Best Heat Pads

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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Heat pads are a popular choice for on-the-spot relief from aches and pains. If you’ve been advised to use heat therapy for backache, stomach cramps or any injuries, you’ll discover that there is a wealth of solutions to choose from.

How We Compared Heat Pads

To find the right heat pads, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Material
• Heat Settings
• Dimensions
• Controller
• Extra Features

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Heat Pad Reviews

Beurer HK25UK Heat Pad (Editor’s Choice)

Our overall favourite and Editor’s Choice, this heat pad makes a great general-purpose model. Measuring 40cm by 30cm, it’s a good size for both back and stomach aches, as well as for wrapping around an arm or a leg. 

With three temperature settings, the Beurer HK25UK can quickly and easily adjust to suit your needs. It also benefits from a rapid under 10-minute heat-up time. Plus, it automatically shuts off after 90 minutes to ensure your safety.

It has a removable controller and a soft, brushed cotton construction. Plus, this heat pad’s cotton cover is also machine washable. This makes for easy care and maintenance, saving you time painstakingly hand washing it. What’s more, as it is crafted from Oeko-Tex 100-certified cotton, you can be sure that it’s also a good choice for your skin. 

Comfier Heat Pad (Luxury Choice)

If you often suffer from pain in your back and stomach area, then our Luxury Choice could be just what you need. This model can effectively target discomfort caused by period pain, muscle strains, tension, or general stomach cramps.

The Comfier heat pad is designed to be worn as a belt. It features two heat levels and three massage modes, so you can encourage your muscles to relax and release pent-up tightness. The belt strap is fully adjustable; it can extend up to a maximum of 60 inches, making it suitable for most users. The overheat protection and auto shut-off keep you safe during use, and the flexible structure ensures it’s comfortable to wear.  

We also like that it has a plush velvety cover for extra cosiness. The soft polyester outer feels great against your skin, while the warmth and vibrations penetrate tired muscles. Furthermore, it must be plugged in during use, so you’re forced to rest and stay in one place for better results.

Mia&Coco Electric Heat Pad (Best Value)

Are you looking for a soft, simple and effective electric heat pad? If so, you should definitely check out this next product.

With its soft polyester construction, this heat pad is plush and cuddly. Moreover, as it is machine washable, keeping it clean and as good as new is straightforward. At 30cm by 60cm, you can use it on your arms, legs, back or stomach for targeted heat therapy.

This electric heat pad by Mia&Coco has an impressive ten heat levels. This allows you to adjust your heat pad to suit your individual needs. There is also a 90-minute shut-off for your safety, and it benefits from an ETL certificate. Thanks to this certification, you can be sure that you can use this model according to the instructions with complete peace of mind.

VIBOOS Heating Pad (Best for Versatility)

Our most versatile pick makes an excellent choice if you are looking for a general-purpose heat pad. Measuring approximately 30cm by 60cm, it’s fantastic for backache and more localised aches and pains.

The VIBOOS Heating Pad is comfortable and easy to snuggle up with, thanks to its soft flannel material. It has six heat levels, making it simple to find the right temperature. It also heats up quickly, which is good for fast heat therapy.  

One of the main advantages of this model is that it is machine washable. Easy to care for, you won’t have to worry about it getting dirty. Another distinct bonus is that it has a timer function with four settings and an auto shut-off. If you are looking for a highly versatile heat pad, this is the one to go for.  

SuzziPad Microwavable Heat Pad (Best for Softness)

If softness is important to you in a heating pad, then you can’t go wrong with this microwavable model. Thanks to its double-sided fabric outer, it is both soft and cosy for optimum comfort.

This SuzziPad heat pad can be used for both hot and cold therapy. Simply heat it in your microwave or place it in your freezer, depending on your needs. It has an all-natural filling of clay beads, flaxseed and millet that retains heat for a delicate sensation of warmth. What’s more, thanks to its contents, it moulds to your body. This makes it ideal for soothing joint pain. 

