The 7 Best Rechargeable Hand Warmers of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Our Testing Process

We chose which rechargeable hand warmers to test based on extensive research. To find the best of the best, a team of testers evaluated the picks for the following criteria:

• Ease of use
• Durability
• Battery life
• Effectiveness
• Design

We also spoke to two orthopedic surgeons to discuss what to look for when selecting rechargeable hand warmers. Experts we spoke to included:

• Erin Nance, MD, an orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon in New York
• Joanne Y. Zhang, MD, a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon in Irvine, California

Upon opening the hand warmers, testers were instructed to note the intuitiveness of the devices—whether the instructions were clear and the device was easy to set up, charge, and use.

Most importantly, our testers evaluated the warmers for their battery life and compared the results to the manufacturers’ claims. Each hand warmer was tested for approximately 15 hours to determine whether it worked as intended and maintained its efficacy over a longer period of time.

Testers also noted whether the hand warmers had additional features, such as multiple temperature settings, accessories like a carrying case, and sleek design that could fit in a pocket.

What to Know About Rechargeable Hand Warmers

What are Rechargeable Hand Warmers? 

Rechargeable hand warmers are handheld devices that use energy to generate heat. Holding them helps warm up cold hands during cold days or outdoor activities. They are electronic products that are usually powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and often double as power banks and flashlights, depending on the model.

How do Rechargeable Hand Warmers Work?   

Rechargeable hand warmers work by converting electrical energy into heat. Whoever is holding them will feel the warmth, which can warm up cold hands and give a sense of coziness throughout the whole body.

Unlike disposable hand warmers, some planning is required to use rechargeable ones. It can take up to eight hours to fully charge them, so you’ll need to charge them overnight. Once they’re fully charged, rechargeable hand warmers can last up to 15 hours depending on the heat setting. Using a higher heat setting uses energy quicker, as with using the device to charge your phone if it has that feature.

What to Look for in Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Ease of Use 

Using any electric or rechargeable device can get a little complicated, so we partially based our selection on how intuitive the hand warmers were while testing. Our testers read the instructions for each device, but some were so simple to use that no instructions were needed. Those with multiple buttons typically required a small learning curve, but single-button hand warmers were the easiest to use.

Most rechargeable hand warmers first require you to charge them. Once they’re fully charged, you can operate them by pressing the power button and toggling between low, medium, and high heat. 

Some additional features can make a rechargeable hand warmer easier to use. A lanyard or wrist strap makes the device easy to carry in your pocket without worrying about losing or dropping it. A carrying case is also convenient for transport and travel when not in use.

Effectiveness 

To test the hand warmers’ effectiveness, our testers looked for three main criteria—how quickly the devices warmed up, whether they stayed warm during use, and how they held up after multiple uses.

For many, this will be the most important deciding factor because it determines how well the device works.

When you’re standing in the cold, you'll likely want your hand warmers to heat up as quickly as possible. Some models warm up within seconds while others may take a few minutes to reach the selected temperature. 

Additionally, you may consider the temperature range of the hand warmers. Most reach temperatures of at least 130 F, but some only reach 120 F and others up to 150 F. The highest temperatures offered may not sound like a lot, but they can result in burns if you’re not wearing gloves or handling the warmer with care. “I recommend a device that has multiple temperature settings so you can choose a temperature that is warm but will not cause a burn,” Dr. Nance says.

Ergonomic Design

Hand warmers are designed to be held, so they should feel comfortable in your hands. Many have a sleek, smooth design that conforms to the natural curve in your hands.

Size can also factor in, but this is largely a personal preference and can vary based on the size of your hands. “There are a lot of different options and features in rechargeable hand warmers, so it is important to find the one that fits your specific needs,” says Dr. Zhang.

Hand warmers tend to be small to not cause strain on your hands and to fit in jacket and pants pockets. Some of our testers found certain models to be bulky while others found the size just right. You may have to handle a few different sizes to find the one that’s best for you. 

Battery Life

One of the most important criteria when choosing rechargeable hand warmers is the battery life. While most take several hours to come to a complete charge, that charge can go a long way. 

Depending on your usage, you can get up to 14 hours of output. Using the lowest heat setting will yield the longest battery life while the higher heat settings use energy more quickly.

