EcoGuide · Heating · Published 2026-10-29 · 1,200 words
Electric Blanket vs Space Heater: Which Costs Less to Run?
Our picks at a glance
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The Short Answer
An electric blanket is the cheaper way to stay warm in bed by a wide margin, because it heats you rather than the room. A Virginia Tech Extension energy guide lists typical electric blankets at 60 watts for a single and 100 for a double, against 750 to 1,500 watts for a portable heater. At 18.31 cents per kWh, the US residential average the Energy Information Administration reported for July 2026, an 8-hour night costs:
| Device | Typical draw | Cost per 8-hour night | Cost per 30 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric blanket, single | 60 W | About 9¢ | About $2.64 |
| Electric blanket, double or queen | 100 W | About 15¢ | About $4.39 |
| Space heater on low | 750 W | About $1.10 | About $32.96 |
| Space heater on high | 1,500 W | About $2.20 | About $65.92 |
These are upper limits at the full listed draw. A heater with a thermostat cycles off once the room is warm, and a blanket on a low setting draws less, so your real costs will be lower for both; the gap between them stays large. Check the wattage on your own device’s label and run the numbers in our space heater cost calculator.
When a Space Heater Still Makes Sense
- You need the room warm, not just the bed: getting dressed, working at a desk, or a child’s room. A blanket does nothing for the air.
- Several people share the space, such as a living room in the evening. One heater can be cheaper than several heated throws only when everyone is in the same room for hours.
- The rest of the house is kept cold on purpose. Heating one room instead of the whole house can save money, which is what our space heater guide covers.
The cheapest combination for most bedrooms: turn the central thermostat down at night and let the blanket keep you warm. DOE says turning the thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling.
1. Bedsure Heated Blanket Queen: Best for Most Beds
Dual controls let each side of the bed choose its own heat, with 6 heat levels and a timer that turns it off after 1 to 10 hours. Bedsure lists it as ETL and FCC certified, with a flannel top and sherpa back. It has over 10,000 Amazon ratings, the most of any queen blanket we looked at.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Products are chosen on published specifications; we do not test them in-house (how we choose).
Bedsure Heated Blanket Queen (dual control)
Dual control, 6 heat levels, 1–10 hour timer; ETL certified.
Check price on Amazon2. Sunbeam Royal Luxe Heated Blanket: The Familiar Brand
Sunbeam lists 12 heat settings, a selectable auto shut-off of up to 12 hours and overheat protection, in a microplush queen size of 90 by 84 inches. Choose it over the Bedsure if you prefer a single control and finer heat steps.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Products are chosen on published specifications; we do not test them in-house (how we choose).
Sunbeam Royal Luxe Heated Blanket Queen
12 heat settings, up to 12-hour auto shut-off, overheat protection.
Check price on Amazon3. Sunbeam Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad: Warmth From Below
A heated mattress pad goes under the fitted sheet instead of on top of you, so it warms the bed before you get in and stays out of the way. Sunbeam lists 12 heat settings and a 12-hour selectable auto shut-off. Pick it if blankets slide off your bed or you like a lighter cover on top.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Products are chosen on published specifications; we do not test them in-house (how we choose).
Sunbeam Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad Queen
Fits under the sheet; 12 heat settings, 12-hour auto shut-off.
Check price on Amazon4. Sunbeam Royal Ultra Heated Throw: For the Sofa
For evenings on the couch, a heated throw keeps one person warm without heating the living room. Sunbeam lists 4 heat settings, a 4-hour auto shut-off and overheat protection, and it has over 15,000 Amazon ratings.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Products are chosen on published specifications; we do not test them in-house (how we choose).
Sunbeam Royal Ultra Heated Throw
4 heat settings, 4-hour auto shut-off, overheat protection.
Check price on AmazonUse an Electric Blanket Safely
State Farm’s electric blanket safety guide says most electric blanket and heating pad fires involve products older than 10 years. Its main points:
- Replace a blanket that is more than 10 years old, and check for recalls with the CPSC.
- Keep it flat while it is on; folds and bunching trap heat. Don’t sit or put objects on it.
- Choose a model with auto shut-off, or switch it off before you sleep if it has no timer.
- Keep pets off it, don’t run the cord under the mattress, and skip the spin cycle when you wash it.
If you use a space heater instead, CPSC says to plug it directly into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord or power strip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to use an electric blanket or a space heater?
An electric blanket, by far. Typical blankets draw 60 to 100 watts against 750 to 1,500 for a space heater, so a night under a queen blanket costs about 15 cents at the US average rate, against up to $2.20 for a heater on high.
How much does it cost to run an electric blanket all night?
About 15 cents for an 8-hour night with a 100-watt queen blanket at 18.31 cents per kWh, or about $4.39 a month. A single blanket at 60 watts costs about 9 cents a night.
Can I leave an electric blanket on all night?
Choose one with an auto shut-off timer and follow its manual. Safety guides advise switching off a blanket that has no timer before you sleep.
Is a heated mattress pad better than an electric blanket?
It warms the bed from below and stays out of the way, which suits people who kick off covers. To compare running costs, check the wattage on each product’s label.
Should I turn the heating down if I use an electric blanket?
Yes, that is where the savings come from. DOE says turning the thermostat back 7 to 10°F for 8 hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling.
Related Guides
- Most energy-efficient space heater — if you need to heat the room
- Space heater cost calculator — run your own numbers
- Best thermal curtains — keep the bedroom warmer
- Why is my electric bill so high in winter? — the bigger causes
