Best Weighted Blankets 2021: A Busy Tech Worker's Search for Stress Relief

1. The best weighted blanket tried: CoolZen Cooling Weighted Blanket

★ CoolZen Weighted Blanket

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1. ↑

   Direct from manufacturer!
   (Sold out on Amazon)

What I liked:

1. ✓

   Premium, breathable fabric layers for staying cool

2. ✓

   Contains fine glass microbeads, rather than plastic pellets

3. ✓

   Washable, removable minky cover provides extra warmth when needed

4. ✓

   Unique quilted chevron pattern ensures even weight distribution

5. ✓

   Durable YKK zippers won’t snag

What I didn’t like:

1. ✕

   Currently only available in gray

1. ←

   Direct from manufacturer!
   (Sold out on Amazon)

Author’s pick: Ranks #1 out of all weighted blankets

Hands down, the CoolZen weighted blanket was the best weighted blanket I tried, and it’s the one that I’m still sleeping under every single night. Although several of the weighted blankets I tried did help me get a good night’s sleep and are certainly superior to a traditional comforter, none of them could compete with the CoolZen in terms of quality, comfort, and design.

It’s a little hard to describe the feeling of lying under a good weighted blanket -- some people compare it to a hug, but I like to think of it like being in a cocoon. It’s not a claustrophobic feeling, but rather a comforting, peaceful feeling. Lying in bed with the CoolZen on top of me helps to drain away the stress of the day and relieves my anxiety. I immediately feel safe and snug under the blanket, and I start feeling drowsy almost as soon as I get into bed.

People often think they’ll feel trapped under a weighted blanket, but my experience with the CoolZen hasn’t been like that at all. In fact, the hugging feeling of the CoolZen is one of the most effective (and most natural) methods for relieving anxiety that I’ve ever found. However, in order to achieve this “hug,” it’s important to choose a blanket that’s appropriately heavy. It should be somewhere between 5% and 10% of your body weight (7% of your body weight is actually ideal).

The fabric on the CoolZen was definitely the most premium and seems like it would last the longest.

The 15-lb CoolZen weighted blanket is perfect for me --it’s just weighty enough to keep me feeling secure and to prevent me from tossing and turning during the night, but it’s  not excessively heavy. The weight distribution is by far the best of any weighted blanket that I tried, which is largely thanks to its excellent design. Although many weighted blankets are filled with cheap plastic pellets, the CoolZen contains tiny glass microbeads, each under 1 mm in diameter. Because the microbeads don’t shift around, they’re extremely quiet and have never disturbed my sleep, unlike the annoying “beanbag” sound that always accompanies some other weighted blankets. 

The CoolZen features seven layers of fabric, which keep the glass microbeads in place, and it has a unique chevron pattern. These small, quilted pockets are a great feature -- rather than the microbeads bunching up in the corners if they shift, they simply move closer to the center of the neighboring chevron. All of the other weighted blankets I evaluated had square pockets (of various sizes), which invariably cause the filling to shift to the edges and feel uneven. 

The CoolZen is very appropriately named -- not only does it immediately calm me and help clear my mind of the day’s worries, but it also stays cool throughout the night. This was something I worried about when I first heard about weighted blankets, and in my experience, not all weighted blankets stay cool. The CoolZen does, however. The fabric is extremely breathable, so temperature regulation is never a problem. The blanket itself is 100% cotton, which is ideal for warmer nights when I want a light, breezy feeling against my skin. The CoolZen comes pre-washed and ready to use the moment it arrives. 

For colder nights, the CoolZen comes with a removable, double-sided minky cover that provides two additional layers of warmth. This cover is ridiculously comfortable, and can also be used on its own as a super soft fleece blanket. It’s definitely the thickest and most luxurious of any minky cover I tried. While the blanket itself should be hand cleaned or dry cleaned, the cover is machine washable and hasn’t lost its softness, even after multiple washes.

The design and quality of the removable cover really set the CoolZen apart from its competitors. The cover attaches securely to the blanket with 12 attachment loops, which are very discreet and don’t ruin the appearance of the blanket when the cover is off, in contrast to the unsightly ties I noticed on some other weighted blankets. Although it’s only available in gray, which seems to be the most popular color for weighted blankets, the CoolZen looks great and matches practically any bedroom color scheme.

