What’s the best infrared heating pad for muscle, joint, and nerve pain relief?
What are the pros and cons of IR heating pads?
In this post, you’ll find my reviews, trial, and comparison of the 6 best infrared heating pads (some of them I have at home), and the pros and cons of each one.
Most of the FIR heating pads you’ll find below use natural stones (Jade/Amethyst) to deliver the therapeutic infrared wavelength.
Overview
- Top Pick
- Infrared Heating Pads Pros and Cons
- The 6 Best Infrared Heating Pads (Under $500)
- How Do Infrared Heating Pads Work?
- How Much Do Infrared Heating Pads Cost?
- How Do You Use an Infrared Heating Pad?
- Who Can Benefit from Infrared Heating Wraps and Pads?
- Is an Infrared Heating Pad Better Than a Regular Heat Pad?
- Can You Sleep On An Infrared Heating Pad?
Top Pick
Our top pick for 2024 is the UTK Infrared Heating Pad, which we have been using for 4 years now, and still works as it did when it was new. Here are more reasons:
- Established and highly-rated brand, with excellent customer service
- Best quality build, flexible and long-lasting Jade & Tourmaline heating pad
- Zero EMF radiation, with temperature and time control
The runner-up is the Ereada Professional Infrared Heating Mat, which is a high-end FIR pad that is best for larger area treatments (covers the entire torso), and is filled with high-grade crushed Amethyst stones. It is also EMF-free.
This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Infrared Heating Pads Pros and Cons
Infrared heating pads usually cost more than regular heating pads (mostly because of the semi-precious stones inside), but they are well worth the investment.
They are superior to regular heating pads because the infrared (radiant) heat penetrates deeper into your body (up to 3 inches) all the way to your muscles, bones, and nerves.
Jade/Amethyst heating pads emit negative ions, proven to relieve stress.
EMF radiation is lower compared with regular pads since most of them come with EMF shielding.
Infrared therapy is scientifically proven to quickly relieve pain, reduce stress, promote blood flow, and boost healing and recovery – from any injury or condition.
However, Infrared heating pads are heavier and bulkier, take a bit longer to heat up, and some are not flexible so you can’t wrap them around curvy body parts.
👉 See the 14 proven benefits of infrared light therapy
The 6 Best Infrared Heating Pads (Under $500)
Infrared heating pads are the most common infrared therapy home devices. In the list below, you’ll only find the highest quality ones on the market, and the two I have at home.
First, see our short comparison table. Below you’ll find our detailed far infrared heating pad reviews.
This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
1.🥇 UTK Infrared Heating Pads Best Value
- Size – 16″ x 23″ (Small Pro model)
- Temperature settings – 103-159°F
- Gemstones – Jade & Tourmaline
- Warranty – 3 years
✅ $103 on Amazon ⬇️Price
The UTK infrared heating pads have been our top choice for several years, and I have owned one for almost 5 years – for good reasons:
The company has a good reputation and is a long-time player in the infrared technology world, and they offer great customer service (we know by personal experience!)
The IR pads are well-built, sturdy (yet flexible and can be folded), last for years, and deliver high temperatures (consistently) and almost zero EMF radiation.
This is also one of the most reasonably priced Zero EMF heating pads you can find.
The jade and tourmaline stones release negative ions and provide additional health benefits, such as stress relief, and the flexibility allows you to wrap it around curvy areas of your body – such as the legs.
Pros
- Heats up quickly and keeps the heat
- Extra-long electric cord
- Flexible
- Temp and time controller
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Comes with a carrying case.
Cons
- Can’t be machine washed due to the gemstones
✅ Available on Amazon ($103)
👉 UTK has also released a new Lower Back Infrared Belt – especially designed for lower back pain relief with infrared heat delivered via Jade stones. Since it’s smaller, the price is also smaller (less than $60!).
It can also be used for cramps or to wrap around aching joints, legs, and feet.
2. Ereada Infrared Heating Pads Best Infrared PEMF Mats
- Size – a variety of sizes, from 20 ” x32″ to 59 “x 75”
- Temperature settings – 86 – 158°F
- Gemstones – Amethyst
- Warranty – 2 years
✅ $545 at Ereada
The Ereada infrared heating pads (with negative ions and PEMF magnetism) have been made in Korea for the past 20 years and are lined with high-grade natural, untreated Amethyst crystals from edge to edge.
