Comparison: Best Portable Heater For 500 Square Feet (Updated | Dec 16th)
As temperatures dip and winter’s chill sets in, finding the perfect heating solution for your medium-sized space becomes essential. Whether you’re warming up a cozy living room, home office, or basement apartment, the right portable heater can transform your comfort level without sending your energy bills soaring. We’ve done the research and testing to bring you the most reliable, efficient, and user-friendly options that will keep you toasty all season long.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for powerful garage heating: Newair 5600W Portable Electric Garage Heater – Heats Up to 600 sq. ft. with 6-Foot Cord Wrap and Carrying Handle
- Best for quiet bedroom comfort: GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat
- Best for smart energy saver: 1500W Space Heater
- Best for compact rapid heating: Electactic Portable Ceramic Space Heater w/Thermostat
- Best for outdoor infrared warmth: Uthfy Electric Outdoor Patio Heater
- Best for desktop mini heater: Gaiatop Mini Space Heater
- Best for space-saving design: Heat Storm Wave Floor to Wall Infrared Space Heater with Attachable Feet
- Best for soft safe heat: Heat Storm Phoenix HS-1500-PHX
- Best for under-desk efficiency: shinic Small Space Heater
- Best for year-round versatility: GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater
Product Comparison: Best Portable Heater For 500 Square Feet
Powerful Garage Heating
Newair 5600W Portable Electric Garage Heater – Heats Up to 600 sq. ft. with 6-Foot Cord Wrap and Carrying Handle, Space Heater Ideal for Garage, Bedroom, Dorm, and Office
NewAir
- [POWERFUL FAN FORCED HEATING] – With 5,600 watts of heating power, this electric garage heater packs a punch. It’s strong enough to warm up to 600 square feet—perfect for a two-car garage or a 24×24 workshop or shed.
- [RUGGED EXTERIOR BUILT TO LAST] – Black powder coated finish protects against scratches and scuffs, making this sturdy steel-bodied heater perfect for garages, workshops and light industrial environments. Alarm-No
- [THERMOSTAT & AUTO-FAN TEMP CONTROL] – Set the temperature you want. Once the space has reached the ideal temperature, the fan will automatically kick-in as needed to keep your workshop warm. It’s that easy to get the heated working environment you need in winter.
- [PORTABILITY FEATURES FOR FAR-RANGING HEAT] – Take advantage of 2 portable features: the cord wrap and carry handle. Together they make it easy for you to position or move your heater to the most ideal place in your garage, workshop, or shed.
- [SAFETY FEATURES FOR PEACE OF MIND] – This UL-certified heater has an automatic shut-off function that prevents overheating. The outer construction stays cool after use to ensure safety for you and your space.
Quiet Bedroom Comfort
GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat, 1500W/750W Safe and Quiet Ceramic Heater Fan, Heat Up 200 Square Feet for Office Room Desk Indoor Use, Silver
GiveBest
- 2 in 1 heater fan: This ceramic heater provides two heat levels, 1500W or 750W and one cool air fan, you can use it both for winter and summer. Thermostat control of the heater will turn the heater off when it reaches a preset temperature and turn the heater back on when the temperature dips below the thermostat setting. It will cycle on and off. Adjust the setting of thermostat from 41℉ to 95℉ to keep room comfortable
- Multi protection safety system: These heaters are made of flame retardant material avoiding any fire hazard. Automatic safety shutoff system will shut the heater off when the heater overheat. The tip over protection system will also shut the heater off when the heater was knocked over by accident and it will come back on automatically if it is up righted
- Compact and powerful: The mini heater with build in carry handle helps to reinforce the potential of rather low electrical bills by using at the place where you need when you don’t want to warm the full house with other centralized heaters
- Quiet and fast heating: The noise this ceramic heater makes is lower than 45 decibels, quiet enough for most people to use in a bedroom while sleeping. With PTC ceramic heating tech and high speed fan, this heater put out tons of heat to heat up 200 square feet in seconds
- Upgrade abs material: Upgrade abs material applied, which is more flame resident. The room heater with six feet lead cord and 2 prong connection has a long lasting life
Smart Energy Saver
1500W Space Heater, Portable Electric Heater Heat Up 200 Square Feet for Indoor Use Office Garage, Rapid PTC Ceramic Heating with Remote, Digital Thermostat, 24H Timer, Multiple Safety Protection
Pereysi
- Fast Advanced Heating: With faster heating PTC ceramic and high-speed fan, this space heater delivers comfort all across the room. Never fall short on heating power. This 1500W electric heater puts out lots of warmth
- Heating for Everyone: The 60° wide-angle oscillation provides more effective warm airflow distribution around your room. This oscillating heater is designed to maximize warmth coverage. There is a timer that can be set in one-hour increments from 1 to 24 hours.
