Handheld fans are hands down the best portable AC units on the market. They are perfect for someone with hot flashes as well as suitable for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Another good portable fan is a neck fan. It is hands-free; thanks to its wearable design. It is particularly suitable for when you are driving your car or traveling by plane or train. It is also a nice purchase for healthcare workers in full PPE.
No matter what you are looking for, we have them here in these consumer reports.
Take a look.
People’s Picks
Best Overall: VersionTECH. Mini Handheld Fan. This portable desk fan features 6 fan blades and can be folded for easy storage.
Runner Up: FlyItem USB Mini Portable Handheld Fan. If you are looking for the best handheld fan for eyelash or makeup application, this unit is for you.
Best Misting Handheld Fan: O2COOL Universal Misting Personal Fan. This personal mini fan features a large reservoir bottle that allows over 1K mists.
Most Versatile: JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Mini Handheld Fan. As its name suggests, the JISULIFE Portable Fan can be used as a flashlight, an emergency powerbank, and, of course, as a fan.
Best Neck Fan: JISULIFE Hands Free Bladeless Portable Neck Fan. This bladeless fan is suitable for kids and the elderly.
7 Best Portable Handheld Fans for Travel Reviews
1. VersionTech. Mini Handheld Fan, USB Portable Desk Fan
VersionTECH. Personal Fan is rechargeable and can be powered by a wall charger, batteries, mobile power, etc. The fan also features 3 adjustable speed levels, which are medium, low, and high. It is easy to set your desired fan speed, as all you need to do is press the power button repeatedly.
What’s more, the 6 pieces of fan blades ensure strong wind that will keep you cool even when you are 3 meters away from the fan. The fan is equipped with a brushless motor that is durable and efficient. The motor works great without consuming a lot of energy or harming the environment.
This handheld mini fan can be folded up to 180 degrees. The foldable design gives maximum flexibility. You can hold the fan in your hands, hang it on an umbrella, clip it on other objects, or put it on the table.
The fan is ideal for when you are in crowded places. Needless to say, you should carry it with you when going to watch a soccer match, WWE, or NBA. It is also suitable for summer travel and camping. You should note that before you use this unit for the first time, make sure you open the battery cover and take out the plastic insulator; otherwise, the fan will not charge or work.
Specifications
- Brand: VersionTECH.
- Color: Black
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Dimensions: 4.5 by 2.8 by 4.1 inches (LxWxH)
- Mounting Type: Free Standing
- Wattage: 4.00
Reasons To Buy
- Durable and works as advertised
- The charge lasts a while
- It is worth every penny
- Perfect for someone that gets hot very easily
- User-friendly and not loud
Take Note
- The power button is easy to press accidentally
2. FlyItem USB Mini Portable Handheld Fan for Eyelash
The mini design allows you to carry the FlyItem USB Fan anywhere. The design improves convenience and ensures you are kept cool in the hot summer weather. This personal fan is also very lightweight and you will not feel like it is burdening you.
The only way you will notice its presence is through the cool breeze it produces. The fan has 2 indicators to further make it much easier to use. There is a blue LED lamp that lights to show that the fan is charged or in use. The other is red, and it lights to show that the fan is fully charged.
To use this AC, simply wet the built-in sponge. Make sure the water does not flow from the sponge. The sponge absorbs water and helps the fan produce a cool breeze. The fan is bladeless, and this makes it much safer to use. Apart from the soft sponge, the fan is made of hard plastic, which is very durable.
Moreover, this handheld air conditioner comes with a USB charging cord and a hanging strap. Charging is through a USB port and should go for up to 2 hours. Once fully charged, the fan will work for 1 – 1-1/2 hours. The FlyItem Mini Fan is available in lots of colors to choose from. These are Rose, Purple, Black, Green, Blue, and Pink.
