For a desk or bedside where a cheap, quiet heater should hold a set temperature. A larger room is better served by a tower or radiator.
Amazon $39.99The Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater is the better space heater overall, rated 4.1 to 3.3. The Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater leads on value and safety. The Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 wins on warranty. The Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater costs $65 less ($39.99 vs $104.99).
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 $104.99Prices 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 Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater for value ($27 per kW ($39.99, 1,500 W) vs $70 per kW ($104.99, 1,500 W)) and safety (ETL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff vs tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff; no safety listing published).
- Choose the Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
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 | Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater | Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 25% | 82 $27 per kW ($39.99, 1,500 W) | 22 $70 per kW ($104.99, 1,500 W) |
| Safety 25% | 100 ETL 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% | 0 1-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% | 50 lowest setting not published (neutral score used) | 0 down to 1,000 W |
Independent measurements
Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater
| Tested by | Noise | Power draw | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Housekeeping Institute | 47.9 dB | - | Maximum setting, measured 6 in from the heater in the GH Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab. Date is the article’s last update. |
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968
| Tested by | Noise | Power draw | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechGearLab | 43.5 dB | - | Noise rating in dBA from a professional sound level meter; heat setting and distance not stated. |
Specifications
| Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater | Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat settings | 1,500 W | 1,000 to 1,500 W |
| Type | Fan | Fan |
| Element | Ceramic | Quartz |
| Oscillates | - | No |
| Controls | ||
| Thermostat | Digital | Digital |
| Eco mode | Yes | Yes |
| Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | Yes | Yes |
| App | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | ETL | None published |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Overheat shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Cool-touch housing | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Noise | 34 dB | 39 dB |
| Cord | - | 6 ft |
| Dimensions | 6.02 x 6.02 x 9.64 in | 11 x 13 x 15.5 in |
| Weight | 3.8 lb | 23.5 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-07 | 2009-09-30 |
