Having a portable heating pad you can wear on the go can be a lifesaver for anyone suffering from acute or chronic back pain, sciatica, bulging disc, pinched nerve, and arthritis.
If you are in pain, this is what freedom feels like. Hit the sweet spot while having the option to walk around cord-free.
A wireless, wearable back heat pad allows you to keep functioning and going about your day – without back pain (or at least much less pain) – at work, in the car, and while traveling.
In a Hurry?
Check out the comparison table below. Under it, you’ll find their pros & cons and our cordless heating pad reviews)
This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Related: Electric vs. Infrared Heating Pads
Overview [show]
No wires No Worries: Benefits of Cordless Heating Pads
A cordless heating pad can be used anywhere you are or on the go to quickly relieve your aching back – anytime you need it.
Wireless heating pads are compact and lightweight, and the best ones are versatile and can be used for other areas such as the neck, stomach, and joints – or just to warm your feet and hands in the cold weather.
Below you’ll find the best cordless heating pad, the best rechargeable hot water, the best USB heating pad, the best heating pad for flights, and the best back heating wraps.
How to Choose a Portable Heating Pad
- Safety – Choose a heating pad with no history of consumer complaints about sudden burning
- Heat Settings: go for a pad with at least two heat levels for adjustable comfort
- Heating Speed – look for a pad that heats up quickly
- Automatic Shut-Off – ensure the pad has an automatic shut-off feature for safety
- Ease of Use – choose a pad with an intuitive controller for simple operation
- Battery Life – at least two hours of heat per charge
- Size – Select a pad large enough to cover your entire aching area
The 8 Best Cordless Heating Pads, Wraps, and Belts
Here are the full and detailed portable heating pad reviews:
1. Hyperice Venom 2 Back Wrap – Best Cordless Heating Pad
VIEW ON AMAZON $249
- Size – 48″ x 11″
- Weight – 2.3 lbs.
- Heat levels – 3 / massage levels – 3
Pros – Faster heating than traditional heating pads, durable, Combination of heat, massage, and compression for a holistic treatment, comfortable, has an app, approved for carry-on luggage
Cons – Vibration may be too intense for some people, relatively expensive
The HypeRice battery-operated wearable heating pad gets our highest rating for a portable heating pad for back pain, here’s why:
This wearable heating pad for back pain combines soothing heat and vibration massage, the heat lasts for 3 hours (depending on the temperature setting), and it has 3 levels of vibration massage to enhance and fasten pain relief on the g0.
The Venom 2 heats up quicker than average, it is lightweight and the strap allows you to compress your lower back and adjust it for a perfect fit easily.
The wrap connects to the Hyperice App for remote control of the heat, vibration, and treatment duration.
This allows you to adjust settings without having to fumble with the wrap itself, which is especially helpful for hard-to-reach areas like the lower back.
Available and on Amazon ($216)
2. Flyhorse Portable Heat Belt – Best Travel Heat Pad
VIEW ON AMAZON $25
- Treatment area – 4″ x 8.3″
- Weight – 11 ounces
- Heat levels – 4 (104 F – 149 F)
- Vibration massage levels – 4
Pros – Heats up in 3 seconds, Adjustable heat and vibration, fits in most handbags, quiet operation, takes only 20 minutes to charge
Cons – can’t be used while charging, small treatment area, charge doesn’t last long enough for some people, unnecessary LED light show
The Flyhorse USB Heating Belt is completely portable once you charge it fully, and we especially like that it has 4 heat settings and 4 vibration massage levels to choose from – to best fit your needs.
You can use the heat and massage together or just one function at a time.
The adjustable strap (with a stable buckle) allows you to place it almost anywhere on your body and will cover a decent area in your lower back, abdomen, and other large areas.
It is made from high-quality materials and feels very durable and well-made.
The pad cover is soft and comfortable, and the heat distribution is even and consistent.
USB charging makes this one the best travel heat pad, and you can charge it and use it in your car, on a plane, or through your computer.
The battery will last for about 40 minutes of non-stop use.
Available on Amazon ($25)
3. Sunbeam GoHeat – Trusted Brand
VIEW ON AMAZON $33
- Treatment area – 7.5″ x 12.5″
- Weight – 1.05 lbs.
- Heat levels – 3
Pros – Trusted brand, thin enough to lie on comfortably, lasts for one hour on high heat/ 4 hours on low heat, lightweight and comfortable
Cons – Can not be used while charging, the higher-capacity charger is sold separately
Sunbeam has been a trusted heating pad brand for many years and released the new GoHeat rechargeable heating pad in 2020.
