Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 vs Dr Infrared Heater DR-978

The Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 is the better space heater overall, rated 3.6 to 3.3. The Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 leads on safety. The Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 costs $5 less ($99.99 vs $104.99).

Higher rated

Dr Infrared Heater DR-978

#13 in Fan heaters3.6Full review

For anyone who wants a compact, safe blower heater with a real thermostat, a remote and a long warranty. It is the smaller, lighter take on the DR-968.

Amazon $99.99

$99.99

Dr Infrared Heater DR-968

#34 in Fan heaters3.3Full review

For a living room or basement where a quiet blower heater with a real thermostat and remote should run for hours. The “infrared” label is marketing: it gives the same heat as any 1,500 W heater.

Amazon $104.99

$104.99

Prices were last checked October 30, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 for safety (UL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff vs tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff; no safety listing published).

Scores side by side

Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every fan heaters space heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.

Factor weight	Dr Infrared Heater DR-978	Dr Infrared Heater DR-968
Overall rating	3.6/5	3.3/5
Value 25%	25 $67 per kW ($99.99, 1,500 W)	22 $70 per kW ($104.99, 1,500 W)
Safety 25%	100 UL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff	60 tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff; no safety listing published
Thermostat 15%	100 holds a set temperature	100 holds a set temperature
Warranty 15%	50 3-year warranty	50 3-year warranty
Controls 10%	75 eco mode, timer, remote; no app	75 eco mode, timer, remote; no app
Low setting 10%	0 down to 1,000 W	0 down to 1,000 W

Independent measurements

Dr Infrared Heater DR-978

No independent test published yet.