- Usage Comfort: It’s fully operational with the included remote. Easily turn it on and change the settings you need without halting work and getting up from desk. Electric space heater features a sleek and modern design with a slot on the back to fit your hand for easy portability.
- Smart ECO-Energy Saving: The auto mode emits enough heat at 79 degrees. Smart ECO function on this ceramic portable heater helps save money on the electric bill. Warms up a room fast and has multiple settings to fit everyone’s needs.
- Below Whispering Quiet: Tower heater warms room well and is not too noisy. The quiet heater with an overheating system protects heating element safely, so it’s not scary to use in the bedroom.
Compact Rapid Heating
Electactic Portable Ceramic Space Heater w/Thermostat, 1500W Indoor Electric Space Heater Fan with Overheat and Tip-Over Protection, Heat Up 200 Square Feet for Office Room Dorm Use, Black
Electactic
- 2-in-1 Ceramic Heater & Fan : Offers year-round comfort with two heating modes (1500W & 750W) for winter and a cool air fan for summer use. Equipped with a thermostat, the heater fan automatically turns off once the preset temperature is reached and reactivates when the room temperature drops below the set point. Easily adjust the thermostat between 41°F and 95°F to maintain your ideal room temperature effortlessly.
- Multi-Protection Safety System: Three built-in safety features ensure complete peace of mind. The ceramic space heater is constructed from flame-retardant materials to prevent fire hazards. It also features an automatic overheat shutoff and a tip-over switch that immediately cuts power if the unit is knocked over, with operation resuming once it’s placed upright.
- Compact, Portable & Cost-Effective：Enjoy targeted warmth exactly where you need it. This portable heater is your energy-efficient solution for spot heating—whether in your home office, bedroom, or any space where cranking up the central heat is unnecessary and costly.
- Quiet & 2s Rapid Heating: The noise of this electric heater fan makes is lower than 45 decibels, quiet enough for most people to use in a bedroom while sleeping. With PTC ceramic heating tech and high speed fan, this heater put out tons of heat to heat up 200 square feet in seconds
- Lightweight and Wide Applicability: Weighing below 3 lbs and sized at 6.85”L x 5.47W” x 9.65”H with easy to hold design, the desktop heater doesn’t take up space. On the table, at y our feet, and by the cabinet, or place it at study, bedroom, office, dorm, no matter where you are in the corner, it can quickly deliver a uniform warm current.
Outdoor Infrared Warmth
Uthfy Electric Outdoor Patio Heater,1500W Infrared Heater with 24H Timer, Remote, Waterproof, Quiet Portable Space Heater for Large Room, 35” Tower Heater for Indoor Garage, Balcony, Backyard, Shop
Uthfy
- 3 Heating Levels for Indoor Outdoor Use: This 35-inch outdoor patio heater features three heating levels (500W, 1000W, 1500W) to supply warmth that reaches every part of your family’s body, from toes upwards. This outdoor electric heater, capable of heating spaces up to 400 square feet, is an ideal option for broad warming your home during winter
- Instant Infrared Heat: Equipped with a carbon fiber heating tube, this infrared heater delivers instant, sunshine-like warmth with up to 98% thermal efficiency. Its infrared tech heats people and objects directly, reaching warmth in just 1 second—no waiting, just immediate comfort on a cold winter day. Powered by 1500W, it works silently (no fans, dry air) and emits no fumes/odors, ideal for bedrooms, offices, patios, and outdoor nights
- 24-Hour Timer and Energy Saving: Program your comfort with the 1-24 hour timer. Set electric patio heater to turn off automatically after you fall asleep or leave the room— reducing energy use and providing added safety. Perfect for overnight use and peace of mind
- Convenient Touch and Remote Control: Enjoy effortless command from across the room. This outdoor patio heater comes with a responsive remote that works up to 28 feet away, giving you full access to all settings from your couch or bed. For quick adjustments, the intuitive touch panel on the top of the fan offers smooth and easy operation
