With summer heatwaves arriving thick and fast, staying cool is a priority. While air conditioning units are effective, they can be costly and hard to find in stock. Portable and handheld fans offer a cheaper, more flexible solution. Tech expert Alastair Jennings tested a range of models, from budget-friendly options to high-tech devices, to find the best ones for keeping cool at home, in the office, or on the go.
Top picks at a glance
The Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 takes the title of best overall, offering three heads, plenty of control, and a premium design. For budget buyers, the Gaiatop mini portable fan is a compact and powerful choice. The DUUX Rize fan excels as a desktop option, while the Warmco 10000mAh neck fan is ideal for hands-free cooling. The Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus stands out as the most high-tech, using thermal pads for personal cooling.
How the fans were tested
Each fan was assessed on a desk test, measuring ambient temperature before and after 10 minutes of use. The evaluation also considered extra features, speed control, motion, app connectivity, portability, weight, battery life, charge time, noise, and wind speed.
Shark ChillPill 3-in-1
The Shark ChillPill is the most complex fan in the test, featuring a cooling plate, a misting head, and the ability to be used as a handheld or desktop fan. It has 10 power settings, an LCD screen, and a misting attachment that provides a fine, air-conditioning-like cooling effect. The cooling plate feels like it's just come out of the fridge when touched against the skin. While expensive, its innovative design and features make it the best all-round option.
Gaiatop mini portable fan
The Gaiatop is the smallest and lightest fan tested, easily pocketable. Despite its size, it delivers impressive power with a 5W motor, lasting a full day on a charge. Its directional airflow is focused and effective, though the head is fixed with no tilt. It has a small LCD screen for battery and power, and is quite audible even at the lowest setting.
Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool
Dyson's Hushjet Mini Cool is a powerful handheld fan with a rotating head and high build quality. It offers five power modes and a booster function for a turbo charge of airflow. The fan has app connectivity, but the intuitive rocker switch is more innovative. It's comfortable to hold and can be worn with a neck lanyard for a gentle cooling flow. The charging dock allows desk use, though speed is capped at the lowest setting in the dock.
Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus
The Sony Reon Pocket Pro is a futuristic personal cooling device that uses thermal pads on your back, with a fan to expel hot air. It's wearable under clothing and controlled via an app. The cooling effect is staggering, though it takes getting used to. It's sold out, but you can sign up for restock notifications.
Warmco 10000mAh portable neck fan
This neck fan features two large front fans that circulate air around your head. It's heavier at 500g but fits in a small bag. The airflow is well controlled, and the lowest setting provides subtle cooling. It can get loud at higher settings, and there's no rear airflow. It's best used when seated.
DUUX Rize Fan
The Duux Rize is a stylish desktop fan that can be powered by AC or battery. It has four power modes, an oscillating function, and a telescopic column that converts it from a desktop to a floor fan. It's very quiet and versatile, making it the best for office or studio use. It was even used in a van, plugged into a power station.
JISULIFE handheld fan 5 plus
This compact fan is lightweight and simple to use, with five speed controls. It has a long battery life, lasting a full day on a charge. It's relatively quiet and provides good power for its size, making it a great budget option for commutes or holidays.
Logik L06CFW25 6" desk fan
This traditional desk fan is reimagined for modern use, with a remote control and a wide range of movement. It's powered by AC and offers three speed settings. The build is plastic, but it's effective and quiet compared to older models. It's currently sold out, but you can sign up for notifications.
JISULIFE portable neck fan pro 1
This neck fan is hands-free and directs airflow around your head. It's lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. The five speed options provide flexibility, but the upward airflow can feel odd. It's best suited for sedentary activities like working from home or long journeys.
John Lewis anyday handheld foldable desk fan
At just £12, this fan is compact, lightweight, and surprisingly effective. It can be used as a handheld or desktop fan thanks to an articulated joint. It has three speed controls and a long battery life. While the build feels plasticky, the cooling is effective at close range. The exact model reviewed is sold out, but a higher-power version is available.
Best portable and handheld fan
My personal favourite is the Shark ChillPill 3-in-1, thanks to its balanced power and features, especially the misting head that provides near-air-conditioning coolness. The Gaiatop mini portable fan is also impressive for its simplicity and wide air spread. For a cheap and effective solution, the JISULIFE handheld fan 5 plus is a great choice.