I also want to point out that the CoolZen is the only weighted blanket I found with a genuine YKK zipper, which tells you a lot about its quality. This zipper always unzips easily, without tugging or pulling, and it has never snagged on the fabric.

I ordered the 60”x80” blanket, which fits our queen bed perfectly and is ideal for fully covering me, without spilling off the bed. The queen-sized CoolZen is available in three different weights (15 lbs for people 110-170 lbs, 20 lbs for people 170-230 lbs, and 25 lbs for people 230-290 lbs). My husband, who is taller and heavier than I am, sometimes borrows the CoolZen blanket for a nap and it fits him fine. It’s also available in a 48”x72” twin size, weighing either 12 lbs or 15 lbs. 

The CoolZen is a relatively new product, so I was initially wary about what it would be like. I really shouldn’t have worried. Everything about this blanket proves that it’s a high-quality item, from the small, uniform stitching that prevents the beads from moving around, to the durable YKK zippers that won’t break or snag, no matter how many times you zip the cover on and off. It was also designed in the U.S.A., which is always a bonus!

2. The Runner-Up: Rocabi Weighted Blanket

Rocabi Weighted Blanket

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What I liked:

1. ✓

   Breathable and pleasant on warm nights

2. ✓

   Good customer service team

3. ✓

   Removable summer and winter covers available

What I didn’t like:

1. ✕

   More expensive than some comparable products

2. ✕

   Flimsy zipper 

3. ✕

   Very unwieldy to replace the blanket inside the cover after washing

Although it was an easy decision to give the CoolZen the top ranking on my list, my experience with the Rocabi weighted blanket was largely positive, as well. It was a clear runner-up, as I enjoyed many nights of peaceful sleep while using it and I didn’t have any major issues with its quality. 

Although I was a little reticent because of the higher price, I decided to give the Rocabi weighted blanket a try during a warm spell, so I purchased one with a removable cotton cover, instead of the minky cover that seems to be standard with most weighted blankets. For the most part, I found this to be a pleasant change -- I liked having an additional cover that could be washed and that provided a moderate amount of extra warmth, yet was breathable enough so that I didn’t overheat on hot nights, or during the day if I used it for a nap on the couch. I definitely prefer the soft plushness of a minky cover, but I imagine it could get too hot during the summer. The Rocabi’s cotton cover was vaguely reminiscent of canvas -- smooth and cool, but definitely not cozy. 

As with most of the weighted blankets I tried out, I purchased the 60”x80” (15-lb) size. The size and weight were fine and I was impressed with how the Rocabi conformed to my body, without making me feel suffocated. Unlike some of the other blankets I tried, the Rocabi maintained its decent weight distribution even after numerous nights. The glass microbeads stayed in their designated squares, and there wasn’t too much annoying bunching or pooling. Although the Rocabi’s square quilting pattern distributed the microbeads less evenly than the CoolZen’s chevron pattern, this wasn’t a dealbreaker. 

I do have some concerns about the longevity of this product, however, and I don’t know how well it would hold up to daily use. There are a handful of corner snaps to secure the weighted blanket to the cover, which help prevent it from bunching up, but I noticed that one of them had already begun to detach after about a week. It would probably need to be reinforced if I was going to be sleeping under this blanket every night. 

I also had a bit of trouble trying to get the weighted blanket back inside the cotton cover after washing it. The blanket doesn’t fit into the zippered opening without some significant maneuvering, which is difficult with a 15-lb blanket. This would have been almost impossible for me if it had been much heavier. I also had to tug at the zipper a few times since it kept catching, which makes me worry that it won’t last. I’m not sure what kind of zipper it is, but it’s certainly not a YKK.

Although I didn’t feel the need to return or exchange my weighted blanket, I noted that Rocabi seems to have a good replacement policy and satisfaction guarantee. I had a pleasant email exchange with Rocabi’s customer service team to discuss a delivery issue and they were very responsive, so there’s no reason to doubt that they would be helpful in case of a faulty product. 

