Everything considered, our top choice for the best heating pad is Sunbeam’s heating pad for fast pain relief. It features multiple settings, including dry and moist heat options, a LED controller, and an automatic shut-off function. Plus, it is backed by a five-year guarantee. Keep reading to find out more about the best heating pads on the market.
Best Choice - Heating Pad for Fast Pain Relief by Sunbeam
Featuring six personalized settings and an automatic shut-off function, Sunbeam’s microplush heating pad for fast pain relief heats up in 30 seconds.
Buy on AmazonHeating pads are used to increase blood circulation, and alleviate stiffness of the muscles and joints. They are particularly popular for back and neck problems, as well menstrual cramps. Most heating pads are portable enough to be used at home, the office, or while traveling. Take a look at our guide to the best heating pads and say goodbye to pesky aches and pains.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Sunbeam
Heating Pad for Pain Relief
Top Performance
Pure Enrichment
Extra-Long Heating Pad
Can’t Count Out
Vive
Electric Heating Pad
The Eight Best Heating Pads
| Product | Brand | Latex-free | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Pad for Fast Pain Relief | Sunbeam | not specified | Three sizes | Men and Women |  |
| Extra-Long Heating Pad | Pure Enrichment | not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
| Electric Heating Pad | Vive | not specified | Two sizes | Men and Women | |
| King Size Heating Pad | Pure Enrichment | not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
| Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders | Sunbeam | not specified | Two sizes | Men and Women | |
| Pad for Moist and Dry Heat Therapy | GENIANI | not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
| Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad | Pure Enrichment | not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
| Ultra-Soft Heat Therapy Wrap | PROALLER | not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Heating Pad for Fast Pain Relief by Sunbeam
Buy on AmazonThis Sunbeam heating pad heats up in 30 seconds to provide soothing therapy for your aches and pains. Soft and flexible, it is made from microplush and is machine-washable for easy cleaning. Plus, it comes with a LED controller, six personalized heat settings, and an automatic shut-off function to prevent overheating.
Main Features
- Available in 3 sizes
- Long 9-foot power cord
- LED controller
- 6 heat settings
- Comes in 4 colors
Pros:
- Heats up in 30 seconds
- Machine-washable
- Automatic shut-off feature
- 5-year-limited warranty
Cons:
- The controller tends to overheat
- Some reviewers have reported that the device stopped working
Top Performance: Extra-Long Heating Pad by Pure Enrichment
Designed to be draped over the shoulders or laid across the lap, this wearable heating pad features integrated magnetic closures and an optional belt for a personalized fit. It is made from soft micromink fibers, and comes with four heat settings, a built- in LED controller, and a two-hour shut-off function.
Main Features
- Made from micromink fibers
- 4 heat settings
- Integrated LED controller
- Magnetic closures
- Elastic belt
Pros:
- Can be draped over the shoulders
- 2-hour shut-off
- Machine-washable
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Only comes in 1 size
- May be too short for some
Can’t Count Out: Electric Heating Pad by Vive
This ultrasoft microplush heating pad for the back, neck, shoulders, legs, and arms has four settings, and comes with a moisture sheet for moist heat therapy. The device comes with an extra-long power cord so you can comfortably use it away from an outlet. Plus, it comes with a storage bag and a two-year guarantee.
Main Features
- 4 settings
- Moisture sheet
- Integrated digital controller
- Removable cover
- Extra-long power cord
Pros:
- Made from ultrasoft microplush
- 2-hour shut-off
- Comes with a storage bag
- 2-year-guarantee
Cons:
- The cover can be slippery
- May not get hot enough for some
The Other Heating Pads We Reviewed
King Size Heating Pad by Pure Enrichment
This dry and moist heating pad heats up in seconds to soothe aching muscles. It features six temperature settings ranging from warm to high. Made from soft microplush, it is extra large to work on various muscle groups simultaneously. Plus, it comes with an LCD controller and a long nine-foot power cord. Unfortunately, some users have complained that this pad does not get sufficiently hot, even on the highest setting.
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Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders by Sunbeam
Available in four appealing colors, this back and neck heating pad has been designed to contour the body. It comes with a magnetic clasp and weighted edges to keep in securely in place during use. This device also comes with a LED controller with four customizable modes, a nine-foot power cord, and a sponge for moist heat. On the downside, some reviewers have reported that this product smells unpleasant.
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Pad for Moist and Dry Heat Therapy by GENIANI
Designed to deliver dry or moist heat therapy for various areas of the body, this electric heating pad is made from a soft and flexible material. It comes with three temperature settings—low, medium, and high—for personalized therapy, and an extra-long 10 foot power cord. Unfortunately, this pad can get overly hot.
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Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad by Pure Enrichment
Designed to contour the neck and shoulders, this electric heating pad is made from ultra-soft micromink. It heats up within seconds, and offers both moist and dry heat options. The in-built LED controlled can be used to select between fours heat settings. Plus, it comes with a nine-foot power cord and an automatic two-hour shut-off function. Think carefully before buying this item, as some reviewers have reported that it does not come with a return policy.
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Ultra-Soft Heat Therapy Wrap by PROALLER
Made from soft flannel, this electric heating pad features three heat settings and a two-hour shut-off function to help you conserve energy. It delivers dry or moist heat therapy, and is versatile enough to contour to various body parts including the back, shoulders, legs, and arms. On the downside, some users have complained about a faulty heat sensor, with the pad getting too hot or barely warm on the same setting.
Buy on AmazonHow Do Heating Pads Work
Heating pads provide a safe way of alleviating a huge range of conditions from back and neck pain to menstrual cramps and arthritis. Thermotherapy increases blood circulation, which, in turn, increases the level of oxygen and nutrients in the affected area. This speeds healing, and reduces joint and muscle pain. Some heating pads offer a moist heat option, which penetrates deep into the muscles without drying out the skin. Heating pads should not be used immediately after an injury, as they could cause swelling and tissue injury.
FAQ on Using a Heating Pad
Is it Bad to Sleep With a Heating Pad on?
Even though most heating pads are designed with an automatic shut-off function, leaving a heating pad on overnight is generally not recommended. Leaving a heating pad on your skin for too long can result in burns. The risk is particularly high if you leave the pad on a high temperature setting. A better idea is to let the pad warm up and turning it off before falling asleep.
How Long Should You Use a Heating Pad?
The optimal time for keeping a heating pad on is 20 minutes. You should set the device on a comfortable temperature to minimize the risk of burns. It is also a good idea to place a barrier between the pad and your skin to prevent injury.
Do Heating Pads Work for Back Pain?
Back pain is often caused by overextension, which produces tension in the muscles and soft tissue. Placing a heating pad on the lower or upper back can provide short-term pain relief. This is because heat relaxes tense muscles and increases blood circulation to promote healing.
Weighing All the Factors
Overall, we believe that Sunbeam’s heating pad for fast pain relief is your best option when it comes to thermotherapy. This microplush pad comes with dry and moist heat options, an automatic shut-off function, and a LED controller. Pure Enrichment’s extra-long heating pad and Vive’s electric heating pad are also strong contenders when it comes to both quality and comfort.
Best Choice - Heating Pad for Fast Pain Relief by Sunbeam
Featuring six personalized settings and an automatic shut-off function, Sunbeam’s microplush heating pad for fast pain relief heats up in 30 seconds.
Buy on Amazon