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Brittle winter temperatures can sometimes make your favorite cold-weather activities, whether skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, or sledding, downright uncomfortable. Of course, many of us want to continue our daily outdoor activities, like running, motorcycling or walking our dogs, throughout the cold-weather months too.
But, in order to enjoy these activities (and get through those not-so-fun ones, like shoveling), you'll need the right weather-appropriate gear to keep you from freezing. And if your hands and fingers tend to get too cold in regular winter gloves or even ski gloves, a pair of heated gloves might be just the solution.
To find the best heated gloves, our team of scientists and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab researched and tested select contenders in our Lab, considering everything from fabrication and construction, including heating methods, to ease of use and heating intensity. We also had consumer testers try them in real-world conditions, both on the slopes and outdoors in chilly weather.
Pros
No bulky wires
Exceptional heating
Variety of plugs for traveling
Cons
Priciest pair featured
Some heated gloves feel bulky, but this style from Outdoor Research has an innovative design that prevents you from feeling wires through the fabric. In fact, the heating elements are directly integrated into the interior lining, keeping bulky wires to a minimum and allowing you to stay more dexterous.
Like many popular styles, they provide heat throughout the fingers and the back of the hand, with three different levels of warmth and a maximum run time of eight hours on the lowest setting (with a fully charged battery). Beyond that, they're insulated and lined with fleece for added comfort and warmth. It also comes with a variety of plugs for traveling.
When we tested this pair, we were impressed by the even heating that kept our fingers exceptionally warm while skiing. One tester even described them as "life-changing" to wear while walking around in a snowstorm. Admittedly, these are the most expensive pair on our list, but Outdoor Research has a strong reputation among serious hikers and skiers for its top-notch technical gear.
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Touchscreen capability | Yes |
---|---|
Heat source | Rechargeable battery pack |
Temperature range listed | Not listed |
Maximum battery life listed | Not listed |
Fiber content | Exterior: Polyester and nylon; palm: 100% water-resistant leather; insulation: 100% polyester; lining: 100% polyester |
Material features | Water-resistant palm and waterproof inner membrane |
Pros
Warm inner lining for added comfort
Heating on back of hand and all five fingers
Budget-friendly
Cons
One size only
These heated gloves from Autocastle have a durable water-repellent exterior and warm lining to keep hands protected, whether you're using the heating function or not. Moreover, the outer fabric is touchscreen-compatible, so you can use your smartphone while wearing them. Though batteries aren't included, this style lets you choose between three AA batteries or an equivalent rechargeable battery.
Beyond that, this pair has a large heating area designed to reach the back of the hand and all five fingers, although it doesn't offer any coverage on the palm, which is common. Compared to our other picks, these are more affordable but offer a lower level of heat, making them better for casual day-to-day wear rather than adventuring in extreme climates. Take note that this pair is only offered in one size.
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Touchscreen capability | Yes |
---|---|
Heat source | Refillable battery pack |
Temperature range listed | 95–113ºF |
Maximum battery life listed | Depends on batteries used |
Fiber content | Not listed |
Material features | Water-repellent exterior |
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Pros
Ideal for everyday winter wear
Heating elements over the entire hand
Available in four sizes for snug fit
Cons
Should be paired with an outer glove for extreme weather or winter sports
Glove liners are essential on extra-cold days when your normal pair of gloves just isn't cutting it. This pair is thin yet effective, with the added benefit of heating elements on the back of your hands and the fingertips (where your hands get cold first). It's got three different heat settings and comes with rechargeable batteries that the brand says last up to six hours. This pair also boasts a high temperature range, from 100°F to 150°F.
Because of their thin nature, you can opt to wear the gloves on their own for casual everyday wear or pair them with an outer glove for winter sports. Plus, the thumb and index finger are touch-screen compatible, so you can easily use your phone. This pair is offered in four sizes to help guarantee a truly snug, stay-in-place fit. This pick is sold in two different styles; Style A is the original style with slimmer cuffs, while Style B offers cinching around the wrist.
