9 Rechargeable Hand Warmers To Help You Brave The Cold This Winter

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Keeping your hands warm during the winter months is no easy task, despite the numerous options for clothes and chemically-triggered packets that promise to do so. Even the most insulated layers can only contain body heat, not create it — plus, disposable hand warmers aren't always around when you need them, and purchasing box after box can be costly. Therefore, a good rechargeable hand warmer is an irreplaceable accessory in the winter months, as the use of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries changed the game for personal hand heaters. We've dug into the best of the bunch.  

What is a rechargeable hand warmer?

You're most likely familiar with hand warmers that are either disposable or function as pouches that can be "refreshed" for extra use rather than being tossed. That process isn't convenient, however, as it requires a hot water bath and a lot of time. So to make things more convenient and produce less waste, many producers have started manufacturing hand warmers powered by lithium-ion batteries instead. These often double as flashlights and power banks, offering a way to add life to both your phones and your fingers. Rechargeable hand warmers have a range of temperatures they can reach, as well as a varied amount of time that they work for. Still, the value of having a device you can use again and again is hugely beneficial, especially if you often find yourself in cold environments. Then there are those who need hand warms for medical relief from conditions like Raynaud's arthritis — or just have cold hands, even when indoors. In these circumstances, temperature control is crucial, as is ease of use. We've collected a list of the best rechargeable hand warmers on the market, each model selected to give you an extra benefit on top of raising the heat around you. Plus, they'll make perfect stocking stuffers or an added piece to a cold-weather gear kit.

Our Top Picks for Rechargeable Hand Warmers

1. A Versatile Two-Pack

Go Warmer Battery Powered Personal Hand Heater (2-Pack) - The Home Depot, $16.88

• 17.06 BTUs
• 0.3 lbs. 
• Up to 8 hours of heat

A lot of rechargeable hand heaters come in packs of one, but there are those rare units that come doubled up — use both at once, or simply keep one in your car so you'll always have one charged and at the ready. Go Warmer is our pick for a twin set for a few reasons. To start, this model is lightweight, so you won't feel like you're lugging around a radiator in your pocket. They have a dual-sided heating panel, so hand orientation doesn't matter, and a single charge to the lithium-ion battery can keep your pockets toasty for a full work day. Best of all, these warmers have three different settings, so you should be able to get the level of heat that feels most comfortable to you. While we wish the radiant heating aluminum panels came with an automatic shut-off function, we'll settle for the fact that Go Warmer is offering a quality product at stocking-stuffer prices. 

2. A Rechargeable Hand Warmer That Charges Your Phone

OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmers - Amazon, $19.59

• 5,200mAh lithium battery
• 3 temperature ranges: 95 to 107°F, 104 to 118°F, or 118 to 131°F
• USB-C to USB-A converter included

It's pretty common to find rechargeable hand warmers that double as a power bank for your phone or small devices — and as an informal rule, anything from 3,000 to 9,000mAh is enough to recharge your phone battery at least once. Therefore, this unit from OCOOPA gives you enough power to heat your hands and to give your devices some juice, even if you're standing outside all day. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, OCOOPA has created a durable unit that heats quickly without the worry of short-circuiting. And, our favorite part? The included charging cord has an adapter for both major types of USB cords, so that's one less small piece you have to worry about.

3. The Most Powerful Option for Long Days Outdoors

Celestron Elements Thermocharge 6 - Cabela's, $54.00

• 6,000mAh battery
• Temperature up to 114°F
• Ruggedly built for any condition

With a wide line of telescopes, binoculars, and astronomical optical tubes, Celestron is better known as a company that specializes in viewing the cold expanses of space. However, when the company sets its eyes on staying warm in frosty conditions down here on Earth, it does so with extreme precision. The Elements Thermocharge has an IP65 rating for protection against water and dust — meaning this thing is sealed tight. The Thermocharge has also been drop-tested to verify durability against falls from your pocket all the way up to a tree stand — and the heavy aluminum stands up to the damage. That's unlikely to happen, though, since Celestron includes a 550 paracord strap and carabiner to secure your new favorite outdoor accessory. You'll have 12 hours of use with this device, and it can even charge more powerful devices like tablets and cameras, thanks to the 6,000Ah battery.

4. A Sleek Option That Also Functions As A Flashlight

Zippo HeatBank 6+ Pro Hand Warmer and Power Bank - REI, $43.95

• 5,200 mAh lithium-ion battery
• 3 settings reach up to 120°F 
• 360° heat, no matter how you grab it

You probably know this company's products as a time-tested, classic choice (or the lighter of choice for your friend who wants to be the cool kid in the crowd). However you know it, it's a trusted brand for a reason. The HeatBank Plus actually has Celestron beat in terms of robustness, with an IP75 rating and a fall height of five feet that comes thanks to rubber bumpers on the top and bottom of the block. The well-thought design lets you grab hold of heat from any direction, and the compact size makes it packable, pocketable, or perfectly suited to carry around in your hands for extended periods of time. Plus, if it gets too dark before you head inside, it also works as flashlight (and power bank). Zippo offers a one-year warranty on these rechargeable hand warmers.

