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Best weighted blankets

A woman and her dog sit on the couch with a navy knit weighted blanket
The best weighted blankets mimic the calm and comforting effects of a hug. Kinsley Searles/Business Insider
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When I've had a long day, there's nothing better than snuggling up with my weighted blanket. Whether I'm watching my favorite show on the couch or cuddling up for bed, the best weighted blankets provide gentle pressure to ease my racing mind and relax my tense body.

After testing two dozen options and talking to experts, we've picked our favorite weighted blankets based on feel, durability, care, and value. The science on weighted blankets is still emerging, but a recent study in Sweden found that weighted blanket use is connected to reduced insomnia symptoms and lower levels of anxiety and depression. While results vary for each person, and any benefits could very well be chalked up to the placebo effect, I've personally used and loved them for years.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our top picks for weighted blankets

Best overall: Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket - See at Bearaby

Best comforter: Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter - See at Eli & Elm

Best for hot sleepers: Baloo Weighted Comforter - See at Baloo

Best budget: YnM Original Weighted Blanket - See at Amazon

Best heated: Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth Weighted Throw Blanket - See at Amazon

Best king-size: HomeSmart Products King Size Weighted Blanket - See at Amazon


Best overall

Bearaby Napper
Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket (15 lb)

The cocoon-like, knit-woven Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket keeps you cozy yet cool as you lounge on the couch. It's entirely machine-washable, and it's one of the heaviest blankets we tested.

What we like

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Aesthetically-pleasing design
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Made from organic cotton
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Numerous weights and colors
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 30-day return policy if blanket remains unwashed and 12-month warranty

What we don't like

con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't fit in compact washing machines
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. The open weave may catch toes and fingers

Bearaby's blanket combines heft with a couch-worthy design. The Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket is instantly recognizable with its iconic knitted design. Unlike most weighted blankets that get their weight from glass or lead beads, Bearaby's blanket is made with organic, Oeko-Tex certified heavyweight cotton. The unique knit design creates its signature weight without relying on extra materials. It also doesn't obviously look like what you may expect a weighted blanket to look like, giving it a stylish edge over traditional options.

You can pick from four weights and nine colors. Bearaby's weighted blanket comes in four weights, ranging from 10 to 25 pounds. It's throw-sized for one person, so it's perfect for tossing on your couch for added comfort and decor. I think it's the best weighted blanket for adults, since it's equally comfortable and stylish. I tested a 25-pound blanket in midnight blue, a lovely navy blue shade. Bearaby also offers a queen and king blanket that weigh 20 and 25 pounds, respectively, and kids sizes.

A navy blanket sits on a gray couch with a Kansas State pillow.
The Bearaby Cotton Napper gets its weight from its heavyweight knit fabric.  Kinsley Searles/Business Insider

I adore the knit fabric — with one (literal) catch. After having this blanket on my couch for months, I can say that I'm a huge fan. I love how breathable the design is. Unlike a solid blanket with little space for airflow, the knit weighted blanket has large gaps for air to flow through. While the knit holes are great for breathability, I noticed that my fingers and toes get caught in the fabric, which can feel awkward.

The lighter sizes are machine-washable. Bearaby's weighted blanket is technically machine-washable, but I wouldn't recommend machine washing any blanket heavier than 15 pounds since residential washers and dryers can only handle certain loads. When using, I've noticed a slight plasticky smell that has remained after use and multiple spot treatments.

It's backed by a year-long warranty. Bearaby added a 12-month warranty to all of its weighted blanket purchases that applies to blankets sold after June 1, 2025, adding a little extra peace of mind. The policy covers repairs and replacements if the product is defective due to faulty workmanship or materials, and is subject to case-by-case discretion.

Read our full Bearaby Weighted Blanket review


Best comforter

Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter
Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter
$231 $330 Save 30%

Combining classic comforter fluff with the soothing feel of a weighted blanket, the Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter can be paired with your favorite duvet cover.

