We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Walking Shoes, Apparel, and Gear We Found and Tested the 8 Best Hand Warmers for Your Next Cold-Weather Adventure From trusted, top-performing brands like Weston, HotHands, and more By Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD Sarah Anzolar, MS, RD is a private practice dietitian who works as a freelance writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and brand consultant. Learn about our editorial process and Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 24, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Medically reviewed by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / David Hattan For those who love exercising outdoors year-round, hand warmers can help keep you focused and comfortable when dressing for cold-weather exercise. Your hands and fingers are more susceptible to the cold since they have little fat and lots of blood vessels at the skin's surface, so investing in one the best hand warmers is essential, says Kevin Huffman, DO. Hand warmers come in a variety of forms, including disposable, battery-powered handheld units and heated gloves and mittens. When shopping, heat time, battery life, maximum temperature, and size and weight are key criteria to consider. To find the best hand warmers for your winter adventures, we first spoke with three experts—an osteopathic doctor, a wilderness first responder, and a paramedic—to learn more about cold-weather safety and what key features to look for when shopping. We also tested eight expert-approved hand warmers while running, hiking, and skiing outside in cold conditions. When we test hand warmers, we consider ease of use, effectiveness, battery life, design, and durability—our recommendations received high scores in each of these key categories. Another reason to trust our picks? We had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this story for accuracy and safety when shopping for hand warmers. How Do Hand Warmers Work? There are two main types of hand warmers—air-activated and battery-powered (or electric). Air-activated hand warmers are made from iron powder, water, salt, and activated charcoal, among other ingredients, that when mixed and exposed to air, oxidize to produce heat. Electric hand warmers—whether handheld or pre-installed in gloves and mittens—rely on a rechargeable, battery-powered heater. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Survival Frog QuickHeat Pro Rechargeable Hand Warmer with Portable Power Bank at Amazon ($50) Jump to Review Best Portable: Ocoopa 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer at Amazon ($37) Jump to Review Best Electric: FVSA Rechargeable Hand Warmer at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best for Walks: Ororo Bay City Heated Hand Warmer at Amazon ($140) Jump to Review Best Gloves: Weston Heated Gloves at Westonstore.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Hotsnapz Reusable Hand and Pocket Warmers at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Disposable: HotHands Odorless Air Activated Warmers at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Reusable: Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review In This Article Expand How Do They Work? Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What to Look For How We Selected and Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Survival Frog QuickHeat Pro Rechargeable Hand Warmer with Portable Power Bank Amazon View On Amazon $50 View On Walmart $40 View On Survivalfrog.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Battery Life 4.8/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Heats quickly Long battery life Can double as a portable device charger Cons Long charge time Key Specs Heat Source: Electric | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Heat Duration: 6 to 14 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Who It's For Best for walking, commuting, skiing, and more in very cold weather conditions. Why We Love It Survival Frog’s Rechargeable Hand Warmers are quick to heat and maintain their temperature for a full day of outdoor adventures. We were shocked by how quickly they reached the maximum temperature of 130 degrees (just 10 seconds!). The battery life is impressive, too—lasting us for five full uses on just one charge. Along with the ergonomic design, which we found comfortable and easy to hold, we love that the warmers heat on both sides. And with three easy-to-adjust heat settings, these warmers are useful in different climates. Plus, the warmers also double as a portable charger for your devices through a USB port—a helpful safety feature if you’re on the go. Potential Flaws The warmers have a long charge time: We started charging them in the afternoon, and it wasn’t until the next morning that they reached a full charge. Best Portable Ocoopa 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer Ocoopa View On Amazon $37 View On Walmart $26 View On Ocoopa.com $33 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 4.9/5 Battery Life 3.8/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Durable Easy to use Can double as a portable device charger Cons Long charge time Short battery life Key Specs Heat Source: Electric | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Heat Duration: 8 to 15 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who It's For Best for shorter outdoor activities in the cold weather, like commuting, shoveling, ice skating, and more. Why We Love It Compact