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Touchscreen capability | Yes |
---|---|
Heat source | Rechargeable battery pack |
Temperature range listed | 100–150ºF |
Maximum battery life listed | Up to 6 hours on lowest setting |
Fiber content | Exterior: 85% Lycra, 15% elastane; interior: 100% polyester |
Material Features | Moisture-wicking interior |
Pros
Quickly heated up in tests
Thoughtful three-in-one design
Easy setup and heat control
Cons
Some testers found the outer glove bulky
Known for its popular heated vests and jackets, Ororo knows a thing or two when it comes to cold-weather gear. These three-in-one heated gloves are no exception and were one of the most beginner-friendly pairs we tried. The design is thoughtful and versatile: The glove liners hold the heating elements along the fingertips and back of the hand, while the insulated glove acts as a solid standalone pair. Wear them separately or together for protection in extreme conditions.
In our Lab tests, the gloves heated up quickly. Setup is easy: Simply charge both batteries, slot them into their respective pouches and hold the power button. From there, the gloves preheat for about five minutes before you're able to toggle between low, medium and high settings.
Our testers found that the liners had a snug fit, but the fingers of the gloves were too large and could feel bulky. However, both pairs are touch-screen compatible on the thumb, index and middle finger, so you won't need to take them off to use your phone.
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Touchscreen capability | Yes |
---|---|
Heat source | Rechargeable battery pack |
Temperature range listed | 95–113ºF |
Maximum battery life listed | Up to 8 hours on lowest setting |
Fiber content | Exterior: 100% polyester; interior: 100% polyester |
Material features | Water-resistant exterior (glove and liner) and non-slip grips on palm |
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Pros
Adjustable pull cord
Hidden zipper pocket
Cons
Some reviewers had issues with the brand's customer service
If you're looking to stay as warm as possible, opt for mittens instead of gloves so your fingers can share warmth. This pair has a water-resistant polyester shell for added durability, making it perfect for gripping ski poles or trekking poles in snowy conditions. Plus, they actually heat up every part of your hand for up to six hours. In fact, the interior of this pair is shaped similarly to a glove, allowing for heating around each fingertip with some shared contact around the knuckles.
We appreciate that this style is offered in a wide size range, from XXS to XXL. A Velcro tie around the top of the wrist and a pull cord at the bottom allow for easy adjustments to ensure a proper fit. There's even a convenient, discreet zipper pocket on the inside of the wrist. Just note that some reviewers on Amazon experienced difficulties with Snow Deer's customer service regarding the limited warranty for the previous version of these gloves.
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Touchscreen capability | Yes (thumb only) |
---|---|
Heat source | Rechargeable battery packs |
Temperature range listed | 100–150ºF |
Maximum battery life listed | Up to 6 hours on lowest setting |
Fiber content | Exterior: Polyester |
Material features | Water-resistant exterior |
Pros
Three heat settings
Heating on back of hands, fingers and fingertips
Thin, stretchy fabric
Cons
Reviewers said the battery life isn't great
For those in search of a thin pair of gloves to wear while commuting, this style from Sun Will is a popular Amazon favorite, especially in the thinner option. It comes with two rechargeable lithium batteries, which the brand says, when fully charged, can last from three to seven hours, depending on the heat setting. However, some reviewers noted that the battery doesn't last as long as promised.
Still, many reviewers shared that the gloves kept them warm on some brutal winter days and highlighted that they provide excellent warmth while being thin enough for much-needed dexterity. We also appreciate the detail-oriented construction of this pair, with a waterproof zipper for the battery pocket, touchscreen-compatible fingertips and non-slip grips on the palms. Plus, the infrared fiber heating elements cover the back of hands, fingers and fingertips for ultimate warmth.
Touchscreen capability | Yes |
---|---|
Heat source | Rechargeable battery pack |
Temperature range listed | 100–131ªF |
Maximum battery life listed | Up to 7 hours on lowest setting |
Fiber content | Exterior: Lycra; interior: polyester |
Material features | Non-slip grips on palm |
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Other heated gloves to consider
In addition to our top picks for the best heated gloves based on expert research and testing above, here are other popular options and solid performers from our evaluations to consider:
- Best Smart: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Smart Heated Gloves This pair stands out for its smart functionality: They automatically heat up the second you slide them on. While they were easy to set up and provided warmth throughout the entire glove, our consumer testers had issues on the slopes using the app and found them less warm than other heated pairs they've tried.