What we like

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Fluffy like a traditional comforter
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers the entire bed and hangs off the edges
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Perfectly weighted for size
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cotton shell is cool to the touch
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Loops to pair with duvet cover

What we don't like

con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited size, weight, and color options
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can feel the beads through the blanket

This pick from Eli & Elm is like if a weighted blanket and a comforter had a baby. Weighted comforters are a perfect hybrid of a comforter and a traditional weighted blanket. Like a conventional comforter or duvet, they are oversized with edges hanging off the bed. The plush fiber is paired with glass beads or a similar weighted material for a feel that is both fluffy and soothingly weighted. It's basically like getting a hug from a puffy cloud.

Each size has a different weight. The Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter has a long-staple cotton shell that protects an interior of glass beads and fiber filling. The comforter has a quilted design with silver edges and four loops for a duvet cover. It's available in three sizes and weights: 13 pounds for a twin, 17 pounds for a queen, and 20 pounds for a king. You can't customize your comforter's weight based on your body weight, but the Eli & Elm site states that it chose these weights, as opposed to the 20 and 25 pounds commonly found elsewhere, as a way to "help you get the benefit of the weight without the restriction for those that toss and turn during the night."

The Eli & Elm weighted comforter on a bed with pink throw pillows.
I love the soft and fluffy feel of this weighted comforter. It's delightful to sleep under.  Kinsley Searles/Business Insider

It's the perfect combination of fluff and weight. It looked and felt just like a traditional comforter, which sets it apart from other thin weighted comforters without interior fiber. It was also the perfect amount of weight for me, since it was heavy enough to have a soothing feel but not so heavy that I couldn't make the bed or pull the covers up in my sleep. I felt the beads through the cotton shell, which took some time to get used to.

It's great for couples, too. My partner and I are both blanket hogs, which can result in a game of tug-of-war over the blankets. That said, the Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter comfortably covered us both, so there was no need to steal more covers. We both woke up feeling well-rested and refreshed.

It actually stays cool. I was most worried about the heat dissipation with a weighted comforter. Both weighted blankets and comforters are notorious for being warm, and as a hot sleeper, I was concerned about overheating in the night. To my pleasant surprise, the Eli & Elm Comforter stayed cool throughout the night. The cotton shell is cool to the touch, and the comforter itself doesn't heat up. I'd also recommend using a duvet cover since the comforter is spot-clean only and designed to be paired with your duvet cover.


Best for hot sleepers

Baloo Weighted Comforter
Baloo Weighted Comforter (20 lb)
$246.40 $308 Save 20%

The Baloo Weighted Comforter is cool and comfortable. It's Oeko-Tex certified, carbon neutral, and backed by a lifetime warranty.

What we like

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Even weight distribution
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Stays cool with a breathable cotton cover
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Loops to add a duvet cover
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Lifetime warranty

What we don't like

con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not fluffy like a traditional comforter
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Professional wash only
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited color options

Some weighted blankets are stifling — but this one isn't. With their heavy weight and fill, weighted blankets are prone to overheating. For hot sleepers, finding a breathable weighted blanket in a cooling fabric is especially important. The Baloo Weighted Comforter is the best cooling weighted blanket, made with Oeko-Tex certified cotton and lead-free glass beads. It's made with natural materials, no polyester, as is common from many other weighted blankets.

It's also available as a regular weighted blanket. I was drawn to the comforter, but Baloo also offers a blanket-sized version, too. The key difference is the sizing, where the full/queen and king sizes fit the top of the bed, while the comforter sizes will drape. It's large enough for couples to sleep under, with the weight distributed in the middle of the blanket. Both versions come with loops so you can add a duvet cover. The blanket is available as a 12-pound throw, 15- or 20-pound full/queen blanket, or a 25-pound king blanket in four colors. The comforter is available in the same full/queen and king weights but measures 90 by 90 inches and 92 by 108 inches, respectively, in white and gray. It's noticeably thinner than the Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter, but the weight is also more pronounced and relaxing.

