We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Orthopedic & Physical Therapy Products The 10 Best Heating Pads, Tested and Reviewed Our top picks provide soothing relief with ultra-soft fabric for maximum comfort. By Kayla Hui, MPH and Danielle Zoellner Updated on April 04, 2024 Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD Fact checked by Christina Oehler, RYT-200 Print Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Aches and pains in your muscles and joints can make it debilitating to go about your daily routine. That's where heat therapy comes in. A heating pad is a medication-free way to address pain and soreness without leaving the comfort of your own home. Alyssa Raineri, DPT, a Florida-based physical therapist, says that applying heat to sore muscles improves blood flow and increases the muscle's oxygen and nutrients, promoting tissue healing. Karena Wu, PT, DPT, physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy, adds that heating pads can also increase blood circulation, reducing stiffness and pain. When selecting a heating pad, it is important to consider your specific needs for the product—whether it is hands-free, can be microwaved, or offers targeted relief for muscle pain. To simplify shopping, we tested 17 heating pads and evaluated them based on their setup, design, features, heating quality, and value. We also had a family physician from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for medical accuracy, risks associated with using heating pads, and who should avoid using them. From these tests and this advice, we chose the best options. Dry Heat vs Moist Heat in Heating Pads When deciding what heating setting to use, it's important to understand the different types: Dry heat: Dr. Raineri says electric heating pads produce dry heat. They can be convenient because they offer a wide range of temperatures. Alexandra Rios, PT, DPT, a licensed physical therapist and provider at Airrosti, adds that heat pads with three or more heat levels are ideal since they allow the user to work up to a safe and sufficient heat setting for pain relief. Moist heat: Another option is a moist heat pack. Dr. Raineri explains that these typically don't have heat settings, so you'll need a few layers between the heating pads and the muscles. She adds that dry heat is more convenient, but moist heat is more effective and penetrates deeper into the tissue, which is great for treating muscle aches and stiffness. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Budget: Sunbeam Heating Pad at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review Best Maximum Coverage: Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief XL at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best Massager: Comfier Heating Pad with Massager at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Microwave: SuzziPad Microwavable Heating Pads at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Targeted Relief: Sunbeam GoHeat Portable Heated Patches at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review Best for Menstrual Cramps: Yeamon Portable Cordless Heating Pad at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best for Lower Back Pain: Sunbeam Heating Pad Back Wrap at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best for Knee Pain: Comfier Heated Knee Brace at Amazon ($59) Jump to Review Best for Feet: Gintao Electric Heated Foot Pad at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Dry Heat vs Moist Heat in Heating Pads Our Picks How We Tested What to Look For Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Dick's $60 View On Tractor Supply Co. $50 Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 5/5 Features 5/5 Heating Quality 4.5/5 Value 4.8/5 Pros Has four heat settings Made from soft fibers Has an auto shutoff to prevent overheating Cons Neck area doesn’t get as warm Why We Recommend It We chose the Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad as our best overall pick for a few key reasons. It sets to four heat settings with a press of a button and automatically shuts off after two hours of use to prevent overheating and conserve energy. Not only does the pad have a strong heating system, but it’s also made from soft fibers, which prevents the pad from burning the skin. Plus, it’s wearable and covers your back, neck, and abdomen so you can comfortably walk around the house—the magnetic neck closure and the adjustable elastic belt help to keep the heating pad in place. Overall, the pad is the best because of its affordable price point, easy setup, and high heating quality. Keep in Mind The neck area didn't get as hot as other picks, so if you need targeted neck pain relief, you may need another option. We also realized it had no self-timer for the various heat settings. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Neck, back, and shoulders | Number of Heat Settings: 4 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: Magnetic neck closure, adjustable waist strap Best Budget Sunbeam Heating Pad Amazon View On Amazon $34 View On Walmart $33 Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 3.5/5 Features 3/5 Heating Quality 4/5 Value 4.2/5 Pros Easy to use and set up Budget-friendly Has a moist heat option Cons Not as comfortable as other pads Why We Recommend It This option from Sunbeam delivers most of the features of other pads on this list at a fraction of the cost. Using a sliding controller, you can adjust the three heat settings to warm your muscles. The pad has a washable cover and a 9-foot cord, making it easy to use and clean. You can use the sponge insert to activate the moist heat option for deeper relief. Overall, it’s an easy-to-use pad that functions exactly as advertised with dry and moist heat options available. Keep in Mind One caveat we noticed 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. