These days, health and wellness enthusiasts have no shortage of options when it comes to the best recovery tools. With high-tech profiles like massage guns, red-light therapy devices, cold plunges, and more, it’s easy to overlook the tried-and-true tools such as heating pads.
Whether you’re dealing with sore muscles after a workout, stiff shoulders after a strenuous workday, or you’re trying to soothe present cramps, heat therapy can be a useful, comfortable way to relieve pain.
Our team of experts has carefully tested as many of the best heating pads as we can get our hands on, and in this guide, I’ll share our top picks for a variety of goals. We’ve got picks for every budget and preference, so if you’re searching for a new heating pad, you’ve come to the right place.
Best Heating Pads
- Best Overall Heating Pad: Hyperice Venom Go
- Best Heating Pad for Back Pain: Therabody Thermback LED
- Best Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders: Comfytemp Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders
- Best Budget Heating Pad: Suzzipad Microwaveable Heating Pad
- Best Heating Pad for Cramps: Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad
- Best Portable Heating Pad: Ohuhu Hot/Cold Gel Packs
Best Overall Heating Pad: Hyperice Venom Go
Good for: Anyone looking for a portable, high-tech heating device
If you’re looking for a high-tech option for on-the-go heat therapy, the Hyperice Venom Go is our pick for the best overall heating pad. Yes, it’s more expensive than traditional heating pads, but it’s packed with features that helped it earn the title of best overall, like a built-in massager.
While most heating pads are meant to cover large patches, the smaller coverage provided by the Venom Go allows you to target the specific areas that need heat the most. As a smaller version of the original Venom heating pad, the Go model is a vibrating heat patch designed for maximum portability and convenience.
Our tester, Kayla Godfrey, gave this heating pad 5 out of 5 stars for the tech features. She states, “The heating pad comes with 3 heat settings and 3 vibration settings. I felt like the vibration and heat were strong, and it packed a lot of punch for being such a small item.”
She also gave the Venom Go 5 out of 5 stars for the materials, saying everything was high-quality. She did express concerns that the sticky pads might lose their stickiness over time, but noted that Hyperice provides instructions on how to clean the pads. Hyperice also claims that each of the three pads can be used up to 20 times, and you can purchase three new pads for $29.
While some users may prefer a larger heating pad, this is a great choice for targeting specific areas where you experience muscle pain, such as smaller knots or cramps. Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, regularly uses his Venom Go after athletic events, adding, “After a game, there are usually one or two knots that I need to deal with, like around my shoulders or lower back. This small device allows for quick, targeted treatment, and the small wearable allows for uninhibited movement during recovery protocols.”
Kayla also appreciated the size and portability, giving the Venom Go 5 out of 5 stars for this category. It’s easy to toss into a purse or backpack, TSA-approved for carry-on luggage, and you don’t need to worry about extra cables or finding a microwave to heat it.
Our biggest callout is the price. At $129, this isn’t cheap, but it’s FSA/HSA eligible, so you may be able to use your health funds to pay for the device. However, despite the high cost, Kayla thinks it’s fair for the features you’re getting.
“At $129, this isn’t your traditional heating pad, as it has a tech element to it that heats the product up on its own,” Kayla notes. “While the price is higher than other heating pads, I think it seems reasonable for the product.”
This was the highest-scoring heating pad we tested and the clear winner for best overall. However, if you’re looking for something a bit larger, we recommend checking out the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad.
| Weight | < 0.2 lbs (pad and pod) |
| Dimensions | 5” L x 3” W x 0.3” D pad; 2” L x 2” W x 1” D pod |
| Heat settings | Level 1, 2, and 3 (105° F, 109° F & 113° F) |
| Auto shut-off? | No, but limited battery life that lasts 20-60 minutes |
| Additional features | Three heat settings, three vibration settings |
Best Heating Pad for Back Pain: Therabody Thermback LED
Good for: Those looking for the ultimate lower-back heating pad
If you’re one of the millions of adults suffering from lower back pain, the Therabody Thermback LED is a fantastic heating pad that combines four different technologies into one silhouette.
