Battle hot weather with these personal fans you can bring just about anywhere.
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Portable fans are a great way to stay cool on the go, packing a personal breeze to keep temperatures down. After all, heat and humidity can impact our health, mood, and overall experience, especially on scorching days. As a bonus, there’s no need to worry about outlets on the go, or tangled wires, as these devices can be ready to rock with a full charge before you leave home (or the hotel) — but also come in handy during summer power outages, too. They’re a worthy investment though you’ll want to prioritize durability, battery life, weight, and easy maintenance before you shop.
Whether you need a cooling companion for your office desk, while traveling or camping, or literally all the time, there’s a portable fan fit for your needs.
There’s versatile usage with both standard AA battery and USB recharging capabilities.
It only has one speed.
Small but mighty, this Honeywell personal fan is our top pick for its range and dual power sources. Although it only has one speed, the air can reach up to 4 feet so it’s not lacking in force. The fan is incredibly lightweight as well making it a great companion whether you bring it on warm-weather trips or use it right at home instead. It runs pretty quietly, so if it's white noise you’re after for sleeping, this might be the fan for you. We also love that it can be hung, carried, or propped up with the versatile built-in folding stand.
If you don’t have access to a USB port for charging, 4 AA batteries offer a solid backup and, since it uses a DC motor, it saves up to 50 percent in energy usage unlike those with an AC motor. Whether you’re packing this small fan in your luggage, toting it to the gym, or using it as a personal breeze on the deck, this Honeywell Turbo portable fan gets the job done.
Price at time of publish: $17
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable battery or 4 AA batteries (sold separately) | 4.7 x 5 x 12.5 inches | 0.04 pounds
It doesn’t have the option for backup batteries.
We love how powerful the compact, lightweight ComfortneSS Mini Portable Handheld Fan is for its size. It folds up for easy storage in even a purse or small tote bag, and comes with a lanyard for wearing around your wrist or neck, too. The battery life is long-lasting with the ability to keep the breeze going all day long (for up to 15 hours on a full charge). This handheld fan offers fantastic value for the price point so you don’t have to dig too deep into those pockets to stay cool. Plus, the seven blades work to keep the air flowing at four speeds — low, medium, high, and strong — so you can choose your desired strength.
Price at time of publish: $7
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable battery | 2 x 3.5 x 4.2 inches | 0.37 pounds
It’s bladeless with hands-free cooling.
It takes 3-4 hours to charge.
Get yourself as close to the cooling device as possible with the Jisulife Four Turbo Neck Fan. With a twin-turbine design and 58 widely-shaped air outlets, you can keep cool on the go while choosing from three adjustable speed modes. The rechargeable battery can last up to 7 hours if charged to the max, and this wearable fan is a fantastic travel companion whether spending a hot afternoon at a football game or touring city sites abroad. The bladeless design makes it safer to use with much less of a chance to catch longer hairstyles. And, since it’s lightweight, it’s both comfortable to wear and packable for wherever you need a personal cooling device.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable lithium battery | 2.3 x 7.8 x 8.7 inches | 0.75 pounds
It can be used as a handheld or desktop fan.
The highest speed can be noisy.
We love the incredibly lightweight Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan for its versatility and three working speeds. One of our favorite features is the detachable fan cover that can be taken off for quick and easy cleaning. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 20 hours at the lowest speed and up to 5 hours at the highest speed. The compact size makes it super portable to throw in a bag without taking up too much room or adding a lot of weight. The bottom includes an anti-slip mat so it can also be used on a flat surface like a tray table or desk, in lieu of holding it. Additionally, a handy anti-trigger switch on the underside of the base will keep it from accidentally turning on when inside a purse or suitcase.
Price at time of publish: $28
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable battery | 1.8 x 3.4 x 6.2 inches | 0.38 pounds
It’s both a fan and a light in one.
The rechargeable power pack is sold separately.
Tents can get hot when camping in warm weather, but the Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan helps keep the interior nice and cool for more comfortable sleeping. The versatile design allows it to stand up on the ground or be hung from the ceiling of your tent using the magnetic base and steel plate on the exterior. Soft foam blades keep things safe, and two speeds provide airflow on high or low. The light can be dimmed to a nightlight for children sleeping inside, but note that it’s a little heavier than other portable models so may be best for car camping when it doesn’t need to be hand carried along with other gear.
Price at time of publish: $35
The Details: 4 D batteries (sold separately), CPX 6 rechargeable power cartridge, or CPX 6 A/C adapter cartridge | 10 x 5.5 inches | 3.025 pounds
It’s a fan, flashlight, and power bank all in one.
The included lanyard is difficult to attach.
We love that the Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan isn’t just a cooling device, but also a power bank and flashlight. This multi-tool is pocket-sized, folding up into itself so it’s easy to tote around anywhere at all. The long-lasting battery can go for up to 21 hours on the lower speed and 14 hours on the high speed. We also like the automatic-stop safety feature just in case you touch the blades by accident. This handheld fan is perfect for travel as it can fit easily in your palm, is lightweight, and gives you the option of charging your phone or having a light by your side in a pinch.
Price at time of publish: $25
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable battery | 1.46 x 1.57 x 4.72 inches | 0.27 pounds
It runs quietly and safely.
