Top 10 Space Heaters for 2025: Expert Recommendations for Cozy Homes

Space heaters are a fast and economical way to warm up your home when temperatures dip ¡ª and they can be a beneficial tool to keep on hand in case of emergencies. Whether it’s a drafty bedroom or outside on the patio during a cool night, these portable devices allow you to bring an effective boost of heat wherever you need it. The best space heaters warm a room quickly, have safety features, and run quietly. We tested dozens of popular models to find the top 10 space heaters for 2025, evaluating them on performance, design, safety, and value. Each offers a variety of benefits, ranging from quick heating, a cool-touch exterior, remote control, and/or the safe heating of moisture-prone rooms such as bathrooms.

Why Choose a Space Heater?

When central heating struggles to adequately reach all the corners of your house, the best space heaters excel at supplying focused warmth in poorly insulated or drafty areas. Now that we’ve reached the thick of winter, incorporating an extra layer of warmth can make a world of difference in your comfort. The best portable heaters can also help lower overall heating costs by supplementing your primary heating source. They’re also perfect for spaces beyond homes, like garages and RVs that lack built-in heating systems.

Types of Space Heaters

• Radiant Heaters: Primarily warm what’s directly in front of them with infrared heat rather than your entire home or room.
• Convection Heaters: More suited to heating a room or large space.
• Combination Heaters: Have a fan that propels hot air outward to heat a home ¡ª they’re louder than radiant and convection ones, but less of a fire hazard.

Top 10 Space Heaters for 2025

1. Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater

The Dreo Solaris Slim H3 heats well, looks sleek, and operates quieter than any other space heater we tested. With a taller height of 15 inches, we immediately noticed the warm forced air it pumped out even when seated a couple of feet away. This space heater differs from some others as it offers a medium heat setting in addition to just low and high. It oscillates to cover 70 degrees of space, a feature we found useful to intentionally heat a room instead of blowing air in a single direction. At home, we ran this heater for hours at a time, and we never noticed any dip in performance. We enjoyed using it on the eco setting, which turns the device off when it reaches the desired temperature. Shop on Amazon

2. Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower Heater

The Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower rules the roost for tower-style space heaters. In our tests, this model promptly produced heated air as soon as we powered it up. The airflow feels slightly more direct than other models, but the oscillation setting helps disperse the heat if needed. The Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower was even more impressive in the living room than the office ¡ª this model produces a warm breeze better than any other model we tested. It features 1,500 watts of heat-producing power on high, so we tested it in our 156-square-foot room and it performed well, heating the room to the desired temperature in just over 20 minutes. Shop on Amazon

3. De’Longhi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater

After extensive testing, we found that the De’Longhi HMP1500 is the best space heater for most people because of its high performance and flexible design. People who want their heater to follow them from room to room can install the included wheels. A handle on the back increases portability. If you have a room in your home that needs supplementary heating, the HMP1500 can be mounted to a wall as a permanent fixture. Performance aside, the HMP1500 also has design elements that can fit any lifestyle. Shop on Amazon

4. Vornado AVH10 Space Heater

After extensive testing of 25 units and consulting with industry experts, the Vornado AVH10 Space Heater is the best space heater we tested. It demonstrated impressive heating power in small and large spaces, quiet operation, and comprehensive safety features. The Vornado VH10 is nearly identical to our top pick, with an added ledge for coil-wrapping and a few other subtle control tweaks that we just really didn’t like as much. Shop on Amazon

5. Amazon Basics Portable Ceramic Indoor Space Heater

The Amazon Basics Portable Space Heater puts out a lot of heat for its size, according to our tests. The two dials allow you to control the fan settings and the temperature range, but not an exact temperature. The tip-over switch, located at the bottom of the heater, allows it to shut off automatically when tipped. The lightweight and built-in handle on the back makes it easy to carry. At less than 3 pounds, this heater is very easy to carry. If you’re less concerned with aesthetics and want a quality space heater for under $25, we give it two toasty-warm thumbs up. Shop on Amazon

6. Govee Smart Space Heater

ZDNET experts’ pick for the best space heater is the Govee space heater, thanks to its heating performance and range, voice assistant compatibility, safety features, and price point. The space heater uses thermostatic control to bring your room to the perfect temperature. You can also receive notifications when your room has reached your preferred temperature. Our top pick for the best space heater is the Govee space heater, thanks to its smart home compatibility and 80-degree oscillation. Shop on Amazon

7. Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Fan Heater

Dyson is known for making high-end products with ground-breaking technology, and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool fan heater is no exception as one of the best space heaters. This device functions as a fan, heater, and HEPA purifier that captures up to 99.97% of particles. Through the Dyson Link app, you can see real-time reports on indoor and outdoor air quality, temperature, humidity, and filter life. Plus, you can remotely control the heater and create schedules for your home throughout the day. Shop on Amazon

8. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998

Right out of the box, we were sold on the attractiveness of the Dr. Infrared Heater. It’s encased in solid wood that matches any decor. We tested the 1,500-watt Dr. Infrared in a 156-square-foot room. This heater runs quiet¡ªit emitted just a slight hum during operation. We set the thermostat 5 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the existing room temperature, turned the space heater on high, and closed the door to see how long it would take to warm the room. Within 15 minutes, we could feel a temperature difference; at 33 minutes, the room’s temperature had increased by 10 degrees. Shop on Amazon

9. Honeywell Ceramic Tower Heater

The Honeywell Ceramic Tower Heater’s digital display is easy to access on top of the heater. For starters, we felt the heat output from this ceramic heater almost immediately after turning this heater on, and there was no lag in the warm-up time. Three months of testing at home confirmed it’s powerful for its size. There’s a digital display, and you can set the space heater to a specific temperature (in the range of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit), and the heater will turn off and on to help maintain it. Shop on Amazon

10. Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater

At a fraction of the space imprint of the Vornado model above, and about a third of the cost, Lasko’s Ceramic Heater 754200 is an excellent starting place if you’re still in a trial mindset where a space heater is concerned. Its compact size is better suited to smaller spaces such as small bedrooms or home offices, or even desktop or counter use rather than an entire room. If you live with a perpetually warm person, this may be an ideal model for creating different heat zones within the same room. Shop on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Space Heaters

Safety Tips for Using Space Heaters

Space heaters can be dangerous¡ªwe combed the manuals and spoke to experts to get advice on using them safely. In the US alone, there are more than 1,000 home fires each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A 2022 National Fire Protection Association release states that space heaters caused 88% of home fire deaths between 2016 and 2020, an alarming figure. Here are key safety tips:

• Never leave a space heater unattended. “Unattended” includes sleeping.
• Plug your heater directly into the outlet. Don’t use extension cords or power strips with space heaters, lest you build up too much electrical load and risk a fire.
• Ensure the heater is placed at least 3 feet away from flammable materials like curtains or carpets.
• Look for models with safety certifications like UL or ETL, which ensure rigorous safety testing.
• Choose heaters with tip-over protection and overheat shutoff features.

For more safety guidelines, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

How to Choose the Right Space Heater

When you’re shopping for a space heater, there are some things you should think about to make sure that it’s a good fit for you and your home.

• Location: Do you have an area in your home that is 3 feet away from all flammable objects and is not in the middle of a walking path? If not, see if you can clear a place in your home where the space heater can be safely operated.
• Safety: Does part of the product get hot to the touch while in operation? If so, make sure that kids are aware of what areas are safe to touch on the space heater, if any.
• Floor Plan: What is the layout of the room(s) you’d like to heat? If you have an open floor plan, and you’d like to heat more than one room, chances are that a single space heater won’t cut it.
• Wattage: The power of a space heater is measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful it is and the larger of a space it can heat. General guidance is that 10 watts per square foot is needed to maintain a comfortable warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to leave a space heater on overnight?

No, it is not safe to leave a space heater on overnight. Even with safety features like tip-over and overheat protection, there’s a fire risk with prolonged use, especially near flammable materials. It’s better to heat the room for a few hours before bed and use blankets to stay warm.

How much does it cost to run a space heater?

The cost depends on the heater’s wattage and your electricity rate. A 1500-watt heater running for 8 hours at $0.15 per kWh costs about $1.80 per day. Energy-efficient models with thermostats or eco modes can reduce costs by cycling on and off.

Can space heaters be used in bathrooms?

Some space heaters are designed for bathroom use, but they must have an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug to prevent electric shock. Ensure the bathroom has ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets and keep the heater away from water.

What size space heater do I need for my room?

A general rule is 10 watts per square foot. For a 150-square-foot room, a 1500-watt heater is sufficient. For larger spaces, consider higher wattage or multiple heaters, but ensure proper electrical capacity to avoid overloading circuits.

Do space heaters save money compared to central heating?

Space heaters can save money if used to heat a single room while lowering the thermostat for the rest of the house. However, running multiple heaters or using them for extended periods can increase energy costs, so use them strategically.

Conclusion

The best space heaters for 2025 offer a blend of performance, safety, and efficiency to keep your home cozy. From the sleek Dreo Solaris Slim H3 to the budget-friendly Amazon Basics Ceramic Heater, there’s an option for every need and budget. Prioritize safety features like tip-over and overheat protection, and choose a model that matches your room size and heating preferences. With the right space heater, you can transform chilly spaces into warm, inviting havens all year round. For more home heating tips, check out Energy.gov.