Best Space Heaters for $100 or Less

It’s true that some of the highest-priced models land near the top of our ratings, and many lower-priced space heaters are at the bottom. But there are too many good options costing less than $100 to justify overpaying for a brand name or settling for an inexpensive generic. In fact, 19 of the top 25 space heaters in our ratings cost $100 or less. All of them earn an excellent or very good score for room heating, and well over half rate equally well for spot-heating.

In our lab, we measure how well a space heater warms an entire room (our room-heating score) and the person sitting directly in front of it (our spot-heating score). We also rate models on safety, including their likelihood of igniting nearby fabric (such as drapes or upholstery) and the burn risk presented by their hot surfaces. We look for other features that promote safety, too, such as a tip-over switch, which automatically turns off the heater if it falls over.

Here are our top-rated space heaters that cost $100 or less. (Prices can fluctuate, so you may see a model selling for slightly more at times.) Each earned an excellent or very good rating for both overall room heating and spot-heating, though some may be hot to the touch on their highest setting. For even more choices, see our comprehensive space heater ratings, and for additional guidance on selecting one, refer to our space heater buying guide.