and easy to use, Ocoopa’s Electric Hand Warmer is a great option to keep your hands warm on the go. We appreciate the double-sided heating, which we found useful for warming both hands at once with just one warmer. The low-profile design also makes it easy and comfortable to hold one warmer in each hand—even inside gloves and mittens. During testing, we were impressed by the warmers' quick, even, and intense heating. At one point, we even had to shut them off because our hands got so warm. With three easy-to-adjust heat settings, you can customize to your needs depending on the climate. And the three charging ports allow you to conveniently charge your devices if needed. Potential Flaws While the manufacturer claims an eight- to 15-hour battery life, we found that it only lasts up to four hours on medium heat. It took about five hours for these warmers to reach a full charge, so you’ll need to plan accordingly before each use. Best Electric FVSA Rechargeable Hand Warmer Amazon View On Amazon $16 Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Battery Life 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Long battery life Heats quickly Can double as a portable device charger Cons Unclear instructions Key Specs Heat Source: Electric | Weight: 10.2 ounces | Heat Duration: 8 to 12 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It's For Best for indoor, outdoor, and emergency usage. Why We Love It One of our favorite electric hand warmers, FSVA’s Rechargeable Hand Warmer, has added safety features that make it stand out. Not only does it act as a portable device charger, like several other picks on our list, but it also serves as a flashlight for visibility when walking or running in low-light conditions. Plus, the warmer has a clear display that makes it easy to view the heat setting and battery life. During testing, we found the battery life is impressive, lasting through several uses (though charging your phone does drain it more quickly). Not only does the warmer heat up fast, but it’s also super easy to set to each of the three temperature settings. Plus, it’s comfortable to hold in your hands, pockets, and gloves. Potential Flaws We found the manufacturer's instructions to be somewhat unclear, but after playing around with the buttons ourselves, the device was simple to use. Best for Walks Ororo Bay City Heated Hand Warmer Amazon View On Amazon $140 View On Ororowear.com $150 Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.8/5 Battery Life 4/5 Design 4/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Heats quickly Convenient belt design Has a pocket for storage Cons Heavy Key Specs Heat Source: Electric | Weight: 17.9 ounces | Heat Duration: 5 to 14 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Who It's For Best for lounging, walks, hikes, and backpacking—especially if you prefer a heated pouch design. Why We Love It Unlike other hand warmers that you have to hold or fit into your pocket or glove, Ororo’s Heated Hand Muff is a cozy heated pouch that you can slip your hands right into. It comes with a removable belt (with pockets), allowing you to store your phone, workout headphones, or a satisfying snack on the go. During testing, we found that this heated muff warms quickly and holds a charge for several hours. And we love that it’s easy to adjust between the three heat settings. Plus, it’s machine-washable (without the battery) and we didn’t find any change in quality after several wears and washes. Potential Flaws All together, the muff, belt, and battery feel heavier than other warmers on our list. But it's a fair sacrifice for this warmer's cozy comfort and helpful storage. The Best Cold Weather Walking Gear Best Gloves Weston Heated Gloves Weston View On Westonstore.com View On Thewarmingstore.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Battery Life 3.5/5 Design 4/5 Durability 4.5/5 Pros Heats quickly Durable Comfortable Cons Long charge time Short battery life Key Specs Heat Source: Electric | Weight: Not specified | Heat Duration: Up to 8 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5 Who They’re For Best for shoveling, sledding, skiing, ice skating, and more. Why We Love Them Heated gloves are a solid choice if you want to stay warm while participating in activities that require your hands, like shoveling, sledding, skiing, and other snow sports. We love Weston’s Heated Gloves because they heat up to 130 degrees in a matter of minutes and stay consistent for several hours. We also appreciate that the three heat settings are easy to adjust. The durable, waterproof outer layer keeps our hands dry and protected in the snow. And the adjustable wrist straps are particularly helpful for blocking out the cold wind in extreme conditions. Plus, the gloves are comfortable and machine-washable, too. Potential Flaws These gloves take up to six hours to fully charge, so you’ll need to plan ahead.We found that the battery only lasts up to four hours on the highest heat setting. Bonus Favorites While we didn’t test the rest of the hand warmers on this list, we still think they’re worth considering after thorough research. They have features and prices comparable to the hand warmers we tested. Best Budget Hotsnapz Reusable Hand and Pocket Warmers Amazon View On Amazon Pros Heats quickly No charge required Reusable Cons Heat doesn’t last long Key Specs Heat Source: Chemical reaction (water, sodium acetate, and metal) | Weight: 4 ounces | Heat Duration: 30 to 40 minutes | Temperature Range: Up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit Who They’re For Best for quick activities outside in cold weather, like walking your dog or practicing sprints. Why We Love Them Hotsnapz’ Reusable Hand Warmers use a chemical reaction to heat instantly, instead of a rechargeable battery. But unlike HotHands’ Hand Warmers, which have a similar heating source, these are reusable—making them a super cost-effective pick. With a quick snap of the gel pad, these warmers heat in seconds and provide 30 to 40 minutes of warmth. To reuse, simply boil them in water for 10 to 15 minutes and let them dry. We love that they’re lightweight and can easily fit inside a glove or small pocket. Plus, they meet TSA guidelines, so you can take them with you when you travel. Potential Flaws While they aren’t ideal for spending long periods in the cold, you can bring all eight with you for more than five hours of heat. We Found the 12 Best Winter Running Shoes to Keep You Warm, Safe, and Steady Best Disposable HotHands Odorless Air Activated Warmers Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $21 View On Industrialsafetygear.com Pros Lightweight Heats quickly Long battery life Cons Cannot control temperature Key Specs Heat Source: Chemical reaction (iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal, wood fiber) | Weight: Less than 1 ounce | Heat Duration: Up to 10 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit Who They’re For Best for skiers, snowboarders, or anyone who spends many hours outside in the cold weather. Why We Love Them HotHands’ Hand Warmers offer a long heat time, a convenient small size, and a low price point. If you’re heading out for a long day on the ski slopes, we like that you can easily stash a pair or two in your gloves, mittens, or pockets. They average around 135 degrees F for up to 10 hours, so you can be confident they’ll last all day. They’re also the best option when you can’t recharge a battery, like during a camping trip. Plus, we love that they’re air-activated and TSA-approved, making them an easy, no-fuss option for travel. Potential Flaws You can’t control the temperature on these hand warmers, so they might heat up too much for some. Best Reusable Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On REI $23 View On Zippo.com $25 Pros Heats quickly No charge required Small and lightweight Cons Cannot turn on and off Key Specs Heat Source: Lighter fluid | Weight: 2.6 ounces | Heat Duration: Up to 12 hours | Temperature Range: Not listed Who It's For Best for a short dog walk, a quick run, or to warm up your hands after you’ve been outside. Why We Love It For a reusable option that doesn’t require electricity, we recommend Zippo’s Refillable Hand Warmer. Because it runs on lighter fluid, once you fill it up and light it, it stays warm until the fluid runs out, about 12 hours later. This warmer is a great option for cold weather walking or camping, when you might not have access to electricity, since it’s easy to refill on the go. It does require a flame to turn on, but once it’s activated, this warmer offers flameless heat. The outer case is metal, and we like that it comes with a pouch, so it’s easy to adjust the temperature and store the warmer for later. Plus, the slim, lightweight design fits well in small hands, gloves, and pockets. Potential Flaws You can’t turn this warmer on and off, and the heat lasts for hours, so you may end up with a hot warmer when you don’t need it. We Also Tested Snow Deer’s Electric Heated Gloves are very warm and kept us cozy while shoveling, sledding, and commuting. However, we found that they only hold a charge for two hours on the highest setting, which is not long enough for a full day of outdoor activities in the cold. Durable and quick to heat, Celestron Elements’ FireCel+ Hand Warmer might have been a solid choice, but we found it to be a bit bulky and too hot to hold with bare hands. Karecel’s Rechargeable Hand Warmers heat quickly and hold a charge for up to eight hours, but the temperature is inconsistent, sometimes getting too hot or too cold without us changing any settings. Where We Stand After researching and testing dozens of hand warmers, Survival Frog’s Rechargeable Hand Warmers were a clear winner for their effectiveness, ergonomic design, and long battery life. As we continue to test hand warmers, we’ll update this list if we notice anything substantial that we haven’t documented here. What to Look for When Shopping for Hand Warmers Heat Source: There are two main types of hand warmers: disposable and reusable. Disposable options, like HotHands Hand Warmers, typically heat up when exposed to air. These are great for when you won’t have access to a charger, or as a backup in a pinch. Reusable hand warmers come in the form of handled devices (like Survival Frog’s Rechargeable Hand Warmers) or gloves and mittens (like Weston’s Heated Gloves), and usually require a rechargeable battery. Heat Duration: Hand warmers can hold heat for anywhere from 30 minutes to 15 hours. For shorter activities like walking, a warmer with a shorter battery life may be enough. However, if you’re headed out for a full day of downhill or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking, you will want to choose a hand warmer that stays warm for several hours. Size and Weight: The size and weight of hand warmers can vary, and choosing the right one for you depends on your preferred activities. Larger, heavier warmers (like Weston’s Heated Gloves) may provide more insulation, heat, and duration—making