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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. “Applying heat to a sore muscle will improve blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients the muscle has, enhancing tissue healing,” says Alyssa Raineri, DPT, a Florida-based physical therapist.
It can also vasodilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow and circulation “to reduce stiffness and pain,” according to Karena Wu, PT, DPT, physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy.
When selecting a heating pad, it is important to think about what your specific needs are 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, and heating quality. 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.
Has an auto shutoff to prevent overheating
Neck area doesn’t get as warm
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 walk around the house in comfort. The magnetic neck closure and the adjustable elastic belt help to keep the heating pad in place.
It scored a five on all attributes except for features, where it scored a 4.5. We also realized that it didn’t have a self-timer for the various heat settings. The pad’s affordable price point, easy setup, and high heating quality make this pad the best overall.
Price at time of publication: $40
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
Easy to use and set up
Has a moist heat option
Not as comfortable as other pads
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.
One caveat that 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. Overall, it’s an easy-to-use pad that functions exactly as advertised.
Price at time of publication: $30
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
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. 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. 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.
Price at time of publication: $23
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
Can be worn like a belt
Made from soft, velvet material
Only has two heat settings
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.
This pad scored a five across all attributes except for features, where it scored a 4.5. We noted that there were only two heat settings, which may not be ideal if you want more warmth. We’d recommend this for people who may not need many heat settings and are looking for a light massage on the back.
Price at time of publication: $43
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
Folds easily into the microwave
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.
We noted that the pad may absorb any odors lingering in the microwave, so cleaning your microwave before heating your pad is recommended.
Price at time of publication: $18
Charge Type: Microwave | Areas Targeted: Back, neck, lower abdomen, legs, ankles | Number of Heat Settings: N/A | Auto Off Function: N/A | Added Features: Can be used hot or cold
Patches can be placed almost anywhere on the body
Patches can only be used up to 10 times each
Unlike heating pads, which tend to be larger in size, these Sunbeam patches are small enough to be placed on various parts of the body, including your back, abdomen, arms, legs, and calves. The pads are adhesive, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off and 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.
These heated patches scored no less than a four across all attributes, except for features, where they earned a three. 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.
Price at time of publication: $75
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: N/A
Heating distributes evenly across the pad
External cover may be uncomfortable
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. We weren't a big fan of the vibration settings, as we thought it was too intense, but this was a personal preference. The pad earned a 4.5 for overall value, and we recommend it if you want to alleviate cramping.
Price at time of publication: $30
Charge Type: USB charging | Areas Targeted: Lower abdomen, back | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: Massager with three modes
Velcro fastener doesn't feel very durable
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, receiving a five on all attributes: 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.
Price at time of publication: $25
Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Lower back | Number of Heat Settings: 4 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: Moist heat option
Made with soft, velvet-like material
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.
While the brace is comfortable, we noted that it can be difficult to strap around the leg. Because of this, this choice may not be ideal for people with mobility issues. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for heat and vibration therapy.
Price at time of publication: $58
Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Knee | Number of Heat Settings: 2 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: Massager with 5 modes
Takes 8 to 10 minutes to reach full heat
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.
Of all the pads on the list, this one took the longest to heat up. We noted that it took between eight and 10 minutes to reach full heat. Thankfully, 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.
Price at time of publication: $30
Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Feet | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: N/A
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best heating pads we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These heating pads are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great heating pads, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These heating pads are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend heating pads with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
The Verywell Health team spent eight hours at the Verywell Testing Lab testing 17 heating pads to find the best ones. Our testers, comprised of a Verywell Health editor and writer of varying different weights and heights, conducted the tests. The testers compared the pads using the following attributes: setup, design, features, and heating quality.
Our testers examined how easy it was to use and set up the product from the box. They turned the pad on and timed how long it took to heat and tested the additional features. Additionally, they used an infrared thermometer gun to see each heating pad's heat distribution. They repeated the process for each pad. If the pad took too long to heat or didn’t function as advertised, those products were left out of the roundup.
In addition to our tests, we spoke to medical professionals to get their insights on the benefits and proper use of heating pads. These experts included:
When it comes to heating pads, size is important because it better determines how it will target the area of your body in need. You’ll want to choose a pad that’s large enough to cover the area of the body you’re treating most frequently, says Alexandra Rios, PT, DPT, a licensed physical therapist and provider at Airrosti.
If you have aches and pain across multiple areas of the body, Rios recommends a heating pad with a flexible design that can mold to multiple areas of your body. It’s important to not use the product on specific injuries, as it could further exacerbate the problem instead of helping.
“Heat therapy should be avoided with any injury that is considered acute or has just recently occurred,” Dr. Raineri says. “Acute injuries will likely present with swelling, bruising, and possibly even open wounds where heat should not be used."
When deciding what heating setting to use, it’s important to understand the different types: dry heat and moist heat. Electric heating pads produce dry heat, Dr. Raineri says. An electric heating pad can be convenient because it offers a wide range of temperatures.
“Heat pads equipped with three or more heat levels are ideal because they allow the user to gradually work up to a heat setting that is sufficient for pain relief, yet safe for the skin,” Rios says.
Another option is a moist heat pack. “As there generally are no specific heat settings with these types of heating packs, it is important that you use the correct number of layers between types of heating pads are not created equal, specifically when you’re looking to address muscle aches. Although dry heat is more convenient, moist heat is generally more effective with treating muscle aches and stiffness as it can penetrate deeper into the tissues than dry heat,” Dr. Raineri explains.
The material of your pad cover matters too, according to Wu, who recommends ones that are made of washable cotton or fleece, “so that they stay clean and are more inviting to the touch.”
According to Wu, it is not recommended to lie on a heating pad for “more than 15 to 20 minutes on an area,” 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.
The most common injury that people suffer from heating pads is burns, Dr. Raineri says. “To decrease your risk for burns, remove all jewelry, inspect your skin, and assure intact sensations, use layers between your skin and the heat pack, and set a timer,” she recommends. If you’re experiencing any side effects while using a heating pad, speak to a licensed doctor or physical therapist. “While assessing your skin during the use of a hot pack, if any severe redness or rash, blistering, pain, or swelling occurs, discontinue use and seek care from a doctor,” Dr. Raineri says.
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. Uterine cramps are muscular contractions which serve to expel the uterine lining, which are painful,” says Kecia Gaither, MD, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. “Heat works to relax the muscle, improve blood flow to the area. Use a pain reliever (an NSAID like Advil or Motrin) in addition to heat, a bath or a heating pad, to decrease the pain.”
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.
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.
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