Today’s outerwear is more technical than ever, utilizing the latest designs and materials to insulate body heat—which is great for conserving the warmth you already have, but what about those of us that just can’t get warm in the first place?
Enter heated jackets. These garments provide active heating, allowing even the coldest among us to stay warm in winter conditions. Most heated jackets also eliminate the need for multiple layers, reducing the bulk of winter clothing and making activities easier.
We looked at almost every heated jacket on the market to see which products offer the best combination of features, from heat coverage and battery life to machine washability and USB charging. Here’s what we found.
Best Overall
Waterproof
Detachable hood
USB charging port
3 Heating Zones
Machine washable
Best Budget
Waterproof
Hooded
3 Heating Zones
Machine washable
Best heated jacket for work
Waterproof
5 Heating Zones
Machine washable
Best women’s heated jacket
Waterproof
Hooded
USB charging port
3 Heating Zones
Machine washable
Best heated motorcycle jacket
Waterproof
7 Heating Zones
Best heated down jacket
Waterproof
Hooded
USB charging port
6 Heating Zones
Machine washable
What to look for when buying heated jackets online
The right jacket for the right task. Choosing a heated jacket requires knowing what you’ll be using it for: do you need padding and camo prints for hunting, reinforced seams for outdoor work, or lightweight breathability for everyday use? Any decent heated outerwear should keep you warm and dry, but beyond that, there’s a lot of variety.
According to our research, the average high temperature setting for heated jackets is around 130 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, jackets tend to run for approximately 3.5 hours before losing charge—enough for several short bursts of warmth. Keep these figures in mind when checking your chosen jacket’s heating power.
Most heated jackets aren’t heated throughout. Instead strategically placed heating zones are used to create warmth. If you have particular heating needs (for a bad back, for example) be sure to check where in the jacket heat is being distributed from.
Consider the sorts of extra features you might need from your jacket. Of the items we analyzed, only 35 percent were machine washable, 77 percent were waterproof, 43 percent offered a built-in phone charger, and 60 percent came in a hooded option—so don’t assume that every jacket does it all.
Because we’re dealing with electrical components, a warranty or some other form of consumer protection may become more important than when purchasing a regular jacket. Even though we believe that the jackets in this list represent the current best value for money, a number of have mixed reviews when it comes to quality control, so bear this in mind when ordering and look for customer guarantees from the manufacturer or supplier.
For women, finding the right fit and heated jacket style can be difficult, due to the fact that many products are unisex rather than offering bespoke variations. For those looking for a more dialed-in fit, we’ve included a section on heated jackets specifically for women.
The best heated jackets
Best overall: ORORO Men’s Soft Shell Heated Jacket
Our verdict
Ororo’s good brand reputation and the huge number of generally positive reviews should give buyers confidence with this jacket. It also goes the extra mile with additional features, includes device charging, waterproofing, a detachable hood, and the ability to throw it in the washing machine. Could this be the best heated jacket for skiing (or a day lounging around the mountain resort?) We think so.
How’s the Brand reputation?
Founded in the midwest in 2015, Ororo is a major established heated clothing company, with a strong online presence and a sleek Amazon store. They design and develop a large variety of heated outerwear and their own rechargeable batteries, so you can be sure that they know what they’re doing when it comes to heat.
Material/construction
The Ororo heated jacket is 100% polyester, with a softshell fabric exterior and breathable lining. This should work well for moderate activities, where you need to shed heat when moving, then quickly warm back up when standing still.
Heating
This jacket uses carbon fiber heating elements, which we consider the optimal way to integrate heating elements into a jacket. There are 3 heating sites across core body areas (chest and mid-back), and 3 heating settings.
Battery power and lifespan
Ororo offers some of the most efficient batteries in the business, with 3 hours of power on the highest heat setting, and up to a whopping 10 hours on low.
In theory, this gives you multiple heating options with your Ororo heated jacket: turn it up to full when you first step outside then top up throughout the day, or keep it on low from morning till night. However, some customers have commented that they’re unable to get the full advertised battery life.
Extra features
The Ororo softshell heated jacket offers device charging, a detachable hood, is fully waterproof and machine washable. Sweet!
Also consider: DEWBU Heated Jacket
Our verdict
Our runner up, the Debwu heated jacket, carries many of the same impressive features as the Ororo, including up to 10 hours of carbon fiber heating on a low setting and machine washability. Debwu also offers a one year warranty on their products. However, a slightly higher price point and a lack of USB charging means that this jacket comes in second.
