Every year, when the annual summer heatwave hits the UK, we go from moaning about the rain and cold weather to complaining about the heat and soaring temperatures.
Because, let’s face it, we’re not really built for it. It’s glorious when you’re cooling off at the beach (or local lido) or sipping on your favourite summer co*cktail, but when you’re stuck in the office or getting public transport, a predicted heatwave is enough to put us into a sweat-inducing panic.
Along with your trusty water bottle, having a portable fan you can move around easily or a handheld option you can keep handy in your pocket or handbag can be a lifesaver when you’re on go. So, rather than staring enviously at that person on the train with their handheld fan, why not keep your cool this summer and shop the GHI’s tried and tested picks?
Here are our experts’ favourite portable fans at a glance, but read on for our full reviews to find out how they did on test.
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2
Runner-up and best pedestal fan
Shark FlexBreeze High-Velocity 12 in 1 Fan
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3
Best desk fan and quietest fan
Meaco MeacoFan 260c Cordless Air Circulator
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4
5
Best quick-charging portable fan
Daewoo COL1540 4” Portable Rechargeable Desk Fan
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6
Best portable fan for style
John Lewis ANYDAY Handheld & Foldable Desk Fan
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7
Best budget portable fan
Dunelm Fine Elements Rechargable Handheld Fan
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8
Best portable fan for extra features
Beldray 3-in-1 EH3413GR Foldaway Cordless Fan
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See AlsoVenturing Outdoors Just Got Easier With These Summer-Proof Handheld FansBest handheld fans 2023: Keep your cool when the temperature rises | Expert ReviewsA Portable Fan is Our Favorite Must-Buy Summer EssentialROG Ally X - Black Screen, No Backlight, Unresponsive, No Sounds, Joystick RGB Lights On & Fans On.
What is the best portable fan?
When it comes to finding the best portable fan, there were lots of things to consider. Some models are larger and act in a similar way to a tower fan – due to their size, they have a wider range of oscillation and many come with a pedestal stand so they can be transformed from a desk fan to a standing fan. But, ideally, they should still be cordless and lightweight.
Other portable fans are designed to be handheld, and are your go-to gadgets for cooling down when the heat gets too much. Not only are they fantastic for summer, but they’re also a handy to have in your bag if you experience hot flushes.
Do portable fans use a lot of electricity?
In short, no. Every handheld fan in this list scored well in our energy efficiency testing, generally costing around one penny for a total charge. Even the portable fans that need to be plugged in (such as our desk fan), use a fraction of the electricity that larger fans do as they are typically smaller.
How we test portable fans
As well as using each portable fan during their regular week to see how they perform, our experts also analyse them for power and performance in the lab.
They measure the speed of each fan with an anemometer and look at the difference between the fan’s highest and lowest setting to see how much control the user has over air flow.
We also look at sound levels (because no one wants to drive their fellow commuters mad) and examine power usage by running any corded fans for two hours or charging the cordless models from an empty to a full tank, to find out which will cost the least to run.
In the case of cordless fans, we use it for the full running length at full power to measure against the brand’s claims and check the time taken to charge from an empty to full battery.
On top of this, we assess the design, ease of use and any accompanying product information to make sure you can shop with confidence.
Pros
- Great distribution of air
- Well-built and seems long-lasting
Cons
- No quiet mode
Score: 92/100
With a massive 100 different speeds (yes, you read that right), this aesthetically pleasing handheld fan (it comes in six shades) was a hit from the get-go. Panellists loved its cooling powers with one saying it made them feel more comfortable “straight away” on a hot day on the bus.
That’s the benefit of a handheld model, too. This lightweight fan fits easily in your bag and even comes with an attachable travel lanyard so you won’t lose it on the way.
Overall, it was very easy to use, and boasts a digital screen that displays the wind speed and battery power. Speaking of the battery, it lasted three hours on the highest setting so you won’t be caught short on your commute home either.
