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You truly can't live without them in the frigid winter months — a stylish pair of the best winter gloves, that is. But protecting your digits needn't come with sacrificing functionality, particularly in the era of the smartphone. There's a way around going bare-handed, one that still gives you all the phone-ready access you need for any winter pursuit: The best touchscreen gloves are here to save the day (figuratively speaking).
Touchscreen gloves use special fabric at the fingertips, conductive technology to bridge the gap between your phone and your (now-gloved) fingertips. They're a merger of science and style, as touchscreen gloves let your body's electricity pass through the screen.
Making use of a smartphone-capable pair of gloves needn't mean sacrificing style: There are options aplenty in several categories that deliver utility, warmth, smartphone access and even a dash of fashionable good looks. These are the best touchscreen gloves to make winter outings more connected and much, much less cold.
Here are the best touchscreen gloves:
Best overall: The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
The North Face
The North Face's popular Etips are a great winter glove all-around. They're made from a blend of polyester and four-watch stretch fleece that has a conductive polymer coating to allow for touchscreen compatibility.
What really makes these gloves special is that you can use all of your fingers on a touchscreen, not just your index fingers and thumbs like most other tech-friendly gloves. This, along with radiometric articulation technology, which keeps your hands in their relaxed resting position, and ample grip, makes the Etip Gloves feel very natural to wear. Just about anything you can do without gloves on, you'll be able to do while wearing The North Face Etip Gloves.
These aren't the warmest tech-friendly gloves you can buy, but the balance between wearability and comfort still makes them the best. Having gloves that are marginally less warm, but not at all bulky makes up for the difference.
Read my full review on The North Face Etip Gloves here.
Best budget: Gordini Lodge Gloves
Gordini
Keep things minimal and clean with a stretch-heather knit pair of touchscreen-enabled gloves from the alpine gear purveyors at Gordini. The lined fingertip design allows for enhanced grip and easy comfort when using your device, while the stretch fabric is insulating and yet soft.
Best knit: Vessi Forecast Gloves
Vessi
Vessi's made-for-everyone Forecast Gloves use proprietary waterproof technology and fabric, then update even that innovative design with touchscreen-friendly fingertips at the thumb and index finger. Even the palm is ultra-grippy, so you needn't worry about losing your smartphone in wintry weather.
Best leather: Isotoner Stretch Leather Touchscreen Gloves
Amazon
Refined leather gloves are a prime finishing touch to many a winter ensemble—and you can still use your phone all the while with this sleek pair from Isotoner. The faux leather stretches (and looks like the real deal), while tech-ready utility is an added bonus, whether your look is dressed up or a bit more casually rugged.
Best fleece: Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves
REI
Finding the right balance between stretch fabric and warmth is sometimes tricky, but not when it comes to this pair of the best touchscreen gloves. The thicker knit delivers warmth for your digits, and grippy markers extend across the palm of the glove - alongside fingertip touchscreen tech where you need it the most, of course.
Best for runners: New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Running Gloves
Amazon
Four size options and proprietary NB Heat technology ensure the right fit for every runner, along with seamless functionality on the course or at the track. 3D stretch fabric also delivers comfort, while touchscreen-enabled fabric at the thumb and index finger makes communication seamless on the go — even in the cold. The hi-lite green color makes them great for visibility, but you'll find basic colors if that's what you prefer.
Best midweight: Helly Hansen Fleece Touch Gloves
Amazon
There's a tricky middle ground between a touchscreen glove that's too thick or too thin — Helly Hansen solves that problem by creating a pair meant to work either as a liner inside its alpine gloves, or on their own. The result is streamlined and versatile enough for casual outings or for staying connected during alpine sporting pursuits.
Touchscreen Gloves FAQs
How do touchscreen gloves work?
Touchscreen gloves work so seamlessly thanks to conductive technology, which uses special material to transmit energy and electricity from your fingertips through the glove itself.
Why should I choose a pair of touchscreen gloves?
Touchscreen gloves make it easier to stay both connected and warm on the go, as touchscreen gloves make it so that you can operate your phone without having to remove the glove itself. Most importantly, touchscreen gloves keep your digits warm, and they protect your phone screen from exposure to your cold fingertips during winter's worst weather.
