As we move through life, our friendships evolve. Some friendships we maintain for years while others come and go for a season. But throughout my life, one friend has always been there for me. A friend who never disappoints me. A friend I can call on at any moment of the day for support:
My heating pad.
Not to be dramatic, but my heating pad is one of my most valued possessions. If my chronic illnesses are flaring and I need some symptom relief, I grab my heating pad. If I’m cold and just can’t seem to warm up, I grab my heating pad. If I’m feeling a little sad and need some emotional support, I grab my heating pad. In my opinion, every person, whether chronically ill or not, could benefit from owning a heating pad.
But how do you choose the one that’s right for you? That’s where I come in, and today, I’m here to help you sift through the endless Amazon search results, and cut through the noise of a thousand 5-star reviews. Over the past couple of months I personally tested out ten of the highest-rated heating pads available on Amazon (ahem, absolutely zero of this was or is sponsored in any way) all in the hopes that I can supply you with a clear list of potential new best friends.
#10. Most Affordable
The Cost Effective Heating Pad - $19.99
If you’re not looking for anything too fancy, but instead just want a simple, affordable, and functional heating pad, this one might be for you.
Features:
Lightweight, electric technology.
3 heat settings.
Soft material.
Machine washable.
4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
Let me hit ya with my honest assessment here. This one is not weighted, so it’s a bit more difficult to hold in place. And while the material is soft, it doesn’t feel like snuggling a blanket like some of the other options do. But considering it serves its purpose and is well-priced, it’s a win in my book!
#9. Best Heating Patch
The Portable Heating Patch for Abdomen - $17.99 (6 count)
When the temperature starts to lower, I love using Hot Hands. In fact, I love Hot Hands so much that I often wish I could attach them to different parts of my body for pain relief. Then I found these patches!
Features:
ThermaCare technology works like Hot Hands; once you take them out of the package, they heat up cordlessly and stay hot for up to 8 hours.
Adheres to your clothing and is thin enough to wear comfortably on-the-go.
Easily disposable whenever you’re finished with the patch.
4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
I love this option because it would be great for portable menstrual cramp relief (although I haven’t had to deal with those for a few months - one of the perks of pregnancy), but also because it would keep you a bit warmer in the colder months! However, because they’re single-use, you might find yourself spending more money in the long-run depending on how often you need to re-purchase.
#8. Best in Non-Electric
The Microwaveable Heating Pad for Back or Abdomen - $36.50
Who wants to be wrestling with fussy cords every time you move?! If you need back or abdominal pain relief without a cord tethering you to the wall, then this heating pad is a good option!
Features:
Shaped to cover your mid to lower back or abdomen.
Velcro waist belt ensures the pad stays in place without you having to constantly hold it.
Microwaveable belt allows for cord-free heat therapy.
Super soft material.
4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
A fun, cordless option that will allow you more freedom to move throughout the house! There are downsides though - this heating pad is not listed as machine washable, and because the heat is only concentrated for about 20 minutes, you might have to make frequent trips to the microwave.
#7. Best Battery-Operated
The Portable Heating Pad for Back or Abdomen - $29.99
If you need a heating pad on-the-go and without the fuss of a microwave, this one's for you!
Features:
Shaped to cover your mid to lower back or abdomen.
Adjustable belt buckle ensures the pad stays in place on its own.
3000mAh battery allows cord-free use for up to 5 hours.
It comes in fun colors!
4.4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
While this one is not as soft or slim-fitting as the other cordless options, it is reusable, and the heat is long-lasting! And if you must have a piece of technology strapped to your waist, wouldn’t you want it to be in a fun color that accessorizes your outfit?
#6. Best for Lower Back Relief
The Belted Heating Pad for Back or Abdomen - $34.99
If you’re looking to relieve pain specifically in your back or abdomen, look no further. This heating pad targets that area, and holds itself in place!
Features:
Shaped to cover your mid to lower back or abdomen.
Velcro waist belt ensures the pad stays in place without the need to constantly readjust.
6 heat levels.
4 auto-off timers.
Super soft material.
Machine washable.
4.8 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
While you are tethered to the wall because of the cord with this one, it is comfortable to use sitting or lying down, so you can catch up on the latest episode of your favorite show while enjoying the heat.
#5. Best for Neck & Shoulders
The Snap-On Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders - $39.99
Do you have pain specifically in your neck and shoulders? This heating pad targets that area, and you won’t have to fight it to stay on or conform to the shape you need!
Features:
This weighted heating pad evenly distributes 2.2 lbs of beads across the entire pad.