Specifications
- Brand: FlyItem
- Length of the USB charging cable: 102.0 centimeters
- Working current: 250mA
- Voltage: 5V
- Battery Capacity: 400mAh
- Dimensions: 4.72 by 2.75 by 1.18 Inches
Reasons To Buy
- The fan is very quiet
- User-friendly – easy to charge and turn on
- Ideal for professional lashers
- Does not take up lots of space
Take Note
- Not the most powerful, but still serves its purpose
3. O2COOL Universal Deluxe Misting Purple Personal Fan
O2COOL Misting Handheld Fan is a reliable unit that will help you beat the heat with ease. It is not just a powerful fan but also offers a fine mist of cold water. This well-thought-out design enables the AC to deliver uncountable icy cool sprays of mist. What’s more, the motor of this personal fan is powerful and the blades flexible.
The fan uses 2 AA batteries (not included), which makes it well-suited for outdoors. If you are looking for a super convenient way to keep your face cool at the beach, look no further than the O2COOL Mini Battery-Powered AC. It is also suitable for a camping adventure or a day at the park.
Besides, you can get this personal fan for the kids to keep them cool during travel. It is lightweight and compact; hence, it is easy to store in a tote bag. The stylish design and bright color improve the aesthetics of this fan. That being said, you can buy the fan as a gift for a loved one.
The colors this fan comes in are Dark Blue, Green, Gray, Light Blue, Raspberry, and Purple. The unit has 2 blades, and the number of fan speeds is 1. Nonetheless, this does not mean it is less effective. The included reservoir bottle is large enough to hold water for more than 1K mists. Furthermore, this mini portable fan features an opening at the bottom. The opening is wide enough to fill with ice for an even more refreshing experience.
Specifications
- Brand: O2COOL
- Mounting Type: Clip On
- Controller Type: Button Control
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: 3.78 by 2.83 by 10.47 Inches
Reasons To Buy
- Does not drain batteries
- The cool mist is fantastic
- Wonderful for the price
- Great for trips to Disney with the kids
Take Note
- Goes off without much warning
4. HonHey Mini Portable Handheld Fan for Women Girls Kids
If you are tired of handheld fans that give in much faster than expected, the HonHey Portable Fan for Kids, Women & Girls is for you. It features a non-foldable handle that will not break easily. It also features a brushless motor whose lifespan is up to 15,000 hours. The motor lasts 7X longer than those of the average portable fans.
Additionally, the HonHey Personal Fan is powered by a high-performance lithium rechargeable battery. The 2000mAh lithium battery can work up to 12 hours, depending on the fan speed. It is long-lasting and makes it possible to take the fan with you for a stroll or shopping.
The fan has 3-speed settings, which are slow, medium, and fast. You can easily adjust the speed to meet your needs. Apart from keeping you cool, this fan can be used to dry skin cream, eyelash, and spray. It is also suitable for applying makeup.
Another good thing about this portable mini fan is that you can use it while it is charging. Besides, you can charge it with almost all kinds of USB devices, including a laptop, a computer, a powerbank, etc. The unit takes 2-1/2 hours to charge fully. Plus, it comes with a handy base that quickly transforms it into a handheld desk fan.
Specifications
- Brand: HonHey
- Mounting Type: Free Standing
- Number of Blades: 4
- Finish Type: Painted
- Controller Type: Button Control
- Color: Pink
Reasons To Buy
- Very cute and works silently
- Holds up well even to commercial use
- The battery life is good
- Good for the price
Take Note
- The color is a bit off
5. snawowo Mini Baby Stroller Handheld Fan
The upgraded tripod of the snawowo stroller portable fan is constructed with premium metal as well as featuring a silicone surface. Needless to say, the tripod will not easily get dirty or broken. Plus, it is more durable and easy to clean. The tripod is also easy to bend at any angle you want. You can stand, wrap, hang, wind, or grip it to any surface.
The fan uses a 2600mAh battery and can be charged by a laptop, computer, car charger, powerbank, etc. The rechargeable battery is built-in and charges for 3 hours. Once fully charged, the battery powers the fan for around 3 – 8 hours, depending on the speed the fan is at.