Best budget: MYHEAT Soft Shell Heated Jacket
Our verdict
This unisex heated jacket from MYHEAT comes it at under one hundred bucks, making it a great option for those looking to spend less. Sure, it doesn’t carry the same level of extra features (it’s water-resistant, not waterproof, and you can’t charge your devices on its battery). But it does deliver where it really matters. That means carbon fiber heating with a theoretical low temp range of up to 12 hours.
How’s the Brand reputation?
MYHEAT is a bit of an unknown, with no real brand reputation to speak of. While they have a legitimate presence on Amazon, and have attracted a good amount of customer reviews, the details of the brand are unclear. This is not uncommon in budget products, with manufacturers utilizing global distribution networks to keep retail prices down.
Material/construction
The MYHEAT jacket is 100 percent polyester, with a warm polar fleece lining to keep things comfortable. We also appreciated the water-resistant zippers, which were an unexpected feature in such a value-for-money product.
Heating
Even though it’s our budget option, this jacket keeps up with the back in terms of heating. 3 carbon fiber heating zones produce a maximum temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit on high, and will last for up to 4 hours at that setting.
Battery power and lifespan
Thanks to its 7.4V battery, when kept on low, MYHEAT says that their jacket can stay heated for up to 12 hours. This is an impressive claim for any heated product, let alone a budget jacket. Taking a look at customer reviews, it seems that most agree with MYHEAT’s estimations, which is great news.
Extra features
Apart from being machine washable (when you remove the battery), the MYHEAT jacket has little in the way of extra features.
Best heated jacket for work: Milwaukee Jacket KIT M12
Our verdict
An authority around the construction site, Milwaukee’s M12 jacket range is a tried-and-tested option for those in need of a tough, no-nonsense heated jacket. We also like that the Milwaukee jacket is dryer safe, and is compatible with all M12 REDLITHIUM and M18 REDLITHIUM batteries—perfect if you already use Milwaukee tools.
How’s the Brand reputation?
Milwaukee has a great reputation for producing reliable battery-powered tools, so the fact that they utilize similar electronics in their jacket is good news. By the same token, they’re not known as clothing experts, but a look at the highly favorable reviews for this jacket suggests that they do know what they’re doing when it comes to the jacket design.
Material/construction
Like almost all of the jackets on this list, Milwaukee constructs their product from polyester. But according to their product description, their ToughShell Stretch Polyester is a cut above the rest, delivering 5 times Longer Life than their previous softshell jackets, alongside wind and water resistance. So don’t be afraid to put this one through the wringer.
Heating
Milwaukee M12 Heated Jackets use carbon fiber heating elements with the standard three heating zones. However, the heating in this jacket is also designed to cover the pockets, meaning that your chest, back, and hands can stay warm.
Battery power and lifespan
Powered by M12 REDLITHIUM Battery Technology, can be switched out with other Milwaukee batteries that you may have ready with their onsite battery charger. According to Milwaukee, the battery has a lifespan of up to 8 hours when used in the jacket, but customer reviews suggest that lifespan is pretty variable according to the outside temperature conditions.
Extra features
The Milwaukee heated jacket has no hood or device charging. You can however machine wash and dry it. It also comes with a certified and warranted battery and velcro cuffs to help keep in the heat and free up your hands for work.
Also consider: Makita Cordless Heated jacket
Our verdict
Like the other two jackets in this category, the Makita heated jacket is compatible with the batteries used to power other Makita tools and equipment. Unlike the others, however, it offers the unusual benefit of being a jacket/vest hybrid, meaning that wearers can zip off the sleeves when the work picks up, but you still need to keep your core warm.
Best women’s heated jacket: ORORO Women’s Slim Fit Heated Jacket
Our verdict
The women’s slim-fit version of our overall top pick, the Ororo heated jacket is also our pick for best women’s heated jacket. With a tailored design and detachable hood, this jacket is arguably better looking than the unisex version, while offering the same great features. That means 3 carbon fiber heating elements with 3 settings and up to 10 hours of battery life on the lowest heat, plus machine washability and device charging.
If you’re searching for a heated jacket with a more contoured look, the Ororo heated jacket should be a serious contender.
Material/construction
Like the Ororo heated jacket is up top, this jacket is made from a breathable polyester softshell, reducing the risk of overheating when moving around.