Key specifications
Type | Handheld |
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Weight | 260g |
Oscillation | N/A |
Number of speeds | 100 |
Battery life | Three to 15 hours |
Claimed charge time from empty | 2.5-3.5 hours |
Noise level on highest setting | 79.6dB |
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use
- Colour coded battery life indicator was easy to understand and visible on the top of the fan
Cons
- Children could fit their fingers through the holes if left unattended
Score: 91/100
Claiming to offer 12 cooling combinations in one, the Shark FlexBreeze has heaps of features. It can be used cordless or corded, either indoors or outdoors. And to switch it from a free-standing, pedestal fan to a desk fan, you simply adjust the height of the pole. It can also be operated with a remote control.
In terms of cooling power, testers could feel its strength from across the room and appreciated the five different speeds and varying oscillation.
While this isn’t one for travelling with, it’s still a great portable fan for moving around your home or office. And on the hottest days, using it in the garden is a great way to keep cool – it even has a misting attachment that sprays water over you if you attach your garden hose. We feel more chilled already.
Key specifications
Type | Freestanding fan |
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Weight | 5.67kg |
Oscillation | 180 degrees and 55 degrees tilt |
Number of speeds | Five |
Battery life | Up to 24 hours on lowest settings |
Claimed charge time from empty | Five hours |
Noise level on highest setting | 50.1 dB |
Pros
- Really clear instructions
- Small and easy to carry vs. a standard tower fan
Cons
- Its highest speed wasn’t the strongest compared to others we’ve tested
Score: 90/100
Meaco’s portable fan is the perfect choice for keeping you cool on hot days. While there are only four fan speeds, testers noted a good difference between each setting and appreciated how simple it was to switch from one to the other, as well as how quiet the fan was. It comes with a built-in nightlight, too, so would be a welcome companion for camping or for alfresco dinner parties.
You won’t have to worry about the battery, either. Our testers found it long-lasting, circulating air at various speeds for over four hours in our tests.
Again, it’s not one for chucking in your handbag but for moving around your home, it’s an easy to use, intuitive fan that won’t disappoint.
Key specifications
Type | Desk fan |
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Weight | 490g |
Oscillation | 65 degrees up |
Number of speeds | Four |
Battery life | Up to 14 hours |
Claimed charge time from empty | Six hours |
Noise level on highest setting | 47.6dB |
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Pros
- Wipes clean easily
- No external blades or places to get hair or fingers caught
Cons
- Not very discreet and you can’t change the direction of air flow like you can with a handheld fan
Score: 87/100
You’ll be the envy of every person in the office or on your morning commute with this fan. It simply loops round your neck so you can keep your hands free for your phone, bag or morning coffee, and it keeps you cool by circulating air quickly and evenly through its dual-turbine motor design and the 78 air outlets distributed around the neck.
There are three wind speeds, which had noticeably different strengths; however, they weren’t as powerful as other fans we’ve tested. But we think its lightweight, intuitive design is probably worth the compromise. Our testers found it stayed on easily, too. That’s our morning commute sorted the next time a heatwave rolls around.
Key specifications
Type | Hands-free neck fan |
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Weight | 255g |
Oscillation | N/A |
Number of speeds | Three |
Battery life | 3-16 hours |
Claimed charge time from empty | 3-5 hours |
Noise level on highest setting | 51.2dB |
Pros
- Has a sturdy base so won’t tip over easily
- The charging time is fairly quick in comparison to other fans
Cons
- It’s a little too chunky for commuting
Score: 86/100
This lightweight fan is made to sit comfortably on your desk, in your car, or by your side on the hottest days. On test, it was great at distributing cool air and our panellists liked that you could tilt the head up and down to alter the direction of airflow. It was easy to use too, with accessible, responsive controls.
There are only three speeds and it’s not the most powerful fan we’ve tried; however, it was still effective at keeping our panellists cool with everyone saying they’d recommend this fan to others.
Key specifications
Type | Desk fan |
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Weight | 235g |
Oscillation | Only tilts up and down |
Number of speeds | Three |
Battery life | Eight hours |
Claimed charge time from empty | 2-3 hours |
Noise level on highest setting | 68.1dB |
Pros
- Instructions were clear and easy to follow
- Fairly quiet
Cons
- Quite basic - no flashy features like a battery indicator light
Score: 82/100
Lightweight and available in a range of stylish colours, this handheld fan is the one for taking to events and meals out – or for bringing a pop of colour to the office.
