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Whether you’re shoveling snow or walking the dog, the right pair of gloves can make outdoor winter work or sports more enjoyable. Heated gloves go one step further by providing an added layer of warmth to keep one of the more exposed parts of your body—your hands—cozy in freezing temps.
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 you 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.
We tested many types from different brands in our 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 our 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
- BEST FOR KIDS/TEENS: Obermeyer Teen’s Molten Mitten
- MOST COMFORTABLE: Hammacher Schlemmer Heated Sherpa Lined Mittens
- BEST FOR HUNTING: Lancer Tactical Rechargeable Heated Hunting Gloves
- MOST VERSATILE: ThermalStep Heated Mitten Gloves
- ALSO CONSIDER: Shaalek Outdoor Electric Heated Gloves
How We Tested the Best Heated Gloves
We tested many pairs of heated gloves for this lineup to see if they met the manufacturers’ claims and kept our hands warm in cold temperatures. We charged the lithium-ion batteries for the battery-powered gloves overnight to ensure they had a full charge before the tests.
We started by wearing the battery-powered gloves at the highest available temperature setting. If that became too warm, we then turned the heat down, taking note of how easy it was to do everyday tasks, such as open car doors, sweep with a broom, and rake leaves. This helped us determine the flexibility of the gloves and if we could grasp items without them slipping. After 15 to 30 minutes, we 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 that made our list generated heat for an additional 6 to 7 hours.
We sprayed the waterproof gloves with water—except for one pair that was tested when it was misting outdoors and another that we used during heavy snowfall—and then we noted whether the moisture seeped through to the inside of the glove. All of the gloves that were advertised as water-resistant remained dry inside.
Our Top Picks
We 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 our fingers toasty warm. Every set of heated gloves has its pros and cons (mostly pros), and both batteries and chargers are included with the battery-powered models. One pair of these gloves may be the perfect pick for keeping your hands warm during your chosen cold-weather activity.
Best Overall
Savior Battery-Heated Leather Gloves
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
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
What We Like
- 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 stays warm up to 7 hours; suitable for long skiing trips or hikes
- Easy to turn on and scroll through all of the settings
What We Don’t Like
- Low heat setting can barely be felt; may need the medium and high settings
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 the skin, and these thick gloves were pretty warm even before we 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, we 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, our fingers were quite warm. We turned it to the lowest setting, which kept our hands plenty warm enough. After wearing the gloves for about 20 minutes, we took them off but turned the heating element to the high setting. We sprayed the gloves’ exterior with water to simulate wearing them when it’s misting or snowing out. We 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, we could swipe the screen on a smartphone while wearing the Savior gloves, which is a plus for those who want to operate phones and tablets without taking off gloves.
Get the Savior battery-heated gloves at Amazon or Savior Gloves.
Best Bang for the Buck
HotHands Heated Fleece Gloves/Mittens
Product Specs
- Heat source: Chemical packs
- Material: Fleece, synthetic leather on palm
- Heated area: Front and back pouch
What We Like
- Versatile construction; pull back mitten cover to reveal fingered gloves beneath
- Soft fleece feels very comfortable; suitable for day-long skiing trips or hikes
- Excellent touch-screen ability; great for device lovers
What We Don’t Like
- 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; packs need to be purchased for each use
These gloves are evidence that it’s possible to keep hands warm without spending a lot of money. These ultralightweight 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. At first impression, the HotHands gloves look like traditional mittens, but they’re actually glove/mitten combos.
The mitten cover pulls back to reveal fingered gloves beneath. The gloves fit comfortably, and we discovered two pouches on each glove—one in the palm area and one on the back of the hand—to hold the chemical packets. We wore the gloves with the packets in the back pouches, then removed them and put them in the front pouches. Both locations were comparable in terms of heat. Users could put packets in the front and the back for added heat. Both kept our 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 we didn’t spray them with water. After wearing them outdoors for about 15 minutes, we 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.
Get the HotHands heated gloves at Amazon, Walmart, The Warming Store, or HotHands Direct.
Best for Snow
Snow Deer Electric Battery-Heated Gloves
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Polyester and sheep leather
- Heated area: Backs of hands and backs of fingers
What We Like
- 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
What We Don’t Like
- Not compatible with car charging ports; requires 120-volt outlets
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 our hands dry and free from drafts, and the 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.
We were 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 we 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, we 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 us to use the touch screen on a phone.
Get the Snow Deer electric heated gloves at Amazon.
