10 Best Hand Warmers Tested & Reviewed

Use

Powered by a 5200 mAh battery this 2-in-1 hand warmer recharges in less than three hours. It has three heat settings signaled by three red lights, with temperatures ranging from 95-107.5 ℉ for the first level, 104-118.5 ℉ for the second and 107.5-130 ℉ for the third.

Features

The duration of warmth depends on the heat level and outside temperatures and can last between 4 and 8 hours. Users note they are pleasantly surprised by this device’s ability to retain its charge.

Power Source

This rechargeable device is simple to operate with the switch of a button. The small size makes it possible to tuck into mittens but most find it a bit too bulky to wear with gloves. It heats up quickly and conveniently doubles as a charger for USB devices.

Value

This is a fairly inexpensive option, especially if you plan to use it as a portable charger as well. As the highest-ranking product on our list, the Cypers is a great investment for any runner or athlete who wants a reliable and affordable hand warmer. It is easy to use and has the features you want and need when you are out for a walk, a hike, or a run.

Use

Reviewers love the consistent heat provided by this electrical charger. It has three heat settings to cater for all users and conditions. The company reports heat will last for 5-10 hours but reviewers find that it is typically closer to five or six hours.

Features

This Onsunlin warmer is conveniently sized and comfortable to hold. It does take a few hours to reach complete charge and some users complain that the switch easily turns on or off by accident. However, if you take the time to charge it, it is a very convenient and compact hand warmer and a phone charger.

Power Source

This rechargeable hand warmer is powered by a 5000 mAh lithium-ion battery. It does take some time to reach complete charge but it is easily turned on and off by a switch and heats up quickly. The warming function automatically switches off after an hour to conserve battery power. It has 3 heat settings of 107 F, 118 F, and 131 F.

Value

This 2-in-1 charger and hand warmer is relatively inexpensive when compared to other similar devices. It holds its charge well and provides really consistent heat. The Osunlin Pebble is a great hand warmer that has everything you could want and need and with all the benefits it brings, you are getting a great value that is well worth your investment and that will serve you well. It’s a smart way to invest your money into reliable running gear that performs as you need it to.

Use

The Zippo Hand Warmer is a catalytic hand warmer that operates off lighter fluid, flame, and oxygen. To use, the device needs to be filled with lighter fluid according to the measuring device it comes with. Users recommend filling slowly and waiting for a minute or two for any spilled fluid to evaporate before lighting.

For higher heat, reviewers suggest keeping the warmer upright for a few minutes before placing in the pouch. The warmer will continue to provide heat until the fuel is burned out. Many users choose to place it in an airtight bag or container to extinguish the heat earlier.

Features

This warmer provides steady heat as long as there is lighter fluid to burn. Users find that the heat disperses well and provides consistent and significant warmth for hours.

Power Source

Depending on the level to which it is filled, the hand warmer can provide upwards of 12 hours of heat. Users find leaving the pouch open or placing directly into a pocket prolongs the length and intensity of the heat. The set up for this catalytic warmer is a bit more cumbersome, especially during the first couple of uses.

However, reviewers find that the set up gets easier over time and it is worth the extra work upfront to have consistent and long-lasting heat. The size is also ideal for slipping into gloves or mittens and can be taken anywhere.

Value

This Zippo hand warmer is high-quality and is a great value option if you don’t mind filling it up. The warmer itself can be a bit expensive but the replacement lighter fluid is affordable and lasts a long time. If you are looking for value when it comes to hand warmers the Zippo 12 Hour option is a perfect investment to make.

No matter where you are running or how long you will be out, you can keep your hands warm with this product! It’s a smart choice for any runner to make in their running supplies and gear.

Use

Disposable packets are the most convenient type of hand warmer as they require no preparation to ensure they are charged or filled. Simply throw some packets into a bag, pocket or emergency kit and open the packet when they are ready to use.