It takes only 30 seconds to feel the soothing heat of the Sunbeam, right after you’ve chosen the right heat setting for you (out of 3 settings).
The Lithium-ion battery keeps the heat going for up to 4 hours per charge and fits unnoticeably in the pad’s side pocket.
This 7.5-inch by 12-inch wearable wrap (fits for up to 55 inches) stays in place and is adjustable via a high-quality strap.
Available on Amazon ($33)
4. CUEHEAT Heating Pad Back Brace – Hyperice Alternative
VIEW ON AMAZON $55
- treatment area – 6″ x 9.5″. Belt length – 43″
- Weight – 1 lb.
- Heat settings – 3 for heat, 3 for massage
Pros – Lightweight and discreet, can be worn under clothing, battery lasts up to 8 hours per charge (on low heat), good vibrating intensity, adjustable settings
Cons – lowest vibration levels are too weak, not machine washable
Adding a massage to your on-the-go treatment makes the heat treatment more effective, relaxing, and pleasant.
The CURHEAT back brace with heat and massage is powered by a rechargeable battery (7.4V 3000mAh lithium-ion battery) that lasts up to 8 hours on a low setting and takes 4 hours to fully charge.
Even if you use both the heat and massage functions, the battery will last 3-6 hours.
This heated massage belt (which heats up in 15 seconds) has two elastic bands on the side to make it the perfect fit for you and prevent it from sliding down.
You can choose from 3 heat settings and 3 massage settings that work together or separately – as you wish.
When we tested it, we found that the highest vibration intensity is best compared to the first 2 ones which are pretty weak and almost useless.
The cover is soft and feels nice against the skin, though it will get hot enough to use over your clothes.
The only cons we could think of are the fact that it is not machine washable, and the potential EMF radiation emitted from the battery being so close to your body.
However, the battery has its own pocket and is small, light, and hardly noticeable.
Otherwise, this is one of the highest-rated cordless heating pads on Amazon.
Available on Amazon ($55)
5. Happy Heat – Best Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle
VIEW ON AMAZON $30
- Size – 10″ x 3″ x 7″
- Weight – 3 lbs.
- Heat settings – 1 (on/off)
- Heat time – usually keeps the heat for 5 hours per charge
Pros – can be used on any body part, warms up fast, great for car use and travel
Cons – you have to use it sitting o lying down, can’t be used on a plane, can’t be used while charging
If you are a hot water bottle person, the Happy Heat rechargeable hot water bottle eliminates the need to boil water (and doesn’t need refilling) and once charged, keeps the heat on for up to 5 hours under your blanket.
It takes only 15-30 minutes of charging for the heat to last for hours. And, it shuts off automatically when it reaches 140-158 F.
Available on Amazon ($30)
6. Thermacare – Best Stick On Heat Wrap
VIEW ON AMAZON $32
- Size – 8″ x 8″ x 4″
- Weight – 1.5 lbs.
- Heat levels – 1
Pros – the wraps stay put, 8 hours of heat, 100% portable, discrete under clothing, has a subscription plan
Cons – Each wrap can be used once, heat level can not be adjusted
The best thing about the Thermacare heat wraps is that they are fully discrete. They are ultra-thin and wearable under your clothes for 16 hours of lower back pain relief.
The air-activated therapeutic heat will last for 8 hours, and you’ll enjoy 8 more hours of pain relief after you take it off.
The Thermacare heat wraps contain heat cells that get activated by air to provide low-level heat for 8 hours straight, but you can only use each wrap – once (It’s what makes them one of the best heating pads for cramps as well)
Thermacare heat wraps are the best choice for people who want to keep functioning, working, and doing chores for 8-10 hours. They are completely discrete, work as advertised, and are 100% portable.
Available on Amazon ($32 for 10 wraps)
Related: The Best wireless TENS units to relieve your back pain naturally
7. MOQY – Best Microwavable Moist Heat Pack
- Size – 12.6″ x 6″ x 0.8″
- Weight – 1.8 lbs.
- Heat levels – 1
Pros – 100% portable, non-electric, microwaveable and freezable, made with natural ingredients, no EMF radiation
Cons – Needs to be warmed in small steps so it doesn’t get too hot for you
The MOQY hot pack (made in Germany) for back pain is a high-quality, 100% portable heat wrap for lower back pain, made in Germany.
