Anti ESD Gloves vs ESD Gloves: What’s the Difference?

The term “anti ESD gloves” is widely used in the market, but it often causes confusion. Are anti ESD gloves the same as ESD gloves? Do they provide real electrostatic protection?

 

This page clarifies the differences between anti-static gloves, anti ESD gloves, and true ESD gloves, helping you choose the correct solution for static-sensitive environments.

 

⸻

 

In many cases, anti ESD gloves is a marketing term, not a technical classification.

 

Manufacturers and suppliers often use “anti ESD” to describe gloves that:

•Reduce static buildup

•Are intended for electronics handling

•May or may not meet formal ESD performance criteria

 

This is why understanding the underlying technology matters more than the label.

 

⸻

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conductive Gloves

•Very low resistance

•Used in specialized applications

•Not always appropriate for general electronics work

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

👉 In most electronics environments, ESD gloves—not generic “anti ESD gloves”—are the correct choice.

 

⸻

 

Using gloves labeled as “anti ESD” without verified resistance data can result in:

•False sense of protection

•Increased ESD incidents

•Non-compliance with internal ESD programs

 

Always look for measured resistance values, not just product descriptions.

 

⸻

 

 

If your application involves static-sensitive electronics:

•Choose gloves with documented ESD performance

•Verify compatibility with grounding systems

•Avoid relying solely on marketing terms

 

👉 Learn the fundamentals in our guide on ESD gloves, or explore ESD nitrile gloves for material-specific solutions.

 

 

“Anti ESD gloves” is a commonly used but often unclear term. For real ESD protection, always select properly engineered ESD gloves with verified resistance characteristics.