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Whether your fingers are cold or you're looking for heat therapy, these top hand warmers will do the job. Rechargeable Handwarmers
Rechargeable hand warmers are small, battery-powered devices that you can slip into gloves and pockets for warmth. These gadgets can be used as heat therapy for people with health conditions whose symptoms cause aches and pains or affect the body’s natural temperature regulation (like rheumatoid arthritis or Raynaud’s syndrome)—but you don’t need a health condition to have a use for hand warmers. If you struggle with the cold or spend a lot of time outdoors, they can be a helpful addition to your gear and may help prevent cold injuries, including frostbite.
We consulted experts and tested 15 rechargeable hand warmers at home for at least 15 hours through a two-week testing period in the winter. We evaluated them for their battery life, design, durability, effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. A rheumatologist from our Medical Expert Board then reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding what to look for in rechargeable hand warmers.
If you have sensitive skin, nerve damage, or fragile or thin skin, you'll want to be careful when picking out and using a hand warmer. According to NavYash Gupta, MD, FACS, associate professor of surgery and clinical chief of vascular surgery at Cedars Sinai, people with these conditions can find it difficult to sense how hot the heat is, which can lead to injury. He also warns against falling asleep with them or using them if you have an acute traumatic injury. Instead, ice or cold is more beneficial than heat.
Fits nicely in your hand or coat pocket
Takes a while to charge
Heat Settings: 3 heat settings | Battery Life: 8-hour battery | Material: Plastic/aluminum | Additional Features: Built-in flashlight
It's hard to beat the Go Warmer Cordless Rechargeable Hand Heater because they're affordable, durable, and easy to use. They come with two hand warmers—one for each hand—and offer three different temperature settings. The low setting was warm enough for children or people with sensitive hands, and the highest setting felt very hot as we tested (but never uncomfortable). The low and medium heat settings were our favorites.
When we used them, they warmed up quickly and offered consistent heat. They also fit seamlessly in the palm of our hands and were sleek enough for our coat pockets. The eight-hour battery life held up, and the USB charger refueled them efficiently. They also come with a flashlight, which we found convenient during dark walks outside.
Getting a fully charged battery took a bit longer than we liked. While it didn't frustrate us, you'd need to make sure you charge them ahead of time so you're not stuck out in the cold (literally). We also wish they came with some form of lanyard or case.
Not ideal for people with sensitive skin
Heat Settings: 3 heat settings | Battery Life: 14 hours of heat | Material: Aluminum | Additional Features: Carrying Case
You can't beat the extensive battery life of Survival Frog’s QuickHeat Rechargeable Hand Warmer Pro. We only had to charge these warmers once during the entire testing process. Once charged, they remained at full battery strength for two weeks without needing to be charged again.
There are three settings and they heat up fast (10 seconds). Once we found the perfect temperature, they gave off consistent heat throughout use, keeping us nice and toasty. We appreciated the ergonomic design, and they were still easy and comfortable to hold despite being a smidge heavier than some other options.
The charging cable is fairly short, and although it holds an impressive charge, refueling takes a while. These warmers also get very hot, so if you have nerve damage or sensitive skin, you may want to proceed with caution or look into other options.
Verywell Health / Elise Wojczyk Wang
Can accommodate a variety of cords
Doubles as a charging bank for phones
May be too small for someone with large hands
Heat Settings: 3 heat settings | Battery Life: 15 hours of heat | Material: Aluminum | Additional Features: Dual-sided heat, carrying case and lanyard, phone charger
This OCOOPA Electric Hand Warmer is well-designed and intuitive, with several useful features that are perfect for travel. Beyond being rechargeable, it’s incredibly easy to use. One button performs every function; One long press turns it on and off, pressing it quickly changes the heat setting, and a double tap conveniently shows how much battery you have left. It comes with well-organized and easy-to-follow instructions, and the device can double as a power bank to charge your phone. You also don’t have to worry about having a specific cable as it’s compatible with USB, USB-C, and micro USB.
The warmer is dual-sided and warms up quickly. The heat helped us stay warm while in our frigid offices during testing. It worked so well we had to take breaks to cool down because we would start to sweat. It was easy to toggle through the different settings, and we could immediately feel the change. It’s about the size of a computer mouse, which was perfect for our hands.
It lasted around three hours and 45 minutes on medium heat instead of the 12 hours the manufacturer advertised. That's a pretty drastic difference, so if you're looking for a hand warmer that needs a long battery life, this one isn't for you. It's also pretty small compared to others, so it may not feel comfortable in larger hands.
