ConsFirst / Weighted blankets
Weighted blankets: the downsides, first
Most weighted blankets get few 1–2 star Amazon ratings, but heat, washing and how evenly the weight presses come up again and again. The sleep science is still unsettled, so we stick to what owners and testers report. Here are the most popular weighted blankets in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared11 sources readUpdated October 2026
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
All 8 weighted blankets, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Layla
$$Glass-bead filledScore 4.1/5
3%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)20-lb listing linked from Wirecutter; 290 ratings (small sample).A plush, reversible bead blanket that Wirecutter, Tom's Guide and Sleep Foundation all recommend, with honeycomb stitching that keeps the weight even and especially easy washing. The faux-mink side can run warm, it comes in only one color, and the beads aren't entirely undetectable.
Top complaints
- Can run warmVery common
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide both say the faux-mink side may be too warm for hot sleepers, though Tom's Guide's tester never woke up sweating.
- One color, divisive textureMentioned often
It comes only in silvery gray (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide), and Wirecutter says some may not like the feel or look of the faux mink.
- Larger than expectedOccasional
Amazon's summary says the size gets mixed feedback, with several owners noting it is large.
What owners love
- Even weight that stays put
Honeycomb or hexagonal stitching stops the beads pooling and keeps the blanket from sliding off the bed (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, Sleep Foundation); Amazon owners praise the weight distribution.
- Particularly easy to wash
It took on only 2 extra pounds of water and was back to normal after one dryer cycle (Wirecutter); machine wash cold, tumble dry low (Tom's Guide).
- Good warranty
A five-year warranty (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide) and helpful customer service (Wirecutter).
Skip it if…- You sleep hot
- You want color choices
- You dislike faux-fur textures
Good for- A cozy blanket for cooler months
- Easy machine washing
- A long warranty
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort & even weight4.5
Why 4.5?
Even, non-pooling weight per Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, Sleep Foundation and Amazon owners. - Breathability3.0
Why 3.0?
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide say it may be too warm; Sleep Foundation calls both sides breathable. - Bead noise & leaks4.0
Why 4.0?
The beads don't make a lot of noise, but aren't entirely undetectable (Wirecutter). - Washing5.0
Why 5.0?
One of the easiest blankets Wirecutter washed: only 2 lb of water and one dryer cycle. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Five-year warranty and just 3% low-star Amazon ratings, though the sample is small.
What experts say
- Wirecutter: Budget pick (updated 2026-05-20): ultra plush, beads less noticeable than similarly priced options, easy to wash; may be too warm.
- Tom's Guide: Best for anxiety (Tom's Guide's label): dual-sided cover and even hexagonal pockets; may be too warm, one color.
- Sleep Foundation: Best weighted throw / value (8.6/10): reversible, with baffle-box quilting that minimizes clumping.
#2
YnM
$Glass-bead filledScore 4.1/5
3%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Original 15-lb listing; 23,876 ratings, pooled across colors and sizes.The budget favorite and an Amazon best-seller: Good Housekeeping's best value, Tom's Guide's 2025 award winner and CNN's best cooling pick (Bamboo version), with small pockets that keep the beads even. Downsides are a cool feel some won't find cozy, no included cover, and customer service Wirecutter could never reach.
Top complaints
- Weight distribution not perfect for everyoneMentioned often
Amazon's summary notes some owners say the weight isn't evenly distributed. CNN felt the fill shift more noticeably in the YnM Cooling Bamboo version with larger squares.
- Cool feel, and no cover includedMentioned often
Tom's Guide's tester found it cool to the touch and possibly not warm enough for colder months. Good Housekeeping notes the duvet cover is sold separately.
- Hard-to-reach customer serviceMentioned often
Wirecutter says YnM's customer service never answered its attempts to reach out. Tom's Guide found the website unintuitive and notes a one-year warranty and 30-day returns for a small fee.
What owners love
- Small pockets keep the beads even
Good Housekeeping testers said it didn't shift, and it won a GH Bedding Award. CNN found the Exclusive Bamboo version's 2-by-2-inch squares gave the best distribution of the quilted blankets it tried, and Wirecutter found the weight nicely distributed.
