Do rechargeable hand warmers work?

Most people who have used rechargeable hand warmers have found them to be extremely effective. In fact, hand warmers are one of the first lines of defense for those with Raynaud’s, says Wunderman. “The rechargeable ones are too large to fit inside a glove or a mitten but can be a handy source of warmth carried inside a coat pocket when outdoors,” she says. “Many Raynaud’s sufferers will keep a small one in their purse or glove compartment to have ready when needed for a quick warm-up. Indoors, they are great to have available when watching TV, reading a book or newspaper, next to the computer, or any place in the home or office when you just can’t get warm. I keep several fully charged all over the house for this purpose.” Of course, the reliability of your hand warmer will depend on the type you purchased and its effectiveness. If you are considering purchasing rechargeable hand warmers, make sure you purchase one that has the heat settings and features you desire.

How long do rechargeable hand warmers stay warm?

When it comes to the battery life of rechargeable hand warmers, the length of time they stay warm will vary depending on the model you purchase. Some hand warmers will stay warm for up to 15 hours, while others may stop putting out heat after just a few hours of use. That said, many people have had good experiences with rechargeable hand warmers staying warm as long as they are needed. “I used my portable hand warmer when I went to a Notre Dame game recently,” says Bring. “It was cold—probably about 7 degrees outside and even colder with the wind chill. But my hands stayed warm even though I was out there for more than eight hours. Hand warmers also can prevent cold injuries when you are going to be in extreme conditions for an extended period of time.” The battery life will also be impacted by the settings you use and any extra features your hand warmer might have. If you want to extend the life of your rechargeable hand warmers, you may want to opt for a lower heat setting. This can help conserve the life of the battery and help it last longer, especially if you will be using your hand warmers for an extended period of time.

The 8 Best Rechargeable Hand Warmers of 2023

Rechargeable hand warmers are small, battery-powered devices that you can slip into gloves and pockets to hold for warmth. These gadgets can serve as heat therapy for people with rheumatoid arthritis, providing relief for aching hands. They can also be helpful for those with Raynaud’s Syndrome, a phenomenon where small arteries constrict in response to severe cold and limit blood supply to fingers and toes, causing them to get pale, cold, and numb.

For people with Raynaud’s, using hand warmers can help alleviate these symptoms. But even people who do not have arthritis or Raynauld’s may have a use for hand warmers. If you spend a great deal of time outdoors hiking, camping, or even attending sporting events, hand warmers can be a helpful addition to your gear and help prevent injuries from the cold, including frostbite.

For instance, Benjamin Bring, DO, a family physician who specializes in sports medicine and osteopathic manipulation at OhioHealth, is the attending physician for local Friday night football games, and he often takes hand warmers with him. “[They] help me keep my hands mobile so I can effectively examine an athlete,” he says. When purchasing one, he says you should consider its battery life, the maximum temperature reached, and ease of use.

We researched dozens of rechargeable hand warmers and evaluated them for their number of heat settings, how long the battery lasts, and handy extras, such as charging ports or flashlights.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Go Warmer Rechargeable Hand Heater at Walmart

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Best Battery Life:

Survival Frog QuickHeat PRO Rechargeable Hand Warmer with Portable Power Bank at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Busypiggy Portable 2-in-1 Power Bank & Rechargeable Hand Warmer at Amazon

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Best for Travel:

OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer at Amazon

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Best Gloves:

Weston Heated Gloves at Westonstore.com

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Best for Outdoor Workouts:

FVSA Rechargeable Hand Warmers at Amazon

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Best for Raynaud's:

Ororo Bay City Heated Hand Warmer at Amazon

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Best for Arthritis:

SkyGenius Rechargeable Hand Warmer at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

Home Depot

Pros

Offers three temperature settings
Heats up quickly
Fits nicely in your hand or coat pocket

Cons

Does not have a lanyard or carrying case

For an affordable, durable, and easy-to-use option, it’s hard to beat the Go Warmer Cordless Rechargeable Hand Heater with Flashlight. Not only does it contain two hand warmers—one for each hand—but it also offers three different temperature settings, making it easily adaptable to your needs.

