As the winter chill creeps in, it's time to warm up to the idea of the best hand warmers to keep those frosty fingers at bay. After all, when Jack Frost comes knocking, your extremities are the first to feel the nibble, and unless you fancy your fingertips turning into icicles, you'll want one of these pocket saviours.
With a plethora of rechargeable and reusable hand warmers on the market, there's no excuse for chilly digits during your winter escapades. Whether you're hitting the trails, walking Fido, or cheering on your favourite team in the cold stands, these pocket wonders are an absolute must-have.
Sure, you could opt for gloves – check out T3's guide to the best cold weather gloves. But when temperatures plummet, nothing beats the cosy embrace of a little extra warmth to get the blood flowing. There are plenty of budget-friendly options here to keep both your hands and your wallet happy.
Our favourite hand warmer right now is the reliable Lifesystems Rechargeable Hand Warmer. Although it has been superseded by the Lifesystems Rechargeable Hand Warmer XT, our second choice, the OG hand warmer from Lifesystems is as good as it was on the first day of its release. If you prefer the chemical variety, check out Hot Snapz's Reusable Hand Warmers.
Best hand warmers to buy right now
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best hand warmer overall
Type: battery-powered
Max hours of use: 6
Reusable: yes
+ Different temperature options
+ Doubles as a power bank
+ Useful handle
- Not fully waterproof
The best hand warmer all around is this rechargeable option from Lifesystems. It features convenient USB charging, can be turned on and off as and when you need it, and will deliver up to six hours of heat on a single charge. There are four heat levels to choose from, so you can get things as toasty as you need, and a handy visual indicator will show you how much charge is remaining.
It's ergonomically shaped, pleasant to hold, and has two internal heat plates that deliver a decent burst of even heat from both sides. Finally, it doubles up as an emergency power bank, which is not strictly necessary but surprisingly helpful.
Read our full Lifesystems rechargeable hand warmer review.
Best hand warmer for battery life
Type: battery-powered
Max hours of use: 14
Reusable: yes
+ 10,000Mah battery
+ Easy to set up
+ Relatively light
- No handle
The successor to our number one pick, the Lifesystems Hand Warmer XT, is a pretty similar device but with a few key differences. The main one being double the battery power: 10,000Mah to its predecessor's 5,000Mah. That means that rather than three to six hours of heat, this offers from six to 14 hours of hand warming.
One other drawback is that it doesn't have a handle like the Lifesystems rechargeable hand warmer, so you won't be able to hang it up around the house or off your backpack.
If you don't mind spending a little more and aren't bothered about a handle, we'd highly recommend this USB-powered hand warmer.
Read our full Lifesystems Hand Warmer XT review.
Best budget hand warmers
Type: crystallisation
Max hours of use: 1
Reusable: yes
+ Compact
+ Reusable
+ Easy to use
- Doesn't stay warm for long
- Boiling to 'recharge' is a faff
If you want the convenience of a disposable hand warmer in a reusable format, try Hot Snaps. It's a crystallisation-type hand warmer that you immerse in hot water for 10-15 minutes before you go out, then when you need a blast of warmth you can simply click the metal disc in its centre to release the heat.
Be warned, though: they don't stay warm for long: about 50-60 minutes for Pocket Warmers, 30 to 40 minutes for Hand Warmers. So this is not a good choice for lengthy outdoor adventures. But if you want something for short spells out in the cold, this is nicely portable, easy to use and endlessly reusable.
Best hand warmers for all-day use
Type: fuel
Max hours of use: 12
Reusable: yes
+ Up to 12 hours of warmth
+ Refillable
+ Lightweight
- Need to keep buying fuel
The Zippo hand warmer is shaped like Zippo's iconic cigarette lighter, with six designs to choose from, and works in a similar way. It uses specially-created Zippo fuel that burns slowly and flamelessly, so there's no need to worry about accidentally getting set on fire.
The clever refill system makes topping up the fluid pretty easy too. On a full tank, this hand warmer will provide 12 hours of warmth – great if you happen to be heading up the mountain for the day or planning to go off-grid for a while.
Best hand warmers for maximum warmth
Type: battery-powered
Max hours of use: 9
Reusable: yes
+ Whole-hand heating
+ Waterproof
- Slightly chunky
The Aroma Season rechargeable heated gloves pack a pair of 7.4V 3000mAh rechargeable batteries that deliver warmth to your whole hand for up to an hour at a time, after which they'll automatically cut off, presumably to save you from chilblains. You'll get up to nine hours of warmth out of a single charge, though.
They're waterproof, windproof and breathable with three heat settings, and the thumbs and forefingers feature conductive material so that you can still use your phone without getting cold hands.
Best disposable hand warmers
Type: air-activated
Max hours of use: 6
Reusable: no
+ Easy to use
+ No need to charge
- Not reusable
- Doesn't heat for long periods
Designed for occasions such as outdoor sports, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, jogging and dog walking, Grabber's single-use, air-activated packs provide fast and immediate heat, starting off at a maximum temperature of 156° F (69° C).
They're very easy to use: simply open the packet and expose it to the air. They take less than a minute to warm up, and they’ll stay warm for up to six hours, although the heat intensity will dip from the initial high level. You’ll get the best results if you keep them in a pocket or glove.
How to choose the best hand warmers for you
When selecting the best hand warmers for your needs, it's important to consider a few key factors to ensure you stay cosy in cold conditions.
Think about how long you'll need warmth. Chemical hand warmers offer heat for up to 12 hours, making them ideal for extended outdoor activities. If you need something reusable, battery-operated or electric hand warmers might be more up your alley, providing consistent warmth with the convenience of rechargeability.
You should also consider the size and portability. For activities like hiking or skiing, opt for compact, lightweight hand warmers that easily fit into your gloves or pockets. If you’re looking for something more robust, electric hand warmers often come with additional features like adjustable heat settings and can double as power banks.
Finally, think about your environmental impact. Reusable options are more eco-friendly compared to single-use chemical warmers, which contribute to waste. However, if you need a quick and disposable solution, chemical warmers are effective and widely available.
How we test the best hand warmers
When we test hand warmers, we focus on a few key areas. First, we activate them according to the instructions, making sure they heated up properly. We then time how long they stay warm, noting any drop in temperature. To gauge comfort, we held them in our hands or placed them in our gloves, checking for any uneven heat distribution. We also evaluate their portability by slipping them into our pockets.
FAQ
What brand of hand warmers are best?
For top hand warmer brands, consider Lifesystems for reliable, long-lasting warmth, Zippo for durability in extreme conditions, and Ocoopa for quick, high-heat performance. Each brand offers distinct advantages, catering to various outdoor needs and preferences.
Are hand warmers good for Raynaud's?
Hand warmers can be helpful for people with Raynaud's disease by providing consistent warmth, which helps maintain circulation and prevent symptoms like pain and numbness. Choosing gentle, reliable heat sources, such as electric or chemical hand warmers, is crucial for managing this condition effectively.
Are rechargeable hand warmers any good?
Yes, rechargeable hand warmers are generally very effective and offer several advantages. They provide consistent, adjustable heat and are environmentally friendly since they can be reused many times. Brands like Lifesystems and Ocoopa are particularly popular due to their reliability, long battery life, and additional features like doubling as power banks. These hand warmers are especially useful for prolonged outdoor activities where sustained warmth is needed.
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