How should you stay warm in brutally cold weather? One, layer your clothes and layer them well (base layer for absorption, mid layer for insulation, outer layer for protection). Two, get yourself a pair of good-quality heated gloves. In that order.
While keeping your core warm is essential in winter, keeping your digits toasty is just as important if you spend a lot of time outside. The best heated gloves will help keep your hands warm whether shoveling snow, skiing, hunting, riding a motorcycle, or simply walking the dog.
Heated gloves have small wires woven inside that are powered by rechargeable batteries, allowing them to distribute and maintain warmth for hours. While most heated gloves are pretty similar, there are some variables to consider when shopping for a pair. Below are some of our favorites for outdoor sports and activities, plus a guide on how to pick the right pair for your needs and budget.
The best heated gloves
Editor’s choice: iHood Heated Gloves
- 3M Thinsulate insulation
- PU-coated waterproof oxford exterior fabric
- 7.4V 3000mAh Li-polymer batteries, up to 8 hours of runtime
- Three heat settings, between 113°F to 158°F
- Touchscreen sensitive
- Cuff tightening rope
The iHood Heated Gloves have an impressive heating time of up to eight hours. Our tester loved taking these out for cold days while rock climbing and skiing because they last all day, although the battery packs do add some weight. The three heat settings are easy to switch between and you can even use a smartphone in these gloves, although the fingers are quite large, so precise movements are a bit tricky. These gloves feature classic elements like a cuff-tightening rope to trap heat.
Another thing our tester loved is the high-quality construction. There’s a soft fabric lining and a layer of 3M Thinsulate for heat retention on the inside. On the exterior, we get a layer of goat leather and PU-coated waterproof oxford fabric.
See iHood Heated Gloves on Amazon
Best for winter sports: Savior Heated Gloves
- 40% lambskin, 60% polyester
- 7.4v 2200mAh rechargeable batteries, up to seven hours of use
- Breathable, waterproof, wind-resistant
- Soft pearl cotton insulation
- Three temperature levels
- Carbon-fiber protective shell
The Savior Heated Gloves are highly durable, warm, and available in seven sizes. They are waterproof and wind-resistant but also breathable, which helps prevent discomfort when the gloves are switched on to their highest setting. The lining is soft, comfortable pearl cotton, which feels good against the skin.
There are three temperature settings and they reach the ideal temperature in just 30 seconds. The 2200mAh rechargeable battery can last as long as five hours, depending on the temperature level. They are perfect for outdoor activities and are even useful for improving blood circulation as the heat spreads across the back of the hands and the fingers rather than just focusing on one area. They’re not cheap but they’re top-quality.
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Best touchscreen compatible liners: Snow Deer Heated Glove Liners
- 92% polyester 8% elastane
- 2200mAh rechargeable battery, up to 6.5 work hours
- Heating elements across back of hand and fingers
- Touch screen-compatible index finger
- Three heat settings
- Carry-bag included
If you already have a favorite pair of insulated gloves and are looking for good-quality heated liners for an extra boost, check out the Snow Deer Heated Glove Liners. Soft and relatively thin, these liners fit comfortably under most regular winter gloves to provide an extra layer of warmth. They can also act as indoor gloves if you have circulation issues. The touch sensors on the fingers allow you to use your touchscreen. The lycra material is flexible and accommodating, while the external neoprene ensures durability.
The heating element works across the back of your hand and fingers to provide full coverage and the 2200mAh rechargeable battery provides up to six hours of warmth. There are three temperature settings and the adjustable wrist straps provide further protection from the chill.
See Snow Deer Heated Glove Liners on Amazon
Best motorcycle gloves: Heat Warmer Heated Gloves
- Polyester exterior, cotton lining
- Adjustable temperature, 113℉ -140°F
- 2200mAh rechargeable battery, up to six hours of runtime
- Inner waterproof liner
- Touchscreen capability
With a maximum temperature of 140°F, the Heat Warmer Heated Gloves are extremely effective. They come with a reliable 2200mAh rechargeable battery that delivers a long-lasting charge — up to six hours, depending on the temperature setting. You can also adjust the temperature if you feel too hot (or cold).
With cotton lining on the inside, waterproof lining in the middle, and exterior sponge lining, these waterproof gloves are versatile and suitable for a range of activities, from motorcycle riding to shoveling snow. They also have touchscreen capability so you don’t have to take them off when you want to use your devices. While not the most durable or warmest pair of gloves out there, these are undoubtedly some of the best heated gloves in this price range. They’re warm, comfortable, and well-made. You’ll be hard-pressed to find something better in this price bracket.
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Best for large hands: Autocastle Heated Gloves
- Waterproof spandex fabric
- Touchscreen-compatible
- 4.5V rechargeable battery (not included)
- Non-slip palm grip
- Adjustable elastic wristband
The Autocastle Heated Gloves are our best value option if you’re looking for reliable but affordable ones. They come with a waterproof spandex fabric that makes them comfortable and easy to wear. They are also touchscreen compatible.
