


Blankets come in many shapes, sizes and materials so, chances are, you’ll opt for any one that feels the coziest that you can just toss on top of you.
But, when you really sit down and think about it, what makes a good blanket? Are faux fur options the way to go, or is it better to invest in a weighted blanket?
At New York Post Shopping, we tested 25 blankets across different categories and brought you our edit of the 16 best ones to buy in 2023.
Whether you’re on the lookout for the extreme cozy gift this year or want to invest in a practical purchase you’ll use in the colder months, we recommend any of the below options.
Ahead, also see our testing method and what we considered for the blankets that made the cut. From throw blankets to heated blankets, here’s the best of the best.
As I began testing blankets in 2022, I started by researching top brands and best-selling items from top retailers and bedding brands. For some blankets, I’ve been keeping our testing criteria in mind (which includes material, type, size, fabric and care, among others).
However, some blankets were recently called in for testing and am continuing to continue our research and reviewing method to update this guide. I’ve made sure to test the blankets for at least a week, which led to some great binge-watch sessions and cozy evenings in bed).
Here’s the New York Post Shopping testing criteria when reviewing blankets:
Pros:
Warm and well-made knit detailing, chunky and durable, buttery soft material
Cons:
Though warm, it tends to be quite heavy
The Bearaby Cotton Napper is one of the best options you’ll find (as far as weighted blankets go), namely because it keeps you warm while still being breathable. It’s perfect for watching TV on the couch or draping over your legs when sleeping at night.
Its 100% cotton make is the star of the show and upon first touch, you can tell it’s a blanket of the highest quality. What’s more, there are four size options to choose from — 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs and 25 lbs — that make it customizable to your body weight.
Though it’s going to be heavier than your usual blanket due to its type, it’s quite heavy at the 15 lb size, so we recommend sizing down one if you prefer more of a toss-on style that still reaps the benefits of a weighted blanket.
Pros:
Temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, holds its form, removable cover for washing, great for hot sleepers
Cons:
None to speak of
Sleep Number doesn’t only have exceptional mattresses, but its True Temp Weighted Blanket also holds much acclaim. Its temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking design only add to its versatile charm, and all of the moody tones it’s offered in are stunning.
Its outer cover features 37.5 active particle technology that helps prevent overheating, which makes it ideal for hot sleepers, especially. Its removable cover is a nifty feature as well, making laundry days a snap (and, in turn, helps your blanket last longer).
Pros:
Great capacity and weight threshold, sustainably made, will keep you warm
Cons:
Isn’t available in multiple sizes, so may not be the perfect blanket for everyone
Brooklinen describes its top-rated Weighted Throw Blanket as “the perfect blanket for cozy calmness wherever and whenever you need it,” and I have to agree. It’s made of breathable, textured cotton with an interior layer of sustainable tiny glass beads that’ll make you want to wrap yourself in it all day long.
Even better, its 12 lb. make is the perfect sweet spot, allowing it to be versatile when brought from room to room. Its brushed, warm exterior is a nice touch, too.
Pros:
Stunning color selection, breathable, spacious, easy to wash and clean
Cons:
Isn’t as warm as other weighted blankets tested
The Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket is a force to be reckoned with — not only does it have a weighted design but it’s also cooling — so it’s impeccable for hot sleepers, especially.
What I love most about the Gravity blanket is its extensive customization options. Select from either 15 lb., 20 lb. or a whopping 35 lb. (for a queen or king-sized bed), along with six lovely colors. It makes a great addition to your linen closet.
Pros:
Adjustable and even heat, auto-shut off function, spacious design
Cons:
None to speak of
If you’re someone who’s always cold (preach to the choir), then you’ll adore the Sleep Number Warming Blanket. It’s a notch above your average warm blanket (whether a throw or faux fur) and makes a great gift for birthdays, holidays and more.
Namely, it has adjustable warmth controls (for each side!) with even heat retention to ensure there won’t be any cold spots. Another great feature is its auto-shut off function to ensure it won’t be heating up after 10 hours.
