Health and Safety The 7 Best Heating Pads of 2021 Relieve sore muscles and aches without medication By Julie Evans Julie Ryan Evans is a writer and editor who has worked with a host of diverse companies. She has a master's degree in Nonfiction Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Learn about our editorial process Julie Evans Fact checked by Fact checked by Emily Swaim on June 15, 2020 linkedin Emily is a fact checker, editor, and writer who has expertise in psychology, health and lifestyle content. Learn about our editorial process Emily Swaim Updated on July 13, 2020 Print More in Fitness Health and Safety Beginners Motivation Sports Nutrition Fitness Trends Running Strength Walking Workouts Cardio Flexibility Yoga Pilates Tools and Equipment Special Features View All Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Sunbeam Moist and Dry Heat Heating Pad at Walmart "Has three heat settings." Best for Back: SUNBEAM Heating Pad Back Wrap at Amazon "Made to loosen up lower back muscles." Best for Cramps: Nature Creation Menstrual Cramps Reliever at Amazon "It’s filled with 10 herbs and grains, so it smells amazing." Best for Shoulder and Neck: Pure Enrichment PureRelief Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad at Amazon "Designed to hang around your shoulders and cradle your neck." Best Full-Body Heating Pad: Sunbeam Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad at Amazon "Auto-adjust technology keeps the temperature consistent through the night." Best for Feet: Serta Ultra Plush Triple Rib Electric Heated Foot Warmer, Natural at Amazon "Great for people with arthritis or other issues that cause poor circulation." Best Infrared: UTK Far Infrared Natural Jade Heating Pad at Amazon "Uses infrared heat and negative ions from jade and carbon fiber." Best Overall: Sunbeam Moist and Dry Heat Heating Pad 4.3 Buy on Walmart Using heat therapy causes more blood flow to the area where the heat is applied, helping to soothe and heal. For a solid, all-purpose heating pad at a great price, this heating pad from Sunbeam is up for the job. It measures 12 inches by 24 inches, so it’s big enough to cover a large area, and it comes with a 9-foot cord so you don't have to be directly next to an outlet. There are three heat settings, which can be selected with a slide controller that’s easy to operate, especially for hands affected by arthritis. It also comes with a sponge insert you can use if you prefer a moist heat. Sunbeam Moist and Dry Heat Heating Pad Review Best for Back: SUNBEAM Heating Pad Back Wrap 4.5 Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Most adults will, unfortunately, experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. It can range from distracting to debilitating, and finding relief is key. This heating pad from Sunbeam is designed specifically to loosen up the muscles around the lower back effectively and conveniently. The pad is equipped with a Velcro closure, so you can wrap it around your waist, and it will stay in place securely. It comes with a 9-foot cord and will shut off automatically after two hours in case you fall asleep or otherwise forget that it’s on. Sunbeam Heated Back Wrap with Adjustable Strap Review Best for Cramps: Nature Creation Menstrual Cramps Reliever 4.5 Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart This heating pad is designed specifically for women to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. It can be positioned to target your stomach or lower back, and you can use it for heat or cold therapy by placing it in the microwave or freezer. It’s filled with 10 herbs and grains, so it smells amazing and offers the benefits of aromatherapy as well. Because there are no cords, you can take it wherever you like while a Velcro strap holds in it place to target the pain. Nature Creation Menstrual Cramps Reliever Review Best for Shoulder and Neck: Pure Enrichment PureRelief Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad Buy on Amazon You know that tight, achy feeling you get in your neck and shoulders when you’re tired and stressed? If not, you’re lucky, but if you do, you’ll be more than relieved to know there’s a heating pad made specifically to treat that type of tension and pain. The unique shape is designed to hang around your shoulders and cradle your neck. The 14-inch by 22-inch heating pad comes with a magnetic closure at the front which holds it firmly in place. With four available heat settings that can be easily selected using the accompanying LED controller, you can find the temperature that feels most comfortable for you. Best Full-Body Heating Pad: Sunbeam Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad Buy on Amazon For those times when your whole body feels achy or on the coldest of nights when you just want to crawl into a warm cozy bed, this heated mattress pad by Sunbeam has you covered. Made with the company’s ThermoFine technology, there are 10 settings you can choose from as well as auto-adjust technology to keep the temperature consistent through the night. A preheat setting lets you warm up the bed to just the right temperature before you crawl in for the night. The textile portion is made of 100% cotton, and it comes in sizes to fit beds from twin to king. The pad is water resistant, machine washable, and safe to put in your dryer. Best for Feet: Serta Ultra Plush Triple Rib Electric Heated Foot Warmer, Natural Buy on Amazon Cold feet can be uncomfortable, and sometimes socks—no matter how thick and wooly—just won’t cut it. This heated foot warmer, however, will keep your toes nice and toasty no matter how chilly the weather. It’s also great for people with arthritis or other issues that cause poor circulation. There are four settings, so you can get the temperature just right. Made of cozy fleece material with a soft, fiberfill center, it’s cushy and soft. The pad measures 35 inches by 20 inches, so it’s big enough to fit two pairs of feet too. And don’t worry if someone’s feet aren’t always the freshest smelling, since this pad is machine washable and dryer safe. Best Infrared: UTK Far Infrared Natural Jade Heating Pad Buy on Amazon Unlike traditional electric heating pads, this one uses infrared heat and negative ions from jade and carbon fiber. The infrared heat is supposed to penetrate deeper into your body for improved blood circulation and reduced tension. This pad comes in several sizes, and it’s flexible, so it can wrap around most body parts. The smart digital control features a timer, temperature settings, an automatic shut-off feature, and a memory function. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Jo J, Lee SH. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):16252. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Low back pain fact sheet. Updated April 27, 2020. Cleveland Clinic. My hands and feet are always cold—should I worry? Published February 6, 2016. Vatansever F, Hamblin MR. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 2012;4:255-266. doi:10.1515/plm-2012-0034