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CNET
08-07-2025
- Climate
- CNET
My Favorite Rechargeable Hand Warmers Are at an All-Time Low Price for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day sale: The Ocoopa UT3 Lite Magnetic Rechargeable Hand Warmers are available for $16. That's a 47% discount and the lowest price we've ever seen them sell for, making this Amazon Prime Day deal a great way to get a jump on winter weather now. When winter weather comes around, you'll probably find yourself looking for new options to keep warm, from choosing toasty winter workout gear to finding the best setting for your thermostat. One of my favorite solutions year after year is a pair of rechargeable hand warmers that slip right into your gloves. I used to buy those disposable pouches to keep my fingers from freezing -- you know the ones, with chemicals that heat up when you expose them to air. And though they did help me stay warmer when I was outside, I always felt bad about throwing away each single-use bag and its plastic packaging. Now I've ditched the powdered packets in favor of rechargeable warmers -- specifically, a pair of Ocoopa UT3 Lite Magnetic Rechargeable Hand Warmers. With USB charging and multiple temperature levels, these compact hand heaters keep my palms and fingers toasty for hours. When their energy is used up, I just top off the power to use them again later. They come in a variety of colors, and prices between $16 and $30. I bought the orange ones (because orange, of course), which are currently $18. The included lanyards make it easy to keep the warmers nearby. Jeff Carlson/CNET Essential Ocoopa UT3 Lite specs Here are the details about these little warming wonders. Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh Temperature range: 100 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit 100 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit Input: USB-C (with rubber dust cover) USB-C (with rubber dust cover) Size: 3.39 inches by 1.89 inches by 0.71 inch 3.39 inches by 1.89 inches by 0.71 inch Weight: 65g each 65g each Included: Two hand warmers, two wrist-length lanyards, USB-C to USB-C cable Two hand warmers, two wrist-length lanyards, USB-C to USB-C cable Charging time: Three and a half hours Three and a half hours Materials: Aluminum heat surface, plastic body Why I chose the Ocoopa UT3 Lite hand warmers In addition to creating less waste, a rechargeable hand warmer offers several advantages over the disposable ones. The Ocoopa UT3 Lite has three temperature settings, which range from around 100 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. In most cases the first setting is adequate, but sometimes I'll kick it up to the middle, which is around 109 to 117 degrees. I haven't yet kept it at the third setting, but as a Seattle resident, I also haven't yet ventured into really cold conditions. They also heat up quickly, in just a few seconds. Packet warmers usually take 15 to 30 minutes to get warm. Hand warmers are typically sold as a pair. Just the front of each UT3 Lite heats up, but the back is a magnet so you can attach the two to use as a double-sided heater. Snap the two warmers together via their magnetic backs. Jeff Carlson/CNET When I'm out in the cold, I usually keep them in my coat pockets, where I can grip them when I'm not using my hands for anything else. But they aren't only used out in the elements. My attic home office stays pretty chilly if the temperatures are low outside, even with a space heater running. Having these rechargeable hand warmers nearby keeps my hands toasty, like cradling a hot beverage (since unfortunately it's impractical for me to make espressos all day). Hand warmers don't need a complicated interface Each UT3 Lite includes one button and one charging port. And I'll admit that the fact these use USB-C ports was a significant part of my purchasing decision. I dream of a near future when all my gadgets are USB-C powered or connected. Unfortunately the port is only for charging the warmer itself. Some warmers can also charge a connected phone or other device, but I have a handy Anker 622 USB charger for that. The USB-C port is shielded by a rubber cover. Jeff Carlson/CNET The single button powers up the warmer and switches between heat levels: Press and hold to turn on, and then single press to switch between the three heat modes. Tiny lights above the button indicate the warmth level in red; when charging, the lights turn blue and show how full the battery is. The lights are almost too tiny, though, requiring me to get the right angle to spy which heat level is active. The indicator lights are almost too small, but they do the job. Jeff Carlson/CNET Hand warmer size turns out to be important The Ocoopa UT3 Lites are small enough to slip into a glove or a pocket, which is appealing. Many other warmers are larger and bulkier. I imagine these would be great for skiing or snowboarding. How long do these hand warmers last? Each warmer emits heat for between four and eight hours, depending on the warmth level. That's less than many alternative warmers on the market (which can run for 10 to 13 hours), but it's not surprising given the physical sizes. Packet warmers tend to last around 10 