The airflow isn’t as strong as other fans.
Not only can bladeless fans be more energy-efficient, they’re also often safer and easier to clean, too. The Conbola Quiet Bladeless Fan is our top pick in this category with up to 12 hours of cool air flow when fully charged and 3 adjustable speeds, depending on your needs. The sleek design and touch button control looks nice, and the non-slip rubber bottom keeps it in place on a range of surfaces. This is a great option to put in a checked bag or bring for car travel due to its larger size, and no blades mean your hair can’t get easily caught if you get too close. It cleans with a damp cloth and comes in a handful of appealing colors as well.
Price at time of publish: $42
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable battery | 5.7 x 5.9 x 11.8 inches | 1.9 pounds
It has 360 degrees of rotation for the preferred placement of airflow.
The battery life isn’t that long.
Clip on the SkyGenius Battery Operated Mini Desk Fan and enjoy a powerful airflow of up to 14.5 feet. The compact size makes it easy to take along wherever you’re going — on vacation, to the office, for camping, and more. This is a great option for clipping onto a stroller or within your car but any surface that can fit the thick clip would work, too. The portable fan can be fully charged in about 4.5 hours and lasts between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the speed you choose. This durable pick operates quietly on both the low and medium speeds, but a little louder on the high speed if sound’s a top consideration for you.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable battery | 4 x 6.2 x 8 inches | 0.6 pounds
It’s still lightweight despite the built-in 25-milliliter water tank.
There’s no lock option for the on/off button so you have to be careful it doesn’t accidentally turn on in your bag.
Sometimes you need a little spritz with your breeze and the Comlife Portable Handheld Misting Fan has come to the rescue. We appreciate that this model comes with a silicone seal to prevent water spillage in your bag when you transport it (especially since there’s no way to lock the power switch). It clocks in at around half a pound, so it’s lightweight and portable, particularly when folded up. The original setting rotates between misting and not misting every 5 minutes but the button is multifunctional and even has the option for a continuous mist, as desired. The small, included bottle makes it easy to refill the water tank on the go, too.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable battery | 1.46 x 4.13 x 8.86 inches | 0.57 pounds
You have the option to use the USB charge or plug it into the wall directly.
It’s for indoor use only.
We love that the Sharper Image USB Powered Personal Fan has a removable base and offers a rotating function for better airflow and circulation. When running this fan from the battery charge on its lowest speed, it can last a full 24 hours but the plug alternative lets it continue nonstop. The compact size is perfect for the office or home, especially while working at a desk. For a small fan, it’s fairly strong and keeps the area cool, all while being quiet, too.
Price at time of publish: $80
The Details: USB cable with rechargeable battery or wall plug | 10.5 x 11.2 x 4.3 inches | 2.2 pounds
Your intended use will determine the best compactness and type. If you’re in the market for a portable fan to take on a vacation, it’s best to prioritize small devices that can fold up to pocket-sized or don’t take up too much space in your luggage. Also consider if you want a handheld fan, one with a stand, or something that can easily clip onto items like strollers. Many fans offer a few different carrying styles including attachable lanyards to go around a wrist or neck, too.
Since we use portable fans for a variety of reasons in a range of settings, researching performance and noise level helps ensure you find the best one for your needs. Since most portable fans run on rechargeable batteries, it’s ideal to look for long battery life that will get you through most of the day. (Most portable fans can last up to 15-20 hours when used on the lowest speed.)
When using a portable fan at work, you’ll most likely want one that operates very quietly, such as a bladeless fan. When traveling, some people prefer the white noise to help them sleep, so a bit more noise is actually desired.
You’ll also want to evaluate how strong the airflow is and how far it goes; you won’t need something super forceful in a confined space like an airplane but, if you’re traveling somewhere like a theme park in Florida or heading on an African safari, purchasing a portable fan with a mister offers additional cooling in extreme temperatures.
Yes, you can bring a portable fan on an airplane in a carry-on or checked bag as long as the device is battery-operated, and complies with posted size restrictions.
Since portable fans differ in design and materials, it’s best to consult the manual for cleaning instructions for your specific model. If info is not provided, most portable fans can be cleaned well by using a vacuum duster attachment and a damp cloth. It’s best not to use cleaners that contain strong chemicals as that may damage the device. To prolong the lifespan, make sure you don’t overcharge the battery, always use the one it came with, and try to keep it out of the sun, particularly when charging.
Typically, you can expect a portable fan to last between 2 and 8 years. A portable fan’s lifespan will depend on the type you have, how often you use it, and how well you take care of it. If you leave your fan running all day, everyday, it will likely not last as long as something used sparingly. Rechargeable batteries can lose maximum potential power over time so it’s important to not overcharge them (i.e., leave them plugged in after they’ve reached full capacity). Sun exposure and water like rainfall can have an impact, too, and it’s wise to make sure not to use an indoor fan outdoors, as that can affect its lifespan as well. Additionally, cleaning your fan regularly according to the instructions provided always helps.
As a travel writer and outdoor enthusiast, T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove used her personal experience with finding the right portable items for her trips to warm weather destinations plus scoured the internet to research and select the best portable fans for a wide array of situations.
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