This adjustable, belt-style heating pad is designed to fit most users and provides dry heat therapy, vibration therapy, near-infrared LED light therapy, and far-infrared LED light therapy. In other words, this all-in-one belt can do just about everything except cool you down.
Our product tester, Meredith Massey, suffers from chronic pain and loves using the Thermback LED pad, giving it an overall experience rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
“This is one of the few ‘heating pads’ I’ve used that has actually made any difference in my pain levels,” Meredith says. “All of the settings are nice, depending on how my pain level is that day, and after each session, I do feel a bit looser in my tight back.”
We appreciate that you have the option to choose from a variety of therapeutic settings, including red light therapy, which has been shown¹ to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and aid in the healing of muscle tissue damage.
RELATED: Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Of course, you’ll pay extra for these features, and the pad costs around $329 at full retail price. However, Meredith feels that the variety of treatment options, along with the effectiveness, makes it a worthwhile investment, giving it 3 out of 5 stars for the price. It’s expensive, but in our opinion, it’s worth it.
She also gave the Thermback LED 3 out of 5 stars for the materials, saying, “The material feels nice and durable. However, it is spot clean only, likely due to the LED lights.”
In addition to the high price, we have doubts about the one-size-fits-all claim. The Amazon listing says the belt can accommodate waists up to 45 inches, so larger users may need to find a different option.
That said, if this fits your budget, it’s well worth a try. Therabody offers a 30-day return policy with free shipping, allowing you to return the product if you’re not satisfied with the fit.
For a more affordable option that’ll work great for your back pain, we recommend trying the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad instead.
| Weight | 1.95 lbs |
| Dimensions | 51.18” L x 9.06” W x 1.5” D |
| Heat settings | Low, Medium & High (102° F, 107° F & 113° F) |
| Auto shut-off? | Yes |
| Additional features | Three vibration levels, infrared light therapy |
Best Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders: Comfytemp Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders
Good for: People who primarily suffer from neck and shoulder pain
If you work at a desk, spend a lot of time looking at your phone, or simply wake up with a stiff neck from time to time, you know that upper back, shoulder, and neck pain can be quite annoying. That’s why the Comfytemp Heating Pad is the best option for neck and shoulder pain.
It’s specifically designed to drape around your neck, shoulders, and upper back, and even has a fastener to keep it in place as well as an extended neck component that reaches up your neck. Not to mention, it’s a weighted heating pad filled with micro-glass beads, allowing the pad to conform to the shape of your neck and shoulders.
Our tester, Sungavi Sambasivam, gave this neck and shoulder heating pad 3 out of 5 stars for the features. She adds, “It has up to nine heat settings, but no cooling options. It took a few minutes to heat up, but it stayed hot while I was using it.”
In addition to the nine heat levels, it also features 11 auto-off settings ranging from 30 minutes to 9 hours (which is longer than most experts recommend), allowing you to choose how long you want to use the pad without worrying about watching the clock or setting a timer.
However, while this is a great feature, Sungavi pointed out that it’s not wireless, so you need to be near an outlet. If you’re in the middle of an hour-long heat therapy session, you probably don’t want to be stuck near an outlet the entire time. As such, Sungavi only gave this 1 out of 5 stars for portability.
As someone who’s certainly struggled to keep a standard, rectangular heating pad situated around my neck, the lack of portability is a perfectly fine trade-off for the ergonomic design, which is specifically contoured for your neck and shoulders.
Sungavi agrees and gives the overall experience 3 out of 5 stars. She notes, “It functions like a typical heating pad, taking about 2-3 minutes to heat up, and it feels like it’s made of a nice, durable material.”
