What is the best pair of warm winter gloves that work with a touchscreen?

The absolute best pair depends on your climate, as thicker insulation naturally reduces texting accuracy. Expert testing from reviewers at platforms like NYT Wirecutter and Byrdie highlights three standout choices optimized for different winter conditions:

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• Best Overall Knit . This pair is widely praised by Yahoo Style testers as the top pick for balancing thick, dual-layered microfleece warmth with multi-finger typing capability.
• Features a form-fitting design and silicone grip tracks so your device won't slip in subzero weather.

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• Best for Extreme Cold . Constructed with thick, stretchy fleece and genuine leather palms to provide heavy-duty insulation for harsh, freezing climates.
• Features a highly conductive palm material that covers all five fingers, ensuring maximum responsiveness without sacrificing dexterity.

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• Best for Daily Commutes . Appreciated by Outdoor Gear Lab for delivering an incredibly precise touchscreen fit and five-finger conductivity.
• Features a low-bulk, recycled four-way stretch fleece that maps perfectly to your hands for seamless, everyday dexterity.

Top Touchscreen Winter Gloves Comparison

Key Factors to Consider

Add to listThe Insulation Trade-off : Thick gloves trap air to keep you warm but create clumsy typing. If you need to type fast paragraphs rather than simple taps, choose a slimmer profile like the The North Face Etip Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

Add to listFull-Hand vs. Fingertip Conductivity : Budget gloves often only place conductive threads on the thumb and index finger. Premium options like Moshi Digits weave technology throughout the fabric, allowing you to use any finger or the side of your hand.

Weatherproofing : Standard knit or fleece options will soak through quickly in heavy downpours or wet snow. For wet conditions, look toward specialized waterproof shells with built-in touchscreen tech.

To narrow this down, what typical low temperatures do you experience, and what primary activity (like commuting, running, or skiing) will you use them for?

If you want warm winter gloves that actually work with a phone, the best choice depends on how cold it gets and how much touchscreen accuracy you need. Touchscreen performance usually competes with insulation: thinner gloves type better, while bulky insulated gloves keep you warmer.

Here are the pairs I’d shortlist:

• The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Glove - $65.00 (Backcountry)
• Outdoor Research Flurry Touchscreen Compatible Wool Blend Gloves - $45.00 (Nordstrom)
• Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves - $200.00 (Outdoor Research)
• Outdoor Research Snowcrew Insulated Waterproof Gloves - $90.00 (Nordstrom)

Best overall: The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Glove

• Best for: everyday winter use, commuting, walking, errands
• Why: good balance of warmth, flexibility, grip, and touchscreen use.
• Downside: not the warmest option for long periods outdoors in very cold weather.

Best for texting and phone use: Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves

• Best for: people who need to type, navigate, or use a phone often
• Why: wool blend + touchscreen-compatible fingertips; more dexterous than heavy winter gloves.
• Downside: better for chilly weather than deep-freeze conditions.

Warmest option:

• Best for: very cold climates, long outdoor exposure, skiing/snow activities
• Why: battery-powered heating plus waterproof protection.
• Downside: bulkier and more expensive; typing is less comfortable.

Best for snow and wet conditions:

• Best for: snow shoveling, winter hikes, snowy commutes
• Why: insulated, waterproof, and has touchscreen-compatible thumb/index areas.
• Downside: less precise than thinner gloves.

My pick for most people:

The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Gloves — they hit the sweet spot for warmth + touchscreen convenience.

If you regularly deal with below-freezing temperatures (under ~20°F / -7°C), I’d move up to a heated glove or a mitten-style glove with a touchscreen liner.

Finding the "best" winter glove that works with a touchscreen is a balancing act. True heavy-duty ski gloves insulate your fingers with thick padding, making it nearly impossible to type or scroll accurately. Conversely, thin touchscreen gloves leave your hands freezing in deep winter.

