Weighted blankets have surged in popularity, often hailed as solutions for anxiety, insomnia, and restless sleep. But can lying under seven kilograms of fabric truly help you unwind? We conducted an in-depth test of the top weighted blankets available in the UK to separate hype from reality.
The Science Behind Weighted Blankets
Anyone who has ever dozed off under the comforting weight of a purring cat understands the basic principle. The warmth, softness, and gentle pressure can subdue worries and encourage slumber. Studies have shown some success for weighted blankets as sleep aids, but their real strength appears to lie in alleviating anxiety.
This isn't just anecdotal evidence from social media influencers. Scientists, medical professionals, and the NHS are trialling these blankets to comfort dementia patients, soothe neurodivergent children, and even help manage chronic pain. The therapy, known as deep touch pressure, mimics being hugged or swaddled and may boost the production of calming neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Our Testing Methodology
To evaluate these claims, we assembled ten bestselling weighted blankets. Our testing was rigorous and practical, focusing on real-world use over several weeks.
How We Tested
We began by verifying the advertised weight and dimensions of each blanket. Most are a standard 150 x 200cm, slightly smaller than a double duvet, and often come in a uniform light grey. We then assessed factors like fabric softness, warmth, and construction quality.
Our testing involved lying under each blanket on our backs and sides to evaluate weight distribution and ease of movement. We also tested spot cleaning with a smudge of compost and noted washing instructions, though we avoided machine washing the heavier blankets due to potential damage.
The core of the test involved three cosy evenings on the sofa and multiple nights of sleep under each blanket during September and October. We used a light summer duvet underneath for full coverage. Each morning, we recorded how well the blanket helped with falling asleep, temperature regulation, and reducing fidgeting.
After testing, all sample blankets were donated to the Southampton Hospitals Charity for use by dementia patients, where they were reportedly very well received.
The Best Weighted Blankets of 2026
Here are our top picks, based on extensive testing for comfort, effectiveness, and value.
Best Weighted Blanket Overall: Emma Hug
Price: From £104 at Emma
Weight: 7.3kg
Material: Cotton fabric with glass microbeads and polyester microfibre filling
The Emma Hug stood out for its generous, evenly distributed weight. Its soft, breathable cotton shell provides a cosy, pyjama-like hug. The blanket excels at temperature control, feeling warm without causing overheating, which is crucial for restful sleep.
While the weight discourages fidgeting, the fabric allows easy movement without tangling. An optional bamboo cover, though sometimes hard to find, adds a luxurious, silky layer of comfort. Despite the higher price point, the Emma Hug justifies its cost for those struggling with sleep and temperature regulation, though the cotton surface can crease more easily than polyester alternatives.
Best Budget Weighted Blanket: Silentnight Wellbeing
Price: £35 at Morrisons
Weight: 6.9kg
Material: Polyester fabric with glass microbeads and polyester filling
Silentnight's sole weighted blanket offering is a superb budget choice. It feels wonderfully soft against the skin and its dark grey colour helps conceal stains. At just under 7kg, it provides satisfying pressure that genuinely helped calm restlessness during testing.
It was one of the easiest blankets to spot clean. However, the jersey-like fabric isn't particularly cooling, making it less ideal for hot summer nights. For the price, it represents exceptional value and performance.
Best Warm Weighted Blanket: The Oodie Weighted Blanket
Price: £65.40 at The Oodie
Weight: 4.5kg (also available in 6.8kg and 9kg)
Material: Polyester fabric with glass microbeads and polyester microfibre filling
From the Australian company famous for its wearable blankets, this fluffy option was the warmest in our test. Its silky fleece fabric is a sensory delight, with high-quality stitching and well-padded squares.
At 125 x 196.5cm, it's smaller than most, making it easier to store and carry. The range of weights allows for personalisation based on body weight. It comes in a lovely cotton carry bag, making it an excellent gift option, though the full RRP of £109 is steep—look out for regular discounts.
Best Weighted Blanket for Kids: OHS Minecraft
Price: £19 at OHS
Weight: 3kg
Material: Polyester fabric with non-toxic glass microbeads and polyester filling
Weighted blankets can help calm children, and this single-size blanket is perfectly weighted for kids around 30kg or more. The weight is spread evenly, so it feels lighter than a concentrated weight, making it safe and manageable for children to use and remove independently.
It features beautiful padding and stitching, with no risk of bead spillage. Available in fun patterns like Minecraft and space print, it has a tactile, silky feel. It's also the easiest to wash and dry in our test. Its limitation is its target audience—it's not suitable for adults, babies, or toddlers.
Other Notable Contenders
OHS Fluffy Faux Fur
Price: £18 at OHS
Weight: 7.4kg
Material: Polyester fabric with glass microbeads and polyester filling
This budget blanket offers a luxuriously fluffy, tactile experience with 4cm-long polyester fibres. It's incredibly soothing, though difficult to clean and may not maintain its fluffiness long-term.
Slumberdown Sleepwell
Price: £56 at Argos
Weight: 7kg
Material: Polyester fabric with glass microbeads and polyester filling
Excellent for temperature control in summer, with a silky fabric that melts evenly across the body. It helps with falling asleep without overheating, though it lacks the cosiness factor for winter nights.
OHS Waffle Fleece
Price: From £18 at OHS
Weight: 7.9kg
Material: Polyester fabric with glass microbeads and polyester filling
Incredibly warm and keenly priced, this nearly 8kg blanket could replace heating on cold nights. However, it may be too heavy for some sleepers and challenging to wash.
Allure Bath Fashions Slumber
Price: From £40 at Allure Bath Fashions
Weight: 7.3kg (available in 4kg to 9kg)
Material: Polyester fabric with glass microbeads and polyester filling
Offers a range of weights and sizes, making it ideal for those who find standard 7kg blankets unsuitable. It has a 2.5 tog rating for balanced warmth but lacks some skin-friendly softness compared to others.
Lifemax Microwave Weighted Blanket
Price: From £29.99 at Robert Dyas
Weight: 1.3kg
Material: Polyester fabric with lavender-scented flax seed filling
More of a weighted shawl, this microwaveable blanket provides targeted comfort. It's excellent for draping over shoulders or warming feet, but too small and light for full therapeutic benefits.
Essential Buying Guide
How Heavy Should Your Weighted Blanket Be?
Your weighted blanket should be approximately 10% of your body weight. For the average UK woman weighing 71.8kg, a standard 7kg blanket is ideal. It should exert therapeutic pressure without being uncomfortable or unsafe. Most adult blankets measure 150 x 200cm, suitable for one person or two sleeping closely. Never place a weighted blanket over your head.
Washing and Care Instructions
While many blankets claim to be machine washable, practicalities can be challenging. Heavier blankets double in weight when wet, making them difficult to handle. Some manufacturers, like Allure, recommend commercial machines for blankets over 5.5kg. Hand washing is an option but may be strenuous.
Using a removable cover is the easiest solution for maintenance. For spot cleaning, use lukewarm water and a little detergent, always checking care instructions first to avoid voiding warranties.
Weighted blankets are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They can be a valuable, drug-free tool for managing anxiety and improving sleep, but they require careful selection based on individual needs, body weight, and personal comfort preferences. Our testing shows that with the right choice, these blankets can indeed lift a weight from your shoulders—both literally and metaphorically.