- Breathable for hot sleepers
Tom's Guide's tester, who usually sleeps hot, didn't overheat even with it layered over a duvet; CNN's Bamboo version gave the most cooling relief it tested.
- Huge range at a low price
Ten to twelve weight options (up to 50 lb in the Microfiber line) in many sizes and colors, from about $36-65 (Good Housekeeping, Tom's Guide).
Skip it if…- You want a warm, cozy blanket
- You want strong after-sale support
- You want a cover included
Good for- Trying a weighted blanket for little money
- Picking an exact weight and size
- Hot sleepers (cotton and bamboo versions)
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort & even weight4.5
Why 4.5?
Small quilted pockets keep the weight even (Good Housekeeping, CNN, Wirecutter); some Amazon owners disagree. - Breathability4.5
Why 4.5?
Cool for hot sleepers in Tom's Guide's test; the Bamboo version was CNN's coolest. Tom's Guide found it maybe too cool for winter. - Washing3.5
Why 3.5?
Machine wash gentle and tumble dry low (Good Housekeeping), one of CNN's easiest to wash and dry; Wirecutter needed a second dryer cycle, and Tom's Guide's tester hand-washed because the brand discourages frequent machine washing. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Quality is Amazon's most-mentioned positive and only 3% of 23,876 ratings are 1-2 stars; the warranty is just one year (Tom's Guide).
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best value (Microfiber version): dense yet even pressure that doesn't shift; cover sold separately.
- Tom's Guide: Best choice of weights and 2025 Sleep Awards winner (Original Cotton version): cool and breathable, though maybe not warm enough.
- CNN Underscored: Best cooling (Exclusive Bamboo version); the Exclusive Cotton and Cooling Bamboo versions were easy to clean but less standout.
- Wirecutter: Not picked: well-distributed weight and survived washing (needed a second dryer cycle), but customer service never responded.
#3
Bearaby
$$$Knitted (no beads)Score 4.1/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Amazon lists it as 'Cotton Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket'; 429 ratings (small sample), pooled across colors and weights.The most widely recommended weighted blanket: Wirecutter, CNN Underscored and Sleep Foundation all rank it at or near the top for its breathable chunky knit and even pressure. But it isn't warm, gets very heavy when wet and dries slowly, and Wirecutter's long-term tester saw it stretch and fuzz.
Top complaints
- Very heavy when wet and slow to dryVery common
Wirecutter's 20-pound blanket weighed 36 pounds out of the wash and needed three low dryer cycles. CNN's tester heard worrying thuds in the dryer and ended up drying it flat on a couch for two days.
- Not warm or fluffyVery common
Tom's Guide says the open loops trap no heat, so it won't be enough on its own on chilly nights. Wirecutter found the cotton feels almost like a T-shirt rather than an ultra-soft, fluffy blanket.
- Expensive, and wear shows over timeMentioned often
Wirecutter's long-term tester saw it stretch slightly after three months, another tester saw fuzzing after the first wash, and the dark blue lost some luster. Refunds carry a $20 processing fee (Wirecutter), and some Amazon owners call it overpriced.
What owners love
- Breathable
Its loose cotton knit is less likely to trap heat than bead-filled blankets (Wirecutter). Tom's Guide's tester never overheated in a warm spell, and Amazon owners praise its airflow.
- Even pressure without beads
All the weight comes from the yarn, so it presses evenly. Wirecutter's long-term tester says it never feels crushing, and CNN's tester could still move around underneath.
- Nothing to leak; machine-washable
With no pellets or beads, Wirecutter could machine-wash it without fear of anything escaping. Tom's Guide notes it can be washed cold and tumble-dried low.
Skip it if…- You want a warm, fluffy blanket for winter
- You can't lift a soaking-wet blanket into the dryer
- You want a bed-size blanket
Good for- Hot sleepers
- Even, all-over pressure with no beads
- A throw that looks good on the couch
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort & even weight4.5
Why 4.5?
