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When deciding what heating setting to use, it's important to understand the different types:
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.
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 .
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
$64
View On Walmart
$75
Our Ratings
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
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
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
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
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
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