The top-performing options bridge this gap, broken down by how you plan to use them:

• 1. Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best for Active Use & Mild-to-Moderate Cold)
  • Features high-loft grid fleece with ActiveTemp thermo-regulating technology that adjusts to your body heat.
  • The entire palm features a silicone print grip , and the sensor technology allows for reliable swiping/typing without exposing your skin.
  • Perfect for running, hiking, or commuting in chilly weather (ideal down to about 2 0--3 0∘F ), view them directly at Outdoor Research.
• 1. Black Diamond Heavyweight Screentap Liners Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best Dexterity & Everyday Wear)
  • Built from a warm, stretchy 305g stretch-fleece shell with the entire palm coated in U|R Powered conductive material, meaning every finger and part of the hand works on a screen.
  • Includes goat-leather palm patches so your phone or coffee mug won't slip out of your hands.
  • Great as a standalone glove for crisp autumn/winter days or as a low-bulk liner under a heavier shell, check availability at Black Diamond Equipment.
• 1. Vessi Forecast Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best 100% Waterproof Option)
  • Designed with a patented waterproof membrane (Dyma-tex) that keeps rain and slush completely out while remaining breathable.
  • They feature a sleek, 4-way stretch knit that maintains decent finger dexterity alongside reliable touchscreen fingertips.
  • Excellent for wet, rainy, or slushy winter conditions where regular fleece gloves would soak through, explore them on Vessi.
• 1. The Heat Company HEAT 3 Smart Mittens Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best for Extreme Cold / Luxury Pick)
  • These are a modular system: a high-dexterity inner silver-fabric glove (fully touchscreen compatible) paired with a heavy-duty down/Primaloft mitten flap that you can flip open with a magnetic clasp when you need your fingers.
  • Expensive, but it is the ultimate solution if you refuse to let your fingers freeze in sub-zero weather while still needing full device access, available via B&H Photo-Video-Audio.

To help narrow down the ideal pair, tell me:

• What temperature range or climate will you mostly be using them in?
• Will you be commuting, running/hiking, or standing still outdoors?

If I had to pick one pair for most people, I’d go with the Moshi Digits Winter Touchscreen Gloves.

• Moshi Digits Winter Touchscreen Gloves - $68.00 (PIONEER CAMP)

I’m recommending them because independent testing found them warm, comfortable, and unusually good for typing, with touchscreen functionality on all fingers. WIRED specifically praised their warmth and touchscreen accuracy, while Yahoo’s 2026 testing also rated them highly for both warmth and typing.

My picks by use

• Best overall: Moshi Digits — best balance of warmth, dexterity, and touchscreen performance.
• Best for maximum touchscreen accuracy: Glider Gloves — conductive copper throughout the glove means essentially any part of your hand can operate the screen. The downside is that they're thinner and not ideal for really cold weather.
• Best for genuinely freezing weather: Smartwool Active Fleece Insulated Gloves — merino wool with added insulation; Outdoor Life found them warm enough below freezing and reported excellent touchscreen reliability.
• Best if you need waterproofing: Consider a proper insulated/waterproof glove such as a

, though touchscreen convenience is generally a little worse with thicker gloves.

Bottom line: For everyday winter use—walking, driving, commuting, checking your phone—the Moshi Digits are the pair I'd buy. If your priority is very cold temperatures rather than easy texting, I'd step up to an insulated glove instead.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $30, $50, or $100) and how cold it gets where you are, I can narrow it to the best 2–3 options.

If you want one pair that balances warmth, touchscreen performance, and everyday usability, my pick is the Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Windbloc.

• Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Windbloc Glove - $78.95 (Backcountry)

Why I’d pick it

• Warm without being bulky: Windproof Polartec Windbloc fabric helps in genuinely cold, windy weather.
• Good touchscreen performance: Conductive leather on the thumb and index finger lets you use a phone or GPS without removing the gloves.
• Better weather protection: Water-resistant leather palms/fingers and a windproof exterior make it more winter-capable than basic knit touchscreen gloves.
• Good dexterity: It's designed specifically to retain hand mobility rather than becoming a bulky ski glove.

Current price: about $79.

Two alternatives worth considering

• The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Glove - $65.00 (SCHEELS)

• Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Glove - $52.00 (Outdoor Research)

• The North Face Etip Recycled Glove - $50.00 (The North Face)

• The North Face Apex Insulated Etip — $65: My choice if you prioritize extra insulation. It's windproof, water-repellent, insulated, and has five-finger touchscreen compatibility.

• Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor — $52: A good choice for warmth + dexterity at a lower price; it's a double-layer glove and the warmest in OR's ActiveTemp Sensor lineup.

• The North Face Etip Recycled — $50: Great for commuting and everyday use, but it's considerably thinner and less protective in serious cold. Independent testing specifically found the Etip comfortable and excellent with touchscreens but limited by its thin construction.