3. Platinum Health Calmforter Weighted Blanket

Platinum Health Weighted Blanket

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What I liked:

1. ✓

   Soft, reversible minky cover (one smooth side, one dotted side)

2. ✓

   Several color options to choose from

3. ✓

   Available in 12-lb and 15-lb versions

What I didn’t like:

1. ✕

   Glass beads tend to shift towards the bottom of the blanket

2. ✕

   Can get overly hot, even with the cover off

3. ✕

   Colors start to fade after a few washes

After sleeping under it for about a week, I was generally pleased with Platinum Health’s Calmforter weighted blanket. I liked all of the color options, and eventually settled on “whipped mint/moonshadow grey.” It certainly has plenty of other positive features, including a soft, reversible minky cover which is smooth on one side and dotted on the other. The dots are meant to promote better airflow and circulation -- I’m not sure if they achieve that, but they do create a pleasant sensation against my skin. 

The cover is removable and can be machine washed, but I was concerned that the zippers might bust after a few washes; they aren’t the sturdiest that I’ve seen. In general, the stitching of the blanket is pretty good, so I’m hoping that the zippers hold up, too. Unfortunately, the internal ties that affix the blanket to the cover have started to fray, and are a bit annoying to tie and untie each time you want to wash it.  I’ve also noticed that the colors have begun to fade after a few washes, which is disappointing. 

At 60”x80”, the Platinum Health weighted blanket is certainly big enough to properly cover me in bed. It’s available in two weights, 12 lbs and 15 lbs. I chose the 12-lb weight for this product based on some online reviews that said the 15-lb Platinum Health blanket felt strangely heavy. The slightly lighter weight didn’t end up making much of a difference to me, but it might be preferable for teenagers and older children, or for using as a couch blanket. 

Although the Platinum Health weighted blanket is filled with glass microbeads, which is definitely preferable to plastic pellets, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the overall weight distribution. The beads tended to shift towards the bottom of the blanket, and it was hard to readjust their position. This lumpiness isn’t visible, so it doesn’t detract from the appearance of the blanket, but I could definitely feel the unevenness as I was lying under the blanket in bed. 

Another slight drawback is that the Platinum Health weighted blanket is just a bit too hot -- even with the cover off. It would probably be fine during the winter or in places with cool weather all year round, but it’s not really breathable enough for summer use. 

4. Gravity Queen/King Blanket

Gravity Blanket

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What I liked:

1. ✓

   Glass microbeads stay in place throughout use

2. ✓

   Washable duvet cover is extremely plush

What I didn’t like:

1. ✕

   Significantly more expensive than other weighted blankets

2. ✕

   Queen/King size only available in 35 lbs, which is far too heavy for individual use

3. ✕

   Gridded stitching makes it look like a therapeutic blanket

For years, the Gravity Blanket was the only weighted blanket that most people had ever heard of. However, after trying it out for myself, I’ve concluded that it has since been surpassed by other products when it comes to comfort, style, and size options, not to mention affordability.

On the positive side, the Gravity Blanket is a very well-made product -- and it should be, considering that it’s one of the most expensive weighted blankets on the market! The feel of  the duvet cover is very plush, although I haven’t yet washed it to see whether it maintains its luxurious feel after a trip to the laundry room. The stitching is close and precise, which keeps the glass microbeads in place throughout the night, even if you’re someone who moves around a lot. However, the gridded quilting means that the Gravity Blanket looks unmistakably like a therapeutic blanket. This isn’t necessarily a problem, just something to keep in mind before spending so much money on it.

Frustratingly, the Gravity Blanket is only available in two sizes -- Twin and King/Queen. The twin (“original”) size is really more like a throw, as it measures just 72"x48". It’s not really long enough to properly cover an individual at night. The single size is available in 15 lbs, 20 lbs, and 25 lbs. 

On the other hand, the King/Queen size is designed to accommodate two people under a 90”x90” weighted blanket, and weighs a whopping 35 lbs. This might be fine if you and your partner both want to sleep under a particularly heavy weighted blanket, but it’s far too compressing for an individual. This is the size I ended up trying because I really wanted the blanket to properly cover my entire body at night. 

Unfortunately, it was both too hot and too heavy, especially for just one person. Even when sharing the Gravity Blanket with my husband, who doesn’t mind falling asleep with a weighted blanket on the couch, we both felt pretty suffocated. In my experience, weighted blankets are much more comfortable, and effective, when used individually, as each person has a different body temperature and moves around to varying degrees in his or her sleep. 

5. Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover

Quility Weighted Blanket

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What I liked:

1. ✓

   Available in a wide variety sizes, weights, and colors

2. ✓

   No-questions-asked full refund policy

What I didn’t like:

1. ✕

   Glass microbeads move around in quilted squares

2. ✕

   Zipper often snags on fabric

3. ✕

   Poor weight distribution, seems to pool in the outer edges

The design and feel of the Quility Weighted Blanket really appealed to me when I first ordered it. I liked having so many options to choose from in terms of size, weight, and color. When the weighted blanket first arrived, I was impressed with the plush feel of the minky cover, and pleased with the color I had ordered (I chose the 60”x80” (15 lbs) grey cotton blanket with an aqua cover). Quility also advertises a cooler 100% cotton cover for their weighted blanket, but this is sold separately and didn’t seem to show up in any Amazon searches. 

Overall, the Quility weighted blanket seems to be well made, with high-quality stitching, fine glass microbeads, and multiple layers of fabric. It was more breathable than I had been expecting, and sufficiently large to fully cover me in bed. 

I was less impressed with the zipper quality, as the zipper snagged the first time I removed the minky cover. It hasn’t broken yet, but it’s far less durable than I would have expected for the money, and clearly not a premium zipper. 

I was also a bit disappointed in the Quility’s weight distribution. Although it has quilted squares, the glass microbeads seemed to pool into the corners, making it feel somewhat awkward and lumpy. Although I was able to sleep under the blanket, I was aware throughout the night that it wasn’t laying evenly across my body.  And for some reason, it felt particularly heavy on my knees, ankles, and feet. I looked into Quility’s refund policy and was pleased to see that they do offer full refunds, no questions asked, but I ended up keeping the blanket, mainly for use on the sofa.

Since then, the Quility has worked well as a casual throw blanket. Since it’s available in so many sizes, a Quility weighted blanket could be a useful addition to a child’s bed, as it comes in much lighter weights (5 lbs, 7 lbs, and 10 lbs), and in single and twin sizes. For couples, the Quility weighted blanket is also available in a King/Queen size, with 86”x92” dimensions and weights ranging from 12 lbs to 25 lbs. 

6. YnM Weighted Blanket

YnM Weighted Blanket

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What I liked:

1. ✓

   Lots of color and pattern options for both the inner weighted layer and the duvet cover

2. ✓

   Wide range of weights and sizes available

What I didn’t like:

1. ✕

   Duvet cover sold separately, only blanket is provided with purchase

2. ✕

   Beads started leaking out after just a few uses

As it was the least expensive product on my list, I was hoping that the YnM weighted blanket would surprise me. The YnM weighted blanket claims to be made with multiple layers of breathable fabric, and it contains glass microbeads rather than plastic pellets, which are definite pluses. I was excited about all of the different product options -- I like having a lot of sizes, weights, and colors to choose from. The YnM blanket is available in weights from 5 lbs to 30 lbs, and sizes ranging from 36”x48” to 80”x87”. As with most of the other weighted blankets, I chose the 60”x80” size (15 lbs). 

Unfortunately, the YnM weighted blanket did not fully live up to its promise. First of all, the blanket arrived without any type of duvet cover, which had to be purchased separately. This essentially eliminated any savings that I had made due to the lower price of the blanket itself. That being said, when I eventually did order a duvet cover for my blanket, I was once again pleased to see that there was a decent choice of covers available, including cotton, bamboo, and minky fabrics. I settled on a double-sided cover with one “cooling bamboo” side and one “cozy minky” side, which sounded intriguing. The quality of the cover seems to be pretty good, with pleasant-feeling materials that easily zipped over my YnM weighted blanket. 

However, I wasn’t able to fully appreciate this doubled-sized cover before the weighted blanket itself let me down. After sleeping under it for several nights, the filling started to leak out of the blanket. Unlike the duvet cover, the actual weighted blanket doesn’t seem to be very well-constructed. The quilted compartments have wide, loose stitching and the seams are evidently weak. Having tiny microbeads all over the bed and floor was a pain to clean up, and thoroughly demoralizing, as it meant that the blanket was essentially unusable. I dread to think what would have happened if I had tried to wash it! 

Trying to look on the bright side, I now have a nice additional duvet cover to use with my other 60”x80” weighted blankets. I’m just hoping that the cover holds up better than the blanket!