heating pad. Additional-large pads are finest on your decrease again, whereas smaller choices can goal your shoulders higher, says bodily therapist Jenny Fritts, PT, DPT. For reduction from menstrual cramps, attempt a heating pad that wraps round your stomach or one you may lie down comfortably on. Wearable wraps and braces are perfect for soothing sore knees, wrists, or elbows.
- Temperature Settings: In order for you to have the ability to management how scorching your heating pad is, you’ll want one with a variety of warmth settings. Fritts recommends searching for choices like low, medium, and excessive, so you’ll find probably the most comfy temperature.
- Materials: Be sure that the material masking your heating pad is smooth, comfy, and breathable.
- Options: Some heating pads are cordless, for reduction on the go. If you happen to’re contemplating a corded choice, search for an extended wire that may will let you transfer round comfortably. Sure heating pads even have self-timers, letting you management how lengthy they keep heat earlier than mechanically shutting off. Different nice-to-have options embrace a machine-washable cowl for straightforward cleansing and built-in massagers for an much more stress-free expertise.
- Security: If you happen to’re buying an electrical heating pad, we advocate investing in a single with an computerized shutoff characteristic, in case you neglect to show it off after a session. If you happen to’re pregnant, you may nonetheless use a heating pad safely—simply be sure it has a low warmth setting to stop accidents.
Verywell Match / Leticia Almeida
How We Examined the Heating Pads
To seek out one of the best heating pads, we’ve examined 17 pads within the Verywell Testing Lab. All through the testing course of, we fee every heating pad in these key areas:
- Setup: After unboxing the heating pad, we be aware how simple it’s to arrange. Does it arrive absolutely assembled? Do we have to cost it or program it? How lengthy does it take to arrange earlier than we are able to use it? We additionally consider the directions—are they clear and concise or troublesome to observe?
- Design: We look at the heating pad’s design. Does it match our physique properly? Can we apply it to a number of muscle teams? Is the wire conveniently positioned? If the pad has a canopy, we assess how smooth and cozy it feels. We additionally be aware whether or not the pad folds up properly for storage and journey.
- Options: We take note of any particular options, together with a number of warmth settings, massagers, self-timers, and computerized shutoff settings. We check the entire pad’s further options and resolve whether or not they’re useful or pointless. We additionally take into account whether or not the pad is lacking any options that may have improved our expertise.
- Warmth: Throughout testing, we document how lengthy it takes the pad to achieve every warmth setting. Does the warmth disperse evenly all through all the pad? We additionally use a thermal imaging thermometer to measure the typical temperature for every warmth setting. This helps us make sure that the pad’s efficiency matches the producer’s specs.
- General Worth: To present every heating pad an correct worth rating, we wait till the tip of the check, after we’ve rated it in all different classes. Then, we test to see how a lot the pad prices. Primarily based on how the heating pad carried out throughout testing, do we expect it’s priced pretty? Would we advocate it to a good friend or member of the family? In that case, the pad earns a better worth rating.
Our Consultants
Throughout the testing, analysis, and reporting course of, we spoke with a number of consultants. Some, like Fritts and Corbett, helped us perceive learn how to use heating pads safely. Others, like Trentacosta, defined how heating pads can increase your restoration course of. Though we select merchandise independently, recommendation from consultants influences our choices.
- Alex Corbett PT, DPT, a bodily therapist with BreakThrough Bodily Remedy in Cary, NC
- Jenny Fritts, PT, DPT, a bodily therapist at Mercy Medical Heart in Baltimore, MD
- Rahul Shah, MD, a board-certified orthopedic backbone and neck surgeon primarily based in New Jersey
- Natasha Trentacosta, MD, a sports activities medication specialist and orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles
Why Belief Verywell Match
An avid runner, licensed private coach and operating coach, and health author, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, loves researching and testing the newest health gear and devices. Many years spent operating and coaching athletes have helped her perceive the worth of utilizing one of the best gear and merchandise to enhance your consolation and efficiency. She steadily makes use of and recommends heating pads to trainees for relieving stiff, sore muscle groups.