Even pressure from the knit itself (Wirecutter, CNN), and Amazon owners praise the weight distribution; Good Housekeeping notes that open knits in general press less evenly when you lie directly under them. - Breathability5.0
Why 5.0?
The most breathable style: no overheating for testers at Wirecutter, Tom's Guide and CNN. - Bead noise & leaks5.0
Why 5.0?
No beads or pellets at all, so nothing to rustle or leak. - Washing2.5
Why 2.5?
Machine-washable, but it soaks up water (20 lb became 36 lb) and needs three dryer cycles or days of flat drying. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Its knit stayed intact through washing for CNN, but Wirecutter saw slight stretching, fuzzing and fading.
What experts say
- Wirecutter: Top pick (updated 2026-05-20): stylish and well balanced, but not warm, cumbersome to wash and dry, and less durable than pricier picks.
- CNN Underscored: Best weighted blanket: breathable knit and comfortable weight distribution; easy to wash, hard to dry.
- Sleep Foundation: Best overall (9.2/10, updated 2026-09-21): soft and breathable, with weight from the fabric.
- Tom's Guide: Best eco-friendly (updated 2026-01-01): soft, breathable organic cotton; not warm enough for very cold days, and returns carry a fee.
#4
Baloo
$$$Glass-bead filledScore 3.9/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)906 ratings (small sample), pooled across sizes, weights and colors.Wirecutter's low-maintenance quilt pick: crisp all-cotton construction, small pockets that stop the beads pooling, easy machine wash and dry, and two years of long-term use plus a lifetime guarantee. It doesn't hug you closely, can feel warm compared with knits, and costs about $200 or more for a queen.
Top complaints
- Can feel warmMentioned often
Wirecutter says the quilt style can feel less breathable and even hot compared with knits, though Amazon's summary says owners find it doesn't make them hot.
- Doesn't hug youMentioned often
The cotton batting keeps the weight from enveloping the body as closely as filler-free blankets (Wirecutter).
- Pricey extras and return feeOccasional
Baloo's matching linen duvet cover is expensive, and refunds carry an $18 return-shipping fee (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- Beads stay put
Three pocket shapes, including small squares, keep the beads from pooling (Wirecutter); Sleep Foundation notes double-stitched baffles. Amazon owners call the weight gentle and even.
- Easy care
It came through a full wash-and-dry cycle in good shape (Wirecutter), and Amazon owners say it gets softer with each wash.
- Built to last
A Wirecutter co-author has used it for two years and it held up nicely; Baloo offers a lifetime guarantee (Wirecutter, Sleep Foundation).
Skip it if…- You want a close, enveloping hug
- You sleep very hot and prefer a knit
- You're on a tight budget
Good for- Easy machine wash and dry
- A bed-friendly, quilt-like look
- Long-term durability
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort & even weight4.0
Why 4.0?
Even and non-pooling (Wirecutter, Sleep Foundation, Amazon), but the batting means less of a hug. - Breathability3.0
Why 3.0?
All cotton, and Amazon owners say it isn't hot, but Wirecutter found the quilt style traps heat compared with knits. - Bead noise & leaks3.5
Why 3.5?
Beads are noticeable at about the same level as the Layla's: not noisy, but not undetectable (Wirecutter). - Washing4.5
Why 4.5?
Machine-washable and dryer-safe; it came out of a full cycle in good shape. - Durability4.5
Why 4.5?
Sturdy, close stitching, held up for two years of long-term testing, and a lifetime guarantee.
What experts say
- Wirecutter: Top pick (updated 2026-05-20): well balanced, quilt-like, easy to wash and dry; doesn't hug and can feel hot.
- Sleep Foundation: Best size and weight options (8.3/10): even weight from careful stitching and a lifetime warranty.
#5
Casaluna (Target)
$$Knitted (no beads)Score 4.1/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Wirecutter's budget knit pick: a Target house brand that testers could hardly tell apart from the much pricier Bearaby, with easy washing and a 365-day return window. It comes only in 12 pounds and one size, and its polyester blend is less breathable than all-cotton knits.
