What is the best car seat warmer? There are different types of these products on the market. The first one includes comfortable car seat warmers that come with an intelligent temperature controller. There is also a portable alternative — warm pads that attach to the car's seat and cost under $30. 

We think that Wagan 12V Infra-Heat Massage Cushion with 5 massaging motors and 2 infrared heat elements to soothe and relax tense muscles is the best one for the car.

The second option is seat covers that offer not only heating functions but also built-in massagers for different parts of the body. Depending on the model, they can deliver vibration massage or Shiatsu massage with the use of rolling balls. Typically, such covers are adjustable and have various massage intensity levels. And finally, there are carbon fiber seat heater kits, which allow you to create your own unique seat warmer.

 

Heated Seat Covers Compared

1. Wagan 12V Infra-Heat Massage Cushion
This 12V massage cushion for the car is equipped with a heating pad and 5 powerful vibration motors. It offers 5 vibration modes and 4 intensity levels. The pad has an auto shut-off function and overheat protection.

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2. Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
The cushion comes with a heat massage pad and 4 deep kneading massage nodes delivering Shiatsu massage. You can choose between 3 massage zone settings for the full, upper, and lower back. Can be helpful to relieve tension in the back after long-distance travels, during stops, and during rest periods.

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What does an automobile fan need in winter other than the car heater? Of course, a great car seat warmer! But what is the best seat warmer on the market? Here you’ll find best heated car seat covers with and without massage.

A good heated seat cover will help you keep your butt and back warm. What if it also has 10 built-in Vibro-engines? Imagine, it’s bitter cold outside, but you are feeling warm and cozy. And if you suffer from backaches, a relaxing massage on the way to your destination can help you from being distracted by the pain. So, let’s follow the agenda though.

Types of car seat warmers

  • Narrow car seat warmers with an intelligent temperature controller are generally equipped with an electric protection device, which automatically stops the heating process when it reaches the pre-set temperature.
  • Massage car seat warmers are a bit more elaborate and sophisticated. They have a built-in vibration massager for the neck, shoulders, back, and thighs, and usually have 3 massage speeds. These are the most popular options, considering their relative cost-effectiveness. Expect to pay around $40. The Wagan 12V Infra-Heat Massage Cushion with 5 massaging motors and 2 infrared heat elements to soothe and relax tense muscles is the best trusted one.

  • Shiatsu seat covers like Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Kneading Full Back Massager with Heat & Adjustable Compression deliver an intense massage all over your back as they include rolling balls. We do not recommend turning it on while driving a car so that it does not distract you from driving. But when it comes to long-distance travel, such a cover will help a driver to relieve tension in the back during stops and rest periods.

  • Budget versions are simple fabric solutions, which primary advantage is their inexpensive cost, up to 30 dollars. Despite the cheap price, these products receive generously positive customer feedback because of the simplicity of use and operation, nice breathable fabrics that are warm to the touch, and a few extra functions for the price.

  • Warm pads. If you are not ready to invest in a huge car seat warmer, or just want a simpler solution for your automobile, then consider buying a heated car seat pad. You can attach it to your car seat just as easily with the straps that come with the pad. Allocate less than $30.

  • Carbon fiber seat heater kits. If you are one of those technical DIY guys, who like to do everything himself, then buy a set of wires that you can fit on any 12vdc system on leather, vinyl, or any cloth seats! Budget: more than $50.

In case you want to keep cool in summer and warm on a cold frosty winter day, then a car seat warmer with both cooling and heating modes is something you want to buy for your car. The cooling is usually achieved with powerful air intake car fans. The heating is provided with special built-in heating pads.

Best Budget Car Seat Warmer

HealthMate Velour 12V Heated Seat Cushion

Here is a budget heated seat cushion with lumbar support and a 3-way temperature controller. Its rating is: about 70% of the customers are satisfied with the purchase. When testing some users observed that its fabric is soft and comfortable to sit on as it is made of soft velour.

Wagan Soft Velour 12V Heated Seat Cushion

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✔ Maximum heating temperature of 114 degrees Fahrenheit.
✔ High/low/off temperature control
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Price:

You can attach it with two rear elastic straps and four cinch straps around the bottom which will prevent the seat warmer from moving around and getting in the way. The filling inside is polyfoam which adds extra comfiness to it. Most of the customer responses were positive, which makes it a good recommendation. However, there were some people who said, that after a year it became a fire hazard. So be careful and watch out for any unusual plastic burning smells.

It is powered by a 12-volt DC outlet and has a 3-way temperature controller and heats up fast. It is very simple and budget-saving.

Budget Heated Seat Cushion: Check the current price

Best Heated Seat Covers 

1. SNAILAX Vibration | Vibrating Massager for Back, Shoulder and Thighs with Heat Therapy

This massage car seat warmer with heat therapy and radiating gentle warmth. What will you get for this price? Massage areas: Upper Back, Lower Back, Hips, and Thighs. You may choose and customize your own experience to release stress, aches, tension and knots.

