best travel fan uk

Best Travel Fans to Keep You Cool in Hot Destinations

Electronics , LUGGAGE

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Headed somewhere hot and want a portable method to stay cool? We asked TFG readers to share their picks for the best travel fans so you can keep your temperature down!

Best Travel Fans

Written By: Tae Haahrr

Table Of Contents

Traveling to a warm destination can be tricky if some of your accommodation options don’t have air conditioning and you need to stay cool or you don’t want to overheat during an excursion like a sunset boat ride or a walking tour.

We’ve asked TFG readers to share their picks for the best portable fan for travel so you can stay cool no matter where you are!

Handheld Fans for Sightseeing

JISULIFE 3in1 Pocket Handheld Mini Fan

Mini Portable Fan for Travel

The JISULIFE 3in1 Pocket Handheld Mini Fan  is slim and lightweight, perfect for dropping in your bag and pulling out whenever you need to cool down.

Another Disney travel fan favorite, one TFG reader says, “We go to Disney all the time and I hate the heat! I always bring my little fan that attaches to my phone and I LOVE it!!! I also use it when traveling. Everyone always comments on my fan and wishes they had one. We always bring a battery backup for our phones when we go to the parks so we have no problem with using the phone fan.”

This 3in1 mini handheld fan is USB rechargeable through a regular USB socket, laptop, power bank , or car charger, it also has soft wings that are safe to use near your fingers.

Travelon 3-Speed Folding Fan

Best Travel Fan for Packable Convenience

The Travelon Folding Fan is one of the best personal fan options on the market, per TFG recommendations.

It’s quiet, can hang or sit on a flat surface, and is light and easy to carry. One TFG reader shared, “I’ve used this one for a couple of years and it has worked well.”

It requires four AAA batteries and one reader says that it is “So handy, it has saved me when flying.” But be careful with medium to long length hair.

Tripole Mini Handheld Fan

Best Personal Fan for Hot Days

If you’re looking for a truly small travel fan then the Tripole Mini Handheld Fan  is for you!

It can be thrown into your purse and carted around whenever you need it. One TFG reader shares, “I always use this fan when traveling, love the size.”

This is one of the best small travel fan models around and is loved by travelers who experience the occasional hot flash.

JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan Hands Free Bladeless Fan

Hands Free Portable Neck Fan

This hands free bladeless neck fan by JISULIFE can send the wind without clogging your hands by simply placing it on your neck. Designed without wings, it can be used safely by children and the elderly so you can cool down anywhere. It’s definitely a good choice for the best personal fan.

One wearer shares, “ I love this fan which looks like you have a pair of headphones resting on your neck. It’s powerful but not too noisy and keeps me cool, it runs on charge for quite a while, depending on what speed you have on, but it’s easy enough to charge up. With the cool air going straight to your neck it really makes a difference. I recommend this fan & great price too.”

Compact and lightweight for carrying. It is wearable throughout your daily life without any sense of displacement or awkwardness.

VersionTECH Mini Handheld Fan

Versatile Small Travel Fan

The VersionTECH Mini Fan is a hand-held fan that is ideal for traveling according to TFG readers.

It can be hung, clipped, set on a table, or held, making it perfect for someone who’s moving around. Its battery is rechargeable via a USB port and you can choose from three different speeds!

It comes in five colors and will fit perfectly into your bag. One TFG reader shares, “It is smaller and light, great for travel.”

O2COOL Sport Carabiner Misting Fan

Misting Portable Fan

The Sport Carabiner Misting Fan is perfect to combat those hot days. It combines the cooling power of a breeze with a refreshing mist of water, keeping you comfortable in the heat.

It has a handy carabiner hook so you can keep it on you at all times. And its compact design makes it really easy to cart around and pack.

This mini portable fan is great if you’re hitting up a theme park with the kids or sightseeing on a sweltering day. It’s small but the breeze is sure to make hot days more bearable.

Portable Travel Fans for Your Accommodation

SmartDevil 3 Speed Travel Mini Fan

Readers’ Favorite Travel Fan

According to TFG readers, the SmartDevil 3 Speed Travel Mini Fan  is the best portable fan on the market. It’s small but mighty and makes little sound.

It’s tiny and its 6-ounce weight won’t take up a ton of space in your bag. But it’s powerful with three speeds. One TFG reader shares, “My husband travels with this and loves it. It goes everywhere with him and it’s very small.”

This portable fan is USB compatible mode and has a removable, rechargeable battery. But note that the battery is lithium so you’ll have to carry at least the battery with you in a bag to comply with TSA requirements. Another TFG reader shares, “Brought it to Scotland and worked well as a fan but also as a nightlight on a sleeper train!”

O2COOL Treva 5” Portable Fan

Packable Mini Battery Operated Fan

The Treva 5” Portable Fan is perfect for travel with its 5-inch span and relatively flat body. Making it small and optimal for packing!

It runs off two D batteries, has two speeds, and makes minimal noise. One TFG reader shares, “I got this last summer and took it with me on a camping trip during one of the hottest days in August and it was a lifesaver! It folds so it lays kind of flat and I loved that it had a tilt adjustment.”

It’s under $10 and you can get it in seven adorable colors (check out the fun, bold green). What more are you really looking for in a travel fan?

Efluky Portable Fan

USB Rechargeable Camping Travel Fan

The Efluky Portable Fan is a rechargeable USB fan that works well for travel. It’s a whopping 4 inches, ensuring that it won’t take up a ton of space and it’s super easy to pack and carry!

One TFG reader says, “If you’re headed somewhere hot this summer, this little fan is the bomb! Only $15, USB rechargeable, and it really pushes some air. Was a lifesaver last year in Budapest and Paris!”

It’s powerful but quiet and will save you when air conditioning isn’t around to keep you cool. But don’t take it from us, this TFG reader shares, “The best thing I’ve ever bought just may be this Efluky portable fan from Amazon! A lifesaver in nearly 90-degree heat with no AC, especially on public transportation. It has a USB rechargeable lithium battery, six-hour battery life and pushes quite a bit of air for such a small fan.”

Beskar Clip on Mini Desk Fan

Battery Operated Mini Travel Fan with Clip

The  Beskar Battery Operated Clip on Mini Desk Fan with 3 speed airflow is a fan that TFG readers love. The maximum working decibel is just 40db, it will not disturb you at all when you are working or sleeping.

This model is particularly helpful if you’re planning on taking a stroller-aged child for a summer tour around Disneyland and need something to clip to the stroller. It’s sturdy, and durable, and the fan gaps are tiny so there’ll be no fingers getting anywhere near the blades.

One TFG reader says, “I like that I can clip it on something or stand it on a surface. In my experience, the rechargeable battery doesn’t last all night so I almost always plug it into my USB charger.”

Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator Fan

Portable Low-Noise Fan

The Vornado Flippi is one of the best personal fan choices if you’re looking to circulate air around you while you sleep.

While it’s a little bit bigger than some of the other fan choices at 1.7 lbs and 6.2 inches tall, it’s still small and travel-friendly. It emits a light breeze and makes limited noise, so if you’re sensitive to noise and want something non-disruptive to push a little air on you, this is your fan!

This is a stylish personal fan, coming in four fancy colors (check out the cute teal!) with an adjustable fan head.  One TFG reader declares it’s the “perfect travel fan.”

Lasko 2002W Personal Fan

Mini Household Fan

The Lasko 2002W Personal Fan is the personal equivalent of your average household fan.

You can move the fan head up and down or to either side to ensure it’s focused on where you want the air to go. It’s fairly quiet, but the sound does increase as you go up in the settings. And it’s much more powerful than it looks!

While it does require assembly, it doesn’t need any tools to put it together. Overall, TFG readers “really like this fan.”

Gaiatop USB Desk Fan

Small Personal Desk Fan

The Gaiatop USB Desk  Fan  is a small travel fan that TFG readers recommend packing on your next adventure.

It has two settings and is adjustable so you’re getting the right amount of air in the direction you want. It’s also said to be really quiet. One TFG reader shares, “I adore this little fan.”

It’s versatile because you can use a USB to operate it. Another TFG reader shares, “I also have this fan and LOVE it! Can’t travel without it.” 

Best Travel Fans Comparison Chart

Universal Travel Plug Charger

Universal Travel Adapter with Three USB Ports and One Type C

A universal travel adapter is an absolute must for any traveler. It allows you to charge three devices at once so you can charge your laptop, phone, and portable charger all at the same time!

A solid product by  Travel Fashion Girl , we’ve specifically designed it with globetrotters in mind, making it possibly  the   best  power bank for travel. You can also use it in over 150+ countries. Plus, it’s red so you won’t leave it behind on a white hotel room wall.

If you choose a fan with a plug or USB, remember to bring the above international travel adapter so you can charge up to three of your electronics at the same time!

Watch the  video  above or read  this post  to learn about the differences between travel adapters, converters, and voltage!

What do you think are the best travel fans? Share your thoughts below!

Want more travel gadget articles? Read these: 

• What is the Best Travel Adapter?
• Stop Tangled Electronic Cables With These Travel Cord Organizer Options
• The Ultimate Backpack Organizer: Pack and Unpack in Seconds
• Best Travel Kettle Will Help You Start Your Day Right

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Just used the JISULIFE 3 in 1 fan during a trip to Jamaica in August. Love that it folds up small enough to fit in a purse while traveling / sightseeing (even going to dinner as most of the restaurants were open air). It also folds so you can set it on a table. Very useful and helpful!

I’m off to Southeast Asia in November, and I thank you for suggesting a fan! Brilliant!

I love using travel fans when I’m traveling to hot destinations! They’re so helpful in keeping me cool and comfortable.

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Best fans for 2024: Tried and tested models to help you stay cool

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The ideal time to buy a fan is before you need one. Summers are getting warmer and wetter, with recent heatwaves resulting in record-breaking temperatures across the UK. If you leave it too late to buy one of the best fans in our list, you’re in for a few sticky days and nights while you wait for it to arrive. It’s also not uncommon for some models to sell out completely, leaving you with fewer options in terms of price, intensity and portability.

Fans are, on the whole, a lot cheaper to buy and operate than air conditioners , with basic fan models starting at £20. However, the lower-priced options are often noisy and have limited functionality, so, you might need to spend a little more to find a quieter fan with a remote control, timer and perhaps even smart home functionality and voice-operated controls.

If you don’t think you can justify buying a fan you’ll only use for a few days every year, there are fans that can also operate as heaters , offering year-round usability.

From small desktop and wearable neck fans to larger tower fans and fan/heater hybrids, we put a variety through their paces, to find out which offered the most relief from high temperatures.

9 best summer duvets with a low tog to keep you cool on hot nights

10 best air purifiers that filter dust and allergens at home, tried and tested

10 best portable air conditioners to keep you cool in the summer, tried and tested

9 best patio heaters to warm any garden or outdoor space

How we tested the best fans

We tested each fan at home, in rooms of different sizes, to assess the cooling capabilities of each device. From a small home office to a large open-plan living space, we placed the fan in the centre of the room and judged whether or not we could feel its effects at the side of the room. For the smaller portable fans, we measured performance by working out how close we had to be to the unit to feel the benefits. We pushed all the buttons, playing with timers, remote controls and noise levels, to thoroughly understand what would be the most useful when the warmer weather arrives.

The best fans for 2024 are:

• Best fan overall – Vortex Air cleanse heater, cooler and purifier: £179.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget fan – Draper 08710 clip-on desk fan: £11.95, Amazon.co.uk
• Best cordless fan – Shark FlexBreeze portable fan: £169.99, Johnlewis.com
• Best neck fan – Auokai portable neck fan: £10.26, Amazon.co.uk

Vortex Air cleanse heater, cooler and purifier

• Best : Fan overall
• Type : Bladeless fan
• Noise : 35-51dB
• Speed settings : 10
• Oscillation : 120 degrees
• Size : 94cm x 34cm x 34cm
• Weight : 5.67kg
• Timer : Yes
• Remote control operated
• Useful thermostat
• Quite heavy

Functioning as a heater, air purifier and (virtually silent) fan, this multi-tasking appliance is great value for money, considering it can be used year-round. Looks-wise, it’s remarkably similar to the Dyson AM09 hot + cool (also included in this review), but the Vortex Air model is more than £100 cheaper. Plus, it has a HEPA 13 air purifier, unlike the AM09.

We liked the streamlined design, which fits seamlessly into a room. Although we tested the white and silver design, it is available in eight colours to further complement your decor.

The appliance has a remote control timer, so you can adjust the settings from wherever you are in a room, without having to get up and push any buttons. The highest setting is so strong that we felt a significant drop in temperature within just two minutes after turning on the fan. Typically bladeless fans like this can draw air in and circulate it much faster than a traditional fan, cooling a space quickly, and this model is no exception. The heating functionality is just as fast.

There are timer settings, so you can program the appliance to run overnight, to help you sleep better during a heatwave. We also really liked its smart thermostat feature, which meant we could choose a temperature and have the fan switch off automatically when it had cooled the room to that level, helping to conserve energy.

Draper 08710 clip-on desk fan

• Best : Budget fan
• Type : Desk fan
• Noise : Unspecified
• Speedy settings : Two
• Oscillation : N/A
• Size : 198mm x 170mm x 216mm
• Weight : 750g
• Compact size
• Not hugely powerful

Working from home has its benefits but leaving the office air conditioning behind on a hot day is not one of them. If you just can’t avoid spending hours stuck at a computer, a desk fan is a no-brainer buy for the summer months to make life a little more bearable. As you’ll be sitting close to the fan itself, there’s no need to spend extra on fancy features, smart controls or even a huge amount of power.

This model has everything required to keep you cool, for a brilliant price. It’s easy to use and assemble with just two speeds, and it won’t even take up much room, as it’s much smaller than a traditional desk fan.

While it can stand on a solid base, we especially loved the fact it can clip onto the side of a desk to use even less space, making it a summer office essential, in our book.

Shark FlexBreeze portable fan

• Best : Cordless fan
• Type : Pedestal fan
• Noise : 62dB
• Speed settings : Eight
• Oscillation : Up to 180 degrees
• Size : 34cm x 34cm x 94cm
• Weight : 5.6kg
• Can be used outside

If you can’t decide if you want a desk fan to cool you as you work or a floor fan to bring down the temperature of the whole room, this convertible model by Shark is the one to pick. It can be used in 12 different ways, from corded to cordless, and can even used outdoors. It can be placed on the floor to cool you when you’re having a picnic or extended to act as a pedestal fan for when you’re sitting at the table or lounging on a deck chair. If you want to feel like you’re sitting by a pool, even when you’re just on your balcony, this has an InstaCool misting attachment that can be connected to a hose pipe to spray you with a light mist of cool water as well as a gentle breeze.

Battery life is excellent, with 24 hours of cooling power on a full charge, so you can use this for a full day of sitting outdoors in the garden to get your vitamin D fix, without breaking a sweat. With five cooling settings and 180-degree oscillation, it does a great job of cooling the air to each side of the unit as well as directly in front of it.

Weighing 5.6kg, it’s a sturdy, durable piece of kit that won’t fall over if you accidentally knock it. However, the downside to this is you will need two hands when you want to move it from place to place.

Auokai portable neck fan

• Best : Neck fan
• Type : Personal fan
• Noise : 40db
• Speed settings : Three
• Oscillation : No
• Size : 22.2cm x 2cm x 5.8cm
• Weight : 260g
• Lightweight
• Attention-grabbing
• Takes a long time to charge

If you need to be outside on a hot day for an occasion such as a wedding or a barbecue, this neck fan is an affordable way to make life more comfortable. A full charge will give you up to seven hours of battery life, so you’re covered for the daylight hours. With three settings, you can ramp up the freshness when the midday sun’s at its most powerful and then put it on a low speed for a gentle breeze.

The streamlined, minimal design means you don’t look like you’re wearing a fan – only those close to you will hear it, too, as it’s less than 31dB on the lowest setting. We like that it cools the neck and face constantly, and we find it’s more effective than a handheld fan. The other advantage to wearing a fan as opposed to holding one is your hands are free to take photos, eat and drink and enjoy summer socialising.

Dyson AM09 hot + cool fan heater

• Best : Year-round fan
• Oscillation : 350 degrees
• Size : ‎20.4cm x 15.29cm x 59.44cm
• Weight : 2.68kg
• Remote control
• Wide oscillation range

If you wince at the thought of spending money on an appliance you’ll only use on the few hottest days of the year, Dyson has the answer. The AM09 doesn’t just cool but will also heat a room, so you can control the temperature inside your home year-round.

If you’ll be using a device a lot, you’ll want it to be easy on the eye, and, thankfully, this model ticks that box, too. It’s a sleek dream machine with curved edges and a long power cable, so you don’t have to worry about placing it near a plug socket. An easy-to-read LED display shows your space’s current temperature, too.

Cooling is excellent, especially as the fan oscillates 350 degrees, so works wherever you are in the room. This is more than double the oscillation of the Vortex Air cleanse. Unlike the cleanse, Dyson’s model also works with voice services and an easy-to-use app, and it has a night mode, in which it operates even more quietly.

No other fan in this review has quite the bells and whistles of this one but it was also the most expensive fan we tested, so, you might want to work out how much you will use the app and voice control features before investing.

Duux whisper flex smart fan

• Best : Smart fan
• Noise : 13dB – 55dB
• Speed settings : 26
• Oscillation : 90 degrees horizontal, 100 degrees vertical
• Size : 34cm x 34cm x 95cm
• Weight : 4.5kg
• Easy-to-use app
• 26 speed settings
• Not that attractive

Operating at just 13dB, even on the highest setting, this fan is certainly whisper quiet. While it’s the priciest pedestal fan we tested, it does offer 26 different speed settings, so you can precisely control temperature levels in a room. We were really impressed by the natural breeze mode that simulates real wind, which was noticeably different from a constant blast of air.

This was also the only pedestal fan we tested that oscillated upwards as well as left and right, and it was the only one that came with a free app. This enabled us to control our fan from any room of the house.

Thanks to dual fan blades, the fan has 15m of wind reach, so it can cool a large kitchen just as well as a small bedroom. In night mode, the LED temperature display dims and it can be set to run for between one to 12 hours before switching off automatically. The height is adjustable, so you can use it as a desktop fan as well as a floor fan.

EasyAcc pedestal fan

• Best : For taking camping
• Type : Bladed fan
• Speed settings : Four
• Size : 8.1cm x 18.5cm x 20.8cm
• Weight : 650g
• Built-in lamp
• Adjustable height

Anyone who’s ever been on a camping holiday will know the temperature can often get quite hot and sticky when there are several bodies in a tent. This EasyAcc model is a multi-tasking miracle that can be used as both a floor fan, a personal fan and a pedestal, so you’ll be able to keep your cool on a campsite. Simply pull the pole to extend the length and you have a fan that will lower the temperature of a two-man tent. We’re not sure it’d be powerful enough for a four-man, though, so, you might want to buy two.

It comes with a rechargeable battery pack, meaning you won’t need to leave cables trailing over the floor or worry about where the nearest plug is. What’s really useful is it has a built-in lamp, so you can use it instead of a torch for any late-night bathroom breaks. The light is dimmable, so it can also be used as a nightlight for any campers who find it hard to sleep.

Duronic pedestal fan

• Best : Pedestal fan
• Oscillation : 90 degrees
• Size : 120cm x 120cm x 45cm
• Weight : 6.14kg
• Five-blade design
• Good value for money
• Only available in black

This sleek black pedestal fan has a unique five-blade design, which captures more air in each turn than a standard four-blade fan, to cool a space quickly. With 60W of power, it has three speed settings, and we found the highest pumped out a satisfyingly strong breeze.

It has 90 degrees of oscillation, left and right, which is half the oscillation of some other models but this fan is also a lot cheaper. When sitting close to the fan, the lack of movement didn’t bother us, as we still felt a refreshing blast of cold air.

