Winter’s chill can be an adventure or a hassle, depending on how prepared you are. Having the right gadgets at your side can make all the difference, helping you stay warm, comfortable, and even entertained while snow piles up outside. The U.S. has some unique winter challenges, so this list focuses on practical, game-changing gadgets to get you through the coldest months. From home tech that keeps your indoor climate just right to outdoor gadgets that make snowy tasks easier, these tools aren’t just cool (no pun intended)—they’re essential.
The Winter Struggles Are Real
Winter brings its own set of issues—skyrocketing heating bills, icy sidewalks, and constant battles with the thermostat. How do you stay warm without overloading your heating? How can you stay productive if you’re snowed in? And how do you protect yourself from slipping or driving on icy roads?
These are challenges that can put a dent in anyone’s winter routine. And for U.S. consumers, who face some of the most extreme winter weather in the world, the stakes are even higher. Americans are consistently dealing with temperature drops, frequent snowfalls, and freezing rain—especially in northern regions. According to a recent study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American household spends about $1,200 on heating each winter. The gadgets on this list are designed to address these issues, giving you tools to face winter comfortably, safely, and affordably.
Gadgets That Make Winter Easier, Safer, and Cozier
Here’s a roundup of the top gadgets to get you through the winter season in the U.S. From heating solutions that help cut down on energy bills to devices that keep you connected in bad weather, these gadgets are here to make winter a little less daunting.
1. Smart Thermostats: Optimizing Heat to Cut Costs
Keeping a home warm is a priority, but heating bills can climb quickly in the winter. Smart thermostats have emerged as a great way to save energy and reduce costs, and for good reason. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart thermostats learn your daily routine and can adjust the temperature based on when you’re home or away.
Popular Option: Nest Learning Thermostat
- The Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the most popular choices in the U.S. It learns your schedule, automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re out or asleep, which can save you up to 10-12% on heating costs. With energy savings estimated around $131-$145 per year, a smart thermostat pays for itself over time.
- Studies by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory show that programmable thermostats like the Nest can reduce energy consumption by 10-15% in winter months.
Other Choices: Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control, Honeywell Home T9
Smart thermostats not only save money but also let you control your home’s climate from anywhere. So, if you’re on the way home and want to warm things up before you arrive, you can do it with just a tap on your phone.
2. Portable Heaters: Targeted Warmth Without Heating the Whole House
Sometimes, you don’t need to heat the whole house. Portable heaters are ideal for spot-heating a room, which is especially useful if you’re working from home or have rooms that are colder than others. These small yet powerful devices are energy-efficient and can reduce overall heating costs.
Popular Option: Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater
- With a wide oscillating range, the Lasko Tower Heater can evenly distribute warmth across a room. This model includes a timer and remote control, allowing you to set it and forget it.
- Consumer Reports found that tower heaters are more energy-efficient than fan-forced heaters, and the Lasko’s thermostat controls make it easy to avoid overheating a room, which can help with energy conservation.
Other Choices: Dyson Hot+Cool, Vornado MVH Vortex Heater
Portable heaters let you focus warmth where you need it, especially useful for saving energy and staying warm without maxing out the central heat.
3. Heated Blankets: Stay Cozy Without Raising the Thermostat
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up under a warm blanket on a chilly night. Heated blankets provide direct warmth without raising your entire home’s temperature, saving you money and energy. Perfect for binge-watching or reading a book on a cozy winter night.
Popular Option: Sunbeam Heated Blanket
- With over ten heat settings, the Sunbeam Heated Blanket provides a warm, personalized experience. Studies have shown that heated blankets can save users up to $15-$20 monthly in heating costs during the winter.
- A National Sleep Foundation survey reveals that people who use heated bedding tend to sleep more comfortably in winter, allowing for a more restful night without cranking up the central heating.
Other Choices: Biddeford Comfort Knit, Pure Warmth Heated Throw
With a heated blanket, you’re directly warming yourself, not wasting energy on heating an empty room.
