Heat therapy is a known solution of providing relief to body aches by enhancing blood flow and increasing the flexibility of connective tissues. Heating pads are beneficial in soothing sore muscles and temporarily relieving your body of any discomfort or stiffness. However, heating pads don't cure medical conditions, but they reduce your pain when dealing with the condition. A heating pad is suitable for relieving lower back pain, muscle spasms, or arthritis.

Below we have listed some of the best heating pads in the market today with their pros and cons, whether you are dealing with post-workout aches or neck and shoulder pain. Additionally, we have included a detailed buying guide to guide you in making the best decision.

Best Heating Pad

1. Sunbeam King-Size Heating Pad- Best Overall

Sunbeam Heating Pad for Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain Relief with Auto Shut Off, XL 12 x 24", Teal
  • Pain Relief: 12 x 24-inch premium king-size Sunbeam heating pad provides extra heat coverage on large muscle groups to deliver soothing heat therapy for common muscle and joint pain compared to Sunbeam standard-size heating pads
  • Premium Fabric Pad: Premium pad is designed for flexibility and maximum comfort with soft, plush fabric; entire pad is fully machine washable and dryer-safe for easy care—just disconnect the controller
  • Relieve Pain: Heat relieves pain associated with muscle tension and stress
  • High-Level Heat: Heat increases blood flow to accelerate tissue healing and relax sore muscles associated with muscle tension and stress
  • Easy-to-Use Push-Button Controller: Customize treatment with 4 heat settings using the push-button controller with LED heat-setting lights for visibility in the dark

The Sunbeam heating pad is Amazon's best overall seller heating pad for various reasons. First, it is an electric heating pad that has been perfectly contoured to fit our neck and shoulders. It comes with an adjustable collar for an additional perfect fit where you can achieve your precise fit.

The pad measures 22 x 19 inches and comes with a comfortable machine-washable fabric that easily comes off. It features a 9-foot power cord with an automatic shutoff after two hours and comes with easy-to-use control presets. Sunbeam Heating pad uses a sensor control technology that guarantees you of even distribution of heat across your pad, making it suitable to treat body pain from your shoulders to your back.

Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad is an excellent alternative if you are looking for the best full-body pad with ten different heat settings so you can tailor it to your needs. According to some customers, this heated mattress pad also has a 10-hour auto shut-off and dual controls that relieve chronic pain, especially leg pain and joint pain.

  • Pros
  • Adjustable collar
  • Supersoft washable cover
  • Two-hour auto-shutoff to keep you safe.
  • Uses a sensor control technology
  • Best for neck
  • A digital LCD controller to see your progress
  • 9 feet long power cord
  • 5-year warranty
  • Cons
  • The heating pad can't be sharply folded.

2. Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad-Best for Neck and Shoulders

Sale
Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad - LCD Controller with 6 InstaHeat Settings for Cramps, Back, Neck, & Shoulder Pain Relief, Moist Heat Option, Machine Washable, 12" x 24" Storage Bag (Gray)
  • FULL-BODY PAIN RELIEF: Therapeutic 12” x 24” heating pad provides targeted heat therapy to help temporarily relieve pain from menstrual cramps, sore muscles, and help ease muscle tension for the back, shoulders, abdomen, legs, and other large muscle groups
  • InstaHeat TECHNOLOGY: Feel the heat within seconds with this fast-heating pad featuring an ergonomic LCD controller with 6 different heat settings. Our higher wattage allows for our heating pads to quickly warm up in seconds, providing you the relief you need fast. Enjoy 6 levels of heat ranging from 105℉-140℉.
  • DRY OR MOIST HEAT THERAPY: This extra-large heating pad can be used for dry heat therapy or moist heat therapy. For moist heat, simply dampen the pad with a spray bottle for deeper heat penetration as you relax. Plus, the 2 hour auto shut-off conserves energy and offers safe, worry-free use.
  • SOFT FABRIC & EXTRA-LONG CORD: Gentle, machine-washable microplush fabric feels soft and comforting on bare skin and offers maximum comfort for daily use. The 9-foot cord allows you to adjust positions and pad placement with ease while relaxing on your bed, couch, or office chair.
  • 5-YEAR WARRANTY: This electric heating pad comes with a detachable LCD controller, storage bag, and Pure Enrichment’s guaranteed 5-Year Warranty. Our customer support team provides quality service and peace of mind to millions worldwide all from a brand you can trust.

PureRelief heating pad is one of the best heating pads you can purchase for your neck and shoulders because of its unique shape. The pad comes with a digital LED controller that makes it a breeze to switch between the six temperature settings until you find the best for your needs and also includes a moist heat option that is perfect for people needing further muscle relief. Besides, it heats up within seconds, and with the integrated timer, you are guaranteed safety if you fall asleep without being exposed to any skin burns.

