For anyone living in colder climates, the struggle is real: keeping hands warm while staying connected. Traditional gloves leave you choosing between frostbite and functionality. The solution? Touchscreen gloves. These allow smartphone use without exposing fingers to the elements, but not all perform equally well.
After rigorous testing in 30- to 40-degree Fahrenheit weather, we’ve evaluated several gloves for comfort, grip, warmth, and touchscreen responsiveness. This review will highlight the best options for staying connected in winter.
Optimizing Touchscreen Performance
Before using any touchscreen gloves, adjusting your phone’s settings is crucial. Increased sensitivity improves accuracy, especially with thicker materials.
- Android: Go to Settings > Display and touch > Touch sensitivity and enable “Increased sensitivity”.
- iPhone: Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Touch, then tap “Haptic Touch” or “3D & Haptic Touch” and select “Fast”. Consider further adjustments in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Touch Accommodations.
Without these tweaks, even the best gloves may struggle to register touches reliably.
Top Picks for 2026
Based on testing, these gloves stand out:
- Venustas Heated Touchscreen Gloves: These gloves combine warmth with reliable touchscreen functionality. The heating element provides extra comfort in extreme cold, making them ideal for extended outdoor exposure.
- Verloop Twist Knit Touchscreen Gloves ($35): These vibrant gloves offer a comfortable fit with touchscreen compatibility on the thumb, index, and middle fingers. While not waterproof, they provide good value for everyday use.
- Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves ($35): Prioritizing dexterity, these thin gloves maintain warmth while allowing near-normal touchscreen use. The suede palm enhances grip, but they are not the warmest option.
- Marks and Spencer Knitted Gloves ($20/$£10): A budget-friendly choice, these gloves provide adequate warmth and touchscreen capability, though performance isn’t top-tier.
Gloves That Didn’t Make the Cut
Some tested gloves fell short:
- Canada Goose Mixed Media Gloves ($175): Despite luxurious comfort, touchscreen performance was inconsistent.
- Graphene-X All Rounder Bio-X Gloves ($119): Stylish but ineffective at retaining heat. Touchscreen function was good, but typing accuracy was poor.
- Trendoux Winter Gloves ($12): Affordable but uncomfortable, with awkward seams hindering touchscreen use.
Alternative Solutions
If touchscreen gloves aren’t ideal, consider these:
- Stylus: A low-tech solution that works with any gloves and smartphone. The Bargains Depot 2-in-1 Stylus ($9) is a reliable option.
- Handwarmer: For those braving the cold without gloves, a rechargeable handwarmer like the VQ Rechargeable 10,000-mAh Power Bank Hand Warmer (£30, UK only) provides essential warmth.
Conclusion
Choosing the right touchscreen gloves balances warmth, comfort, and functionality. While adjustments to your phone’s settings can improve performance, the best gloves combine quality materials with responsive touchscreen technology. Whether opting for heated models or budget-friendly alternatives, a well-chosen pair ensures you stay connected without sacrificing comfort in cold weather.