While it’s only available in black, it has a built-in carry handle, making it easy to move out of eyesight when not in use.

Beurer LV50 fresh breeze personal air fan and cooler

• Best : Air cooler
• Size : 14cm x 14cm x 12cm
• Weight : 498g
• Fast to charge
• Refreshing humidifier function
• Very compact

Want to recreate the feeling of office air conditioning when you’re working from home in a heatwave? Using water evaporation technology, the LV50 cools and humidifies the air at the same time. The warm air is drawn into the fan, passes through the cooling evaporation filter and is blown back out as cool air.

Supplied with a USB cable, it’s easy to charge the fan using your PC or laptop while you work, so you don’t have to worry about running out of battery. On a full charge, the battery lasts for four hours, so we also tested it on the bedside table overnight and found the humidifier function especially refreshing. For a very compact unit, this had everything we needed to keep cool at a very reasonable price.

ProBreeze 20in floor fan

• Best : Floor fan
• Type : Floor fan
• Noise : 62-67dBA
• Size : 59cm x 19.7cm x 57cm
• Weight : 5kg
• Super strong
• No oscillation

With a powerful 120W motor and a huge 20in fan head, this model can cool open-plan spaces comfortably. With three speed settings, you can control the intensity of the blast, depending on where the fan is placed in a room. It’s a hefty unit that can operate for long periods of time on a high setting, making it ideal for home workouts, too. If you want to use a home gym, treadmill or exercise bike on a hot day, this will be your new best friend.

We liked that you can tilt this fan up and down, so it can be used to project air upwards, towards a desk, too. If you’re looking for a fan that can be used for multiple purposes such as working out and working at a desk, this could be the answer. However, it doesn’t come with a remote control or timer function, so we wouldn’t recommend using it overnight.

Vonhaus portable 31in tower fan

• Best : Miniature tower fan
• Type : Tower fan
• Oscillation : 70 degrees
• Size : 80cm x 28cm x 28cm
• Weight : 3kg
• Can add a scent for a fragrant breeze
• No app connectivity

While tower fans are best at cooling large spaces, their looming height means they can stand out like a sore thumb in most homes. This miniature tower fan is the ideal solution. It’s powerful enough to really make a difference when temperatures soar, and it oscillates up to 70 degrees, yet it’s only 31in high, so won’t dominate a room. It’s also only 3kg and has a carry handle, so can easily be moved anywhere in the house.

Although the exterior is a little plastic-looking, it’s one of the least obtrusive fans we tested, and we barely noticed it once it was installed in the corner of our living room.

There’s no app connectivity or voice control, but the fan does have a timer, so it can be set to turn off at 30-minute intervals up to 120 minutes. The ability to add a scent in a small tray on the fan for a fragrant breeze was a nice touch, too. A fantastic buy all-round. 

MeacoFan 1056 air circulator

• Best : Desk fan
• Noise : 20dB – 60dB
• Speed settings : 12
• Oscillation : 60 degrees up, 80 degrees left
• Size : 34cm x 35cm x 46.5cm
• Weight : ‎3.2kg
• Very effective
• Slightly chunky shape

When we’re dreaming of air conditioning , a fan can sometimes feel like a sorry second best, simply able to circulate warm air. This air circulator is a much better compromise, as it moves in a circular motion and bounces air off the walls and ceilings to keep the entire room (and everyone in it) cool.

Not only is this strangely compelling to watch, but it’s staggeringly effective, transforming even the stuffiest room in our house in a matter of minutes. Miraculously, our space even stayed cool once we’d turned down the fan.

That’s not all. Although the maximum noise level is stated as 60dB, we thought it seemed a lot quieter, thanks to the brushless DC motor, and it’s cheap to run. Meaco says it costs less than 1p per hour (based on current energy prices) on the highest fan speed.

The fan also has an eco mode to adjust the speed as the temperature changes, a sleep timer and even a nightlight, which would be handy if used in a child’s room.

It is on the chunky side, taking up more space than most desk fans but, when it works so well, we’re definitely not complaining.

Levoit tower fan

• Best : For speedy cooling
• Noise : 28dB
• Speed settings : Five
• Size : 16.5cm x 16.5cm x 92cm
• Weight : ‎3.6kg
• Extremely quiet
• Senses the temperature in a room
• Can be tricky to adjust from manual to auto mode

This attractive black and white fan cools a room rapidly. If you’ve been out of the house all day and are returning to a sauna, this will only take a few minutes to give you instant relief. This is due to an impressive maximum fan speed of 25ft per second.

Despite being one of the most powerful fans we tested, at 28dB, it was also one of the quietest. We had to concentrate to hear it. However, the most impressive thing about this Levoit tower fan is that it has an intelligent temperature sensor. It tracks the room temperature in your home and responds accordingly, by changing the fan speed. Perfect for busy people who don’t want to add “change the fan speed” to their to-do list. Should you want to take back control, though, it’s relatively easy to switch to manual mode by pressing a button on the main unit, but we enjoyed letting it do its thing in the corner.

Dyson purifier hot+cool formaldehyde

• Best : Do-everything model
• Size : 76.4cm x 20.cm x 24.8cm
• Weight : 5.5kg
• Works as a heater and air purifier too
• Fan oscillates 350 degrees
• Connects to easy-to-use app

Of course, Dyson features twice within our review – this model doesn’t just cool but will also heat a room and eliminate pollutants, including pollen, dust and formaldehyde. The latter is a colourless gas used in building materials and household products, such as paint and furniture, and the Dyson purifier detects molecules 500 times smaller than 0.1 microns. Although this is a nice-to-have bonus, it’s likely not what will convince you to part with a considerable chunk of cash to have this in your home.

Luckily, it’s a sleek dream machine all round, with a super-effective heater and excellent air purifier, which ramped up whenever it detected pollutants in our home. We especially loved the fact we could see how clean the air was on the LED screen on the front.

Cooling is also excellent, especially as the fan oscillates 350 degrees, so works wherever you are in the room. It also works with voice services and an easy-to-use app, and has a night mode, so we had no trouble sleeping when it was on.

No other fan in this round-up has quite the year-round bang for its buck, but you’ll need to be sure you’ll use all its features before blowing the budget on it.

Beldray handheld mini portable fan

• Best : Handheld fan
• Type : Handheld fan
• Speed settings : One
• Size : 7cm x 6cm x 10cm
• Weight : Unspecified
• Keeping you cool on the move

It’s all very well decking out your house with the latest high-tech fans, but that won’t help much when you’re out and about. Stash a teeny handheld model in your bag and you can still keep your cool when you’re commuting, or even on the beach.

Obviously, a dinky fan won’t bring your overall body temperature down, but it really does help just to feel the breeze on your face when it’s sweltering.

This Beldray model does all you’ll need for a great price. It has two blades, is suitably lightweight to carry all day and is only 10cm long. Plus, it’s operated with two AA batteries – which we were impressed to see were included – so it won’t need a daily charge. Our junior testers were big fans (sorry) of it, too.

Tower cavaletto 12in metal desk fan

• Best : Stylish fan
• Oscillation : 80 degrees
• Size : 25cm x 34cm x 42cm
• Weight : 2.85kg
• Nice design
• Decent cooling abilities
• No remote control
• Need to sit close to it to reap benefits

There’s no avoiding the fact electric fans aren’t the most attractive household gadgets, yet they’re impossible to hide when the weather’s hot. Also available in black and grey, this pink and rose-gold-coloured version is easily the most glamorous model we tested, and was even admired by visitors in our home – surely a first for a bog-standard fan.

It’s not just stylish either. With 35W of power, an adjustable head and 80-degree oscillation, it did a decent job of cooling us down, too. While it won’t work too well if you’re sitting on the other side of the room – there’s no remote, either – it’s perfect for using at a desk, dinner or bedside table. There’s even a carry handle to take it between rooms, as needed.

Princess smart wifi-connected tower fan

• Best : Tower fan
• Noise : 55dB
• Size : 105cm x 33.5cm x 33.5cm
• Weight : 5.86kg
• Range of handy features
• Stylish design
• Fairly noisy when on highest setting

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get some of the gizmos and good looks for which the priciest models are known. This Princess tower fan is one of the most stylish fans we tested, with its triangular shape and smart black-and-silver design. It can also be controlled with a remote, an accompanying app or voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Although the smart controls are fairly basic compared with the priciest fans, they still worked well and made it easy to operate the fan without actually getting off the sofa.

Other handy functions include a timer, personalised programs and three wind speeds, including normal, natural or sleep. The highest setting seemed a little noisy when we used it while watching TV, but lower settings were barely noticeable, so, we had no trouble sleeping with this fan purring away in the corner.

Black + Decker digital tower fan

• Best : Remote control fan
• Size : 81cm x 31cm
• Weight : ‎4kg
• Eight-hour timer option
• Oscillates 90 degrees
• Magnetic remote control for safe storage
• Black design would stand out in light coloured room

With an eight-hour timer that can be adjusted by one hour increments, this clever fan is perfect for summer nights. Set it to operate for a couple of hours, which is long enough to help you reach a deep level of sleep, then it will turn off automatically, so you don’t over cool the room. It also helps keep electricity bills low, as you’re not using the fan the entire night.

There’s a remote control, which you can keep next to the bed, so you can adjust the settings while lying down and conserving energy. Even on the highest setting, it emits barely a murmur, so we had no trouble drifting off with this fan in the bedroom.

Able to oscillate 90 degrees, this fan is brilliant at moving cold air around a room. This makes a room feel less stuffy and humid. Even better, you can easily move it between rooms, thanks to an integrated carry handle. When you’re done sleeping, carry it into the kitchen for breakfast and then leave it in your home office to create a productive working environment. At 4kg, you can lift it with one hand and it doesn’t feel too bulky in a room.

JML my foldaway fan

• Best : Fan for small spaces
• Type : Pedestal and desk fan
• Size : 197cm x 197cm x 102cm
• Weight : ‎1kg
• Collapsible for use when travelling
• Slightly flimsy base

Weighing just 900g, this unique fan can be collapsed, so you can take it on the move. At it’s full size, it’s over a metre in height, at it’s smallest it’s no bigger than a compact portable speaker. Charge it via the included USB cable and you’ll get up to 10 hours of power. You can use it outside at a picnic or party as well as inside your home. It would also fare well on camping trips, cooling down a tent or caravan fast, with no need to be placed near a plug socket. The only place we might not put it would be a child’s bedroom, as the base seems less sturdy than some of the other fans we tested.

Despite its diminutive size, this foldaway fan is surprisingly powerful. Position it a few metres from the bed or sofa, and you’ll still feel a breeze. For this reason, we suggest operating it on the lowest of the three settings if you’re planning to use it as a desk fan. Thankfully, the motor is whisper quiet, so it won’t distract you from your work or intefere with sleep.

Honeywell HYF290E quiet tower fan

• Best : Fan for ease of use
• Noise : 48dB
• Speed setting : Eight
• Size : 27.3cm x 20.9cm x 83.4cm
• Eight speed settings
• Sturdy base

If you’re constantly changing your mind about how cool you want a room to be, this is the fan to invest in. Eight different speed settings offer a lot of opportunity to tinker with the controls to create the perfect conditions but there’s no need to get up from what you’re doing, as a handy remote control allows you to adjust the blast of air in milliseconds. When you leave the room, store the remote control in the special pocket at the back of the fan and it will always be ready to use when you need it.

We like that there’s an LED display on the top of the unit, so you know what setting it’s on – this gave us peace of mind that it was operating as it should. The display can be dimmed at night if you need the room to be dark before you drift off to sleep, though. Other handy functions include a timer and 80 degrees of oscillation to help the cooled airflow around the room. We also approved of the sturdy base, which would be useful in a home with pets or young children.

Winique clip-on stroller fan

• Best : Fan for children
• Type : Clip-on fan
• Noise : 57dB
• Oscillation : 360 degrees
• Size : 6.6cm x 13.7cm x 27.9cm
• Weight : 330g
• Easy to attach to a stroller or car seat
• Not very eco-friendly

Babies, toddlers and a heatwave are a terrible combination but there are occasions when you need to get out of the house for everyone’s sanity. Enter this genius portable fan, which could help prevent some major meltdowns. Simply wrap the stretchy legs around the safety bar on a buggy, pram or car seat and your little one will be relieved by a fresh breeze near their face. An added bonus is that parents can lean over and benefit from the cooling sensation whenever they need it.

For less than £20, there’s a huge amount of useful features. One is that it rotates 360 degrees to provide airflow from different directions. Another is that the flexible ‘octopus’ legs can be wound around a bar multiple times, so your baby can’t pick it up mid-ride. Don’t worry, there’s a lot of thick plastic on the outside, so your baby will never be able to touch the blades and incur an injury. As we all know how important nap time is, the fan operates at less than 57dB, so it won’t disturb little ones while they drift off.

Do I need a desk fan or tower fan?

Before buying your fan, we’d recommend thinking about where you’d like it to go and its purpose in your home. Desk fans are much more compact than tower fans and are designed to sit on your work table . This also means they tend to blow air only in a small space, which can be perfect for cooling you down while you work.

Meanwhile, tower fans are better equipped to cool down a whole room, but they take up more space and need to be kept on the floor.

Electric fans vs air conditioners

Put simply, both will keep you cool, but they work quite differently. While electric fans tend to be much more budget-friendly than air conditioners, they aren’t always as powerful.

Electric fans work by moving air around the room, making you feel cooler. Air conditioners, on the other hand, actually cool the temperature of the room, making them a more powerful alternative to the humble electric fan.

Of course, that means the price of an air conditioner will likely be higher than that of a fan. On average, you can expect to pay between £250 and £500 for a portable air conditioner, while a fan could set you back much less – often around £100. You’ll also need to regularly clean dust filters if you opt for aircon.

There is the environmental aspect to consider, too. Air conditioners can be hefty machines that often take up more space and energy in your home. With energy consumption contributing towards climate change, it can be viewed as counterproductive to use more energy to try and keep us cooler.

Is there a fan that blows cold air?

Most fans don’t blow cold air. They simply move air particles around your room faster, making you feel cooler without actually pumping out a cool breeze. If cooler air is what you’re after, a portable air conditioner may be your best option.

Where’s the best place to position a fan in a room?

The million-dollar question. Finding the perfect position for your fan should make at least some difference. We put the question to Duux’s brand manager, Chloe King. She recommends: “When the outside temperature is cooler than the inside temperature, try putting the fan in front of an open window, to blow cool air from outside into the room.”

Similarly, when choosing a particular model, King noted: “Air circulation is key, so, consider a fan that oscillates both horizontally and vertically.” Finally, she recommends opting for a fan that is adaptable and portable, so it “can be effortlessly changed from full to table height, allowing for greater flexibility between rooms and positions”.

Does putting ice in front of a fan work?

It may not do the job as well as an air conditioner, but putting ice in front of a fan can really blow cooler air around your room. It works by chilling the air that your fan blows out, which will circulate a cooler breeze.

What are the most common types of fan?

• Tower fans: These tall, thin fans have an oscillating cooling device stretching vertically. They are good for cooling down a whole room while taking up very little floor space.
• Stand or pedestal fan: These floor fans feature a traditional cooling unit that sits on an adjustable stand. Many allow you to direct the airflow to where it’s needed.
• Desk fan: These compact styles are designed to sit straight on your tabletop and offer short-range, directional airflow for personal cooling. They are both space and cost-efficient.
• Handheld fan: Great for travelling, you can slip these battery-operated fans into your pocket or handbag and bring them out as required.
• Ceiling fan: These fans, consisting of a rotating blade that hangs from the ceiling, circulate air at different speeds whenever required. Great for those who want a more permanent option.
• Bladeless fan: Available as freestanding or desk varieties, these new-age fans work with an electric motor that pulls in air through small vents in the base, then forces it upwards and out at high speeds through the circular ring above. Good for efficiency, modern looks and safety.

What features should I look out for?

• Oscillating: Instead of focusing the air in a single direction, oscillating fans sweep the airflow across the room. Some fans give you the option of different oscillation patterns and speeds.
• Speed settings: Most fans have at least three settings, so you can adjust the amount of cool air you get, with some offering significantly more.
• Adjustable height and angle: This is particularly useful if the fan doesn’t have oscillating capabilities.
• Timer: A programmable timer enables you to set your fan to start and stop running at certain times – great if you want to come back to a cool house after work.
• Auto shut-off: A useful safety feature, particularly if you’re likely to fall asleep with the fan running.
• Remote control: A great solution if you don’t want to get up to change the speed or set the timer.
• Noise output: While some people can easily ignore the white noise of a fan, others find it highly irritating, especially in bedrooms, so you might want to look for a model designed to be quiet.
• Size and weight: This is important to consider if you want a fan that is easily transportable and can be stored away in the winter months.
• Built-in heater: Some fans combine heating and cooling capabilities in a single model. You’ll pay more for it, but it will save you the trouble of buying a separate heater in wintertime.
• Built-in air purifier: This can be a saviour for people with pollen or dust allergies – but it will increase the price tag.
• Safety: If you have young children or pets, it’s worth bearing in mind the hazards of getting fingers or paws caught in the blades of a full-speed traditional-style fan.

How much does it cost to run a fan?

According to research by the price comparison website Uswitch, “a 120W electric fan costs approximately 2p an hour to run”, so keeping it on for 12 hours a day will cost you 24p, which works out at £1.68 per week.

At 44p per hour, portable air conditioning units are more expensive. Uswitch found that, on average, people have their units on for four hours 18 minutes during the day, and four hours 48 minutes at night. This means it could “drive up electricity bills by £28 per week” during the warmer months. As such, a fan is a far cheaper option.

How much electricity does a fan use?

Finding out how much electricity a fan uses depends on the model you have, but you can actually calculate it by dividing the wattage by 1,000 to give the amount of energy it uses per hour. For a 120W fan, for example, divide by 1,000 and you’ll get 0.129. If you’ll be using it for 12 hours a day, multiply 0.129 by 12 and you’ll get 1.548kW, which is how much electricity the fan uses.

The verdict: Fans

For a fan that can do it all, you can’t go wrong with the Vortex Air cleanse . As it’s an air purifier, heater and fan in one, it’s excellent value for money. The Duux whisper smart fan was also able to cool a room quickly for a similar price and we were impressed by how quiet it was. If you don’t want to spend that much money on a fan, the Beurer personal air cooler will keep you comfortable while working from home in a heatwave.

Keep extra cool this summer, with our guide to the best portable air conditioners for your home

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13 best tower fans to keep you cool

These are the quietest, most powerful and most energy-efficient buys, according to the GHI

That’s why we put the best tower fans to the test at the Good Housekeeping Institute . Keep scrolling to find our favourite buys to keep you comfortable.

If you're in a hurry and after a budget buy, look no further than the Igenix DF0030 which costs £32.99 and scored 82/100.

Best tower fans to buy in 2024

Best tower fan

Dyson purifier humidify+cool formaldehyde.

Runner-up tower fan

Smartair cool+ purify bladeless tower fan.

Best oscillating fan

Dyson hepa cool formaldehyde tp09 purifying fan.

Best fan for versatility

Dyson purifier hot+cool formaldehyde purifying fan heater.

Best fan for the bedroom

Silentnight airmax 3400 oscillating tower fan.

Quietest tower fan

Dyson purifier cool auto react.

Best value bladeless fan

Vortex air pro bladeless tower fan (heater & cooler).

Best cooling fan

Princess smart air cooler.

Best budget tower fan

Igenix df0030.

Most powerful tower fan

John lewis 30 inch black and white tower fan, what should i look for in a tower fan.

Tower fans work by blowing air over your skin, making living, working and sleeping more comfortable when the thermometer rises (for when switching to your summer duvet is not enough.

Here’s everything worth considering before you part with your cash.

