The GHI tested the best portable fans for summer – these are our top picks
Compact And Portable Handheld Fan
Featuring a whopping 100 various speeds, this beautifully designed portable fan (available in six colors) was an instant success. Reviewers raved about its ability to provide cooling relief, with one even noting how it immediately made them feel more comfortable on a hot day while riding the bus.
The advantage of a portable fan is that it is easy to carry around. This compact fan can be conveniently placed in your bag and also includes a detachable travel lanyard to prevent it from getting lost while on the go.
In general, the device was quite user-friendly, and features a screen that shows the wind speed and battery level. As for the battery, it lasted three hours on the highest mode, ensuring you won't run out of power on your way back home.
Second place and top pedestal fan
High-Velocity Shark FlexBreeze Fan
Promising 12 different ways to stay cool, the Shark FlexBreeze comes packed with a variety of functions. It works both with and without a cord, perfect for use inside or outside. Easily change it from a floor fan to a table fan by adjusting the pole height. Plus, you can control it with a convenient remote.
When it came to cooling ability, testers were able to sense its power even from a distance and liked the five different speed options and the varying oscillation.
Although this may not be suitable for travel, it is a fantastic portable fan for use in your home or office. It is also perfect for staying cool in the garden on hot days, as it has a misting attachment that sprays water when connected to a garden hose. Just the thought of it makes us feel more relaxed.
Top-notch desk fan and the most silent fan
"Wireless Air Circulator: Meaco MeacoFan 260c"
The Meaco portable fan is great for staying cool when it's hot outside. Testers found that even though there are only four fan speeds, they could feel a noticeable change between each one. They also liked how easy it was to switch between speeds and how quiet the fan was. The fan also has a built-in night light, making it a perfect choice for camping or outdoor dinner parties.
You don't need to be concerned about the battery life either. Our reviewers discovered that it lasted a long time, providing airflow at different speeds for more than four hours in our experiments.
Once more, this fan may not be suitable for carrying in your purse, but it is perfect for keeping in different areas of your house. It is simple to operate and user-friendly, making it a reliable choice.
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Top portable fan for travel Looking for a way to stay cool during your daily commute? The best portable fan can make all the difference. Whether you're taking the train, bus, or walking to work, having a reliable fan can help keep you comfortable in the heat. Here are some recommendations for the top portable fans that are perfect for commuting.
Stay Cool Anywhere With JISULIFE Neck Fan
Everyone at work or on your way to work will be jealous of you when they see this fan. You can wear it around your neck and have your hands free for your phone, bag, or coffee in the morning. The fan keeps you cool by circulating air efficiently through its dual-turbine motor design and the 78 air outlets around the neck.
We tested three different levels of wind power, and while they weren't as strong as some other fans we've tried, we believe the fan's light weight and easy-to-use design make up for it. Our testers also found that it stayed in place well. This fan will definitely come in handy during our morning commute the next time there's a heatwave.
Top pick for a fast-charging portable fan
Portable 4-inch Desk Fan By Daewoo COL1540
This small fan is designed to be placed easily on your desk, in your car, or next to you on hot days. During testing, it performed well in circulating cool air and our reviewers appreciated the ability to adjust the airflow direction by tilting the head. It also had user-friendly controls that were easy to access and responsive.
There are just three different speeds, and this fan may not be the most powerful one we've tested, but it still did a good job of keeping our panel members cool. Everyone agreed that they would recommend this fan to others.
Top portable fan for fashion
Stay Cool Anywhere With The John Lewis Foldable Fan
This portable fan is lightweight and comes in various fashionable colors. It is perfect for bringing to events, dining out, or adding a splash of color to your workspace.
In our easy usage tests, this product excelled in every way - it's simple to put together, portable, easy to operate, and effortless to clean. It received top marks in all categories. Testers also appreciated the convenient foldable handle, which can also be used as a stand on a desk or table.
Once more, this fan only has three speeds that are not too powerful. However, it is a fantastic simple fan that will go well with any summer outfit.
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Top affordable handheld fan
Rechargeable Handheld Fan From Dunelm Fine Elements
Even though it has a simple and minimalist design, this inexpensive fan met all the requirements for keeping our reviewers cool. It is small and portable, fitting easily into a purse or pocket, and has a removable base that lets you use it as either a hand-held or desktop fan.
The testers thought the fan was easy to use, even though the instructions weren't very detailed. The three different speeds worked well and the fan blades distributed the air evenly. Some reviewers thought the design seemed a bit low-quality, but considering the price, we're satisfied.
Top portable fan for added functions
Compact Beldray Cordless Fan
With its LED ring light and aromatherapy pad for essential oils, the Beldray 3-in-1 fan offers more than just a cooling breeze on a warm day. Testers loved the relaxing scent and found the light perfect for selfies or adding ambiance to any space.
In addition to the entertaining bonus features, reviewers appreciated the flexible design of the fan. It makes it simple to switch between using it as a pedestal or desk fan. The foldable stand also makes storing the fan easy and hassle-free.
It may be too large to bring with you on your daily commute, but it serves as a great versatile choice for use at home.
Top choice for a convenient fan to use around the house
Portable Desk Fan By Igenix DF1210
The people on our panel really liked the Igenix desk fan because it distributes air evenly and has a big 12-inch size. It is one of the few fans we reviewed that can move back and forth at different angles, helping to cool the whole room and keep the air circulating effectively.
The experts liked how simple the design was, but they were not happy about how difficult it was to move around. Even though it's not too heavy or big, you can't use it without being connected to an outlet. But, it's still easy to carry from room to room, and once you set it down, it stays in place because of its sturdy and well-balanced base.
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Portable Fans: The Final Judgment
Staying fresh has never been simpler. Our top choice portable fan, the JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan, offers a variety of air speeds and impressive battery life.
If you need a small fan for your house or workplace, we recommend taking a look at Shark's FlexBreeze Portable Fan. It may be pricey, but it is very adaptable and also includes a misting feature, which could be extremely useful during hot days when you're working from home.
If you are searching for a cost-effective way to stay comfortable in the heat, the Fine Elements Handheld fan from Dunelm is a great option.
Trust The Good Housekeeping Institute
For a century now, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been evaluating everyday items to find innovative tools that can simplify the lives of our audience.
Our GHI homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, played a key role in creating strict testing procedures for portable fans. These tests were designed to mimic real-life usage scenarios, both at home and on the move, to guarantee that the fans will perform as advertised.
Our resident home expert, Megan Geall, has penned numerous reviews on products and understands how to analyze test results. This knowledge will assist you in making informed choices that align with your budget and personal preferences.
Megan writes about homes for Good Housekeeping Institute. She enjoys discovering the best new products available. When she's not writing about the latest home and garden gadgets, she likes to cook, run, and explore London's food scene. She also loves making friends with dogs she meets. Megan has a Master's in Magazine Journalism and has written for various publications like Stylist, Glamour, and TimeOut. You can follow her on Instagram @meganlouisegeall and on X @megan_geall.
Blossom is the experienced Senior Homes Tester on our team. She is passionate about discovering the top products and devices for our readers and has tried out a wide range of items, from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom loves exploring the details of products and improving the testing procedures for numerous items. Some of her favourite tests have been on cutting-edge products like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers. One of her most memorable feats was testing 360 slices of bread to find the best toaster. In her spare time, Blossom admits she is a music enthusiast and enjoys expressing her creativity through crocheting, baking, singing, and writing.
