Best Heating Pads in 2022
Heating pads are designed to soothe muscle pain and cramps. They won’t cure your ailment, but they’ll make it a damn sight easier to deal with. If you’re suffering from chronic pain or just want to soothe your muscles after a gym session, heating pads are an amazing tool to have around the house. Customers are frequently searching for the best heating pads on the market. We’ve combed through Amazon to find them for you.
The Best Heating Pad
1Sunbeam Xpressheat Heating Pad For Pain Relief
This is one of the most popular heating pads on Amazon, and rightly so. Sunbeam makes a whole range of heating pads, from the super-specific pain relief pads to more versatile pads like this one. It measures 12 inches x 24 inches to cover even the larger parts of your body that need pain relief. Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief is suitable for shoulders, legs, spine, lower back, stomach, and more. As you’ll see further down in this list, many heating pads are designed to fit a specific area of your body. This one is more of a general, all-body pad.
Using the digital LED controller, you can choose from four different heating settings, ranging from “warm” to “high.” And, just in case you forget to turn it off, it has an auto shut-off function that kicks in after two hours. We particularly like the material that Sunbeam uses in their heating pads. This one is made from a machine-washable microplush pad that is backed with SoftTouch. It’s both easy to care for and extremely comfortable. If you buy from an approved seller, this heating pad is protected by a five-year limited warranty. However, there have been some recent reports of customers struggling to send back defective products. For more handy lifesavers like this, browse our list of the best muscle stimulators available right now.
Dimensions – 12” x 24”
Four heating settings
Two automatic shut-off options
Made from microplush material
Five-year limited warranty
- BrandSunbeam
- Model002013-511-000U
- Weight1.4 Pounds
Very popular
Suitable for whole body use
Very plush, comfortable material
Easy to care for
Some reports of defective products
2Sunbeam 4 Heat Settings Heating Pad For Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief
If you suffer from neck and shoulder pain, this Sunbeam Heating Pad might be better suited to your needs. Under the hood, it’s the same technology as the last pad, but this one sits on your shoulders and provides more directed relief. If you were wondering how it stays on, it has a magnetic clip and weighted edges that hold it in place. The snug fit and tall collar allow the pad to provide pain-relief to the whole of your shoulder and neck area.
It comes with the same handheld controller as the last Sunbeam heating pad. This gives you the option of four different heating settings. Some Amazon customers have complained that it doesn’t get hot enough, but they are probably expecting too much from it. In our experience, it gets just as hot as any other heating pad on the market. The material used is micromink, a plush faux fur used in blankets and throws. We reckon it’s even more comfortable than the micro plush we’ve seen in other heating pads. So, if it’s pure comfort you’re looking for, this is one of the most luxurious pads on the market. Feel free to use it with any of these quality muscle rubs from our list.
Dimensions – 19” x 22”
Four heating settings
Two-hour automatic shut-off
Made from super-soft micromink
Five-year limited warranty
- BrandSunbeam
- Model700-825
- Weight2.74 Pounds
Provides targeted relief to the neck and shoulders
Extremely comfortable
Weighted edges
Some complaints that it doesn’t get hot enough
Can’t adjust automatic shut-off
3Pure Enrichment PureRelief XXL Heating Pad
You might be wondering why this heating pad is more expensive than the others on the list. The simple answer is because it’s bigger. Measuring 20 inches x 24 inches, it’s one of the largest heating pads on this list, which means it covers pretty much any body part on any sized person. If you’re on the larger size, this is the pad to go for. Pure Enrichment PureRelief XXL is made from a similar microplush material to the first Sunbeam heating pad we looked at. It’s one of the softest and most comfortable products on this list, without question. And, it’s still machine-washable.
The pad heats up in a matter of seconds, and you can choose from a whopping six heating settings. That gives you amazing control and makes it easy to find the perfect heat. You can either choose from the dry or moist heat, depending on your skin type. One of the biggest advantages of the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XXL is the industry-leading five-year warranty. This, and the amazing customer support that backs it up, makes buying this heating pad one of the easiest decisions you’ll ever have to make, as long as you’re okay with the fact that it costs $10 more than most other heating pads. For quick pain relief, you can always go for a simple foam roller, too.
