rewrite this news title Ease your aches with the best heating pad — our top (tested) pick costs just $35

Dimensions: 24 inches x 12 inches | Corded/cordless: corded | # of heat settings: 6 | Auto shutoff: yes | Special features: LCD controller, micro plush fabric, storage bag

From achy legs to chronic low back pain, the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad is a versatile electric heating pad that won’t break the bank.

The pad is comfortable and easy to use, thanks to its machine-washable micro plush fabric, extra-long cord, six heat settings and LCD controller. During testing, I was impressed by how quickly it heated up — under 30 seconds — and how evenly the heat was distributed throughout the pad.

One 5-star reviewer says, “This is the most amazing heating pad ever… Heats quickly (just seconds after plugging in)… The control is easy to use… You can choose the auto off feature (turns off in 2hrs) or choose ‘stay on’… It has 6 heat settings… but you’ll probably find #3 will be adequate warmth… I chose the green… Very nice color and so soft too. … I liked it so much I bought another one in blue…”

I like a high level of heat, especially on my back and hips. Despite offering six heat settings, I never had to go higher than level 4 to feel relief. While this pad is designed for the entire body, I found it awkward when used on my neck and shoulders. And for lower back pain, I didn’t like it quite as much as some of the wearable options I tried. 

If you’d rather not purchase multiple site-specific heating pads, this is a solid, versatile option that covers a lot of ground.

Dimensions: 12 inches x 7.5 inches | Corded/cordless: cordless | # of heat settings: none | Auto shutoff: no | Special features: included knitted cover

The Attmu Hot Water Bottle with Knitted Cover offers a classic, effective — and affordable — way to soothe sore muscles.

Unlike traditional hot water bottles, this option is made from a recyclable thermoplastic material that retains heat for longer. During testing, I was surprised by how hot the bottle remained after 30 minutes, and even after three hours, it was still plenty warm.

I appreciated the wide mouth, which makes it easy to fill, and the stylish knitted cover that helps protect your skin from burns. It can also be used as a cold pack by filling it two-thirds full with water and stashing it in the freezer for a few hours.

I found the hot water bottle impressively versatile. While it isn’t as contouring as some other microwavable heating pad options, it was plenty comfortable and stable on my lower back. It’s become my go-to for sore feet after chasing around toddlers all day.

According to online reviews, it’s well-made and long-lasting. One reviewer states, “We’ve had ours for 5 years. It’s really sturdy and stays hot for a while.” 

While I’ve only had mine for a month or so, so far, it appears to be quite durable and I haven’t had any issues with leaks. That said, the manufacturer recommends replacing the hot water bottle every two years.

Dimensions: 26 inches x 5 inches | Corded/cordless: cordless | # of heat settings: heat intensity varies by microwave time | Auto shutoff: no | Special features: dual hot and cold functionality, weighted for extra compression

One of my biggest gripes with microwavable heating pads for neck pain is that they’re too short to wrap around without falling off or too large and bulky to wear comfortably. Big news: I’m happy to report that the SunnyBay ExtraLong Neck Heat Wrap provides total neck support without being awkward to wear.

A 5-star Amazon reviewer noted, “This is seriously the best neck wrap. It’s so easy to use and I love that it’s unscented. It gets so warm and feels amazing. I love that the back is nice and wide so it fully covers my neck. So worth it!!”

It’s slightly weighted, which keeps the pad in place and provides gentle compression — a feature I didn’t realize I needed, but now I don’t think I could go without. The combination of heat and compression has helped ease my neck and shoulder pain better than other microwavable pads I’ve tried in the past.

Ready in under two minutes, the wrap heats up quickly and evenly. Thanks to its anti-pill fleece and T-shirt-like cotton, it’s comfortable to wear. While it’s marketed as a neck wrap, this flaxseed-filled microwavable pad can be used on nearly any area of your body, even as a cold compress to help reduce inflammation.

As with all microwave heating pads, the biggest bummer is that it starts cooling down almost immediately after microwaving. The company claims that the wrap stays hot for up to 30 minutes. But during testing, it was noticeably cooler within 15 minutes after heating and by 20 minutes, most of the warmth had dissipated. Keep in mind: This pad provides moist heat, so it leaves your neck, or wherever you use it, a bit damp.

Dimensions: 18 inches x 18 inches | Corded/cordless: corded | # of heat settings: temperatures up to 160°F | Auto shutoff: yes | Special features: natural gemstones, LED display controller, timer, deep penetrating far infrared rays therapy, available in other sizes and shapes

Healthyline is a wellness company that stands out from its competitors by including natural gemstones in its infrared heating pads.

Thanks to its longer wavelengths, infrared heat therapy can penetrate deeper into the body, making it more effective for soreness and chronic pain. Gemstones are naturally good conductors of heat, and studies have found hot stone therapy beneficial for musculoskeletal pain and general relaxation. The brand’s products combine these therapies and others in its mats to promote deeper muscle relaxation, improved circulation and increased flexibility.

The Tao Mat is one of the company’s more affordable options and a great starting point if you’re not ready to spend hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a heating mat.

The mat is aesthetically pleasing, with four types of gemstones studded along one side. The LED controller allows you to set the exact temperature you’d like, up to 160°F and has an auto-shutoff that can be extended to 12 hours for longer heating sessions.