The 14 x 22-inch heating pad wrap is made with soft and thick microplush fibers, and for extra comfort on your neck and shoulder, it adds a polyester padding on the bottom. Additionally, you can fully cover your pain areas for moist or dry heat therapy because of its large area. For easy storage purposes, it comes with a storage bag and packs a 5-year warranty.

  • Pros
  • Moist heat therapy option
  • Best for neck pain
  • Automatic-shutoff
  • Six temperature settings
  • Machine washable fabric
  • Integrated timer
  • LCD screen with a backlight and big numbers
  • Comes with a storage bag
  • 5-year warrantyS
  • Cons
  • Some design flaws in the heating pad

3. Mighty Bliss Large Electric Heating Pad- Best for Cramps and Lower Back Pain

Mighty Bliss model of heating pads is among the top-rated in the industry thanks to the right combination of features. It is made from comfortable microplush fibers where it measures 12 x 24 inches making it suitable for people looking for a pad that covers a large area. The heating pad is your best for period cramps as it heats up quickly with an easy-to-use control panel that enables you to choose between low, medium, and high temperatures.

Mighty Bliss is a lady's favorite pick not only because of its ability to relieve menstrual cramps but also because of its soft material, which feels fantastic against the skin. It comes with three heat settings that you can use to ease any muscle pain and aches in your body and be used in moist and dry, depending on your needs. Many customers say that this heating pad is the best for back pain as it gives you pain relief within a matter of minutes of use.

  • Pros
  • Best for back pain and menstrual cramps
  • Easy to use control panel
  • Affordable
  • Sore muscles relief
  • Machine washable
  • Evenly heats and mostly for back pain
  • Comes in a large size
  • Cons
  • Only three heat settings

4. Carex Bed Buddy Heat Pad-Best Microwavable

Sale
Bed Buddy Neck Warmer Microwave Heating Pad, Heated Neck Wrap - Heating Pad for Neck, Sore Muscles - Microwavable Neck Heating Pad, Heating Pad for Cramps, Heat Wrap
  • Contains (1) Carex Bed Buddy Heat Wrap / Cold Wrap. A microwave heating pad that provides moist heat. A flexible neck heating pad with a form-fitting design and a fabric cover. Filled with 100% organic material for neck pain & back pain relief.
  • The wrap is a heating pad for neck and shoulders as well as a cold pack for relieving aches and pains in muscles and joints. Wrap is a moist heating pad as recommended by doctors, a natural alternative or complement to OTC drugs.
  • The flexible form-fitting hot cold pack easily conforms to the shape of your body even when cold. Wrap the reusable wrap around sore joints or muscles for targeted therapeutic effect with the warming or cooling relief similar to electric heating pads.
  • Filled with 100% natural grains herbs & flowers, the hod pad / cold pad conforms to your body for targeted relief of neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, or back pain. Use the wrap for pain relief, neck warmer, or for a neck ice pack.
  • Bed Buddy, by Carex, has been a leading manufacturer of heating pads for back pain and microwavable heating pads. Trust Bed Buddy as a partner to assist you with neck pain relief or simply therapeutic relief from muscle pain.

Carex Bed Buddy microwavable heat pad has been made with organic materials such as herbs and flowers and can act as both a heating pad and a cold compress for pain relief. For a cold compress, you can place the pad in your freezer for a couple of hours and apply it to the affected areas from the lower back, neck pain, or joint pain. For the heating pad, please place it in a 1200w microwave for about 37 seconds, and in a 900W one, put it for 50 seconds.

This heat pad is among the best full-body pads as it can stretch thanks easily to its design and flexibility, and therefore, a customer can fit it easily in affected areas. This pad is suitable for customers looking for a product with an all-in-one heating and cooling pad. It can also be of great use to people who are prone to injuries and those who don't necessarily rely on electricity for pain relief.

  • Pros
  • Portable option
  • Reusable
  • Offers a heating and cooling therapy
  • It is made and filled with natural ingredients.
  • Affordably priced
  • High flexibility
  • Cons
  • It can quickly burn when overheated.

5. Serta Ultra Plush Triple Rib Electric Heated Foot Warmer-Best for Feet

Serta | Ultra Soft Plush Electric Heated Warming Pad for Feet, Back, Waist, and Abdomen (Natural)
  • INCLUDES: (1) Heating Pad
  • MATERIALS: Constructed from luxurious ultra plush fleece fabric that is exceptionally durable; A soft fiberfill center adds comfort to cushion tired feet
  • FEATURES: Easy to use warming controller has four different settings right at your fingertips to adjust the level of desired heat
  • CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Machine wash in warm water and tumble dry on low setting
  • DIMENSIONS: 35"x 20"

Having cold feet is not the best experience as it makes you uncomfortable, and sometimes socks, no matter how thick and warm, don't warm up your feet. Products such as heating pads come to the rescue in such situations, and keep in mind it also relieves pain for people with arthritis or other issues causing poor circulation. Serta Ultra Plush is the best for feet as it heats up quickly, and it makes sure your toes stay warm no matter how cold the weather is.