The warmers also heat up quickly, offer consistent heat, and have a great design that fits seamlessly in the palm of your hand. These durable hand warmers also boast an eight-hour battery life.

And as an added bonus, they have a flashlight that comes in handy if you want to use your hand warmers while outside, such as while camping or walking the dog. You can even use the device’s USB port to charge your phone.

The only downside to these rechargeable hand warmers is that they do not have a carrying case or lanyard. But we felt all the other cool features make up for this slight inconvenience.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Heat Settings: Three heat settings | Battery Life: 8-hour battery | Material: Plastic / aluminum | Added Features: Built-in flashlight}

Survival Frog

Pros

Offers three temperature settings
Maintains a consistent heat
Comes with a lanyard

Cons

Has a very short charging cord
May not be appropriate for people with sensitive skin

While these rechargeable hand warmers may come with a short charging cable (only 7 inches long) and take a while to charge, you cannot beat the extensive battery life. Once charged during our testing process, these hand warmers were at full battery strength throughout the entire testing period without needing to be charged again.

These hand warmers also heat up in under 10 seconds and maintain consistent heat throughout their use. They even offer three temperature settings and have a convenient carrying case and lanyard, which make them easy to use. That said, they do get extremely hot.

If you have sensitive skin or nerve damage in your hands, these may not be the right-hand warmers for you. 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 and may not be able to tell when they are injuring their skin.

“Any person with fragile or thin skin needs to be careful using hand warmers because they are more prone to injury,” Gupta adds. “You also should not fall asleep using them. And you would not want to use a hand warmer if you have an acute traumatic injury. In those situations, ice or cold is more beneficial than heat.”

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Heat Settings: Three heat settings | Battery Life: 14 hours of heat | Material: Aluminum | Additional Features: Carrying Case}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Easy to use
Very durable, even against drops

Cons

Takes time to heat up
Feels a little big and bulky

These simple-to-use rechargeable hand warmers offer adjustable heat settings, which is useful if you are going to use them in a variety of different settings. But they do take some time to heat up. In fact, when we tested it, we started on the highest setting and then dialed it back just to get the heat we craved as quickly as possible.

Also, the battery life is good enough to get you through a baseball game or an evening activity. But they are a little big and bulky and probably not the best choice if you want to do something active.

Overall, these hand warmers are reliable and extremely durable. They would make a good choice if you want to give hand warmers a try without spending a lot of money.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Key Specs:
Heat Settings: Three heat settings | Battery Life: 12 hours of heat | Material: Plastic | Additional Features: Auto shut-off, power bank, LED display}

4.9

Ocoopa

Pros

Offers dual-sided heat ideal for warming both hands at once
Pro 2 Has three different ports to accommodate a variety of cords
Functions as a power bank as well for charging your phone

Cons

May be too small for someone with large hands

The OCOOPA 10,000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer is well-designed and boasts a number of useful features. In addition to offering dual-sided heat—which is ideal for warming up both hands at once—it also has a compact design and fits easily in a jacket pocket. It even comes with a carrying case and lanyard, making it an ideal choice for someone on the go.

This compact hand warmer also has three different ports to accommodate a variety of cables, including USB, micro USB, and USB-C. And it can double as a power bank for your phone, which could be extremely useful when you're traveling. Although most people will find its sleek design appealing, if you have large hands, you may want a slightly larger hand warmer.

“I love the hand warmers from Ocoopa for many reasons,” says Lynn Wunderman, who not only has Raynaud’s but is also the founder and chairman of the Raynaud’s Association. “First, they are a reputable brand, so I trust their products to perform well and be safe. Also, they offer several different models that vary in size, shape, colors, features, weight, and more, so you can select the one (or ones) that are best suited to your needs.”