Features

Users find these warmers helpful when tucked into gloves, hats, socks or pockets. They do warm up very quickly and provide long-lasting heat. These biodegradable packets are activated when exposed to air. The iron powder oxidizes when exposed to oxygen, the reaction is sped up by salt and maintains its heat through added charcoal and vermiculite.

Power Source

The length of heat depends on oxygen exposure but users find these warmers easily last upwards of 8 hours, and considerably longer when placed in a pocket or glove.

Value

Living up to its name, the Heat Factory hand warmers deliver the heat you want and need when you are out in the cold and need to keep your hands toasty warm. With a decent price tag, these hand warmers are a great investment that runners like you can take advantage of!

At less than 1 dollar a pair, these are a pretty affordable option. Particularly if you are not planning to use them daily, but just want some to keep on hand or stock up emergency kits. They do have a shelf-life of about 3 years, so don’t go overboard with your back stock.

Use

This hand warmer is very easy to use and charge. The button is easy to press with cold fingers and it does not require any refilling. It fits into the palm of your hand but some users find it a bit too wide to comfortably wrap their hand around. It is small enough to fit into mittens but is not as comfortable to hold inside gloves.

Features

EnergyFlux reports this device should provide about 6.5 hours of heat at its lower setting and about 5 hours at the highest. Some reviewers note the battery can be a bit temperamental. The charge does not last as long in cold temperatures and, if not charged every few months, will lose its ability to hold a charge over time.

Power Source

The EnergyFlux Ellipse is powered by a 5200mAh rechargeable battery and is also capable of charging digital products. The hand warmer is activated by a push-button and has two heat settings at 107F and 118F. Blue and red LED lights to indicate charge and heat setting respectively.

Value

This device is more expensive upfront but users who rely on it regularly find they end up saving money over the disposable hand warmers. Unfortunately, the battery is a bit high maintenance and requires charging every 1-2 months to keep it in good condition. Otherwise, it begins to hold less charge.

Looking for hand warmers that last and that actually do what they are supposed to do without costing you an arm and a leg? If so, then you should be putting your money into the EnergyFlux Ellipse. It is an investment that will pay you back again and again.

How It Works

These reusable hand warmers are initially activated by clicking a small metal disc in the pad to trigger precipitation of sodium acetate crystals. The precipitation of these crystals releases energy which is stored as heat and is self-regulated to reach a maximum temperature of 130 F. After the initial use, these pads can be “recharged” by boiling them in water for 10-15 minutes. This will restore them to their previous state so they can be reused indefinitely.

Efficacy

These soft pads do provide significant heat. They reach up to 130 F but surface temperature usually stays around 115-120 F.

Length of Coverage

With only 30-60 minutes of heat, the length of coverage is the biggest downfall of these neat little pads.

Convenience

Boiling these pads for reuse takes a bit more effort than plugging into a charger. However, they do make up for this slight inconvenience with their compact size and easy activation. The small, soft pads are ideal for packing away in pockets or gloves and can be activated with one hand. They have most of the convenience of disposable warmers without waste.

Value

These pads are a great value as you get 8 pads for the price of one battery-operated warmer and they pay for themselves after two uses when compared to the disposable variety. The value of these hand warmers that you can see immediately is in how long they last and how easy they are to use. If you want reliable heat at a decent price then the Hot SnapZ hand warmers are right for you! They are a smart choice for beginner and seasoned runners alike.

Use

These disposable packets are activated when exposed to air. They contain iron inside which oxidizes when exposed to the air. Salt helps to expedite the reaction and carbon inside disperses the heat.

Features

These small hand warmers provide moderate heat that is well dispersed. Some users find themselves wishing they were just a tad warmer while others appreciate that they can hold them comfortably against their skin. These small packets require little preparation and are very lightweight. Simply open the packet about 15-30 minutes prior to when you want to use them and slip them in your gloves or pockets.

These disposable hand warmers are easy to pack in case of the weather changes while you are out on a run or hike. If you do choose to carry them, be aware the plastic wrapping can sometimes be difficult to open for cold hands.