This blanket stands out from the pack not only because of its extra level of warmth but also because it’s widely spacious. Place it on your bed or on your couch, and you’ll always be in that cozy sweet spot.
Pros:
‘The perfect cozy blanket,’ relatively affordable price point, will keep you warm even after months of use
Cons:
Doesn’t hold up too well in the wash — we recommend washing no more than once monthly
UGG’s Whistler Throw Blanket is the one blanket I recommend to every one. If there was an award for ‘perfect cozy blanket,’ it would go to this one, though keep in mind I prefer anything that feels like a furry, warm hug, and that may not be everyone’s first preference.
As far as blankets go, this one is widely accessible and is available at Nordstrom. It comes in a vast color selection, too, and its super-soft design is the one I reach for the most.
Pros:
The closest blanket to a sherpa you’ll find, extra-large design, slightly heavy without being a weighted blanket
Cons:
None to speak of
Truth be told, I need a $1M gift card to Anthropologie (everything is add-to-cart worthy) — and the brand’s top-rated Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket is no exception. I’ve been reading with it on my couch for weeks now and know it’s going to be one of my most-reached for. Though a bit of a splurge, it’ll be the only throw you’ll need.
Not to mention, it has a slightly heavier feel compared to others tested, which is great if you don’t prefer lugging a weighted blanket around.
Pros:
Adorably packaged (makes a great gift), has a snuggly warm make, doesn’t leave you sweating
Cons:
None to speak of
The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Throw Blanket is surely worth the hype. Since I’ve been living in the brand’s matching CozyChic Robe, I knew that its Throw Blanket would be a hit — and I haven’t been able to snuggle with anything else.
Though a splurge, it’s truly an investment worth making. From its unbeatable texture to ultra-cozy design, it’s a unique find you just have to buy and use for yourself.
Pros:
Budget-friendly, breathable, spacious
Cons:
Not ideal for extremely cold temperatures
Looking for a quick buy that’ll do the job of keeping you warm but won’t cost you an arm and a leg? The Bedsure Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket fits the bill (for less than $35, too) and is one of the most breathable types I tested.
Keep in mind that while it’s super breathable, it’s not the warmest. Since I’m a hot sleeper, I prefer using this as my bedtime blanket when I want an extra layer of coziness aside from my bed sheets.
Pros:
Ultra-soft, versatile, keeps you warm
Cons:
Isn’t as large as other blankets tested
Cozy Earth is a brand I’d write many love letters to because everything (and we mean everything) from the brand is buttery soft and dreamy as can be. Its Cloud Knit Throw is worth every penny and it even doubles as a robe on cold days.
It’s one of those blankets that’s ideal for all seasons, too, and can withstand the washer and dryer. It’s available in white and ivory (so you can choose from two match-all shades) and has a slightly textured design, making it the perfect aesthetic for any room or mood.
Pros:
Best value for the price, unbeatably soft, makes a great gift
Cons:
Isn’t as spacious as other throws tested
I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t expecting a less-than-$50 blanket to be warmer than some in the $100+ price range I tested. It’s one that’s convenient to drape over your couch and read a good book and truly a staple to have on hand at all times. If gifted, the recipient will cherish it for years — take our word for it.
Though it could be a bit larger, it’s not a deal-breaker; its impressive warmth takes that slight con out of the picture.
Pros:
Incredibly warm, lightweight, best for transitional weather
Cons:
Its fringe detailing isn’t ideal for sleeping
Brooklinen’s Pure Wool Throw Blanket is exceptional, and one that makes a wonderful gift (whether for a loved one or for yourself). Notably, it’s made of 100% pure wool and is finely detailed. It’s also handmade in Germany by a 100-year-old family mill, which is truly remarkable.
Though it does a great job of keeping you warm, it’s ideal for transitional seasons, namely because it’s not my go-to blanket of choice to sleep in (due in part to its fringe detailing, which isn’t ideal for slumber-time). But, I love cozying up with it for movie marathons, and it continues to be one of my favorites.