Filled with moor mud and covered with 100% cotton, the MOQY heat wrap offers a deep moist heat effect – without any water.
When warming it up to 125°F in the microwave it will stay over 104°F for nearly 110 minutes.
To use it as a cold pack, all you have to do is freeze it for an hour.
We conclude that the MOQY microwaveable & freezable lower back wrap is a high-quality product with attention to detail.
Perfect for relieving lower back pain on the go and highly adjustable.
Available on Amazon
8. Trillium Portable Heat Pad – Best 12V for the Car
VIEW ON AMAZON $29
- Size – 8″ x 8″
- Heat levels – adjustable through remote control
Pros – Adjustable heat – up to 150 F., non-flammable, auto shut off after 45 minutes, Heats up fast, fits for all vehicles, safe for cloth seats
Cons – You’ll need to unplug it before you leave the car because it may drain the battery
The Trillium 12v car heating pad is a low-cost option for relieving back pain when you drive, or just to keep you warm when winter driving.
All you have to do is plug it in your 12-volt DC outlet, turn it on with the control, set the temperature – and go. The cover is made with soft thick flannel and is waterproof.
Available on Amazon ($29)
How Long Can You Use a Portable Heating Pad?
Studies have found that heat therapy works best when used for long periods and consistently.
There is no limit on the number of hours you can use your portable heating pad, as long as you feel comfortable and hydrated.
The minimum treatment time would be 30 minutes daily. Choose a temperature setting that you can tolerate and that makes you feel comfortable.
Do not fall asleep with a heating pad that doesn’t have an auto shut-off.
If you are at home and don’t have to move around (or at night) – you can use large heating pads (electric) that can cover larger areas in your body – for a longer time.
How Long Do Cordless Heating Pads Stay Warm?
Cordless heating pads stay warm for 30 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the type of pad.
Battery-operated heat pads can last up to 6 hours per charge, depending on the battery capacity, gel heat pads stay warm for up to 30 minutes, and electric hot water bottles stay warm for about 5-6 hours, though you can not control the temperature.
Stick-on heat pads last for about 8 hours.
How Does a Heating Pad Help with Back Pain?
Heat therapy is proven to relieve back pain significantly.
Thermotherapy dilates the blood vessels of the muscles around your spine, which increases oxygen flow and nutrients to the area, helping to heal the tissues.
Heat also helps to reduce the transmission of pain signals to your brain, which results in lasting back pain relief.
Plus, heat decreases stiffness as well as injury and increases flexibility and overall feeling of comfort.
Back pain mainly happens due to strains and overextensions, creating tension in your muscles and soft tissues around your spine.
This results in restricted blood circulation, which sends pain signals to the brain.
Can You Use a Cordless Heating Pads While Sleeping?
We don’t need experts to answer this question, just some common sense. Lying with your body weight against a rechargeable heating pad can increase the risk of burns to the skin – without you noticing.
Unless you are 100% sure the heating pad shuts off automatically after about 15 minutes, and that the temperature is set too low, we don’t recommend wearing a portable heating pad when you sleep.
Can You Bring a Heating Pad on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring heating pads on a plane. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, electric heating pads are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
It’s best to pack your portable heating pad in your carry-on bag if you want to use it during the flight.
There are no size limitations for heating pads in carry-on baggage.
Conclusion
A portable heating pad is a low-cost and proven way to relieve back pain on the go – wherever you are and no matter what you have to do.
There’s no doubt:
Heat therapy works quickly and effectively.
It both reduces pain and speeds up healing from any back pain causes – including arthritis, muscle spasms, sciatica, bulging and herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.
We recommend adding a non-portable, larger infrared heating pad you can sleep on or use while you relax at home.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
Studies
Dehghan M, Farahbod F. The efficacy of thermotherapy and cryotherapy on pain relief in patients with acute low back pain, a clinical trial study. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(9):LC01–LC4. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/7404.4818
Freiwald J, Magni A, Fanlo-Mazas P, Paulino E, Sequeira de Medeiros L, Moretti B, Schleip R, Solarino G. A Role for Superficial Heat Therapy in the Management of Non-Specific, Mild-to-Moderate Low Back Pain in Current Clinical Practice: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel). 2021 Aug 2;11(8):780. doi: 10.3390/life11080780. PMID: 34440524; PMCID: PMC8401625.
