Save on energy bills and stay warm with the best heated blankets tested by the Daily Mail - with costs as low as 2 pence an hour

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As the colder months arrive, you might find yourself reaching for the thermostat more frequently. But with energy usage and costs rising significantly over the winter months, an electric blanket or heated throw is a smart way to stay warm and save money.

We’ve done the maths and can confirm that many of the best heated blankets and throws cost as little as 2 or 3 pence to run an hour, with even the priciest ones coming in at around or under 10p an hour. This is a lot cheaper than putting on your central heating.

Alongside dehumidifiers, heated airers and air fryers, heated throws are just another way you can cut down on energy costs during the autumn and winter.

Electric blanket vs heated throw: What’s the difference?

Both electric blankets and heated throws can keep you warm in the winter but despite people using the name interchangeably, they’re not actually the same thing.

An electric blanket, sometimes called a heated underblanket, is a type of bedding that goes under your regular sheet and can be used to warm up your bed before you go to sleep. It still needs to be plugged in and some heated blankets with dual or multizone heating areas even have two plugs, one for each side of the bed.

Electric heated throws on the other hand, are often designed for solo use on the sofa or at your desk. They’re usually made from soft, plush materials like you’d find on a regular throw and come with a single plug and controller.

Both heated blankets and throws come with features such as variable heat settings and timers for automatic shut off to maximise safety.

Best heated blankets and throws: At a glance

• 1. Best multizone heated blanket for couples: VonHaus electric blanket
• 2. Best value electric blanket: Silentnight Comfort Control
• 3. Best extra thick throw: Bedsure soft flannel throw
• 4. Best for fast heat up: Bauer electric heated throw
• 5. Best heated underblanket: Dreams 2in1 blanket and protector
• 6. Best for size: Slumberdown Cosy and Snug Sherpa throw
• 7. Prestige pick: Dreamland luxury heated throw
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How we test

At the Daily Mail, we test all of the products we review in real world conditions - be that at home, on our commute, on holiday or in the office. Everything is tested for at least a week, often longer. When testing heated blankets and throws, we look at heat up times, the number of settings, safety features, how easy it is to use and of course, design and value for money. Read more about how we test all home and garden products.

Why trust us

Our home and garden experts have decades of experience between them, testing everything from electric blankets to air fryers. Danielle has been a professional product tester for 7 years and has extensive knowledge in the homes space. All of her reviews are impartial, honest and take both the positives and negatives of a product into consideration.

Best electric blankets and throws to buy in 2025 

1. Best multizone heated blanket for couples: VonHaus electric blanket

2. Best value electric blanket: Silentnight Comfort Control

3. Best extra thick heated throw: Bedsure soft flannel throw

4. Best for fast heat up: Bauer electric heated throw

5. Best heated underblanket: Dreams 2in1 blanket and protector

6. Best for size: Slumberdown Cosy and Snug Sherpa throw 

7. Prestige pick: Dreamland luxury heated throw

Our verdict

For couples looking to stay cosy, the VonHaus multizone blanket is my recommended choice. It’s really cosy and allows you to select your ideal temperature without upsetting your spouse. It’s also easy to use, even if you’re not tech savvy.

Those looking for the ideal heated throw should consider Dreamland's luxury heated throw. It’s not significantly more expensive than the other options on this list but has plenty of features that set it apart from the rest. It looks great too.

FAQs

Are electric blankets safe?

While it's not advisable to leave any electric item on and unattended, electric blankets and heated throws have come a long way since they were first invented. 

Nowadays, all the best electric blankets have safety features including timers with automatic shut offs and overheat protection, which will also shut off the power to the blanket if it gets above a certain temperature.

Is it ok to sleep with an electric blanket on all night?

It's best to avoid sleeping with an electric blanket on all night as it's best to allow your body to regulate its temperature naturally throughout the night. You should also avoid having electrics on while asleep. as this is the same as leaving them unattended.