them a good choice for sports like skiing. Smaller, lighter-weight options, including disposable warmers, may be more practical for activities like running. Maximum Temperature: Hand warmers can grow as hot as 95 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the brand and type. Some, like Ocoopa’s Rechargeable Hand Warmer, also have settings that allow you to adjust the level of heat, so you can find one that feels comfortable and not too hot. Most electric hand warmers and gloves have three levels of heat, but some have up to six. Be mindful of how hot your hand warmer is getting over time to avoid burns. Additional Features: Many handheld electric hand warmers can also act as a device charger in a pinch. Some also come with a flashlight, which may be helpful in certain low-light situations. Choose a warmer that meets your needs, depending on the outdoor winter activities you enjoy doing the most. Charge Time: Most battery-operated hand warmers take several hours to charge. The warmers that we tested took anywhere from four to six hours in total. For a quick charge, we like Ocoopa’s Rechargeable Hand Warmer. When to use hand warmers. Michelle Parente How We Selected and Tested the Hand Warmers To find the best hand warmers, we researched and tested dozens of options from top, trusted brands. For the pairs we select through research, we begin by speaking with experts on what features to look for and any particular products they recommend. Then, we compare dozens of best-selling, highly rated products to find the best options on the market. When we test hand warmers, we use them indoors and outdoors in cold temperatures and winter conditions to see how they perform in the real world. As we continue to test and review more hand warmers, we keep these five key criteria in mind: Ease of Use: Upon unboxing, we take note of how easy it is to understand the manufacturer's instructions and set up the hand warmers for the initial use. We also pay attention to how intuitive it is to turn the warmers on, adjust any heat settings, and use any additional features. Hand warmers receive high scores if there’s no confusion upon each use. Effectiveness: Effectiveness is essential when it comes to hand warmers, so this is the most important category we test for. We evaluate several components of each warmer: How quickly does it heat up? Does the temperature range seem accurate? How long does the heat last? We prioritize warmers that reflect manufacturer claims and keep us warm in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors. Battery Life: To test for battery life, we use each warmer for at least three hours at a time, evaluating if it lasted and how much battery was left. Hand warmers earn high scores if the battery life is accurate and consistent throughout the testing period. Design: Each hand warmer has a unique design, so we assess each one independently. We look at the warmer’s functions related to design including the number of heat settings, how the unit felt and fit in our hands, and any additional features like display screens, flashlights, carrying cases, and more. Durability: Durability is essential when investing in any cold-weather accessory. To assess each warmer, we note whether or not it worked and maintained effectiveness through the testing period. In cases where the warmer is machine washable, we also evaluate how the unit worked after being washed. We prioritize warmers that we think will hold up well for many uses (unless they’re disposable). Our Experts Kevin Huffman, DO, doctor of osteopathic medicine and licensed fitness and wellness specialist Alexandra Roberts, wilderness first responder and member of Androscoggin Valley Search & Rescue Sarah Jeffries, paramedic and emergency care specialist and managing director of First Aid Course Leicester Frequently Asked Questions Are hand warmers safe to use? Hand warmers are not only safe to use, but they can even help you avoid risks in emergency conditions. But you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions, paramedic Sarah Jeffries says. She also recommends putting a cloth or glove in between your skin and the warmer to avoid getting burned. How long does a hand warmer last? It depends on the hand warmer. Disposable hand warmers may stay warm for up to 10 hours, whereas battery-powered options can last up to 18 hours on a full charge and low heat. What hand warmers last the longest? How long a hand warmer will last depends on what heat setting you’re using it at (if it’s a battery-powered option). In our test, we found that FVSA's Rechargeable Hand Warmers and Survival Frog’s Rechargeable Hand Warmers have the best battery life. For a disposable option, HotHands Hand Warmers typically last quite long, says wilderness first responder Alexandra Roberts. Do hand warmers work in extreme cold? Hand warmers are designed to work in very low temperatures, but their effectiveness may decrease in extreme cold, says Jeffries. Other factors such as wind and moisture can affect their performance. Jeffries recommends using hand warmers in combination with appropriate layers and insulated clothing to ensure you retain warmth throughout your whole body. Why Trust Verywell Fit An avid downhill skier living just outside of Boston, Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN often uses hand warmers in the colder months. When she’s on the slopes, she prefers HotHands’ Hand Warmers for their convenience, size, and heat duration. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit