If your hands feel like blocks of ice when you shovel snow, ski or enjoy other outdoor sports, have an arthritic flare-up, or work in a chilly office, you may have wondered if a pair of heated gloves would help. Manufacturers design traditional winter gloves to keep cold temps away from your hands, but they’re only effective if your hands start out warm and your body temperature stays warm. As a helpful alternative, heated gloves (and mittens) are becoming increasingly popular. When I got the chance to test various gloves from popular brands personally, I was happy to do so.
Heated gloves come in an array of sizes and styles. Unlike traditional gloves, heated ones have elements that generate heat, usually through tiny electrical wires and small rechargeable batteries. Most “electric” gloves require the user to press a button to start the warmth. Some heated gloves can be heated in the microwave, and other types are chemically heated with warming packs containing iron and other components that generate heat when exposed to oxygen.
I tested many types from different brands in my quest to find the best heated gloves. Each pair of gloves was tested for comfort and durability and then awarded points based on how well they heated and how long they remained warm. The gloves were also tested for ease of use and to see if they stood up to manufacturers’ claims, such as being waterproof. Ahead, learn which features are among the most important to consider when choosing a pair of heated gloves, and find out how each of the following pairs fared in my hands-on tests. Spoiler: Some are deliciously warm!
- BEST OVERALL: Savior Battery-Heated Leather Gloves
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: HotHands Heated Fleece Gloves / Mittens
- BEST FOR SNOW: Snow Deer Electric Battery-Heated Gloves
- BEST FOR MOTORCYCLING: Savior Rechargeable Electric-Heated Gloves
- BEST FOR SKIING: Snow Deer Rechargeable Battery-Heated Mittens
- BEST GLOVE LINERS: Snow Deer Rechargeable Heated Glove Liners
- BEST MICROWAVABLE: PhysioNatural Microwavable Therapy Mittens
- ALSO CONSIDER: Shaalek Outdoor Electric-Heated Gloves
How I Tested the Best Heated Gloves
I tested many pairs of heated gloves for this lineup to see if they met the manufacturers’ claims and kept hands warm in cold temperatures. I charged the lithium-ion batteries for the battery-powered gloves overnight to ensure they had a full charge before the tests.
I started by wearing the battery-powered gloves at the highest available temperature setting. If that became too warm, I turned the heat down. I noted how easy it was to do everyday tasks, such as open car doors, sweep with a broom, and rake leaves to determine how flexible the gloves were and whether I could grasp items without them slipping. After 15 to 30 minutes, I removed the gloves and turned the temperature setting to high to see how long they would continue to generate heat. Most of the battery-powered gloves generated heat for an additional 6 to 7 hours.
I sprayed the waterproof gloves with water—except the one pair that was tested when it was misting outdoors—and then I noted whether the moisture seeped through to the inside of the glove. All of the gloves advertised as water resistant remained dry inside.
Our Top Picks
I tested each of the following gloves for their ability to warm up and stay warm in chilly conditions to improve a user’s overall body temperature. While each pair is slightly different, making some better suited for specific activities than others, each provided soothing warmth that kept my fingers toasty warm. Each set of heated gloves has its pros and cons (mostly pros), and one of these may be well suited for keeping your hands warm during your chosen activity. For the battery-powered models, both batteries and chargers are included.
Photo: amazon.com
The interior palm and fingers on the Savior Heated Electric Gloves are reinforced with soft lambskin, making them flexible yet durable for securely grabbing objects without snagging the fabric. Their soft cotton lining was comfortable against my skin, and these thick gloves were pretty warm even before I activated the heating elements. The small lithium-ion batteries fit inside a zippered pouch located on the inside of the wrist cuff, and once the batteries were in place, I barely noticed they were there. The power button made it easy to turn the gloves on and scroll through the three heat settings.
The heated wires run over the back of the hand and along the back of the fingers. Within minutes of turning the gloves to the highest heat setting, my fingers were quite warm. I turned it to the lowest setting, which kept my hands plenty warm enough. After wearing the gloves for about 20 minutes, I took them off but turned the heating element to the high setting. I sprayed the gloves’ exterior with water to simulate wearing them when it’s misting or snowing out. I checked the gloves every 30 minutes to see if they were still warm, and they continued to generate heat for nearly 7 hours. The insides never felt damp.
