— Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.Winter is coming, and with it, icy winds, damp snow, and all the rest of that other frigid, freezing weather. Whether you're skiing, shoveling, or just commuting, cold fingers can range from an inconvenience to a frostbite hazard. And those suffering from conditions such as Raynaud's syndrome will feel it even more keenly and quickly. When regular gloves and mittens are no longer cutting it, it may be time for some battery-powered heated gloves.
Heated gloves allow you to adjust exactly the level of warmth you need. The best ones, which we have detailed in this buying guide, will reliably and safely last for hours. Our top pick is theOutdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves (available at Amazon), but we've got upgrades and value picks that may suit your needs better. So let's brave the cold together this winter with these, our best heated gloves.
Other Heated Gloves We Evaluated
Not for Everyone: Who Should Not Get Heated Gloves
Heated gloves can be great, but let's face it - they're expensive and not needed for most people's everyday activities. The battery packs and heating elements make most heated gloves bulkier and heavier than standard gloves. If you need fine finger dexterity, most of the gloves we reviewed might not be for you (the exception being the Savior Heat Rechargeable Glove Liners, which were relatively thin).
Also, consider the necessary maintenance and planning required. These gloves are just... ordinaryglovesIf you don't charge the batteries, and many cannot be tossed in a dryer. If either of those facts makes you hesitate, consider a simpler solution like disposable hand warmer packets.
Lastly, if you're looking for medical or therapeutic benefits (for arthritis, Raynaud's, or neuropathy), standard heated gloves might not be the best fit. Yes, they get hot, but they don't provide compression or targeted therapy. In that case, a specialized glove might serve you better - for example, compression gloves or microwavable therapy mitts can offer relief for joint pain without bulk or batteries. (See our guide to the)Best Gloves for Neuropathyfor more on these alternatives.)
Things to Consider Before Buying Heated Gloves
Buying heated gloves isn't quite as simple as grabbing a pair of plain, old gloves. They're part apparel, part tech. It's good to keep the following in mind.
1. Intended Use (Casual vs. Sport vs. Work)
Consider how and where you'll use these gloves. Are you a skier or snowboarder who needs all-day warmth on the slopes? Look for gloves with long battery life and a waterproof shell to handle snow. Doing winter hiking or outdoor work like shoveling? You might prioritize lightweight gloves that trade a bit of battery life for better flexibility. For casual and occasional use, you can focus more on comfort and ample heat settings, skipping those excessively thick gloves. Match the features to the activity and you'll end up much more satisfied.
2. Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Waterproofing is important—maybe even limb-preserving—if your hands will be in wet snow or rain for extended periods. Most heated gloves use at least a water-resistant shell, which is decent but not great. If you're skiing, snowboarding, hunting, or anything else that has you outside for extended periods in the cold wetness of winter, find gloves explicitly labeled "waterproof". Also, check the cuff design. Gloves with those big gauntlet cuffs and cinch straps help seal out the snow.
3. Heat Output and Battery Life
The overall heat output tracked roughly with the price point. More expensive gloves got hotter. The Gerbing 7V gloves report peaking around 135°F. The Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire Mitt also gets exceptionally warm.
Among the gloves we reviewed, there was actually not a huge variance in battery life. All except the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Smart Gloves had 3-4 heat settings. As you might expect, the lowest settings yielded the lowest battery runtimes, and the hottest settings burned through the batteries the fastest. All of them ran about 2-8 hours, except the standout Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire Mitt, which ran for up to 12 hours.
4. Fit: Snugness vs. Dexterity
Every element added to the glove—heating wires, insulation, battery pouch—adds bulk and reduces flexibility. If you're planning on tasks that require dexterity, like working with tools or something similar, look for less bulky gloves or heated liners. Our favorite liners, the Savior Heat gloves, were fantastic, but they do sacrifice some warmth. Proper fit is also key. The glove should be snug but not tight. You want a little room at the fingertips because a little bit of an air gap helps with insulation. All the reputable brands offer a sizing chart on their website.
5. Gloves vs. Mittens vs. Glove Liners
When it comes to gloves versus mittens, it's a question of warmth and dexterity. There's no question that mittens are warmer. When your fingers are grouped together, they can share the heat. When separated, they cool much faster. But plenty of tasks require the dexterity that only gloves can offer. That's what makes heated gloves so compelling—they satisfy both warmth.anddexterity needs.
To clarify on gloves versus liners, most of the gloves on this list are thick and come with an interior lining (sometimes removable). The heating elements live between the lining and the shell. One brand, the Savior Heat, is itself just a thin liner—albeit a liner with battery-powered heating elements—and is intended to be worn under a waterproof shell.
6. Maintenance: Cleaning and Battery Care
Don't forget the practical part: batteries and cleaning. Most good heated gloves use rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs. Make sure to check how they charge and if you have all the cables you'll need. If you'll be traveling or on the go, a power bank might be handy, but make sure it's compatible. Also, note the position of the battery pocket on the glove itself. It will be on the wrist or cuff most of the time. A well-placed battery won't interfere with movement or your sleeves.
The gloves will also get dirty, of course. Make sure to read the cleaning instructions before you throw them away or cut the care tag off the gloves. Most heated gloves are not machine washable. They're spot-clean only.
Heated Gloves FAQ
How long do heated glove batteries last?
Battery performance varies by model and heat setting. On the highest heat, most gloves last around 2-3 hours. On the lowest heat, many can last 6 to 8 hours. The Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire lasts 12 hours. The battery life depends on the capacity and how efficient the gloves are. Cold weather can also shorten runtime, because batteries drain faster in low temperatures. Always fully charge gloves before use. And remember that over a couple of years, battery capacity will gradually be reduced. They simply won't hold as much charge anymore.
How warm do heated gloves actually get?
On the highest setting, good heated gloves can get quite warm, somewhere between 120°F and 150°F (49°C – 66°C). That may sound too hot, but you won’t necessarily feel the full temperature through all the insulation. The heating elements are also fighting against the chill of the surrounding winter air. It’s best to start on the High temperature setting when you first go out in the cold, so they heat up quickly. Then, turn them down to Medium or Low to avoid sweating. (Sweating is bad, sometimes even dangerous, in cold weather.)
Are heated gloves safe if they get wet?
Generally, yes, high-quality heated gloves from known brands are safe when they get wet. But that's a qualified statement, and some caution is warranted.
Sadly, there are a lot of shady brands in the world of batteries. When shopping for anything battery-operated—and especially something you're wearing and potentially getting wet—go with the name brands. Find recommendations from experts like us or forums or wherever you find your expertise. If you find suspiciously cheap heated gloves, there's probably a reason. Skip them.
Well-made heated gloves are designed with waterproof or water-resistant components, so light moisture won't cause any safety issues. The electrical elements are insulated, and the batteries are sealed. If, however, a heated glove gets fully soaked, you should turn it off and let it dry out completely before using it again, just to be safe.
Always, always use the manufacturer's battery and charger. Don't substitute batteries that aren't exact matches. Never settle for batteries that look "kind of" similar! And remember to remove the batteries before washing or if you'll store the gloves for a long time. As long as you follow the instructions, heated gloves are built to be safe in typical winter conditions. After all, they're meant for outdoor use!
Can I wash heated gloves?
It varies. Check the manual or the care labels to see the correct washing instructions for your exact pair of gloves or mittens. Most are spot-clean only, meaning you can wipe them down with a damp cloth, but not put them in a washing machine or dryer.
Never put lithium batteries in the washer or dryer. Remove the battery packs before cleaning. If your gloves develop an odor, hand-washing gently with mild soap and air drying is usually the safest approach (again, with batteries removed).
Why trust Reviewed?
Our mission is to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Reviewed has tested outdoor gear and style products for more than a decade. For this guide on best heated gloves, our product experts drew from personal experience and testing, user reviews, and insights from reputable sources. Some of our outside sources included:
- Travel & Leisure
- Ski / Outside
- Outdoor Life
- Good Housekeeping
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