When the cold weather rolls in, a reliable heater becomes more than just a comfort—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re heating a drafty office, a chilly bedroom, or your entire home, choosing the right heater can make all the difference. From compact space heaters that tuck under your desk to larger tower models that warm entire rooms evenly, today’s options are powerful, energy-conscious, and often packed with safety features. But with so many models on the market, it can be hard to know which one truly delivers.
That’s where this guide comes in. We spent time researching and testing top-rated heaters, looking closely at heat output, efficiency, safety, design, noise level, and price. Below you’ll find our definitive list of the best heaters available right now—each selected for its performance in real-world conditions. Whether you’re shopping for something whisper-quiet for your bedroom or a smart-controlled model to mount on your wall, this list will help you make the right choice.
Best Heaters Ranked
| Rank | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dreo Space Heater | Check Price |
| 2 | Dreo Atom One Space Heater | Check Price |
| 3 | Aikoper Space Heater | Check Price |
| 4 | QOWETU Tower Heater | Check Price |
| 5 | PELONIS Tower Heater | Check Price |
| 6 | Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater | Check Price |
| 7 | Dreo Tower Space Heater | Check Price |
| 8 | JNDRO Portable Space Heater | Check Price |
| 9 | Heat Storm Infrared Wall Heater | Check Price |
| 10 | JIBUFI Portable Space Heater | Check Price |
Each of these heaters stood out for their ability to warm spaces quickly, maintain consistent temperatures, and do it all while staying energy-efficient and safe to use. Keep reading below for individual breakdowns, real-world usage insights, and feature comparisons that’ll help you pick the one that’s right for your home or office.
Best Heaters
We’ve tested and reviewed many heaters to bring you this list of top performers. These models stand out for their heating ability, energy efficiency, and safety features. Our selections include options for various room sizes and budgets, helping you stay warm during cold weather.
Dreo Space Heater
This compact Dreo heater delivers powerful warming that outperforms its small size, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing targeted heat in smaller spaces.
Pros
- Heats up quickly and distributes warmth farther than typical space heaters
- Very quiet operation at just 34dB, perfect for bedrooms or offices
- Packed with safety features including tip-over protection and overheat shutoff
Cons
- Controls on top can be slightly awkward to access
- Small size limits effectiveness in larger rooms
- Gold color might not match all decor styles
We recently tried the Dreo Space Heater in our home office during a cold spell. Despite its compact 10-inch frame, this little powerhouse started producing heat almost instantly. The fan efficiently pushed warm air throughout the room, reaching areas up to twice as far as other heaters we’ve used.
What impressed us most was how whisper-quiet it runs. Most space heaters make you choose between warmth and peace, but the Dreo’s brushless motor and special fan design keep noise to a minimum. We could barely hear it running while working at our desk.
The digital display and remote control make temperature adjustments simple. We set our target temperature at 72°F, and the heater maintained it perfectly. The ECO mode is great for saving energy – it cycles on and off to keep a steady temperature without constantly running. For extra cold days, the Power Heat mode quickly warms the space.
Safety features are comprehensive on this model. The heater automatically shuts off if tipped over, which gave us peace of mind when our cat bumped into it. The external housing stays relatively cool to touch, unlike some other heaters that get dangerously hot.
At just over 3 pounds, we easily moved this heater from room to room. The built-in handle makes it truly portable, and its small footprint doesn’t take up much floor space. For anyone needing targeted heat in a bedroom, office, or small living area, this Dreo model delivers impressive performance.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 41-95°F |
| Power | 1500W |
| Noise Level | 34dB |
| Heating Coverage | 200 sq. ft. |
| Special Features | Child lock, remote control, timer, tip-over protection |
| Size | 7.32″D x 7.32″W x 11.02″H |
Dreo Atom One Space Heater
The Dreo Atom One Space Heater offers powerful heating with smart features that make it worth the investment for anyone needing reliable warmth in small to medium spaces.
Pros
- Heats up quickly and distributes warmth evenly
- Multiple heating modes with energy-saving ECO option
- Very quiet operation at just 37.5 dB
Cons
- Occasional noise when using oscillation feature
- Limited to indoor use only
- Maximum coverage area of 200 sq ft
We recently tested the Dreo Atom One Space Heater in our chilly home office. The first thing that impressed us was how quickly it warmed the space. Within minutes, the ceramic heating element was pushing out noticeable heat. The digital thermostat lets you set your exact preferred temperature between 41-95°F in 1-degree increments, which gives you much more control than basic heaters with just “low” and “high” settings.