Best for Motorcycling
Savior Rechargeable Electric-Heated Gloves
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
What We Like
- Rugged and well insulated; handles any rough outdoor conditions easily
- Knuckle guard offers great protection for heavy-duty work or play
- Touch-screen capable; users can type or check their screen without taking off gloves
- Reinforced palm grip for added security when handling heavy tools
What We Don’t Like
- Battery life can weaken over time; may not be ideal for some users
- Power button is in a different position than most other gloves
We could tell the Savior rechargeable heated gloves were rugged right out of the package. They feature a double-reinforced leather palm and 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’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 turning 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, we removed them, sprayed them with water, and then checked them to see how long they generated heat. The Savior gloves stayed warm on high for another 6 hours, and the insides stayed dry. We were also able to use the touch screen on a phone using our gloved index finger. However, the battery life can weaken with frequent use.
Get the Savior rechargeable heated gloves at Amazon, Savior Gloves, or The Warming Store.
Best For Skiing
Snow Deer Rechargeable Battery-Heated Mittens
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Polyester, sheep leather
- Heated area: Backs of hands extending to fingertips
What We Like
- 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
What We Don’t Like
- Not touch-screen enabled; may not be as versatile as other heated gloves
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 are made of water-resistant polyester on the back of the hand and butter-soft leather on the palm. We were surprised when we inserted our hands and discovered the soft interior lining inside had a glove design; they are essentially gloves inside mittens. The mitten design doesn’t permit as much agility, and we could not swipe the touch screen on our phone, but they’re very warm and comfortable.
The mitten design and supple leather palm allowed us to grip a shovel handle securely. We had a light rain the day we tested these, so we didn’t need to spray them with water. Our hands stayed warm and dry for the 20 minutes we wore them outdoors, even though the exterior was wet. After we removed them, the mittens stayed warm for another 6 hours of battery life.
Get the Snow Deer heated mittens at Amazon.
Best Glove Liners
Snow Deer Rechargeable Heated Glove Liners
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Neoprene, fleece, Lycra
- Heated area: Backs of hands and backs of fingers
What We Like
- Lightweight and flexible; ideal for prolonged work in the cold
- Not bulky; easier to handle tools than when wearing average gloves
- Touch-screen capable; users can type or look at their phone without taking off the gloves
What We Don’t Like
- Construction is not moisture-resistant; not great in the snow
Another heated glove option for users who already own a pair of good gloves, but find those gloves may not be quite warm enough for those extra-cold days, are Snow Deer heated glove liners. Pair them with heavier gloves like work gloves or wear them alone to boost the heat level. We found the liners to be sufficient for keeping our hands warm in cool—not cold—weather. We 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, we kept them turned to the highest heat selection to keep our 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 a 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.
Get the Snow Dear heated glove liners at Amazon.
Best Microwavable
PhysioNatural Microwavable Therapy Mittens
Product Specs
- Heat source: Microwavable clay beads and flaxseed
- Material: Plush minky fabric
- Heated area: Both sides of the hand
What We Like
- 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
What We Don’t Like
- Beads and seeds tend to shift, requiring frequent heat redistribution
Not all of the heated gloves 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. We followed the directions and popped them in the microwave for 1.5 minutes, but at the 1-minute mark, they were already plenty warm—almost too warm. We slipped our 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 we didn’t smell lavender. We did smell the warmed flaxseed, which we found 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.
Get the PhysioNatural heated gloves at Amazon.
Best for Kids/Teens
Obermeyer Teen’s Molten Mitten
Product Specs
- Heat source: Chemical packs like HotHands or other hand warmer
- Material: HydroBlock Sport 100 percent polyester twill weave
- Heated area: Palm of hand
What We Like
- No electrical parts to worry about being damaged during winter sports
- Easy to take on and off
- Snug enough at the wrist so they stay in place and keep snow from going inside glove
- Insulated and cozy even without added chemical heat packs
- No battery, so they won’t run out of charge
What We Don’t Like
- Not quite as warm in the short term as some of the battery-powered heated gloves
- Mitten style is bulky, so tasks other than snow play or sports are cumbersome
- Can’t use a smartphone or perform other detailed tasks
The Molten Mittens are insulated gloves made with a waterproof polyester twill weave. Each glove has a small zipper pocket inside, which users can slip a chemical pack like HotHands into each for added warmth. They are like upgraded winter mittens.
We use these all winter long in Minnesota where the temperatures are frequently in the single digits. To top that off, these gloves keep our hands warm at hockey games, where temperatures are kept in the low 30s (Fahrenheit). The big test for these gloves involved wearing them for several hours outside during a winter event when the temperatures were around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The only body part that did not get cold was our hands. We popped a new pack of HotHands right before we left the house, and they gave us the added toastiness needed that day.