The Comfytemp Neck and Shoulder pad is the best heating pad we’ve tested for neck and shoulder pain. However, if you’re looking for a more general-use heating pad that can target any specific muscle, we highly recommend the Hyperice Venom Go—our choice for the best overall heating pad.
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 19” W x 23” L |
| Heat settings | 9 heat settings (ranging from 131° F – 140° F) |
| Auto shut-off? | 11 shut-off timer settings |
| Additional features | 2” neck extension, weighted beads |
Best Budget Heating Pad: Suzzipad Microwaveable Heating Pad
Good for: Anyone shopping on a budget
If you’re looking for an affordable heat therapy device and don’t need all the bells and whistles, the Suzzipad Microwaveable Heating Pad is our pick for the best budget heating pad.
This cushioned heating pad is filled with flaxseed, millet, and clay beads, allowing the bag to perfectly conform to whichever body part you’re trying to soothe. It’s not the largest heating pad we’ve tested, but for a pad that costs around $20, this is a great choice.
Don’t let the low price fool you – our tester, Kayla Godfrey, gives this heating pad a 3-out-of-5 rating for the materials.
“The bag is small, but the construction seems like good quality,” says Kayla. “However, the Amazon listing says not to wash it, because it will damage the product.”
While the small size may be a limiting factor for some, it’s also the reason this bag earns 5 out of 5 stars for portability. It’s very easy to move around, and as it’s microwaveable, you don’t need to worry about sitting near an outlet.
The product listing claims that 60 seconds in the microwave will provide 20 minutes of heat, but Kayla found that she needed about 2 minutes in the microwave to get 10 minutes of heat. You can also freeze the bag to create a cold pack, making this heating pad quite versatile, especially considering its low cost.
Overall, Kayla gave the bag a 5 out of 5 for the overall experience.
“I think for the price and functionality of this product, it’s a great low-budget option for people looking for quick relief,” Kayla explains. “I do feel like you need to heat it up for 2 minutes in the microwave, and you get about 10 minutes of good use. If you’re looking for a product to last longer than that with continuous heat, then an electronic heating pad may be a better option for you.”
If you’re looking for an electric heating pad that won’t break the bank, the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad is another good option.
| Weight | 1.74 lbs |
| Dimensions | 7” W x 16” L |
| Heat settings | N/A |
| Auto shut-off? | N/A |
| Additional features | Can be chilled in the freezer |
Best Heating Pad for Cramps: Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad
Good for: Anyone looking for cramp relief
Whether you’re experiencing muscular or menstrual cramps, the Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad may be just what you need to relieve your pain.
Many people use heating pads for muscular aches and pains, but heat therapy has been shown2 to relieve dysmenorrhea, or period cramps. If you’re a person who menstruates, this pad may offer soothing relief.
While there are smaller heating pads specifically designed for menstrual cramps, we know that people can experience cramps elsewhere on their bodies. This king-size heating pad allows you to enjoy heat therapy anywhere you need treatment.
Audrey McGlynn, our product tester, gave this pad 4 out of 5 stars for the material.
“It’s machine washable, but the fabric feels cheap and doesn’t seem like it would wash well,” says Audrey. “It heated up pretty quickly and stayed hot, but didn’t feel like the highest quality pad. It also gave off a bit of a weird smell when initially heating it.”
We tested the XL pad, which is large enough to drape over most body parts, but still earns 3 out of 5 stars for portability. Audrey said she didn’t feel too restricted by the size of the pad or the length of the 9-foot power cord.
While the pad does have a variety of heat settings and a built-in timer, Audrey only gave it a 3-out-of-5 rating for the features. She states, “The pad has six heat settings, 1-6, and can either be constantly on or set to 2 hours. Unfortunately, when I tried the different settings, I couldn’t tell what the actual temperature was.”
You may experience some trial and error when choosing the right temperature, but aside from that, this is a large, comfortable, and relatively affordable heating pad. It cost $34.99 on Amazon when Audrey ordered hers, earning 4 out of 5 stars for the value.