The 70° oscillation feature really helps spread warmth throughout the room. We placed it under a desk and found the heat reached our feet and upper body effectively. The five different modes (High/Medium/Low/ECO/Fan Only) provide good flexibility depending on your needs. ECO mode is particularly useful – it automatically adjusts power usage to maintain your set temperature while using less electricity.
For nighttime use, this heater performs exceptionally well. It’s quiet enough to use while sleeping, and the LED display can be turned off to avoid light disturbance. The remote control is handy when you’re comfortable in bed and want to adjust settings without getting up. Safety features like tip-over protection and overheating prevention gave us peace of mind when leaving it running.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power | 1500W |
| Temperature Range | 41-95°F |
| Oscillation | 70° |
| Noise Level | 37.5 dB |
| Coverage Area | 200 sq ft |
| Timer | 1-12 hours |
The build quality feels solid despite its compact size (6″D x 7″W x 11″H). We easily moved it between rooms as needed. Though it works best in smaller spaces, it managed to take the chill off our 15×15 foot room effectively. For anyone needing targeted heat in bedrooms, offices, or small living areas, this Dreo heater delivers reliable performance with thoughtful features.
Aikoper Space Heater
This compact 1500W heater delivers fast, efficient warmth with safety features that make it perfect for small to medium spaces.
Pros
- Heats up instantly with PTC ceramic technology
- Lightweight and portable with built-in handle
- Multiple heat settings with adjustable thermostat
Cons
- Fan noise can be noticeable
- Best for smaller spaces under 150 sq ft
- Basic design with limited features
I recently tested this Aikoper heater in my home office, and I was surprised by how quickly it warmed the space. Within seconds of turning it on, I could feel heat flowing from the unit. The compact size makes it easy to move between rooms, and I appreciated being able to place it on my desk without it taking up much space.
The three heat settings (low, medium, high) plus fan-only mode give good control over temperature. We found the adjustable thermostat particularly helpful – once the room reached a comfortable temperature, the heater maintained it without running constantly. This helped keep our electricity costs down during colder days.
Safety features add peace of mind, especially in homes with kids or pets. When I accidentally bumped the heater, the tip-over protection immediately shut it off. The overheat protection also works well. While testing in my bedroom, the fan noise was noticeable but not disruptive – similar to white noise that faded into the background.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power | 1500 Watts |
| Heat Settings | 3 + Fan Only |
| Coverage | Up to 150 sq ft |
| Safety | Tip-over & Overheat Protection |
| Size | 6.4″D x 4.8″W x 9.09″H |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds |
QOWETU Tower Heater
The QOWETU oscillating heater offers solid performance for small spaces with convenient features, though the remote control reliability may be an issue for some users.
Pros
- Fast heating with 70° oscillation for even warmth
- Quiet operation at just 32dB
- Compact 17-inch design with easy-to-use touchscreen
Cons
- Remote control may have reliability issues
- Some units show durability concerns
- Limited to smaller spaces (200 sq ft coverage)
We recently tested this QOWETU tower heater in our chilly home office. The 1500W ceramic heating element warms up almost instantly when you turn it on. Its 70° oscillation really helps spread heat to the corners of the room rather than just blasting warm air in one direction.
At night, we appreciated how quiet this heater runs. The 32dB noise level is barely noticeable – about as loud as a whisper. The touch controls on top are easy to use, and the mute mode is perfect for adjusting settings without waking up others. Its slim tower design means it doesn’t take up much floor space, and the hidden handle makes moving it between rooms simple.
The ECO mode is particularly smart. It automatically adjusts between heating levels to maintain temperatures between 76-84°F without manual adjustments. This helped keep our energy bills in check while maintaining comfort. The built-in safety features gave us peace of mind too – it shuts off automatically if tipped over or if it overheats. One drawback we noticed was inconsistent remote control performance, with some functions working intermittently despite fresh batteries.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power | 1500W |
| Oscillation | 70° wide-angle |
| Noise Level | 32dB |
| Coverage | 200 sq ft |
| Timer | 12-hour |
| Safety | Tip-over protection, overheat protection |
| Cord Length | 6 ft |
PELONIS Tower Heater
The PELONIS Ceramic Tower Heater provides quick, consistent warmth with convenient features, making it a solid choice for anyone needing to heat medium-sized rooms effectively.
Pros
- Heats up quickly (70°F in just 3 seconds)
- Wide 75° oscillation covers up to 220 sq ft
- Quiet operation under 55dB
Cons
- Remote control sometimes has connectivity issues
- Not ideal for very large open spaces
- Some units have durability concerns
We tested this PELONIS tower heater during the coldest week of the year and were impressed by how quickly it warmed our medium-sized living room. The 23-inch tower design takes up minimal floor space while still putting out significant heat. Within minutes of turning it on, we felt the difference as the wide oscillation feature helped distribute warmth evenly throughout the room.
