The 10 Best Blankets, Reviewed and Tested

Top Pick

Living up to its name, the L.L.Bean Wicked Cozy Blanket is undoubtedly one of the softest we’ve tested. As soon as we unfolded it, we couldn’t wait to snuggle into its silky fabric. The polyester material is double brushed for an extra cozy feel while resisting pilling and shedding. This blanket is machine-washable and offers a solid selection of rich, neutral hues perfect for any living room or bedroom.

From the moment we tried this blanket, we were impressed by its flawless quality—there were no loose threads or defects, and the fabric hung beautifully on our bed. Although it wasn’t as thick as some other blankets we tested, we stayed warm and cozy after lying beneath it for just five minutes. As the temperature rose during our six-month testing period, we started using it as a topper, and it remained just as comfortable. It also held up remarkably well during our durability tests; after multiple machine washes and dryer cycles, it became even softer and more comfortable. Months later, we have no complaints about its quality.

One area for improvement is its limited color selection—if cream or blue aren’t to your taste, you might have trouble finding a suitable option. Nonetheless, if you're after an incredibly soft, high-quality blanket, this is an excellent choice.

Material: Polyester | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Extra Large King | Care: Machine-washable, tumble dry without heat

Top Budget Pick

This affordable blanket exceeded our expectations at every stage of testing. It arrived free of loose threads and snags, and its fabric felt soft and of high quality, despite the low price. We found it as breathable as it is plush, quickly becoming our preferred choice for quick naps and TV marathons. Heavier than a typical cotton blanket, it may feel too warm in summer unless you have air conditioning. We believe it offers enough warmth for fall and winter, but if you tend to feel cold at night, you might want to layer it with other bedding.

During our durability tests, this blanket stayed in perfect condition, even after being stained with coffee and combed with a pet brush, making it an excellent choice for pet owners. It also passed the washer and dryer test with no issues, maintaining its integrity with no loose threads or snags. After six months of washing, it remains as soft and plush as when we first received it.

This blanket is available in five sizes and offers one of the broadest color selections of all the blankets we evaluated. With its ultra-soft feel, affordable price, and durability, we believe it’s an essential addition to any home, and it could also serve as an excellent gift. In fact, we consider it one of the coziest blankets in our collection.

Material: Polyester | Sizes: Throw, twin/twin XL, full/queen, king, giant | Care: Machine-wash, tumble-dry on low heat

Worth the Investment

If you're looking to indulge in a premium blanket, this luxurious option from Cozy Earth is a fantastic choice. Made from 100% bamboo viscose, we found this lightweight blanket incredibly soft, especially after laundering. It showed no signs of loose threads or damage, proving it to be a high-quality selection. However, we did notice pilling when we tested it with a pet brush, so it’s best to keep it away from pet claws or sharp objects that might cause snags.

We were also impressed by the blanket’s ability to regulate temperature—after lying under it for five minutes, we didn’t feel overheated at all. However, we were slightly disappointed by its inability to resist stains. A coffee spill left a noticeable mark that was tough to remove, and due to the blanket's size and thickness, it might not fit easily in a regular washing machine.

This blanket comes in a variety of sizes and seven different colors, making it one of the most versatile options we’ve tested. However, considering its vulnerability to stains and lack of durability, we believe this high-quality blanket is ideal for low-traffic areas, such as guest rooms or master bedrooms, where it’s less likely to encounter messes.

Material: Viscose from bamboo | Sizes: Baby blanket, twin, full/queen, king | Care: Machine wash

Top Cooling Option

If you're looking for a blanket that provides cozy coverage without the added heat, the Luxome Lightweight Blanket is an excellent option. Made from bamboo viscose, known for its temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking qualities, this blanket keeps hot sleepers comfortable even in the summer. Despite its lightness, it still delivers the same comforting embrace as a weighted blanket.

When it comes to overall comfort, this is one of our top picks—we found it to be soft, well-made, and it only gets better after each wash. The satin-like texture feels smooth, and its quilted design gives it a luxurious look. We particularly enjoyed its cooling effect, which balanced our body temperature perfectly—cool enough for sleep, but warm enough to avoid waking up chilled.

After six months of nightly use, the blanket remains in excellent shape. The only noticeable change is a slight shift in the filling, which was expected. It’s also worth mentioning that it took over two hours to dry completely, so some maintenance effort is required. However, its durability and comfort make the extra care worth it.