The fan’s motor is of good quality too. It generates strong wind yet it is silent. This means you can use the fan in the office or in a baby crib to keep sleeping baby cool. The fan is also perfect for reading. Moreover, it has one button that makes it extremely easy to operate and switch between the speed settings.
The snawowo Hand Held Mini Fan is very portable. Simply throw it in your travel bag and you are good to go. It is also versatile and can be secured to a baby stroller or crib to keep your little one comfortable and cool while they sleep or play. Plus, you can secure it to your bike or bed for a comfortable night. The fan makes a nice gift for family or friends.
Specifications
- Brand: Snawowo
- Color: Black
- Weight: 260 Grams
- Number of Fan Speeds: 3
- Material: Silicone
- Controller Type: Button Control
Reasons To Buy
- The price is inexpensive
- Perfect for those who live in very hot places
- Attaches almost to anything
- Battery life is good
- Customer service is awesome
Take Note
- Tripod legs do not grip smooth surfaces very well
6. JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Mini Handheld Fan for Women, Travel, Outdoor
JISULIFE Hand Fan takes just 3 hours to charge fully. Once charged, it lasts for up to 21 hours on setting 1 and up to 14 hours on setting 2. The battery life of this mini portable fan is one of the best. So, if you are looking for a unit that you can use throughout the day, the JISULIFE Handheld Fan for Travel is for you.
It is perfect for both indoors and outdoors. It weighs 4.4 ounces and measures 4.7 by 1.4 by 1.4 inches. This means you can easily put it in your purse or pocket. The fan also features a foldable design that further improves its portability by making it easy to store.
It is easy to charge by a laptop, computer, USB power adapter, or portable charger. Besides, this fan is built with safety in mind. The blades it is equipped with are made of soft TPE material. In case you accidentally touch these blades while they are rotating, they will stop automatically to make sure you are not hurt.
The JISULIFE Versatile Handheld Fan also works as a backup power bank. It is equipped with a 5V/1A output port that makes it a reliable 2000mAh powerbank, which can come in handy in case of emergency. It can supply power to your mobile phone, iPod, MP3, etc. Additionally, this unit works great as a flashlight. You will find it indispensable for when you find yourself in a dark environment or in the event there is a power outage.
Additional Information: Unlike most hand fans, the JISULIFE Mini Fan has no frame. But since it is one of the safest out there, this should not be a concern. What’s more, this fan is incredibly quiet and produces just 40 decibels of noise.
Specifications
- Brand: JISULIFE
- Mounting Type: Free Standing
- Controller Type: Button Cotton
- Finish Type: Painted
- Color: Pink
- Wattage: 4 Watts
Reasons To Buy
- The 3-in-1 design is amazing
- The flashlight is very bright
- Perfect for hot flashes
- Holds up well to abuse
Take Note
- The fan stops when rotating blades are touched accidentally, but this is to keep you safe
7. JISULIFE Hands Free Bladeless Portable Neck Fan
If you feel that handheld fans are a little too much because you have to hold them to enjoy their benefits, try the JISULIFE Neck Fan. As its name suggests, this portable fan is designed to be placed on the neck. It has 78 air outlets that will keep you cool even in the hottest summer weather.
What’s even better, this neck fan features a bladeless design, which makes it suitable for the elderly and kids. It looks exactly like a headphone; hence, it will not just keep your hands free but also will improve your overall look.
The fan comes equipped with 4000mAh batteries that work for 4 – 16 hours, depending on the speed setting (setting 1; 16 hours, setting 2; 9 hours, and setting 3; 4 hours). In case you want to adjust the speed, simply press the power button repeatedly. Besides, the JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan has a modified motor that produces just 25 decibels.
This hands-free fan is made of eco-friendly ABS and silicone. It is soft, durable, and comfortable to wear. Additionally, the JISULIFE Personal Neck Fan weighs around 9.1 ounces. It is ultra-lightweight and, therefore, will put less strain on your neck. Given its thoughtful design, the JISULIFE Neck Fan is suitable for hiking, camping, subway, traveling, study room, office, and more.
