Smart Heated Blankets: IoT Comfort Explained

Winter is here, and while most of us have embraced smart thermostats and connected lighting, there’s one cozy corner of home automation that’s just starting to heat up – smart heated blankets.

Imagine slipping into a perfectly warm bed without waiting, or avoiding the need to heat your entire home just to stay comfortable at night. If you’ve ever wished you could pre-heat your bed from the comfort of your couch (or better yet, on your commute home), you’re not alone. The combination of IoT technology and heated blankets has created a surprisingly practical, energy efficient, cozy addition to smart homes.

After you’ve read this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need about smart heated blankets, from how they work to whether they’re actually worth the investment for your smart home.

What Makes a Heated Blanket “Smart”?

Traditional heated blankets have been around for decades. They feature simple dial controls and basic safety timers. Smart heated blankets take this concept to a whole new level by adding connectivity and intelligence.

A smart heated blanket typically includes:

• Native Wi-Fi connectivity: Built-in wireless capability that connects directly to your home network without requiring additional hardware.
• Smartphone app control: Dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android that let you adjust temperature, set schedules and monitor energy usage from anywhere.
• Voice assistant integration: Compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit for hands-free control.
• Scheduling capabilities: The ability to create heating schedules based on your routine, so your bed is warm exactly when you need it.
• Remote access: Control your blanket from anywhere with an Internet connection, perfect for pre-heating before you arrive home.
• Multi-zone heating: Larger blankets often feature dual controls, allowing each side of the bed to be set to different temperatures.

The key difference between a smart heated blanket and a traditional one with a smart plug is the level of control. While a smart plug can only turn power on and off, a truly smart heated blanket lets you adjust heat levels, create complex schedules and integrate smoothly with other smart home devices.

How Do Smart Heated Blankets Work?

Smart heated blankets operate on the same basic heating principle as traditional electric blankets, but with added connectivity layers that enable IoT functionality.

The Heating Technology

At their core, these blankets use thin, flexible heating wires embedded throughout the fabric. Modern smart blankets often feature ultra-thin wires (sometimes called “Invisiwire” or similar technology) that are virtually undetectable when you’re lying on the blanket.

The heating element typically draws between 75 and 150 watts of power, making them significantly more energy efficient than space heaters or leaving your central heating running all night. To put this in perspective, a 100 watt heated blanket running for 8 hours uses about 0.8 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which costs roughly 14-18 cents based on the average U.S. electricity rate.

The Smart Connectivity Layer

The “smart” part comes from a control module that connects to your home Wi-Fi network (typically on the 2.4GHz band, which offers better range than 5GHz).

This module communicates with cloud servers that enable:

• Remote access through smartphone apps
• Voice commands via smart speakers
• Integration with smart home platforms
• Over-the-air firmware updates for improvements and bug fixes

Many smart heated blankets use protocols like Tuya or proprietary cloud platforms to facilitate this connectivity.

Some advanced models might also support local control through platforms like Home Assistant, though this usually requires some technical know-how.

Safety Features

Smart heated blankets incorporate several safety mechanisms.

• Auto-shutoff timers (typically 1-10 hours)
• Overheat protection that monitors temperature sensors
• Low EMF design engineered to minimize electromagnetic field emissions according to regulatory limits
• Safety certifications like ETL or UL testing
• Smartphone alerts (on some models) if issues are detected

Smart Heated Blankets vs. Smart Plugs: Which Approach is Better?

This is one of the most common questions I hear from smart home enthusiasts: “Can’t I just use a smart plug with a regular heated blanket?”

The answer is: sometimes, but it’s not ideal.

The Smart Plug Approach

Pros

• Much cheaper (smart plugs cost $10-25 vs $100+ for smart blankets)
• Works with any heated blanket that has a mechanical switch
• Simple to set up
• Can be integrated into existing smart home systems easily
• Power monitoring capability with many smart plugs

Cons

• Cannot adjust heat levels remotely
• Requires the blanket to have a physical switch that stays “on” when power is restored
• Many modern blankets have digital controls that require manual button presses after power loss
• No app based scheduling specific to heat levels
• Increased safety concerns if using older blankets without modern safety features
• Cannot create temperature profiles or gradual heating patterns

The Native Smart Blanket Approach

Pros

• Full temperature control from your phone or voice
• Create detailed heating schedules with different temperature levels
• Multiple heat settings (5-20 levels vs. just on/off)
• Built-in safety features designed for remote operation
• Dual zone control on larger sizes
• No risk of compatibility issues
• Often includes energy monitoring in the app

Cons

• Usually 2-4x the price of traditional blankets
• Requires stable Wi-Fi connection
• Dependent on manufacturer’s cloud service
• May have connectivity issues (particularly with some brands)
• Limited model selection compared to traditional blankets

Our Recommendation

If you’re already invested in a smart home ecosystem and want seamless integration with room-by-room heating strategies, a native smart heated blanket offers the best experience. The ability to set different temperatures throughout the night and pre-heat before you even leave work is genuinely useful.

However, if you’re simply looking to add basic automation to an existing quality heated blanket, a smart plug might be sufficient, especially if your blanket has a mechanical toggle switch that stays in the “on” position.

For the truly adventurous, there’s also a third option – using a smart plug with Home Assistant or similar platforms to create complex automations, though this requires more technical expertise.

Features to Look for in a Smart Heated Blanket

Not all smart heated blankets are created equal. Here are the main features to consider when evaluating your options.

Connectivity & Control

• Wi-Fi standard: Ensure it supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, as some routers with separate 2.4/5GHz networks can cause setup issues. Note that most current models are Wi-Fi only.
• Smart home protocol support: Most models don’t yet support HomeKit or Matter protocols. Smart home integration is still in the early stages, primarily limited to Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.
• App quality: Check recent app store reviews for the specific model. Connectivity problems are quite common with lesser known brands.
• Voice assistant compatibility: Verify which platforms are supported (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit).
• Offline functionality: Can you still control it manually if the Wi-Fi goes down? Most include physical controllers as backup.
• Local control options: Advanced users might want compatibility with Home Assistant or similar platforms for local-only control.

Heating Performance

• Number of heat settings: Ranges from 5-20 levels depending on the model. More settings provide finer temperature control.
• Dual zone control: A must-have for couples with different temperature preferences.
• Pre-heat capability: The ability to warm up before you get into bed.
• Heat distribution: Look for reviews mentioning consistent warmth without cold spots.
• Heating speed: How quickly does it reach the desired temperature?

Safety & Certifications

• Auto-shutoff timer: Should have programmable shutdown (1-10 hours is standard).
• Overheat protection: Multiple temperature sensors throughout the blanket.
• Safety certification: Look for UL 964 (the standard for electric heating pads and blankets), ETL or equivalent testing marks. These certifications ensure the product meets established safety requirements.
• Low EMF design: Many modern blankets are designed to minimize electromagnetic field emissions according to regulatory limits.
• Warranty: 3-5 years is standard for quality brands.

Important: Always follow manufacturer safety guidelines for use, washing and storage.

Physical Quality

• Wire detectability: Can you feel the heating wires through the fabric? Quality blankets minimize this.
• Fabric softness: Microplush, fleece or sherpa are common options.
• Washability: Should be machine washable after removing controllers.
• Size options: Available in throw, twin, full, queen and king sizes.
• Cord length: Longer cords (8-10 feet) provide more flexibility in bedroom placement.

Energy Efficiency: Are Smart Heated Blankets Worth It?

One of the most compelling arguments for smart heated blankets is their potential for energy savings, but the math depends heavily on your heating situation and usage patterns.

The Numbers

A typical smart heated blanket uses 75-150 watts of power. Running it for 8 hours nightly at 100 watts consumes 0.8 kWh per night (or about 24 kWh per month).

In comparison:

• Space heater: 1,500 watts (12 kWh per night)
• Central heating for bedroom: Variable, but typically 2,000-5,000 watts depending on system
• Electric blanket: 75-150 watts (0.6-1.2 kWh per night)

Based on the average U.S. electricity rate of $0.17 per kWh, that 24 kWh monthly usage costs about $4.08. If using a heated blanket allows you to lower your thermostat by even 2-3 degrees overnight, the savings quickly add up.

The Energy Saving Strategy

Smart heated blankets are most cost effective when used as part of a zone heating strategy.

• Lower the thermostat overnight: Drop your whole-home temperature by 2-4 degrees while sleeping.
• Use scheduling: Only heat the bed 30 minutes before bedtime and during sleeping hours.
• Dual zone efficiency: Each person controls their own temperature without overheating shared spaces.
• Geofencing potential: Some users integrate their smart heated blankets with presence detection to avoid heating empty beds.

Real World Savings

Studies and user reports suggest that using localized heating like smart blankets while lowering central heating can save $300-500 annually, though results vary based on:

• Your current heating costs
• Local climate
• Home insulation quality
• Heating system efficiency
• How much you can realistically lower the thermostat

The smart features specifically contribute to savings by ensuring the blanket runs only when needed and at optimal temperatures, rather than running on high all night as many people do with traditional blankets.

Integration with Smart Home Platforms

One of the biggest advantages of smart heated blankets is how they fit into broader home automation systems. Here’s how they integrate with popular platforms you may already be familiar with.

Amazon Alexa

Most Wi-Fi-enabled heated blankets support Alexa through dedicated skills. Once configured, you can:

• “Alexa, turn on the heated blanket”
• “Alexa, set the heated blanket to level 5”
• “Alexa, turn off the bedroom blanket in 2 hours”

You can also create routines that combine multiple actions:

• “Goodnight” routine: Lock doors, turn off lights, start heated blanket on low
• “Wake up” routine: Turn off heated blanket, start coffee maker, read weather

Google Assistant

Similar functionality to Alexa, with natural language commands:

• “Hey Google, pre-heat my bed”
• “Hey Google, what temperature is the heated blanket?”
• “Hey Google, warm up the bed in 30 minutes”

Apple HomeKit

Currently, very few heated blankets have native HomeKit support. However, some users bridge them using Homebridge, though this typically requires setup by someone with technical knowledge.

Home Assistant

For advanced users, Home Assistant offers the most flexibility. Many smart heated blankets using Tuya based platforms can be integrated using the Tuya or LocalTuya integrations. This enables:

• Complex automations based on multiple sensors
• Energy monitoring and usage graphs
• Local control without cloud dependency
• Integration with weather data for automatic adjustments
• Presence detection to avoid heating empty rooms

IFTTT and Advanced Automations

With IFTTT or similar services, you can build automations such as:

• Turn on heated blanket when temperature drops below 60°F
• Pre-heat bed when you leave work (based on phone location)
• Adjust heat level based on weather forecast
• Send notifications if the blanket has been on more than 10 hours

Safety Considerations for IoT Heated Blankets

While modern smart heated blankets include numerous safety features, connecting a heating element to the Internet does introduce some specific considerations.

Physical Safety

• Never bunch or fold a heated blanket while it’s powered on, as this can create dangerous hot spots even with smart monitoring.
• Inspect regularly for frayed cords, damaged fabric or exposed wires. Replace immediately if any damage is found.
• Follow washing instructions carefully. Always remove controllers and cords before washing, and ensure complete drying before reconnection.
• Auto-shutoff is essential: Always enable the timer function. While smart blankets have automatic safety shutoffs, setting your own limits provides extra protection.
• Keep away from water sources: Never use in areas where it could get wet, despite the temptation to control via waterproof phones.

Cybersecurity Considerations

• Use strong Wi-Fi passwords to prevent unauthorized access to your network through IoT devices.
• Enable two-factor authentication on apps when available.
• Keep firmware updated: Accept app prompts to update your blanket’s firmware for security patches.
• Review app permissions: Ensure the manufacturer’s app only requests necessary permissions.
• Consider network segmentation: Advanced users can place IoT devices on a separate network from computers and phones.

Cloud Dependency

Most smart heated blankets rely on manufacturer cloud services. Consider:

• What happens if the company goes out of business or discontinues the product line?
• Can you still use basic functions without Internet?
• Is there a manual controller for backup?
• How does the device handle Wi-Fi outages?

Recent concern: Some IoT manufacturers have discontinued cloud services for older products, effectively “orphaning” devices that users paid for. When evaluating brands, research their track record and commitment to long term support. Before relying on automations, unplug the router and confirm the blanket’s manual controller fully operates heat levels and timers.

Quality brands typically design their products to fall back to manual control if cloud services are unavailable.

Popular Smart Heated Blanket Models

While we’ll be covering specific models in detail in our best smart heated blankets and mattress pads review, here are some honorable mentions which are currently available in the U.S. market.

Sunbeam Wi-Fi Connected Heated Blanket

One of the most established brands in the smart blanket space, offering Wi-Fi connectivity, app control and voice assistant compatibility. Available in multiple sizes with dual zone control on larger models.

Beautyrest Wi-Fi Heated Blanket

Features up to 20 heat settings for precise temperature control, Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. Known for scheduling capabilities.

These examples are provided for informational purposes to give you a sense of what’s currently available. When shopping for a smart heated blanket, always verify current features, read recent reviews and compare multiple options to find the best fit for your needs.

The Future of Smart Heated Bedding

The market for smart heated blankets is still relatively young, but it’s growing rapidly as more consumers embrace IoT home devices in general. We’re likely to see several developments in the coming years.

• Matter protocol support: This new smart home standard could bring better interoperability between brands and platforms.
• Better energy monitoring: More detailed insights into usage patterns and costs.
• AI-powered temperature adjustments: Learning your preferences and adjusting automatically based on factors like weather and room temperature.
• Sleep tracking integration: Coordination with sleep monitoring devices to adjust temperature based on sleep phases.
• Improved local control: Less dependence on cloud services for basic smart functions.
• Wellness features: Integration with health tracking platforms to optimize sleep temperature for better rest.

When Cozy Meets Connected

Smart heated blankets bridge the gap between comfort and technology in a genuinely useful way. While they’re not essential for everyone, the combination of energy efficiency, convenience and integration with existing smart home systems makes them worth considering for connected home enthusiasts.

The trick is choosing a model that fits your lifestyle, whether you want fully-fledged smart-home orchestration, simple app control or just the luxury of pre-heating your bed while you finish your evening tea on the sofa.

And this is only the beginning. Next up, we’ll compare the best Wi-Fi heated blankets to help you find the perfect one for your setup.

Stay tuned – things are about to get heated.