A close up of the Baloo Weighted Comforter.
The quilted cotton shell encases thousands of glass beads, with a noticeable heft that's incredibly soothing.  Kinsley Searles/Business Insider

Its crisp feel is perfect for hot sleepers. As hot sleepers, my partner and I loved this blanket's cooling capabilities. Because it's a cotton comforter, the outer shell is noticeably cool and stays that way throughout the night. Pressing my face into the fabric felt like touching a cool, silky material. It's super breathable, too, so heat doesn't get trapped under the blankets overnight. I never woke up sweating when I used this comforter.

Only machine wash blankets up to 20 pounds. Because of its heft, this comforter should only be professionally washed or spot-treated, but the blanket sizes up to 20 pounds can be machine-washed.


Best budget

YnM Weighted Blanket
YnM Original Cotton Weighted Blanket
$40.72 $47.91 Save 15%

Available in 30 colors and weights ranging from five to 50 pounds, the YnM Original Cotton Weighted Blanket is a budget option for kids and adults.

What we like

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great quality on a budget
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Even weight distribution
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Sold in a variety of colors, sizes, weights, and designs
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 30-day returns and one-year warranty

What we don't like

con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Sleeps hot
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cotton shell is not removable
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prone to wrinkling
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Low stock on certain sizes and colors

A good weighted blanket doesn't have to cost a fortune. Weighted blankets tend to be very expensive, especially when you consider quality materials like glass beads or natural cotton fabrics, reinforced stitching to make sure the weighted filling does shift or leak, and the research and development that goes into these products. It can feel difficult to find a good weighted blanket under $100. With a queen-size blanket starting under $60, we were impressed with the price and quality of the YnM Original Cotton Weighted Blanket.

It's available in tons of sizes and colors. YnM's weighted blanket is available in 10 weights and 30 colors. There are even a few printed designs, like penguins and yellow flowers, which they made with kids in mind. I tried the 30-pound king-size blanket in light blue. I'm a large person, so I wanted to try the heaviest option available since a weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight. The king-size blanket came with a bonus duvet cover, most likely because the larger size is not machine-washable, and the cover makes it easier to keep clean.

light blue weighted blanket on a bed
The YnM weighted blanket has a baffle box construction to ensure the weight stays evenly distributed.  Kinsley Searles/Business Insider

It feels noticeably cheaper than more expensive options. When I unboxed the weighted blanket, I noticed that the cotton shell was a little wrinklier and scratchier compared to the other high-end options on our guide. That said, it's cool to the touch. The blanket itself is filled with glass beads and fiberfill to supply its weighted feel. I've found that some blankets that are weighted with beads can feel like you're lying under a beanbag, which is the case with the YnM weighted blanket. That said, the weight was evenly distributed throughout the blanket.

Read our YnM Weighted Blanket review.


Best heated

Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth Weighted Throw Blanket
Pure Enrichment Weighted Warmth Weighted Throw Blanket
$95.99 $119.99 Save 20%

The Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth blanket combines 13 pounds of weight with heat for the ultimate cozy experience.

What we like

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Heats to 105 degrees
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Four heat settings
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Plush feel
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 5-year warranty
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long cord

What we don't like

con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. A little too small to completely cover our 6-foot-tall tester
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Over-complicated care instructions
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only available in one color and weight/size

It's so cozy, we fought over it. Weighted blankets are great for that hygge experience, but when you add heat, you take the coziness to a whole new level. Also featured in our best electric blanket guide, the Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth Weighted Throw Blanket is the one we kept reaching for on cold winter nights. In fact, former reporter James Brains' wife loved this weighted heated blanket so much she didn't want to give it back to him to test.

It's throw-sized and dual-sided. At 52 inches by 60 inches, it's a little bit too small to cover most people completely, but it got the job done while lounging and watching TV. Even as antsy individuals who toss and turn, the Pure Enrichment heated weighted blanket kept us nestled underneath. The micromink and sherpa sides were both comfortable, though we prefer the sherpa side's plush comfort.

It heats quickly and efficiently. The Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth blanket has four heat settings: warm, low, medium, and high, my favorite setting reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. The 9-foot cord is long enough to reach electrical outlets without needing an extension cord or sacrificing comfort. After two hours, the blanket automatically shuts off.

