Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 vs Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater

The Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater is the better space heater overall, rated 4.1 to 3.6. The Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater leads on value. The Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 wins on warranty. The Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater costs $60 less ($39.99 vs $99.99).

Higher rated

Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater

#1 in Fan heaters4.1Full review

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 $39.99

$39.99

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

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 Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater for value ($27 per kW ($39.99, 1,500 W) vs $67 per kW ($99.99, 1,500 W)).
Choose the Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 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-978
Overall rating	4.1/5	3.6/5
Value 25%	82 $27 per kW ($39.99, 1,500 W)	25 $67 per kW ($99.99, 1,500 W)
Safety 25%	100 ETL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff	100 UL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff
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.