The battery isn’t included with these and there is only one heat setting. There is a large heating area that covers most of your hand, while the non-slip palm grip is a nice touch. There is an adjustable wristband and the flexible material makes it easy to manipulate and maneuver your fingers.
See Autocastle Heated Gloves on Amazon
Best for shoveling snow: Spring Electric Heated Gloves
- Spandex fabric cotton, reinforced PU leather
- Waterproof coating and breathable fabric
- Carbon fiber heating element
- 113°F heating capacity
- Rechargeable three AA battery (not included)
- One size fits all (on the larger side)
Warm and comfortable, Spring Electric Heated Gloves are another excellent choice for anyone on a budget. The spandex cotton fabric easily stretches to accommodate larger hands and it doesn’t feel so tight that it becomes uncomfortable.
The carbon fiber heating element is high quality, especially considering the price, and it operates up to 113°F. Three layers add further insulation and warmth, while the waterproof coating and breathable fabric make these gloves suitable for everyday wear and outdoor adventures. The only minus is the battery unit, it is quite large, making the gloves look rather bulky. Thankfully, reinforced materials ensure longevity and durability.
See Spring Electric Heated Gloves on Amazon
Best gloves for skiing: AKASO Heated Gloves
- 3M Thinsulate cotton construction
- Anti-slip gripping palms and fingers
- 3200mAh rechargeable battery, up to eight hours of run time
- Three heat settings, 95°F to 140°F
- Splashproof and windproof
- Touch sensors on thumb and index finger
If you’re looking for a quality heated ski glove, look no further than the AKASO. This pair of heated gloves are made from 3M Thinsulate cotton, so it’s both super-warm and breathable, making it ideal for winter sports. It comes with carbon fiber heating technology that covers the entire back of the hand, fingers, and thumb, plus three heat levels to choose from (95°F to 140°F).
The back of each glove is splash-proof, making them perfect for light rain and snowfall but not great for heavy precipitation. The palm and fingers are made from soft PU leather with an anti-slip gripping surface for gripping ski poles. We also like the touchscreen capability and 3200mAh high-capacity rechargeable batteries that last up to eight hours on low mode.
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Cold fingers no more: Sun Will Store Battery Heated Gloves
- Durable polyester and goatskin
- 7.4V 2200mAh battery, up to six hours of life
- Adjustable heat settings, 104°F to 149°F
- Touchscreen functionality
- Water-resistant and windproof
Sun Will’s heated gloves use far infrared fiber heating elements that cover the back of the hand, fingers, and fingertips for maximum warmth. They’re made from multiple durable layers, including water-resistant and wind-resistant polyester, breathable goatskin on the palm, and soft and comfortable liners.
With a 7.4V 2200mAh Li-polymer battery pack, the Sun Will gloves provide up to six hours of battery life when used on a low setting, which is 104°F. They also come with touchscreen functionality, so you can use your devices without taking the gloves off. That said, they don’t have the greatest grip, so we don’t recommend them for winter sports and to skiers.
See Sun Will Store Battery Heated Gloves on Amazon
Ultra-slim liners: Day Wolf Heated Liners
- Polyester and lycra construction
- 7.4V 2200mAh batteries, up to six hours of life
- Adjustable heat settings, 100°F to 150°F
- Touchscreen capability
- Slim design, fits into most gloves
If you’re looking for ultra-slim heated liners that you can fit into any gloves (insulated winter gloves, bulky work gloves, or even mountain bike gloves), definitely check out these Day Wolf heated liners. Made of polyester and lycra, they’re slim but durable and can be worn under thicker gloves when outside or on their own when inside.
With 7.4V 2200mAh rechargeable batteries, these liners heat up quickly, too – around 30 seconds — plus, they stay warm for up to six hours. They have touchscreen capability.
See Day Wolf Heated Liners on Amazon
Best chemically heated gloves: HotHands Heated Fleece Gloves
- Fleece and 3M Thinsulate
- Designed for use with HotHands warmers
- Provides gentle heat for about 10 hours
- Two heating packets included
- Glove/mitten design
Designed for use with HotHands warmers, these gloves-slash-mittens are cheap but effective. No, they’re not a stylish option, but they’re budget-friendly and comfy. They do the job.
The gloves/mittens combo is made from soft fleece and 3M Thinsulate for insulation. The pair comes with two single-use chemical heating packets that should keep your hands warm for about ten hours; that’s longer than most heated gloves promise!
You also don’t have to think about recharging the batteries, but on the downside, you do have to buy warmers after you’re done with the included packets. The good news is a pack of 40 warmers only costs a little over 20 bucks.