This advanced EMF-free infrared heating system is based on twisted titanium wires in a copper net, silicon, and Teflon insulation to preheat the stones.
The soft and waterproof cover includes 3D air mesh pads to protect the pads and make them very comfortable for long treatments or even to sleep on.
There are 3 types to choose from:
1. The Brown Series – infrared emitting Amethyst stones (86~158°F) with no EMF emission, and 600v DC of Electrical Discharged Negative Ions – recharging your body during treatment. They come in 7 different sizes!
2. The Grey Series – bio-magnetic PEMF Amethyst mats – Amethyst stones are covered with high-end grey suede (heat and sweat-resistant) and come with very low-frequency pulsation magnetic coils (adjustable!) – which create the magnetic field above the infrared mat – similar to the earth’s natural one.
The Gray Ereada Mats are massive and include about 40-50% more crystals than the Amethyst mats of the same size from other manufacturers.
PEMF creates a natural Earth-like magnetic field to quickly restore the natural electrical field and create a recharging environment reenergizing your body (and mind).
Magnetism intensity is 100-400 gauss.
3. The Purple Series – with permanent Magnets and Red Light 660Nm Photon LEDs, PEMF, and negative ions.
This professional mat has 12 pcs of static magnets (300 gauss intensity) and 12 photon therapy LEDs.
The company has great customer service and a reliable warranty (the package even arrives with a prepaid return shipping label, in case you have any trouble with it!)
Pros
- Most versatile and high-grade infrared heating pads on the market
- Include adjustable PEMF therapy and negative ions – to powerfully recharge your body (naturally)
- High-grade Amethyst crystals, certified as A or A+ grades and tested by the Korean Gemological Institute
- EMF-free
- Come in many sizes to choose from
- The cover is high quality, washable, and comfortable for sleep
- Great customer service
- Warranty is for personal and commercial use
- Lifespan is 3-4 times longer than pads made in China
Cons
- More expensive than most IR heating pads (but for good reasons)
- Warning – people with pacemakers and electronic implants are forbidden to use it
✅ Available at Ereada (prices vary according to features)
3. Thermotex Platinum Heating Pad Most Portable
- Size – 15″ x 17″
- Temperature Settings – 111-140°F
- Gemstones – none
- Warranty – 1 year
✅ $259 on Amazon
The Thermotex IR heating pad does not come with natural stones but uses carbon fiber to emit infrared rays all the way to your muscles, nerves, and bones.
Some claim carbon fiber is less efficient than jade/tourmaline stones for infrared treatments, but users still love this comfortable and flexible heat pad, and the fact that it is easy to carry and take with you anywhere.
Plus, carbon fiber is used in all portable infrared saunas on the market and has proven to be just as effective (though the EMF radiation tends to be a bit higher).
Another great bonus is the Velcro strap that allows you to wrap this around your hips and back and keep it in place during your treatment.
However, we can’t seem to justify its higher-than-average price.
Thermotex Platinum Infrared Pad Pros
- Easy to keep in place with Velcro straps
- Can be used almost anywhere on your body
- Temperature up to 140 F
- Made in Canada, high-quality materials
- 3 heating elements
Cons
- Some people found it a bit stiff
- May emit some EMF radiation (the same as other small appliances in your home such as a light bulb)
- Expensive
✅ Available on Amazon ($259)
4. Medicystal Mini Mat – Most Therapeutic
- Size – 20″ x 32″
- Temperature settings – 86°-158°F
- Crystals – Amethyst, Sodalite, White Crystal, Green and Yellow Aventurine, Agate, Jasper
- Weight – 10 lbs.
- Warranty – 1-year
✅ $349 at Medicrystal
As you lay down on the Medicrystal Mini mat, you’ll be greeted with no less than 7 types of healing crystals (untreated, unpainted, and 100% Natural) crushed into thousands of pieces.
They are all used to deliver the healing infrared rays and negative ions, along with 6 red and near-infrared LEDs (660-980 nm) to treat your skin, and 2 pieces of 1450 Gauss Quadrupole Magnets – creating a 2-inch deep static magnetic field.
The Medicrystal mini mat is the most versatile and holistic infrared heating pad you can find in 2024, and all these healing therapies are not enough, you get an EMF-free heating system, and adjustable temperature settings with a timer – through the controller.
It is easy to carry around with the bonus carrying bag you get, and it comes with a multilayer fitted waterproof cover to protect the mat from Sweat, dust, and spills.
