Other Touchscreen Gloves We Tested
Photograph: Simon Hill
Some of the touchscreen gloves we tried fell short of a recommendation for one reason or another.
Verloop Twist Knit Touchscreen Gloves for $35: Gloves don’t have to be gray, as these vibrant, eye-catching, fun color combinations prove. I tested the Twist Knit Touchscreen Gloves in magenta and cobalt, and they proved an instant hit with my daughter. The tips of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger are touchscreen-friendly. She found it easy to swipe around and even type with some practice, but you need a snug fit to type at speed and use your thumbs. These gloves are cozy, with ribbed cuffs, and they are machine washable but not waterproof.
Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves for $35: Thin gloves can maintain your dexterity but still provide some warmth. There’s a suede patch on the palm that acts as 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.
Canada Goose Mixed Media Gloves for $175: 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 hit-and-miss, with touches frequently not registering.
Marks and Spencer Knitted Gloves for $20 or £10: A gift from my in-laws, these knitted gloves from reliable UK retailer Marks and Spencer are pretty good. They keep your hands cozy but also have special touchscreen pads on the index finger and thumb tips. I can swipe, tap, and type reasonably well with these gloves on.
Graphene-X All Rounder Bio-X Gloves for $119: With a classy look, high-tech graphene material on the back, and plant-based bio leather on the palm and fingers, these gloves are certainly unique. They’re comfy too, but they completely failed to keep my hands warm. The touchscreen material works, and I had no trouble tapping and swiping, but the joins and squared-off shape on the fingertips made it almost impossible to type accurately.
Trendoux Winter Gloves for $12: These affordable gloves have tips on the index fingers and thumbs that work with touchscreens, but the seams on the inside make them tricky to type with and a little uncomfortable. They are slim, so not especially warm, but the finish is smooth and water-resistant, with rubbery anti-slip dots on the palm and other fingers. I like the clip for snapping them together when you take them off.
Try These Instead
Photograph: Simon Hill
Maybe you already have non-touchscreen gloves you love, or you simply don’t fancy any of our picks. There are a couple of alternatives worth considering:
A stylus: It may seem old school, but a stylus allows you to use your phone accurately without taking your gloves off and will work with any smartphone or gloves. The Bargains Depot 2-in-1 Stylus ($9) worked well in our testing.
A handwarmer: If you brave the cold gloveless or use one of our thinner picks above, you might want to have a rechargeable handwarmer waiting in your pocket. My favorite is the VQ Rechargeable 10,000-mAh Power Bank Hand Warmer (£30), but it’s only available in the UK. Folks in the US can find a ton of similar options on Amazon.