- Safety and Durability: Engineered for peace of mind, Uthfy garage heater is constructed with high-quality flame-retardant and waterproof (IP44 rated) materials, which withstands rain, snow, dust, and sand, delivering reliable heat year after year in any outdoor condition. It features built-in tip-over and overheat protection that automatically shuts off the unit if excess temperatures are detected. The reinforced base adds extra stability, ensuring safe operation in various outdoor settings
Desktop Mini Heater
Gaiatop Mini Space Heater, Lightweight PTC Ceramic Fast Heating 500W Energy Efficient for Indoor Use, Overheating & 45° Tip-Over Protection, Portable Desk Electric Heaters for Office Home Black
Gaiatop
- Compact and Space-Saving Design: Our space heater features a compact and sleek design that takes up minimal space. desk heater is perfect for small rooms, dorms, offices, and apartments. It is the perfect choice for your efficient heating in winter
- Fast and Efficient Heating: With our mini heater you can enjoy fast and efficient heating in any room. The electric heater adopts advanced PTC ceramic heating element, which can quickly warm up your space in 2 seconds, providing you with a warm and comfortable environment
- Safe and Reliable: Your safety is our top priority. Our small heater has built-in safety features, with 45° tip-over protection and overheating protection, V0 class fireproof material ensures safe use for a long time. You can rely on our heaters for a hassle-free heating experience
- Quiet and Energy Saving: Our portable heater operates quietly and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy a warm, peaceful environment without any disturbance. LED light indication, let you know the running status of the heater at all times, providing powerful heating effects while helping you save on electricity bills
- What You Get: You’ll receive an 500W space heater, an instruction manual, and an exquisite packing box. Plus, we are responsible for our products and customers. If you have any questions about our products, please contact us first, we will solve it for you within 24 hours
Space-Saving Design
Heat Storm Wave Floor to Wall Infrared Space Heater with Attachable Feet, Remote Control, Built in Thermostat, 500-1000 Watts, 13x4x17 in, With Feet
Heat Storm
- Safe to the touch grill. Safety tip over shut off feature. Digital Thermostat with touch screen controls. Child lock safety feature. Remote Control included.
- Space saving wall mount design means you don’t lose floor space. Perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, offices and more
- Uses less than 2 sq. Ft. Of wall space and plugs into a normal 110V outlet. When installed over the outlet, you can hide the cord inside the heater
- Built in thermostat with led display shows you what the ambient temperature is and helps regulate the temperature efficiently. Included remote control allows you to control the temperature with ease
- This heater comes with a 1 year manufacturer warranty
Soft Safe Heat
Heat Storm Phoenix HS-1500-PHX, Infrared Space Heater with Attachable Feet, Remote Control, Energy Efficient-750-1500 Watts, Gray Floor or Wall
Heat Storm
- This portable 1500 watt infrared heater has the power to heat up a small room or office with its 5200 BTU heat output. Two power modes, one uses the full 1,500 watt power while the other only uses 750 watts.
- Our patented heat exchanger with HMS Technology combines with humidity in the room to provide soft, safe heat without reducing oxygen or humidity. Safe to touch, even the grill.
- Small convenient size makes this perfect for any room in the house. Hang it on the wall or set it on the ground thanks to removable feet and wall mounting points on the back of the heater.
- Built in thermostat with LED display shows you what the ambient temperature is and helps regulate the temperature efficiently. Included remote control allows you to control the temperature with ease.
- This heater comes with a 1 year manufacturer warranty
Under-Desk Efficiency
shinic Small Space Heater, 500W Portable Electric PTC Ceramic Heater with Fast Heating, Overheat Protection, Safe and Quiet Personal Heater for Indoor Use, Desk Home Office Bedroom,Black,2 Pack
shinic
- 【Compact and Portable】The portable electric PTC ceramic heater measures just 4.72″D x 4.33″W x 6.69″H, lightweight but powerful. You can easily move it around, perfect for office desk, bedroom, living room, dorm and other small space.
- 【Hjgher Heating Efficiency】With upgrade PTC ceramic heating technology, this space heater Improves heating efficiency while reducing energy consumption, thus saving electricity bills. It can quickly heat up an area of 43 square feet within 3s.