Dimensions – 20” x 24”
Six heating settings
Two-hour automatic shut-off
Made from micro plush
Five-year warranty
- BrandPure Enrichment
- Model50500000
- Weight1.93 Pounds
Large surface area
Extremely soft and comfortable
Great range of heating settings
Impressive warranty
More expensive than competitors
Can’t adjust automatic shut-off
4Paramed Heating Pad XL King Size
Not every heating pad is created equal. That means you can find a budget option if you don’t mind making a few sacrifices in quality and features. The Paramed Heating Pad is the cheapest product on this list. But don’t be put off; it’s still well worth considering. The heating pad measures 12 inches by 24 inches, so it’s not the biggest, but it’s still definitely large enough to cover your lower back, abdomen, legs, and more.
One of the features that take this pad down a notch is the controller. It only has three heating settings – low, medium, and high. This isn’t a huge problem, but it can get frustrating if you can’t find the ideal heat. On the plus side, it can deliver both moist and dry heating, which makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin. We love the fact that this heating pad comes with a storage bag. It’s perfect for taking on the road with you or just storing it in a cupboard. Plus, it’s covered by a money-back guarantee that lasts for 30 days, in case anything is wrong with your order. If you already suffer from back pain, make sure to take a look at these back braces guaranteed to bring you relief.
Dimensions – 12” x 24”
Three heating settings
Two-hour automatic shut-off
Made from coral fleece and warp-knitting fabric
30-day money-back guarantee
- BrandParamed
- Weight1.5 Pounds
Very affordable
Large enough to cover most of your body
Choose between moist and dry heat
Comes with storage bag
Only three heating settings
Can’t adjust automatic shut-off
5BEAUTIKEN Heating Pad
This heating pad from BEAUTIKEN has a slightly different design to the other heating pads we’ve featured. It’s a rectangular shape measuring 30 inches x 16 inches, meaning you can wrap it around your body instead of just laying it on top. It comes with an elastic wrap so you can attach the pad around your abdomen, around your waist, or on your shoulder. It’s better at delivering targeted pain because you can wrap it tightly to your skin. BEAUTIKEN Heating Pad is also great if you’re just buying it for comfort because you can lay it on your back, and it covers more of your body.
It has six heating settings that range from 40ºC to 60ºC. That allows users to be accurate when applying heat. Plus, it has the most extensive auto turn-off feature. You can program it to turn off at either 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes after being turned on. The other big advantage of the BEAUTIKEN Heating Pad is the reinforced heating wire. It provides uniformed heating across the pad and allows it to be more flexible than cheaper heating pads. And, within a year of your purchase, BEAUTIKEN will replace any defective products. If you are looking for a device to give you tired feet some relief, here are some foot massagers that really work wonders.
Dimensions – 16” x 30”
Six heating settings
Four automatic shut-off options
Made from flannel
One-year warranty
- BrandBEAUTIKEN
- Weight1.4 Pounds
Wraps around your body
Excellent at delivering targeted pain
Lots of heating settings
Decent warranty
Some reports of defective products
6Ruqiji 17”x33” XXXL King Size Heating Pad
This next heating pad is one of the largest on the market. Measuring 17 inches wide by 33 inches long, Ruqiji XXXL King Size Heating Pad can be used on any part of your body. You could even use it as an electric blanket for your legs or upper body. The great thing about a long heating pad like this one is the versatility. It can fit around pretty much any part of your body, which makes it perfect for people that ache all over.
One of the big selling points of the Ruqiji Heating Pad is how fast it heats up. It can achieve its impressive maximum heat of 80ºC within seconds. It also has six different settings to choose from. The cheaper heating pads only have a couple of heating settings, which gives you much less accurate pain relief. It has a two-hour automatic power-off feature, which is standard on most heating pads. Ruqiji doesn’t make it clear exactly what material they’ve used but it’s some kind of soft flannel material. Either way, it’s extremely comfortable and perfect for sensitive skin. You don’t get an official warranty but they do provide a quality guarantee and will replace, return, or refund your purchase.
