Hand function is critical to the accomplishment of daily tasks. Consequently, hand and upper extremity loss greatly diminishes patients’ quality of life. Hand prosthetic development has aimed at optimizing functional and psychological recovery following upper extremity amputations. A wide variety of hand prosthetic designs exist. Conventional devices include cosmetic, passive, and body-powered variants. Such prostheses have historically provided patients with modest but reliable improvements in function. The addition of an external power mechanism is a modern advancement. Controlled through invasive or noninvasive peripheral nerve signal detection, complex electrically powered devices are now available, although at a high cost. Current efforts are underway to create a highly functional artificial hand. Such experimental devices use peripheral and central nervous system interfaces to generate precise and intuitive control while simulating tactile sensation. Despite encouraging experimental findings that suggest significant advancements in the field, a truly optimal “artificial hand” has yet to be realized. The complexity of replicating a natural hand’s full functionality and dexterity remains a formidable challenge. Consequently, extensive research and innovative development are necessary to engineer hand prostheses that are highly effective in restoring functionality and are widely accessible to individuals in need.