If you’ll be using your hand warmers for long periods of time, such as during hikes and camping trips, you may want to spring for a model with a long battery life. For many, 14 consecutive hours may not be necessary. For sporting events or fishing trips, you may be able to get by with just a few hours.

While most manufacturers claim their hand warmers last for up to eight or even more hours, our testers found that some models didn’t live up to these claims. Some models don’t charge as quickly or last as long as promised.

Since most rechargeable hand warmers are powered by lithium-ion batteries, Dr. Nance addresses an important safety warning: “Lithium-ion batteries have been linked to house fires, so a device with a lithium-ion battery should never be charged unattended.”

Durability 

Rechargeable hand warmers are intended to be used outside in the cold weather, for the most part, so they will be exposed to the elements. You may also accidentally drop them. So, durability is something to consider. 

In our testing process, durability also refers to how well the device maintained its effectiveness after several uses. Some electric devices slow over time, so the more you use your hand warmers, the less effective they become. Choosing durable, long-lasting hand warmers will allow you to get more long-term use out of them.

More Rechargeable Hand Warmers to Consider

While these hand warmers didn't live up to our full expectations, they may still be of interest to you.

• SkyGenius Rechargeable Hand Warmer: This pick has an impressive battery life—you’re sure to get multiple uses from a single charge. However, our tester found this device unreliable. The use time varied drastically and there was a noticeable loss of efficacy over time.
• Weston Heated Gloves: These heated gloves warmed up quickly and kept our tester’s “chronically cold hands” nice and toasty. They’re made of a durable material, but our tester ran into practicality issues given the large and bulky design.
• Zippo Heatbank 9S Plus Hand Warmer: With a built-in flashlight and power bank, this hand warmer is multifunctional. Our tester found it “impressively hot” but wasn’t impressed by the unreliable battery. At times, our tester only got 30-90 minutes of use before it shut off.

Your Questions, Answered

Are rechargeable hand warmers worth it?  

If you will get a lot of use out of rechargeable hand warmers, there’s a good chance you’ll find them worth it. Disposable hand warmers are relatively inexpensive for sporadic use. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll likely get a lot of use out of your rechargeable ones, making them a good investment.

Some people with certain health conditions may benefit the most from rechargeable hand warmers. “There are two main groups of people who can benefit the most from rechargeable hand warmers: those with blood circulation problems that worsen in cold temperatures and those who find that cold or damp weather causes hand pain,” says Dr. Zhang, citing Raynaud’s disease, arthritis, and glomus tumors as examples.

Those living with Raynaud’s disease benefit greatly from staying warm. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cold weather can increase the likelihood of a Raynaud’s attack, but staying warm can help. An older 1988 study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that hand warming significantly reduced the number and severity of Raynaud’s attacks, which could be an effective way to manage symptoms.

How long do rechargeable hand warmers stay warm?  

The battery life of rechargeable hand warmers varies greatly. Some stay warm for up to 15 hours while others last for only two hours. This depends on the model itself as well as the heat setting you use. To extend the battery life of your device, opt for a lower heat setting—this uses less energy.

Are rechargeable hand warmers safe to use? 

When used as intended, rechargeable hand warmers are safe to use. Just be mindful of a few key safety reminders.

Rechargeable hand warmers reach high temperatures upwards of 130–150 F, which can burn exposed skin. “When anyone is using a battery-powered warming device, they have to be careful about burns if the temperature is too hot,” Dr. Nance says. “This is especially true for people with diabetic neuropathy who may have problems with feeling and sensation—they may not realize that the temperature is too hot.” 

To prevent thermal burns from rechargeable hand warmers, start on the lowest temperature setting. Wearing gloves also acts as a layer of protection between your skin and the device.

“If you have sensitive skin or are being treated for skin conditions on your hands, it would be safest to consult with your doctor first before using rechargeable hand warmers,” advises Dr. Zhang. “Children may also have a lower tolerance for the temperatures that hand warmers can reach and should be supervised when using them.”

How much do quality rechargeable hand warmers cost?  

The cost of a quality rechargeable hand warmer varies greatly. Our top pick is priced at $50 and some cost more than $100, but you can expect to pay around $20-$50 for rechargeable hand warmers.

Who We Are

Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer who masters a variety of topics from acne treatments to gut health and more. She has personally tested and reported on a variety of products, such as air fryers and moisturizers. Between in-depth research and expert interviews, she’s adept at finding information and getting it in front of the people who need it most.