Best Heated Motorcycle Gloves of 2021 – Complete Review

| Last Updated: January 15, 2022

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Ice-cold fingers don’t just make for an uncomfortable ride; they can be dangerous. 

Heated motorcycle gloves can help protect you during inclement weather, especially if they have all the right features you need. 

This review guide will help you choose the heated gloves that are right for you so you can enjoy riding all year round. 

Comparison of the Best Heated Motorcycle Gloves

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Made from abrasion-resistant fabric to be durable
  • Easy to pull through wrist strap for comfy fit
  • Built-in heat control with three adjustment settings
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  • Heating elements made from steel fiber for durability
  • Constant temperature provided with minimum and maximum settings
  • Interior lining made from soft Bemberg materials
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  • Best for the Money
  • Heating elements come with a lifetime warranty included
  • 40 long years of experience in design of the glove
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  • Best Battery Heated Motorcycle Glove
  • Gloves uses a stainless steel heating system
  • Inner liner made from waterproof windproof Hipora materials
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  • Best Gerbing Heated Motorcycle Glove
  • Made from high-quality materials to last longer
  • Will keep your hands warm even in very cold weather conditions
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How Do Heated Motorcycle Gloves Work?

Heated gloves get their power from either an attached battery, your motorcycle battery, or another external battery. Some gloves will have a battery pack that fits into a pocket in each glove, while others are wired to your bike’s battery. 

Gloves can be made from a heat conductive material, or they’ll have micro-alloy fiber wires spread throughout to emit heat to your entire hand. 

Heated motorcycle gloves are becoming more and more popular because of the nature of riding. You use your hands to steer and manage the controls, so it’s essential to keep them comfortable in harsh weather. 

What to Look For When Buying Heated Motorcycle Gloves

Heated motorcycle gloves come with many different features. Let's see which of those features combine style and safety to give you a top product.

Fit and Protection

Your gloves should have a snug fit. If they’re too loose, they won’t keep enough heat in, but if they’re too tight, you’ll lose too much dexterity in your hands. 

Your heated gloves should also offer the same amount of protection from injuries as regular motorcycle gloves. Look for features like knuckle armor and reinforced palms. 

Waterproof and Windproof

Rainy weather and harsh winds make the cold even more unbearable. Gloves with a waterproof membrane that also coats the seams will further protect you from the cold by acting as a barrier for water and wind. 

Longer gloves with a good seal will also keep the wind and rain out of your gloves and jacket

Temperature Controls

Some heated gloves come with temperature controls so you can adjust the heat, while others will be “on” or “off.” The ability to adjust the temperature can be a handy feature. 

If your gloves come with this feature, start with it on the lowest setting and adjust up as needed. 

Batteries vs. Wiring

Heated gloves are powered in one of two ways. They’re wired, or they come with an attached battery pack. 

Gloves with battery packs generally last about three to five hours and work great for commuting or short trips. 

Wired gloves attach directly to your bike’s battery and are perfect for longer journeys where you may not have a chance to charge a battery pack.

Review of the Best Heated Motorcycle Gloves

We researched to find the best heated motorcycle gloves, and below are our top picks for keeping your hands protected and warm on cold rides. 

Best Overall:
Hotwired 12V Heated Gloves

PROS

  • Reflective piping
  • Automatic temperature cut off 
  • Built-in three-level heat controller
  • Waterproof breathable membrane
  • Integrates with pre-wired Hotwired Jacket Liner

CONS

  • Inner lining not firmly attached inside the glove 
  • Gauntlet doesn’t fit well over or under a jacket sleeve

What Recent Buyers Report

Connecting these gloves to the bike’s battery is very easy, and they keep hands warm on even the lowest setting. Some buyers report that they can barely feel any cold even in temperatures below 20ºF. While these gloves don’t heat the palms, they work very well, even without heated grips. Buyers also appreciate the lifetime warranty.

Why it Stands Out to Us

These Hotwired heated gloves have a built-in temperature controller that fits seamlessly in the gloves for comfort and control. The buttons on the controller are easy to use and in a convenient spot. The waterproof and breathable material keeps hands warm and dry, and the reflective piping is a nice touch. 

These gloves heat up very quickly and provide very evenly distributed heat. We love that everything is included in the box, so there’s no need to purchase anything separately. The gloves integrate with the pre-wired Hotwired jacket liner and can be turned on and adjusted independently on the jacket. 