Bottom line: For a true winter glove rather than just a chilly-weather glove, I'd spend the extra money on the Stormtracker. If you're mainly dealing with temperatures around 30–45°F, the Apex Etip is probably the better value.

Finding the "best" touchscreen winter glove is always a compromise: extreme insulation usually kills your ability to feel or type on a screen , while thin knit gloves leave your hands freezing when the temperature drops.

Depending on how biting the winter cold is where you live, the top-tested and reviewed options break down into distinct categories:

• Best for Mild-to-Moderate Cold (Overall Performance): The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ($45–$55)
  • Why buy them: Widely praised by Business Insider and tech gear reviewers , the Etip Go to product viewer dialog for this item. features a four-way stretch fleece and a conductive finish that allows you to use all five fingers on a screen rather than just awkward points on the thumb and index. They strike a fantastic balance between sleek wearability and dexterity.
• Best for Cold Commutes & Hiking (More Insulation): Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ($50)
  • Why buy them: Highlighted by Travel + Leisure as a top pick for insulated tech use, these use a wool-blend fabric that provides significantly more heft and warmth than standard fleece liners while keeping touchscreen fingertips responsive.
• Best Knit Glove for Accuracy: [Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-touchscreen-gloves/) ($36)
  • Why buy them: Tested extensively by The New York Times Wirecutter, Moshi Digits Go to product viewer dialog for this item. are noted for being among the warmest and most accurate traditional knit gloves during actual typing tests . They feature a herringbone pattern grip and fit a wide variety of hand sizes well.
• Best Extreme Cold / Active Option: Arc'teryx Venta Glove Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ($90+)
  • Why buy them: If you are facing true sub-zero winters or engaging in high-output sports like cross-country skiing or winter running, the GORE-TEX INFINIUM softshell on the Venta blocks harsh wind and resists snow while maintaining surprising touchscreen precision.
• Best Budget Pick: [Achiou Winter Knit Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.treelinereview.com/gearreviews/best-winter-gloves) ($10–$15)
  • Why buy them: Featured heavily on value roundups by Treeline Review , these cheap acrylic/spandex knit gloves have precise conductive fiber on the fingers and anti-slip silicone palms, making them great for casual use or walking the dog as long as it isn't deep freeze weather.

If you tell me what temperature range you'll be wearing them in (e.g., mild 40°F commutes vs. freezing 15°F snow) and whether you need waterproofing , I can narrow down the ideal pair for your exact daily routine.

Finding the "best" pair is always a balancing act: gloves that are thick enough for sub-freezing temperatures usually lack the dexterity needed to type a text, while thin gloves that work great on a screen leave your fingers freezing.

The top-rated options span different categories depending on how cold it is where you live and how you plan to use them:

• Best Overall for Active/Outdoor Commuting: Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Widely ranked as a top all-around performer, these balance weather-resistance, great dexterity, and reliable sensor tips on the fingers without feeling like bulky ski gloves.
• Best Non-Bulky Everyday Softshell: The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (view options on Bass Pro Shops ) — Featuring 100g Heatseeker Eco insulation and a 100% windproof soft-shell exterior, these block the biting wind while offering five-finger Etip touchscreen compatibility.
• Best for Mild-to-Moderate Cold & Typing Accuracy: [Moshi Digits 3.0 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-touchscreen-gloves/) — If your priority is actually being able to type a message accurately rather than surviving a blizzard, these classic knit tech gloves score high marks for precise touch responsiveness and a comfortable fit.
• Best Heavyweight Fleece/Active Option: Black Diamond Heavyweight ScreenTap Liners Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Made of a warm stretch fleece treated with conductive material across the entire palm and fingers , meaning you aren't forced to awkwardly line up a tiny fingertip patch with your phone's screen.
• Best Budget Choice: Achiou Winter Knit Touchscreen Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — An affordable, highly popular choice featuring conductive yarn on the thumb, index, and middle fingers alongside anti-slip silicone palm grips for basic daily errands and light commuting.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• What kind of climate or temperature range you'll be using them in (e.g., 30∘F 30 raised to the composed with power F 3 0∘F commutes vs. single-digit snow sports)
• Whether you primarily need to just tap/swipe or actively type long messages

I can give you a more tailored recommendation!