The more settings, the greater control you’ll have over the fan’s air flow. Look for a minimum of three – any more and our tester found the differences between them negligible.

Many fans offer different breeze styles, allowing you to adjust the feel of the air. For example, the SmartAir Cool+ Purify Bladeless Tower Fan has four different modes on top of its air settings, including a day mode and a night mode. The latter is a key one to look out for as it sets the fan to operate at a quieter volume, and sometimes dims the display, limiting any disruption to your sleep.

Oscillation

All the fans on our list rotate to some extent, but the models with greater ranges of motion can help improve the comfort of several people at once. For a living room, try the Dyson Purifier Cool Auto React, which rotates just shy of 360 degrees.

Keep this in mind if you’re after a fan you can easily move around the house. If it’s going to stay in one place, a heavier one should be fine, but opt for a lightweight model if you’ll be carrying it between rooms every day.

Smart capabilities

Want a fan that ties in with the rest of your smart tech? Look for a WiFi- and voice control-enabled model that can be operated remotely or from another room in the house. Our tester found app control particularly helpful – no more struggling to get the remote to connect if you're not sitting right next to the fan.

Air purification

Not all fans do this, but some, including every Dyson and the SmartAir , also help to clean the air they're distributing. Some have filters that trap pollutants, while the Dimplex Ion Fresh Cooling Tower Fan freshens air around it by emitting neutralising ions.

Do fans use a lot of electricity?

We measured how much electricity each fan used and were pleasantly surprised with the results – they all proved inexpensive to run. Most would set you back about 1p an hour running on their highest setting, based on an electricity rate of 25p per kilowatt.

Even the least energy-efficient – the Princess Smart Air Cooler – wasn't much more expensive, averaging about 2p an hour.

These costs will obviously add up if you run your fan for hours on end. But if you’re after one for occasional use, none of the models on our list should add much to your energy bill.

Note that fans don’t generate cool air (apart from this Princess model, which houses a water tank), so limit their usage to when you’re in the room and can feel the benefits. To get the most comfort from your fan, these GH-approved tips will help boost its ability to circulate cooler air.

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How we test fans

To test tower fans, we assess the control and comfort offered by each model.

Firstly, we consider its power, looking at the strength of each setting and the difference between them. To do this, we use an anemometer to understand how much air it blows, measured in feet per minute. The greater the range of speeds and the wider the difference between them, the more you can adjust the fan to suit you.

We measure each fan’s noise levels to find the quietest models for dozing off to, as well as its energy efficiency to find out how affordable it is to run, and its oscillation range to see how well the fan distributes air around a room.

Lastly, a panel of testers sit in a room kept at 30 degrees with each fan for half an hour and assess how comfortable it makes them (yes, really).

Every model is then scored according to its performance, ease of use, design and product information.

These are the best fans we’ll be turning to when we need to keep our cool.

Score: 93/100

Dyson’s latest fan has claimed our top spot thanks to its outstanding range of air speeds, which helped our testers feel comfortable in hot conditions. They found it easy to use, and praised the versatile design that also acts as an air purifier and humidifier – an effective feature on test, which will come in handy if you find fans quite drying.

While its top setting was fairly noisy, its night mode means you can still enjoy a quiet sleep. It wasn’t too pricey to run either and it has an intuitive accompanying app. It is an investment buy, but Dyson’s trademark good looks mean it should fit sleekly into your home, ready to help keep you cool whenever called upon.

Key specifications

Score: 92/100

Our runner-up fan is a strong all-rounder. With 12 air speeds, it can provide everything from a gentle breeze to a strong flow. It has a broad range of movement too, oscillating at up to 130 degrees to cover multiple people at once, or adjustable downwards if it’s only catering to you. As a result, our testers found it successfully increased their comfort levels.

It’s intuitive to use and the integrated smart tech adjusts the air flow according to the room temperature. While bulky, it is one of the quietest fans we tested, making it suitable for night-time use. It doubles up as an air purifier, too. Note, you’ll have to buy a warranty separately.

Score: 89/100

Drumroll please, there’s another Dyson on the podium. This sleek fan is similar in design and functionality to our winner , just without the humidifying function. As a result, it costs less (although unsurprisingly it does come at a premium).

This is still an investment in quality though – it has 10 air speeds, several modes including a night one, and 350 degrees of oscillation, so you can enjoy a comforting breeze wherever you’re sat. Our panel enjoyed using it too. Even though some trial and error was required to find the right settings, they said there was lots of choice and it notably cooled them down.

It’s easy to connect to the app if you want to control it via your phone, and it comes with a remote. Lovely stuff.

Score: 86/100

This will keep your home environment just right all year round as it also doubles as a heater (read what we thought of its warming capabilities here.) As a fan, testers rated its adjustable oscillation, which goes up to a whopping 350 degrees and means it can reach multiple people dotted around the same room.

Testers found its selection of air speeds improved their comfort nicely and it was generally quiet too, although not on its highest setting.

Its controls are intuitive with a responsive magnetic remote that can attach to the fan’s body for safe keeping and a clear digital display. You can even monitor your air quality and control it from your phone with the My Dyson app. While pricey, it’s the most versatile buy on our list.

It’s little surprise that sleep expert Silentnight has produced a fan that would fit right in to any bedroom. Testers found it quiet to run, not going above 50 decibels on test, even when we tried its top setting. It’s relatively discreet and has a dedicated sleep mode, which is why it's a good pick for hot nights.

It was simple to use too, with a clear LED display and a timer that extends to nine hours. They recorded a good difference between its lowest and highest air speeds, and when positioned nearby, it improved their comfort in a hot room. It only oscillates at 90 degrees, and there aren’t as many speeds (four) as some, but with three additional modes (including a breeze one), there should be enough variety to tailor it to your liking.

Score: 85/100

One of our go-to brands for vacuums , it’s not surprising that Dyson claimed several top spots in our line up. This dedicated fan (and purifier) was easy to set up and its controls were responsive; rather than lagging, it turns on instantly with the remote. It’s moveable too, thanks to a lightweight yet stable design.

Like its hot and cold counterpart , it has 350 degrees of oscillation, which is also adjustable. What’s more, it achieved full marks on our decibel test, proving no louder than our testing room’s background noise.

It’s still expensive, but it’s economical to run and boasts 10 air speeds, as well as a night mode. Our panel declared its mid-way settings the most comfortable.

Vortex Air Pro Bladeless Tower Fan (Heater & Cooler)

Score: 84/100

While similar in style and function to the bladeless fans that took the podium spots in our test, this one cashes in at a more affordable £170. It has 10 speed settings, giving you great variation in air flow, and a timer that lasts up to nine hours, so you can enjoy it all night should you wish. Testers also found it quiet and economical to run.

It doesn’t have the biggest oscillation range, but you can angle the head, making it a good buy for home offices. It also has heating features for winter, but there’s no app control.

Score: 83/100

Thanks to a built-in water tank and accompanying ice packs, this clever gadget from Princess actually does cool the air it circulates. When full, the water tank does make the otherwise portable fan trickier to move, but it lasted a long time (only half the tank was used over four hours), and it quickly helped bring down our testers’ body temperatures. Note, it won’t cool the whole room; you’d need air conditioning for that.

Like Princess’ traditional tower fan below, this connects to a user-friendly app and is compatible with voice control. It also feels sturdy and has a good range of air strengths. It's not tall though, and it only oscillates 50 degrees, meaning it works best when positioned nearby and directed at one or two people.

It wasn’t the quietest fan we tested, but if you’re not a light sleeper then it shouldn’t disturb. It also used more electricity than most (2p when running for one hour on high), but this isn’t too surprising given its additional functionality. It’s undoubtedly one to turn to in a heatwave.

Score: 82/100

Not sure about splashing out on something you may only need in the odd heatwave? Then this more affordable design is our pick. It boasts a higher maximum wind power than our two winners but only offers three speeds, so you don’t have as much control.

It has a good range of movement and a 1.8-metre cable for maximum manoeuvrability. It’s on the noisy side though, and it doesn’t have a night mode or remote. Overall, though basic, it’s easy to use and reliably boosted our panel’s comfort.

If you want to turn your home into a wind tunnel, this is the fan for you. It had the highest air speed of all the models we tested, blasting out air at a rate of over 800 feet per minute. Unsurprisingly at that level, things got noisy, but fear not, its lowest setting would be quiet enough for bed-time.

It’s straightforward to set-up and use and its remote allows you to control it from a distance. Its 90 degrees of oscillation should give you ample coverage and it’s easy to move around the house, thanks to a well-placed handle.

Princess Smart WiFi/Alexa Tower Fan

Score: 81/100

You can control this fan via its accompanying app, voice command or a traditional remote. Its instructions are clear, as is the app, which can change settings even if you're in a different room. We found the voice activation effective too.

The buttons on the fan could be more responsive, but we were impressed with the noticeable differences between the three air flow settings. Of the models we tested, this was also the quietest on high.

It used more energy than most, though it still wouldn’t be too costly to run, and we found it didn’t quite rotate the 80 degrees it claimed. For its smart capabilities, though, it makes a nifty home addition.

Dimplex Ion Fresh Cooling Tower Fan

Score: 79/100

The clear instructions, complete with text and images, make this fan a breeze to set up and use. It’s well made with thoughtful design details, including the option to tilt the body of the fan, offering extra control over the direction of air. Its highest setting was notably strong and quiet too.

Surprisingly, its lowest setting wasn’t that energy efficient, but its night mode will come in handy if you’re after versatility. Ion technology also sets it apart – by generating ions, it also freshens the air in your room.

It’s not the most stable of units, and it had a smaller oscillation capacity at 70 degrees, but testers liked its digital room temperature display.

Beldray Tower Fan 32 Inch

Score: 73/100

If you want a fan you can easily move about the house, this lightweight model (the lightest we tested) makes a good choice. Its well-placed handle gives you something reliable to grip and its 1.5-metre cable means even sparse plug sockets won't pose a problem.

It was easy to set up but attaching its base was a little fiddly. Again, this isn’t a premium design, wobbling if knocked, and it only distributed a narrow stream of air. That said, it was quiet even on its highest setting and our testers were impressed with how comfortable it made them for under £35.

The verdict on fans

You’ll see a lot of Dysons on our list, but which is the best one for you? Ultimately, it depends on the range of functionality you’d like, but the best performer in our lab was the Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde .

Our runner-up, the SmartAir Cool+ Purify Bladeless Tower Fan . is a great buy if you're looking to spend less, but still want a fan that will connect to your phone.

Finally, if you’re in need of a last-minute affordable heatwave helper, let us point you in the direction of the Silentnight Airmax 3400 Oscillating Tower Fan (£45), or the Igenix DF0030 Oscillating Tower Fan (£33).

Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

We’ve been testing products for 100 years at the GHI , so our experts know how to create rigorous protocols that will truly measure whether products match up with their claims.

Fans are no exception. Our homes testing manager Blossom Boothroyd looks after this category, making sure we thoroughly analyse and review each model to find the ones that will improve your comfort the most when the weather heats up.

Hannah Mendelsohn , our homes editor, is always on the lookout for new fans for us to test, and makes sure that the reviews are written in a way that will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows , and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist , working for Stylist , Sky Sports and more.

Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster. In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.   

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Last chance: 6 best portable fans on sale for Amazon Prime Day

This year witnessed record-high temperatures worldwide, with the mercury repeatedly hitting over 100 degrees Fahrenheit from Arizona to Nevada, Texas and across the ocean, stretching into Athens, Greece and beyond.

With the final day of Amazon's Fall Prime Day upon us, now is a great time to get a good deal on a hi-tech portable fan. Trust us, you'll be thankful by the time summer comes back around.

Here are some of the TPG team favorites and best-reviewed portable fans on Amazon that are currently on sale.

Best for extra features: Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan — $14.39 (normally $24.99)

Coming in strong with an Amazon rating of 4.6, this portable fan from Jisulife is a small but mighty device that offers great value for the money.

Ergonomically designed, this device easily folds small to pack in a bag. It's also rechargeable, offering between 14 and 21 hours of use depending on which of its two settings you use. It comes with two great additional features: The fan houses a small flashlight and also functions as a power bank that can charge your devices on the go.

Still need convincing? TPG travel reporter Tarah Chieffi who makes frequent trips to the often-hot Orlando theme parks, never travels without it.

"It folds up small and holds a charge for longer than any other fan I've tried," she said. "I also love that I can use it to charge my phone when I am on the go."

Buy: Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan , $14.39 (normally $24.99)

Best for hotel rooms: coldSky Portable Handheld Fan — $12.74 (normally $14.99)

This sturdy and powerful fan might be slightly larger than other portable fans (though certainly small enough to pack into a tote bag), but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, you want something with a little more oomph for when you accidentally book yourself into a hotel room that has subpar (or not) air conditioning .

The coldSky device is essentially a compact desk fan that packs a punch but is still small enough not to clutter up your hotel room's bedside table. It has five speeds and a seven-blade design that will make your room breezy in no time. It also has a handy digital display showing the remaining battery life so you know when to recharge the device.

Buy: coldSky Portable Handheld Fan , $12.74 (normally $14.99)

Best for serious wind power: Jisulife Handheld Fan — $12.99 (normally $22.99)

This is a stylishly designed hand-held fan that can also easily stand up on a desk.

The Jisulife Handheld Fan offers up to 16 hours of battery power and is easily charged via USB. It has fewer speed settings than some other fans on this list, but its real selling point is its strength. At full speed, it can reach up to 4,400 revolutions per minute; this equates to the feel of a strong wind, making it great for cutting through the harshest of heat.

Buy: Jisulife Handheld Fan , $12.99 (normally $22.99)

Best hands-free fan: Penkou Portable Neck Fan — $25.99 (normally $39.99)

Looking for something you don't have to carry around in your hands all day but are also worried that a wearable fan sounds like a quirky steampunk contraption? This neck fan by Penkou is a safe option.

When in use, the device looks similar to a pair of headphones dangling around your neck. Its bladeless fan design produces less than 20 decibels of sound (about the same level as leaves gently rustling), so it also comes free of noise distraction. And with a weight of just 8.8 ounces, you should be safe from neck strain.

In terms of battery power, you should get between three and 16 hours, depending on which setting you prefer. It's perfect for hikes, at the theme park or to wear during a long, sweaty train or bus journey.

Buy: Penkou Portable Neck Fan , $25.99 (normally $39.99)

TPG favorite: VersionTech Mini Handheld Fan — $12.99 (normally $27.99)

Finally, if you're looking for something cheap but reliable enough to shower you with a pleasant breeze, we recommend VersionTech's mini-handled fan. It's a favorite of TPG director of travel content Summer Hull.

This device can function like both a hand-held fan and a small desk fan. It also easily clips to bags or other thin surfaces.

The fan has three adjustable speeds and will work for up to three hours on the highest setting or eight hours on the lowest. It's currently priced at $12.99, down from its usual price tag of $27.99 as of this publication date. Get it while you can.

Buy: VersionTech Mini Handheld Fan , $12.99 (normally $27.99)

Related reading:

• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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Best fans for cooling down in the heat – the quietest, most powerful, and most affordable fans

The best fans for cooling down quickly – we've tried and tested bestselling options to find the best fan for the bedroom, living room, and out and about

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Most powerful

• Most affordable
• Most tower fan
• Energy efficient

Simple to use

• How to choose

The quick list 1. Most powerful 2. Quietest 3. Most affordable 4. Tower fan 5. Energy efficient 6. Handheld 7. Bladeless 8. Simple to use How to choose FAQs

As temperatures climb, investing in one of the best fans on the market is a great way to keep your cool whilst the mercury rises.

Whilst a fan won't dramatically reduce the temperature of a room in the same way that one of the best portable air conditioners can, by moving the air within a room and keeping that airflow circulating, the breeze a fan creates will cool your skin and make hot and humid conditions far more bearable.

However, like most things in life, when it comes to finding the best fan for cooling you down fast, you tend to get what you pay for. A budget fan will help to create a breeze, but the downsides are likely to be that dreaded drone of fan noise, and a lack of functionality. Invest a little more and you can get powerful cooling performance alongside virtually silent operation, plus a whole host of added benefits such as 'natural wind' mode, remote operation, Smart home compatibility, and cordless design.

To help you make the best choice for you, we've rounded up the best fans on the market this year, trying and testing bestselling options from market leaders Meaco, Duux, and Dyson, as well as affordable options from Amazon and more. We've rated each fan for cooling performance, noise, ease of use, assembly, and energy efficiency to help you find the right cooling fan for your budget.

The quick list

Short on time? This quick list is an overview of the very best fans available, according to our experts. You'll find more information on each fan and why our testers recommend it if you keep on scrolling.

Most powerful fan

Powerful, quiet, energy efficient, and easy to use, the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator requires no self-assembly and is compact and portable, making it our top choice for the best fan you can buy.

Read more below

Quietest fan

The quietest fan we've tested, the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan really is whisper quiet, making it the best fan for the bedroom. It's an investment, but its also wireless, Smart, and height-adjustable.

Most affordable fan

The Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan is one of the cheapest fans out there, which is no doubt why it's one of Amazon's bestselling fans. It's basic and noisier than we'd like, but that price tag is hard to beat.

Best tower fan

With hardly any set-up at all, the Levoit Classic 36-inch tower fan is super quiet and is easy to keep clean. We love its advanced sleep mode which adjusts the fan speed based on your stages of sleep, making for a comfortable night's kip. It's also temperature responsive, and automatically adjusts the speed based on the room temperature.

Most energy-efficient fan

Using just 1-18 watts of energy to run, this is the most energy-efficient fan we've tested, costing well under 1p per hour at current prices. It's large and not the most portable, but it's easy to set up, simple to use, quiet, and offers powerful performance alongside a 'natural wind' mode that our reviewer loved.

Best handheld fan

Available in several fun colourways, this versatile John Lewis & Partners handheld fan is ideal for staying cool on the move. Plus, it transforms into a compact desk or table fan once you reach your destination.

The best fans of 2024

Why you can trust Ideal Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you're looking to invest in a fan that really does the business, then it's hard to fault the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator. Whilst it's not cheap, it delivers powerful, reliable, energy-efficient and user-friendly performance for its mid-range price point.

This option offers 12 speed settings, and with its ability to move 1056 cubic metres of air per hour, it's the most powerful fan in our round-up. As it's a fan's ability to move the air that results in its cooling powers, it's no surprise that the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator also did the best job of all the fans we've put through the Ideal Home testing process at cooling us down. Even more impressive is the fact it delivers such power whilst remaining very energy-efficient, using just   9.5-23.5W.

What's more, this fan's multi-directional oscillation means it's not just the person sitting directly in front of the fan who benefits from its temperature-reducing powers. A 60° vertical swing and 80° horizontal swing can be combined into a multi-directional oscillation that smoothly bounces air off walls, ceilings, and surfaces to circulate air and cool the whole room rather than just one area.

Thanks to its DC motor – part of the reason this fan requires a little more investment – it also delivers that cooling airflow almost silently. Whilst it can't quite beat the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan on the 'virtually silent' front, it comes very close, especially when you consider what powerful airflow this fan can dish out. There's no hint of the dreaded droning noise that's associated with most fans, instead the only noise is of gushing air.

Better still, there's no self-assembly required with the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator – a surprising rarity amongst the fans we've tested, and a great plus point compared to faffing around with assembly in the middle of a heatwave. Its controls are very easy to use, there's a handy remote control, an on and off timer, and ECO mode which automatically shifts the fan speed depending on the temperature registered on the fan's in-built sensor. 

All in all, whilst it may cost significantly more than a budget fan, the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator offers so many added extras that it's definitely our first choice when it comes to beating the heat.

Read our full   MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator review  for more detail.

2. Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan

Why should you invest in one of the most expensive fans in our round-up? Because the Duux Whisper really does live up to its name. It's the quietest fan we've tested and virtually silent on its lowest settings. This makes it the perfect fan for the bedroom, and, even on its most powerful settings with its 13-50 dB noise levels it remains the quietest fan we've come across. 

Thanks to its rechargeable battery pack, this fan is also one of the few models that can be operated cordlessly. Yes, regular recharging of the battery pack is a little annoying, but being able to place the fan anywhere you want without being tied to a power socket or having to negotiate the trip hazard of extension leads is a real boon.

The 'natural wind' mode is also a delight. This functionality mimics the subtle variation in speed of a natural breeze, and although it may sound trivial, if you're sat directly in front of the fan attempting to stay cool then the variation in airflow feels far less tiring against your skin than a constant blast.

Despite its high price tag, this fan also offers better energy efficiency than many cheaper models over the long run. The affordable Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan retails at under £25 but uses 40W of power to run compared to the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan's 3-32W. 

There are downsides beyond its price point; namely the fact that this fan requires self-assembly – you'll only have to do it once, but if you're already a little hot and bothered from the heat then it's a bit of an annoyance. And, unlike the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator which excels at simplicity of use, this Duux fan really has little  too  much functionality – does anyone really need 30 speed settings? – and its awkward controls make it a faff to operate at times. Although it does offer Smart functionality when connected to WiFi if you're keen to connect a fan to your Google Home hub or Alexa.

Really though, this fan is all about the noise, or lack thereof. If you're looking for the quietest fan out there, we think this is it.

Read our full   Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan review   for more detail.

3. Honeywell Turbo Force Power fan

The Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan is one of the cheapest fans we've reviewed, which is no doubt why it's one of Amazon's bestselling fans. In fact, this budget fan has racked up over 20,000 ratings, with Amazon shoppers giving it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

However, there's rarely a bargain without a catch, and the downside to the Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan's affordable price point is its intrusive noise and limited functionality. 

For some, its budget price tag will be worth putting up with the increased noise levels – this is a fan that perfectly illustrates the dreaded droning noise that most of us associate with a bog standard fan and soon became tiring to the point of us turning it off long before we'd cooled down in our testing – for others the investment in a quieter fan, like the top-of-the-range MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator or Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan will be worth its weight in gold. 

It's also not the coolest fan out there, the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator, Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan, and EcoAir Kinetic Ultra Silent Air Circulation DC Fan all deliver a more powerful, and therefore cooler, airflow. And it lacks functionality. There are just three speed settings, and there's definitely no automated oscillation or 'natural wind' mode here, although you can manually tilt the fan through 90˚ up-down. 

The Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan is basic in all senses of the word, however, that's also part of its appeal. There's no self-assembly to do, and no faffing with bloated control options, its manual control button couldn't be simpler to adjust, even if it feels a bit cheap. 

Ultimately, this fan is all about the price point. You can generally pick up the Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan for under £30 which makes it a very cheap option, as long as none of its downsides are deal breakers for you.

Read our full   Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan review   for more detail.

4. Levoit Classic 36-Inch Tower Fan

We have a review of the Levoit Classic 36-inch tower fan in the works, but we included it in this list because by all accounts it’s a good price and regularly gets good reviews from verified purchasers across a multitude of websites.

With its included remote control, you can control your fan setting at the touch of a button which is great for keeping our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny , cool overnight without her having to get out of bed. Plus it features an Advanced Sleep Mode which turns off display lights and slowly adjusts the fan speed based on your stages of sleep.

Its 90-degree oscillation will make it easy for everyone to get a turn and with its five fan speed options, it's temperature responsive, which means it automatically adjusts its speed based on the room temperature. So, for example, if a room is significantly stuffy you'll get a blast of cool air at a maximum speed of 25ft/s.

And if you're wondering if it's quiet, we can confirm it really is and it has been certified ultra-quiet by QuietMark, so there's no need for earplugs overnight.

Set up is super easy too. Well, technically, there isn't much setup at all. Just snap the base pieces together, connect them to the unit and it's good to go. This makes it super easy to clean as you can simply remove and wash the back cover to keep it dust-free.

Most energy efficient fan

5. ecoair kinetic fan.

The EcoAir Kinetic Fan is a robust and well-built fan that offers powerful performance, relatively simple assembly, straightforward and easy-to-use controls, quiet operation, and best-in-class energy efficiency.

Although its DC motor means a more expensive initial outlay, as a result, the EcoAir Kinetic uses just 1-18 watts of energy to run, making this the most affordable fan we've tested in terms of running costs. 

And whilst our reviewer found the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan just pipped the EcoAir to the post in the 'virtually silent' stakes, this fan is still super quiet compared to most. Plus, it's powerful, with the ability to circulate up to 3264 m³/of air per hour.

The EcoAir Kinetic's downsides are its size, which means it's not the best fit for a small home and can make storage a struggle if you're not blessed with a garage to stash it out of sight when it's not in use. It's also not the most portable fan in our round-up, weighing in at 5kg, the heaviest of all the fans we've tested. Our reviewer also wasn't entirely sold on its slightly dated appearance, although they were impressed by its build quality. 

However, it's a solid performer, its low energy consumption is very impressive, and it's one of the simplest fans to operate at its level of performance, and – when temperatures rise and patience gets frayed as a result – that simplicity could well be worth its weight in gold.

Read our full   EcoAir Kinetic Fan review   for more detail.

6. John Lewis & Partners Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan

As the weather heats up, we think this super cute and super affordable handheld fan from John Lewis & Partners is going to become your new best friend.

This versatile handheld fan is perfect for staying cool on the go, with its compact design easily slipping into a bag and making it the ideal companion for any commute or adventure away from the air con. Even better, the handle cleverly incorporates a fold-out stand, so it can be set up hands-free on your desk or table once you reach your final destination.

The fan comes with a rechargeable battery and charging cable included and can be fully charged in around 5 hours. Handily the charging cable also plugs into a standard USB port, so it can also be recharged via your laptop. We found battery life to be great, with the fan able to operate for approximately 9 hours on low speed, 6 hours on medium speed, and 4 hours on high speed, and it was surprisingly quiet for a bladed design.

Each year John Lewis & Partners launches the fan in a new set of shades – this year white, sage green, orange, and navy – and unsurprisingly, each year they sell out in record time as temperatures rise. We thoroughly recommend you beat the rush and snap yours up now whilst they're still in stock – after all, there's a good reason most of the Ideal Home team now won't leave the house one!

Best bladeless fan

7. Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Formaldehyde HP09 purifying fan heater

If you're looking for the crème de la crème of the fan world, then a Dyson bladeless fan is perhaps the most aspirational buy. Well-executed design, innovative oh-so-stylish bladeless design, and powerful multifunctional performance mean a Dyson fan easily stands out from the crowd.

However, even if you have the budget for a Dyson fan's eye-watering price tag (prices start from £399.99 and increase to £699.99, although you can sometimes make savings with Dyson discount codes ), deciphering which Dyson fan is the right one for you from the brand's extensive and bewilderingly-titled product range is a feat in itself. That's because Dyson doesn't actually make a standalone fan. Instead, the fan element is almost incidental, combined with 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 appliances more focused on air purification, humidifying, or heating.

The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool HP09 Formaldehyde is such a 3-in-1 beast, combining a fan, air purifier, and heater into one uber-stylish package. In our opinion, it's perhaps the most versatile of all the Dyson fans, offering functionality that best suits British homes and will offer useful year-round use.

To make the most of its features, our tester found it's best to employ 'continuous monitoring' and 'auto' mode, whereby the purifying fan heater will continuously monitor air quality, temperature, and humidity information, display results on the LCD screen and in the Dyson Link Smart app, and on-board sensors will adjust the settings of the machine accordingly.

It's impressive stuff, but if you purely want a fan that performs well, then in our opinion, the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool HP09 Formaldehyde is an investment you don't need to make. Meaco and Duux offer fans with comparable cooling effects for considerably less cash, but if you're also considering investing in an air purifier, and you have the budget for a Dyson fan's super-cool good looks, this is a stylish investment you may be happy to make.

Read our full   Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Formaldehyde HP09 Purifying Fan Heater review   for more detail.

8. Russell Hobbs 12″ Scandi Desk Fan

The Russell Hobbs 12” Scandi Desk Fan takes the standard desk fan and gives it a simple yet stylish makeover via three understated colourways – white, grey and black – and some Scandinavian-style oak-effect detailing. 

Thanks to those simple yet effective design touches this desk fan certainly looks a lot nicer in the home office than most budget desk fans, and, at around the £50 mark, it's also reasonably affordable. Plus, if it’s not your WFH set-up that needs cooling down to prevent you from getting hot and bothered on work calls, then the collection also includes the Russell Hobbs 16" Scandi Pedestal Fan and the Russell Hobbs 12” Scandi Floor Fan .

Beyond that, this is a fairly basic fan that doesn't offer a lot in terms of functionality. There are just three-speed settings and a 90˚ left-right oscillation, however, the lack of bells and whistles could be a plus point for many who prefer the simplicity of manual controls over digital displays and Smart technology.

In our tests, we found the unexpected self-assembly a big annoyance, but as long as you're prepared for it and have the dexterity to set it up, then you only have to assemble it once. Although this desk fan isn't quiet, it's also not as noisy as many fans at this price point, and the oscillation means you get a little extra bang for your buck compared to the cheaper and noisier Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan for example.

All in all, the Russell Hobbs 12" Scandi Desk Fan looks good, isn't too expensive, and if you're not going to use it too often then it does the job of blowing air towards you during particularly hot and clammy days. If you're willing to invest more for quieter operation and better performance, then there are better fans to be found in this edit.

Read our full   Russell Hobbs 12″ Scandi Desk Fan review   for more detail.

How we test

You'll find full details of the  Ideal Home  review process on our  how we test  page.

Our team of reviewers tested a host of the best fans on the market to compile this guide. We compared assembly and set-up, ease of use, cooling powers, noise levels, and any extra functions each fan offered to find the best fan for the bedroom, the most affordable fan, the quietest fan, and the most powerful.

If there are any products we haven't managed to test in person, or the product didn't achieve over 4 out of 5 stars, then they won't have an Ideal Home Approved badge.

However, you can rest assured we've done thorough research on their technical specifications and read multiple happy – and not-so-happy – customer reviews to narrow down our suggestions to only the best-in-class.

How to choose the best fan for you

Although budget is a big motivator in all of our purchases, there's no denying that you generally get what you pay for, and this is especially true when shopping for one of the best fans on the market. 

To help you work out where you want to invest a little more cash for better performance we've rounded up the key criteria to consider before choosing the best fan for your needs.

Type of fan

There are a whole host of fan styles to choose between, from compact handheld fans that are great for taking out and about, to desk fans that allow you to place the fan on a convenient surface (if you have the space) so that the fan blows directly at you whilst your sitting and working, and tower and pedestal fans that can be placed on the floor and are great for the side of a bed or to cool a larger area.

The type of fan that works best for your needs tends to depend on how and where you plan to use the fan, so thinking about placement before you shop can help to avoid costly mistakes.

Power source

Along with placement, it's also well worth considering what power source your fan will have access to. You can extend reach to a power socket with an extension lead if necessary, but that can mean things get in a tangle and create a trip hazard.

USB-powered fans can mean you aren't reliant on a static power source, and fans with rechargeable batteries, such as the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan, can make life far simpler if you have an open-plan layout and don't want wires crossing the room.

AC or DC motor

Unless a fan shouts about it having a DC motor, it's likely to be an AC motor in operation. That's because DC motors are significantly more expensive and so tend to only be used by manufacturers trying to make best-in-class products.

As Chris Michael , managing director of air quality specialist Meaco, says 'A DC fan is more expensive to manufacture than an AC fan but for the consumer, they are much better. A fan with a DC motor will be quieter, use less energy to produce the same results, tend to be more powerful, can offer more variation in fan speeds, and should last longer'.

Air displacement

This means how much air a fan can circulate in a given time frame, and is usually measured in m3 per hour.

Not all fans will provide this information, especially cheaper models where manufacturers know it won't be a bragging point, but if you can track down the fan's air displacement metrics in its specifications it will give you an idea of how powerful the fan is. 

Energy usage

Whilst the fan itself may be cheap in the sale, it's worth considering how much it costs to run a fan before you shop.

Often more expensive fans will be equipped with better technology which means they require much less energy to run, and during a heatwave, you may want a fan running for multiple hours each day.

Checking the wattage of the fan and comparing it to other models – or reading the appliance's energy certificate if one is provided – can help to find the most energy-efficient model with the lowest running costs.

In our tests that proved to be the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator fan with its low 9.5-23.5W power usage.

Noise levels

In our opinion, there's nothing worse than the dreaded drone of a noisy fan on a hot day. If you opt for a cheap fan then noise is likely to be a compromise you may need to make, but if you can find a more expensive model in the sale then your ears may well thank you.

Most fans – at least those that aren't trying to hide anything! – will inform you of their noise levels in the technical specifications. This is measured in decibels and often marked dB.

The quietest fan we've tested is the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan which measures from just 13dB on its lowest speed setting to a maximum of 50dB on its highest setting. Noise can be especially important if you plan to use the fan to help you keep a bedroom cool and don't want it to disturb your sleep.

Not all fans come with a timer function, a feature that can be especially useful if you plan to use your fan at night to help you fall asleep when it's warm, but don't want it running all night.

If this is important to you, then investing a little more for this feature could be worth it for the energy you'll save. 

Remote control

Again, this is a particularly useful to have if you plan ti use your fan during the night as it means you don't have to get out of bed to adjust the fan speed, direction, or to turn it on or off.

Oscillation

This is the back-and-forth or up-and-down motion that casts the airflow around the room, helping to share the cooling breeze around rather than focusing it directly on one person.

Do fans actually cool the air?

Even the best fans won't physically reduce the temperature of a room. You'll need one of the best portable air conditioners for that. However, our review team was still highly impressed by the cooling effect that the best fans delivered.

We've probably all encountered the welcome cooling effects of a breeze on a stiflingly hot day – even though the temperature hasn't decreased, that breeze on your skin instantly makes the heat more bearable and reduces the 'claustrophobic' feeling that a hot and humid day can invoke. The movement of air across your skin also helps moisture and 'stickiness' to evaporate, creating a not-to-be-underestimated cooling sensation.

A good fan can recreate the powers of nature, delivering this same 'cooling' airflow indoors, and making hot and humid conditions far more bearable.

Gentler than the icy chill of a portable air conditioner, using far less energy, and costing less to run, a fan is a very useful heatwave essential that really does make a difference to wellbeing in the hotter months.

Holly Male, Brand Manager at Duux adds, 'To keep the air cool, elevate the fan (if possible) to ensure better air circulation, especially in larger rooms and let the fan oscillate upwards to circulate air more effectively throughout the room.'

'In larger spaces, use multiple fans in larger spaces to create cross-ventilation and to improve overall air movement and cooling efficiency.'

Which is the quietest fan?

In our tests, the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan was by far the quietest fan we reviewed, followed by the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator.

The Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan really is as quiet as its name suggests on its lowest settings, delivering cooling airflow with just 13dB of noise.

We thoroughly recommend it as the best bedroom fan you can invest in, as on those low-speed settings it's virtually silent so won't disturb even the lightest of sleepers. Noise levels do increase as you reach the top end of its 32-speed settings, whereby it reaches a volume of 50dB, but it was rare we needed it on full power during our tests.

Do fans use a lot of electricity?

The amount of electricity a fan uses depends a lot on the model you invest in. A fan with an AC motor will be cheaper upfront to purchase but generally uses more electricity. A fan with a DC motor will be more of an initial outlay, but running costs will generally be lower.

The two most energy-efficient fans we've tested are the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan which uses just 3 watts of power on its lowest settings, rising to 32 watts on its highest settings, and the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator, which uses 9.5 watts on low and just 23.5 watts on its super-powerful highest setting thanks to its DC motor.

Pretty much all fans will use a lot less electricity than a power-hungry portable air conditioner, and cost less to purchase upfront, so they're a good value way to stay cool in hot temperatures.

Duux's Brand Manager, Holly Male shares her top tips to maximise energy efficiency.

• 'Use oscillation : Use an oscillation function to distribute cool air more evenly throughout the room, reducing the need to run the fan at higher speeds,' explains Holly Male, Brand Manager at Duux.
• 'Lower fan speed : Operate the fan at lower speeds whenever possible, as higher speeds consume more energy.'
• 'Combine with natural ventilation : Use the fan in conjunction with open windows or doors to enhance airflow and cooling without relying solely on the fan.'
• 'Strategic placement : Position the fan in a way that maximises air circulation in the room, such as near a window or in a corner.'
• 'Routine maintenance : Keep the fan clean and free from dust to ensure it runs efficiently. A clean fan works better and uses less energy.'
• 'Timer function : Use the timer function to automatically turn off the fan after a set period, preventing unnecessary energy usage.'

Where is the best place to put a fan to cool a room?

We asked Holly Male, Brand Manager at Duux for her advice.

'Place the fan near windows or doorways to pull in cooler air from outside and turn on the fan 10-15 minutes before you enter the room to pre-cool the space, making it comfortable when you arrive.'

'If it's hot outside, position the fan to blow air outwards, pushing hot air out of the room.'

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After studying Print Design at Winchester School of Art, Amy spent multiple years working in the interior industry as a copywriter, content creator, and product stylist. She’s now Content Editor at Ideal Home , offering expert advice on the best products for decorating your home and ensuring it functions smoothly. That includes sourcing stylish yet affordable furniture – from the best sofa beds for combining style, comfort, and function, to the best artificial Christmas trees for a stress-free festive season – helping our readers to find the best mattress for their sleep style, and testing top-rated dehumidifiers and air purifiers to narrow down the best-in-class.

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These handheld fans are a must-have addition to your handbag this summer

By Georgia Lockstone

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test .

Between summer heat waves and sweltering-hot festivals , portable handheld fans are more necessary than ever. In the warm weather, no one exudes sophistication more than those who disembark the tube looking fresh and composed, with their make-up still in-tact. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left flustered, sweaty, and already dealing with mascara smudging.

This level of preparedness is something we're well and truly hoping to emulate now that it's warmer outside. So, we've put in the work, and pulled together this edit of the best handheld fans you can buy this season. From simple mini portable fans, to options that also double up as a power bank or foldable desk fan, these gadgets will make it easy for you to stay cool, calm, and oh-so-collected this summer — whatever the temperature.

SKIP TO: Are handheld fans effective at keeping you cool? | What features should I consider when buying a handheld cooling fan? | How we tested handheld fans | Our full reviews .

The best handheld fans at a glance:

• Best handheld fan overall: John Lewis ANYDAY Handheld & Foldable Desk Fan
• Best handheld fan that's also hands-free: Handheld Fan
• Best paper handheld fan: Nellie Bird White Travel Fan
• Best handheld fan for maximum power: JISULIFE Handheld Turbo Fan

Are handheld fans effective at keeping you cool?

In short; yes. To get scientific with it, just like an an air conditioner unit or standard electric fan, the increased cold airflow helps speed up the rate that sweat evaporates from your skin — which ultimately helps to quickly cool your body down.

What features should I consider when buying a handheld cooling fan?

For starters, you'll want to choose between a battery operated handheld fan, and a rechargeable one. While a rechargeable fan with a USB port may initially sound like the best option, a battery-operated one is definitely a better bet if you're making a festival checklist for Glastonbury , Reading , or Leeds . After all, finding a place to plug in your USB cable will likely be tricky in the middle of a field — so batteries will likely be easier than a charger.

Noise level is also worth considering, as while nobody will be able to hear a buzz on a busy tube or train, you'll definitely want a model that's as quiet as possible if you're planning on using it in the office.