Bottom Line

The Hotwired 12V Heated gloves provide some serious heat even at the lowest setting and come with everything you need right out of the box. There isn’t much to say in the way of cons, and with the lifetime warranty, you really can’t go wrong with these gloves.

Runner-up:
Tour Master Synergy 2.0

PROS

  • 360º full circumference wrist closure
  • Clarino palm panel to resist grip wear
  • Goatskin leather with a waterproof barrier
  • Five level single rheostat controller included
  • Can be worn alone or connected to other Synergy 2.0 garments

CONS

  • Doesn’t heat palms
  • Don’t get as hot as expected

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers say these Tour Masters are easy to work with and install. They’re made from very high-quality leather, have a great fit, and are very comfortable. The gloves themselves are very warm on their own and provide a good grip. They don’t get as warm as expected, but they keep your hands very comfortable at low temperatures. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The five-level heat controller offers many temperature options and is easy to adjust without taking your eyes off the road. These gloves are waterproof for better resistance to the cold, and the full circumference wrist closure allows for better wind-resistance and keeping the heat in. 

These gloves can be worn alone, or you can connect them to other Synergy 2.0 heated garments. The battery hookup, single controller, and extension cables are all included in the box. 

Bottom Line

The Tour Master Synergy 2.0 gloves are very high-quality and durable and come with everything you need to get started. While they don’t get as hot as some other heated gloves, the quality and insulation of these gloves keep your hands warm and comfortable even at very low temperatures.

Best for the Money:
Gerbing EX Pro

Gerbing EX Pro Heated Gloves - 12V Motorcycle

PROS

  • Includes cloth carry bag
  • Flexible with great dexterity
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty
  • Wear-resistant palms with full bone impact padding
  • Can be used with Gerbing’s interconnected garment system

CONS

  • Temperature controller sold separately 
  • Water-resistant rather than waterproof

What Recent Buyers Report

The Gerbing EX Pro gloves are a great fit and don't cause issues with controlling the throttle or reducing dexterity. These gloves are made with high-quality material and workmanship and are packaged very nicely. Many buyers were pleasantly surprised at how much heat is generated. These gloves get so warm that buyers say you really need the temperature controller. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

These gloves warm up very quickly and provide instant heat. They’re well-insulated but with a comfortable and flexible fit. Unlike many other gloves, these provide heated palms and fingers, so there’s no need for heated grips on your bike. The palms are also wear-resistant, and there’s full bone impact padding for extra protection. 

These Gerbing gloves come with a lifetime warranty and can be used with Gerbing’s interconnected garment system. Included with your purchase is a cloth carry bag for storage. 

Bottom Line

The Gerbing EX Pro gloves put out some serious heat, and it’s recommended that you also get the temperature controller for more control. They heat up fast, are well insulated, and come with a lifetime warranty.

Best Battery Heated Motorcycle Glove:
Joe Rocket Rocket Burner Lite

PROS

  • Low-profile and not bulky
  • Windproof and waterproof
  • Three-stage built-in temperature controller
  • Reflective trim and pre-curved finger design
  • Includes two lithium-ion batteries and a multi-port charging system

CONS

  • No additional fall protection
  • Three hours max of heating capacity

What Recent Buyers Report

The Joe Rocket Rocket Burner Lite gloves have none of the bulkiness of most other heated gloves but do a great job keeping the hands warm. Buyers report that these gloves fit true to size, and jacket sleeves slide over them easily. The built-in controller is easy to use, and they’re great at keeping the wind out. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

These are great low-profile gloves that aren’t at all bulky, and they’re windproof and waterproof. These are an excellent option for portability and the freedom to have warm hands even when you’re not on your bike. 

There’s a built-in temperature controller with three stages, and they come with two lithium-ion batteries and a multi-port charging system, so you’re ready to go. Their unique pre-curved finger design provides extra comfort and dexterity. 

Bottom Line

If you want a more low-profile and lightweight pair of gloves, the Joe Rocket Rocket Burner Lite gloves are a great solution. They have a built-in controller, heat very well, and aren’t as bulky as other heated motorcycle gloves.