The Rib Electric Heated Foot Warmer is made of a warm material with a fiberfill soft center and is soft and cozy. Serta Ultra Plush heating pad is a large pad enough to fit two pairs of feet as it measures 35 x 20 inches. With a simple flat design and four heat settings, you can adjust the temperatures accordingly.

  • Pros
  • Ideal for people who suffer from arthritis
  • It can fit two people's feet.
  • Machine washable and safe to use in a dryer
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Simple design
  • Heats up quicklySoft fabric
  • Cons
  • Does not hold its shape
  • The pad is not ideal for a queen bed.

What to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Heating Pads

1. Number of Heat Settings

Heat setting varies from one individual to another since some people need a range of options in different heat settings while others don't. Some heating pads have more settings than others, and also some come with a memory function that remembers your previous settings, so you don't have to input again. Choose a heating pad with the heat settings that best fit your needs.

2. Size

The size of the heating pad is quite essential since it determines how the part of the body in need will be targeted. For full-body relief, you might need a large pad, while for small body areas like legs or wrists, you should pick a smaller pad size. You should know what body areas you want to reduce pain and aches the most and then find a heating pad that best fits the area.

3. Flexibility

Flexibility is vital in a heating pad, especially if you need a heating pad to cater to your body's multiple parts. A flexible design will ensure you don't purchase multiple products but can mold your body's multiple areas.

4. Auto Shut Off and Timer

An Automatic Shut Off feature is significant for safety purposes. The feature can prevent any serious injuries if the user falls asleep while using the pad since an automatic shut will go off for up to an hour or two. There are short, or long shut off and depending on which one you prefer, get an appropriate heating pad. However, it is essential to note that short auto shut might be challenging to use for extended use.

A timer is quite similar to the auto-shutoff, and it is designed to provide you with precise control over how long your therapy will last. Different brands have different timers, where some are harder to handle than others. As you are checking the auto shut feature, make sure you also check for a timer before making your purchase.

5. Heat Time and Maximum Heat

The heat-up time is the amount of time your heating pad takes to warm up. Different products come with different heat-up times; some take seconds while others may take up to a minute or slightly more. To ensure you know how long your preferred heating pad takes to heat up, be sure to check some customer reviews online and get an exact estimate.

On the other hand, the maximum temperature on the heating pad is vital to check out and evaluate. This is because the maximum temperature a heating pad can achieve determines how much relief you get. You can find the max temperature listed in the product descriptions in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

6. Length of Power Cord

Short lengths often cause disappointment, mostly if you have already made your purchase, so make sure you check this before you buy. A long cord is very convenient, and you get options of where to place it. Ensure you check how the power cord is from the manufacturer's website or the product descriptions to avoid wasting your money by getting a short length.

7. Heating Methods

Heating pads come in different heating methods where some are microwave, infrared, electric, moist, and others have non-electric sources of heat.

  • Electric heating pads heat the body at surface level and might not offer the best penetrating heat. They also need recharging and have higher temperatures than non-electric models of heating pads.
  • Infrared provides more relief than electric models because they are designed to penetrate beyond the skin's surface, giving you deep pain relief to your muscle and bones.
  • Moist heat methods are designed to penetrate the skin deeply, and they can expand the tissue elasticity and therefore providing your body with more muscle relief. This method is suitable for people who have specific medical issues such as aging skin or skin dehydration.
  • Microwave models warm up by putting them in the microwave, filled with materials like lavender and wheat and various gel packs.
  • Non-electric heating pads are portable pocket-size pads that don't need electricity to charge or any power source as they generate heat through a chemical reaction. They are suitable for traveling or camping, but they don't last very long and often are one-time use.


Depending on your needs, choose the best heating method for your body parts.

8. Wireless Capability

Some of the best heating pads in the market don't need a cord because they are wireless. Wireless models are great to use on the go, but you have to make sure you check the battery life and the charging time before you make your purchase.

9. Type of Material

Manufacturers use a variety of materials such as micro-plush fibers, polyester, velvet, etc. The type of material is essential because some materials distribute heat better, and other materials are more durable or softer.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can heating pads be bought from?

There are various sites you can purchase your heating pad, and Amazon is one of the most used sites by customers. This is because of good customer reviews and also good service generally.

2. Are heating pads safe for pregnancy?

They depend on what stage your pregnancy is in but keep in mind that most medical professionals advise against them in the early stages of pregnancy. Most women in their second and final trimester benefit from them under low or medium temperatures but only for short periods. Even though some are the best for cramps, make sure you consult with your doctor before use.

About the Author Tom Brewer

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