Best Weighted Blankets of 2026: 5 Expert-Recommended Options

Weighted blankets have seen a lot of mainstream success within the last decade, but they’ve been around for much longer: Occupational therapists began studying the effects of weighted blankets and weighted vests in the early 2000s, and studies looking at the therapeutic effects of weighted blankets date even earlier. Studies show that weighted blankets — which are typically filled with small glass or plastic beads to add weight — can help you sleep better, reduce anxiety and relieve stress. Although our experts say a weighted blanket’s efficacy varies from person to person, it can provide positive effects both physically and psychologically. I consulted with sleep medicine specialists and occupational therapy experts about the potential benefits of weighted blankets, along with who should (and shouldn’t) use them. I also compiled a list of product recommendations that align with their guidance. Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Highly-rated weighted blankets Our experts say a weighted blanket should provide multiple weight options to fit the 10% body weight limit, feature a machine-washable and breathable cover and offer a return policy that lets you trial the blanket before committing to it. With this guidance in mind, I rounded up highly rated weighted blankets, including a few NBC Selected staff favorites. Baloo Living’s weighted blanket features glass beads and comes in various sizes, ranging from 12 to 25 pounds. I own the 12-pound throw blanket, which fits snugly on my couch and offers a comfortable weight when I’m relaxing in the evening. The blanket is made with a 100% cotton exterior and interior, and it’s both machine-washable and dryer-safe, according to the brand (although it recommends using a commercial washing machine for the largest, 25-pound blanket). The blanket also features small loops sewn into the seams at the sides and corners to connect to a duvet cover, and it’s available in multiple colors. The Gravity Blanket features a machine-washable micro-plush duvet cover and an inner weighted piece filled with glass beads that can be hand-washed only. The inner weighted blanket also has gridded stitching to ensure the beads are uniformly distributed and don’t shift as you move around, according to the brand. For a kid-friendly option, this 5-pound weighted blanket from Harkla comes with an inner weighted layer and a removable fleece duvet cover that the brand says can be machine-washed in cold water and put in the dryer at a low setting. Harkla also offers a 7-pound, 10-pound and 15-pound version of the blanket for older kids and adults, and it comes in three colors. This YNM Weighted Blanket is another option that is both machine-washable and dryer-safe, but it recommends washing the duvet cover rather than the inner blanket, since frequent washing can cause wear and tear. It’s offered in a range of colorways and weights. We love cuddling up with Bearaby’s weighted animals and the brand’s weighted blankets are just as cozy. This one is 100 percent organic cotton and in a chunky knit pattern that looks and feels luxe. It also comes with a dust bag so you can store it properly or take it on your travels. How to shop for a weighted blanket Two of our experts — Dr. Seema Khosla, medical director of the North Dakota Center for Sleep, and Michael Urban, occupational therapy practitioner, senior lecturer and director of the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of New Haven — say trialing a weighted blanket before making a final decision is typically a good call, especially since many weighted blanket brands offer a 30-day return policy. Here are some additional features to consider: What is the best weight for a weighted blanket? While 10% of your body weight is recommended, it’s ultimately based on personal preference and you should ensure that “movement and breathing are not impaired,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at SiliconPsych. Khosla also recommends starting with a low weight — around 5 pounds or less — to see how it feels. “Don’t invest a lot of money in your first one, and just try it if you’re taking a nap or relaxing in the evening while reading or watching TV — if you love it, you can always upgrade to a better one for the bedroom,” she says. How important is breathability? Since the pressure created by a weighted blanket can make it feel warmer than a typical blanket, Dimitriu recommends looking for one that features a cover made from a breathable fabric — like cotton or linen — to help your body cool off at night and facilitate deep and restorative sleep. The quicker our core body temperature drops, the quicker we can fall asleep, so overheating at night can disrupt your overall sleep quality, Khosla adds. What is the best type of cover for a weighted blanket? In addition to a breathable fabric, a removable and washable cover can help your blanket last. While some blankets already come with a machine-washable cover, others (like those with loops that attach to a duvet cover) may require you to purchase one separately. Meet our sleep experts At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Seema Khosla is the medical director of the North Dakota Center for Sleep. Lynelle Schneeberg is a board-certified sleep psychologist and author of “Become Your Child's Sleep Coach.” Dr. Schneeberg is an assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, the director of the behavioral sleep program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Michael Urban is an occupational therapy practitioner, senior lecturer and director of the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of New Haven. Dr. Alex Dimitriu is a board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at SiliconPsych. Catch up on NBC Selected’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.