Best Gerbing Heated Motorcycle Glove:
Gerbing T5 Hybrid

Gerbing T5 Hybrid Heated Gloves Kit - 12V Motorcycle

PROS

  • Premium, supple leather
  • Internal waterproof barrier
  • Not as bulky as other heated gloves
  • Very warm and comfortable, even without heat
  • Uses bike connection or 12V lithium-ion battery pack

CONS

  • Battery pack sold separately
  • Temperature controller sold separately

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are surprised by how warm these Gerbing gloves are even when they’re not powered on. These gloves keep everything nice and comfortable even in very low temperatures with no handguards. They’re well-made and comfortable and don’t hinder your ability to manage turn signals, throttle, clutch, or brakes. They’re easy to install and easy to plug in and unplug.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Gerbing T5 Hybrid gloves have a portable and lightweight design. You can either connect them to your bike’s battery or use a 12V lithium-ion battery pack. They’re made from premium, supple leather, have great insulation, and the gauntlets are nice and long to decrease the wind. 

These gloves heat up instantly and quickly, and the internal waterproof barrier keeps your hands dry to better protect against the cold. 

Bottom Line

The Gerbing T5 Hybrid gloves are the best of both worlds, with the option to connect to your bike for unlimited heat or connect to a battery pack for more portability. 

Types of Heated Gloves For Motorcycles

Now that we've taken a look at our top choices, let's see what different categories of heated gloves there are. These range from rechargeable to self-heated, giving you even more options for a customized fit.

Rechargeable Heated Gloves/Battery Heated Gloves

Battery-powered heated gloves use a small battery compartment attached to thin, flexible heated wires that run throughout the glove’s fabric. Most battery-powered gloves come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in a pouch inside the glove and a charging cord.

Battery-powered heated gloves typically last up to six hours and are a great option for keeping your fingers toasty on shorter journeys. 

Self-Heating Gloves

Self-heating gloves use heat-reflecting technologies rather than batteries to raise and maintain the temperature of the hands. The polymer metal-coated fibers in the material reflect the body’s radiation to circulate warmth and keep your fingers comfortable in chilly weather. 

With this type of glove, you won’t get that “toasty” feeling, but they maintain your body’s normal temperature to protect you from the cold. 

7V Heated Gloves

7V heated gloves usually come in a portable rechargeable battery pack that fits inside a pouch in the gloves. These gloves are great for any activity and are portable enough to wear on and off your bike. 7V gloves will put out decent heat and can be worn anywhere. 

12V Heated Gloves

12V heated gloves will often run by hooking up a wiring harness to your motorcycle’s electrical system. With 12V gloves, you can expect increased heat output and better coverage. 12V wired gloves can only be used while you’re on your bike but will produce greater heat and generally have temperature controls. 

Heated Leather Motorcycle Gloves

Leather is the traditional material for motorcycle gloves and is popular because of its comfort, dexterity, and abrasion resistance. Some heated gloves come in leather with a lining, such as fleece, for additional insulation. Leather is a great option for heated gloves but can soak up water, so make sure your leather heated gloves have a waterproof membrane for added protection.

Comparison Overview

Let's compare a few of these options to see how they pan out.

Heated Motorcycle Gloves vs. Heated Grips

Heated grips are easy to use, can’t be left behind, and don’t have to be charged. Heated grips do a good job of heating your palms, but heated gloves have the added benefit of warming the entire hand, from the palms to the tops of your hands and to the fingertips. 

Heated grips work well for sudden, unexpected temperature drops on short trips or for the weather. They require initial installation, and then they’re ready to go anytime you need them. Heated gloves provide warmth to your entire hand, even in more extreme temperatures, and can be used with multiple bikes. 

Heated Motorcycle Gloves 12V vs. Battery

Battery-powered heated gloves don’t require potentially confusing installation and can be worn even when you’re not on your bike. But the battery takes time to charge, and the heat output won’t be as robust as 12V wired gloves. 

12V gloves wired straight to your motorcycle’s battery provide better heat output and don’t require charging, but some installation will be required. Because they don’t run on an external battery, there’s no need to worry about them dying on a long, cold ride. 

Wired gloves can also only be used while you’re on the bike, so you won’t be able to step away for a bit and keep your gloves on till you hit the road again. 