Material: Viscose from bamboo | Sizes: Full/queen, king/Cal king | Care: Machine wash

Softest and Coziest

If you're torn between a blanket and a quilt, this versatile throw from Garnet Hill gives you the best of both options. The square stitching secures the plush down-alternative filling, ensuring you stay warm without the need for constant fluffing. One side features quilted cotton sateen that's soft and shiny, while the reverse is a fleece-lined polyester that adds a cozy touch to your bed. Available in both throw and bed sizes, we found that the queen size fit perfectly, offering enough room for two people to sleep comfortably. It's large enough to share or indulge in solo comfort.

The fabrics of this blanket felt luxurious—the fleece side was warm and comforting to snuggle into, while the cotton side was delightfully smooth against our skin. Despite its weight, we felt cozy and never overheated while using it. Its dual-sided design makes it great for year-round use, though it might be too heavy for those who tend to get hot while sleeping.

Although this blanket is an investment, its quality and durability justify the cost. After six months of use, including regular washes and dealing with stains, it still looked as good as new. The dual-sided design offers versatility, allowing you to enjoy its warmth on both your bed and couch for years to come.

Material: Cotton, polyester, fleece, Core-Loft fill | Sizes: Throw, twin, double, queen, king | Care: Machine-wash, tumble-dry on low heat

Best in Lightness

This blanket offers a light and breathable feel, not silky but still substantial. It doesn’t offer a specific temperature change but is comfortable throughout different seasons. Our tester enjoyed it during the summer without overheating and also found it useful as an extra layer in colder months. The gauzy texture feels soft, with a crinkled effect that gives it a cozy, lived-in look. Though it’s prone to snagging due to its thinness, this is a common trait for this type of material.

What makes this blanket truly exceptional is its outstanding craftsmanship and comfort. The stitching is precise, and the corners are neatly finished. Moreover, Quince only uses the best Oeko-Tex and GOTS-certified organic cotton, ensuring both quality and eco-friendliness.

Given the high quality of this blanket, the price is a real bargain. It’s stylish, durable, and perfect for layering year-round. Even after more than a year of washes, it still looks and feels fantastic. The best part is that it’s simple to maintain—stains come out easily, and it’s machine washable.

Material: Organic Cotton | Sizes: Full/Queen, King/California King | Care Instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry on low heat

Top Wool Choice

If you’re looking for a basic yet well-crafted wool blanket, Faribault Mill's Pure & Simple Wool Blanket comes highly recommended. It arrived without any flaws and fit perfectly on our queen-size bed. The blanket was large enough for two people to share comfortably without any blanket tug-of-war.

Like many wool blankets, this one has a firm, scratchy feel, though it wasn't overly uncomfortable to use. If you're not accustomed to the sensation of wool or prefer a super-soft blanket, you may want to explore other options—or perhaps add a sheet underneath. Even though it's on the thinner side, it has a nice weight to it, offering a reassuring sense of coziness.

This blanket is priced higher, but it’s built to endure for years, making it a worthwhile investment. After six months of use, it’s still in excellent condition, showcasing its superior craftsmanship. The fabric is hydrophobic, repelling stains, and after washing, there were no defects—only a slight softening, indicating that with continued use, it will become even more comfortable.

Material: Wool | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Care: Machine-wash, line-dry

Top Waffle

Boll & Branch's Waffle Bed Blanket, crafted from GOTS-certified organic long-staple Indian cotton, combines a silky smooth feel with a stylish waffle-knit pattern. This blanket is not only soft to the touch but also has a highly durable finish. While it provides warmth, it's also surprisingly lightweight, making it an ideal breathable layer for transitional weather.

One of the standout qualities of this blanket is its craftsmanship—it showed no signs of loose threads or snags during testing, even after washing, and the coffee stain nearly vanished. After six months of use, it still looks great with no noticeable wear. It fits perfectly on our queen-sized bed with about 13 inches of drape on each side, and its satin border added a luxurious touch to the room.

Although visually appealing, this blanket isn’t the softest we tested. The fabric feels fairly smooth, but the waffle-knit texture felt a bit scratchy against the skin. Despite not being the coziest option, its quality and weight make it a solid choice for those looking for a stylish accent blanket for their bed.