Power Source

The package advertises coverage for up to 10 hours but user reports are a bit inconsistent. This may be due to expiry date or inconsistent quality. Some reviewers report these packets to maintain warmth for upwards of 8 hours while others claim they begin to lose heat after only 4 hours.

Value

These hand warmers are sold in value packets and can cost less than 1 dollar per pair. Just be wary that they do have an expiration date and become less effective over time, so if you don’t go through them, you may end up throwing some away. These hand warmers are from a well-known brand so you know they are of quality design and a good investment, they are just a little lower than some of the others on this list when it comes to the price point comparisons. They are still a good option for runners who need reliable emergency hand warmers.

Use

With 5 heat settings up to 120 F, this device gives off a good amount of heat.

Features

Depending on the level of heat, this hand warmer will function for up to 6 hours. Many users find themselves using it for short spurts and turning it off to conserve power. This hand warmer is easy to operate with the click of a button and has 5 heat settings - so you can fine-tune how much snugness you want. It has an ergonomic bean shape that fits comfortably into the palm of your hand but it is a bit bulky to wear under gloves.

Some users also feel it needs to be gripped somewhat tightly to get significant heat from it, which limits its usefulness. It is easy to charge and works well as a portable phone or USB charger as well.

Power Source

This hand warmer is powered by 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery and can be recharged through any USB charging device. Clicking the power button once shows the battery charge and each subsequent click takes you through the 5 levels of heat.

Value

The price of this 2-in-1 hand warmer and phone charger tends to vary. The battery does seem to hold up well but some users find it a bit too expensive to heat one hand at a time. When you need reliable heat for a few hours while you are out hiking or out for a winter run these 6-hour hand warmers are a great investment and are a smart choice for anyone to make. It is easy to use, durable, and affordable, which makes it a valued product that runners of all skill levels can benefit from.

Use

It has a comfortable shape similar to a computer mouse but it is much too big to fit inside gloves or mittens. It can take upwards of 5 hours to charge completely and seems to be best used in cold houses or offices.

Features

This hand warmer warms to 122 F and maintains a comfortable and well-dispersed heat throughout. Reviewers love the pebble shape as it is easy to hold or place in a pocket. When fully charged, this warmer can maintain a temperature of 122 F for 5 hours.

Power Source

The Pisen Hand Warmer is powered by a 7500 mAh rechargeable battery. When charged, quickly pressing the button will display 5 green LED lights to indicate the level of power. Holding the button down for 1.5 seconds begins heating and holding again for 1.5 seconds will turn the device off. It does have an auto shut-off safety feature after 1 hour but it can easily be turned back on.

Value

This 2-in-1 charger and warmer is a bit more expensive than some of the other rechargeable options but it has a more powerful battery that can provide longer-lasting warmth. Pisen hand warmers are a good choice for runners who need a basic heat source to get them through a longer run or who need a way to take the chill off. They may not last as long as some of the others on our list but thy are still a good investment and provide a great value that you cannot ignore.

Use

This device works well as a hand warmer but many users also find it helpful as a hot compress to target sore areas. It has 2 temperature levels: 113F and 131F. The VShow hand warmer is very easy to use and recharge. The switch is easy to operate with cold hands and it heats up within 30 seconds of being powered on.

Features

This device works well as a hand warmer but many users also find it helpful as a hot compress to target sore areas. It has 2 temperature levels: 113F and 131F. The company states that the charge should last for up to 6 hours of coverage but users find that it usually lasts closer to 3 or 4 hours when it's turned on the whole time.

Power Source

This rechargeable hand warmer is powered by 5200mAh lithium-polymer battery that has a longer lifetime than the standard lithium-ion batteries. It has one switch for power and toggling between the two heat settings.

Value

This option is fairly inexpensive and will save money over the disposable warmers in a few uses. It also doubles as a portable USB charger. The final hand warmer we chose to feature on our list is the VShow hand warmer. Though it is ranked last on our list it is still a smart choice and a good investment for runners. The value of this product is seen in its affordable price and easy use set