Finally, would it be beneficial if you picked a handheld fan that could also be used hands-free? From folding models that double up as a handy personal desk fan, to ones that come with special clips and mounts that allow you to attach it to a stroller or umbrella, many popular fans on the market have been designed so that they can be used in more than one way.

How we tested handheld fans

Over the years, the GLAMOUR team – alongside our freelance contributors – have tested our fair share of handheld fans. And we used this knowledge and experience when pulling together this edit. We also dug deep into the specifications of each model — paying attention to things like the number of adjustable speeds, how long the battery life is, and whether it can also be used hands-free — and took note of customer reviews. So, you can be sure that every fan in this article has been thoroughly assessed and approved.

Ahead, our edit of the best handheld fans you can buy in 2024.

Specifications:

By Cathryne Keller

By Meg Walters

By Shaunelle Harrydass-Clark

• Best for: Anything and everything! Our overall fave handheld fan.
• Pros: Foldable. Long battery life. Powerful.
• Cons: Not waterproof.
• Dimensions: H25 x W11.3 x D2.5cm.
• Speed settings: 3.

There’s not much John Lewis can’t do, so when we saw they were bringing their best travel fan back for 2024, we were elated. This wishlist item seems to always end up quickly selling out, so be sure to grab it quick for the summer ahead before it inevitably goes OOS. The base snaps in half, allowing you to benefit from the cool air while at a desk or even on the edge of a  hot tub or  inflatable pool (you’d best be careful though — it’s not waterproof).

Save when you shop for handheld fans with these  John Lewis discount codes .

• Best for: Doubling up as a power bank.
• Pros: Also a power bank. Small and lightweight. Long battery life.
• Cons: Could be a little more powerful.
• Dimensions: H12 x W4 x D3.7cm.
• Speed settings: 2.

Perfect for a long day out at the races or a daytime festival, this 3-in-1 fan also doubles up as a spare power bank — and has a built-in flashlight that'll come in handy when the sun goes down. Really petite, its pocket-sized design will come in handy if you're not taking a bag — and it'll provide up to nineteen hours of cooling when used on the lowest speed.

Save when you shop for handheld fans with these  Amazon discount codes .

• Best for: Looking chic whilst staying cool at a wedding or formal event.
• Pros: Pretty and classic. No power required. Folds up really compact. Powerful
• Cons: Not electric. Not hands-free.
• Dimensions: H21 x W36 x D1cm.
• Speed settings: N/A.

For formal events like weddings and christenings, a classic bamboo and paper fan might feel more appropriate. Quiet and quaint, this small fan will make a lovely additional accessory with its pretty bird pattern in summery shades of green, yellow and pink, and it'll fit easily in a clutch bag when folded up. Alongside being surprised by how robust it seems to be, reviewers can't stop raving about how classy it is — with many saying they loved using it out and about on holiday.

Save when you shop for handheld fans with these  Oliver Bonas discount codes .

• Best for: Attaching to your stroller or pushchair.
• Pros: Baby and toddler safe. Flexible winding arms. Good size.
• Cons: Some customers found that it doesn't last that long.
• Dimensions: H6.3 x W15.7 x D14cm.

Keep you and your little one cool and dry when you're out and about this summer with this clever stroller fan. The versatile tripod arms mean you can easily mainuplate it to wrap around pretty much any kind of stroller or pram, and the cover has tiny 5.5mm gaps to ensure no little fingers get hurt.

• Best for: Using hands-free in a myriad of different ways.
• Pros: 90° folding head. Five speed settings. Super quiet.
• Cons: We genuinely can't think of any…
• Dimensions: H20 x W9.5 x D3.5cm.
• Speed settings: 5.

With its sleek LCD display that shows which of the five speed settings you're on, detachable stand with an integrated phone holder, and clip-on lanyard for carrying and cooling on-the-go, this nifty fan is packed with plenty of impressive features. Direct the airflow precisely where you need it thanks to the clever 90° folding head, and enjoy staying comfortably cool — whatever you're doing.

• Best for: Kids and beauty practices.
• Pros: Sturdy. Bladeless design. Comes with stand.
• Cons: Quite noisy. Not massively powerful
• Dimensions: H21.6 x W6.6 x D6.1cm.

Don't let the eyelash extension angle on this seller's page put you off — this bladeless fan isn't just a bestseller amongst beauty practitioners. Thanks to its bladeless design, it's a safe option for kids — and it also comes with its own weighty stand so they can easily use it as a desk of table fan on hot days.

• Best for: Using hands-free as a table fan.
• Pros: Stable base included. Pretty quiet. Robust and long-lasting.
• Cons: Some people might find it heavy
• Dimensions: H22 x W10 x D3.5cm.
• Speed settings: Doesn't say.

Thanks to its weighty detachable dock, and generally robust design, this handheld fan is guaranteed to stay stable when stood on a table or desk. According to reviewers, it has enough power when fully-charged to last the whole day, and is quiet enough that you can definitely use it during a hospital stay.

Save when you shop for handheld fans with these  Dunelm discount codes .

• Best for: Commuters looking for a portable neck fan.
• Pros: Hands-free design. Powerful. Great battery life.
• Cons: Quite noisy.
• Dimensions: H6 x W14 x D21cm.

With a hands-free design so you can do all the washing up, laundry, and whatever else you don't want to do in this weather without breaking a sweat, this LYMBETY neck fan is easy to wear on-the-go. It's made from silicone to prevent it from slipping should you be sweaty when you first put it on, will work for up to nine hours before it needs to be plugged in, and has three adjustable wind speeds.

• Best for: A fan that's chic and simple.
• Pros: Clever folding design. USB rechargeable. Compact size.
• Cons: We'd like a little more info on its number of speed settings.
• Dimensions: Doesn't say.

Petite enough to pop into your bag and carry around with you for the day, this sturdy handheld fan can be used upright, as well as folded and placed on a desk or flat surface if you'd prefer. It comes with a USB cable for easy recharging, and is definitely quiet enough to use in a communal space.

• Best for: Quickly cooling down in the middle of the night.
• Pros: Misting fan. AMAZING reviews. Long battery life.
• Cons: None that we can see…
• Dimensions: H21 x W9.9 x D3cm.

Suitable for use on a desk and on-the-go, this handheld and foldable misting fan gives buyers that extra shot of coolness with its 17ml water tank for boosted freshness. It's super quiet, and also has a handy built-in nightlight — making it a great option for quickly cooling down when reading in bed, or nursing in the middle of the night.

• Best for: Maximum power and battery life.
• Pros: On-trend design and colours. Can be used hands-free. Really great reviews.
• Cons: Quite loud.
• Dimensions: H16.7 x W4.3 x D8.2cm.

For a turbo-charged blast of cool air, look no further than this bestselling fan. It's got an impressive five different speed settings, has been fitted with a nifty noise-reduction shell and low sound motor, and can be used both handheld or as a table fan. Chunky and funky, we're big fans of its modern shape and design.

• Best for: Keeping in the top drawer of your desk at the office.
• Pros: Versatile power sources. Can be hung. Pretty quiet.
• Cons: Could do with some more speed settings.
• Dimensions: H16 x W1.2 x D5.8cm.

This powerful fan packs a real punch with its high speed Turbo Power setting that can be felt from up to three metres away. It works really well as a desk fan, but is also foldable and small enough that it can also be easily transported and used on-the-go. Really versatile, it comes with a USB cord for the rechargeable battery — but you can use four AA batteries instead if you'd prefer.

Save when you shop for the best handheld fans with these Robert Dyas discount codes .

• Best for: Clipping to a parasol.
• Pros: Clip-on function. Compact size. Good reviews.
• Cons: Can be a little temperamental.
• Dimensions: H10 x W14 x D11cm.

It may cost a bit more, but this VersionTECH handheld folding fan has over 7000 five-star reviews and is certainly not one to be overlooked. It's got an impressive six fan blades (closed off for safety), has a long battery life, and comes with a handy mounting clip in case you want to attach it to a buggy or parasol.

• Best for: Bridal party or hen do pictures.
• Pros: Personalised. Customisable paint colours. Oversized when open.
• Cons: Quite expensive. Have to order a minimum of six.
• Dimensions: 42cm when open.

Chic yet practical, these personalised paper fans would make stunning accessories and group photo props for a bridal party. From warm rust to serene sage green, there are nineteen different watercolours for you to choose from — and each name is painted by hand in a classy script font.

• Best for: Cars with bad or broken air conditioning.
• Pros: Great suction cup mount. Quite quiet. Long 2.5m power cable.
• Cons: Not really handheld. Requires a cigarette lighter charging port.
• Dimensions: H12 x W15 x D12cm.

A portable fan in a different sense, this cooling fan from Streetwize is designed to be mounted on your car's windscreen via it's strong suction cup, and produces a great airflow. Not just great for humans, reviewers seem really impressed with how well it helps keep their dogs cool on long drives in hot weather when it's placed at the back of the car.

Save when you shop for the best handheld fans with these Argos discount codes .

By Maisie Bovingdon

By Lucy Smith

By Lindsay Schallon

To help us provide you with free impartial advice, we may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site. Learn more

Best neck fan 2024: Wearable fans to keep you cool and your hands free

• Jane Hoskyn

Need to cool down at your desk, in the car or at the gym? Create your own personal breeze with one of the best neck fans

It doesn’t have to be summer to feel too hot in the UK. Overheated workplaces, crowded transport and hormonal hot flushes can leave you craving a breeze at any time of year. The most efficient way to cool down quickly is to use one of the best neck fans.

The best neck fans are lightweight, battery-operated personal devices that look just like headphones. With one click, your fan gently blows air onto your face and neck, and yours alone – no bothering the people around you. Your hands are free to get on with cooking in that hot kitchen or reading your book on that sweltering train.

Below, we’ll round up the best neck fans you can buy today, all at excellent prices. Skip down the page to see our choices, or read on to learn more about features to look out for when choosing your ideal wearable fan, including quiet operation and multiple cooling levels.

Best neck fan: At a glance

How to choose the best neck fan for you, why should i buy a neck fan.

Wearable neck fans are an affordable and convenient way to cool down fast, wherever you are. They’re not just a quirky alternative to manual and handheld fans; they’re also more efficient because they direct air at your face alone without attracting attention, or distracting your hands.

Neck fans are much more versatile than their handheld cousins. They have multiple cooling settings (usually three) that you can switch between at the touch of a button and an array of air vents to ensure that the breeze is generated evenly across your face and neck.

Some neck fans have extra features, such as reading lights, foldability and even a battery pack-style power discharge function. These features sometimes come at the expense of performance and durability, but they’re worth looking out for if you’ll be using your neck fan in certain situations, such as reading in bed or on the train.

READ NEXT: Best handheld fans

How do neck fans work?

The cheapest neck fans comprise a pair of basic fans connected by a flexible neck strap, designed to point towards your face. When switched on, the angle blows cool air directly at your boat race, rather than around it. Cheap fans are usually made from soft blades that aren’t in themselves dangerous to touch, but they can be dangerous around children and long hair when switched on.

The more expensive neck fans use ‘bladeless’ fans that won’t trap hair or damage toddlers’ fingers. Bladeless fans have a hidden propeller in their base, which draws air in and then expels it. This design is quieter and more energy-efficient than cheap bladed fans, as well as being safer, but you do pay for the privilege.

Most of today’s neck fans are rechargeable devices with built-in batteries that charge via USB. Depending on the battery’s capacity and the power of the neck fan, these batteries can last anywhere from four to eight hours of continuous use at low power and as little as two hours at high power. They take about three hours to fully recharge.

What features should I look for in the best neck fans?

Given the dinky size and modest price of neck fans, you might assume there’s not an awful lot to them, but there are plenty of features and functions to look for when shopping.

Battery life: Even tiny fans are high-drain technology, so you won’t get more than about seven hours’ continuous usage out of a neck fan at its lowest setting. If you plan to use your neck fan for hours at a time, for example when working in a hot environment, look for a model with a high-capacity rechargeable battery of 5,000mAh.

Speed settings: Even the cheapest neck fan featured in our roundup has three fan speed settings, which is standard for neck fans. It’s a more important feature than you may think. Low settings are ideal for providing a gentle breeze for hours at a time, without running the battery down. High settings are great for a quick burst of cold air when urgently needed – for example, during a hot flush.

360 cooling: Manufacturers use this term to describe neck fans with dozens of air vents around the neck, so they blow air evenly across your face and neck.

Portability: Neck fans are lightweight and unobtrusive devices designed to look like headphones and fit easily into a bag. However, most are too big to fit into a pocket. If you want a pocket-sized neck fan, look for one that folds down.

Flexible arms: Some fans have flexible silicone-coated arms that you can bend to prop the fan up on your desk and aim the breeze exactly where you want it. On the downside, flexible arms tend to be less durable than fixed-shape neck fans, and the fans themselves tend to be less powerful.

Silent operation: It’s impossible to run an electric fan without making a noise, even a portable neck fan, so fans marketed as ‘silent’ are not silent. However, they are substantially less noisy than blade-based fans. Given that you wear a neck fan close to your ears, a quiet fan will be more comfortable for extended use.

LED lights: Most neck fans have small LED lights to show they’re switched on or charging, but some have optional brighter lights that help you read in bed, with or without the fan on at the same time.

How we test neck fans

At Expert Reviews, we know that hands-on testing delivers the most complete information about a product. When testing fans, we assess each model for performance, comfort, appearance and battery life. We consider how each fan performs in different scenarios, and look for extra features that might make one fan a better choice for a certain type of user.

READ NEXT: Best face mist

The best neck fans you can buy in 2024

1. handfan neck fan: best all-round neck fan.

Price when reviewed: £26 (black) | Check price at Amazon

There are cheaper neck fans on our list, but none performs as well or looks as good as this powerful bladeless device, which is also available in a slightly cheaper white model (£22). The built-in 5,000mAh battery packs a punch, delivering up to 15 hours of low-power use on a single charge or about three-and-a-half hours at high power. If you’re heading off for a long trek in the heat, this would be the neck fan to pack.

The fan’s highest setting delivers a strong airflow that never feels too harsh because it’s distributed by 62 air outlets that deliver a breeze evenly to your neck and face. The fan does make a sound while it’s switched on, but at its lower settings it’s not too noisy, and you can just about have a conversation.

Key details – Colours: Black/white; Speed settings: 3; Features: 360-degree cooling, bladeless fans; Power: Rechargeable via USB-C

HandFan 5000mAh Neck Fan Bladeless Portable Rechargeable Lazy Wearable Fan,USB HandsFree Fan, Mute 3-Speed 15 hrs Working Time For Outdoor Travel (Black)

2. lopnord: best neck fan with lots of extra features.

Don’t be alarmed by the bulkiness of the neck fans in the photo above: the twin bladeless fans are actually detachable. The device is mainly intended as a flexible reading light, so you can carry on with your book and then attach one or both fans using built-in magnets for a cooling breeze when needed. At the lowest settings the fan is very quiet, so it won’t disturb your sleeping partner or fellow passengers.

That’s not all this clever device can do. Its USB-C port and powerful 5,000mAh battery support output discharging and input charging, so you can use it to charge up your phone, earbuds and other devices on the go. Both the reading light and neck fan have three strength settings, and the device is protected against overcharging.

The Lopnord doesn’t offer 360-degree cooling like other fans on our list, but this powerful, versatile device is a real bargain at under £20.

Key details – Colours: White; Speed settings: 3; Features: Reading light, neck fan (magnetic attach), battery pack, overcharge protection; Power: Rechargeable via USB-C

Neck Reading Light with Portable Charger, Rechargeable Book Lights for Reading at Night, 3 Adjustable Brightness, Neck Lamp with Portable Neck Fans 5000mah Charger for VR Headset/Smartphone/Earbuds

3. smartdevil neck fan: best neck fan for comfort.

The SmartDevil is the lightest neck fan on our list, weighing in at just 225g. It’s lined with soft silicone material that makes it extremely comfortable to wear, even if you’re wearing it all day in a hot working environment such as a kitchen.

The bladeless fans deliver 360-degree cooling around your neck and face thanks to 48 air outlets positioned along the device, and a single power button lets you switch easily between three speeds. The built-in 1,800mAh battery delivers about seven hours of low-power use on a single charge or two hours at high power.

Key details – Colours: White; Speed settings: 3; Features: 360-degree cooling, bladeless fans; Power: Rechargeable via USB-C

SmartDevil Neck Fan, Bladeless Mini USB Neckband Fan Rechargeable, 360°Cooling Portable Hanging Fan 3 Speeds with 48 Air Outlet, Wearable Necklance Fan for Sports, Travel, Outdoor (White)

4. valiant wireless neck fan: best foldable neck fan.

Valiant’s neck fan is similar to the SmartDevil in looks and features, but it has a trick up its sleeve: you can fold it up and put it in your pocket. Its two hinges work smoothly and aren’t visible when the device is unfolded. Battery life is good, too, lasting up to seven hours on the lowest setting. On the downside, the fan is more noisy than the SmartDevil, and we didn’t find it as comfortable to wear.

Key details – Colours: White; Speed settings: 3; Features: Foldable construction, 360-degree cooling, bladeless fans; Power: Rechargeable via USB

Valiant Wireless Neck Fan - 3-Speed Bladeless Portable Rechargeable Folding Fan

5. eaimi wearable silent neck fan: best quiet neck fan.

First things first, it’s not “silent”. But this stylish neck fan is about as quiet as neck fans get. Its brushless motor technology helps keep the noise down enough to let you hear other people talking even at its highest setting, though if you want to sit and watch TV with it on, you’ll still want to go to a lower (and even quieter) setting.

Our main criticism of this fan is its battery life. Its 1,800mAh battery only lasts for four hours at the lowest setting, and you’ll be lucky to get two hours of continuous usage at higher settings.

Key details – Colours: White; Speed settings: 3; Features: 360-degree cooling, bladeless fans; Power: Rechargeable via USB

EAIMi Wearable Portable Silent Neck Fan for Women Men Rechargeable USB - Leafless 3 Speed Strong 360 Cool Air Personal Headphone Fan Uk Bladeless

6. benpen portable neck fan: best-value neck fan.

We love the old-school industrial look of the two fans on this device, which has three speed settings, adjustable arms and a choice of colours. But if you wear it around your neck, ensure you tie back long hair so it doesn’t get caught in the plastic blades.

The performance isn’t bad, but you do get less of a breeze kick than with the more expensive fans. The Benpen is also relatively noisy, and the power button is quite prominent, making the device too easy to switch on (and run down) in your bag or pocket. Still, at just £9 it’s a cheap, cheerful and very cool friend.

Key details – Colours: Black/black-red/blue/white; Speed settings: 3; Features: Adjustable arms; Power: Rechargeable via USB

Portable Neck Fan Rechargeable Hanging Neck Fans for Women, Personal Hand Free Handy Cooling Fan Round Neck with Headphone Design, Wearable Neckband Fan for Sports Outdoor, Holiday Travel Essentials

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Best handheld fans for labour, heatwaves and hot flushes

If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat this summer, a handheld fan could be the answer. Here's our pick of the best – many of which you can get with next-day delivery.

By Natasha Gregson | Last updated Jun 19, 2024

With summer 2024 set to be another record-breakingly hot one, it makes sense to be prepared. Whether you love the sun or prefer a more ‘typically British’ weather situation, hot, sticky commutes or school runs can be quite challenging in relentless heat, which is why it pays to have the best handheld fan in your summer arsenal.

Handheld fans have thankfully come a long way since the – quite frankly – lethal plastic blade models of the ‘80s (remember them?). Now you’re spoilt for choice with designs offering a genuine, cooling relief from hot weather, that not only do the job, but look great too. And while the best portable air conditioner or an air cooler can keep you chilled at home, you can't really take it with you on your commute, which is where a small fan is ideal - just pop it in your bag for an on-the-go icy blast.