Pros
- Covers the entire back and neck
- 3 healing therapies – 7 crystals, LED light therapy, and magnetism (optional)
- Storage and carry bag, protective cover
- Easy to set up and use
- EMF free
- Adjustable temperatures and treatment time
- Comfortable surface
Cons
- Only 1-year warranty (but excellent customer service, based in the USA)
- Is not flexible (can not be used on a chair)
✅ Available at Medicrystal ($349 with free shipping)
👉 Check out our MediCrystal Mats comparison!
5. HealthyLine Infrared Heating Pads – Best Budget
- Size – 32″ x 20″
- Temperature settings – Up to 160°F
- Gemstones – Jade & Tourmaline
- Warranty – 1 year
✅ $127 on Amazon
The Healthy Line far infrared heating pads are composed of Jade and tourmaline stones ensconced in circular meshes across the length of the Heating pads, come with a digital controller, and contain EMF protection layers.
This FIR heating pad could be a good alternative for the UTK heating pads, but we’ve seen over the years that the company tends to often run out of supplies or disappear from stores, which never happens with the UTK brand.
Also, some consumers claim that you can not return this item if it’s defective.
Pros
- Jade and Tourmaline stones emit infrared heat
- High-quality materials, durable
- Adjustable temperature
- LED remote control
- Lightweight
- Made in the USA
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- No session timer
- Unreliable customer service
✅ Available on Amazon ($127)
6. Therasage Infrared Heating Pad – Full Spectrum Infrared Heat
- Size – 14″ x 20″
- Temperature Settings – up to 158 F
- Gemstones – Jade
- Warranty – 30-day money-back-guarantee
✅ $178 with code EUDEMONIA20 at Therasage
The Therasage infrared healing pad (new upgraded model) is the only full-spectrum heating pad on this list. Full spectrum means that the infrared radiation includes all three levels of infrared heat (near, mid, and far), compared with just one of the levels in other pads.
Each level has its own distinct characteristics, frequency ranges, and benefits. Here you’ll get the benefits of all 3 frequencies.
The small pad has 60 Jade stones to deliver therapeutic infrared rays, the cover is made with natural bamboo, and the pad is waterproof.
The controller allows you to set the treatment to any amount of time up to 6 hours, and the cord is conveniently long. The pad comes with a very useful carrying bag.
✅ Available at Therasage ($178 with coupon code EUDEMONIA20) and on Amazon ($208)
How Do Infrared Heating Pads Work?
IR heating pads deliver far-infrared rays (the invisible part of the sunlight spectrum, felt as heat) either through semi-precious stones (Tourmaline/Jade/Amethyst) or carbon fiber material deep into your body tissues – all the way to your muscles, joints, and spine.
The human body absorbs far-infrared heat and produces this type of light energy on its own, making this specific heat energy treatment completely natural.
The thermal effect of IR rays causes increased blood flow quickly, which helps deliver pain-relieving and healing blood components to arrive better and more quickly to the injured area.
How Much Do Infrared Heating Pads Cost?
The price of infrared heating pads ranges from $65 to $800 and more (for full-body size or extra healing therapies) and is based on the material (Jade/Tourmaline pads are more expensive than carbon fiber), the size and treatment area, brand reputation, EMF shielding, and safety components.
We recommend buying from reputable and well-established brands, such as UTK infrared heating pads, iReliev, Ereada, and MediCrystal (they offer high-quality infrared PEMF mats as well)
For example, for under $70, you can expect to find small-sized jade heating pads and belts, or carbon fiber heating pads.
These pads will only fit small treatment areas in your body and will have only basic features.
Jade pads are always a better choice since they come with EMF shielding, and the stones emit natural negative ions.
Mid-range far infrared heating pads cost between $110 to $150.
They are the best-value pads because they are larger, and they include a digital controller, natural stones, and negative ions. Our top recommendations are the UTK small infrared heating pad, and the iReliev FIR heating pad.
High-end infrared heating pads cost between $250 to $800 and are usually medium-large size, with jade/tourmaline/amethyst stones, and some of them include PEMF therapy.
Our top recommendation is Medicrystal infrared heating pads or Ereada infrared heating pads.
MediCrystal best value model is the Classic Amethyst Infrared Heat Mat and we highly recommend their model with PEMF (pulsating magnetic intensity) therapy.
How Do You Use an Infrared Heating Pad?