If you want warm winter gloves that still let you use your phone, the best choice depends on how cold it gets and how much typing you need to do. There’s always a tradeoff: the warmest gloves are usually bulkier and less precise on a touchscreen.

Here are the strongest picks:

Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves 3.0

$35.95

The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves

$45.00

Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove

$29.22

Icebreaker Merino 260 Quantum Gloves

$50.00

Best overall: Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves 3.0

• Best for: commuting, walking around town, texting
• Why: conductive fibers on all ten fingertips make them among the easiest touchscreen gloves to actually type with. They have a warm lining and grippy areas for holding a phone.
• Downside: they’re warm for everyday winter use, but not the best choice for long periods in deep cold or wet snow.

Best balance of warmth + everyday use: The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves

• Best for: walking, travel, casual outdoor use
• Why: good grip, flexible fit, and touchscreen capability; they’re a popular all-around option.
• Downside: more of a “cold day” glove than an “arctic weather” glove.

Best for colder, active use: Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove

• Best for: hiking, outdoor activities, chilly commutes
• Why: wool blend construction gives better warmth than many thin touchscreen gloves while maintaining dexterity.
• Downside: not a heavy waterproof snow glove.

Best premium warm liner: Icebreaker Merino 260 Quantum Gloves

• Best for: people who dislike synthetic fabrics or want a thin but warm glove
• Why: merino wool regulates temperature well and these include touchscreen fingertips.
• Downside: better as a daily glove or liner than a snowstorm glove.

If your hands are always freezing

Consider heated gloves. Battery-powered options can outperform normal gloves in extreme cold, though they cost more and are bulkier.

My pick for most people: Moshi Digits 3.0.
For a Hoboken/New York-style winter commute: I’d choose Moshi Digits or The North Face Etip.
For below-freezing outdoor time: look at a warmer glove system (liner + insulated shell) rather than relying on a single touchscreen glove.

If you want one pair that balances warmth, touchscreen performance, and everyday usability, my top pick is the The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Gloves.

The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Glove

$65.00

Why I’d pick them

• Warmer than the standard Etip: 100g Heatseeker Eco insulation plus a brushed-tricot lining.
• Excellent touchscreen capability: five-finger touchscreen compatibility, rather than just a conductive thumb/index finger.
• Wind-resistant and water-repellent, making them much more useful for genuinely cold/wet winter weather than thin knit touchscreen gloves.
• Good dexterity for driving, walking, commuting, and using your phone.
• Around $60–65, depending on retailer/size.

Two alternatives worth considering

Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Glove

$52.00

Black Diamond Midweight ScreenTap Fleece Gloves

$53.06

The North Face Sierra Etip Gloves

$40.00

• Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor — best if you prioritize warmth + dexterity and don't need a waterproof shell. It's the warmest glove in Outdoor Research's Vigor active-fleece line.
• Black Diamond MidWeight ScreenTap — excellent for hiking, running and active winter use; the entire palm/fingers use conductive material.
• The North Face Sierra Etip — a good less-expensive choice with a warmer high-pile fleece construction; currently about $40.

Bottom line: I'd buy the Apex Insulated Etip for a general-purpose winter glove. If you're expecting very cold temperatures, tell me roughly how cold (e.g. 20°F, 0°F, −10°F) and whether you need them for walking/driving, skiing, or outdoor work—that changes my recommendation considerably.

For a truly warm winter glove that handles touchscreens well in freezing weather, The Go to product viewer dialog for this item. North Face Apex Insulated Etip Gloves (approx.$6 0−$6 5 ) combine a windproof soft-shell exterior and Heatseeker Eco insulation with full five-finger touchscreen capability.

Best All-Around Warm/Tech Balance: The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Gloves

• Price: $60 -$6 5
• Why buy: They block 100% wind, shed light snow via a water-repellent finish, and feature silicone grip on the palm alongside reliable multi-finger screen navigation.

Best Active / Weatherproof Pick: Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (approx. $90)

• Why buy: They use windproof GORE-TEX Infinium with a durable goat leather palm and tricot lining, balancing dexterity, weather protection, and precise sensor fingertips.

Best Knit Option: Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (approx.$3 6)

• Why buy: Highly recommended for accurate texting, though best reserved for milder winter days or quick commutes rather than sub-zero blizzards.

If you tell me what temperature range you plan to wear them in and whether you need them waterproof , I can narrow down the exact pair for you.