Material: Cotton | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King/Cal King | Care Instructions: Machine wash in cold water, tumble dry on low heat

Best Oversized

If you’re seeking a giant blanket to snuggle up in, this pick from Big Blanket Co. is perfect. The company’s blankets aren’t just large—they are enormous, with the original stretch blanket measuring a whopping 10 feet by 10 feet, enveloping your bed or couch in its incredibly soft fabric. We found it especially ideal for guests using our pull-out sofa. Despite its immense size, the fabric didn’t feel overly thick or heavy while lounging under it, but it was definitely heavy-duty when making the bed.

One feature that really stood out about this blanket was its exceptional quality. The stitching was flawless, with no loose threads even after washing and brushing it. However, we found it too large for our queen-sized bed, as the fabric hung over the sides by more than a foot.

Big Blanket Co. offers a cozy, stretchy polyester-spandex blend available in a wide range of colors and patterns. The fabric has an incredibly soft feel that’s luxurious against the skin. We were especially impressed with its stain-resistant properties—the material repelled liquids and spills, and even after six months of use, it hasn’t needed to be washed. Considering its size and high quality, we think it’s well worth the price, but make sure you have enough room before purchasing.

Material: Polyester, spandex | Dimensions: 10x10 feet | Care Instructions: Machine washable

Final Thoughts

Our top recommendation is the L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Blanket, which stood out for its excellent craftsmanship, ultra-soft fabric, and overall performance. For those seeking a more affordable option, we suggest the Bare Home Microplush Fleece Blanket, which proved to be one of the coziest and most durable blankets in our tests.

Our Evaluation Methodology

To select the top blankets, we gathered a range of options and tested them both in our Des Moines lab and at home. We carefully examined each blanket, noting any defects such as tears, snags, frayed threads, and wrinkles. We also evaluated the fabric’s thickness, texture, and measured the dimensions of each blanket.

Next, we spread the blankets across a queen-sized bed to see how they draped over the mattress and how much of the bed they covered. We then spent five minutes lying under each blanket to assess how it felt on our skin and how it affected our body temperature.

To test the durability of each blanket, we applied a teaspoon of coffee to stain them and then evaluated how easily they could be cleaned. Each blanket was washed and dried according to its care instructions, and we carefully checked for any loose threads or snags that may have appeared during the washing process. We also recorded any changes in the texture of the fabric.

Next, we re-measured the blankets and placed them back on the queen-sized bed to see if the drape of the fabric had changed after washing. We also checked for any remnants of the coffee stain and noted whether it was still visible. Lastly, we brushed each blanket with a pet brush five times to assess how easily they snagged or tore. Although most people don't brush their blankets at home, we wanted to simulate the effects of jewelry, furniture, and pet claws on the material.

For long-term analysis, we took the blankets home with us and tested their durability after three and six months of use. Combining the results from both the lab and real-world experiences, we created our list of the top blankets.

How to Shop for Blankets Like an Expert

Fabric Types

Cotton blankets are a solid choice overall. They’re lightweight, breathable, and incredibly soft, depending on the quality of the cotton used. Additionally, they’re easy to care for—usually, you can just throw them in the wash with your regular laundry.

Polyester blankets are also affordable, warm, and generally simple to clean. They trap heat, making them cozy—but potentially uncomfortable for those who sleep hot. Many faux-fur and shearling blankets use a polyester blend, offering both softness and machine washability.

Ireland mentions that her top blanket materials are cashmere and linen blends. Linen is renowned for its ability to regulate temperature and wick away moisture, making it adaptable to different climates and ideal for keeping hot sleepers comfortable. For a blanket that helps keep you cool, fabrics like Tencel, bamboo viscose, or linen are your best bet.

Cashmere and wool blankets are generally warmer and heavier, making them ideal for those who sleep cold or need extra warmth in winter. Although they offer a touch of luxury, these blankets can be pricey and may require dry cleaning, which can be inconvenient if you wash your blankets often.

Blanket Sizes

Blankets come in various sizes, so consider where you'll be using them. “A throw blanket size in the U.S. is typically 50 inches by 70 inches,” says Nozawa. For those seeking a blanket for the couch, she recommends choosing throws or twin-sized blankets.

If you're shopping for a blanket to fit your bed, aim for one that matches the size of your mattress. Look for options in twin, full, queen, or king sizes, and cross-check your bed dimensions with the retailer’s size chart. Some blankets are intentionally oversized, like the Big Blanket Original Stretch Blanket, so be mindful of the storage space available in your linen closet when purchasing.