Whether you’re looking for an everyday handheld fan, something to keep you comfortable on a long journey, a portable unit for when you’re out and about, or a handheld fan to help keep you cool during labour, we’ve extensively researched tried-and-tested recommendations from the Mumsnet forums, expert picks, and authentic, verified consumer reviews to bring you a list of the very best.

Plus, for more heat beating buys rated by Mumsnet users, we also have guides to the best cooling boxes and most efficient tower fans available this year.

Here are the best handheld fans 2024.

Best handheld fans - editor's pick

EasyAcc Portable Handheld Fan

HandFan Misting Handheld Fan

Easyacc mini handheld fan, easyacc handheld portable fan.

Lightweight

Powerful fan

Battery life not that long on highest setting

Price: £23 | Speed settings: 4 | Dimensions: 4.7D x 11.4W x 23.4H cm

Tested by MNHQ: Read our full EasyAcc Portable Handheld Fan review

Racking up plenty of five-star reviews on Amazon, this handheld fan is a bestseller for good reason. The EasyAcc Handheld USB Fan is compact, lightweight and can fold into a desk fan in a flash.

There’s a choice of four speeds, with even the low speed settings providing a fantastic cooling breeze, and it’s easily recharged with the USB cable. With a battery life of three to 17 hours, depending on what setting you’re using it on, and a useful light display to let you know how much power is left, it’s a great fan to have at home or on the go. It's available in two different colourways – black and white– and we think it's a great buy for summer.

The downside? It is quite expensive for a handheld fan but it does gets rave reviews and Mumsnet users rate this brand very highly.

Related: Discover the best ice cube trays , ideal for cooling drinks on hot summer days

Halfords Simply Motorised Handheld Fan

Excellent price

Perfect for travelling

Safe foam blades

Not rechargeable

Not hugely powerful

Price: £2 | Speed settings: 1 | Dimensions: not stated

If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful, you can’t go wrong with this affordable handheld fan from Halfords. Coming in at just £2, this diddy model is an excellent choice to keep in your bag for whenever you might need it.

The foam blades (rather than the traditional plastic) mean the fan is extra safe, posing no danger to your fingers or face if you get a little too close in your quest to cool down. It runs on two AA batteries, which are included but can’t be recharged, so make sure you have plenty of batteries at home to keep this fan going long-term.

As you’d expect, there are no flashy extras here, but with a powerful 4500rpm motor, delivering a decent airflow, this bargain buy packs an impressive punch for less than the price of an ice cream.

Related: The best kids' water bottle , according to parents

Misting function is ideal for keeping cool

Can be folded into a table fan

Creates powerful breeze

Reserve water bottle included for refills

Some users reported leaks

Pricier than other fans

Price: £19 | Speed settings: 3 | Dimensions: 7D x 11W x 12.5H cm

If you’re preparing to pack your hospital bag, this little wonder definitely deserves a spot on your list. Not only does this lightweight fan provide a powerful breeze, but it can also be used as a misting fan. Just fill the small tank (55ml) up with water, then sit back and relax as the fan delivers a fine mist for the ultimate cooling experience. A dream come true in labour!

Similar to many other models, this handheld fan is powered by USB and can be recharged to offer up to nine hours of life depending on the setting you choose. Just bear in mind that if you're using the misting feature, a full tank of water will last up to 40 minutes, but there's a spare water bottle included in the kit so you can top it up on the go. The handle can be folded too, creating a base so it can go on the table if you want your hands free.

Our main grumble is that it can be prone to small leaks, so make sure you don't overfill the water tank. All in all though, we think this is a fantastic buy whether you're preparing for labour, are dealing with hot flashes or want extra cooling power during a heatwave.

Schallen Handheld Folding Mini Fan

Folds down completely

Very compact

Soft blades

Inexpensive

Not suitable for children

Not great as a desk fan

Price: £7 | Speed settings: 2 | Dimensions: 3D x 4W x 9H cm

This green and white handheld fan can be folded in half, lengthways, to a teeny 9cm, making it a brilliant option for on the go – it’s so compact it can even fit in your pocket.

The Schallen Handheld Folding Mini Fan has a choice of two speeds, which deliver an impressive breeze, despite its size. The soft blades won’t hurt your hands, but as they’re not surrounded by a protective case – as some of our other choices are – make sure you keep hair well out of the way.

As well as being completely foldable, this fan can also be used as a desk fan by half folding the handle to a sitting position. However, we think it performs much better as a handheld design, so you'd be better off with the  best pedestal fan for use at home.

You can recharge the fan using the USB cable, and there’s even a handy red light on the side of the fan which goes off when it’s fully charged.

Fishyu Portable Bladeless Fan

Safe for children

Stylish design

Good battery life

Not a very powerful breeze

Larger than some of the other models

Price: £18 | Speed settings: 3 | Dimensions: 4.3D x 6.8W x 19.7H cm

Little ones and whirring fan blades definitely don’t mix, which is why we love this bladeless fan for families. While certainly not the most powerful fan in our round-up, the Fishyu – with three speeds – still delivers a gentle, cooling breeze that's perfectly suited to toddlers and children needing some relief on a hot day.

Chargeable with USB ports, it can also double as a desk fan – just sit it in the circular holder included for a hands-free breeze. With an operating time of eight hours, it should easily last for a day out too.

Looks-wise, we rate the Fishyu’s sleek appearance, although it can be a little noisy. Overall it's a great child-friendly choice – pair with the best sun cream for kids to keep little ones safe and cool in the sun this summer.

Super compact

Great battery life

Detachable base

Bigger models may be more powerful

Quite pricey for the size

Price: £13 | Speed settings: 3 | Dimensions: ‎3.81 x 6.6 x 13.97 cm

Tested by MNHQ: Here's our full EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan review

Although all of the handheld fans in our round-up are a decent, portable size, this dinky offering from EasyAcc beats them all when it comes to compactness.

Coming in at around the size of the palm of a hand, this handheld fan will take up less room in your bag than your mobile phone. It comes with a detachable base, so the fan can go from standing on your desk to being the ideal accessory for keeping cool when you're out and about, just with a quick removal of the base.

Chargeable by USB, this quiet fan can last up to 17 hours in the low-speed mode and five and a half hours in high-speed mode – and there's even a wrist strap included for even easier portability. If you're in the market for a compact yet powerful fan, you can't go wrong with this highly-rated option.

Related: The best paddling pools for cool summer fun

How do I choose a handheld fan?

Battery life: Some models can last for 24 hours, while others may run out of steam after three. Always check the battery life, so you don’t get caught out.

Is it rechargeable?: The best handheld fans now feature rechargeable batteries that can be charged up from your electricity mains or laptop using a USB cable. Rechargeable models are a great money-saving option, and you won’t have to worry about having spare batteries around the house.

Power: A decent handheld fan should have a good amount of power behind it to provide you with enough of a breeze to keep you cool. Most models have different power settings – usually two or three – covering everything from a light breeze to a strong wind. It all comes down to personal preference, as well as what you’ll be using the fan for, so be sure to check before you buy.

Portability: If you want to take a handheld fan on holiday or simply out and about with you during a heatwave, it needs to be lightweight and small enough to pop in your bag.

Noise levels: Some handheld fans are noisier than others, so if this is an issue make sure you look for ‘silent’ models, which, although not always 100% silent, are much quieter than traditional handheld fans.

How safe is it for children?: If you plan on letting your child use a handheld fan, it’s important to consider the safety elements of each design. Bladeless models are a good choice for children, as there’s nothing for them to hurt themselves on. But, of course, it goes without saying you should never let a young child use a handheld fan unsupervised.

Additional features: Some of the best handheld fans are basic and straight-forward in design, while others include all sorts of bells and whistles – we’re talking everything from water misting to light-up models.

What is the best handheld fan?

We think the EasyAcc Portable Handheld Fan offers a lot for the price. Powerful and with great battery life, this fan can be used as a desk fan as well as a handheld. Portable and lightweight, it really does tick all boxes.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users 

First up, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users to get their feedback on the best handheld fans they've used. We considered the models and brands they loved, weighing up features like simplicity of use, versatility, and, of course, cooling power.

We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsnetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality or didn’t work.

Expert opinions

Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best handheld fans on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

About the author

Natasha is an Affiliate Content Editor at Mumsnet. With several years of editorial experience under her belt, she specialises in seeking out the top products to make daily life that little bit easier, with a focus on lifestyle and home product round-ups and reviews.

She has also written for The i Paper, Stylist Magazine, Exposed Magazine, and Mumsnet's sister site Gransnet.

Why you should trust us

Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products.

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.

The 5 Best Travel Fans That Are Small and Portable

Having a small and portable travel fan that’s powerful enough to keep you cool is a piece of travel gear everyone should have while traveling to hot travel destinations.

The dog days of summer are upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already sick of the heat. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat without breaking the bank, consider investing in a travel fan.

Travel fans are compact, lightweight, and easy to pack, making them the perfect accessory for your next beach vacation or road trip. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive, so you won’t have to spend a fortune to stay cool this summer. Here are five of the best travel fans on the market.

1. Treva 5-Inch Travel Fan

O2COOL’s Treva 5-Inch Travel Fan is one of the most popular travel fans on Amazon and for good reason. This little fan is powerful enough to keep you cool in even the stuffiest hotel room, but it’s small enough to fit in your carry-on bag. It also runs on two D batteries so you can use it almost anywhere.

2. SkyGenius Clip-On Travel Fan

The SkyGenius Clip-On Travel Fan is another great option for anyone looking for a compact fan. This fan runs on batteries, so you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet to plug it in. It also comes with a built-in clip, so you can attach it to your beach chair or cruise ship bed without taking up too much space.

3. OPOLAR Clip On Travel Fan

The OPOLAR Clip-On Travel Fan is perfect for anyone who wants to stay cool on hot summer days. This fan attaches easily to to endless items and can even stand on its own. It comes with three different speed settings so you can adjust the airflow as needed. Plus, it charges via a USB cord, so it’s easy to keep it charged on long days out in the sun.

4. Zuvas Travel Fan

The Zuvas Travel Fan is a great choice for anyone who wants a more powerful fan. This fan is small but mighty, and it’s ideal for use in larger spaces like hotel rooms and cruise cabins. It also comes with three different speed settings and an adjustable tilting head, so you can direct the airflow exactly where you need it most.

5. JISULIFE Handheld 3-in-1 Travel Fan

The JISULIFE Handheld 3-in-1 Travel Fan is our top pick for anyone looking for a handheld fan. This fan is specifically designed for portability, making it ideal for use anywhere you go. It also has three different speed settings and an adjustable head, so you can customize the airflow to suit your needs. Plus, it has a built-in battery to charge your phone on the go.

No matter where your summer travels take you, make sure to pack one of these portable fans along for the ride! A small investment now will pay off big time when you’re trying to stay cool in even the hottest conditions. Do you have a favorite travel fan that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!

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The best tower fans for 2024

From quiet options to those that double up as an air purifier.

Just like garden furniture and BBQs , these summer staples inevitably fly off the shelves, but there are a lot of things to consider before clicking buy. Do you want one that’s whisper quiet? Energy efficient? Portable? Or one that connects to your Alexa? Some fans even double as air purifiers ...

To help you on your hunt, we put tower fans to the test to find the ones that will actually make you more comfortable when it’s simply too hot to function. So, grab an iced latte and take a look at our top picks.

Best all-round tower fan

Smartair cool+ purify bladeless tower fan.

Best investment fan

Dyson purifier cool auto react.

Best budget tower fan

Igenix df0030 oscillating tower fan.

Smartest tower fan

Princess smart wifi/alexa tower fan.

Most stylish tower fan

Dimplex ion fresh cooling tower fan - copper.

Best tower fan and humidifier hybrid

Dyson humidify + cool ph04 air purifier.

Best fan for power

John lewis 30 inch black and white tower fan, are tower fans worth it.

Compared to their smaller floor, wall, desk, box and window cousins, tower fans can give you a tailored breeze experience. Not only do they have height on their side, they also have a stylish modern look and you won’t have to worry about wall mounts or finding surface space. Plus, many of the models we tested also offer helpful smart features.

Here are some of the key things to consider before you buy.

Smart capabilities : Nothing says perfect 21st century summer quite like being able to control your fan from your phone. As well as models that can be activated via WiFi and Alexa voice control, you can also invest in a tower fan with app controls, which let you adjust the fan modes even if you’re not in the room. Fancy.

Oscillation : Do you want a fan that rotates to cover your whole living space ? That’s where oscillation comes in. The tower fans we tested have different rotation options, from minimal movement to 360 degrees. If you’re looking for one to cover a whole room, opt for a model with a greater range of motion.

Air speeds : This is what you adjust to feel different breeze styles, with some of the tower fans we tested having up to 12 options. If you’re someone who wants maximum control over your breeze style, then look out for models with more air speed settings, ranging from gentle breeze to strong flow.

Night modes : Some tower fans also have night mode capabilities. As you can probably guess, night mode sets the fan to operate at a quieter volume so your bedroom can be cool and quiet at the same time.

Air purification : Some of the fans we tested also double as air purifiers . Very handy, we agree. These models tend to be more expensive, but you’ll benefit from filters that trap pollutants or even air systems that emit neutralising ions.

Is running a tower fan expensive?

Great question. While testing the tower fans, we also measure how much electricity each one uses. The cost per hour for each fan ranges from 1.5p to 4p (based on an electricity rate of 34p per kilowatt at the time of testing), so although those pennies can quickly add up over an entire summer, enjoying your tower fan's cooling effects on a more occasional basis shouldn’t significantly bump up your bills.

Of course, turning your fan off while you’re not in the room will also help keep your electricity spend down.

Best tower fans 2024

This futuristic-looking all-rounder has 12 air speeds, a generous 130 degrees of adjustable oscillation, and tech that automatically alters its air flow according to the temperature around it. Our panel found it a real comfort booster, and it was one of the quietest models we tested.

It is a sizeable fan, so one to avoid if you’re after something discrete, but it wins bonus points for its air purifying functionality.

Key specifications

Dyson rarely lets us down, and this fan is no exception. It was the quietest on test and has the best range of movement – 350 degrees, in fact.

Its controls were responsive, and despite being lightweight it felt stable. It’s also energy efficient, has 10 air speeds and a night mode, and it purifies the air it distributes. Yes, it's expensive, but this sleek design combines style with substance.

This fan may be a bargain compared to the others listed here, but it still impressed on test. It had a higher maximum air speed than our two top scorers – the SmartAir and the Dyson – but only three settings, so you can't tailor it as much.

It was fairly noisy and doesn't feature a night mode, but it oscillated well and has a long cable for flexible positioning. We'd have liked a remote, but, crucially, our panel felt it improved their comfort.

Love smart tech ? Well, with app control and Alexa compatibility, you'll enjoy using this smart fan. Our tester found the app easy to connect to and use, and it also worked from different rooms around the house.

Each of the three air speeds were effective and we were impressed with how quiet it was in use. It was the least energy efficient model we tested, although still not pricey to run.

Fans aren't easy to hide, so it's understandable if you want one that also looks good. Enter this copper-coloured model. Not only is it chic, but it was also easy to use, has air freshening technology and tilts for extra control over its air flow.

While its highest setting was strong (and quiet!), its lowest wasn't that energy efficient. It was also wobbly, but we liked its handy digital room temperature display, which dims when in night mode.

Short of cooking you a three-course dinner, this Dyson (yes, another one!) can do it all. Okay, there might be a touch of hyperbole there, but this fan has a whole host of best-in-class modes that you control via the snazzy MyDyson app. We loved the 10 different airflow settings and our expert was impressed with its dual humidifier capabilities, making it perfect for anyone who wants the relief of a strong breeze and ideal moisture levels in their home.

It goes without saying that it’s not a budget buy, so be sure you’ll use its impressive multi-functions before investing. Light sleeper? You're in luck – this fan’s night mode setting is oh-so quiet.

With the highest air speed on test, this fan will keep things nice and breezy. The strongest of its three settings was a little noisy, but its lowest was quiet.

It was intuitive to set up and use, with a useful remote and 90 degrees of oscillation. Its well-designed handle will make moving it around simple, too.

Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows , and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist , working for Stylist , Sky Sports and more.

Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

Laura Hill is the Homes Ecommerce Editor for House Beautiful UK, covering the latest shopping trends, budget interior buys and new homeware collections. Since 2016, Laura has written extensively across the home, DIY, garden, retail and property sectors, covering the latest product launches from big brands like John Lewis, Habitat and Dunelm. Her work can be found across publications such as House Beautiful , Country Living and Prima , as well as being translated for ELLE Japan . Before joining House Beautiful, Laura was a writer and editor at major DIY retailer B&Q for six years, specialising in editorial content across kitchens and bathrooms. Laura studied at Bournemouth University, where she completed a BA in Media Communications. When Laura isn’t testing that viral homeware product you’ve been eyeing up on TikTok or finding the best Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day deals, you’ll find her researching the best budget DIY hacks or tackling her latest room renovation. Follow Laura on Instagram at @laurahillyy. 

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5 Best Portable Fans for Traveling [2024]: Stay cool on the road!

Loud hostels disrupting your sleep? Long lines in the heat melting your glow? Read on for the best portable and handheld fans to keep you cool on your travels.

For many people, traveling with a fan is a must. If you are used to sleeping with white noise, the hum of a fan can do the trick to help you get better sleep. It can also be the key to helping drown out that one person who always ends up snoring in your hostel. For others,  combating the summer heat of  Europe  or the humidity of  Asia , a mini or handheld fan can be a lifesaver. But if you like to travel light, it can be hard to find just the right portable fan that will tuck away in your luggage or carryon. 

In this review, we'll take a look at several different styles of mini fans, handheld fans, and portable fans that travelers love and best of all, take up little space in your luggage.

What to Look for in a portable travel fan

There are many different styles of travel fans depending on the need you are trying to meet. Some want a fan that can fold up and fit in a purse, while others want one that can clip onto a bed or stand on a desk. Check out the different features to think about below.

Size: Hand Held, Mini, or Table Fan?

Deciding when you want to use it is the first step in figuring out the best fan for you. There are some that you hold in your hand to cool you off while waiting in that hot never, ending line to get into that popular museum. Others are better for those muggy nights clipped onto your hostel bunk to drown out the partiers and to blow a light breeze on your face. Do you want to carry it everywhere in your purse or have it in your  backpack ? These are some things to consider in your search.

Power Source

One of the tricky parts of traveling is navigating different outlet types. 

• USB is a pretty reliable source that you find in a lot of newer hotels, computers, and  travel adaptors , and many portable fans use USB  as a way to charge them. 
• Standard plug-in fans are always an option. Plug them into the wall, and they go forever or use your adaptor to plug it in and breeze away.
• Chargeable! This is nice when you are on the go and are nowhere near a plug. Charge it and use it until you can get back to a power source. Best for handheld fans used when you are running around and trying not to melt.

Best Portable Fans for Travel

Now that you've decided if you need to add a travel fan to your list of  must-have travel gadgets , check out this guide on top reviewed portable and handheld fans that people are using this year.

JSUIS Mini 3 in 1 Handheld Fan

This fan packs a lot of features into its super small size.  

• Pocket Size Fan - Keep in your bag to use when you are out and about
• Backup Charger - Phone battery getting low? Use the backup battery charger to give you a quick boost.
• Flashlight - Built-in flashlight for dark streets 
• Long Battery Life - Advertised for 21 hours of battery life in one charge in fan mode
• Convertible into 3 different Stages -Can be used as a Handheld fan or folded to prop on a desk.
• USB Rechargeable - It is USB rechargeable through any regular USB port

This fan is highly rated and affordable at under $20 USD. Some users have said that the phone battery charger did not work very well and that sometimes it is a bit hard to switch between the different foldable stages, but otherwise, reviewers loved the flashlight, powerful fan, and super compact size.