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Heat Settings: Three heat settings | Battery Life: 15 hours of heat | Material: Aluminum | Additional Features: Dual-sided heat, carrying case and lanyard, phone charger}

4.3

Weston

Pros

Well-made and comfortable
Has a durable, waterproof outer layer
Contains an adjustable wrist strap to help create a more secure fit

Cons

Contains a large power button that could be pushed by accident during vigorous activities
May not be suitable for someone with small hands
Expensive

If you’re looking for a heated glove for your outdoor excursions, you might want to consider the Weston Heated Glove. These well-made gloves are durable and comfortable with a waterproof outer layer. They also contain an adjustable wrist strap to help create a more secure fit, which is important if you are skiing or doing something active.

That said, these gloves run a bit big and may not be suitable for small hands, especially if you intend to use them for sports like cross-country or downhill skiing. They also have a large power button that is located on the front of the glove that could get pushed by accident during vigorous outdoor activities. They’re also pricey, which might be worth it if you use them frequently, but for occasional use, it’s probably not worth it.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Heat Settings: Three heat settings | Battery Life: 8 hours of heat | Material: Polyurethane, cotton | Additional Features: Water resistant}

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Heats up and cools down quickly
Fits comfortably in the palm of your hand
Contains a flashlight for nighttime use

Cons

Contains poorly translated instructions
Has a number of buttons, which hinders its intuitiveness

This dual-sided hand warmer is effective and heats up and cools down quickly. It also has three temperature settings and fits comfortably in your hand. If you plan to use the rechargeable hand warmer outside, you will appreciate its built-in flashlight for nighttime use as well as its lanyard and carrying case.

The only downsides to this hand warmer are its poorly translated instructions as well as the number of buttons it has. These two characteristics somewhat hinder its intuitiveness and took some time for us to become familiar with the product and what it was capable of.

But other than that, this hand warmer accomplished what it was designed to do. It kept our hands warm for a reasonable amount of time.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Heat Settings: Three heat settings | Battery Life: 8 hours | Material: Aluminum | Additional Features: Dual-sided heat, built-in flashlight}

4.6

Amazon

Pros

Great for indoor use as well as outdoor
Comes with a belt with a warm muff attached and lots of storage
Heats up quickly

Cons

Power button is somewhat hidden
Does not get very hot even on highest setting
Expensive

In Raynaud's, the smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin constrict in response to cold or stress, limiting blood supply to the affected area, explains Gupta. But the instant warmth hand warmers can provide for people with Raynaud’s is a quick way to fend off an attack and bring relief.

Because symptoms of Raynaud’s do not only occur when people are outside but also can show up when you’re inside, it is important to have a hand warmer that is easy to use when you need it. The ORORO Bay City Heated Hand Warmer fits the bill.

Designed with a belt and warm fluffy muff attached, this hand warmer heats up quickly but does not reach extreme temperatures. Instead, it gently warms cold hands in a soft, cozy environment. This makes it ideal for warming up on a chilly night while watching TV, working at your desk—or pairing it with a foot warmer.

These hand warmers can be used outside and can even be removed from the belt if you want. However, because they do not get super warm, they may not be ideal on a frigid day. Another downside is that the power button is somewhat hidden, which could be problematic if your fingers are already cold and stiff. Otherwise, these are great hand warmers that offer a unique textural feel. This is an expensive option, but if you have Raynaud’s and need consistent relief, it’s a worthwhile purchase.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Heat Settings: Three heat settings | Battery Life: 14 hours of heat | Material: Fleece-lined pouch, polyester | Additional Features: Wind and water resistant, machine washable}

4.4

Amazon

Pros

Contains a single button for usage
Has a long battery life offering multiple uses on one charge
Offers three temperature settings

Cons

Takes some time to charge
Inconsistent heat throughout use

Arthritis pain can sometimes make it difficult to perform day-to-day activities, but the right hand warmer might be able to bring some relief and improve the function of your hands. In fact, Gupta indicates that the heat from hand warmers may be therapeutic for those with arthritis and other similar conditions.