A woman smiles while lying under the Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth weighted blanket on a bed.
I may have to buy a second Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth weighted blanket because my wife and I both loved the combination of heat and heft.  James Brains/Business Insider

Caring for it is cumbersome. It relies on glass beads for its weight and tips the scales at 13 pounds, which we found was sufficient for its size. We also like the five-year warranty. The biggest negative is the care instructions, which are so long and detailed that they require a 6-inch-by-6-inch explainer sown into the blanket.


Best king-size

HomeGoods blanket showcase
HomeSmart Products King Size Weighted Blanket
$99.99 $137.99 Save 28%

The HomeSmart Products King Size Weighted Blanket is large enough for couples, breathes well to keep you from overheating, and can go in the washer and dryer.

What we like

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Breathable organic cotton shell
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Even weight distribution
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Machine washable and dryable
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Large enough for couples
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Weight options up to 50 lbs.

What we don't like

con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Started to leak beads after 18 months of use
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Hard to track down customer support

This king-size comforter is the best weighted blanket for couples. Couples who want to share a weighted blanket will want a king-size comforter. The HomeSmart Weighted Blanket is sold in oversized queen and king varieties, measuring 88 by 104 inches in various weights up to 50 pounds — some of the most diverse weight options we've seen. There's even a unique split-weight version we haven't seen anywhere else.

It's easy to wash. The HomeSmart blanket features micro glass beads sewn into 5-by-5-inch pockets to distribute the weight evenly. The blanket is machine washable and dryable. We've washed it several times over the last two-and-a-half years and found it an effortless endeavor. If you want to add a duvet cover, the blanket has 10 loops for tying one on.

A dog lying on a bed covered by the HomeSmart weighted blanket.
The HomeSmart Products King Size Weighted Blanket is ideal for larger individuals and couples.  James Brains/Business Insider

We prefer the 25-pound version. We tested the previously sold 15-pound and 25-pound comforters and enjoyed both, though the 25-pound was almost too restrictive. We prefer the 15-pounder, but since testing, 20 pounds seems to be the lightest weight available. Thanks to its breathability, it's a great year-round blanket but not necessarily fluffy like a traditional comforter.

It eventually leaked beads. The HomeSmart Weighted Blanket isn't without its flaws. After 18 months of use, the 25-pound blanket started leaking beads, likely because one of our pets had dug a hole into it. We tried to contact customer service but couldn't reach anyone.


Our top picks compared

Our pickWinnerStandout featureOne drawback
Best overallBearaby Cotton Weighted BlanketEvenly-weighted, attractive heavy-knit designOpen weave catches fingers and toes
Best comforterEli & Elm Weighted ComforterTraditional comforter fluff with extra weightLimited options
Best for hot sleepersBaloo Weighted ComforterCrisp, cool, and heftyLacks traditional comforter fluff
Best budgetYnM Original Weighted BlanketAffordable with huge array of optionsFeels cheap compared to other blankets
Best heatedPure Enrichment WeightedWarmth Weighted Throw BlanketHefty blanket with four heat settingsThrow-size only
Best king-sizeHomeSmart Products King Size Weighted BlanketHuge size and heavy weight perfect for couplesLong-term durability issues

What else we tested

  • Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket: Sleep Number's weighted blanket was impressively cool and available in 12 and 20 pounds, but its interior frequently separated from the exterior cover. It's available in just one color.
  • YnM Weighted Comforter: We loved the fluff in this weighted blanket, but it slept very hot. It's a lot more affordable than the Eli & Elm comforter, however.
  • Silk and Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket: Silk and Snow's knit cotton blanket is an excellent option, and a great dupe for the Bearaby. The holes in the knit are fractionally larger than the Bearaby Cotton Napper, so fingers and toes are more likely to be caught in the loops.
  • Luxome Weighted Blanket: This weighted blanket has an optional removable cover with a dual-sided bamboo and minky plush fabric for a cooling and a warm feel. We didn't love the slick feel of the minky fabric, and the beads were noticeable while sleeping. It's also expensive for its quality.