See HotHands Heated Fleece Gloves on Amazon
Why trust us
We spent a week looking at the offerings from popular brands and evaluating top-rated gloves’ construction and heating methods. Our testers have also spent months testing some of the gloves you see in this guide.
Who this is for
If your hands and fingers get cold quickly when you ski, hike, bike, or shovel snow, you’ll appreciate this guide.
How we picked
We checked out top-rated brands, read hundreds of customer reviews, and tested some heated gloves in the field. We considered glove construction, the quality of the heating element, battery life, comfort and breathability, and finally, grip.
How we tested
While we didn’t test all of the gloves featured in this guide, those tested went through the wringer while our testers skied, rock climbed, and hiked.
Features to look for in heated gloves
Long battery life
The lifespan of the battery per charge will depend on the battery itself, its capacity, and the temperature level you choose. The higher the temperature, the lower the battery life.
Some gloves offer a maximum lifespan of five hours, while others keep your hands warm for a full 15 hours on the slopes. Take your desired activity length and temperature needs into account when purchasing a heated glove.
Good fit
Gloves that are too tight will be uncomfortable, whereas gloves that are too loose will not provide proper protection. Before purchasing your gloves, measure your hand and compare it to manufacturer-supplied sizing charts.
Some gloves come with multiple sizes available, whereas others may be one-size-fits-all.
Decent weather protection
A waterproof glove helps to protect the heating element from water damage and helps stop your hands from getting wet or cold. You also want a wind-resistant glove, especially if you plan on wearing it while biking, snowboarding, or skiing.
Durable materials
Good-quality heated gloves are made from durable materials like polyester, nylon, or leather. In general, you want to look for gloves made mostly from synthetic materials because they usually offer good weather protection and are suitable for a variety of uses.
Insulation is another thing to consider. While in electrically heated gloves, the main source of warmth comes from the heating element, you may still want some insulation (down or synthetic) that will keep the warmth in and cold air out.
Touchscreen compatibility
Not all gloves, heated or otherwise, are compatible with phones. If you want to be able to use your phone without taking your gloves off, you need to look for gloves with touchscreen capability.
Do keep in mind that thick, winter gloves tend to have larger fingers so even with touchscreen functionality precise movements can be tricky.
Heated gloves FAQ
Q: What are heated gloves?
Heated gloves use tiny wires which are woven into the interior of the glove, connected to a heating element, and powered by a battery. Each glove has a rechargeable battery and this battery is typically stored in a pocket on the glove.
While these gloves are arguably used most often when skiing or in cold-weather climates, they are also useful for people who suffer from cold hands and circulation problems.
If you feel your hands are always cold, no matter what you do, heated gloves could be a solution. Most heated gloves look like thick winter snow gloves. However, some have a slimmer profile, allowing better maneuverability and a more natural feel.
Q: Are heated gloves safe?
The idea of wearing gloves with tiny wires and an internal heating element sounds great at first, but you might wonder whether they are safe.
These concerns are understandable. However, heated gloves are very safe. You won’t get shocked, and the gloves won’t catch fire. The system is designed to include safety features that prevent overcharging to ensure you stay safe.
Although heated gloves are safe to wear, you should take care when cleaning them. Because of the heating element, they are not suitable for machine washing. Instead, wipe the dirty area down with a damp cloth and a little soap, but don’t soak them entirely as it will damage and destroy the wires and heating system.
Q: How do heated gloves work?
We’ve already mentioned the little wires running through the gloves and how they are connected to a battery, but let’s go into more detail to clarify how heated gloves work.
If using gloves with rechargeable batteries, you must charge your heated gloves before wearing them for the first time. Otherwise, you will only get about 30 minutes of warmth out of them. Most of these gloves will fully charge within two-to-four hours, depending on the brand. This won’t be an issue if your gloves use alkaline batteries that you can install and replace.
Once the battery is charged, you can start using your gloves. They fit like any other pair of gloves you’ve worn. You will see an ‘on’ and ‘off’ switch, which you can use to switch the gloves on or off. If you have variable temperature settings, you can use this switch to cycle through the settings and press it a final time to turn the gloves off.
Allow up to five minutes for the gloves to heat up properly, depending on the temperature level.
Q: Are heated gloves machine washable?
Some heated gloves are designed to withstand occasional gentle wash cycles, while others can only be spot-cleaned or wiped cleaned. Before you wash your gloves, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
To err on the side of caution, we recommend always spot-cleaning your heated gloves.
Q: How long do heated gloves last?
How long a pair of heated gloves will last depends on several factors, including its battery capacity, the heat setting you use, and the material and insulation of the glove. In general, most heated mittens and gloves stay warm for six to eight hours on a single charge.
Over time, all batteries age and degrade and hold less of a charge. The typical life of a lithium-ion battery is 300 to 500 charge cycles or two to three years.
