Whether you need relief from neck pain or menstrual cramps, a heating pad can help. We reviewed 17 of the best options based on their design, additional features, heating quality and comfort.
Our top pick was this Thermophore pad, which offers moist heat without the need for a microwave. Its woven cover traps moisture to generate therapeutic warmth.
1. Pure Enrichment XL King Size
Compared to the other plug-in options we tested, this large pad from Pure Enrichment heats up very quickly. It reaches 100degF within a minute or two, which is great for quick relief from back pain and abdominal cramps. It also has a slot for a cold pack, which is a nice addition to help ease muscle aches and pains.
The digital controller with six temperature settings is easy to use and features a handy LED display. Its extra-large size covers most of the body for comforting therapeutic warmth and is made with plush microfibers for softness. The 2-hour automatic shut-off helps prevent overheating and skin burns. It’s also backed by an industry-leading five-year warranty.
For microwaveable models, the simple design and user-friendly controls of this pad make it one of the easiest to use. Its flat, rectangular shape is easy to fold and fits easily into most spaces, which is an asset for people who live in tighter quarters. It also has an extra-long 9-foot cord, making it easier to reach across the room and use from bed or a favorite chair. And it’s machine washable, which makes it easier to keep clean between uses. As a bonus, the manufacturer includes a free reusable storage bag with purchase. It’s a thoughtful touch that’s appreciated by many users.
2. Geniani Extra Large
This large pick from Geniani has a soft cover that will feel cozy on your skin and offers three heat settings, including the option for moist heat therapy. It has a fast heat-up time and an auto-shutoff function after two hours. It also comes with a 9-foot cord, so it’s easy to find a power outlet. During our tests, this pad did not get as hot in the neck area as some of the other options we reviewed, which can be a problem for anyone with specific pain concerns.
According to the experts we talked to, this pad is ideal for back and joint pain, but you can use it on any part of your body that needs relief. It has a large surface area that can cover a whole back or the legs, and you can wrap it around your shoulders or stomach. It’s easy to clean, too: Just remove the cover and throw it in the washer.
The only downside is that, like most microwaveable pads, it does not stay warm once you unplug it from the microwave. But if that’s not an issue for you, this is a great choice for those who want a simple pad that you can throw in the microwave and forget about. It’s even covered by a 3-year warranty.
3. Sunbeam Premium King Size
With over 21,000 five-star ratings, this Amazon favorite is an affordable option with a cozy plush cover. It heats up within 30 seconds, as promised by its marketing materials, and has a variety of settings for specific body areas. It also comes with a long 9-foot cord and a built-in pillowcase for easier travel. The premium controller has a backlit digital screen and a heat meter that gradually glows to show the pad is heating up. It also offers a sleep timer and automatic shut off.
The only drawback of this pad is that it doesn’t have a remote control and requires you to manually adjust the settings with the sliding controller, which some find awkward and unwieldy. But overall, it’s a solid pick for pain relief and is ideal for those who want a simple, easy-to-use device.
If you’re experiencing period pain, this cordless pick can help ease cramps in your abdomen, lower back, and thighs. Its soft microfiber cover is both washable and hypoallergenic, and the pad has three heat settings to soothe your symptoms. It’s also HSA and FSA eligible, making it a great option for those on a budget.
4. Gintao Heating Pad
If you’re looking for a great heating pad to help ease pain or cramps, one that is able to be used in the foot area and has key features like an auto-shutoff function, consider this option. It’s almost like a blanket that’s designed just for your feet and has three heat settings you can choose from. It’s also super plush, which helps to insulate the heat and is a great choice if you suffer from Raynaud’s or arthritis.
The controller on this heating pad is easy to use and has big numbers on the display so you can see what setting you’re on, unlike other pads that require you to cycle through a series of low/medium/high settings. Plus, it takes less time than other pads to heat up, and the cord stays plugged in so you can move around more freely.
This microwaveable heating pad is ideal if you need something to warm up and relieve menstrual cramps. It uses graphene heating technology to create high-speed infrared rays that penetrate deep into your body’s muscles to soothe the cramps. It’s lightweight and portable so you can take it with you to work or on vacation. It has three heat and two vibration settings to choose from, and the cover is easy to clean and dries much faster than other pads in our tests.