Dimensions – 17” x 33”
Six heating settings
Two-hour automatic shut-off
Made from flannel
Quality guarantee
- BrandRuqiji
- Weight1.55 Pounds
Large surface area
Heats up fast
Impressive max heat
Lots of heating setting options
Can’t adjust automatic shut-off
Not clear what material is used
7HaoXuan DianZi Electric Heat Pad For Back Pain And Cramps Relief
HaoXuan DianZi Electric Heat Pad is the perfect muscle recovery tool for those budget-seekers that aren’t concerned with buying the best quality product available. It’s made by a Chinese company, and they’ve copied some of the best-selling products in this category. The question is – is it worth buying? The simple answer is yes. The first thing we looked at is the customer review section. It has nearly 500 reviews and the vast majority are extremely positive.
It measures 12 inches by 24 inches, so it’s on the smaller side, but it’s still big enough to cover most body parts that are commonly affected by muscle soreness. The thing that impressed us more than anything about this heating pad is the controller. It’s extremely similar to the one we saw on the BEAUTIKEN heating pad earlier. You can choose from six different heating levels and four different auto shut-off functions. This makes it one of the most adjustable heating pads on this list, which is surprising when you consider how cheap it is.
Dimensions – 12” x 24”
Six heating settings
Four automatic shut-off options
Made from flannel
One-year warranty
- BrandHaoXuan DianZi
- Weight1 Pounds
Positive reviews
Very affordable
An impressive amount of adjustability
Smaller than most heating pads
8Utaxo Heating Pad Wrap
The super-soft microfiber material is one of this heating pad’s biggest selling points. It’s extremely plush and comfortable, even compared to the other heating pads on this list. Plus, it’s completely waterproof, which makes it suitable for dry heat therapy. If you’re buying a heating pad purely for comfort, this is one of the best out there. You can choose from six heating settings using the simple controller. It’s also got an auto shut-off feature, but you can’t adjust it. It just turns itself off after two hours. Your purchase is protected by a 12-month hassle-free warranty. Our buying guide on the most sought-after massage pillows features some more wonderful products like this, so make sure to check them out, too.
Dimensions – 25” x 32”
Six heating settings
Two-hour automatic shut-off
Made from microfiber
One-year warranty
- BrandUtaxo
- ModelUT-PS002
- Weight2.1 pounds
Large surface area
Very comfortable
Waterproof so can be used for dry-heat therapy
Decent warranty
Can’t adjust automatic shut-off
Heating Pad Buying Guide
Features to Look for in Heating Pads
Size - Heating pads come in all shapes and sizes. Whichever pad you choose, it must cover the area you are trying to soothe. If you have lower back pains, for example, you need a heating pad that covers the whole of your lower back.
Automatic turn-off - Any appliance that puts out heat is a potential fire hazard. That’s why automatic turn-off (or switch-off) is an essential feature. You shouldn’t buy a heating pad without it.
Material - Look for a heating pad that’s made from a material that’s both comfortable and durable. You want it to feel good even when the heat isn’t on.
Heating settings - Some cheaper heating pads have one heating setting - it’s either on or off. If you want to get the most from heat therapy, you need to have multiple heating settings. This allows you to work up to a high heat slowly and choose the correct heat for your skin.
Heat up time - Not everyone has time to wait for half an hour while the heating pad is heating up. Choose a heating pad with a quick heat up time.
Power cord length - Heating pads are supposed to bring comfort as well as pain relief, so you don’t want to have to stand next to the wall socket to use it. A long power cord is essential.
Wireless - Not every heating pad comes with a power cord. You can buy wireless heating pads that you can use anywhere. They tend to be more expensive, though.
Dry or moist heat - If you have sensitive skin, you should opt for a heating pad that puts out moist heat (more on that below). Dry heat can pull moisture from your skin, causing it to become cracked.
Types of Heating Pads
Electric Heating Pad - As you might have guessed, you plug an electric heating pad into a wall outlet, and it puts out dry heat. They work well on sore muscles but use them for too long, and they can dry out your skin.
Moist Heating Pad - Moist heating pads use moist air to relax your muscles. Humid air can penetrate deeper into your muscles providing longer-lasting pain relief.
Infrared Heating Pad - These pads use the same radiation as the sun. It’s invisible, but you can feel it in the form of heat on your skin. The benefit of infrared heating pads is that they don’t dry out your skin.