Infrared heating pads are very simple to use. All you have to do is place them over the problem area (or the root-cause area, for example, the lower back if you have sciatica), choose a temperature setting and treatment time, and relax.
When treatment is over, the IR heat pad will automatically shut off, and if you don’t comfortably fall asleep, you’ll feel completely relaxed, rejuvenated, and many times – pain-free.
You can use it every day, and some people use it twice or more a day, for 30-45 minutes – with no side effects.
Who Can Benefit from Infrared Heating Wraps and Pads?
According to the leading researcher of infrared light therapy, Professor Michael R. Hamblin of the Harvard Medical School, anyone with an acute injury or chronic condition involving all types of pain and inflammation can greatly benefit from an FIR heat pad, including people with:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Muscle spasms
- Hip pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis pain, joint pain, and stiffness
- Menstrual cramps
- Nerve pain from a pinched nerve and Peripheral Neuropathy
- Heel spurs
- Foot pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Overweight (use a full-body wrap or a red light therapy mat)
Is an Infrared Heating Pad Better Than a Regular Heat Pad?
Overall, while regular heating pads can still offer some benefits, infrared heating pads are generally considered more effective and safer for long-term use.
Infrared heating pads penetrate much deeper than regular electric heating pads (up to 2 inches deep compared with only the skin surface) which helps the healing rays to reach joints, deep muscles, nerves, and bones.
Most infrared heating pads are much safer than traditional electric heating pads, emitting lower levels of EMF radiation.
Infrared heating pads often include natural stones that emit negative ions, which can provide additional health benefits (according to studies)
Infrared heating pads are more adjustable, allowing for more precise temperature control, and are more versatile, with various unique features.
On the other hand, they are more expensive.
See everything you need to know about infrared vs. regular heating pads
Does Infrared Light Penetrate Clothes?
Yes, infrared rays can penetrate through clothes, bandages, and dressings.
In comparison, red light therapy, which is visible light, does not penetrate through bandages or clothing (unless it is high strength).
Can You Sleep On An Infrared Heating Pad?
The combined effect of warmth and relaxation is a perfect solution for a good and deep sleep.
However, we advise you to not sleep the entire night with it, to avoid overheating of the skin and dehydration.
Most IR pads come with a timer that you set to automatically shut off after you fall asleep.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
Studies
Gale GD, Rothbart PJ, Li Y. Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Pain Res Manag. 2006;11(3):193–196.
Masuda A, Koga Y, Hattanmaru M, Minagoe S, Tei C: The Effects of Repeated Thermal Therapy for Patients with Chronic Pain. Psychother Psychosom 2005;74:288-294.
Is it harmful to use these heating pads if you have metal posts and hardware in your legs
and hip after surgery?
It is not recommended to use infrared light therapy if you have metal inside your body since it heats up more quickly than living tissue.
Meital, I’m wondering about the quality of the infrared experience from carbon fiber vs. the gemstones. Is there any scientific research you’ve seen comparing those substances, and/or do you have personal experience / preference? Thanks for your reply.
Through my research gemstone FIR heat pads are better because the stones create negative ions that you won’t get in a carbon-fiber pad, plus most jade/tourmaline heat pads are EMF protected while the carbon fiber ones more EMF. I have the UTK jade & tourmaline heat pad for years and I love it. I hope this helps! :)
Is there a product in Your range that would help with inflation for a frozen shoulder thanking you
Any of these infrared heating pads can be helpful for frozen shoulder.
Any products that are plugged into an electrical outlet will have EMF’s running up the electrical cord to the product. (And through the product) That being said, it’s possible that a product can have an EMF blocking capability built into the pad. I do not know if any of the Far Infrared companies make such a claim. I did however watch a utube video of one being tested by a consumer with a EMF meter. It showed high EMF activity along the electrical wire from wall outlet to where the wire meets to pad. The activity over the pad was very, very low. The pad was a UTK brand.
If, as I am, you are concerned about EMF’s start looking at all the exposure you get on a daily bases and start eliminating or lessening use of microwave ovens, wifi, cellphones etc. A Far Infrared product use, is ‘far’ from being problematic in the grand scheme of things.
The weight comes from the natural stones inside. The smaller the size, the more lightweight it is. You can check out this lightweight infrared back belt: https://amzn.to/2SV6qF6
Do you carry an infrared heating pad for a
Massage table. I want a soft cover one. The one with tourmaline and jade is too hard to laid on it for an hour session. I have seen one made in korea that is only infrared and very soft.