This is a great option for cramps, but if you want to upgrade to something that has more features, including vibration and infrared therapy, we recommend checking out the Therabody Thermback LED.
| Weight | 1.25 lbs |
| Dimensions | 12” W x 24” L |
| Heat settings | Six settings |
| Auto shut-off? | Yes |
| Additional features | N/A |
Best Portable Heating Pad: Ohuhu Hot/Cold Gel Packs
Good for: Those who enjoy both hot and cold therapy
Other Heating Pads We Researched
While we narrowed down this list to our top six picks, here are two more heating pads we considered that didn’t quite make the cut.
Sunbeam Premium Heating Pad: Our testers enjoyed using this Sunbeam heating pad, but we found that it was regularly in and out of stock on Amazon and may not be available year-round. Additionally, it received a lower final score than other similar profiles on our list.
Yeamon Portable Heating Pad: This compact, wearable heating pad features a waist strap and is specifically designed for individuals who experience menstrual discomfort. We appreciate the heat and massage features, but the waist strap is a bit too small and may not fit all individuals.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Heating Pads
To select the best heating pads, we enlisted the help of some of our editorial and administrative team members to conduct detailed product testing. Each of our testers took home a heating pad and used it multiple times to experience the full benefits of the heating pad.
After our testing, we had to calculate a score for each product to choose the best one. To help us, we used our equipment testing methodology to rate the heating pads on a scale of 1 to 5 for various important categories. This includes rating categories such as:
- Value: Heating pads can cost as little as $20, while higher-end options can cost $300+. For value, rated each product based on its pricing, as well as any features and tech benefits.
- Materials: We recognize that the materials used in heating pads can vary significantly depending on the type of heating pad, so we evaluated the materials for both durability and comfort.
- Size and portability: Since heating pads are intentionally available in a variety of sizes, we focused this score primarily on portability. Higher scores were given to cordless pads, or those with long extension cords, while heating pads with short power cords received lower scores.
- Extra features: For extra features, we looked for options such as multiple temperature settings, shut-off timers, vibration, and LED therapy, which aren’t standard features on many cheaper heating pads.
- Heating time: Our testers carefully timed how long it took for the heating pad to reach the desired temperature. The average time was approximately two minutes, so faster-heating pads received higher scores, while pads that heated more slowly received lower scores.
By providing strict criteria for testing and scoring each heating pad across various categories, we were able to calculate an unbiased score for each product. This helped us narrow down our list and choose the highest-scoring pads.
Benefits of Heating Pads
While most people have used heating pads at some point or another, you may not have experienced one yet. We also know that with so many health fads, it’s hard to know what works and what’s a gimmick.
Thankfully, heating pads are quite beneficial, according to our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM.
“Heating pads are generally safe when used correctly,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “They can help relieve muscle tension, cramps, and localized pain. However, they should never be applied directly to the skin or used while sleeping, as this increases the risk of burns or overheating.”
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the specific benefits you can experience, and the science behind those benefits.
Pain Relief
One of the most common reasons people reach for a heating pad is to relieve aches and pains. Whether you’re suffering from a sore muscle, cramps, or just have a stiff neck from sleeping the wrong way, a heating pad may be just what you need.
Research shows3 that low-level heat therapy can provide moderate pain relief, and anyone who’s tried a heating pad knows how soothing the heat can feel. It’s not a permanent fix, but if something is strained, a heating pad may offer some natural relief.
RELATED: Gifts for Back Pain
Improved Circulation
When your body is cold, blood vessels constrict to help maintain your core body temperature. On the contrary, heat causes your blood vessels to expand, improving blood flow.
A 2021 study4 published in Experimental Physiology found that heat therapy can reduce blood pressure and improve circulation. Even if you don’t live in a cold climate, this may help improve exercise performance and improve recovery after a workout, as increasing blood flow can deliver more nutrients to recovering muscle tissue.
