Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 vs Vornado AVH10 (2026)
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968
Vornado AVH10 (2026)
The short answer
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 and Vornado AVH10 (2026) finish almost level in our scoring (7.6 vs 7.6 out of 10), so the right pick depends on what you value most. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 is stronger on heating performance and value. Vornado AVH10 (2026) is stronger on noise & sleep-friendliness. At current verified prices, the Vornado AVH10 (2026) costs about $5.00 less.
- Choose the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 if: Owners of large primary bedrooms who need more output than a compact heater gives and can accept a low fan hum and a standby light. It is not a pick for the lightest sleepers.
- Choose the Vornado AVH10 (2026) if: Buyers who want quiet Vornado circulation that adjusts its own output to hold a steady temperature all night.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 | Vornado AVH10 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise & Sleep-Friendliness | 7.4Bob Vila: a slight hum from the fan. No dB figure. | 8.3Reviewed measured a 44 dB maximum at 4 ft. Auto Climate lowers output once the room is warm. |
| Safety | 7.5Tip-over and overheat protection. The UL listing comes only from a retailer spec. | 7.5Vornado lists tip-over and overheat shutoff and a cool-touch case. ETL listing unconfirmed, and there is no CR fire-safety result. |
| Heating Performance | 8.6Room rose 10°F in 33 minutes in Bob Vila's test. | 7.8Reviewed: strong circulation, with weaker spot heating than infrared models. |
| Bedroom Usability | 6.9Remote, timer and digital thermostat, but the standby light and 19–25 lb weight count against it. | 7.2Digital push-button controls with Auto Climate, but no remote or timer. |
| Health & Materials | 6.5Fan-assisted. 3-year warranty. | 6.8Fan-forced. 5-year Vornado guarantee. |
| Value | 7.4$104.99 is fair for its large-room output. | 6.6$99.99 is a premium over the VH10. |
Specifications
| Spec | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 | Vornado AVH10 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Heater type | Infrared quartz + PTC, fan-assisted | Fan-forced vortex (whole room) |
| Fanless (no blower) | No | No |
| Manufacturer-rated noise | 39 dB | — |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Overheat protection | Yes | Yes |
| Cool-touch exterior | — | Yes |
| Safety listing (ETL/UL) | UL | — |
| Thermostat type | Digital (50–85°F) | Digital (Auto Climate) |
| Max timer | 12 hours | — |
| Remote control | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968
Pros
- Fast warm-up in Bob Vila's test
- Digital thermostat, 12-hour timer and remote
- Tip-over and overheat protection
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Low fan hum
- Standby light in a dark room
- Heavy cabinet, about 19–25 lb
- Not the quietest option
A reasonable choice for big bedrooms where heat output matters more than silence. For ordinary bedrooms and light sleepers, the picks above fit better.
Full Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 review →Vornado AVH10 (2026)
Pros
- Digital Auto Climate control
- 44 dB maximum measured by Reviewed
- Tip-over and overheat shutoff
- Cool-touch case
- 5-year guarantee
Cons
- No remote or timer
- Costs more than the VH10
- Spot heating less intense than infrared models
- Noise evidence comes from one test source
A good set-and-forget option for people who want Vornado's quiet circulation without fiddling with a dial. Most buyers will do just as well with the VH10.
Full Vornado AVH10 (2026) review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Quiet, Safe Space Heaters for Bedrooms of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.