Unless you're a member of the Polar Bear club, you don't go out in the cold weather just for the cold. You do it for the activity you're interested in. That being the case, you have probably wondered, are heated gloves any good? And if so, what are the best heated gloves?

To answer your question—yes. Heated gloves are excellent for cold-weather comfort. Small battery technology has rapidly advanced in recent years. Fabric materials have also enjoyed similar improvements, as have the materials used to strengthen and protect them. The result? Quality, durable gloves you can count on for years of trusted use.

Let’s dive into the details of how heated gloves work and why they are worth it so you can determine what are the best heated gloves for your outdoor adventures. Short on time? Make your decision quick and easy with our four best heated gloves by category:

• Best deep-cold weather glove: Storm Heated Mitten
• Best all-use heated glove: Squall Heated Glove
• Best heavy-duty glove add-on: Heated Glove Liner
• Best heated glove for driving: Thermal Heated Glove Unisex

How Do Heated Gloves Work?

Heated gloves work in almost exactly the same way as your old-fashioned heated blanket. The difference is that heated gloves make use of advanced portable battery technology to make them light, portable, and weather resistant. They also owe their impressive ability to perform in cold and wet conditions to advanced materials, manufacturing, and design techniques.

The onboard battery powers a heating element that runs throughout the glove. This radiates heat toward your hand which is held in by thermal insulation.

All in all, it's a very simple concept made practical by many years of research and development across a range of technologies.

The next big question we get about heated gloves is are they safe. To put it simply, yes. While there are some risks inherent with portable electronics, they are small. The electronics in these devices are extremely well insulated, and even in the worst-case scenario, you wouldn't feel more of a shock than you might get from an old-fashioned 9-volt battery.

Are Heated Gloves Worth It?

Compared to ordinary gloves that might cost you anywhere between $10 and $50 depending on your tastes, heated electric gloves do seem like a big investment. The answer might depend on the depths of the cold in which you are operating and the value of the activities you engage in.

If you've ever done much of anything in seriously cold conditions, then you're probably aware of how quickly your courage can fail when you feel it in the bones of your fingers. That kind of cold can be painful, distracting, and, if prolonged, even dangerous to your safety. So whether you're delivering packages in the dead of winter or fishing over an icy hole, heated gloves are definitely a worthwhile investment you’ll be glad you made.

Now, let's take a closer look at our picks for the best heated gloves.

This Season's Four Best Heated Gloves

Storm Heated Mitten: Best deep-cold weather glove

Why we love it: This 100% waterproof, reinforced winter mitten delivers all-day comfort, warmth, and protection from the elements with up to 8 hours of heating capabilities on a single charge. A non-slip silicon palm and a buckle attachment at the wrist mean your mittens stay put in the harshest winter conditions.

Specs:

• 7.4-volt Rechargeable Battery
• Up to 8 Hours of Heat Per Charge
• Wrist Cinch Closure System
• Split-Pack Batteries to Reduce Wrist Weight
• 100% Waterproof
• Poly-Oxford Outer Shell
• Double-Sided Fleece Inner Glove
• Reinforced Palm
• 4 Heat Settings
• Integrated Touch Control
• Wrist Cinch Closure
• Integrated Knuckle Padding for Extra Protection
• Integrated Heat Elements: Top of Hand & Fingers

Pros

• Tough
• Thick
• 100% Waterproof
• Long-lasting performance

Cons

• Manual dexterity may suffer with mitten shape

Squall Heated Glove: Best all-use heated glove

Why we love it: This is the ideal glove for motorcycle riding or just about any other activity. But its stylish exterior just screams "motorcycle glove."

Specs:

• Poly-Oxford Outer Shell
• Reinforced Palm
• Waterproof Lining
• Integrated Wire Harness Connectors
• 4 Heat Settings
• Integrated Touch Control
• Wrist Cinch Closure System

Pros

• Stylish
• 8 hours per charge
• Seals up nicely

Cons

• Not as thick as other heavy-duty gloves

Heated Glove Liner: Best heavy-duty glove add-on

Why we love it: This item is excellent in milder cold weather or as an addition to a thicker, heavier glove, making it very versatile.

Specs:

• Elastic Polyester Shell
• Slim-Fit for use under any glove
• Hook & Loop Closure
• Integrated Wire Harness
• 4 Heat Settings
• Waterproof Touch Control
• Mobile Device Compatible

Pros

• Stylish when used alone
• Fits under larger gloves

Cons

• Can be too delicate for heavier work

Thermal Heated Glove Unisex: Best heated glove for driving

Why we love it: In terms of toughness and cold protection, this is a slight step up from the Heated Glove Liner with comparable points on style.

Specs:

• 100% Polyester fleece shell & liner
• Stretch Double-Sided Fleece
• High Dexterity
• Touch Screen fingertips
• Non-slip palm
• Buckle attachment
• 4 heat levels
• Mobile device compatible
• Integrated Touch Control
• Split-Pack batteries reduce weight
• Up to 8 hours per charge

Pros

• High dexterity
• Advanced materials
• Stylish appearance

Cons

• Slightly too thick to be used as a liner

Take control of your comfort in the cold with Fieldsheer’s best heated gloves. Shop now to find your perfect pair.