Heated Motorcycle Grips vs. Winter Gloves

A good pair of winter riding gloves will be crafted with thicker materials that are waterproof to insulate you from the cold and the wet. However, they won’t provide any additional heat. 

Heated grips are a great option for warming your palms during rides in cooler weather, but used alone, the tops of the hands and the fingers may still get very cold and achy. 

When considering heated motorcycle grips or winter gloves, consider the lowest temperatures you ride in and whether you want to install equipment on your bike. Sometimes a combination of heated grips and winter gloves is the best option. 

How to Attach Heated Motorcycle Gloves

Installing your heated motorcycle gloves to your bike doesn’t have to be a complicated process if you understand the steps. Here’s a quick breakdown of the installation of one popular brand, Gerbing. 

Included equipment:

  • Battery/power harness
  • Set of fuses
  • Instruction booklet
  1. To wire the harness to your battery, you connect the red wire to the positive terminal, and the black wire will go to the negative terminal. There’s a slot on the wires where you’ll replace fuses if needed. 

  2. Once the harness is connected to your battery, snake the wires through the frame to an accessible part of the bike on the left side, and zip tie it to the frame. You can then attach the end of the wire to the temperature controller for your gloves. 

  3. If you intend to use heated gloves only, a single zone controller will do the trick just fine. Your gloves should come with a Y adapter. Connect the temperature controller to the Y adapter, and then snake it through the sleeves in your jacket. Your gloves can now be plugged in and are ready to go.

For more help, be sure to refer to the video below for a full overview of what was just described. 

Conclusion

You now have all the information you need to make an informed decision when choosing the best heated motorcycle gloves for you. If you still aren’t sure which ones to go with, consider one of our top picks. 

All the gloves on our review list feature quality materials, unique features, and great heating power. 

People Also Ask

If you’re considering buying a pair of heated motorcycle gloves for cold winter rides, you likely have more questions about your options. Here, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people often ask when they’re considering purchasing heated gloves. 

Do You Need Heated Motorcycle Gloves?

It’s important to keep your hands comfortable when riding in harsh conditions because your hands do a lot of the work when riding. Numb hands can be a safety hazard with harsh winds and wet, icy roads. 

You can buy regular winter gloves to protect your hands, but heated gloves will provide a higher level of warmth and protection. 

Are Heated Motorcycle Gloves Safe?

Wearing heated motorcycle gloves is incredibly safe when used properly and according to the manufacturer’s directions. The wires embedded in the gloves are well-protected, so there’s virtually no risk of shock, and the batteries have safety features in the case of a short-circuit. 

For gloves with temperature controls, always start with the glove in the lowest setting and adjust up from there. 

Can You Use Your Heated Gloves When Not on the Bike?

It depends on the type of heated motorcycle gloves you buy. Wired 12V heated gloves are connected to your bike’s battery, so they will only work when you’re using your bike. 

Heated gloves that use an attached battery pack can be used to do virtually any activity where you want to keep your hands warm. 

How Long Do Heated Gloves Last?

Battery-powered gloves will generally last up to six hours on low before needing to be charged, while wired gloves will run as long as your bike is running. High-quality gloves should stay in good condition for a long time with proper care, and many brands offer a lifetime warranty. 

Are Heated Motorcycle Gloves Waterproof?

Most heated motorcycle gloves will be made with a waterproof and windproof material and the ones that aren’t are generally at least water and wind-resistant. When choosing whether or not you need your gloves to be waterproof, consider the conditions you normally ride in.

Can You Buy Thin Heated Gloves?

For the most part, heated motorcycle gloves are going to be somewhat thick. They’re generally made with multiple layers to provide insulation and injury protection. However, heated glove liners provide great heat and are thin but are typically worn under an outer glove. Glove liners can be worn alone, but they won’t offer the same protection from injuries as full gloves. 

Do You Have to Wire Your Gloves to Your Bike?

If you purchase heated gloves without their own attached battery as a power source, you will have to wire them to your bike. If you don’t want to deal with installation, battery-powered heated gloves offer many of the same benefits and require no installation.



Hi, my name’s Troy. I started riding motorcycles with Clay mid-2020 and soaking up his vast knowledge of bikes. I have been writing for a few years and decided it was a good time to start writing about what I’m passionate about - motorcycles. No matter how bad your day is, a bike will always make you feel better, that’s my motto.