The Savior gloves are soft and supple, making them a comfortable choice for ice skating, sledding, or hiking on a cold winter day. Last but not least by a long shot, I could swipe the screen on my smartphone while wearing the Savior gloves, which is a plus for those who want to operate phones and tablets without taking off the gloves.
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Polyester and lambskin exterior with cotton insulation
- Heated area: Back of the hand, back of fingers
Pros
- Quality construction; built to last through heavy-duty tasks and conditions
- Nonslip lambskin palm feels both comfortable and secure while in use
- Warms quickly and stay warm up to 7 hours; suitable for long skiing trips or hikes
- Easy to turn on and scroll through all of the settings
Cons
- Low heat setting can barely be felt; may only need the medium and high settings
Get the Savior heated leather gloves at Amazon or Savior Gloves.
Photo: amazon.com
These gloves are evidence that it’s possible to keep hands warm without spending a lot of money. These ultra-lightweight HotHands gloves are made from soft fleece for comfort. The gloves come with two chemical heating packets, one for each glove, but the packets are not reusable. Additional packets must be purchased and new ones used for each use.
My first impression was that the HotHands gloves were traditional mittens, but they’re glove/mitten combos. The mitten cover pulls back to reveal fingered gloves beneath. The gloves fit comfortably, and I discovered two pouches on each glove—one in the palm area and one on the back of the hand—to hold the chemical packets. I wore the gloves with the packets in the back pouches, then removed them and put them in the front pouches. Both locations were comparable heat-wise. Users could put packets in the front and the back for added heat. Both kept my hands relatively warm, but the lightweight fleece fabric didn’t block the cold wind.
The HotHands gloves are not designed to be water resistant, so I didn’t spray them with water. After wearing them outdoors for about 15 minutes, I took them off and checked frequently to see how long the chemical packs would produce heat. They stayed warm for almost 8 hours, but the heat level dropped to about half in the last 4 hours. The index finger on each glove is coated for use with touch screens, and it worked very well. These budget-friendly heated gloves would be well suited for tailgating parties or winter field trips.
Product Specs
- Heat source: Chemical packs
- Material: Fleece, synthetic leather on palm
- Heated area: Front and back pouch
Pros
- Versatile construction; mitten cover pulls back to reveal individual fingered gloves beneath
- Soft fleece feels very comfortable; suitable for day-long skiing trips or hikes
- Excellent touch-screen ability; great for any and all device lovers
Cons
- Not moisture- or wind-resistant; may not be suitable for very cold or wet conditions
- Fit is slightly on the snug side; consider ordering a size up
- Only 2 chemical packs included; separate packs may need to be purchased for extended use
Get the HotHands heated gloves at Amazon, The Warming Store, or Hot Hands Direct.
Photo: amazon.com
Go ahead and throw that snowball! The Snow Deer Heated Electric Gloves feature three temperature settings to keep hands toasty warm no matter the type of outdoor activity. The gloves’ leather and polyester shell kept my hands dry and free from drafts, and push buttons are easily operated on the back of each glove. The heating wires covered the entire back of the hands and fingers—they end just short of the fingertips.
I was impressed by the quality of the construction—the reinforced leather palm made it easy to get a firm grip on items such as bars and shovel handles, and the soft inside liner is super cozy. The gloves operate on lithium-ion batteries that fit inside a zippered pouch on the inside wrist cuffs. The power button is located on the back of the hand, and I had no problem scrolling through the three heat settings while wearing the gloves. On the highest setting, the gloves got toasty warm in just a couple of minutes—the heating elements run along the back of the hand to the tips of the fingers.
Like the other battery-powered gloves, I wore this pair outdoors for about 20 minutes or so and then removed them, sprayed them with water, and left the heat turned to high. The gloves continued to generate heat for another 7 hours and remained dry inside. These gloves are very flexible yet soft and warm. As a plus, a small leather strip sewn along the tips of the thumbs and index fingers enabled me to use the touch screen on my phone.