It was hard to fault in our ease of use tests – it’s easy to assemble, travel with, control and clean – scoring perfect marks. Testers also liked its foldable handle, which doubles up as a stand for use on a desk or table.
Again, there are only three speeds which weren’t overly strong but this is a great basic fan that will complement every summer outfit going.
Key specifications
Type | Handheld fan |
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Weight | 190g |
Oscillation | N/A |
Number of speeds | Three |
Battery life | Nine hours on lowest speed |
Claimed charge time from empty | Five hours |
Noise level on highest setting | 51.6dB |
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Pros
- Easy to change speeds and switch on/off
- Very lightweight
Cons
- The base is a little stiff to remove and could be lost easily
Score: 79/100
Despite a no-fuss, no-frills design, this affordable fan ticked the boxes for keeping our panellists cool as a cucumber. It’s small and compact, so it can fit in a handbag or decent-sized pocket and comes with a detachable base, allowing you to use it as a handheld or desk fan.
Testers found it intuitive to use, which was lucky as the instructions lacked detail, but the three speeds circulated air well, with the fan blades providing an even distribution of air. Some panellists thought the design felt a little cheap but for a budget buy, we can’t complain.
Key specifications
Type | Handheld fan |
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Weight | 180g |
Oscillation | N/A |
Number of speeds | Three |
Battery life | 1.5 hours on highest setting |
Claimed charge time from empty | Two hours |
Noise level on highest setting | 50.2dB |
Pros
- Boasts lots of features for the price
- Has a natural wind mode – the air strength alternates between the lowest and highest setting
Cons
- Charging took quite a while considering the short battery life
Score: 77/100
Boasting an LED ring light and an aromatherapy pad for diffusing essential oils, Beldray’s 3-in-1 fan does a lot more than just cool you down on a hot day. Panellists enjoyed the calming fragrance and the light is great for taking selfies, or as a feature in your room.
Along with these fun extra features, panellists praised the fan’s adjustable design, which allows you to switch easily between a pedestal and desk fan, as well as its foldable stand that offers fuss-free storage.
It is too big to carry on your morning commute but makes a good flexible option for home.
Key specifications
Type | Pedestal fan |
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Weight | 1.75kg |
Oscillation | N/A |
Number of speeds | Three |
Battery life | Up to two hours on highest setting |
Claimed charge time from empty | Approximately five hours |
Noise level on highest setting | 50.9dB |
Pros
- Controls are responsive
- Clear instructions with helpful diagrams
Cons
- No timer or night mode
Score: 77/100
Our panellists loved this Igenix desk fan for its even air distribution and large 12-inch design. It’s one of the only fans on our list to offer varying degrees of oscillation, allowing you to cool the entire room and circulate air well.
Panellists appreciated its minimalist design but were disappointed by the limited portability. While it’s fairly lightweight and compact, it isn’t battery-powered, so you’re restricted by a cord. It’s still very easy to move between rooms though, and it’s steady once in-place thanks to a well-built and balanced base.
Key specifications
Type | Desk fan |
---|---|
Weight | 2kg |
Oscillation | Left to right with adjustable tilt |
Number of speeds | Three |
Battery life | N/A |
Claimed charge time from empty | N/A |
Noise level on highest setting | 77.4dB |
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The verdict on portable fans
Keeping cool has never been so easy. Our winning portable fan, the JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan, is our top pick, with a huge range of air speeds and long battery life.
If you’re looking for a portable fan for your home or office, we suggest checking out Shark’s FlexBreeze Portable Fan. It’s expensive but incredibly versatile and even comes with a misting attachment, which could be invaluable on hot WFH days.
If you want to stay cool for less, Dunelm’s Fine Elements Handheld fan is an affordable, yet reliable pick.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing household products for 100 years, looking for those smart gadgets that will make our readers’ lives easier.
Our GHI homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, helped develop the rigorous testing protocols for portable fans, making sure we tested them as you would use them at home and on the go, to ensure they’ll deliver on their claims.
Our homes writer, Megan Geall, has written hundreds of product reviews and knows what to look for when interrogating test results, helping you make the best decision for your budget and lifestyle.
Tested byBlossom Boothroyd
Homes Testing Manager
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.