“People with arthritis or any type of muscular injury can benefit from hand warmers,” says Gupta. “The heat dilates or opens the blood vessels allowing more blood flow and delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.”

If you are looking for hand warmers to help alleviate your arthritis symptoms, you may want to take a look at the SkyGenius Rechargeable Hand Warmer. This easy-to-use device has a single button, a long battery life, and three different temperature settings. And while it takes some time to charge and the heat can be inconsistent at times, these hand warmers are effective.

Price at time of publication: $23

^{Key Specs:
Heat Settings: Three Heat Settings | Battery Life: 8 hours of heat | Material: Thermoplastic polymer | Spec: Power bank}

How We Rated

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best rechargeable hand warmers we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These rechargeable hand warmers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great rechargeable hand warmers, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These rechargeable hand warmers are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend rechargeable hand warmers with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

We tested different rechargeable hand warmers through at-home testing, but only eight performed well enough to be included in our list of favorites. Our testers did have some positive comments about the following models but noted that they fell just short in a few key areas.

Snow Deer Electric Heated Gloves: While these gloves are made of good-quality waterproof material, and the heat radiated beautifully throughout, the battery is short-lived, lasting only about two hours. Additionally, the instructions were not very intuitive, and the positioning of the fingers inside the glove is a cross between a mitten and a glove, which can be awkward.
Celestron Elements FireCel+: The battery life of these hand warmers is impressive at 12 hours, but these devices are bigger, a little bulky, and not well-suited for smaller hands. There also are no controls to adjust the temperature setting, which is unfortunate since these devices run a little too hot at times.
Karecel Hand Warmers Rechargeable: This dual-sided hand warmer stayed warm throughout the testing and had three temperature settings, but it was uncomfortably hot at times. The heat produced was also inconsistent, with it frequently appearing warmer on one side than the other.

How We Tested the Best Rechargeable Hand Warmers

We purchased different rechargeable hand warmers, each at different price points and with different features. During the testing period, each hand warmer was used at least five times throughout a two-week testing period for three hours each time.

Throughout the testing, the reviewers evaluated how effectively the hand warmers worked. They considered how warm the devices were and whether or not they stayed warm while being used.

They also evaluated the ease of use, the battery life, and the design. Additionally, the testers considered how intuitive the instructions were, as well as the device’s extra features, cost, and durability.

What to Look for in a Rechargeable Hand Warmer

Durability

Because rechargeable hand warmers are often used when it is cold outside, they will likely be exposed to cold, windy, and sometimes even wet conditions. There also is a possibility that you could drop them or that their effectiveness could slow over time—especially with repeated use. For this reason, choosing hand warmers that are durable and will last through several seasons ensures you will get the most use out of them.

“Make sure [you buy from] a reputable manufacturer,” suggests Wunderman. “This is important for anyone buying a rechargeable hand warmer or any heated accessory or apparel. If the manufacturer takes shortcuts in the materials or production process that could result in overcharging or overheating or can’t be found to stand by a warranty on the unit, it’s not worth the savings.”

During our testing process, we considered how long each device maintained its effectiveness after several uses as well as how well the product was made. Most of our recommendations scored very high in durability, with the exception of the SkyGenius hand warmers, which had a top plate that consistently popped off. However, this plate was easy to replace and did not deter us from recommending this product for people with arthritis.

Ease of Use

When deciding on rechargeable hand warmers, it is important to consider how easy they are to operate—not only when you are actually using them but also when they are being charged or even set up. You also may want to consider extra features that can contribute to their ease of use, like lanyards or wrist straps that make them easier to carry or carrying cases that can be used when they are not needed.

“When buying rechargeable hand warmers, [you want to be sure] the delivery of consistent, reliable heat is equally dispersed through the hand and not arising from a single point,” says Rennier Alejandro Martinez, MD, a board-certified surgeon who specializes in vascular surgery at Baptist Health. “Also, ensure it is portable so that it is easy to carry around. The easier it is to carry, the more likely patients will use them as often as they need to.”