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• Small and Portable
• Long Battery life
• USB Chargeable
• Added Flashlight Function
• Three different folding positions
• Phone charger not consistent
• Sometimes hard to open into the different stages.
• Power button can be hard to push

Portable Rechargeable Neck Fan

Looking for something to keep you cool and keep your hands free? You might want to check out this rechargeable neck fan by Delmac.

This fan is unique in that you just place it around your neck and a quiet, cool breeze for your neck and face will keep you refreshed. It's bladeless, so your hair won't get caught in the fan, and the charge lasts at least 6 hours. With three cooling speeds and a flexible design, this portable fan is great for those who want to stay cool on the go but want to also stay hands-free.   Some people have commented that the circulation isn't strong at the back, and long hair and earrings can get in the way of the airflow. It's got a pretty specific use, but if long lines in the heat impact your comfort, this might be a fan to consider.

Our Rating: 3.5/5

• Unique Design
• Strong Speed, Quiet
• Conversation Starter!
• More Expensive at over $30 USD
• May get in the way of Long Hair and Earrings
• Doesn't circulate air all the way around
• Not as many uses as some portable fans

GUSGU Flexible and Portable Fan

This interesting fan by GUSGU is really versatile to be used for many different things. The stand is bendable and can be used in a few different ways. You can prop it on a desk, hold it in your hand when on the go, or wrap the flexible arms around a surface like a metal bed frame, a stroller, or a lamp for really flexible use. Some users have found that the flexible arms don't stay tight and the fan will move out of place, and others would like the fan strength to be a bit stronger. But if you want an option for a fan that will work almost anywhere, this is a great fan to look into.

Our Rating: 4/5

• Versatile to wrap around, handheld or stand on its own
• USB with long charge
• Many colors
• Strong speed
• Blades can pinch small fingers
• Can move around after being attached
• Not super strong

Mini Handheld USB Chargeable Fan by Aluan

This fan knows exactly who it is. If you want a small handheld fan smaller than your phone, with a powerful speed that you can tuck away in your pocket, this may be the fan for you. It comes in 5 fun colors and is rechargeable with a USB cord. Some users have found that the blades are a bit fragile if dropped, and a few had issues with the fan holding a charge after a while, so these are things to consider. However, for a small, inexpensive fan that you can take on the go when you have minimal space, this mini fan is a great choice.

Our Rating: 4.3/5

• Inexpensive, under $15 USD
• Battery Powered, rechargeable
• Very small, fits in pocket
• Can't stand on its own
• Battery can die fairly quickly
• Blades can be fragile and break easily

Clip on Portable Fan for Travel

If a portable fan for use in one location such as sleeping or at a desk, is what you are looking for, here is a great option to consider. This fan has a clip-on feature that does need to be plugged into a USB port, so it is not chargeable and is something to consider if you want to use it away from a power supply. At 6 inches, it's bigger than a handheld fan but still very packable for a carryon. People like the clip-on feature and the dual speeds, but some have indicated that it's a bit louder and that they wish the cord was a bit longer. 

Our Rating: 3.2 /5

• Many different colors
• Clip on good for Hostels
• Strong speed with swivel for more flexibility
• Not as portable
• Not as quiet as some portable fans
• Cord is short

Should You Take a Portable Fan When You Travel?

Overall, it depends on where you are traveling and what your needs are. If you run hot and hate to be sticky or sweaty, then it might be a good idea to grab one of these handheld mini fans just in case. If you are a digital nomad or hostel sleeper and you want a fan to keep cool or dull noise, some of the options above are great to consider. 

Travel with Pilot

Now that you are set to keep cool on your trip, it's time to make sure you have your travel itinerary organized with Pilot.

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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• Tech Essentials

The 6 Best Travel Adapters and Converters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you prefer a set of specific adapters or something universal, these are the best options on the market.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Options We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travelers these days have all types of gear and gadgets that require power: cellphones, headphones, cameras, laptops, and even their toothbrushes. And, when venturing abroad, you’ll often find that not every hotel, airport lounge, or even public mode of transportation accommodates the U.S. plug, which means you likely need an adapter and/or converter for international trips. 

Our favorite adapters and converters are compact, work in multiple countries, have several ports including both USB and AC sockets, and, of course, power your essentials without frying them. As avid travelers, we tested an array of products on actual trips across the world and ranked them based on ease of use, effectiveness, and value to bring you the best picks for every scenario. Below, find our favorite easy-to-use adapters and converters for your next international journey.

Best Overall

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

It’s able to charge six devices at once. 

This is not a converter, so you shouldn’t use it with high-power appliances like curling irons and hair dryers. 

Ready to use in more than 150 countries, this adapter from Epicka can charge six devices at the same time, as it comes with four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket. It works with all USB-enabled devices including iPhones and Androids, and can charge laptops, cameras, tablets, and power banks, too. It eliminates the need to purchase individual adapters for each trip, which makes it a great money-saving travel product . The adapter also has a built-in, double 8A fuse and safety shutters that keep children from trying to plug other items into the socket. The adapter comes in four different colors, and has a 1-year limited warranty. 

We love that it’s small and easy to pack, plus it’s simple to switch over to different prongs from country to country. The multiple USB ports are great for charging everything at once, and the adapter is super lightweight, so it isn’t adding much weight to your suitcase or carry-on either. We did find that the adapter was hard to fit in tight spots or use with older outlet styles in the UK and Hong Kong, but this didn’t happen often. 

The Details: 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 inches | 5.1 ounces | No converter | 6 ports | 1 AC, 4 USB-A, 1 USB-C | 240 volts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

• Effectiveness 5 /5

It’s exclusively for Apple products so you can trust it with those devices.

It only works with Apple's block-type power adapters.

This kit made by Apple, for Apple products, includes seven AC plugs that work for iPhones, iPods, iPads, and Mac laptops in North America, Japan, China, the UK, Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Each one lists the regions the plug is compatible with, making it easy to grab what you need quickly. However, you will need Apple's power adapter brick to serve as a base; these tips work with Apple’s USB-C power adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters, and 10-watt and 12-watt USB power adapters that come with devices (or can be purchased separately in a range of wattages including 12 watts , 35 watts, and 67 watts ).

We love this set because it’s an Apple-certified product, so we know our devices are safe. The adapters are also built to last, as one of our testers used the adapters for 10 years before having to replace some of them. The only thing we wish they added onto this set is a carrying case to hold all the pieces for traveling. 

The Details: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches | 11.2 ounces | No converter | 1 port | 100-240 volts (10W, 12W, 30W, and 35W)

Most Compact

Ceptics travel adapter plug for south africa & botswana.

It comes with USB and AC outlet charging abilities in a compact plug. 

USB ports are on the bottom, instead of the top of the adapter. 

If you’re traveling through South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia, this compact adapter will allow you to charge up to three devices at once. The AC outlet allows you to plug your U.S. device into a Type M socket for South Africa, allowing you to charge up for safari adventures and more.  It works with cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, and more, and we especially like that it has the ability for two- and three-prong AC input, as well as USB ports for added versatility. The style of adapter is a block shape, so you can tuck it into your backpack, purse, or carry-on without compromising on much space, and you can also buy similar adapters for Europe , India, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Brazil, and more. 

The Details: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 2.5 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 2 USB-A , 1 AC | 250 volts

Best for Families

Bestek travel adapter and voltage converter.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can power seven devices at one time. 

It’s bulkier than a lot of other adapters. 

With three AC outlets and four USB ports, you can charge up to seven devices at once on this charger, making it easy for the whole family to charge their phones, laptops, tables, and camera batteries. Three plug adapters are also included and work in more than 150 countries, meaning you can travel far and wide and, most likely, have the right adapter for what you need. We also love that this one is a converter, too, converting 220 volts to 110 volts for U.S. electronics but it’s still not recommended to use this device to power your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

The adapter comes with overcurrent, overload, overheat, and short-circuit protections. We tested the adapter by charging a phone, battery pack, Apple watch, and Kindle all at once and found that all devices were nicely charged overnight with no issues. 

The Details: 7.4 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.15 pounds | Converter | 3 AC, 4 USB-A | 110-220 volts

Best Multipack

Ceptics european travel plug adapter.

• Ease of Use 3 /5

It’s easy to use.

You'll need to use a separate plug for each item you're charging.

For a super affordable multipack for one destination, this one from Ceptics is a great choice, as it comes with three identical Type C adapters that will work across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It accepts North American two- and three-prong plugs, and has a simple straightforward design. It’s worth noting though that this set won’t work in England, Ireland, or Scotland, but there are other three packs available that will work in those countries, plus India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and more. 

The Details: 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3.2 ounces | No Converter | 3 AC outlets | 100-240 volts

Best for Europe

Jarvania european travel plug adapter.

It works in both the EU and the UK. 

It’s a bit bulky as the UK adapter is separate. 

American travelers to Europe will most likely need an adapter that can handle numerous countries, and this one from Jarvania is great because it can be used with EU and UK outlets. It’s compatible with Type C (which also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N outlets) to work in Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, and France and more. It also comes with a separate Type G plug adapter that will also work in the UK, so you’re getting an extra adapter, too. The main adapter has three ports (one AC, two USB), so you can charge up to three devices at once — a perk for the modern traveler carrying a phone, laptop, camera, and more. 

The Details: 2.7 x 2.1 x 2.2 inches | 3.8 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 1 AC, 2 USB-A | 110-250 volts

Other Travel Adapters We Liked

Two adapters we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers. 

Tessan Type G Adapter : This adapter with two AC outlets plus two USB ports works in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore, and various African countries. However, we found the AC outlets are too close together on the adapter to always be useful. 

Tessan Type E F Adapter : With five total ports (USB and AC) that work in numerous countries, this is a great adapter, but we think the two pack is a bit much, as one adapter already has five ports, meaning lots of travelers wouldn’t need a second adapter. This adapter is also wider than other adapters so it can take up more unnecessary space. 

The T+L team tested 12 different adapters and converters in various countries across the world. We noted what countries we were in while using the adapters or converters, and how easy it was to use each one. We also ranked them based on effectiveness, meaning how well they charged our devices, and value in terms of price versus performance. 

Tips for Buying Adapters and Converters

Research your destination.

Before leaving on your trip, be sure to check out what types of outlets are used in the countries you’re visiting, and buy adapters and converters accordingly. The last thing you’ll want is to accidentally fry your device while abroad. Some hotels provide USB ports inside hotel rooms, but it’s best to make sure they’re available before arriving empty-handed.

Consider a kit

If you’re visiting numerous countries and are in a rush, it’s sometimes easier to simply buy a kit with several adapters for multiple different destinations, which can save you money instead of buying numerous adapters. Lots of kits are small enough to tuck away in your bag or carry-on, so just be sure that you take along the ones you need.

Read the fine print

Always be sure to read the instructions that come with your adapter or converter, and be sure to pay attention to the power details. You may think a converter is safe for your styling tools or appliances when it's actually not, and you could fry your device, or blow a fuse, if the adapter doesn’t convert voltage.

An adapter is used when you need to plug a specific type of prong into a different socket. It allows you to plug your U.S.-style prong into an outlet in another country that uses a different type of plug. A converter is different in that it changes the voltage of an outlet to match the voltage of the item being plugged in. Some countries use 110/120 volts, while others use 220/240 volts. If you don’t use a converter, you could ruin your device, or even risk a fire.

If your destination has a different prong type than your outlets at home, then you’ll need an adapter. But if the voltage is different in the place you’re traveling than it is at home, you’ll need a converter to convert that voltage. Some products have dual voltage, which means the device can handle voltages from all over the world.

Most of Europe uses Type C plugs, which also fit into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N sockets that may replace Type C in places such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. (England and the rest of the U.K. uses Type G.) Always double check exactly which one you’ll need before your departure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, the T+L team tested and reviewed numerous adapters and converters to find the best of the best for countries across the world. Freelance writer and world traveler Amanda Ogle further researched travel adapters to add additional insights to this list. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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• Travel Gear

Best Travel Fans

Don’t sweat it out in another hotel room when you have a trusty fan built for traveling.

There's nothing like the feeling of the wind in the sails. There's also nothing like the feeling of a warm windless evening – one of those times when you wish you could just cool down. Let's face it, most of the time ceiling fans are more aesthetic than useful. That's why you should always pack a travel fan. Here are several we can't live without.

This small fan slips in your purse, beach bag, or pack. Wear it while beach-combing, hiking, or watching that game from the bleachers. This three-speed, blade-less fan is cool. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear jogging on the treadmill or climbing the stair stepper. But you don't need to be working out to appreciate the incredible cooling power of this travel fan. Once you wear this hands-free blade-less fan, it will become your new travel buddy.

This fan is completely adjustable. You can move it all around – 360 degrees horizontally and vertically. At just under seven inches, this little dynamo travel fan really moves air. Set one up next to your yoga mat or your camp table. Portable and high-power, this mini-fan stands on its own or you can clip it onto your bookshelf, headboard, curtain, or awning.

This is the most impressive little blade-less travel fan . It cools like a larger device. This travel air conditioner will make you the most popular parent at the pool. Just prop up the little white stand and enjoy the cool breeze. Like a larger air conditioner, it cools when you put in a damp sponge, and the air chills as it passes over the sponge.

Every purse, glove box, camping box, and vacation bag needs one of these foldable fans . In a delicate pink color, it charges in three hours and lasts on low for almost a whole day – 21 hours. On high it will last 14 hours – long enough for an entire whole swim meet or a double header. The soft fan blade won't hurt when you touch it, a great feature when you're cooling around grabby little hands. At not even 5 inches long, it's easy to take everywhere. Quick to open, just pivot the fan to stand on its sturdy charger base. When you are done, simply fold it closed.

This little fan plugs into your electrical outlet and quickly cools your area with minimal noise. We aren't quite sure how this vortex action works, but the quiet fan really moves air. Although it comes in six other colors, we love this turquoise model. Every boat, camper, RV, or even guest room needs one of these blissful blue breeze-makers. It folds down when you're done, so it's simple and convenient to stow on board or in your suitcase.

Cyndi Mathews is a contributing writer to Islands and recently published her first book and enjoys traveling to Florida in her sailboat. Islands is an award-winning brand founded in 1980 that speaks to international travelers who have an affinity for the Caribbean and beyond. The website showcases destinations, resorts, cruises, and recommendations by the Islands ' staff.

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Home / Features / Best fans 2024: floor and desk fans to beat the heatwave

Best fans 2024: floor and desk fans to beat the heatwave

The best fans can add circulation to the stuffiest of spaces – if it’s airflow you’re after, these are the spinners you need

There’s a scorching heatwave coming and a good fan is the next best investment after an ice bath in the garden shed and an outdoor grill . If you don’t want to Wim Hof your way through the next heatwave, try one of the best fans money can buy.

See, open windows won’t do much if the weather’s heavy and your walls are built for chilly winters. Luckily, these fans can add soothing circulation to even the stuffiest of spaces.

From desktop fans to powerful floor fans, we’ve included all kinds of coolers in this guide. There are options fit for every space and budget, including a couple of wireless fans for movable ventilation when the mercury starts to rise.

So whether you want a cooler workspace or a room that’s more bearable at bedtime, this list should help you find a fan worth fanning over.

What’s the best fan?

The Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact (buy now) is a powerful blade-free floor fan projects purified air all around your room. Sizeable and expensive, it’s the ultimate choice for cooler, cleaner streams.

The Stadler Form Fan Otto (buy now) is crafted from renewable bamboo and does a great job of moving air around.

The Meaco 260c (buy now) is a compact, portable, and efficient battery-powered fan at a very reasonable price.

The best fans you can buy today:

1. Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact

Dyson’s bladeless blowers create cooling currents with the help of hidden motors, projecting powerful outputs through their open portals. While that technical wizardry is all well and cool, it’s not much use if the breeze still makes you sneeze. Luckily, this upstanding fan also purifies for cleaner streams. Sensors inside analyse the air for polluting particles, while filters trap 99.95% of microscopic nasties to stop them from blowing up your nose. So you can safely dial up the draught for a 350-degree arc of allergen-free airflow.

2. Meaco 260c Cordless Cooling Fan

It’s not hyperbole when I say the Meaco 260c cordless fan might just be one of the best things I’ve ever bought. It measures just 26cm tall and 16cm wide, making it perfect for tight spaces like your desktop or for travelling.

What makes it truly remarkable, however, is its ability to run solely on battery power for up to 14 hours, and, when it does need to be recharged, it’s done via USB-C (so no need to have extra cables lying around).

Being a product from Meaco, it delivers a powerful breeze at its highest speed without creating excessive noise. It also features a soft night light, which I could take or leave, to be honest. If you’re in search of a compact, portable, and efficient battery-powered fan at a reasonable price, the 260c should be at the top of your list.

3. Stadler Form Fan Otto

It’s cool to be eco, but green ideas alone won’t solve global warming. For ventilation that uses less of the earth’s resources, try this windy wooden drum. With a natty natural finish, its circular shell is crafted from renewable bamboo. Its blowing components aren’t recycled, but hook it up to a solar power source and you’ve got a more sustainable way to deal with the sweaty effects of climate change.

4. Honeywell TurboForce

Cool rooms require moving air, but no amount of languid wafting will do when conditions are stifling. Want serious circulation to combat sweltering temperatures? Put down your hand fan and add this turbo blower to your abode. Small enough to sit on a table or desk, its shaped blades can shift a big old breeze. Point the pivoting head at your person, or position it strategically for maximum molecular movement.

5. Boneco F210 Air Shower

If an air shower sounds like just the ticket on a toasty day, Boneco’s blower is the one to wash with. Designed to drench your den with constant cooling streams, its deep blades are shaped to scoop more molecules and send them circulating. An asymmetrical stand maximises intake, while also allowing the head to rotate through 270 degrees. Aim it upwards to eliminate hotspots and achieve the falling air effect.

6. Duux Whisper Flex Smart

Natural gusts aren’t limited to three levels, so why should your standing fan be? This precision spinner features 26 speed settings to suit your specific windy wants. Dial in your desired intensity via the aluminium knob, or deploy the Duux app for hands-free squall control. At 13 decibels, the Whisper Flex Smart blows quieter than most, while 100 degrees of vertical oscillation mean it’s no one-dimensional machine. You can even equip it with an optional battery pack for cordless cooling.

7. Princess Smart Tower Fan

Hiring a personal assistant to waft you with a fan is simply asking for an employment lawsuit. Want a cooling solution you can command without complaint? This obedient obelisk works with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant, so you activate the airflow using your voice alone. Want to set the circulation before you get home? You can also control the tower through the HomeWizard Climate app. Its 50W motor doesn’t want for puff, while 80-degree oscillation is ideal for corner coverage.

8. EasyAcc Battery Desk Fan

Perspiration won’t help your productivity. Want a draughtier desk? Compact and quiet, this battery-powered fan brings three speeds of breeze to any workspace. A tilting head lets you aim the airflow at your face, while a one-button interface keeps things foolproof when you’re feeling the heat. Celsius not dropping at night? Boosted using USB-C, the straightforward fan can run for up to 23 hours away from the plug – so you can shift it from desktop to bedside for breezy Zs.

9. Vornado Pivot

Heatwave got you feeling like you’ve landed somewhere sunnier? Add jet-side vibes to your holiday at home with this tabletop thruster. Styled like a petite plane engine, Vornado’s air circulator is all about the vortex. Despite its dinky dimensions, the Pivot produces a targeted blast that banishes stuffy conditions to the departure lounge. Angled on the arty stand, an adjustable axis lets you direct the flight path, while three speed settings mean total take-off control.

10. ProBreeze Rechargeable Floor Fan

A 4kg floor fan isn’t the epitome of portability, but this ProBreeze blower is made movable by the battery pack on its back. Shipped in two sizes, the larger 16in edition does a decent impression of an industrial wind machine: twist the switch to maximum and the force feels strong enough to blow an airboat across the Florida Everglades. Its cell holds sufficient fuel for three hours of croc watching at peak velocity, or up to 24 at lower RPM.