Offer a durable, waterproof outer layer
Come with an adjustable wrist strap
May not be suitable for someone with small hands
Heat Settings: 3 heat settings | Battery Life: 8 hours of heat | Material: Polyurethane, cotton | Additional Features: Water resistant
If you're looking for a hand warmer you can wear, you might want to consider Weston Hand Gloves. These well-made and durable gloves keep hands cozy when it's chilly out. We like that they have a waterproof outer layer, which is good for braving the different winter elements. They're also incredibly user-friendly—one large button powers the device and controls the temperature.
They served their purpose well when we wore them. They quickly warmed up our cold hands and kept them nice and toasty on the highest setting. We could easily tighten them with the adjustable wrist strap, and they were comfortable to wear (despite how bulky they were). We feel we got our money's worth, and while they're still pricier than other picks, they're more affordable than other gloves you may find on the market.
These may not be for you if you're looking for gloves for long days on the slopes or in extremely cold weather. They take a while to charge (six hours), and the battery life doesn't match the manufacturers' claims. Also, they're a bit clunky (but still wearable) on smaller hands.
Great for both indoor and outdoor use
Comes with a storage belt
Power button is somewhat hidden
Doesn't get very hot
Heat Settings: 3 heat settings | Battery Life: 14 hours of heat | Material: Fleece-lined pouch, polyester | Additional Features: Wind and water resistant, machine washable
Raynaud's Syndrome is a condition that causes the smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin to constrict in response to cold or stress, limiting blood supply to the affected area, explains Dr. Gupta. Instant hand warmers, like The Ororo Bay City Heated Hand Warmer, can quickly fend off an attack and bring relief. During testing, we learned just how simple this device is: You turn it on, let it pre-heat, and then slip your hands inside. That's it. The instructions recommend letting it pre-heat for three minutes, but it was ready much quicker. It was an incredibly easy, seamless, and fast process.
We like that it's a wearable muff versus a handheld like other hand warmers. The fleece lining inside was fluffy and comfortable against our skin, while the ribbed cuffs felt snug on our arms. The exterior pockets were an unexpected yet appreciated feature. They housed the battery pack and could fit our phone and AirPods. It's also machine washable (as long as you take the battery pack out), adding to the user-friendly design. The simplicity, speed, and cozy warmth make this great for people with Raynaud's Syndrome or anyone who struggles with cold hands while hanging out at home.
For maximum relaxation, we suggest pairing it with a foot warmer
This pick isn't ideal for traveling or severely cold weather. It isn't as hot as other options and is fairly heavy. Also, it's worth mentioning that the instructions were a little difficult to understand, and the power button is a little hidden. Thankfully, it's easy to figure out after your first time using it.
Contains a single button for usage
Has a long battery life
Takes some time to charge
Heat Settings: 3 Heat Settings | Battery Life: 8 hours of heat | Material: Thermoplastic polymer | Additional Features: Power bank
Suppose you are looking for hand warmers to help alleviate your arthritis symptoms. In that case, The SkyGenius Rechargeable Hand Warmer is an easy-to-use, effective option that could bring much-needed relief. Dr. Gupta says that people with arthritis or other muscular injuries can benefit from hand warmers since the heat opens up the blood vessels, encouraging blood flow and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
This pick has three heat settings to adjust the temperature to your body's needs. It heated up quickly when we used it, keeping our hands toasty in freezing weather for long periods. The one-button design is intuitive and straightforward. Once powered on, the light indicators show the current heat setting, and they turn blue when used as a power bank. We loved that it fit comfortably in our pockets and gave us, on average, five hours of use after one charging session.
Sometimes, the heat and battery life were inconsistent. The heat would intensify at random, but it's fixable with the push of a button. The most frustrating aspect was the inconsistent battery life. It took longer to charge and didn't last nearly as long as the manufacturer claims.
After consulting experts and researching dozens of rechargeable hand warmers, we tested 15 to find the best options for heat therapy and cold hands. We made sure to diversify the types of hand warmers picked by choosing different styles with varying features and price points. We selected our favorites based on the following criteria:
Most people who have used rechargeable hand warmers have found them extremely effective. That's why hand warmers are one of the first lines of defense for those with Raynaud's, says Wunderman.
The length of time rechargeable hand warmers stay warm will vary. Some hand warmers will remain warm for up to 15 hours, while others may stop producing heat after just a few hours. Also, heat settings and extra features like flashlights or power bank capabilities can impact how long it works. That said, many people have had good experiences with rechargeable hand warmers staying warm as long as needed.
As an avid sports fan, Sherri Gordon knows firsthand how cold your hands can get while attending your favorite sporting event outside, so she has a vested interest in finding the best rechargeable hand warmers. What’s more, as a seasoned journalist covering health and social issues, she also knows how important self-care is in all areas of your life—both mental and physical. For this reason, she carefully considers medical research and doctor recommendations adding a layer of detail that ensures readers can choose what is right for them and still understand the medical significance behind it.
By Sherri Gordon Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert.
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