What to look for in a weighted blanket

Four weighted blankets folded up weighted blanket testing methodology
In addition to a particular size and weight, you'll also want to consider materials including the outer cover and fill type.  James Brains/Business Insider

Here are the main factors to consider when shopping for a weighted blanket:

Weight: Select a blanket roughly 10% of your body weight. You should be able to move freely under the blanket; if you can't, choose a lighter weight. You'll likely want something heavier if you share a weighted blanket with a partner.

Size: If you're sharing a blanket with a partner with a similar body weight, you'll want a weighted blanket that covers your entire bed. If you and your partner are very different weights, consider two smaller separate blankets in a throw or twin size. Remember that a 15-pound throw blanket feels much heavier than a 15-pound comforter since a larger blanket distributes its weight over a larger surface area. Blankets larger than the side of your bed can cause it to slip off, so many will fit the dimensions of a mattress exactly, but some comforter designs, like that we found from Baloo Living and Eli & Elm, remedy that by concentrating the blanket weight in the middle.

Material: Weighted blankets can come in various materials like cotton, TENCEL, microfiber, or polyester. Consider the outer fabric depending on whether you want a blanket with a more breathable design or something cozier. Some comforter-sized designs are also designed to be used with duvet covers or may even come with their own, in which case, designs with loops will make it easy to add a cover of your choice.

Fill type: Besides considering weight, size, and outer material, the inner fill is important. Weighted blankets rely on micro glass beads, plastic pellets, or steel shot beads, like in the case of Bearaby's knit design, the weight of its fabric. We don't prefer one fill over another regarding function, but steel and glass are generally more sustainable than plastic. Ideally, the fill shouldn't shift too much within the blanket or create a lot of noise when shifting under the blanket.


How we test weighted blankets

A woman sits in bed reading a book.
To test weighted blankets, we considered their durability, feel, and value.  Kinsley Searles/Business Insider

Our testing methodology

Aside from the general coziness and comfort provided by each weighted blanket, we also evaluated material quality, value, weight options, and aesthetics. For example, a blanket with more color and weight options beats out a blanket of equal quality with fewer options. We also considered return policies, sleep trials, and how easy these blankets were to clean.

The following are three tests we ran each blanket through to assess the general user experience:

Sleep test: We slept with each weighted blanket for at least three consecutive nights. We noted how well we slept overall and how the blanket regulated our sleep temperature. We also assessed how well the blanket stayed in place and how easy it was to adjust while lying under it. This test also included making the bed daily (hauling a weighted blanket is harder than it looks).

Wash test: We washed every machine-washable weighted blanket or cover at least once to ensure they held up well and didn't shrink, shed, or otherwise show signs of wear. We noted if the added weight made them more challenging to haul into and out of the washing machine. We also discovered that one of the machine-washable blankets was so bulky it didn't fit into the washing machine. For those blankets that weren't machine-washable, we noted the care instructions and factored that into the cons of the blanket.

Weight test: We wanted to ensure each blanket was the advertised weight. To get an accurate reading, we weighed each blanket with a luggage scale. We then noted any discrepancies in the advertised weight versus the actual weight.

Meet the experts behind the guide

Kinsley Searles, associate home editor: I'm the current tester and writer for this guide. I've personally used weighted blankets for years to help my anxious mind slow down and relax at the end of a stressful day. I love testing all kinds of weighted blankets on my couch and bed — with the help of my pets.

James Brains, former senior reporter: As the former writer on this story, I tested weighted blankets in my own home. I also used my expertise as a product tester and reviewer to develop in-depth testing procedures.


Weighted blanket FAQs

Which weighted blanket is the best?

Rebecca Robbins, sleep researcher, author, and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends looking for brands with sleep trials and buyer-friendly return policies so you can test out a weighted blanket to see if it's right for you. "It's hard for the one-size-fits-all approach because we're all just so unique and have different physiologies," she said.

How do I wash a weighted blanket?

Many weighted blankets are technically machine washable, but we advise against washing any weighted blanket over 20 pounds in your residential washer and dryer. If your blanket is above 20 pounds, you'll need to spot treat it or take it to a professional cleaner. We recommend using a duvet cover, especially with heavier weighted blankets, for easier cleaning.