11. LEVOIT Tower Fan

The LEVOIT Tower Fan may not be the sleekest cooler out there, but it has enough power to cool even the stuffiest rooms. A powerful motor can be switched between four modes and five fan speeds that offers a wide coverage. With an advanced Sleep Mode and a maximum fan speed of 25 feet per second, you don’t need to choose between a quiet or cool nights sleep. A 39W energy usage shouldn’t demand too much power either.

How to pick the best fan

Want to buy the perfect fan but don’t know where to start? Here are a few things to consider:

• Spin & win: Most fans can be angled for breeze where you need it, but only some share the air by oscillating. Want wind around a room? Opt for one with a wide rotation angle. The top options span 90 degrees or more.
• Dial it in: Standard fans commonly feature three speed settings. Need total tempo control? Pick a spinner with several levels. Some use twisting dials for analogue tweaking, while others offer precise digital adjustment.
• Bin the din: Cyclonic power won’t improve your mood if the motor’s making a racket. Quieter models keep the decibel count below 50 at normal speed settings. Many fans also feature night modes for hushed puffing after dark.
• Connected kin: You’ll find buttons on the foot of most fans. Cleverer coolers feature LED readouts, while the smartest can talk to a smartphone partner app. Some also support voice assistant connectivity.

Now check out the best sunglasses for a squint-free summer.

Formerly News Editor at this fine institution, Chris now writes about tech from his tropical office. Sidetracked by sustainable stuff, he’s also keen on coffee kit, classic cars and any gear that gets better with age.

Areas of expertise

Cameras, gear and travel tech

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Best overall

Best budget, best splurge, best with air purification, best tabletop, what else we tested.

• How we test

The 6 best fans to help keep you cool through the summer heat

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Fans are great for in-between weather and shoulder seasons, but they're necessities if you don't have an air conditioner  and cost a lot less to operate. However, electric fans won't prevent heat-related illnesses when temperatures are in the high 90s and above, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

If it's not dangerously hot, though, the right system of fans can help cool down a room and help you save on your electricity bill, relatively speaking.

We tested several types of fans, measuring their average wind speed, electricity consumption, and decibels. We also spoke with Duncan Freake, a mechanical engineer at Epam Continuum , who told us fans have become quieter, safer, more energy-efficient, and more effective, thanks to overlapping blades and bladeless designs with built-in HEPA air purifiers. The best fan overall is the Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan , which offers impressive speed variation, runs pretty quietly, and energy efficient with a long warranty. For a budget option, the Genesis 20-Inch Max Cool Box Fan is an attractive window unit that is steady, sturdy, and powerful. 

Learn more about  how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products .

The best electric fans in 2024

Best overall: Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan - See at Amazon

Best budget: Genesis 20-Inch Max Cool Box Fan - See at Amazon

Best tower: Genesis Powerful 43-Inch Tower Fan - See at Amazon

Best splurge: Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Purifying Fan Heater - See at Dyson

Best with air purification: Dreo Air Purifying Tower Fan - See at Amazon

Best tabletop: Genesis 6-inch Clip Convertible Table-Top Fan - See at Amazon

The variation in speed, five-year warranty, and convenient size make the Vornado 660 the best fan for most spaces.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Small
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good speed variation
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Quiet
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Smooth 90-degree tilt mechanism
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No remote
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. A bit large to put on a desk

When you take price, wind speed, energy efficiency, and noise into account, Vornado's 660 Whole Room Air Circulator is the electric fan that fits the widest range of needs and living spaces. 

The Vornado's comprehensive variation in wind speed sets it apart from the competition. From a light, cool breath of air to an absolute calamity, the Vornado 660 can offer relief for everything from mild discomfort to a bad spill or even a flood.

Because of its high velocity, it is the fan I turned to after a recent roof leak, and I've also used it to dry wet bicycles after a day in the rain. 

Admittedly, it gets a little loud at top speed, but you probably won't find yourself sitting too close to it at that level. And it's not outrageous; its noise level is on par with that of any high-powered blade fan.

On the other hand, you can barely hear it running when it's at its lowest setting, which offers just enough air for a small room.

The relatively long 6-foot power cord is also appreciated, as it allows you to reposition the fan as needed. 

Considering the Vornado's size and might, we think a couple of these fans would address most anyone's needs, and storing them is completely manageable.

Genesis' Max Cool 20" Box Fan is a great budget option because it moves a lot of air and doesn't take up much space.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy-to-use design
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. More child-safe than some other options we tested
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Loud
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Dial could be marked better

A box fan stirs up a lot of air and can be stored easily, while other types of fans may fall short when it comes to output or stowability. Box fans also tend to be more affordable, and while Genesis' 20-inch option isn't the cheapest out there, it's steady, sturdy, and powerful.

It's also relatively loud, though, so keep that in mind if you're looking for something a little more discreet.

We especially like box fans for home improvement projects that require drying out a room.

The Genesis is one of the prettier models we've encountered. Thanks to the location of the speed-setting knob, it doesn't have any awkward parts sticking out to prevent it from being stashed away in the attic, but it the dial settings were a little difficult to read. 

The Genesis Powerful 43" Tower Fan offers 18 settings and a sleep timer, as well as the lowest noise levels and the best energy efficiency of any large fan we tested.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy to use
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Lots of setting
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Highly efficient
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Takes up a lot of space
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Tower fans are not the most durable

Tower fans are efficient, often remote-controlled, and covert enough that apart from a relatively subtle drone, you'll hardly notice they're there.

Of the tower fans we tested, the Genesis Powerful 43-inch performed best overall. It's quiet, offers 18 settings, has a programmable timer, and oscillates without any trouble so far.

We should note that tower fans do have their drawbacks. They tend to break after a few years or as soon as they're mishandled. They are also notoriously difficult to clean. This one requires you to remove a couple of nuts and bolts.

That being said, tower fans are typically quiet and tuck away neatly in corners and closets. They usually come with programmable timers and remotes, which are great features for those who don't want to sleep with the fan running (or get up to adjust the settings).

I can sleep easily with the Genesis, thanks to its "natural" and "wind" modes, which are soft and softer, respectively. I find the natural mode works best at night because it's barely audible, and it doesn't wake me with a chill, even with the fan placed at the foot of the bed.

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Purifying Fan Heater works triple-duty as a fan, heater, and air purifier. Its sleek signature bladeless design has 10 cooling levels.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10 cooling settings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent heating performance, too
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. App connectivity
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Used more electricityy
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not the most user-friendly
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Average at air purification

If you're looking to invest in a multi-functional unit you can use all year round, the Dyson Purifier HP07 Hot+Cool Purifying Fan Heater works triple duty as a high-powered fan, space heater, and air purifier. It's also exceedingly quiet, with a decibel range of 38 on low and 52 on high across its 10 speeds, akin to rustling leaves and a dishwasher, respectively. 

Within the Dyson app, I can adjust the fan speed, turn the heater off, choose the precise angle of oscillation I want, set a timer, or turn on night mode, which dims the display and minimizes fan speed. However, due to safety regulations, you'll have to use the onboard controls to turn the unit on or change the heat settings. The LCD display also shares data on air quality, temperature, humidity, and filter levels. 

As one of the best space heaters , it did a swift job of raising the surrounding temperature. We also put it through the testing we use for our best air purifier guide, but it unfortunately fell short and we don't recommend it for just air purification purposes. While it did an average job of removing particles from the air, it was one of the worst at capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids such as paint or cleaning supplies. The HEPA+Carbon filter is designed to last for up to a year. 

The Dreo Air Purifier Tower Fan is a 2-in-1 design that quietly cools and purifies. It pairs with an app to provide historical data on air quality and temperature.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Quiet and powerful
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Decent at air purification and excellent at cooling
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Smart app shows air quality and temperature
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not portable
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Filter life varies

The smart, dual-functional Dreo 2-in-1 is a multi-tasking fan with a built-in air purifier at a fraction of the price of the Dyson. With 12 speeds, it incrementally generates anywhere from a gentle breeze to a steady wind. Thanks to the dual-motor design, the fan and air purifier can operate simultaneously or you can use each function singularly. The air purifier sits at the base of the unit, while the oscillating tower fan design sits directly above. 

It's also one of the quietest units we've tested as a fan. I've been using it in my bedroom, and I've practically forgotten about its existence save for the direct airflow that reaches across the room to cool me through the early summer heat. 

The Dreo comes with a remote and has button controls on the unit, but you unlock further customization when you connect to the app to adjust controls, set schedules, and track air quality and ambient temperature over time. 

As an air purifier, the Dreo has three purification speeds and an auto option to adjust to the room's detected air quality in real time. In our air purification test, which consists of lighting an incense stick and measuring how quickly it removes the room's particulate count and VOCs, both were back to low levels within half an hour and cleared within the hour. Depending on usage, the filters can last up to six months, but my running it on 24/7 averaged a two-month filter life. 

At 46 inches tall and 17 pounds, the unit is quite large and not ideal for moving from room to room. It also has a wider girth than your average tower fan, but it nicely tucks into a spare corner. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

The most practical and effective fan for small spaces and desktops, Genesis' 6-inch Clip Convertible Table Fan is quiet, adjustable, and moves plenty of air for one or two people.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Convertible between clip-on and stand
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Compact
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Portable
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Kind of loud
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Can be too strong if positioned closely

Clip-on fans are ideal for tabletops because you're much less likely to knock them to the ground. The Genesis Convertible Table-Top and Clip Fan offers both a clip and stand (easily switched out with a screw and nut) so you can place it wherever and however you like. This comes in handy on desks and in smaller rooms where space is a precious commodity.

We like this fan because it is sturdy, has no overly ambitious oscillating mechanism (but does rotate manually and clicks firmly into place), and is easy on the electricity bill.

The only downside is that it runs on the loud side for a small fan, even at the lower setting. But it's still not as loud as most larger fans.

Otherwise, it's great for just about anywhere you might place it within a small room. About 3 feet of distance is more or less appropriate, though we still enjoyed the relief it offered at 6 feet.

Genesis Twin Window Fan : This fan works perfectly well and will likely fit in most windows. (You can also install it vertically.) However, we prefer using a smaller model like the Genesis 6-inch Clip Convertible Tabletop as a window fan because you can angle it. 

Honeywell Quietset 8-Speed Tower Fan : We highly recommend this fan, which came extremely close to beating out our top pick for a tower fan. The only issue so far is that it's a little on the loud side, topping out at 60 dB, about that of a refrigerator compressor or normal conversation. We're going to keep testing this one for longevity.

Honeywell Table Air Circulator Fan : This highly functional fan is a great option for small bedrooms, offices, and budgets. Still, it's a little on the noisy side compared with most desk fans, so you won't want to place it too close to you.

Honeywell TurboForce Tower Fan : We've recommended this fan in the past, but it's relatively loud, and we've since found quieter tower fans. Still, we like the design, and it's powerful, so if you're looking for a tower fan for a particularly large room, it's worth considering. 

Lasko Outdoor Living Oscillating Tower Fan : We're testing outdoor fans for next year because they seem to work better than citronella candles at keeping bugs away. So far, we've only tried this one. While we like and recommend it, we need to perform a little more testing.

Lasko Wind Curve : We've never had any trouble with Lasko's fans (and we've tested a number of them). This one works perfectly well. If you want to save a few bucks, it will certainly suffice in the place of our tower fan recommendation . But it doesn't offer as many settings and programming, especially compared to the Genesis model we recommend above. It's also slightly louder, which might affect light sleepers.

Rowenta Turbo Silence Oscillating Fan : We've recommended this fan in the past, but considering the price, we bumped it out for more efficient, technologically advanced options.

Vornado 173 Whole Room Tower Fan : With Vornado being such a favorite with regular fans (see our recommendation above), we hoped this design would offer something other tower fans don't: a better solution to oscillation. Most oscillating tower fans we've come across eventually start making a clicking noise. Sometimes it's repairable. But it's annoying, especially when you're trying to sleep. This fan has a grate set on a spiraling angle, so it's supposed to cool the whole room without oscillating. While it did span a great deal of the room, it just wasn't powerful enough to compete with our other picks.

How we test electric fans

We tested seven fans side-by-side for two weeks to determine which ones offered the best combination of airflow, speed, and energy efficiency. We also spoke with Duncan Freake, a mechanical engineer at Epam Continuum who likes taking apart home appliances in his spare time, about the qualities to look for in a fan.

Here's what we looked for in our top picks:

Ease of use: Most fans are fairly easy to use, but the convenience of visible controls or a remote made a big difference.

Durability: More features often mean more problems, and while we still recommend oscillating fans (like our tower fan pick), they're not the sturdiest. 

Power: We measured airflow in feet per second using a wind meter at 6 feet away to determine the average wind speed coming off of each fan.

Energy consumption: We used a basic digital energy consumption meter to measure fans' consumption at their lowest and highest speeds.

Volume: We used a decibel meter to measure how loud fans were at their lowest and highest settings.

What is the quietest fan?

Generally speaking, the quietest type of fan is a tower fan, which also tends to be the most energy-efficient and has the smallest footprint. The only problem with tower fans is that they tend to be more delicate than basic box fans. Still, they pack the most punch for the most compact unit.

If you want the absolute quietest fan we've tried, that'd be the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool. Otherwise, our picks above should more than suffice.

What is the best fan placement for optimal air circulation?

Depending on the type of fan and the shape of your room, there are several ways to optimize circulation.

A window fan tends to be the most effective option when you have a cross breeze and cooler outdoor temps. Obviously, those sit in your window. Multiple fans (of any type) can also help create a cross breeze, especially with as many interior doors open as possible.

For all other fans, including desk and tower fans, face them opposite the wall where you will be the least. This causes the air to disperse and create a windchill as it mixes with the stagnant air in the room.

Here are a few more tips for cooling down the house if you don't have an air conditioner.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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Best small fans to beat the heat: portable handheld devices, neck fans and more

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When it comes to the rainy season, us Brits are fully prepared with all the kit under the sun to stay dry and warm.

But, as soon as the heatwave hits, we go into a state of panic, unequipped to deal with the sweltering summer rays.

A small portable fan you can stow in your bag for immediate cooling is the ultimate warm weather hack. These overlooked devices may not be anything new, but they are absolute game changers.

Whether you are braving the commute to work, soaking up the sun on a staycation or hanging out at the pub with friends, beat the heat with these handheld fans that offer a quick, breezy fix to regulate your temperature and bring you back to a more bearable temperature.

Let overheating be a thing of the past as you get your vitamin D fix with these small but mighty fans that offer real bang for your buck.

Best small fans at a glance:

• Best for power and practical features: Handheld Fan Portable Mini Electric Fan - £24.59, Amazon
• Best for effortless cooling: Portable Neck Fan with 78 Ventilation Holes - £28.04, Amazon
• Best for attracting envious glances: LETSCOL Portable Handheld Fan -£8.59, Amazon
• Best for misting and cooling: HandFan Handheld Fan Misting - £15.99, Amazon
• Best for hot flushes: Handheld Electric USB Fan - £16.05, Amazon
• Best for portable charger and desktop fanning: Mini Handheld Fan with Clip - £19.99, Amazon
• Best for adorable summer gift (to yourself): Bear fan with rechargeable batter y - £7.83, Amazon
• Best for a stylish solution to staying cool: Mini Handheld Portable Fan ​ - £15.99, Amazon
• Best for technological features : Bladeless Fan Handheld Fan - £17.95, Amazon

Best tower fans: Oscillating, quiet fans to keep your home cool

Best smart fans to keep you cool over the summer months

Best cooling fans to help you deal with the heat at home

Handheld Fan Portable Mini Electric Fan

Best for: power and practical features

Hold it, fold it or hang it — this is the best all-rounder we have found for 2023. Powered by rechargeable batteries that have up to 17 hours of usage time per charge, the power and practicality of this fan cannot be understated.

Giving you an instant breeze with four different speed strengths using a durable brushless motor, you can also hang this fan inside of a tent or rotate clockwise and use it as a desk fan. Its small size (4 inches wide and 8 inches long) allows it to be used on the go and can easily fit into a back pocket or a small bag meaning no more sweating on our commute into work! It only comes in two colours, but we doubt you will complain when you feel the instant relief from this mighty little machine.

Portable Neck Fan with 78 Ventilation Holes

Best for: effortlessly cool

This bladeless fan has been doing the rounds on social media, and no wonder. They look like headphones but have a sole purpose: to cool the worst of your sweat before those beads have a chance to drip.

Reasonably priced and with three wind speeds to help you battle the heatwave, it projects enough air to keep neck, face and head at a comfortable temperature, even in the human soup that is the London Underground in the summertime. It charges with a USB port, so you can wear it at work and plug it into your computer to charge up for the journey back home. Mind you, it's not just for the commute; the hands-free design makes it perfect for using while cooking up a storm in the kitchen as well as strenuous outdoor sports.

LETSCOL Portable Handheld Fan

Best for: attracting envious glances

Offering extra cooling thanks to a humidifier function, you can mist and cool yourself with this cute handbag hero, which also comes in green and white.

Fully charged in three hours, it can offer up to 10 hours of operating use when used at the lowest speed, making it ideal for all sorts of journeys when the air con is in short supply.

Blades are powerful yet soft, so they won't nick if you accidentally fumble your fingers across them, and it can charge via a USB port too, making it a far greener option than a fan that uses regular batteries.

HandFan Handheld Fan Misting

Best for: misting and cooling

Converting water into mist for an immediately cooling effect, this fan makes an ideal sidekick for scorching summer days. Three settings include fan only, mist only or a combination of both.

The large hole also makes this fan very easy to hang. Available in three colours.

TriPole Handheld Fan

Best for: hot flushes

There’s a reason why this fan is a best-selling model on Amazon. The powerful device is compact, and lightweight and gives an impressive cooling effect with a mist addition. There are three settings, USB charging, and up to 30 hours of battery life.

Mini Handheld Fan with Clip

Best for: portable charger and desktop fanning

Fix this fan into the accompanying clip to create a deskside fan or attach to the side of your little one’s pram for when it gets really humid. It would also work well as a sun lounger accessory. There are three adjustable speeds, a flexible neck and the addition of a USB output so the fan doubles up as a portable charger that you plug your devices into.

Bear fan with rechargeable battery

Best for: adorable summer gift (to yourself)

A lovely and well-appreciated summer gift for teddy fans and those who just cannot bear the heat (too tempting). This adorable portable fan comes with a rechargeable battery and includes a safety screen.

Frankly, we just can’t get over those cute little bear ears - can you?

QINUKER Mini Handheld Portable Fan​

Best for : a stylish solution to staying cool

At only 165g this is one of the lightest portable fans that offers a USB rechargeable battery. The battery will last anywhere from three to thirteen hours depending on the setting. The removable base is a handy feature that allows the fan to stand in a fixed position. Available in four colour combinations including mint green, baby pink, white with yellow blades and black with brick red.

Bladeless Fan Handheld Fan

Best for: technological features

Admittedly not the strongest breeze, but if you’re concerned about little one’s fingers this is a safe design. Offering three speeds, this fan is charged through a USB port and can be fitted into a circular base to create a desk fan. Available in three colour combos.

If you need instant and reliable relief from the sweltering sun Funme portable fan is an excellent buy — well made, versatile and powerful. The best misting option goes to the HandFan misting fan — the feeling of cool water on hot skin really is satisfying.

8 handheld fans for staying cool on the go this summer

While we’re overjoyed to see summer shaping up quite nicely in the UK, we are quite poorly equipped to handle hot weather – especially when it’s a heatwave. With usually no air con in our homes or on most public transport, it makes getting out and about a sticky, sweaty affair. Which is why handheld electric fans fans are a must-have.

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