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Keep your fingers toasty all winter long with our top picks. Fully Waterproof Poncho
As temperatures drop and winter comes around, it's time for our favorite cold-weather activities. Skiing, ice fishing, sledding — and of course, many of us want to continue our daily outdoor activities, like running, motorcycling or walking our dogs.
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, including a good winter coat or down jacket, winter boots and maybe even a pair of fleece-lined leggings. 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.
After our picks, you'll find more information about the various types of heated gloves, the top-performing material options and other features to look for when you're shopping. Looking for more ways to stay warm this winter? Check out our guide to the best warm socks and best winter hats for women.
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 heating 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.
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. Plus, Outdoor Research has a strong reputation among serious hikers and skiers for its top-notch technical gear.
These heated gloves from Autocastle have a durable water-repellent exterior and warm lining to keep your 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.
Glove liners are essential on 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 degrees Fahrenheit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
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.
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.
For those in search for a thin pair of gloves to wear while commuting, this style from Sun Will is a popular Amazon favorite. 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 note 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.
When shoveling snow, you'll want super warm gloves that'll stay dry. Although a bit bulky compared to some of our other picks, this pair is popular among reviewers for its ability to create and retain warmth. Operation is simple: There are three color-coded heat levels to choose from, and you can manage them with the touch of a button. Additionally, unlike many other heated gloves, this pair also heats your palm.
While they're only offered in two sizes, we like that the gloves have adjustable wrist loops, so they'll feel secure on your hand. This pair also features a waterproof outer layer and an inner insulated layer, according to the brand, making it perfect for cold, wet winter days in the snow.
Unfortunately, like other pairs, the gloves can't be machine washed as the process will damage the heating element. The brand instead recommends spot-cleaning the pair with a brush.
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 with sheep leather in key areas like the palm 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 3XL. 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.
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 Heated Gloves: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Smart Heated Gloves
✔️ Best Heated Gloves for Winter Sports: Savior Heat Heated Gloves with Rechargeable Battery
✔️ Best Chemically Heated Gloves: HotHands Heated Fleece Glove/Mittens
✔️ Best Heated Gloves for Arthritis: PhysioNatural Microwavable Therapy Mittens
The Good Housekeeping 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.
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.
✔️ 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, you'll want to make sure the gloves 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 2 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.
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.
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, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University. Grace has also worked on wearable technology, smart clothing and electronic textiles within various academic laboratories.
Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for electric blankets, 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. As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at 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 (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.
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