Read more in our how to wash a weighted blanket article.

How often should I wash my weighted blanket?

Brian Sansoni, Senior Vice President at the American Cleaning Institute, says to treat weighted blankets like any other comforter and wash them once or twice a year, while the duvet cover should be cleaned roughly once a month.

Are weighted blankets good for anxiety?

When we asked experts what sleep trends actually work, weighted blankets were toward the top of the list. However, no randomized clinical trials can speak to the efficacy of weighted blankets in treating anxiety since it would be obvious to participants whether they were using a weighted blanket. In our personal experience, weighted blankets have helped reduce stress and ease anxiety, but this could also be due to the placebo effect.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@bjinnox.com.

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Kinsley Searles headshot
Kinsley Searles
Kinsley was an associate editor at Business Insider Reviews, specializing in home, sleep, kitchen, and travel.My areas of expertiseMy main background is in home and sleep. I'm our team's resident bedding expert, and I've tested dozens of pillows, sheets, and comforters in my quest to make the world's coziest bed. I cover garden and outdoors, from small purchases like hoses to investments like lawn mowers. Besides home and sleep, I write about grills, small kitchen appliances, and luggage. I also contribute to our gift guides and plus-size style coverage. My experienceI worked with Business Insider as a freelance contributor in early 2024 before joining the team as a home and sleep reviews fellow in February 2025. I became an associate editor in October 2025. Prior to my career in service journalism, I worked in higher education.Why you can trust meI approach every story like I'm recommending products to a friend, only featuring items I'd spend my own money on or gift to my pickiest family members. I have a passion for product testing and developing rigorous testing procedures, whether I'm cooking up two dozen burgers to assess a grill's heat output or tossing luggage on concrete to test a bag's durability. In addition to objective testing, I try out products in my own home and live with them to make the best recommendations — even if that means trying a new set of sheets every week.EducationI received my B.A. in English Literature and my M.A. in Composition and Rhetoric from Kansas State University. Outside of workA lifelong Kansan and temporary Hoosier, I currently live in Indiana with my fiancé, Kale, and our pets.  When I'm not working, you can find me checking out all the books from the library, browsing the aisles of my local antique store for additions to my gallery wall, adding too many Boss's Orders to my decks in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, attempting yet another craft, demolishing my siblings and fiancé in Mario Party, or enjoying a good movie with my chaotic and wiggly dog, Boo, and my evil-yet-cuddly cat, Celery.  Connect with me on LinkedInLearn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Business Insider here
James Brains was a home and kitchen reporter and product expert with over seven years of experience in service journalism. He is passionate about providing helpful buying advice to readers based on extensive testing. ExperienceDuring his time as a Senior Reporter for Business Insider’s Reviews team, James focused on testing home and kitchen products. He used his hands-on experience to write in-depth reviews and buying guides, tackling everything from air fryers and toaster ovens to air conditioners and vacuums. Before joining Business Insider, James worked as a freelance writer and ran Brains Report, his personal product review site. In addition to home and kitchen products, James also has a background in writing about tech, health, and fitness.   Why you can trust JamesJames uses his background in experimental psychology to develop objective tests and review methodologies for all the products he evaluates. He’s tested over 100 mattresses to write our guide to the best mattresses, even touring a mattress manufacturing facility to further enrich his expertise. Seeing how mattresses are constructed has provided key insights into what to look for and what materials and features are best for certain sleepers. James believes high-quality sleep is worth a premium, and he’s passionate about helping readers get a better night’s sleep — but he’ll always help you find a good deal on a mattress in the process. Expertise
  • Mattresses and sleep products
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Kitchen appliances and cookware
  • Heating and cooling products
  • Vacuums
EducationJames holds a master's degree in psychology from the University of Oregon and a bachelor's degree from Michigan State. He lives in Lansing, Michigan, with his wife, two kids, and a kitty. When he’s not testing a new mattress or air fryer, James enjoys running the Facebook foodie group Lansing Foodies. The group has over 80,000 followers and puts on an annual Olive Burger Festival.