It’s worth noting that these are designed for older kids and teens, so some adult women may be able to wear the larger sizes, but they do not come in adult sizes. They are extremely easy to use, with no battery pack to charge. Plus, they are warm and keep hands bone-dry without the added chemical packs, even during rigorous snowball fights or heavy snow.
Though the mitten style doesn’t allow for nimble tasks, they are ideal for outdoor sports like snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding. Because they don’t require recharging, they can be boosted with a new pair of chemical packs if the heat fades. The pocket for the pack is also big enough to stash a key or cash for some hot cocoa. There’s no concern about wires or added weight from battery packs, making them great for kids and active adults with small hands.
Get the Obermeyer heated gloves at Obermeyer, Moosejaw, or Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Most Comfortable
Hammacher Schlemmer Heated Sherpa Lined Mittens
Product Specs
- Heat source: 5-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Sherpa-lined polyester
- Heated area: Backs of hands, fingertips, palms
What We Like
- Incredibly soft material inside and out; gloves are cozy even without heat activation
- 3 adjustable heat settings for different user needs
- Mittens are especially warm at the fingertips
- Great for therapeutic use such as carpal tunnel, arthritis, and neuropathy
- Stylish and less utilitarian in appearance than other heated gloves
What We Don’t Like
- Nonwaterproof material makes these less versatile than others on the list
- Inconvenient heat setting adjustment on the battery pack
- Slightly uneven heat distribution on palms vs. the back of hand and fingertips
The Hammacher Schlemmer heated Sherpa-lined mittens are less utilitarian than most of the gloves on this list. They’re made of a luxuriously soft material, with a Sherpa-like lining on the inside. They are powered by two individual rechargeable batteries that live in pockets on the top of the glove (the backs of the hands).
There are three temperature settings: low, medium, and high. The downside is that these temperature settings are controlled on the battery pack. Adjusting the temperature requires sliding the pack out of its pocket and pressing a somewhat small button to change the setting. The other downside is that the batteries don’t last as long as others on this list. The maximum time is 4 hours on low, with 2 hours on high. We found this to be true in testing, but the 2 hours was just about enough time to get through a cold hockey game including a little pregame parking lot socializing.
We tried these on a cold, blustery day outside when temperatures were hovering in the high 20s to low 30s (Fahrenheit). It did snow a little and the gloves seemed to function fine when hit with light snow, but because these gloves are not waterproof, we did not spray them with water. These are not designed for use in heavy rain or snowfall.
They heat up very quickly and distribute the heat beautifully, especially at the fingertips. The material is a light gray and is not stain-resistant, so these gloves are also not for completing household tasks or outdoor snow play. What they are great for is an attractive, cozy glove that will keep hands warm for hours at a time even when it’s bitter cold. We also think they have the added bonus of being a portable, therapeutic glove for anyone with sore, tired hands or those who have conditions like arthritis or neuropathy.
Get the Hammacher Schlemmer heated gloves at Hammacher Schlemmer.
Best for Hunting
Lancer Tactical Rechargeable Heated Hunting Gloves
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Waterproof polyester and spandex
- Heated area: Palms, back of hand, fingertips
Pros
- Fleece lining is warm and comfy even when not in heat mode
- Waterproof, so excellent for outdoor activities
- Considerably lower price point than other similar gloves
Cons
- Battery pack is a little inconvenient and tricky to activate
- Despite touch-screen claims, the gloves are somewhat clumsy
For the active outdoors person, the Lancer Tactical gloves are a nice blend of comfort and durability at a very affordable price. We tested them outdoors on a day when the temperatures fluctuated between high 20s to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and they kept our hands toasty warm. We found them to be plenty warm on the lowest temperature setting, though we did keep them on high to see how it felt. They warm up quickly. They also have a soft interior fleecelike lining that’s extra comfy with or without heat activation.
The gloves have three temperatures (low, medium, and high), which are controlled by an easy-to-use push button on the wrist of each glove. One caveat with this is that the power button is on the battery. Activating the gloves after the batteries are inserted is difficult and the button is very small. After a few tries, we got used to it, but it’s worth noting that someone with limited mobility may struggle with this added step.
Once the batteries are on, the temperatures are controlled by the exterior buttons, so the on/off button won’t need to be accessed unless trying to conserve battery power. The gloves can be turned off completely from the wrist, so it’s a minor complaint for an otherwise great glove. They passed the waterproof misting test and were also fine in light snow, making them excellent winter work gloves.
The gloves will stay warm for up to 8 hours on low, which we found to be true in testing. This pair comes in a camouflage pattern, making them a good match for hunting when there are long periods of stillness and fingers can get cold. However, they felt a little bulky to perform any truly nimble tasks. For insulated gloves, it was reasonable to perform some tasks like raking, lifting, and opening car doors, but we did have to remove the gloves to use a phone despite the touch-screen glove element included in the design. Still, they are a great choice for someone who is outside for longer periods of time.