I tested the mat in multiple positions: reclining with my upper back on it, sitting on it and even using it as back support while working. The velcro straps let me quickly wrap it around my arm or leg, adding versatility I appreciated. It was noticeably more relaxing than other mats I tried, making it my go-to for unwinding, and I can see why the brand’s full-length mats are so highly rated.

Dimensions: 23 inches x 15 inches | Corded/cordless: corded | # of heat settings: 4 | Auto shutoff: yes | Special features: wearable, contoured to the shape of the back, machine washable pad, dual hot and cold functionality

Unlike the PureRadience Luxury Heating Pad below, the Sunbeam Heating Pad Back Wrap isn’t particularly stylish. However, we found it the most effective for easing low back pain.

With a curved design that contours to your back, it’s secured with an adjustable waist strap. While some online reviewers complain that the pad doesn’t sit flush against their backs, I didn’t have any issues with fit. That said, the waist strap does fit tightly, which I found started to get uncomfortable after 30 minutes of use.

Unlike other electric heating pads, which are typically best used in a reclined position, this wearable wrap can be worn sitting or standing, just make sure you aren’t too far from a power outlet.

The back wrap offers four heat settings — high, medium, low and warm — that can be toggled using the remote. I like intense heat, and I found both the medium and high settings to be more than adequate.

While this wrap isn’t cheap, as someone with constant low back pain from carrying and playing with my young kids all day, I think it’s worth every penny. Reviewers agree, with one stating, “Fantastic product, great heat level for pain relief compared to other products and very durable. Sunbeam hasn’t failed me yet!”

Dimensions: 31.5 inches x 24 inches | Corded/cordless: corded | # of heat settings: 6 | Auto shutoff: yes | Special features: faux fur full back wrap, included storage bag, LED controller

The Pure Enrichment PureRadience Back and Neck Luxury Heating Pad is crafted with an ultra-soft, faux fur fabric and drapes around your entire back for a heating experience that can only be described as a warm hug.

Unlike the Sunbeam back wrap, this luxury option is designed to provide full back, neck and shoulder relief. It cradles your shoulders and secures using a magnetic closure. At the bottom, there’s an adjustable waistband for a snug fit.

This wearable pad includes six heat settings, which are adjusted using a sleek, round remote. It’s ready to go right out of the box, though, for moist heat, you can dampen the pad with a spray bottle before turning it on.

During testing, I had difficulty getting it to fit as tightly as the Sunbeam back wrap. For that reason, I didn’t find the heat to be quite as intense. However, the temperature was still plenty high, and I felt the overall experience relaxing and effective for easing tension in my back. I also appreciated wearing the wrap while sitting at the computer without worrying about it falling off.

Just keep in mind that the faux-fur fabric combined with heat makes this wrap very warm. While I enjoyed the warmth during cooler mornings and can see it being nice in winter, I don’t know how much I’d use it in the summer.

Dimensions: 7.48 inches x 3.35 inches | Corded/cordless: cordless | # of heat settings: 4 | Auto shutoff: no | Special features: portable cordless design, three vibration settings, curved

Offering a cordless, curved design, four heat settings and three vibration settings, the Slimpal Heat Pad is one of the best options for easing menstrual cramps.

Thanks to its unique shape, the pack fits comfortably around your hips and secures easily with an adjustable strap. Turning on the pack is less intuitive than others, but luckily, it comes with a helpful instruction booklet that explains how to use the heat and vibration settings.

I tested the Slimpal, along with a competitor product, during the first days of my period, when cramps were at their worst. Admittedly, I was apprehensive about how useful a fanny pack-like heating pad would be, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it.

One 5-star reviewer says, “This portable, cordless heating pad not only delivers soothing heat but also features gentle vibrations that make a huge difference in easing the discomfort. The combination of heat and vibrations works wonders, providing deep relief that helps me get through even the toughest days.”

I intended to wear the Slimpal for just 20 or 30 minutes while I worked. However, it was so comfortable and effective at easing my cramps that I kept it on for most of the morning and early afternoon while I sorted laundry and did other chores around the house. I’ve used it regularly on my lower back when I don’t want to be constrained by a plug-in heating wrap.

Compared to the other portable heating pack I tried, the Slimpal was comfier to wear, and its heat was more evenly distributed. I also liked the intermittent vibration settings better.

It’s important to note that the model I tested doesn’t come with an automatic shutoff feature (others from the brand do). According to the package, this is intentional for people who want all-day heat therapy, either for cramps or low back pain. 

Dimensions: | Corded/cordless: cordless | # of heat settings: n/a | Auto shutoff: no | Special features: disposable, portable, patches available for other uses and sites

ThermaCare is a well-known and trusted brand for on-the-go relief. The company’s single-use patches and wraps are site-specific, with options for neck, joint, muscle and menstrual pain. They’re easy to apply and available at most nationwide chains, including Target and Walmart.

Each single-use patch is individually packaged, making them convenient for stashing in your gym bag or taking on vacation. To activate, simply tear open the pouch, peel away the paper and place the adhesive side either directly on your skin or over a layer of clothing. The patches can be worn for up to eight hours and are discarded after use.

During testing, I found the patches easy to apply to my shoulder. The box states that the patches can take up to 30 minutes to reach therapeutic temperature but I experienced a noticeable increase in temperature within 10 minutes.

After three hours of wear, the patch remained warm, though I wouldn’t describe it as hot. It was painless to remove, and my shoulder area felt noticeably more relaxed. That said, there are mixed reviews on the heat intensity of ThermaCare patches. Some online reviewers complain that they don’t get hot enough, while others find them too hot.