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Polyester and sheep leather
- Heated area: Backs of hands and backs of fingers
Pros
- Flexible and comfortable; ideal for long hours in the cold
- Easy to operate while wearing the gloves; 3 heat settings integrated
- Touch-screen capable; no need to remove gloves to handle devices
Cons
- Not compatible with car charging ports; requires 120-volt outlets
Get the Snow Deer heated gloves at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
I could tell the Savior Heat Electric Heated Motorcycle Gloves were rugged right out of the package. They feature a double-reinforced leather palm, knuckle guards for protecting knuckles when riding a motorcycle or snowmobile, and they come with a small foam pad sewn into the outside edge of the palm, which offers hand fatigue relief when gripping handlebars.
Cold highway winds are no match for the Savior Heat’s durable leather and polyester construction that offer a windproof and waterproof shell. Their style makes it easy to grip a bike’s handlebars and operate the brake levers. The heating wires, powered by lithium-ion batteries in zippered wrist pouches, extend over the back of the hand and fingers, and the gloves warmed up within a couple of minutes after I turned them on. They’re slightly bulky but well suited for extended cold-weather riding.
The power button on these gloves is in a different location from other gloves—it’s located on the back side of the wrist. It’s still simple to operate and scroll through the temperature selections. After wearing them outside for a while, I removed them, sprayed them with water, and then checked them to see how long they generated heat. The Savior Heat gloves stayed warm on high for another 6 hours, and the insides stayed dry. I was also able to use the touch screen on my phone using my gloved index finger. However, the battery life can weaken with frequent use.
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Leather and polyester outer layer with carbon fiber, cotton insulation with fleece liner
- Heated area: Backs of hands and backs of fingers
Pros
- Rugged and well insulated; handles any rough outdoor conditions easily
- Knuckle guard great protection for heavy-duty work or play
- Touch-screen capable; users can type or check their screen without taking off the gloves
- Reinforced palm grip for added security when handling heavy tools
Cons
- Battery life can weaken over time; may not be ideal for some users
- Power button is in a different position than for other gloves
Get the Savior heated gloves at Amazon, Savior Gloves, or The Warming Store.
Photo: amazon.com
Whether inching down the bunny slopes or tackling the twists and turns of a challenging black-diamond run, the Snow Deer heated ski gloves are designed to keep hands warm. These mitten-type gloves feature heated wires that extend across the entire back of the hand all the way to the fingertips to keep hands toasty warm.
The mittens feature water-resistant polyester on the back of the hand and butter-soft leather on the palm. I was surprised when I inserted my hand and discovered the soft interior lining inside is a glove design; they are essentially gloves inside mittens. The mitten design doesn’t permit as much agility, and I could not swipe the touch screen on my phone, but they’re very warm and comfortable.
The mitten design and supple leather palm allowed me to grip a shovel handle securely. We had a light rain the day I tested these, so I didn’t need to spray them with water. My hands stayed warm and dry for the 20 minutes I wore them outdoors, even though the exterior was wet. After I removed them, the mittens stayed warm for another 6 hours of battery life.
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Polyester, sheep leather
- Heated area: Backs of hands extending to fingertips
Pros
- Soft and comfortable; keeps wearers cozy for long periods of work or play
- Able to grip handles easily; great for cold outdoor work
- Mitten design maximizes finger warmth for long periods of outdoor exposure
Cons
- Not touch-screen enabled; may not be as versatile as other heated gloves
Get the Snow Deer heated mittens at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
If you have a favorite pair of conventional gloves that just aren’t warm enough, consider Snow Deer Heated Glove Liners to boost the comfort level. Pair them with heavier gloves or wear them alone. I found the liners to be all that was necessary for keeping my hands warm in cool—not cold—weather. I didn’t pair them with a pair of outer gloves, but if the plan is to do that, then the outer gloves should be about one size larger to accommodate these liners.
These heated glove liners feature a thin, insulated interior and a flexible Neoprene exterior that offers a bit more wind protection than plain fleece, but not much. Since the day was windy, I kept them turned to the highest heat selection to keep my hands warm. These are not waterproof liners, so if snowy conditions are expected, pair them with waterproof gloves or mittens. These gloves stayed warm for almost 7 hours.