Heating
3 heating zones and washable carbon fiber heating elements mean that this jacket can maintain a temperature of 130 degrees on the highest setting. Thanks to the close fit, it’s also better at retaining heat than the unisex version.
Battery power and lifespan
The Ororo’s 7.4V battery runs between 3 and 10 hours, depending upon the conditions and how you use the battery. This lets you keep the power running if you’re spending the day sitting in cold conditions, or opt for short, sweet bursts of heat if you’re moving between the inside and outside.
Extra features
Ororo doesn’t skimp on the extra features: charge your phone from the battery, throw your jacket into the washing machine without worrying, and attach the waterproof hood on rainy days.
Also consider: Milwaukee Leather Men’s Vented Scooter Jacket
Our verdict
If you prefer your motorcycle jackets to be made from leather, then we think that the Milwaukee Leather Men’s Vented Scooter Jacket is your best bet. Like the Gerbing, this jacket sources its power through a 12V battery that plugs directly into your bike, so it’s 4 heating panels (back, chest, and both arms) will last as far as the road takes you.
Best heated motorcycle jacket: Gerbing EX Pro Heated Jacket
Our verdict
The Gerbing EX Pro is a beast of a heated jacket, with a 12V battery that plugs directly into your vehicle, and doubles the number of heating zones compared to the majority of jackets on this list. This means that the Gerbing is capable of running at a more-than-toasty 130 degrees Fahrenheit for as long as your bike is switched on. At the same time, its vehicle-specific design leaves out machine washability, device charging, or a hood.
How’s the Brand reputation?
Gerbing is perhaps the most historic heated clothing brand around, having been established in 1975 as a solution to motorcycle riding during cold and wet conditions. Since then, Gerbing has maintained its position in the market, partly thanks to the development of their patented Gerbing Microwire™ heating system, as well as a loyal consumer following in the biking world. Today, Gerbing sells all manner of on- and off-bike heated clothing.
Material/construction
The Gerbing jacket has a PU-coated 500D Cordura outer shell, combined with rip-stop materials and padded plates in key areas. In other words, it’s a genuine motorcycle jacket that can compete with other, non-heated options.
Heating
Instead of the carbon fiber heating used by most of the brands on this list, the Gerbing EX Pro heated jacket keeps things traditional, with micro-sized stainless steel fibers that are integrated into the jacket inner and sealed by a waterproof coating. This is the patented Gerbing Microwire system, which, while not offering the same flexibility and washing machine compatibility as newer designs, is highly efficient when it comes to its main job: heating the jacket. You can expect the Gerbing EX Pro to heat up in seconds and maintain a steady temperature of anything up to 130 F.
Battery power and lifespan
Because this jacket’s 12V plugs directly into a vehicle (with attachments that may need to be purchased separately) it should last for as long as you supply it with power.
Extra features
There’s no device charging, but the heated collar and Knox CE approved armor padding make this a legit motorcycle jacket that offers protection from the road and the elements.
Also consider: DEWBU Heated Jacket
Our verdict
Just like Ororo, Dewbu offers its flagship unisex jacket in a women’s fit version, with a more tailored, slim fit body. Dewbu weaves spandex into the construction to help maintain flexibility despite the closer fit. With a bunch of five-star ratings and a great selection of colorways (including camo print), the Dewbu women’s heated jacket is a great second option.
Also consider (motorcycle jacket liner): Venture Heat Motorcycle Jacket Liner
Our verdict
Venture Heat offers another alternative option: a heated jacket liner. With this product, you can keep your favorite biker jacket, and pair it with Venture’s 7-panel heating system. This liner provides awesome warmth coverage and a wireless control switch that can be mounted onto your handlebars.
Best heated down jacket: Ravean (2019 Version)
Our verdict
Born of a Kickstarter campaign, the Ravean heated jacket looks to pair the latest in heating technology with the current best standards for outwear. Does Ravean pull it off? We think so—although it must be pointed out that Ravean’s batteries seem to have a consistency issue, with around 35 percent of customers receiving faulty or outright dead devices.
Assuming everything is functioning, however, then the Ravean down jacket ticks a lot of boxes, with a Durable Water Repellent finish, an attached hood, multiple useful pockets, device charging, and a decent (if not top of the range) responsibly sourced down construction. The jacket also comes with a stuff sack for easy packing, making it another contender for the best heated jacket for skiing and camp trips.
How’s the Brand reputation?
Funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2015 that’s now reached in excess of 1.3 million dollars, Ravean defines themselves as “not the first people to come up with the idea of heated jackets…just the first ones to do it right.” And there’s something to the brand’s catchy line. While they might not match the construction quality of the premium traditional outdoor brands, their jackets do legitimately compete with the mainstream outdoor market in terms of design, appearance, and build quality—something that many heated garments struggle to do.
Material/construction
Ravean’s commitment to research and development shows in their jacket’s construction, with its 750 sustainable down fill and custom ripstop shell that helps to prevent snags (an issue for all down jackets). The jacket also comes with an aluminum heat reflective lining and Durable Water Repellent finish, which bounces water droplets off the fabric before they have a chance to seep in, letting you stay outside for longer.
Heating
Ravean’s jacket used a 12V C6 system to heat your chest, back, and handwarmer pockets.
Battery power and lifespan
The Ravean heated jacket is unique in this review for using a 12v battery while staying portable. This should mean that wearers can expect more powerful heating over a larger surface area than the usual 7.4V battery designs. Ravean says that their jacket is designed to last 6.5 hrs on the lowest temperature setting, although customer experiences have been varied with a concerning number of people receiving faulty batteries with their order.
Extra features
When it comes to extra features the Ravean is stacked. Not only can you charge devices on the jacket’s battery, but it doubles as a handy torch. It also offers all the usual convenience of a down jacket, being stuffable, lightweight, and machine washable.
Also consider: Venustas Women’s Heated Jacket with Battery Pack
Our verdict
For a women’s specific (and more wallet-friendly) heated down-style jacket, try the Venustas 2020 version. This heated jacket isn’t actually constructed with genuine down, but is instead designed with a down appearance. However, it more than makes up for a lack of feathers with a 5V long-life battery and a Mylar thermal lining.
How to choose the right heated jacket
FAQs
Not necessarily. It comes down to whether you’d benefit more from active or passive heating.
Passive heating refers to the way that traditional jackets trap and promote internal body temperature. As you move around or step from a warm interior into the outdoors, down and synthetic insulating jackets are designed to keep your body heat circulating, while also shielding you from the wind and rain.
If you tend to run on the hotter side, or will be moving around a fair amount when wearing your jacket, then you may be better off with a high-quality un-heated product.
Active heating, on the other hand, is about injecting extra warmth into the jacket before conserving it. So while heated jackets are also designed to insulate and protect you from the elements, they don’t rely on your body temperature for creating warmth. This makes heated jackets a great choice if you struggle to maintain a comfortable body temperature, or if you’re spending long periods sitting or standing stationary outside.
Loose-fitting jackets increase the likelihood of heat escaping, and will take longer to reach temperature as there is more cold air inside the jacket to warm. The best heated jackets for skiing and other activities will also use a low profile fit that doesn’t get in the way.
At the same time, you’ll likely want some extra room inside your jacket to add additional winter layers under your jacket. A good compromise is to look for heated jackets with adjustable cuffs, cinch-able waists, and tight collars to help trap and regulate heat. Most zippers are also lined or covered to reduce the effects of wind and heat seepage.
For women, finding the right fit and style of heated jackets can be more difficult, due to unisex designs and body type variations. Pay extra attention to sizing if a jacket is offered as unisex.
As long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer your jacket will be highly safe, and doesn’t pose any more of a fire risk than a regular jacket. Most products will limit how their upper-temperature range, and heating panels do not use live currents, reducing any risk of damage.
Anything where you could benefit from active heating. So, think activities where you’re sitting or standing in cold positions for long periods of time. This might include:
- Hunting. (Many jackets offer camouflage designs).
- Mountain living.
- Hiking. (Choose breathable materials to reduce sweat buildup)
- Motorcycle riding.
- Construction or yard work.
For temperature control, each jacket model should have settings from high to low. There are not generally specific temperatures that these settings will correspond to (check manufacturers guides), and outside factors will affect how warm the jacket gets on the inside. A good, energy-efficient way to use heated jackets is to warm them up using a high-temperature setting, then turn it down or off completely, and keep topping up for the rest of your day as needed.
Jackets should include a battery pack and charging option/cables unless otherwise specified. Some jackets like Dewalt use 12V and 20V batteries, which makes them compatible with most power tool battery packs. Never make DIY adjustments to jacket electronics.
Disclaimer
At HeatedOut.com, we do our best to provide accurate and honest product recommendations, based on the best available data. However, products and product information are subject to change, and may have been updated since this page was posted.