Four massaging modes (Pulsate, Tapping, Rolling, and Kneading) and four intensity settings. The set includes two AC & DC adapters that allow you to use it anywhere you need- not only in your car, but in the office or at home too. By the way, this thing can be a perfect gift for people who are suffering from back pain – read customer reviews to learn how this device helps drivers to feel good.

SNAILAX Vibration Massage Seat: Check the current price

2. Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion with Heat

Just look at this model that comes with various settings and can be easily adjusted to meet your needs. You get a deep-kneading massage through four nodes traveling along your back and making your muscles relax. You may want to focus on some specific areas, instead of massaging the entire back.

To this end, the device offers 3 different massage zones — full back, upper back, and lower back — to choose from. On top of that, you can change intensity levels using a special flap. All is for your comfort! But if you feel like the lowest intensity setting is not soft enough for you, the manufacturer suggests placing a towel between the spine and the cushion.

There are also advanced Back Massagers with compression massage on the waist & hips that help relieve tension.

You may also want to get a spot massage, which is very effective for alleviating pain in certain areas of your back. The massager includes this option and can concentrate the kneading on one area.

What is good about this type of massagers is versatility as they are not limited to deep-kneading and spot massages. Vibration is a time-honored and popular way to stimulate soft tissues, helping the muscles relax. As a rule, Shiatsu massagers offer multiple levels of vibration intensity, and so does this model.

Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion: Check the current price

Heating Warmer Pad | Heated Car Seat Cushion, 12V

The warmer pads from KINGLETING are regular detachable pads that you adjust to your car seat with elastic straps. Just connect it to your vehicle's 12 volt DC outlet and choose between two heating modes. The majority of respondents had nice things to say about KINGLETING pad, however, there were some who complained that it was hard to keep in place, and became a fire hazard after a while. So beware of any unusual smells or burning signs.

Heating Warmer Pad: Check the current price

What else do you need en route in winter?

In order not to occupy the only socket you have, buy a socket extender, for example, a 4-port Wagan 4-Way 12V Automotive Socket Extender. You will be able to not only connect your car seat heater but also charge your cell phone or tablet or to plug in the automobile fridge or thermos. Read over 1200 customers’ reviews.

Wagan Automotive Socket Extender: Check the current price

Look at our comparative table - what is the most suitable car seat warmer for you?

Best-Selling Car Seat Warmers | Comparison Table

Most Popular

Products with 5 star rating

 

Product5 Stars Votes
HealthMate IN9438 Velour 12V Seat Cushion1462(5.3%)
Snailax Back Massager with Heat1389(5.1%)
Comfier Full Back Massager with Heat1111(4%)
Zyllion Back and Neck Massager458(1.7%)

 

Other Popular

 

Can A Car Seat Heater Be Dangerous?

Follow safety precautions when using a car seat heater. As it is an electronic gadget, use it as with any other device: make sure it is plugged in properly and there is no liquid around it. It is sensible to opt for water-proof items (for instance, the ones made of neoprene) for additional protection against short circuits in emergencies.

It is also crucial to understand that improper and prolonged use of a car seat heater can lead to a thermal burn or so-called “toasted skin syndrome”. This is characterized by skin redness, vasodilatation and severe skin pigmentation. The experts from the American Burn Association confirm that“It has been known for many decades that thermal burns may result from exposure of the skin surface to an elevated temperature for an extended period of time”. “Toasted skin syndrome” is most common when using a laptop on one’s hips, but it can also show up after any long contact with a heater, especially if the skin is bare. Overheating can also affect men’s reproductive systems, as the myths about overheating sperm are partly true. Harvard Medical School scientists recommend that men spend less time in the car and to use a car seat heater less if they’re trying to conceive a child. The specialist claims that driving over three hours daily has a temporary negative impact on the quantity of spermatozoids.

To prevent all the negative consequences of using such devices, you needn’t give up using car seat heaters when it is cold. Many car seat heaters are equipped with an automatic shut off which won’t let you overheat for a long time. As a rule, a typical session lasts 15-30 minutes. If such an option isn’t implemented, don’t set the temperature too high and don’t forget to turn the device off right after you warm up.

FAQ

Are car seat warmers safe when pregnant?
Heated car seats are not usually dangerous for pregnant women. However, remember, that nothing is truly safe when pregnant. So, if you decide to use the car warmer, please, do so with caution and allow for no more than 5 to 10 minutes of heating.

Do car seat warmers use gas?
Yes, the car seat warmers use electricity which is powered by the battery. The power of the battery is driven from the belt of the engine, which burns gas.

How to install car seat warmers?
Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Usually, there are elastic straps that you can attach around your car seat for the warmer to stay in place.

You can also read:

Best Portable Car Heaters

Also you should read our article Best Personal Warming Gadgets to Keep You Warm This Winter.

Heated Seat Covers with Massage

Cooling & Heating Seat Cushion 

If you’re one of those people who can’t decide if they are hot or cold or both, then the Cooling & Heating Cushion is for you. The car seat warmer from Snailax has four powerful air intake car fans to distribute cold air all over the seat, it rapidly disperses and wicks out the excess moisture and body heat preventing you from sweating. The cover is ventilated mesh with special air holes. The heating zone is comprised of two heating pads on the back and the seat. The heating provides both warming comfort and soothing heat therapy for the back and hip area. You can choose between two heating modes available. The positive responses make you want to buy this cushion asap!