hours. Yes, there are a lot of alternative hand warmers out there Although I often run across people who've never heard of rechargeable hand warmers -- "What is that, a new phone?" -- the product category has been around for several years. And there are a lot to choose from at various price points and options. I previously picked up a pair of hand warmers by JMOSTRG -- currently $25 at Amazon -- because they also include an LED light, LCD display and a port for topping up an iPhone. After all, a hand warmer is basically a big rechargeable battery that puts out heat. Jeff Carlson/CNET But in practice it tries to do too many things. Although the warmer itself charges via USB-C, the port to power a phone is USB-A. Controlling the heat output, and whether it applies to one side or both, involves remembering several combinations of button pushes and long-presses. I wanted to warm my fingers from the heat, not from moving them around so much trying to get the right setting. I'll still toss them into a suitcase or bag as backup, but they ended up being too fiddly for more regular use, in my opinion. Instead, my Ocoopa UT3 Lites are the perfect balance of size and simplicity, helping me brave the elements -- even if that's just a slightly drafty workspace. For more ways to stay warm in winter, check out this different kind of heat pump, and consider a heated blanket. And for more awesome tech deals, skim our running coverage of the best Amazon Prime Day deals.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The very best beach towels for 2025, tested and editor-approved
Summer is just around the corner, which makes it the perfect time to start planning your big escape (cue the creative "out of office" responses!). And what better way to get in the warm-weather groove than by giving your dingy, fraying beach towels a vibrant update? We love to dip our toes in the water as much as anyone, so we rounded up the absolute best beach towels for 2025 — a mix of colorful, absorbent, lightweight, stylish picks to help you on your way. Whether you're planning an island destination, hitting the shore, hanging by the pool or just want to give your bathroom a playful refresh (a beautiful beach towel also makes for a great summer birthday or host gift), we've got you covered. Keep reading for the best beach towels — for loungers, adventure-seekers, travelers and toddlers, too. We also included info on our evaluation process, plus shopping tips, including the best time to score some of these towels on sale. More home upgrades: Best cold brew coffee makers | Best bath towels | Best fire pits | Best grills Update, May 14, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our previous list did not include a "best beach towel overall," so we bumped our favorite Brooklinen beach towels to the top spot, based on editor reviews. We also replaced our previous pick for "best oversized beach towel" (from Ocoopa, no longer available) with our favorite Sound Cloud towel and our previous pick for "best beach towel for babies" (from Pottery Barn, sold out) with a top-rated find from Zicoto. For other categories, we updated the photos to reflect new colors and patterns. If you're wondering if your beach towels are due for an upgrade, your linen closet or cabinet is a good place to start. Assess your current supply based on condition (is there excessive fading or other signs of wear and tear?), convenience (are they compact and quick-drying enough to tote around?) and look (do the colors and patterns reflect your current taste?) to identify any gaps or towels that need replacing. You may also want to take a glance at your calendar (are you set for upcoming vacations and visitors?), and take stock of any new or growing family members (a hooded baby towel is a rite of passage, but only for so long). Some additional things to consider when evaluating or purchasing a beach towel include material (do you prefer lightweight microfiber or plush velour?), durability (loose fringe can fray, while fade-proof dyes stay) and size (a smaller towel is great for drying off, while a larger canvas is ideal for lounging and sharing). Of course, you'll also want to factor in cost. We tend to think of a well-made towel as an investment that will pay off with frequent use, though we found plenty of options that will help you de-stress or impress guests for less. Which threads you choose will likely reflect your desired use and feel. Microfiber towels are usually lightweight and smooth, while terry cotton blends are known for their fluffiness and texture. Velour cotton is supremely soft, while Turkish and Egyptian cottons tend to be a bit heavier and more plush, thanks to their elongated fibers. A closer look at the label can also provide insight into where and how the towel is made — ideally it's free of harsh chemicals and uses sustainable fabrics and manufacturing practices. If you like to frequent the shore but don't necessarily want to take it home, a smoother fabric such as synthetic microfiber may be your best bet. In addition to being more compact —and odor-proof! — microfiber towels are known for their sand-resistant, quick-drying benefits, meaning you won't need to worry about transferring all that wet sand to your beach bag or car.