Top complaints
- One size, one weightMentioned often
Only 12 pounds and 50 by 70 inches, so not for people who want a lot of pressure (Wirecutter).
- Polyester blend is warmerMentioned often
At 80% polyester and 20% cotton it may not suit hot sleepers, though the loose knit may help (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- Looks and feels premium
Soft and sleek with an almost handmade look; Wirecutter had trouble telling it from the Bearaby, and it had no overwhelming synthetic smell.
- Easy to wash
Washed on a light cycle, weighed a manageable 18 pounds wet, and air-dried quickly laid flat (Wirecutter).
- Even weight, generous returns
Very balanced weight like the Bearaby, and Target's 365-day return policy (Wirecutter).
Skip it if…- You want more than 12 pounds
- You sleep very hot
- You need a bed size
Good for- A cheaper Bearaby-style knit
- Lighter pressure
- Easy returns
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort & even weight4.0
Why 4.0?
Very balanced weight, but light at 12 pounds. - Breathability3.5
Why 3.5?
Loose knit helps, but the polyester blend is less breathable than cotton. - Bead noise & leaks5.0
Why 5.0?
Knit construction with no beads to rustle or leak. - Washing4.0
Why 4.0?
Light machine cycle, only 18 lb wet, and it air-dried quickly laid flat.
What experts say
- Wirecutter: Budget pick (updated 2026-05-20): surprisingly luxurious for about $130; only 12 lb and a less breathable blend.
#6
Silk & Snow
$$$Knitted (no beads)Score 3.8/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Good Housekeeping's best overall, with perfect consumer-tester scores, and Sleep Foundation's most comfortable pick. But CNN found it more constricting than the Bearaby and saw the knit stretch after one wash, and like all chunky knits it is slow to dry.
Top complaints
- Stretched after washingMentioned often
CNN's tester found the knit stretched after a delicate wash and air-dry, its main drawback compared with the Bearaby.
- Slow to dryMentioned often
Good Housekeeping notes that with no fill and all cotton it takes much longer to dry; the brand suggests two to three low dryer cycles or laying it flat.
- Can feel constrictingOccasional
At the same 15 pounds as the Bearaby, CNN's tester struggled to move under it; the knit felt more like soft rope.
What owners love
- Top comfort scores
Good Housekeeping's consumer testers gave it perfect scores for comfort, weight distribution and overall satisfaction; Sleep Foundation calls it very soft against the skin.
- Breathable
Testers found the knit more breathable than other blankets (Good Housekeeping), and Sleep Foundation says the open knit keeps it from overheating.
- Stylish, with a long trial
Testers liked the refined chunky knit and neutral colors (Good Housekeeping); Sleep Foundation notes a 100-night return window.
Skip it if…- You need it to keep its shape wash after wash
- You dislike feeling pinned down
- You want quick drying
Good for- Comfort-first buyers who want a knit
- Hot sleepers
- A long trial period
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort & even weight4.0
Why 4.0?
Perfect scores for weight distribution from Good Housekeeping's testers, but CNN found it more constricting than the Bearaby. - Breathability4.5
Why 4.5?
More breathable than other blankets for Good Housekeeping testers; Sleep Foundation says the open knit prevents overheating. - Bead noise & leaks5.0
Why 5.0?
Fabric-only weight with no fill, so no beads to rustle or leak. - Washing2.5
Why 2.5?
Machine-washable, but needs two to three low dryer cycles or flat drying (Good Housekeeping); CNN's stretched after washing. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
The only durability evidence is CNN's: the knit stretched after a wash.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall (published 2026-05-11): perfect tester scores across the board; the con is slow drying.
- Sleep Foundation: Most comfortable (9.5/10): very soft and breathable, with a 100-night return window.
- CNN Underscored: Tested, not picked: elevated look, but more constricting than the Bearaby and it stretched after washing.
#7
Luxome
$$Glass-bead filledScore 3.7/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A cooler bead blanket with a removable, reversible cover: Good Housekeeping's pick for easy care and Sleep Foundation's best cooling. But Wirecutter found it stiff out of the box and the batting bunched in the wash, and Good Housekeeping testers felt less pressure because it is larger than other blankets of the same weight.
