Summer heatwaves are coming thick and fast in the UK, driving demand for affordable cooling solutions. While air conditioning units can cost hundreds of pounds, portable and handheld fans offer a cheaper, portable alternative. Tech expert Alastair Jennings tested a range of devices—from neck fans to desktop models—to find the best portable fans for staying cool on the go, at home, or in the office.
How the fans were tested
Jennings evaluated each fan on several criteria: cooling effectiveness (measuring ambient temperature before and after 10 minutes of use), portability (weight, size, and ease of packing), battery life and charge time, noise levels, and wind speed using an anemometer. He also considered extra features such as speed controls, oscillation, and app connectivity.
Best overall: Shark ChillPill 3-in-1
Rated five stars, the Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 is the most versatile fan tested. It features three interchangeable heads: a fan, a misting head, and a cooling plate. At full blast, it registered a wind speed of 6.3 m/s and noise of 81.5 dB. The misting head produces a fine mist that mimics air conditioning without soaking the user, while the cooling plate feels like a chilled metal disc against the skin. It has 10 power settings, a clear LCD screen, and a battery life of up to 11 hours on low. Priced at £129.99, it is expensive but offers premium performance and innovative design.
Best budget buy: JISULIFE Handheld Fan 5 Plus
At just £15 on Amazon, the JISULIFE Handheld Fan 5 Plus offers excellent value. It is compact (167 x 43 x 82 mm) and lightweight (220g), with five speed settings and a battery life of up to 16 hours on low. Wind speed reaches 5.8 m/s at full power, and noise ranges from 60.8 to 72.6 dB. Jennings found it ideal for day trips and commutes, noting that it was the fan family and friends gravitated towards due to its power and price.
Best desktop fan: DUUX Rize Fan
The DUUX Rize Fan earned five stars for its stylish design and versatility. It can be used as a desktop fan or extended vertically to become a mid-height floor fan. It has four power modes and an oscillation function, with noise as low as 43 dB on the minimum setting. It can run on AC power or an internal rechargeable battery, offering up to 15 hours of runtime. Priced at £79.99, it is a high-quality, quiet option for home or office use.
Best neck fan: Warmco 10000mAh Portable Neck Fan
For hands-free cooling, the Warmco neck fan features two large fans on the front that push air around the head. It weighs 500g and offers four speed settings, with wind speeds from 6.8 to 9.1 m/s and noise from 40 to 62.1 dB. Battery life ranges from 15 to 30 hours. At £37.99 on Amazon, it is a solid choice for sedentary use, though Jennings found neck fans less practical for public wear.
Best high-tech fan: Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus
The Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a wearable cooling device that uses thermal pads on the back to cool the body, rather than blowing air. It offers four warm and five cold modes, and is controlled via a companion app. It weighs 259g and fits under clothing, with a battery life of up to 34 hours. At £199, it is the most expensive option, but Jennings described it as a look at the future of personal cooling.
Other notable fans
The John Lewis Anyday Handheld Foldable Desk Fan (£12) is a lightweight (210g) option with a foldable design that converts from handheld to desktop. It offers three speeds and up to nine hours of battery life. The Logik L06CFW25 6" Desk Fan (£34.99) is a traditional AC-powered fan with a remote control and oscillation, though it is currently sold out. The Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool (£99) delivers powerful airflow (up to 20 m/s in boost mode) but is loud at full power. The Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan (£13.99) is ultra-compact (112g) and offers impressive wind speed of 9 m/s for its size. The JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan Pro 1 (£45) is a comfortable hands-free option with five speeds, though the upward airflow felt odd to Jennings.
Conclusion: Which fan should you buy?
For the best all-round performance, the Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 stands out with its misting and cooling plate features. For budget-conscious buyers, the JISULIFE Handheld Fan 5 Plus offers great value. The DUUX Rize Fan is ideal for desktop use, while the Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus suits tech enthusiasts seeking a wearable alternative.