- 【Multi Safety Protection】This quiet under-desk office heater is designed with tip-over and overheat dual protection, automatically shutting off if tilted or overheated to effectively prevent fires and other accidents. For added peace of mind, it features an ETL-certified safety plug, ensuring your safety and comfort with every use.
- 【Comfortable and Quiet】Thanks to low noise motor technology, this portable heater is remarkably quiet, noise level below 45 decibels, which provides a quiet, warm, comfortable enviroment to you without disturbing your studies, work, and sleep.
- 【Easy Operation】The small space heater for indoor use has only one power switch,which is very easy to control and Simply plug it into a standard 120V wall socket to start it up. When not in use, it is also very easy to store without taking up much space.
Year-Round Versatility
GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater, 1500W/750W Ceramic Heater with Thermostat, Heat Up 200 Square Feet in Minutes, Safe and Quiet for Office Room Desk Indoor Use
GiveBest
- 2 in 1 heater fan: This ceramic heater provides two heat levels, 1500W or 750W and one cool air fan, you can use it both for winter and summer. Thermostat control of the heater will turn the heater off when it reaches a preset temperature and turn the heater back on when the temperature dips below the thermostat setting
- Multi protection safety system: These heaters are made of flame retardant material avoiding any fire hazard. Automatic safety shutoff system will shut the heater off when the heater overheat. The tip over protection system will also shut the heater off when the heater was knocked over by accident and it will come back on automatically if it is up righted. For optimal safety, avoid using this heater simultaneously with other high-power appliances on the same circuit.
- Compact and powerful: With build in carry handle, this portable mini heater helps to reinforce the potential of rather low electrical bills by using at the place where you need when you don’t want to warm the full house with other centralized heaters
- Quiet and fast heating: The noise this ceramic heater makes is lower than 45 decibels, quiet enough for most people to use in a bedroom while sleeping. With PTC ceramic heating tech and high speed fan, this heater put out tons of heat to heat up 200 square feet in seconds
- Upgrade abs material: Upgrade abs material applied, which is more flame-retardant. The room heater with six feet lead cord and 2 prong connection has a long lasting life
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a portable heater for 500 square feet?
Look for a heater with at least 1,500 watts of power, as this is the standard for heating large spaces efficiently. Consider safety features like tip-over protection and overheat shut-off for peace of mind. Additionally, check for adjustable thermostat settings and multiple heat modes to customize warmth.
How do ceramic and infrared heaters compare for this space?
Ceramic heaters heat the air quickly and are ideal for evenly warming a 500-square-foot room. Infrared heaters, on the other hand, warm objects and people directly, making them better for targeted heating. Ceramic models are often more affordable, while infrared heaters may be more energy-efficient for prolonged use.
Are there energy-efficient options for large rooms?
Yes, look for heaters with eco or energy-saving modes that adjust power usage based on room temperature. Infrared heaters are also a good choice as they waste less energy heating the air. Always check the heater’s energy efficiency rating (EER) to ensure cost-effective operation.
What safety features are essential for a 500-square-foot heater?
Tip-over protection is crucial to prevent accidents if the heater is knocked over. Overheat shut-off ensures the device turns off if it gets too hot. Cool-touch exteriors are also important to avoid burns, especially in homes with children or pets.
How do I determine the right size heater for my space?
A general rule is to use 10 watts of heating power per square foot, so a 500-square-foot room needs at least 1,500 watts. However, factors like ceiling height and insulation can affect this calculation. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended room size for optimal performance.
What’s the difference between a fan-forced and radiant heater?
Fan-forced heaters use a fan to circulate warm air, making them ideal for heating entire rooms quickly. Radiant heaters emit infrared heat that warms objects directly, which is better for spot heating. For a 500-square-foot area, fan-forced models are usually more effective.
Are portable heaters with timers worth it?
Timers are a great feature for convenience and energy savings, allowing you to set the heater to turn on or off automatically. They’re especially useful for pre-warming a room before you arrive or shutting it off after you fall asleep. Look for programmable timers for maximum flexibility.
How noisy are portable heaters for large rooms?
Noise levels vary by type; ceramic and fan-forced heaters tend to be louder due to the fan, while infrared heaters are quieter. If noise is a concern, opt for a model with a low-noise fan or a silent radiant heater. Check decibel ratings in product reviews for a better idea.