Top complaints
- Batting bunched in the washMentioned often
Wirecutter had to dry it with tennis balls, as the company recommends, to undo bunching from the washing machine.
- Not soft at firstMentioned often
Wirecutter found the lyocell-bamboo cover and cotton blanket not soft or inviting until after a few washes.
- Less pressure for its weightMentioned often
It is larger than other picks at the same weight, so pressure may feel less impactful; some Good Housekeeping testers wanted it heavier.
What owners love
- Cool-feeling lyocell side
Good Housekeeping testers didn't get too hot even with the extra weight; Sleep Foundation names it best cooling, notably cool for higher weights.
- Removable cover and washable insert
Good Housekeeping highlights the removable cover for easy laundering, and the insert can also be washed.
- Reversible
One side silky smooth, the other soft microplush like a sherpa throw (Good Housekeeping, Sleep Foundation).
Skip it if…- You want strong pressure for the weight
- You want it soft straight out of the box
- You don't want to fuss with laundering
Good for- Hot sleepers who still want beads
- Washing the cover often
- A reversible cool/plush feel
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort & even weight3.0
Why 3.0?
Testers found it relaxing, but larger dimensions spread the weight and some wanted more pressure. - Breathability4.5
Why 4.5?
Best cooling at Sleep Foundation; Good Housekeeping testers stayed cool on the lyocell side. - Washing3.5
Why 3.5?
Removable cover and washable insert (Good Housekeeping), but Wirecutter's batting bunched and needed tennis balls in the dryer.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best with removable cover: cool, reversible and easy to launder; larger than others at the same weight.
- Sleep Foundation: Best cooling (8.8/10): stays notably cool for higher weights.
- Wirecutter: Not picked: not soft out of the box, and the batting bunched in the wash.
#8
Gravity
$$Glass-bead filledScore 2.8/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)15-lb twin listing; 232 ratings (small sample).The best-known weighted blanket brand: Tom's Guide's best for comfort and a Wirecutter favorite for its plush cover and balanced feel. But the inner blanket can only be hand-washed, it runs warm, there are few weight options and no warranty.
Top complaints
- Inner blanket is hand-wash onlyVery common
Only the cover is machine-washable; Tom's Guide says the blanket must be hand-washed and air-dried, and Wirecutter notes it isn't machine-washable.
- Runs warmVery common
Tom's Guide says it works best in colder months and suggests hot sleepers look elsewhere; Amazon owners disagree, with some finding it unbearably hot.
- No warranty, limited weightsMentioned often
Tom's Guide notes only a 30-day return policy and no warranty, plus limited weight and size options; Wirecutter says buyers pay return shipping. Some Amazon owners find it too heavy.
What owners love
- Plush, hug-like feel
Tom's Guide's reviewer likened it to a gigantic bear hug, and more than half of Wirecutter's testers gravitated to its soft cover and balanced feel.
- Well-built, even weight
Gridded stitching spreads the glass beads evenly (Tom's Guide); Wirecutter found tidy stitching and a button-tie-and-zipper system that stops it bunching in the cover.
- Lower price than before
Tom's Guide reports the list price dropped from $250 to $149.
Skip it if…- You sleep hot
- You want the whole blanket machine-washable
- You want a warranty
Good for- Cold sleepers who want a plush, cozy hug
- Heavier weights (up to 35 lb)
- A removable, machine-washable cover
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort & even weight4.0
Why 4.0?
Even, balanced weight (Tom's Guide, Wirecutter); some Amazon owners find it too heavy. - Breathability2.0
Why 2.0?
Best for colder months (Tom's Guide); some Amazon owners find it unbearably hot. - Washing2.0
Why 2.0?
Cover machine-washes, but the heavy inner blanket is hand-wash and air-dry only. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Well constructed (Wirecutter), but no warranty (Tom's Guide).
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best for comfort: plush cover, even weight; hand-wash only and no warranty.
- Wirecutter: Other good option: most testers liked its feel and construction, but it isn't machine-washable.