It can also vasodilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow and circulation “to reduce stiffness and pain,” according to Karena Wu, PT, DPT, physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy.
When selecting a heating pad, it is important to think about what your specific needs are for the product–whether it is hands-free, can be microwaved, or offers targeted pain. To make shopping easier, we tested 17 heating pads and evaluated them based on their setup, design, features, and heating quality. From this test, we chose the best options.
Here are the best heating pads on the market today.
It scored a five on all attributes, except for features, where it scored a 4.5. Our tester noted that it didn’t have a self-timer for the various heat settings. The pad’s affordable price point, easy setup, and high heating quality make this pad the best overall.
Price at time of publication: $40
One caveat that our tester noted is that the cover material is not as comfortable as other pads tested in the lab. However, it’s still made with a soft cloth and sponge. Overall, it’s an easy-to-use pad that functions exactly as advertised.
Price at time of publication: $30
Once the pad is turned on, it can take a few minutes to start feeling the warmth. Our tester wasn’t a fan of the lightweight controller and noted that it tends to slip off the couch easily, but this was a personal preference. Overall, it’s a large heating pad and is ideal for anyone who needs to cover areas of the body with larger surface area or has arthritis.
Price at time of publication: $23
This pad scored a five across all attributes, except for features, where it scored a 4.5. Our tester noted that there were only two heat settings, which may not be ideal if you’re looking for more warmth. We’d recommend this for people who may not need many heat settings and are looking for a light massage on the back.
Price at time of publication: $43
Our tester noted that the pad may absorb any odors lingering in the microwave, so it’s recommended to clean your microwave before heating your pad.
Price at time of publication: $18
These heated patches scored no less than a four across all attributes, except for features, where they earned a three. This heating solution doesn’t have a timer or auto shut-off, which may not be ideal if you prefer those features. However, the patches heat up quickly and can be placed wherever you need relief, so we recommend this option if you’re looking to target a specific part of your body.
Price at time of publication: $75
The pad’s interior is made from a soft, velvet-like material, making it comfortable against the skin, and its belt-like design makes this product portable. Our tester wasn’t a big fan of the vibration settings as they said it was too intense, but this was a personal preference. The scale earned a 4.5 for overall value and we recommend it if you’re looking to alleviate cramping.
Price at time of publication: $30
This pad did not disappoint, receiving a five on all attributes: setup, design, features, and heating quality. It gets hot quickly and the heat is concentrated in the upper and lower areas of the back, per our tester. We recommend this heating pad to people who are experiencing regular back pain and need relief in-between doctor and physical therapy sessions.
Price at time of publication: $25
While the brace is comfortable, our tester noted that it can be difficult to strap around the leg. Because of this, this choice may not be ideal for people with mobility issues. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for heat and vibration therapy.
Price at time of publication: $58
Of all the pads on the list, this one took the longest to heat up. Our tester said that it took between eight and 10 minutes to reach full heat. Thankfully, the plush cover material is super cozy and comfortable, and helps to insulate the warmth. If you experience arthritis or Raynaud’s syndrome, we would recommend this pad from Gintao as an option.
Price at time of publication: $30
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These heating pads are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great heating pads, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These heating pads are just average.
3.4 and below: We don’t recommend heating pads with this rating; you won’t find any on our list.
Our testers examined how easy it was to use and set up the product from the box. They turned the pad on and timed how long it took to heat and tested the additional features. Additionally, they used an infrared thermometer gun to see each heating pad’s heat distribution. They repeated the process for each pad. If the pad took too long to heat or didn’t function as advertised, those products were left out of the roundup.
What to Look for in a Heating Pad
Size
When it comes to heating pads, size is important because it better determines how it will target the area of your body in need. You’ll want to choose a pad that’s large enough to cover the area of the body you’re treating most frequently, says Alexandra Rios, PT, DPT, a licensed physical therapist and provider at Airrosti.
Flexibility
If you have aches and pain across multiple areas of the body, Rios recommends a heating pad with a flexible design that can mold to multiple areas of your body. It’s important to not use the product on specific injuries, as it could further exacerbate the problem instead of helping.
“Heat therapy should be avoided with any injury that is considered acute or has just recently occurred,” Dr. Raineri says. “Acute injuries will likely present with swelling, bruising, and possibly even open wounds where heat should not be used."
Heat Settings
When deciding what heating setting to use, it’s important to understand the different types: dry heat and moist heat. Electric heating pads produce dry heat, Dr. Raineri says. An electric heating pad can be convenient because it offers a wide range of temperatures.
“Heat pads equipped with three or more heat levels are ideal because they allow the user to gradually work up to a heat setting that is sufficient for pain relief, yet safe for the skin,” Rios says.
Another option is a moist heat pack. “As there generally are no specific heat settings with these types of heating packs, it is important that you use the correct number of layers between types of heating pads are not created equal, specifically when you’re looking to address muscle aches. “Although dry heat is more convenient, moist heat is generally more effective with treating muscle aches and stiffness as it can penetrate deeper into the tissues than dry heat,” Dr. Raineri explains.
Cover Material
The material of your pad cover matters too, according to Wu, who recommends ones that are made of washable cotton or fleece, “so that they stay clean and are more inviting to the touch.”
Why Trust Verywell Health
Receiving her master’s degree in public health in 2020, Kayla Hui is a seasoned public health practitioner and health journalist. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested a plethora of products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. Her goal is to help readers make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Additional reporting to this story by Danielle Zoellner
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