Hi Maria, unfortunately, I don’t carry any product, I only review products that I think are good and recommend them to my readers, showing them where to find them. Up until this point I haven’t seen a full body infrared heating pad without jade/tourmaline stones, only regular electric heating mats/blankets. I’ll look for one and let you know if I find one.
Hi. I just bought a UTK heating pad & I’m trying to find out what “PU leather” means. I’m finding 2 different answers–one is fully synthetic, another is “bicast” leather (polyurethane bound to a split leather backing). Do you know which this is? I really need to know if the heating pad has ANY animal derived materials. Thanks.
To my knowledge PU-leather is completely man made and has no animal derived materials in it.
Thank you so much for your input. I hope you’re right.
Hi, Meital James Thank you for your review about UTK far infrared heating pads. UTK far infrared heating pad has no emf, we have the device to test it. and the UTK far infrared heating pad can save you a lot of $ than other far infrared heating pads. Actually, the bio-mat also import the heating pads from China. The UTK far infrared heating pad can help you reduce the back and neck pain.
Hello, I wondered if you had considered the Venture Heat FIR heating pads? Someone is recommending them, but I don’t know how much experience they’ve had with any other infared type pads.
I didn’t have a chance to review them yet. Have you found online reviews for them other than the one that recommends them?
One Amazon review stated that UTK lied about EMF emission.
I copied and pasted his comments from amazon…
=============================
“This is NOT an EMF-free device. I have a Trifield® Meter, the side where the cable goes into the pad, with the controller far away, measures up to as high as 50 milligauss while it’s heating up.
=============================
What do you think?
Have you personally tested whether or not these pads emit radation? Or know someone who has?
I would love to try this heating pad, but obviously don’t want to absorb any radiation!
Thank you.
Kelly,
I have deleted the Amazon comment because Amazon does not allow copying reviews from their website. As for the EMF my answer is no, I haven’t tested it myself though I have the pad for more than a year now. The one I have tested and know that is very low EMF is the Biomat. If you want to make sure you have low to no EMF – go for the original Biomat or the Mini Mat. Here’s the link.
Meital,
There are some negative Amazon reviews on the UTK pad with respect to its longevity/durability. Many reviews said the pad failed within the first year. How long have you had your pad, and have you experienced any failure? Thank you for your review!
I have it for about a year now. No problems yet. However, all of these pads are made in China (unless you buy the expensive Biomat) and I wouldn’t expect them to last for many years. I think it’s worth the price even if it only works for one year.
I have had my Biomat for 5 years. My husband and I use it on a daily basis. It works as well as it did on the 1st day I received it. It is a quality medical device. It came with a great warranty, and the person I bought it from gives an additional year on the warranty. Also, if we decide to trade it in, Biomat has a great program where we get 50% off the next purchase. We use it with guided meditation cds and It is an amazing experience! It is great for detoxing and weight loss as well. In one session, I lost 2.4 pounds that stayed off. I used it on high, covered in a sheet, and it was similar to a sauna. It also combats depression and pain. The natural healing is phenomenal. I would much rather do this than take a drug. I take it with us when we vacation in our 5th wheel. It is expensive, however, you get what you pay for. My sister has had hers for 8 years and it is still going strong. This is an investment in our physical and mental health. I believe we are worth it. If you do some research on stones, you will understand the importance of the amethyst. I will always own a Biomat.
Thanks, Merribeth, for sharing this with us – so helpful. I’m thrilled to hear that you like the Biomat as much as I do – it’s like having your own private doctor at home, isn’t it? 😊
What power usage by unit. I live on a boat and we are fine at a dock but when on anchor, even with generator this becomes an issue
Good question, I’ll add the info to the post.
As for the first one – the MiniMat, here’s the answer from the company:
Our mats are made for U.S. electricity 110-120v/60hz with the 2 flat rods plugins for the standard U.S. grounded socket.
But we have a lot of customers successfully using our products in Europe, UK, Israel, Russia, HK, Korea and even Australia with 220-250v/50hz. But usually they use the special step down power transformers and converter devices from 220-240v to 110-120v.
2. The UTK heating pads:
Power: compatible for AC 110-120 Volts and AC220-240 Volts, 50Hz/60Hz, 100 Watts
3. The Thermotex: same as the UTK
4. The Healthy line: Standard 110 v plug (80W)
I hope this helps:)