5. The Best Option for Indoor Use

Survival Frog Rechargeable Hand Warmer - Amazon, $17.93

• 5200 mAh
• Heat ranges from 95 to 120°F
• 2 to 4 hours of use

Medical News Today reports that the ideal temperatures for arthritic heat therapy are between 92°F and 100°F, which makes Survival Frog's rechargeable hand warmers as the perfect tool for the job. With a low-end setting of 95°F, this hand warmer is ideal for those needing non-scalding, gentle, on-the-spot heat treatment for Raynaud's arthritis. Additionally, this offering from Survival Frog comes in a pocket-sized dimension of 0" x 2.3" x 1.0", which we feel adds to its usability as a tool for arthritis relief, since it's ultra-portable and ready to use no matter where one finds themselves. The lithium battery is an industry-standard 5200 mAh, though reviewers report that it provides somewhere between 2 and 4 hours of heat. It's simple to use (just one button turns on and off), and an automatic charge function makes this a plug-and-play type of device. Of course, you don't need arthritis to benefit from this: we think it's the perfect option for anyone who finds their hands get cold or work in an office where the thermostat is constantly set too low. 

6. A Set of Magnetic Hand Warmers

Jinhody Split-Magnetic Reusable Hand Warmers (2-pack) - Amazon, $22.74

• Combined 10000 mAh battery
• 3 settings range between 104 to 135°F
• Magnetic attachments keep the set together

Although we've already made a favorite pick for a two-pack option of rechargeable hand warmers, this model from Jinhody comes with an intriguing advantage: the two sides are drawn to each other by a strong magnetic connection, which (hopefully) will keep each piece from getting lost. Combined, the two sides offer a whopping 10000 mAh of battery power which translates to either an extra-long life for your warmers or a deep pool of energy for your small devices. By itself, a single one of these hand warmers wouldn't really stand out enough to make our list. Together, they make the perfect pair. 

7. A Design-Forward Option 

orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer - Amazon, $23.99

• Top temperature of 107.6°F
• 3 to 4 hours of power
• 2.4" x 2.4" x 0.87"

The orastone rechargeable hand warmer has been getting a lot of buzz lately, though the good press isn't the primary reason we considered adding it to our collection. In truth, this little unit is incredibly simple. Orastone doesn't have all the bells and whistles of other warmers; it's not a power bank and doesn't have multiple settings, nor is it particularly rugged. Still, it's got the perfect size and weight to slip into pockets, the palm of gloves, or a handbag. Its biggest virtue is its appearance, but sometimes, that's just what someone is looking for (plus, some hand warmers can be bulky). Aesthetically, this rechargeable hand warmer won't be for everyone, but those who appreciate an elegant fashion to their devices will love the stylish, sleek design.  

8. A Unique Warmer That Recharges Instantly

Zippo Refillable Hand Warmer - Cabela's, $19.99

• 12 hours of warmth
• Refillable with Zippo lighter fluid
• Odorless, flameless design

If you like the look of a classic Zippo lighter, then we'd wager that the timeless design of this refillable hand warmer is going to be the perfect style for you. Sure, it won't give your smart devices any extra life, but maybe that's a good thing. Here's a simple tool to keep you warm, and one that isn't centered on staying connected all the time. Instead, you'll use a conveniently sized spout to fill up the chrome body, light the burner, and then slide it into an ultra-soft warming bag. Zippo states that the resulting reaction is free from flame or odor but has enough power to keep your hands toasty for 12 hours. It's both simple and effective, as all good designs should be. 

9. The Most Unique Rechargeable Hand Warmer

VanSmaGo Heating Pouch - Amazon, $49.98

• 10000 mAh battery 
• Graphene heating ranges from 133 to 149°F for 5 to 10 hours
• Automatic shut-off function prevents overheating

There are a lot of units that bring the source of heat into your pockets, but few where the pocket is actually a source of heat — making this rechargeable sleeve from VanSmaGo an innovative dream come true for the cold-handed. Instead of having to grip tight to an external brick, you can slide your hands inside and have warmth at a huge range of times and temperatures. The inside of the sleeve is heated with graphene coils and covered in plush-finished polyethylene material that's soft to the touch and even ski-safe. The heater also comes with a sling strap so that you can carry it over your shoulder, and an added pocket to turn it into a bag for change, keys, or a smart device. All in all, this style of rechargeable hand warmer might feel over the top, but it's highly underrated. 

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