WIRED's latest space heater guide, updated for September 2026, is based on hands-on testing of dozens of models. The publication emphasizes that safety and reliability matter more than flashy marketing terms like "Hyperamics" or "Velocity Tuned Heat," and notes that larger heaters are not necessarily more powerful or effective than smaller ones.
The overall winner is the Dreo Whole Room Heater 714, priced at $100. WIRED highlights its dual-axis oscillation, cool-touch housing, and a thermostat that actually works—a rare quality among space heaters. It runs at 40–50 decibels, quieter than a refrigerator, though it lacks a timed shutoff and its controls sit close to the floor.
For quiet-focused buyers, the Vornado TAVH10 ($138) is the top pick, delivering even heat distribution with minimal noise. On the budget end, the Honeywell Surround 360 ($47) replaces the Uberheat 5 as WIRED's best cheap heater, and it frequently goes on sale. The De'Longhi Dragon oil-filled radiator also returns as the recommended radiator-style option.