4. Snow Blowers: Tackle Snow Like a Pro
For those in areas prone to heavy snowfall, a snow blower can be a game-changer. Instead of spending hours shoveling snow by hand, a snow blower can clear driveways and sidewalks in a fraction of the time, reducing strain and making winter weather more manageable.
Popular Option: Toro Power Max 824 OE Snow Blower
- This two-stage snow blower is perfect for deep snow, with a 24-inch-wide clearing width and powerful performance. It’s ideal for large driveways and tough winter conditions.
- According to a recent study by Consumer Reports, using a snow blower can save the average U.S. homeowner up to 45 minutes of shoveling time during heavy snowfall days.
Other Choices: Honda HSS724ATD, Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Snow Blower
With a snow blower, clearing heavy snow no longer has to be a dreaded chore, and it can reduce the risk of injury often associated with shoveling.
5. Smart Plugs: Control Gadgets Remotely
Ever leave the heater on by accident? Smart plugs allow you to control devices remotely, so you never have to worry about wasting energy. A smart plug can be paired with a heater, humidifier, or any other winter device, letting you turn it on or off from anywhere through a smartphone app.
Popular Option: Wemo Mini Smart Plug
- The Wemo Mini is easy to set up and works seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Wemo app, allowing for remote control. You can schedule devices to turn on or off at set times, saving energy and money.
- Studies show that homes using smart plugs for winter gadgets can save up to 5-10% on energy costs by managing appliance usage remotely.
Other Choices: Kasa Smart Plug, Amazon Smart Plug
Smart plugs put control in your hands, offering peace of mind and savings at the same time.
6. Electric Kettle and Coffee Warmer: Stay Warm from the Inside
There’s no better way to beat the cold than with a warm cup of coffee or tea. An electric kettle heats water quickly, and a coffee warmer keeps your drink at the perfect temperature, so you can enjoy it without constant reheating.
Popular Option: COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
- The COSORI kettle heats water in under five minutes, perfect for making a hot drink on a cold morning. Its stainless steel body retains heat, keeping the water warm longer.
- A U.S. consumer survey found that households using electric kettles saved an average of $10 monthly by reducing microwave and stovetop use for heating water.
Other Choices: Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle, VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer
An electric kettle and mug warmer can make a noticeable difference in your daily winter comfort routine.
7. Personal Humidifiers: Prevent Dry Winter Air
Winter often means dry air, leading to scratchy throats, dry skin, and uncomfortable breathing. A personal humidifier is a simple solution that can help balance indoor air quality, making the environment more comfortable and potentially reducing cold symptoms.
Popular Option: Levoit Ultrasonic Humidifier
- The Levoit humidifier uses ultrasonic technology to maintain comfortable humidity levels without producing noise. It’s ideal for bedrooms or workspaces.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, using a humidifier can help prevent dry skin, irritated nasal passages, and chapped lips during winter, improving overall health and comfort.
Other Choices: Honeywell HCM350W, Pure Enrichment MistAire
Humidifiers can be a great defense against dry winter air, making your indoor environment feel more like spring than mid-January.
8. Portable Power Banks: Stay Charged When Power is Out
Winter storms often bring power outages, leaving you in the dark and potentially without a way to charge essential devices. A reliable portable power bank is invaluable for keeping your phone, tablet, or even small appliances charged when you need it most.
Popular Option: Anker PowerCore 20100
- The Anker PowerCore 20100 is powerful enough to charge a smartphone multiple times, ensuring you’re connected even if the power goes out. It’s compact and portable, so it’s easy to store in a drawer or carry in a bag.
- A case study by the U.S. Department of Energy highlighted the need for portable power solutions in regions prone to power outages during winter, recommending power banks as an affordable and reliable option.
Other Choices: Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station, Mophie Powerstation XXL
With a power bank, you’re covered for.