Blanket Care

The frequency you should wash your blanket depends on how often you use it, if you eat with it, and if you live with pets. If you leave it folded up at the end of your bed, Ireland says you can dry-clean it a few times a year, especially if it doesn't sit next to your skin. However, if you snuggle up with your pets beneath your blanket, you’ll want to wash it every couple of weeks along with the rest of your bed linens.

After you purchase your blanket, Nozawa says to screenshot or take a photo of the care instructions on the blanket tags before cutting them off. That way, when it’s time to wash, you have the manufacturer's recommendations on hand. “Each blanket will have different needs, from being machine-washable to needing to be spot-cleaned only,” Nozawa says, which is why it’s important to keep track of those care instructions.

Most blankets can be machine-washed and tumble-dried on low, but some may only be dry-cleaned or hang-dried. If you’re worried about washing your blanket, Nozawa suggests taking it to a dry cleaner for professional care to play it safe. To improve the longevity of your blanket, she says to “treat it like a nice sweater: Don't let your pets roll around or scratch on it, keep it nicely folded when not in use, and occasionally dust it by shaking it out.”

Additional Blankets You May Want to Consider

Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket: This blanket arrived in perfect condition and features a reversible design with soft shearling on one side and a smooth velvety fabric on the other. Although the material is comfortable and cozy, it made us feel overheated and sweaty after lying under it. 

ChappyWrap Harborview Herringbone Family-Size Blanket: This blanket offers the warmth of wool without the itchy texture, becoming even softer with every wash. However, the fuzzy texture may not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer a more streamlined blanket. For those seeking a versatile blanket for both indoor and outdoor use, this one is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between a Comforter and a Blanket?

"A blanket is something you wrap yourself in while enjoying a TV show or place at the foot of your bed for extra warmth," explains Ireland. Nozawa agrees: "Blankets are typically smaller, decorative pieces that you leave on your sofa or chair, or at the end of a bed." She further explains that comforters are meant only for beds and are often stuffed or filled.

In general, blankets are thinner and not as warm as comforters, though they still provide extra comfort and warmth. If you tend to feel cold at night, layering a blanket over your comforter will help you stay snug.

What Type of Blanket Is Best for Hot Sleepers?

Hot sleepers might think they can't enjoy the comfort of a blanket, but that's far from true. Ireland suggests linen blankets for hot sleepers, with Tencel and bamboo viscose being other great options. These materials are light, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making them ideal for hot sleepers. It's important that your blanket is thin enough to allow airflow, such as the Quince Organic Airy Gauze Blanket. Although it's cotton, it's very thin and loosely woven, making it perfect for those who sleep hot or for summer cuddling.

What Is a Throw Blanket Versus a Regular Blanket?

"Throw blankets usually refer to a specific size, while blankets can come in various dimensions," explains Nozawa. Throw blankets are intended primarily for decoration, whereas regular blankets provide extra warmth and comfort to your bed. Typically, throw blankets come in one standard size, perfect for draping over your bed or couch. They are made from different chic materials such as faux fur, chenille, wool, and thick knits to enhance your decor, though they might not be as large or cozy as regular blankets.

Regular blankets generally come in bed sizes like full, queen, and king, covering the entire mattress to provide an additional layer of warmth. Since they are meant for layering, regular blankets tend to be thinner than throws and feature a smooth, uniform texture.

How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Blanket?

Blankets span a broad price range—some options cost under $30, like the Bare Home Microplush Fleece Blanket, while others can exceed $200, depending on the material and size. Nozawa suggests that around $75 is a reasonable price for a well-crafted woven blanket that looks appealing.

"Some of my favorite throws for TV watching are $20 synthetic fleece blankets, and I've also indulged in stunning handmade cashmere blankets for clients that cost four figures," she shares. For a standard, no-frills blanket, most choices fall within the $20 to $75 range.

Trust Us on This

This article was authored by Jen Woo, a seasoned writer specializing in design, lifestyle, and culture, with over a decade of experience, and later updated by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Mytour. To craft this article, we evaluated 26 blankets in our lab, taking into account factors like durability, materials, size, and care instructions to make our final selection. For expert advice on choosing the ideal blankets for your home, Woo consulted textile and interior designer Kathryn M. Ireland and interior designer Noz Nozawa.