The 13 Best Blankets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested the Blankets

To find the best blankets, we put a selection of more than 30 products to the test in The Lab, where we closely examined, washed, and used them to assess their quality, durability, softness and comfort, and value. We conducted an initial assessment, inspecting each blanket for signs of quality in construction, like tears, snags, loose threads, or uneven edges and puckering fabric. As we got up close to each one, we also noted the texture and softness of each blanket, noting how the fabric felt against our skin and how thick it was in regards to plushness and potential warmth.

Next, we put the blankets’ softness to the test by draping each over a queen-size bed and climbing underneath. We paid attention to how warm we were underneath the various fabrics and blanket thicknesses, and we considered how comfortable they felt over our bodies.

After putting each blanket to use, we tested their durability by staining each one’s fabric: light-hued blankets were stained with black coffee, while darker-colored blankets were stained with coffee with creamer. We treated these stains with stain remover, gave them a run through the wash, and then assessed them once again, looking for changes to the blankets’ construction and quality as well as whether any signs of the stains remained.

As a final test of each blanket’s ability to survive wear and tear, we ran a prickly pet brush over the surface of each one multiple times to simulate the kind of damage that might be caused by pets. We looked at the fabric closely, noting which blankets snagged or developed signs of wear with this motion-and which remained flawless. We also used these blankets in our own homes for three months to experience how they’d wear and perform in real settings.

What to Look for in a Blanket

Material

You can tell a lot about a blanket by paying attention to the material it’s made out of. For one thing, you can determine what it’s likely to feel like—in terms of texture and weight. “I always prioritize a soft touch,” says Brooklyn-based designer Jennifer Morris. “[S]omething you want to pull up to your chin.”

In terms of specific materials, cotton picks like Boll & Branch’s Waffle Bed Blanket and Riley Home’s Textured Cotton Coverlet are more likely to feel breathable and lightweight, for example. Faux fur and faux shearling blankets, like Bedsure’s Sherpa Fleece Blanket, are likely to feel fluffy and heavy. Wool options may feel cozy to some and scratchy to others. While synthetic materials like polyester and microfiber may be less expensive, they tend to trap heat, which might make hot sleepers uncomfortable.

Quality is another key consideration when you’re thinking about different materials. High-quality blankets are those made with durable materials that can survive daily use, whether that’s being used to curl up on the couch or as a layer on the bed. As Bryan Simpson, co-founder and CEO of Big Blanket Co. explains, “If we’re judging quality, you have to consider durability. A blanket is something you use every day.” The most durable options, according to Simpson, will feature clues like reinforced stitching, colorfastness, and the ability to survive being washed (however the care instructions might specify.)

Weight

Weight is a detail that’ll help you determine how heavy, or how warm, a blanket is. Blanket weight is typically measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the GSM, the warmer-and thicker and heavier, too-a blanket will be. The average blanket clocks in at 200 GSM, which is a versatile all-year weight that can be comfortable in warm weather and handy as an extra layer of bedding in cold months.

You can also expect different types of blankets, and those made with different materials, to feature different GSMs. For example, the Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket has a weight of 260 GSM, meaning it’s noticeably thicker and heavier than your typical blanket. Similarly, Bare Home’s Microplush Fleece Blanket features a weight of 300 GSM, making it a nicely thick and warm fleece option. However, sometimes thinner materials can be surprisingly warm, like the Lands’ End Charisma Deluxe Woven Cotton Blanket.

Size

Blanket size can vary pretty widely. Throw blankets tend to come in pretty standard sizes, with most measuring 50 x 60 inches overall. However, when you’re talking about bed blankets, sizes can range from traditional bedding sizes, like twin to king sizing offered by the Garnet Hill Plush-loft Blanket to extra-large sizing, such as the oversized Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket.

If you’re not sure where to start, think about where and how you plan to use your blanket. Throw blankets, or blankets that will be used in various spaces for various purposes, can be smaller. If you’re planning to keep a blanket on your bed, particularly as a layer that you’d like to cover the entirety of your mattress, you’ll want to opt for one in a more traditional bed size. You’ll often see bed-sized blankets referred to as coverlets. This list of blankets focuses on those that are sold in traditional bed sizes, but you can check out our throw blanket list if you’re looking for a more compact design.

Care

Cozy blankets are great, but blankets that are easy to care for are even better. To ensure you’re choosing a blanket that’s easy to clean and maintain, it’s a good idea to pay attention to your blanket’s care instructions before buying, especially where drying is concerned.

Keep an eye out for options that are machine-washable—they’re more abundant than you might expect. A number of options on our list can be tossed right in your washer, like the Sunday Citizen Snug Ribbed Bed Blanket, the Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket, and the L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Blanket.

Knit blankets made from wool or brushed cotton often do require special washing, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you’re considering these materials. Additionally, while most blankets can be washed pretty easily at home, many do require more careful drying. It’s common for blankets to be tumble dried on low or even no heat, and some need to be line-dried. Take a second glance at the care tags before tossing any blanket in your dryer.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce who specializes in all things bedding, bath, and home decor. She’s been writing professionally since 2010 and covering sleep topics and products since 2013. She’s personally tested numerous blankets, both as throws and bedding. In writing this article, she used testing insights from firsthand research and testing from at-home testers, along with insight from experts on blanket materials, weights, and types.

Our Experts:

• Jennifer Morris, a Brooklyn-based designer
• Bryan Simpson, co-founder and CEO of Big Blanket Co.
• Emma Phelps, an associate editor for The Spruce