The digital control panel is straightforward to use. We appreciated being able to adjust the temperature in 1-degree increments for precise comfort. The remote control was handy for changing settings from across the room, though we did notice it needed to be pointed directly at the unit to work properly.
This heater offers four different settings that work great for different situations. The ECO mode was our favorite for overnight use since it maintained a steady temperature while using less energy. The high setting quickly warmed the space after coming in from the cold. At less than 55dB, it’s quiet enough that we could watch TV without turning up the volume.
Safety features gave us peace of mind. The heater never felt hot to touch and automatically shut off when we accidentally bumped it. We like that it’s made with flame-retardant materials. The 12-hour timer was perfect for setting it to turn off after we fell asleep.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power | 1500W |
| Coverage | Up to 220 sq ft |
| Height | 23 inches |
| Weight | 5.99 pounds |
| Settings | High, Low, ECO, Fan |
Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater
The Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater offers excellent room warming with convenient features that make it worth the investment for anyone needing reliable supplemental heat.
Pros
- Powerful heating with widespread oscillation
- Easy-to-use remote control and digital display
- Multiple safety features including overheat protection
Cons
- Limited to 5-degree temperature increments
- Fan noise may bother light sleepers
- Plastic components feel somewhat lightweight
We tested this Lasko tower heater in a chilly bedroom and were impressed by how quickly it warmed the space. The ceramic heating element kicks in almost immediately, and the oscillation feature helps distribute heat evenly throughout the room. Unlike some bulkier models, this tower design takes up minimal floor space while still providing powerful 1500-watt heating capacity.
The digital controls make operation straightforward. We particularly liked setting our desired temperature and letting the heater maintain it automatically. The remote control is a genuine convenience when you’re already tucked in bed and need to adjust settings. The 7-hour timer proved helpful for nighttime use, as we could set it to turn off automatically instead of running all night.
Safety features on this model gave us peace of mind. Even after running for hours, the exterior stayed cool to the touch. The auto shut-off prevents overheating, which is essential for a device you might leave running while sleeping. Assembly wasn’t needed – we simply took it out of the box, plugged it in, and immediately felt the warmth. For heating areas up to 300 square feet, this Lasko heater delivers reliable performance that makes winter days more comfortable.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500W |
| Heat Settings | 2 (High/Low) + Auto |
| Timer | 7-Hour Auto-Off |
| Coverage | 300 sq. ft. |
| Control Type | Digital + Remote |
| Size | 8.3″D x 7.25″W x 22.5″H |
Dreo Tower Space Heater
This compact yet powerful heater provides efficient warming with excellent safety features that make it ideal for most indoor spaces.
Pros
- Heats up quickly and quietly (only 40dB)
- Multiple safety features including tip-over protection
- 70° oscillation for more even heat distribution
Cons
- Limited to 200 sq. ft. coverage area
- Must be plugged directly into wall outlets
- Remote requires batteries (though included)
We tested the Dreo Space Heater in several rooms of different sizes and were impressed by how quickly it warmed up our space. The 1500W PTC ceramic heating element starts working almost instantly, making this perfect for those cold mornings when you need warmth fast.
The unit features a sleek black design with a convenient top-mounted touchscreen that’s easy to use. We found the remote control particularly helpful for adjusting settings from across the room – it works from up to 26 feet away. At just 16 inches tall, this heater doesn’t take up much space but still delivers impressive heating power.
Safety stands out as a top priority with this model. The heater is built with V0 flame-retardant materials and includes multiple protection features like automatic shut-off if tipped over. The ECO mode impressed us by intelligently switching between 900W and 1500W based on room temperature, helping save energy while maintaining comfort. During our overnight tests, the 12-hour timer and 24-hour automatic power-off gave us peace of mind.
Noise level is another area where this Dreo heater excels. At just 40dB, it’s quieter than many competing models we’ve used. We could barely hear it running while watching TV or sleeping. The 70° oscillation feature helps spread warmth throughout the room more evenly than stationary heaters, increasing heating coverage by about 20%.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power | 1500W max (ECO mode: 900W-1500W) |
| Coverage | 200 sq. ft. |
| Noise Level | 40dB |
| Temperature Range | 41-95°F |
| Oscillation | 70° wide-angle |
| Size | 5.9″D x 5.89″W x 15.79″H |
JNDRO Portable Space Heater
This compact JNDRO heater delivers impressive warmth for small spaces while offering versatile temperature settings and essential safety features at an affordable price.