RELATED: Cold Plunge vs Sauna
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Heating Pads
If you’re having a hard time deciding which heating pad to go with, here are some of the most important factors to consider.
Heating Pad Size
Heating pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are designed to cover large swaths of your body, while others are much smaller or intended for specific areas, such as the neck and shoulders.
If you’re looking for a versatile heating pad, consider one that’s larger and can be used to treat multiple muscle groups. However, if you’re looking for something more portable—or have a specific concern—a smaller pad may be a better fit.
Whatever you choose, we recommend carefully reviewing the measurements to ensure it’s the right size for your needs.
Temperature Settings
Most heating pads allow you to choose from a variety of heat settings, so we recommend looking for a wide range of temperatures and heat options. Older or budget-friendly models may only have a couple of settings, and while this is fine for most users, a wider range of levels to choose from can allow for better customization.
Additionally, some pads may be dual-purpose and allow for use in both hot and cold therapy. These typically come in the form of pads that can be tossed in the microwave or freezer, so they won’t stay hot as long as an electric heating pad, but can still be a good option if you enjoy using both treatment modalities.
Automatic Shut-Off Timer
Whatever you choose, an auto shut-off timer is a recommended feature for safety reasons, as you don’t want to fall asleep with a heating pad and use it for too long.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, warns that prolonged use of heating pads can lead to health issues if not used carefully.
“Using a heating pad too long and too often can lead to burns and skin discoloration, medically referred to as Erythema ab igne, also known as ‘toasted skin syndrome,’ which is a skin condition caused by chronic exposure to low-level heat,” he says. “Always use a timer and avoid falling asleep with the pad on to prevent accidental harm.”
Power Supply
Many heating pads require a power cord, so you’ll need to use them near an outlet. This shouldn’t be a huge deal, but if you plan to use your heating pad at work or in the car, you may want to consider a cordless heating pad.
You can also look for options with a long cord that allow you to plug into an outlet across the room, if needed.
Experts Who Contributed to This Article
FAQs About the Best Heating Pads
What is the best brand of heating pad?
It’s impossible to say that one brand makes the best heating pads, as plenty of high-quality options are available on the market, like Renpho, Geniani, Hyperice, and more. Based on our research and product testing, our top choice was the Hyperice Venom Go, and we’ve also tested and enjoyed heating pads from Therabody, Comfytemp, Pure Enrichment, and more.
Do doctors recommend heating pads?
Yes. Many doctors recommend the use of heating pads, including Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, the Chief Medical Advisor at Garage Gym Reviews.
He says, “Heating pads are generally safe when used correctly. They can help relieve muscle tension, cramps, and localized pain. However, they should never be applied directly to the skin or used while sleeping, as this increases the risk of burns or overheating.”
Are electric or microwaveable heating pads better?
Both have pros and cons, and both can deliver effective heat therapy. Electric heating pads stay hot for longer, but they can be more expensive, especially if you opt for a wireless option. Microwavable heating pads are often more affordable and portable, but they require reheating every 20 minutes or so.
References
- Ferraresi, C., Huang, Y. Y., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance?. Journal of biophotonics, 9(11-12), 1273–1299. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201600176
- Jo, J., & Lee, S. H. (2018). Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. Scientific reports, 8(1), 16252. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z
- Freiwald, J., Magni, A., Fanlo-Mazas, P., Paulino, E., Sequeira de Medeiros, L., Moretti, B., Schleip, R., & Solarino, G. (2021). 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, Switzerland), 11(8), 780. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11080780
- Pizzey, F. K., Smith, E. C., Ruediger, S. L., Keating, S. E., Askew, C. D., Coombes, J. S., & Bailey, T. G. (2021). The effect of heat therapy on blood pressure and peripheral vascular function: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Experimental physiology, 106(6), 1317–1334. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP089424