The thumb and index finger on these heated glove liners come with touch-screen pads that work well with my phone, and the liners’ heating wires extend across the entire back of the hand and fingers—all the way to the fingertips. They operate via a push button on the back of each wrist cuff, which is easy to reach and scroll through the temperature settings. The gloves use lithium-ion batteries that fit in zippered pouches on the inside wrist cuff.
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Neoprene, fleece, Lycra
- Heated area: Backs of hands and backs of fingers
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible; ideal for prolonged work in the cold
- Not bulky; easier to handle tools compared to usual gloves
- Touch-screen capable; users can type or look at their phone without taking off the gloves
Cons
- Construction is not moisture resistant; not great in the snow
Get the Snow Dear heated glove liners at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Not all of the heated gloves I tested were designed for outdoor wear. The PhysioNatural Microwave Therapy Mittens are made to keep hands warm indoors—and they’re so comfy.
Each one of the mittens weighs in at a hefty 1.75 pounds, so don’t plan on doing anything other than sitting and enjoying the warmth while wearing them. The plush mitt covers are super soft and snuggly. I followed the directions and popped them in the microwave for 1.5 minutes, but I checked them at the 1-minute mark, and they were plenty warm—almost too warm. I slipped my hands in and reveled in the penetrating heat from the clay beads and flaxseed inside.
The manufacturer says the heated mittens should give off a gentle lavender aroma, but I didn’t smell lavender—I did smell the warmed flaxseed, though, and I found that to be pleasant.
Each of the heated mittens holds two bags of clay beads and seeds, one on each side, which are removable so the user can wash the plush covers. These are strictly therapy mittens—designed to offer soothing warmth for those who suffer from cold fingers.
Product Specs
- Heat source: Microwavable clay beads and flaxseed
- Material: Plush minky fabric
- Heated area: Both sides of the hand
Pros
- Supersoft design; great for keeping warm and cozy outdoors
- Can be rewarmed as often as desired; durable and microwave-safe construction
- Convenient design provides continuous soothing warmth during chilly winter months
Cons
- Beads and seeds tend to shift, requiring frequent heat redistribution
Get the PhysioNatural heated gloves at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Protect knuckles from bumps and scrapes while staying warm with these battery-powered Shaalek Heated Gloves. Right out of the package, I noticed these gloves were lighter in weight than some of the other brands, so I wondered if they would keep my hands as warm. I need not have wondered—they did—and the reduced bulkiness made it easier to perform fine motor movements, such as turning the ignition key on the ATV.
The lithium-ion batteries fit in a zippered pocket on the back of the wrist near the power button, which is easy to turn on and scroll through the heat settings while wearing the gloves. The gloves come with five temperature settings, and I started on the highest. The Shaalek gloves warmed up quickly. The heating elements run along the back of the hand and the back of the fingers—clear to the tips. I turned the heat down to the lowest setting, and after a few minutes turned it up to the middle setting for added warmth.
After wearing the gloves for about 25 minutes while walking the dogs, I took them off, sprayed them with water, and left them on the highest setting. I checked frequently, and they continued to produce heat for just more than 6 hours, and the insides stayed dry. If it’s important to use hands in the cold—for something like changing a tire—these gloves will easily allow a grip and the ability to move fingers while keeping hands warm. Plus, the back of the glove features a hard carbon fiber knuckle protector. One slight downside: While they’re advertised as suitable for use with a touch screen, they did not allow me to swipe my smartphone.
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: EVA and PU foam, carbon fiber, 3M insulate cotton, waterproof material, a heating layer, and microfiber
- Heated area: Backs of hands and backs of fingers to tips
Pros
- Flexible and less bulky compared to similar gloves; heating elements run along each finger
- 5 heat settings; flexible depending on the level of warmth needed
- Knuckle protection integrated; great for working outdoors or for skiing
- Allows user the ability to grip and move fingers while also staying warm
Cons
- Didn’t work with touch screen; not as versatile as other heated gloves
Get the Shaalek heated gloves at Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing Heated Gloves
Dependable warmth is a top consideration when shopping for heated gloves—you buy them to keep your hands warm, after all—but they should also be comfortable and adapt to different activities. For example, if you plan to take selfies, work on a computer, or even read when wearing them, a thin touch screen–capable pair can be a good choice to add to an arsenal of cold-weather gear.