Curved high collar that fully covers your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Snap button that ensures the pad stays in place.
9 heat settings.
Auto-off timer.
Super soft material.
Machine washable.
4.3 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
This heating pad is a great option if you often find yourself sitting at a desk, hunched over a keyboard, distracted by the pain in your neck and shoulders. You can still sit at your desk, hunched over your keyboard, but in a bit more comfort!
#4. Best for Mid-Size & Coverage
The Snap-On Heating Pad for Neck, Shoulders, and Back - $42.99
Do you like the idea of the snap-on heating pad but need more coverage than just your neck and shoulders? This larger heating pad reaches your full back as well!
Features:
This weighted heating pad evenly distributes 2.2 lbs of beads across the entire pad.
Curbed high collar that fully covers your neck and shoulders, and added length that allows the heating pad to stretch across your entire back.
Snap button to ensure the pad stays in place.
3 heat levels.
Auto-off timer.
Super soft material.
Machine washable.
4.4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
Similar to the previous heating pad, this one is perfect for those who find themselves sitting at a desk throughout the day - it just offers a bit more coverage.
#3. Best Personal Masseuse
The Weighted Heating Pad with Massager - $39.99
Who remembers the store Brookstone that you used to be able to find in every shopping mall in America? I loved going into Brookstone because they had massage chairs. Unfortunately, Brookstone is but a memory, and so are the days of free time in the massage chairs. You can get a bit of that joy back with this heating pad!
Features:
This weighted heating pad evenly distributes 5lbs of beads across the entire pad, which means it stays in place on your body.
9 combinations of temperature settings and massage functions designed to increase muscle tension relief.
Auto-off timer.
Super soft material.
4.3 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
This one feels like the height of luxury, although it isn’t machine washable. But if you feel like treating yourself (like Donna and Tom do on Parks and Rec on their annual TREAT YO SELF day), in my opinion, this is the perfect purchase.
#2. Best for Full Coverage
The Full Body Heating Pad - $27.99
Do you want your entire body surrounded by comforting warmth? This might be the one for you!
Features:
At 45 x 85 cm, this heating pad will evenly distribute heat to a majority of your body at the same time, and because of its sheer size, it stays in place wherever you put it.
6 temperature settings.
Overheating protection and an auto-off timer.
Super soft material.
Machine washable.
4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
The size of this one is great if you have widespread pain, but also if you just get cold easily like I do. And although it’s not weighted, its size ensures it stays in place wherever you put it!
#1. Overall Best & “Bailey’s Choice”
The Weighted Heating Pad - $21.99
Last but not least, we have our first place winner! You know how when you search for an item on Amazon and some of them are marked as “Amazon’s Choice”? Well, this heating pad is Bailey’s Choice - my personal heating pad that I use on an almost day-to-day basis.
Features:
This weighted heating pad evenly distributes 4lbs of beads across the entire pad, which means it stays in place on your body.
3 different sizes available depending on how much coverage you want.
6 heat settings with an auto-off timer.
Super soft material.
Machine washable.
4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
Seriously, I love this heating pad. I use it so much that it feels like another one of my limbs at this point.
Just like with searching for good friends, “there are plenty of fish in the sea.” You’re bound to find the perfect heating pad for your needs. Regardless of which one you choose, or perhaps a different option altogether (because, hey, we don’t make a dime if you buy or don’t) I’m sure you won’t regret investing in this tool for your chronic illness survival kit! Happy heating pad hunting!
Disclaimer: Every body is different and requires a unique approach, treatment, and set of supportive tools in order to thrive. Please note that any recommended products here are personal opinions by the author, a non-medical professional, and should not be misconstrued as counsel or medical advice. Always consult with your doctor prior to beginning any new treatment or adding any supplementary items into your care routine.
None of the items shared are sponsored, and neither People Hope nor this author benefits or receives anything in exchange for this blog post or the purchase of these items. …phew!
Want to see more articles like this?
People Hope is 100% donor-funded by people just like you, and we need your help to keep publishing hope-giving resources like this one! You can make a gift right now, or even sign up to join our Core Team of monthly supporters for as little as $10/month!
Written by: Bailey Humphrey, EdD
If you love "The Bachelorette," a good podcast, artisan grilled cheese sandwiches, or are just a human being in general, it's time to "accept this rose" and become BFFs with Bailey. A High School English teacher and cheerleading coach by day, Bailey's off-hours are often spent in her living room curled up with a book, a Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso in hand, and her German Shepherd/Border Collie mix, Willie, at her feet. We have nothin' but good things to say about this fabulous member of our volunteer Writing Team!