MASSAGE HEATED SEAT COVER

This thing is a more modern gadget. We are taken aback by the abundance of options this smart seat has. For this price, this device can do too much! Massage, for example. Where have you seen a good massage chair with heating?

We were able to solve the massage option riddle very fast. It turns out that this mat cannot massage mechanically with the rolling balls. The first point in the manufacturer’s product description is the honest warning (apparently included at the initiative of dissatisfied customers) that“This is not a Shiatsu kneading massager. Do not buy this product if you are looking for a Shiatsu or kneading massager with rolling balls. This is a vibration massager only, no rolling balls”.

We’re talking about 10 vibro-engines here. They are distributed in various parts of the human body: neck, back, thighs and butt. Apparently, the vibration is supposed to either soothe or energize a person. To achieve this, the manufacturers have introduced three levels of massage speed and four types of massage programs.

This car seat heater can be used at home and in the office. In general, that’s what the massager was designed for. But having the automobile adapter, makes this device one of the most interesting car gadgets of this review. As for the heating zone, it is only the lower back, so in terms of the heating area, this model is inferior to the previous ones. The massager option gives it a serious competitive edge, though, if we speak in marketing terms.

Customers give thumbs up and at least 1,700 customers have already left their reviews, and 64% of them were satisfied with the product. Read over 2000 customer reviews, and form your own opinion.

What do buyers say?

«I spend all day at the computer. My neck and back seem to always hurt. This cushion provides relief. Yes,it's a bit noisy. It fits my chair perfectly and the straps hold it in place quite effectively. I really don't see any cons».

«It has been a lifesaver! I bought this massage seat to use when driving from Florida to New York every summer. Riding in the car for that long (24 hours!) kills my back but this massage seat helps to make it not hurt as much. My back will still ache because I am in the car for such a long period of time but this definitely helps».

Wireless Car Charger

Tired of fumbling with USB cables in the car? Wireless Car Charger is a convenient device that uses Qi Inductive Charging Technology to charge smartphones without the need to plug a power cord into them. The charger consists of a power cord and a flat charging pad that can be mounted on your vehicle's dash. A silicone circle on the charging pad secures the smartphone, so it won't slide or fall off while you drive.

The Wireless Car Charger is designed to plug into a USB power source that provides at least two amps of power. Attempting to charge smartphones with less power than that can result in slow charging times. The charging pad measures about 3.5 inches square and mounts on any flat surface. You get the charging pad, a micro USB cable, and an instruction manual.

Does this wireless car charger work will all smartphones?

It can charge smartphones that support Qi Inductive Charging Technology without any additional equipment needed. Older smartphones that don't support wireless charging require a receiver pad to be charged. The receiver pad consists of a metallic pad that fits between the back of a smartphone and its case.

Which smartphones support wireless charging out of the box?

Wireless charging is supported by Apple's iPhone 8, iPhone 8 plus, and iPhone X. It's also a feature of Samsung's Galaxy Note S6, S7, S8, and S9. There are other smartphones that support this technology, so check your manufacturer's specs to see if your phone is supported.

Pros Cons
  • Charges your smartphone while you drive
  • Doesn't require plugging a USB cable into your smartphone
  • Works with phones that support Qi Inductive Charging Technology
  • Many smartphones will need an additional receiver plate to charge
  • Many cars lack a 2-amp power supply

Wireless Car Charger: Check the current price

Other interesting articles about car seat warmers review

Heated Car Seats Are an Antidote to Our Grief - The New York Times

They deliver a pleasure both maternal and sensual, cocooning you like a child in the lap of some warm, benevolent bear.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/17/magazine/heated-car-seats.html

Tips and advices on YouTube

Best Heated Car Seat Covers in 2020 [Top 5 Picks]


HEATED SEAT CUSHION DEMONSTRATION AND REVIEW

For technical DIY guys | Carbon Fiber Seat Heater Kit Hi/Lo Setting

If you’re a techie type, then a set of heating wires is something you want to look for. They will fit anywhere on any 12vdc system. One of the advantages of carbon fibers is that they don’t mess up with your car's interior design, and you can make them pretty much invisible to the eye. Each kit of Carbon Fiber Kit includes 2 pads for 1 seat with illuminated 2-Color switches. The kit features a dual temperature control system with an embedded 5th generation thermostat in each pad. Testers were pleased with the performance of the carbon fiber kits. Some, however, said the installation was non-trivial, so if you don’t want to crack your brains trying to figure out where to put what, then, by all means, avoid this product.

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Comments  

0 #2 Stealth MarketingGary mcDivitt 2021-01-10 20:26
It’s always amusing to see Chinese shells trying to masquerade as American companies with their Ludacris, fictitious invented English names. This bogus article recommends nothing but a bunch of Chinese junk
+1 #1 Help!Jennifer McKevitt 2019-11-28 22:35
The elastic bands that came with my Smart Gear car seat warmer don't make sense or hold very well. I've searched for installation instructions without success. Can someone please advise me? Thank you.