Specifications
- Brand: JISULIFE
- Material: Silicone and ABS
- Wattage: 5 Watts
- Controller Type: Button Control
- Number of Speeds: 3
- Color: Dark Green
Reasons To Buy
- Blows air nicely even on the lowest setting
- It is worth the price
- The battery capacity is large
- Ideal for someone with hot flashes
- Great gift for healthcare workers wearing full PPE kits
Take Note
- The fan may not fit very securely if you have a large neck
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Portable Handheld Fans for Travel
Finding a good portable fan is not so easy. That is why we have gone even further to highlight some of the factors to have in mind when buying one.
- Design/Type
Portable fans come in different designs. There are handheld fans, which have been widely talked about in these reviews. Also, there are baby stroller fans and neck fans. Mini baby stroller fans are suitable for moms who want to keep their babies cool in hot weather. Neck fans, on the other hand, are hands-free and, therefore, very convenient to use in a plane, bus, train, or car.
- Battery Life
You should choose a portable fan with decent battery life. This kind of fan is very convenient to use since you will not have to charge or get new batteries time after time. Some fans are rechargeable. Well, in case they are the ones you are looking for, be sure to pick a unit that recharges fast and holds a charge beautifully.
- Build Quality
One issue with most portable mini fans is that they are pretty flimsy. But this is not what you want, is it? Therefore, make sure the model you are set to buy is solidly made and can stand abuse. One good quality material that produces super durable portable fans is ABS. In other words, you may want your mini portable fan to be made of ABS or something similar.
- Portability
Do not be so preoccupied with the features of a mini fan that you forget to check how portable it is. Well, a portable fan for travel should be compact so it is easy to store in a purse, pocket, tote bag, or luggage. It should also be ultra-lightweight so it causes little to no strain to the neck or hand. Besides, you can go for a portable foldable fan since they are much easier to keep away.
FAQs for Portable Handheld Fans for Travel
Q1. How do handheld fans work?
Portable fans work just like ordinary fans such as ceiling fans and oscillating fans. Some of them even have different fan speed settings, including high, low, and medium. The only difference between a portable travel fan and other fans is that they will keep you cool even in remote areas with no electricity. They are mostly equipped with blades that move air so you can enjoy a cool breeze and stay comfortable throughout.
Q2. Are portable travel fans loud?
No. The motor of portable mini fans is not as powerful as that of larger models. For this reason, a good number of these fans are not loud. This means you can use yours to keep you cool while studying or sleeping. You can also use it to keep a sleeping baby comfortable because it will not scare them.
Q3. What is the lifespan of a handheld fan?
The lifespan of a mini fan depends on the materials used for its construction. If these materials are sturdy, then expect your fan to last longer. The lifespan of a portable fan also depends on how you care for it. Let’s face it, your fan will not see the next summer if you keep abusing/dropping it to a hard surface, will it?
Q4. Are mini portable handheld fans worth it?
Most mini fans are very cheap, which is both good and bad. It is good in the sense that you can get it even when on a budget and bad in the sense that there is a good chance it is fragile. In our opinion, portable fans are worth it, especially if you have hot flashes or get hot easily. It is also suitable for camping adventures, hiking trips, and everything in between.
Q5. What is the best portable fan for travel?
The best travel fan can be a handheld fan or a neck fan. This portable AC unit is equipped with a long-lasting battery to keep you cool throughout your outdoor adventures. It is also sturdy and, therefore, holds up well to abuse and rigorous use. Furthermore, the best neck or handheld fan features a powerful motor that moves air superbly without making a lot of noise.
Best Portable Handheld Fans Reviews: Summary
Portable travel fans come in many different types, including a neck fan, a baby stroller fan, and a handheld fan. These fans are compact; hence, they do not take up much space. Their compact design also makes them easy to store in the pocket, purse, tote bag, etc.
Moreover, portable fans are ultra-lightweight as well as very easy to use. Handheld fans, for instance, are equipped with just one button, which you can press once to turn the fan on and off or press repeatedly to switch between fan speeds. Portable fans are worth it and will keep you cool on the go.