The Best space heaters are winter’s rear guard, the last line of defense against goose bumps and cold feet. Though not a great way to heat a whole home, space heaters can be indispensable for a late-evening movie night, a workbench in a chilly garage, or the home’s odd corners that refuse to heat. And if you live in an apartment building where you don’t control the heat, it may be your only way to feel OK in January.

But safety and reliability are prime concerns, and so is a lot of dodgy and opaque marketing about “Hyperamics,” “Velocity Tuned Heat,” and whatever-wave technology. Whatever the marketing, large space heaters usually aren’t more powerful or more effective than small ones. So I turned down my thermostat and tested dozens of space heaters to find the ones that’ll warm you up as quickly and quietly and safely as possible.

Alongside WIRED’s blessedly balanced and quiet top pick, the Dreo Whole Room Heater 714 ($100), I also sorted out which heaters might best suit specific needs, from the best bathroom heater to a space heater that doubles as an air purifier. For those on a tight budget, the bare-bones Honeywell 360 Surround ($47) often goes on sale.

Looking for more ways to tailor your air? Check out our guide to all things that improve your indoor air quality , as well as our specialized guides to the Best Air Purifiers , Best Humidifiers , Best Fans , and Best Dehumidifiers .

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