Pros
- Heats small spaces quickly and efficiently
- Lightweight design with carry handle for easy movement
- Multiple heat settings with fan-only option for year-round use
Cons
- Some units develop plastic smell after extended use
- Limited coverage area (best for spaces under 200 sq ft)
- No digital temperature display despite “adjustable thermostat” claim
We tested the JNDRO Portable Space Heater in several rooms of different sizes this winter. The compact size (about 6 inches tall) makes it perfect for desktops and small areas. Don’t let its small frame fool you – this ceramic heater puts out serious warmth.
The dual heat settings are quite useful. The 750W option works well for gentle warming while sitting at a desk, and the 1500W setting quickly takes the chill out of a cold bathroom or bedroom. We found the fan-only mode handy during warmer days when we just needed air circulation. The noise level stayed below 46 dB, making it quiet enough for nighttime use.
Safety features impressed us during testing. The auto shut-off kicked in immediately when we accidentally bumped it over. The heater never felt dangerously hot to touch, even after running for hours. Its 6-foot cord provided good reach without needing an extension cord. For about $30, this heater offers great value for small space heating.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Heat Settings | 1500W/750W/Fan Only |
| Coverage Area | Up to 200 sq ft |
| Size | 6.2″ x 7″ x 10.2″ |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs |
| Safety | Tip-over & overheat protection |
Heat Storm Infrared Wall Heater
The Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi wall heater is worth buying for anyone with limited floor space who wants efficient, smartphone-controlled heating in smaller rooms.
Pros
- Space-saving wall mount design keeps floors clear
- Wi-Fi control lets you adjust temperature from anywhere
- Safe-to-touch grill perfect for homes with kids or pets
Cons
- Primary heating limited to 150 square feet
- Requires wall mounting, not portable
- WiFi setup can be tricky for some users
We recently installed this Heat Storm wall heater in our home office, and it’s been a game-changer for keeping the space warm without cluttering the floor. The slim white design looks modern and clean against our wall. Once mounted, the unit sits just 4 inches from the wall, making it barely noticeable when not in use.
The WiFi capability is truly useful. We’ve been able to turn on the heater from our phones before heading home, ensuring the room is already warm when we arrive. The app also lets us create heating schedules, which has helped cut down our energy bills. No more forgetting to turn off the heater when leaving the room!
For safety, this heater excels. The grill stays cool to touch even after hours of use, which gives us peace of mind with kids and pets around. We appreciate the child lock feature that prevents little hands from changing settings. The digital thermostat is accurate and responsive, maintaining our chosen temperature without constant cycling on and off.
Installation was straightforward using the included template. When mounted directly over an outlet, the cord can be hidden inside the unit for a cleaner look. At 1500 watts, it heats our 120-square-foot office quickly without tripping breakers. The three power modes (full, half, and eco) give good flexibility depending on how cold the day is.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Heating Capacity | Primary: 150 sq ft, Supplemental: up to 750 sq ft |
| Power | 1500 watts, 5200 BTU |
| Mounting | Wall mount only (template included) |
| Special Features | Wi-Fi control, child lock, cool-touch grill |
| Dimensions | 19″W x 16″H x 4″D |
JIBUFI Portable Space Heater
This compact ceramic heater delivers decent warmth for small spaces but has several quirks that might make you think twice before purchasing.
Pros
- Quick heating for rooms up to 200 square feet
- Compact design with convenient carrying handle
- Multiple temperature settings with remote control
Cons
- Fan noise is quite noticeable
- Some reliability concerns based on testing
- Remote requires batteries (not included)
We recently tested the JIBUFI portable space heater in a small home office. Its compact size is impressive – at just 4.9″ x 6.9″ x 9″, it fits nicely on a desk without taking up too much space. The black tower design looks sleek and modern, blending well with most decor.
The dual power settings (1500W/750W) offer flexibility depending on your heating needs. During our tests, the higher setting warmed up our 150-square-foot room in about 15 minutes. The digital thermostat made maintaining a comfortable temperature easy, though we noticed the fan runs continuously even when the heating element cycles off.
One drawback is the noise level. The fan pushes out a lot of air, which is great for heating but creates a constant background hum. We also found the touch controls somewhat finicky – sometimes requiring multiple presses to register. The remote control is handy for adjusting settings from across the room, but remember you’ll need to supply your own AA batteries.
Safety features work as advertised. When we deliberately tipped the unit, it shut off immediately. The overheat protection also kicked in during our extended testing. Customer service seems responsive based on our interactions, and the 12-month replacement guarantee provides some peace of mind.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Settings | 1500W/750W |
| Coverage Area | Up to 200 sq ft |
| Timer | 1-12 hours |
| Dimensions | 4.9″D x 6.9″W x 9″H |
| Weight | 2.66 pounds |
For small spaces like a home office or bedroom, this heater provides adequate warmth without excessive energy use. However, if you’re sensitive to noise or need to heat larger areas, you might want to consider other options.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a heater, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
Types of Heaters
Heaters come in various types, each with different benefits. Knowing the differences helps you pick the right one.
| Heater Type | Best For | Energy Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Space Heaters | Single rooms | Medium to High |
| Central Heating | Whole home | Medium |
| Infrared Heaters | Spot heating | High |
| Oil-filled Radiators | Long-term heating | High |
| Ceramic Heaters | Quick room heating | Medium |
Sizing Requirements
Getting the right size heater is crucial. A heater that’s too small won’t warm your space effectively, while one that’s too large wastes energy.
To calculate the right size, measure your room in square feet. Most heaters list their coverage area on the packaging.
Energy Efficiency
Look for energy-efficient models to save on electricity bills. Energy Star ratings can help you identify more efficient options.
Many modern heaters come with eco-modes or timers that reduce energy use. These features might cost more upfront but save money over time.
Safety Features
Safety should be a top priority when buying a heater. We recommend looking for these important safety features:
- Automatic shut-off if tipped over
- Overheat protection
- Cool-to-touch exterior
- Child safety locks
- UL certification
Climate Control Features
Better heaters offer more control options. Programmable thermostats, remote controls, and smart home compatibility make heating more convenient.
Some models can maintain a specific temperature, which improves comfort and can reduce energy use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have common questions about heaters for their homes and outdoor spaces. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about different heating options.
What are the most efficient types of indoor heating appliances available?
Heat pumps rank among the most efficient indoor heating appliances. They use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it directly, making them up to 300% efficient in ideal conditions.
Infrared heaters are also highly efficient as they warm objects directly instead of the air. This means less energy is wasted heating unoccupied space.
Energy Star rated space heaters can be 10-15% more efficient than standard models. Look for this certification when shopping for portable heating options.
How can I determine which heater size is suitable for my large room?
Calculate your room’s square footage by multiplying length by width. Most heaters specify the square footage they can heat effectively on their packaging.
A general rule is to have 10 watts of heating power for each square foot of room space. For example, a 200 square foot room would need a 2,000-watt heater.
Consider ceiling height too. Rooms with ceilings higher than 8 feet will need more powerful heaters than the standard calculation suggests.
What safety features should I look for when purchasing a heater for extended use?
Tip-over protection automatically shuts off the heater if it gets knocked over. This is essential for homes with children or pets.
Overheat protection turns the heater off if internal components become too hot. This prevents potential fire hazards during long-term use.
Cool-touch exteriors are important for family homes. These heaters stay cool on the outside even when running at full power.
Look for models with timers that will automatically shut off after a set period. This prevents the heater from running unattended for too long.
What are the operational cost differences between gas and electric heaters?
Gas heaters typically cost less to operate than electric models in most regions. Natural gas prices are often lower per BTU of heat produced compared to electricity costs.
Electric heaters are 100% efficient at converting energy to heat, but the higher cost of electricity often makes them more expensive to run.
| Heater Type | Average Operating Cost | Initial Purchase Cost | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | $0.40-0.65/hour | $150-300 | Higher emissions |
| Electric | $0.70-1.50/hour | $50-250 | No direct emissions |
Installation costs for gas heaters are typically higher due to venting requirements and gas line connections.
Which outdoor heating solutions provide the best warmth for winter use?
Propane patio heaters deliver the most heat for outdoor spaces, producing 40,000+ BTUs. They can warm a 20-foot diameter area even in cold conditions.
Natural gas fire pits offer consistent heat without the need to refill fuel tanks. They’re ideal for permanent outdoor living spaces that need regular heating.
Electric infrared patio heaters work well in covered areas. Though less powerful than propane, they’re more environmentally friendly and don’t produce emissions.
How do portable heaters compare to built-in heating systems in terms of heat output?
Built-in systems typically deliver more consistent heating throughout an entire space. They can produce 50,000+ BTUs compared to portable heaters’ average of 5,000-15,000 BTUs.
Portable heaters excel at spot heating, warming the immediate area around them quickly. This makes them ideal for heating just the room you’re using rather than the whole house.
Zone heating with portable units can save money compared to central systems when you only need to heat certain areas. We’ve found energy savings of 20-30% are possible with strategic portable heater use.
