When cold weather arrives, responsibilities don't get put on pause. The dog has to be walked, the kids have to be picked up from school, and errands have to be run, no matter how chilly it is outside. Because our fingers (and toes) are the furthest appendages from our heart, they can go numb quickly when you're doing things like loading up groceries or sending a quick text message. That's why a solid pair of gloves, preferably with smartphone compatibility, are essential to your everyday winter wear.
Thermal gloves typically have a light layer of insulation that won't eradicate all dexterity, and most have a material that improves grip on things like coffee mugs, cell phones, and tools. While warmth is one of the most important features of thermal gloves, there are a few other factors to consider before picking the best pair for you.
Thermal gloves come in hundreds of styles, so it's best to know what you're looking for. We consider insulation, dexterity, and smartphone compatibility the most important factors.
Insulation: Glove insulation ranges from lightweight, barely-there liner to bulky and oversized layers. For this list, we focused mainly on gloves with lighter amounts of insulation that won't feel like you're prepping for a journey to the frozen tundra, which allows you to open doors and carry bags without removing them.
Dexterity: Lighter gloves allow for better dexterity in most cases. But some thicker thermal gloves have strategically placed insulation to reduce bulk in your fingertips, specifically to allow for better use of your fingers for picking up keys, putting coins in a meter, or adjusting your beanie.
Smartphone compatibility: Many gloves have touchscreen-capable pads on the fingers, eliminating the need to remove your gloves every time you use your smartphone. It's a feature you'll be happy you shopped for when trying to meet up with friends or finding the nearest Subway stop, all while keeping your fingers warm and toasty.
Check out our recommendations for the best thermal gloves that will keep you toasty and make you that much more likely to brave the storm, whether you're out and about on the town, working in the garage, or just need something for the commute. Because cold weather doesn't dismiss you from adulting.
It's rare to find a thermal glove that is truly waterproof, despite so many claims. And when you're out galavanting in the cold this fall and winter, wet hands can ruin the fun real quick.
Sealskinz makes high-performance gloves, such as these, for the avid outdoors person. These gloves have a three-layer construction that is waterproof and durable enough for daily use, a goat-leather palm for improved grip and control, and are just the right thickness to help you maintain dexterity.
Looking for a solid daily pair of thermal gloves that are just the right thickness?
This option from The North Face is a medium weight of high-loft fleece, so they're not too thin like running gloves and not as chunky as heavier options. Meanwhile, the silicone pattern in the palm helps you keep a grip on your coffee, cell phone, or shovel.
For anyone who can't be bothered to remove gloves to send a text, these are for you. They don't just have a touchscreen-compatible index finger — all five fingers are conductive — so smartphone use is seamless. Now that's some technology we can get behind.
The Inception thermal gloves are some of the warmest in this review but without the bulky feel that you'd expect, which justifies their steep price tag. Their softshell outer layer is water-resistant, breathable, and stretchy, making them ideal for days when you don't want below-freezing temps to keep you from being active.
The secret is in the Aerogel, which is a flexible, insulating material that was originally designed for NASA spacesuits. Aerogel is significantly warmer than other insulation, so gone are the days of feeling like you're carrying around a pair of boxing gloves.
These gloves have a little bit of everything that we look for in a solid, midweight pair of gloves. They have a light layer of insulation that keeps your hands warm but also sheds excess heat when you're active, and are water-resistant to keep you moving in rain or light snow.
We love the fit, which allows excellent dexterity without removing the gloves, thanks to a tailored fit that minimizes bulk, plus a touchscreen-compatible faux-leather patch in the palm and fingers. For a price so low and quality so high, these gloves can't be beaten.
When you work with your hands, a snug-fitting glove is a must. Our personal favorite thermal gloves for cold-weather outdoor work are these Carhartts — they're ideal for chopping wood, cleaning up the shed, and even for daily wear at the job site.
The Flex Tough II is made of a stretchy, breathable spandex material that fits snugly and keeps you from sweating, with a synthetic material on the palm side that improves grip and dexterity. The knuckles are reinforced with neoprene for durability, and there's even a brow wipe on the backside of the thumb to keep sweat out of your safety glasses.
Ditch the hefty ski gloves when you need something for everyday use. The secret is in Columbia's patented Omni-Heat — a thermal layer of tiny silver dots that reflect your body heat for added warmth.
These micro-fleece thermal gloves have a warm and soft feel, an abrasion-resistant patch in the palm for a better grip on the steering wheel, and a touchscreen-compatible finger, so you can stay in touch without taking your gloves off. And at this price point, you really can't go wrong.
Dakine's Impreza are a functional, stylish, and affordable thermal glove option for snow days and are ideal for outdoor sports like skiing and snowboarding. They have a soft fleece lining and a GoreTex Warm insert, delivering solid comfort, warmth, and waterproofing.
The two-piece palm and fingers blend silicone and synthetic suede to improve dexterity and grip on your poles, skis, or luggage, while the neoprene cuffs hold snug to keep the elements away.
As you'd expect from Dakine, these lightly insulated gloves are the perfect, functional addition to any outfit, from the streets to the slopes.
There's just something special about how sherpa fabric in a blanket, jacket, or pair of slippers makes you feel all cozy and comfy. The fabric is super soft on your skin, and the synthetic suede palm helps you keep a grip on your cocoa or hot toddy.
These sherpa fleece gloves are perfect to slip on when you're lounging by your fire pit to keep your fingers toasty all night long.
Outdoor workouts don't need to stop just because you can see your breath. These sports gloves have four-way stretch and moisture-wicking technology, so no activity is off-limits. Plus, the touchscreen-compatible material allows you to send a quick text without having to remove the gloves.
Be warned, though: These lightweight running gloves are not best for extremely cold weather.
Andrew BettlachAndrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com since 2017; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.
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