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Legs, shoulders, lower abdomen | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: Moist heat option Best Maximum Coverage Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief XL Amazon View On Amazon $23 View On Walmart $23 Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 4/5 Features 3/5 Heating Quality 3.5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Large surface area Easy to use Cons Lightweight controller Why We Recommend It The best pad for maximum coverage provides heat to your pain area and has a larger surface area, and this one from Sunbeam gets the job done. It’s 12 by 24 inches and can be used on multiple body parts, such as your legs, back, and lower abdomen. You can change the heat setting to low, medium, or high using a sliding controller. Plus, it has a sponge, so you can use the moist heat option. Once the pad is turned on, it can take a few minutes to feel the warmth. Overall, it’s a large heating pad and is ideal for anyone who needs to cover areas of the body with a larger surface area or has arthritis. Keep in Mind We didn't really like the lightweight controller and noted that it tends to slip off the couch easily, but this was a personal preference. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Back, neck, lower abdomen, legs | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: Moist heat option Best Massager Comfier Heating Pad with Massager Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Walmart $40 View On Comfier.com Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 5/5 Features 4.5/5 Heating Quality 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Pros Has a built-in massager Can be worn like a belt Made from soft, velvet material Cons Only has two heat settings Why We Recommend It If you’re looking to take your heat therapy to a whole different level, look no further than Comfier’s Heating Pad. This pad does double-duty as a heater and massager and provides much-needed relief to sore muscles in your lower back. There are two heat modes, three massage modes, and two intensity levels to choose from, so you can pick the settings that meet your lifestyle needs. It fits like a lifting belt and is made from a soft velvet cover, so you won’t have to worry about discomfort. We’d recommend this for people who may not need many heat settings and are looking for a light massage on the back. Keep in Mind We noted that there were only two heat settings, which may not be ideal if you want more warmth. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Lower back | Number of Heat Settings: 2 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: Massager with three modes Best Microwave SuzziPad Microwavable Heating Pads SuzziPad View On Amazon $25 View On Suzzipad.com View On Shein.com Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 4/5 Features 4/5 Heating Quality 4.5/5 Value 4.3/5 Pros Use hot or cold Folds easily into the microwave Works on multiple areas Cons Absorbs microwave smell Why We Recommend It Made with flaxseed, millets, and clay beads, the SuzziPad heating pad delivers heat to relieve joint pain, cramps, swelling, and tight muscles. The paneled design allows the pad to distribute heat evenly and can be folded easily. All you have to do is pop this pad in the microwave for 60 seconds and place it on your desired pain area. After one minute in the microwave, you can enjoy up to 10 minutes of heat in one session. Keep in Mind We noted that the pad may absorb any odors lingering in the microwave, so cleaning your microwave before heating your pad is recommended. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: Microwave | Areas Targeted: Back, neck, lower abdomen, legs, ankles | Number of Heat Settings: 1 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: Can be used hot or cold Best Targeted Relief Sunbeam GoHeat Portable Heated Patches Amazon View On Amazon $45 View On Walmart $75 Our Ratings Setup 4.5/5 Design 4/5 Features 3/5 Heating Quality 5/5 Value 4.2/5 Pros Patches can be placed almost anywhere on the body Portable Provides heat instantly Cons Expensive Patches can only be used up to 10 times each Why We Recommend It Unlike heating pads, which tend to be larger, these Sunbeam patches are small enough to be placed on various body parts, including your back, abdomen, arms, legs, and calves. The pads are adhesive, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off, and they can be reused up to 10 times for each pad. It features three heat settings—low, medium, and high—to deliver warmth directly to your muscles. Make sure the controller is fully charged before each use. Keep in Mind This heating solution doesn’t have a timer or auto shutoff, 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. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Back, neck, lower abdomen, legs, ankles, arms | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: None Best for Menstrual Cramps Yeamon Portable Cordless Heating Pad Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $26 View On Yeamonbeauty.com Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Features 5/5 Heating Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Heating distributes evenly across the pad Lightweight and compact Heats quickly Cons External cover may be uncomfortable Why We Recommend It Having a period can be painful if you experience menstrual cramps, but this heating pad from Yeamon helps alleviate that pain. Using graphene heating, the pad generates high heat quickly to relieve muscle tension, making it the best option for menstrual cramps. Choose from three heat and three vibration settings. 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. Keep in Mind We weren't a big fan of the vibration settings; we thought it was too intense, but this was a personal preference. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: USB charging | Areas Targeted: Lower abdomen, back | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: Massager with three modes Best for Lower Back Pain Sunbeam Heating Pad Back Wrap Amazon View On Amazon $28 View On Walmart $57 View On CVS $57 Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 5/5 Features 5/5 Heating Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Easy setup Contours to your back Moist heat option Cons Velcro fastener doesn't feel very durable Why We Recommend It Made from a soft pad and using four heat settings, the Sunbeam Heated Back Wrap contours to the shape of your back while relieving sore muscles. There's an adjustable waist strap to lock the back wrap in place, and the strap extends up to 85 inches. Moreover, it features an automated timer that automatically shuts off the device after two hours to prevent overheating. This pad did not disappoint regarding 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 tests. We recommend this heating pad to people who are experiencing regular back pain and need relief in-between doctor and physical therapy sessions. Keep in Mind We wish the velcro fastener felt more durable, but it stayed in place fine. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Lower back | Number of Heat Settings: 4 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: Moist heat option Best for Knee Pain Comfier Heated Knee Brace Amazon View On Amazon $59 View On Walmart $60 View On Comfier.com Our Ratings Setup 4.5/5 Design 4.5/5 Features 5/5 Heating Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Has a built-in massager Made with soft, velvet-like material 30-minute auto-off timer Cons Difficult to put on Why We Recommend It Built with two heating levels and five massage modes, the Comfier Brace Wrap is great for relaxing sore leg muscles. It’s made with a soft, velvet-like material, and the velcro straps make for a comfortable and secure fit. As for safety, the knee brace has a built-in timer that automatically turns off the heat at the 30-minute mark. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for heat and vibration therapy. Keep in Mind While the brace is comfortable, it can be difficult to strap around the leg. Because of this, this choice may not be ideal for people with mobility issues. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Knee | Number of Heat Settings: 2 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: Massager with 5 modes Best for Feet Gintao Electric Heated Foot Pad Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Sears.com Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 4/5 Features 3.5/5 Heating Quality 3.5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Soft, plush cover material Machine-washable cover Cons Takes 8 to 10 minutes to reach full heat Why We Recommend It Made from super plush material and with a built-in heater and wide opening, the Gintao Heating Pad makes for the best feet heating pad. The setup is easy; all you have to do is plug it in and select one of three heat settings (low, medium, or high). Beyond these features, there is an auto-shutoff option, so your pad won’t burn you or overheat. 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. Keep in Mind Of all the pads on the list, this one took the longest to heat up. We noted that reaching full heat took between eight and 10 minutes. Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Feet | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: None Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida How We Tested We spent eight hours at the Verywell Testing Lab testing 17 heating pads to find the best ones. We compared the pads based on the following criteria: Setup: We examined how easy it was to use and set up the product from the box.Design: We paid attention to how easy it was to use the device along with any additional features that the heating pads came with, such as the length of the chord, whether it was portable, and how intuitive and user-friendly it was overall.Features: We turned the pad on, timed its heating time, and tested the additional features.Heating quality: We used an infrared thermometer gun to see each heating pad's heat distribution and repeated the process for each pad. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida What to Look for in a Heating Pad Size: Size is important when it comes to heating pads because it better determines how they will target the area of your body in need. Rios says you should choose a pad large enough to cover the area you’re treating most frequently.Flexibility: If you have aches and pains in multiple areas of your body, Rios recommends a heating pad with a flexible design that can adjust to your body.Cover material: The material of your pad cover matters too, according to Wu, who recommends ones made of washable cotton or fleece so they stay clean (and feel better, too). Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Our Experts In addition to our tests, we contacted medical professionals for their insights on heating pads' benefits and proper use. These experts included: Alyssa Raineri, DPT, physical therapist at Advanced Therapy Concepts Karena Wu, PT, DPT, owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy Alexandra Rios, PT, DPT, a licensed physical therapist and provider at Airrosti Kecia Gaither, MD, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida Frequently Asked Questions How long should you lie on a heating pad? According to Wu, lying on a heating pad for more than 15 to 20 minutes is not recommended to prevent your risk of burns. If you’re using a heating pad during the nighttime, set your pad to an auto shutoff to ensure you’re not overusing the pad on sore muscles or joints. Are there any risks associated with heating pad use? Dr. Raineri says burns are the most common injury caused by heating pads. To avoid burning, she recommends removing all jewelry, inspecting and protecting your skin with layers, and using a timer. She also suggests stopping use and contacting your doctor if you see any severe redness, rashes, blistering, pain, or swelling. Can you use a heating pad while pregnant? People who are pregnant or experiencing menstrual cramps can use a heating pad to help relieve the symptoms, and a heating pad can offer comfort and relief during labor. The uterus is a muscle, and cramps are muscular contractions, explains Kecia Gaither, MD, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. She says a heating pad can be beneficial as heat helps to relax the muscles and improve blood flow. She suggests using a pain (an NSAID like Advil or Motrin) reliever in addition to the heat therapy to decrease pain. Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida 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. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Jo J, Lee SH. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. Sci Rep. 8(1):16252. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z Freiwald J, Magni A, Fanlo-Mazas P, Paulino E, et al. A role for superficial heat therapy in the management of non-specific, mild-to-moderate low back pain in current clinical practice: A narrative review. Life (Basel). 11(8): 780. doi:10.3390/life11080780. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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