Pros:
Sherpa-like and hypoallergenic material, great for sleeping, spacious and warm, machine-washes well
Cons:
None to speak of
If you’re looking for a blanket that’s versatile enough to sleep with but also great to cozy up with your partner to watch Netflix, then the Sunday Citizen Snug Bed Blanket is our top choice. It features a lightweight, cloud-soft design and is one of the best machine-washable blankets tested.
What’s more, this blanket is hypoallergenic (which is preferred for sensitive skin) and has a slightly oversized design. Across the board, it receives our stamp of approval.
Pros:
Breathable, spacious, available in a bunch of neutral colors, cloud-like design
Cons:
None to speak of
Similarly to the brand’s Snug Bed Blanket, its Ribbed Bed Blanket is just as good, but a bit more breathable. If that doesn’t sell you enough, rest assured that it’s the perfect blanket you’ve been imagining, but with a ribbed twist. For lighter shades, the texture shows through and looks absolutely beautiful.
Like the Snug Bed Blanket, this one is made with Sunday Citizen’s signature Snug fabric that’s one of the coziest ones I tested.
Pros:
Oversized design, simple to wash and dry, cozy-as-can-be, chic look
Cons:
None to speak of
The Cariloha Bamboo Fleece Blanket offers a little bit of everything wrapped up into one: a cozy and chic make, an oversized design and a simple cuddling essential when you’re cold. Though it’s not a throw blanket, it’s one of the more lightweight ones I tested and an undeniable staple in my linen closet. If you’re looking for that quintessential blanket, it’s this one.
Pros:
Makes a wonderful gift, many styles to choose from, lightweight
Cons:
Not as warm as others tested, but great for a quick throw-on
Out of all the blankets I tested, BaubleBar’s On Repeat Throw Blanket was the most exciting one to receive in the mail, much ado to its personalization. Some patterns are more ‘in your face’ than others, but the On Repeat Throw Blanket is the perfect, less-than-$100 buy that has my first name’s initial with some trendy, neutral flair.
Because it’s a throw blanket, it can’t be reviewed on the same scale as, say, a sherpa blanket. It’s not the warmest, but it does the job and a style I recommend to all my friends IRL.
Brand | Price | Why to Buy |
---|---|---|
Bearaby Cotton Napper | $$ | Warm and well-made knit detailing Chunky and durable Buttery soft material |
Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket | $$ | Temperature-regulating Moisture-wicking Holds its form Removable cover for washing, great for hot sleepers |
Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket | $$ | Great capacity and weight threshold; sustainably made Will keep you warm |
Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket | $$ | Stunning color selection; breathable; spacious Easy to wash and clean |
Sleep Number Warming Blanket | $$$ | Adjustable and even heat; auto-shut off function; spacious design |
UGG Whistler Throw Blanket | $$ | ‘The perfect cozy blanket,’ relatively affordable price point Will keep you warm even after months of use |
Anthropologie Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket | $ | The closest blanket to a sherpa you’ll find; extra-large design Slightly heavy without being a weighted blanket |
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Throw Blanket | $$ | Adorably packaged (makes a great gift) Has a snuggly warm make; doesn’t leave you sweating |
Bedsure Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket | $ | Budget-friendly; breathable; spacious |
Cozy Earth Cloud Knit Throw | $$ | Ultra-soft; versatile; keeps you warm |
Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw | $ | Best value for the price; unbeatably soft Makes a great gift |
Brooklinen Pure Wool Throw Blanket | $$ | Incredibly warm; lightweight; best for transitional weather |
Sunday Citizen Snug Bed Blanket | $$ | Sherpa-like and hypoallergenic material; great for sleeping Spacious and warm; machine-washes well |
Sunday Citizen Snug Ribbed Bed Blanket | $$ | Breathable; spacious; available in a bunch of neutral colors; cloud-like design |
Cariloha Bamboo Fleece Blanket | $$ | Oversized design; simple to wash and dry; cozy-as-can-be; chic look |
BaubleBar On Repeat Throw Blanket | $ | Makes a wonderful gift; many styles to choose from Lightweight |
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