Get the Lancer Tactical heated gloves at Amazon.
Most Versatile
ThermalStep Heated Mitten Gloves
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Polyester, nylon, polyethylene
- Heated area: Top; front and back of mitten part
What We Like
- Convertibility from mitten to fingerless gloves allows for nimble tasks and device use
- Snug fit around wrist holds gloves in place and keeps moisture out
- Magnetic mitten “lid” quickly warms cold fingertips
What We Don’t Like
- Lining is not as plush as other pairs, and gloves aren’t quite as comfortable
- Not waterproof so not suitable for snow play or wet weather
- Not as warm as the other gloves we tested on this list
- Tighter at wrist and looser on fingers, which may cause sizing issues for some users
- Charging cable requires a wall outlet; not USB compatible
With so many heated gloves on the market, the ThermalStep heated mittens offer something unique: the ability to convert from a mitten to a fingerless glove. Simply pull back the top of the mitten and fingers are free to type, tap, or do other fine motor work. There are magnets built into the mitten top and top of the thumb in place when folded over. We found these to have a nice, snug fit around the wrist, but they were a bit loose in the fingerless part, which might cause sizing issues for some. We tested them in outdoor temperatures between 28 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit, and they kept our hands warm when powered on. The manufacturer guidelines say these will work for 8 hours on low, and while we found this to be true, they aren’t as warm as other gloves, so we kept them on medium or high setting for enough warmth.
They were not as supple inside or as cozy as other gloves we tried, but they do have a lining, and this adds a layer of warmth. Overall, we found these gloves ideal for those times when we didn’t want to have to remove the entire glove to perform dexterous tasks. One of the best parts is the heated mitten acts as a lid right over the top of cold fingertips once the gloves are back on, warming them right up. These gloves would also be excellent for someone with arthritis or neuropathy and can be worn indoors thanks to the flexibility between the fingerless option and mitten. It’s worth noting that the charging cable was wall-outlet only, so they cannot be charged via a USB cable.
Get the ThermalStep heated gloves at Amazon, Walmart, ThermalStep, or The Warming Store.
Also Consider
Shaalek Outdoor Electric Heated Gloves
Product Specs
- Heat source: 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Material: Ethyl vinyl acetate and polyurthane foam, carbon fiber, 3M insulate cotton, waterproof material, a heating layer, and microfiber
- Heated area: Backs of hands and backs of fingers to tips
What We Like
- Flexible and less bulky compared to similar gloves
- 5 heat settings; heating elements run along each finger
- Knuckle protection integrated; great for working outdoors or for skiing
- Allows user the ability to grip and move fingers while also staying warm
What We Don’t Like
- Didn’t work with touch screen; not as versatile as other heated gloves
Protect knuckles from bumps and scrapes while staying warm with these battery-powered Shaalek heated gloves. Right out of the package, we noticed these gloves were lighter in weight than some of the other brands, so it left us to wonder if they would keep our hands as warm. 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. It’s also simple to scroll through the heat settings while wearing the gloves. The gloves come with five temperature settings, and we 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. We 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, we took them off, sprayed them with water, and left them on the highest setting. We checked frequently, and they continued to produce heat for just more than 6 hours. 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 us to swipe our smartphone.
Get the Shaalek heated gloves at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Heated Gloves
Dependable warmth is a top consideration when shopping for heated gloves—after all, they’re designed to keep hands warm. However, gloves should also be comfortable and adapt to different activities. For example, using a smartphone, working on a computer, or reading when wearing them may be more suited to a thinner touch-screen-capable pair. If nimble activities are less of a concern and the idea is to do outdoor tasks like shoveling snow, walking the dog, or raking, then a bulkier, waterproof pair may be the best choice. Additionally, many people use heat to treat conditions like arthritis and neuropathy, so comfort also may be a top priority.
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 needs to 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 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 an everyday necessity, so swiping a screen when bundled up in bulky gloves isn’t always the easiest thing to do. 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 period of time, 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.
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. Still others 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.
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.
Meet the Tester
Amber Guetebier is a writer, editor, and creative writing instructor who began writing for Bob Vila in 2021. Living in Minnesota, she is no stranger to sub-zero winter temperatures or the hockey rink, where she spends several nights a week with her son, so she knows a thing or two about keeping warm in extreme temperatures. Her articles and product reviews also appear on several websites and in print, including CNET, Scary Mommy, Cubby, and ParentMap.
Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.