The back, neck and foot areas are the most frustrating and debilitating places to have pain as they stop you from moving, working and relaxing. Pain relievers and bed rest often just delay the pain instead of relaxing the muscles and attacking the issue at its source. Heating pads help heal sore areas and make you feel better while they do it, so we reviewed the best heating pads so you can get the pain relief you need.

For those of you who don't know how a heating pad works or why it helps relax your sore muscles, we answered some frequently asked questions below so you can make an informed decision on the best heating pad for you.

It is a pad that either holds hot water or heats another way, such as chemically or electronically, to provide heat to a sore area.

The best heating pad uses heat therapy as pain relief, which is a practice that dates back to 500BC. In ancient times, hot stones, springs, thermal baths, and volcanic hot air caverns were all used to cope with pain. A heating pad allows you to experience heat therapy-style pain relief in the comfort of your own home while promoting muscle relaxation that causes the pain.

It works by applying heat to your muscle tissue, which increases your blood flow and causes your connective tissue to become more flexible.

You can buy a heating pad at almost any pharmacy, supermarket or online. We provided links to all our products listed below.

Even if you aren't experiencing pain today, having a heating pad around the house is a good idea for when you eventually strain a muscle or feel pain. Professional athletes use heat therapy daily to prevent soreness and keep their bodies healthy.

Comparison

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

​Heating pads usually run anywhere from around $15 to $300+. Spending more money on a heating pad usually guarantees you a better, more effective, more comfortable and longer lasting product, so if you are someone who plans on using it often for frequent pain relief, then we would recommend spending more to maximize your investment.

Features

We start with one of the most versatile and comfortable pads on our list. It features two sides of micro-plush fibers which feel smooth, soft and luxurious against your skin, offering maximum comfort. One key on the digital controller allows you to switch between three heat settings to achieve your perfect comfort level and it heats within seconds to provide quick and easy pain relief. These large pads also have a moist or dry option that mirrors the experience of either a relaxing sauna or steam room.

Features

If you’re looking for a large heat pad to cover a wide area rather than a small, localized area of pain, then we recommend this pad as it comes with 6 different heat settings and promises to be hot within 30 seconds of powering up. It is reasonably priced and features an adjustable auto-off option which allows you to tailor the length of your therapy between two hours and up. It also has a micro-plush cover to maximize comfort, and the manufacturer is known for their customer service.

Features

The second Sunbeam product on our list features an adjustable heat and cold therapy pad for muscle pain relief at home and on the go. Velcro straps extend up to 70 inches to secure the heating pad wherever relief is needed, and a detachable control offers five heat settings. It also has a removable hot/cold gel pack to offer muscle relief while on the move, and a comfortable soft fabric pad which is fully machine washable for quick and easy cleaning.

Features

The next pad is another one designed with the upper body in mind as it is contoured to drape around your neck and shoulders comfortably. It heats quickly, providing fast pain relief to sore and aching muscles and the LED controller provides four different heat options from warm to high based on the level of comfort you require. Featuring a comfortable and modern exterior, it can be worn at home or the office so you can experience pain relief without stopping your daily routine.

Features

Another heating pad from Proaller, it features a versatile design that may be applied to any part of the body. It has a dry or moist option, a 90-day return warranty and is machine washable. As with almost any Proaller product, it is made of comfortable, high-quality plush material and is fast heating so you can experience immediate relief. This pad is perfect for anyone looking to relieve pain in multiple areas without sacrificing comfort and performance.

Features

If you’re looking for something with a more natural feel, this best heating pad offers infrared heat and natural jade that penetrates two to three inches deep into your body, reaching below the skin rather than just heating the surface like most electric heat pads. In assisting with stress and depression, the pad delivers negative ions to the skin which are believed to increase your daytime energy levels and bring about a sense of calm and relaxation. While it is a more expensive option, it is also one of the most durable and effective, and we would recommend it to anyone who hasn't had luck with other heating pads.

Features

Our next best heating pad offers a heat patch for full-body relief that is fully heated and ready to help ease your stiff neck or aching back in just seconds. The soft, wrap-like design allows you to target specific areas and has a state-of-the-art LCD controller so you can quickly switch between six different temperature settings. The heat wrap also features a two-hour auto shut-off to conserve energy and help prevent burns from excessive heating, so if you are looking for a heating pad you can fall asleep in, this is the perfect one for you.

Features

This best heating pad helps you get rid of the pain by directing a stream of heat towards it, relaxing muscles and making the pain go away. It has a comfortable, micro-plush exterior and versatile design perfect for relieving pain from any area. It features an incredible five-year warranty, easy-to-use controls and three heat settings all at an affordable price.

Features

The last product on our list is ideal for, in the car, the office or on the go as heat is provided when the pad is plugged into a USB port. If you are somewhere without a USB port, buy a portable phone charger, and you can take this heat wrap anywhere. It features comfortable Qfiber fabric that covers the heat pad to spread therapeutic heat all around the treatment area and expands up to a 42-inch waist with extender straps. While it is a more expensive option, it allows you to always have pain relief and is well worth it for anyone with an active and busy lifestyle.

The best heating pad for you depends on what you are looking to do with the pad. If you are constantly on the go or moving about, then the Qfiber USB Powered Heat Wrap is perfect for you and is well worth the higher price tag. If you are just looking for a heating pad to use while sitting around the house, then we would recommend the Moist and Dry Electric Heating Pad with Ultra Fast Heat Technology by Geniani as the five-year warranty means you are getting a long lasting guarantee.

However, if you have a specific area which is constantly in pain, or need something hotter than the pad from Geniani or Qfiber, then the other options on our list may be better for you. If you are experiencing muscle pain, then we recommend any of our best heating pads. Just follow the links provided and experience pain relief through incredible heat therapy today.