When the nights turn cold, two gadgets get pulled out of the closet: the heated blanket and the plug-in heater. If you are weighing an electric blanket vs space heater, the big difference is not comfort. It is how much power each one needs to keep you warm.
Contents
The short version is that a heated blanket warms you, while a heater warms the air around you. That one difference changes the cost by a lot, and the numbers below show how much.
Tip: work out what your own heater costs with our free space heater cost calculator.
Electric blanket vs space heater: the short answer
Most electric blankets are rated at somewhere between about 50 and 200 watts, depending on size and setting. A typical plug-in heater draws up to 1,500 watts on high. At the 2026 US average price of about 18.2 cents per kWh, according to EIA’s electricity outlook, a 100-watt blanket costs about 15 cents for an 8-hour night. A 1,500-watt heater on high costs about $2.18 for the same night.
How to work out the cost in 3 steps
- Check the label. Look for the watts on the controller, the tag or the manual. For a heater, note both the low and high settings.
- Turn watts into kWh. Divide by 1,000 and multiply by the hours you use it. A 100-watt blanket for 8 hours uses 0.8 kWh.
- Multiply by your rate. Use the price per kWh on your bill. At 18.2 cents, 0.8 kWh costs about 15 cents.
Cost per night and per month
Here is how the two compare at 18.2 cents per kWh. Real costs are often lower, because most blankets and heaters cycle on and off once they reach the set warmth.
| Device | Watts | 8 hours (one night) | 30 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin electric blanket | 50 | about 7 cents | about $2.18 |
| Queen electric blanket | 100 | about 15 cents | about $4.37 |
| Space heater on low | 750 | about $1.09 | about $32.76 |
| Space heater on high | 1,500 | about $2.18 | about $65.52 |
When each one makes sense
An electric blanket is the cheaper choice when you only need to stay warm in bed or on the sofa. It puts the heat right where your body is, so it can use a fraction of the power.
A space heater makes more sense when you need the whole room warm, for example when you are working at a desk, getting dressed or have more than one person in the room. In the electric blanket vs space heater question, the right answer depends on whether you need to warm a person or a space.
5 easy tips to stay warm for less
- Pre-warm the bed. Turn the blanket on 20 to 30 minutes before bed, then switch it to a low setting or off.
- Turn the heating down at night. If you sleep under a heated blanket, you can often lower the thermostat for the rest of the house.
- Use the heater only where you are. Close the door and warm one room instead of the whole home.
- Use timers and auto shut-off. Many blankets and heaters have them, so nothing runs all night by mistake.
- Follow the safety rules. Do not fold or bunch a blanket while it is on, replace old or damaged ones, and plug heaters straight into a wall outlet.
Quick FAQ
Is it safe to sleep with an electric blanket on? Many modern blankets have timers and overheat protection, but always follow the manual. Do not use one for babies or for anyone who cannot adjust or remove it themselves.
Can I use both at the same time? Yes, but you will pay for both. A common money-saver is a low heater setting while you get ready, then the blanket alone once you are in bed.
Which is better for a cold apartment? If you mainly feel cold in bed or on the couch, start with a blanket. If the whole room is too cold to sit in, a heater on low with the door closed is the better fit.
Electric blanket vs space heater: a quick recap
- Power: blankets use roughly 50 to 200 watts, heaters up to 1,500 watts.
- Cost: about 15 cents a night for a 100-watt blanket, about $2.18 for a heater on high.
- Best use: a blanket warms you, a heater warms the room.
- Safety: follow the manual and plug heaters straight into the wall.
Final thoughts
For most people the cheapest way to stay cozy at night is a heated blanket, with a heater saved for the times you need a warm room. Check the wattage on your own devices, use the numbers above, and read our space heater safety rules before you switch anything on.
This guide uses typical wattage ratings and EIA’s average price data, not our own meter readings. Your device labels and your electric bill will give you the most accurate number.
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