One of the main advantages of this microwavable heat pad over similar models is that it features a sectioned chamber design. This prevents the filling from gathering at one end. So, you get more targeted heat therapy where you want it. 

Hangsun Heat Pad TP260 (Best for Ergonomics)

This is a good choice if you are specifically looking for a heating pad for your back. Thanks to its ergonomic design and neck strap, it will stay in place, unlike regular flat heat pads. 

The Hangsun TP260 has six heat settings, enabling you to adapt the heat level to suit your needs for better efficacy and comfort. What’s more, it heats up quickly, so you won’t have to plan to switch it on before use. Its controller, with a simple slider and screen, is highly intuitive and easy to operate.

Thanks to its soft fleece outer, this heat pad is extremely cosy for extra comfort. Importantly, it is also machine washable, so it’s quite effortless to keep it clean. For your safety, it automatically shuts off the power after 90 minutes or when any part of the device exceeds 60°C.

Amazing Health Heat Pack (Best Small)

This compact product can be microwaved or placed in your freezer for hot and cold therapy. It’s great for necks, ankles, wrists, and general aches and pains. 

The Amazing Health Heat Pack features a soft cotton outer with a traditional tartan design. Thanks to its wheat filling, it heats up well and moulds easily to the contours of your body. This makes it a good choice for aching joints and more targeted heat therapy. 

Unlike other heat pads with natural fillings, this option has a lavender scent. This prevents it from developing a bad smell when it is heated. What’s more, its subtle lavender perfume can also aid relaxation during your heat therapy session. This compact model is brilliant if you need a heating pad for your joints or neck. Plus, if you place it in your freezer, it can also be used cold to help reduce swelling. 

How to Choose a Heat Pad

Wondering how to choose the best heat pad? With so many different models available on the market, picking the right one can be a challenge. Here’s what you need to look out for. 

Material

Most heat pads have a cotton or polyester fleece outer. While cotton tends to be a better choice for using directly on your skin, fleece models are sought after for their cosy texture. If you prefer a non-electrical heat pad, natural fillings such as wheat or clay beads are both popular and highly effective. 

Heat Settings

Look out for products with a good range of heat options, as this will enable you to select a more personalised program for extra efficacy and comfort. While most models have a numerical system of heat settings, you should also verify their maximum temperature. This will allow you to confirm that your heat pad will be hot enough for your needs.

Dimensions

Pay close attention to the size of your heat pad. You’ll want to pick up a large option if you are looking for a product for general warmth or back and stomach use. For joints, arms, legs or your neck, a smaller one would be a better choice for targeted pain relief.

Controller

Ideally, you should be looking at selections with easy-to-use controllers. A small screen can be helpful to indicate which temperature setting you are using. Some models also have buttons that include a thermostat and a timer for more precise control over your heat therapy. 

Extra Features

Numerous extra features could make your heat pad even better. Before you decide which one is best for you, consider opting for a model with any of the following:

• Machine washable – Essential for easy care and maintenance, machine washable heat pads are an excellent choice for long-term use. 
• Auto shut-off – Check that your choice has an auto shut-off. This feature will not only ensure your safety should you drift off, but it will also guarantee better product longevity. 
• Scent – If you are looking for a microwavable heat pad, consider a scented one. Otherwise, it may have an off-putting odour when it’s heated up.
• Timer – Aside from an auto shut-off system, timers can also be quite useful. Electric heat pads with timers can help you meet your heat therapy recommendations and ensure you don’t cut corners. 

Summary

For the best overall model, we recommend our Editor’s Choice, the Beurer HK25UK Heat Pad. Its generous dimensions make it an excellent pick for all-around use, plus it has a rapid heat-up time. Its brushed cotton outer is soft and cosy. Moreover, it is Oeko-Tex 100 certified, so you won’t have to worry about exposing your skin to toxic chemicals. It also benefits from an automatic 90-minute auto shut-off. Perhaps best of all, this heat pad’s cotton cover is machine washable, so you can easily keep it clean with minimal hassle.