During our testing, we read the instructions and rated how intuitive each device was. What they discovered is that many of the hand warmers we recommend are often self-explanatory and do not require a big learning curve, or they contain a relatively simple and straightforward instruction manual. Even those with multiple buttons or settings were relatively easy to use.

Effectiveness

Perhaps one of the most crucial characteristics you should look for when choosing rechargeable hand warmers is how effective they are at doing what they are designed to do—safely keep your hands warm. You will also want to consider how quickly they warm up and if they stay warm during multiple uses.

You also should pay attention to the temperature ranges the device offers. Some hand warmers can get extremely hot and may not be a good choice for people with sensitive skin or nerve damage in their hands because they could get burned by excessive heat, especially if the devices are not handled with care.

“It is important to understand the specific warmer being used and the maximum temperature it reaches,” Martinez says. “Some patients with dysfunction in the nervous system, such as peripheral neuropathy, may not be able to accurately sense the heat from these devices and thus may be at risk of burns if this is coupled with poor blood flow as well. As a rule, however, [hand warmers] are safe and provide a good way to improve cold hands symptoms.”

Battery Life

When you are relying on rechargeable hand warmers to keep your hands warm during cold temperatures, you need to make sure they have sufficient battery life—especially if you are going to be using them for an extended period of time. You also may want to consider how long they take to charge.

If you plan to use your hand warmers for extended periods of time, like on camping trips, a long hike, or at an all-day sporting event, you may want to invest in a model that has a long battery life and charges quickly, Gupta says. On the other hand, if you are using them for short periods of time, battery life may not be as important to you as other features.

“Choosing a hand warmer will depend on what you need,” Gupta says. “You may want to choose one where the battery life is decent, and it quickly heats up or cools down. An automatic shut-off feature is a good idea as well because it is a safety mechanism.”

You also should make note of what type of battery your hand warmer contains. If it has a lithium-ion battery, you may want to consider only charging it when you are around. While most of these types of batteries are safe, if they become damaged or have a defect, they can pose a fire hazard. If you have had your hand warmer for a while, check the battery from time to time to ensure it appears in good working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do rechargeable hand warmers work?

Most people who have used rechargeable hand warmers have found them to be extremely effective. In fact, hand warmers are one of the first lines of defense for those with Raynaud’s, says Wunderman.
“The rechargeable ones are too large to fit inside a glove or a mitten but can be a handy source of warmth carried inside a coat pocket when outdoors,” she says. “Many Raynaud’s sufferers will keep a small one in their purse or glove compartment to have ready when needed for a quick warm-up. Indoors, they are great to have available when watching TV, reading a book or newspaper, next to the computer, or any place in the home or office when you just can’t get warm. I keep several fully charged all over the house for this purpose.”
Of course, the reliability of your hand warmer will depend on the type you purchased and its effectiveness. If you are considering purchasing rechargeable hand warmers, make sure you purchase one that has the heat settings and features you desire.
How long do rechargeable hand warmers stay warm?

When it comes to the battery life of rechargeable hand warmers, the length of time they stay warm will vary depending on the model you purchase. Some hand warmers will stay warm for up to 15 hours, while others may stop putting out heat after just a few hours of use. That said, many people have had good experiences with rechargeable hand warmers staying warm as long as they are needed.
“I used my portable hand warmer when I went to a Notre Dame game recently,” says Bring. “It was cold—probably about 7 degrees outside and even colder with the wind chill. But my hands stayed warm even though I was out there for more than eight hours. Hand warmers also can prevent cold injuries when you are going to be in extreme conditions for an extended period of time.”
The battery life will also be impacted by the settings you use and any extra features your hand warmer might have. If you want to extend the life of your rechargeable hand warmers, you may want to opt for a lower heat setting. This can help conserve the life of the battery and help it last longer, especially if you will be using your hand warmers for an extended period of time.

Why Trust Verywell Health

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.