- Best for Winter Sports: Savior Heat Heated Gloves with Rechargeable Battery Popular on Amazon, this pair has over 3,000 reviews and boasts an average 4.2-star rating. We like the wide size range (from XS to 3XL) for a tailored fit and the brand's quick heating. The caveat is that many reviewers have reported issues with the batteries over time.
- Best Chemically Heated: HotHands Heated Fleece Glove/Mittens If you would rather avoid electrically heated gloves, this pair has a pocket for a disposable, air-activated heating packet. They won't be as warm as other heated pairs, but they're great for casual, everyday wear.
- Best for Arthritis: PhysioNatural Microwavable Therapy Mittens For those who suffer from arthritis or Raynaud's syndrome, these mittens can help provide some relief at home. To heat them up, simply microwave them for one to two minutes prior to use. Note that they're meant for lounging at home rather than outdoor use.
How we test heated gloves
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested all types of gear for cold weather, including the best winter gloves and ski gloves. To find the best heated gloves, we began by researching offerings from well-known brands and other popular online options before considering fabrication, physical design and heating elements.
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For new releases without online reviews, we evaluated each in the Lab using a thermal imaging camera to gauge heat distribution. In all, the material scientists and engineers in our Textiles Lab spent over 60 hours researching and evaluating various heated gloves to find the best available.
Beyond expert evaluation in the Lab, we worked with consumer testers to try out select styles firsthand in cold weather during the winter. For heated gloves designed for winter sports, we had avid skiers take them out to the slopes before giving feedback on fit, comfort and overall performance.
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What to look for when shopping for the best heated gloves
✔️ Fit: Most importantly, you'll want to make sure your heated gloves fit properly. We recommend measuring your hand and referencing the size chart if purchasing online. For ultimate comfort, make sure you can comfortably bend your hand into a fist and your entire wrist is covered.
✔️ Material: To stay completely warm, opt for gloves that are wind- and weather-proofed with insulation as a backup precaution (especially if you plan to wear them in the snow). Look for outer shells made with a nylon or polyester blend with a soft fleece or wool interior liner. Heated gloves will vary in thickness. Thinner styles are better suited for working outside or pairing with a ski glove for winter sports. Waterproof protection will help keep your hands protected from the elements, but note that they'll feel less breathable and may leave your hands a bit clammy.
✔️ Battery life: Most battery-operated heated gloves offer rechargeable lithium batteries instead of single-use batteries. Rechargeable batteries typically offer two to 10 hours of heat. For longer heating times, you'll need to buy an extra set to have a replacement with you.
✔️ Targeted heating: Many gloves place heating elements around the hand and wrist, but if you get cold easily, our experts recommend you look for a glove with heating around the fingertips, as your extremities will often get cold before the rest of your body.
How do heated gloves work?
There are two main types of heated gloves widely available, and each has a different mechanism for heating:
✔️ Chemically heated gloves: These gloves feature a pocket where you can place a disposable air-activated heating packet that will warm up once removed from its packaging. The heat lasts around eight hours before having to be replaced. These gloves have the option to be worn without the heating packets too.
✔️ Electric or battery-operated heated gloves: Instead of needing heating packet replacements, you'll need to recharge or replace the batteries. The battery compartment is connected to a series of heated wires that are embedded throughout the gloves' fabric. Most electric heated gloves have a variety of heat settings that use different amounts of battery power. This type of heated glove tends to be significantly more expensive.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product analyst and the most recent updater of this article. She oversaw recent electric glove testing in the Lab and has evaluated everything from winter gloves to electric blankets. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University. She has also worked on wearable technology, smart clothing and electronic textiles within various academic laboratories.
Emma Seymour is the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab associate director. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over five years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for pillows, cooling bedding and more. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear.
Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Grace Wu
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.