Popular Types of Heated Gloves
Since gloves are generally worn outside for activities like skiing, sledding, or chopping wood, heating them depends on the use of either batteries or chemical packets. Both heating sources provide warmth for a limited amount of time, as batteries must be recharged or chemical packets replaced.
Chemically Heated Gloves
Similar to basic winter gloves, chemically heated gloves can be either glove or mitten style. A pair features a pocket on each glove (usually along the back of the hand) that holds a disposable chemical warming packet that heats up when it is removed from its sealed package. The warmth lasts up to 8 hours. These are relatively inexpensive gloves and occasionally require replacement packets to use, but the costs can add up if used frequently.
Electrically Heated Gloves
Electrically heated gloves don’t require stocking up on chemical packets, but the batteries need to be recharged or replaced. This type of heated glove features a small battery compartment connected to flexible, heated wires embedded in the gloves’ fabric. There are built-in safety mechanisms to ensure there’s no risk of shock. Some electrically heated gloves allow a choice of temperature settings. These gloves are, on average, more than double the price of chemically heated gloves.
Fit and Size
Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal sizing chart for gloves, so the same set of hands might wear a “large” in one brand and an “extra large” in another. When trying on heated gloves, make sure they fit comfortably and that the fingertips almost (but not quite) touch the ends.
The wrist area should extend far enough up the arm that it can tuck it into the sleeves of a jacket. This helps prevent cold air, frigid rain, or blowing snow from drifting in. If buying gloves online, look for a sizing chart, and choose the size closest to actual hand measurements.
Material
For the warmest hands, heated gloves need a windproof shell (often made from nylon or a polyester blend) combined with a soft interior liner made from fleece or wool. In general, the more padding a glove has, the warmer it will be.
Thick, bulky gloves can reduce finger dexterity, so keep in mind what activities will be done when wearing them. If wearing them when walking for exercise, bulky gloves won’t pose an issue. If the desire is to wear them when skiing or working, select gloves that are thin enough and flexible enough to allow a secure grip and finger dexterity.
Waterproofing
If winter activities put hands in direct contact with snow and ice, added waterproofing protection can be helpful. Manufacturers typically use sealed leather or a shell made from nylon and silicone to keep water from soaking through their gloves.
The downside is that waterproof gloves allow sweat to accumulate inside the gloves, so hands may feel clammy or uncomfortable. Some manufacturers only waterproof the material on the palm side of the gloves and use a ventilated fabric on the back side to prevent this problem.
Touch-Screen Capability
Smartphones and computers are everywhere these days. If the phone rings or a message appears when you’re all bundled up, there’s a scramble to pull off the heated gloves (usually with teeth) to free a finger to swipe across the screen. Nylon doesn’t have the same conductive properties as skin, so swiping a smartphone or a tablet screen with a nylon glove won’t do anything.
Consider gloves that feature touch-screen capability—the inclusion of a pad on the index finger (and sometimes thumb) embedded with conductive fabric to fool a smart screen into thinking it was swiped with a bare finger across its surface.
Battery Life
Most electrically heated gloves feature small, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that provide heat for an average of 2 to 6 hours before they must be recharged. If there’s a desire for gloves to stay warm for a longer battery life, consider buying gloves with a removable battery. Then, a second battery can be ready to use when the other is depleted.
FAQs
Heated gloves have been around for a couple of decades, but they have become more popular as glove materials have improved and batteries have gotten less bulky while being able to hold longer charges. It’s not unusual for shoppers to have a few questions.
Q. Are heated gloves machine washable?
Some are machine washable. A tag sewn into the glove’s lining (just inside the wrist) indicates whether you can launder the gloves without damaging them. Some can be hand washed, while others should only be wiped down with a damp cloth. Some can be machine washed in a separate “delicates” bag. When you clean them, avoid wringing out any excess water. That action can damage the heating wires.
Q. How long do heated gloves last?
The warmth from chemically heated gloves can last 8 to 10 hours, depending on the strength of the chemical packets. Battery-heated (electric) gloves generally stay warm for up to 6 hours before needing a recharge. Many have lifetime warranties. Over time, all batteries will eventually run down and hold less of a charge. You can charge a typical lithium-ion battery an average of 300 to 500 times before you need to replace it.
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