| Primary job | Reduces whole-body heat loss as part of a layered clothing system. | Adds local heat to hands, gloves, pockets or sometimes boots. |
| Best UK use case | Home power cuts, winter commuting, outdoor work, camping, cold car journeys and unheated rooms. | Short cold spells outdoors, emergency glovebox kits, sports sidelines, elderly relatives and keeping fingers usable. |
| Runtime | Keeps helping as long as it is worn and dry, with no consumable element. | Disposable warmers often last several hours; rechargeable models depend on battery size and heat setting. |
| Coverage | Supports core warmth and makes jumpers, fleece and coats work better. | Targets hands and small areas only; it will not fix an under-dressed core. |
| Storage and readiness | Lives in a drawer or emergency clothing box and is ready whenever it is clean and dry. | Disposable packs need expiry checks; rechargeable warmers need charging before bad weather. |
| Comfort | Can be worn all day if it fits well and wicks moisture; poor fit can feel restrictive. | Gives immediate local comfort, but can become too hot against bare skin and should be used with care. |
| Typical price band | Roughly 15 to 60 pounds depending on material, fit and brand. | Roughly 5 to 20 pounds for disposable multipacks, or 15 to 40 pounds for rechargeable pairs. |
