The 5 Best Touchscreen Gloves (2023): Heated, Waterproof, Knitted

Simon Hill

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The obvious way to keep Jack Frost from nipping at your fingers is to slip on a pair of toasty gloves. People have been wearing gloves for centuries, with the shift from mittens to individually wrapped fingers the biggest upgrade in all that time. But traditional gloves don't play nicely with our smartphones. Sure, you could stab uselessly at the touchscreen before slipping your glove off to use your phone. But wouldn't you rather snag a good pair of touchscreen gloves?

All these gloves have some material or fingertip technology that works with touchscreens, but some are better than others. I tested each pair in this guide with my phone—I answered calls, browsed the web, and sent text messages—and also considered comfort, grip, and warmth, using them in around 40 degree-Fahrenheit weather. These are our favorites.

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There's a pair of touchscreen gloves here to suit every situation, but before we dive in, I strongly recommend you increase the sensitivity of your phone's touchscreen. Here's how:

On an Android phone: Go to Settings, System, Languages and input, then Pointer speed, and then slide it to the max. Some Android phones also have an Increase touch sensitivity option you can find in the Display settings.

On an iPhone: Go to Settings, Accessibility, Touch, and tap 3D & Haptic Touch and adjust the slider to Light.

These touchscreen gloves have the best balance of warmth and usability. I had no trouble unlocking my phone (via passcode, not fingerprint), answering calls, and typing at speed; every touch registers. Mujjo has also added rubber strips to the fingers and thumb to enhance grip, and it never felt like I was going to drop my phone. They are warm and comfortable, and there's a double-insulated version if it's really cold out. These gloves are not waterproof but can withstand a snowball fight or two without freezing your fingers or looking any the worse for wear. On the downside, they’re plain looking, and the cuffs can feel loose, with no option to tighten them.

If you prefer knitted gloves, Moshi's Digits are great. These are very warm and comfortable, with effective touchscreen capabilities so you can use all your fingers and thumbs—I can type quite accurately with these gloves on.

Like the Mujjo, Moshi has included rubber strips in a wavy pattern to enhance grip, which is crucial because the knitted fabric is slippery. Unfortunately, the inner microfleece lining sometimes separates from the knitted outer layer. The weave is also quite loose, and my pair began to fray after I caught a finger on something during a snowball fight. (They’re not great for snowballs either.) If you want them to last, keep them dry and look after them. These gloves also made it into our favorite cold-weather gear guide.

The Glider Gloves offered the most control and accuracy among those I tested. The Canadian manufacturer uses conductive copper in the yarn, so every touch registers. You can tap and swipe with any part of your hand, pinch to zoom, and use your whole fingers, not just the tips.

I found these gloves very comfortable, with a soft brushed interior that feels seamless and textured silicone grip sections on the palm and fingers that ensure your phone won't slip. The trade-off is that they are not very thick, so won't be warm enough for extreme cold, and they’re not waterproof, so forget about snowballs. Sizes feel on the small side at first, though they loosen up when you wear them in, and a tight fit allows for maximum typing accuracy.

You may prefer a thin pair of gloves to maintain your dexterity but still provide some warmth. Whether you are zipping around the city or out for a run, these Black Diamond gloves might be ideal. They are very thin, but there's a suede patch on the palm that's great padding for when you hold an umbrella or steering wheel. It's easy to use the touchscreen with my thumb, so these are great for one-handed use, and I can type at close to normal speed. These gloves also have an elasticated wrist for a snug fit and a plastic clip for joining them together when they're off so you never lose one. They’re not especially warm, and they feel a little slippery.

★ Another Alternative: The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are another great pair of thin touchscreen gloves. They're stretchy and water-resistant and made from recycled polyester. You can read more about them in our Best Running Gear guide.

Jeremy White

WIRED Staff

Adrienne So

Medea Giordano

Slipping on these gloves feels heavenly because the brushed inner lining is incredibly comfortable. They are warm too, with a soft-shell and leather exterior. Sadly, the touchscreen performance is disappointing. You can type with any finger or your thumb, but it takes more determination than with other gloves on our list. I became fairly capable with my thumb after some practice, but using my index finger was very hit-and-miss, with touches frequently not registering.

The gloves grip well, and an elasticated section makes them snug at the wrist, but there's no adjustable strap. These gloves are easily the most comfortable pair, but I can recommend them only if you barely use your phone when outside in frigid temperatures.

Brenda Stolyar

Simon Hill

Adrienne So

Julian Chokkattu

Chris Haslam

Michael Sawh

Jeffrey Van Camp

Medea Giordano

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