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Because of climate change, the US Environmental Protection Agency expects average temperatures to rise and heat waves to become more frequent. We can also anticipate more extremely hot days over 95 degrees Fahrenheit, many of which I’ve experienced this summer in Los Angeles.
Our Picks
Bottom Line
Why we like it: Aecooly’s Cold Air fan is simple, but it gets the job done with its five speeds up to 22 mph and a water mister that runs for …
Pros & Cons
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Five speeds up to 22 mph -
Doubles as a water mister -
Quiet at 65.2 dBA -
20-hour battery life -
Three-hour charge time -
One-year warranty
-
Not the most affordable at $50 -
Not the lightest weight on this list
Bottom Line
Why we like it: This is my go-to handheld fan when I’m out all day but don’t want to carry a bigger, heavier fan. It’s compact enough that you…
Pros & Cons
-
Compact without sacrificing airflow -
Lightweight enough to carry for hours -
Around 19 hours of cooling time on a single charge -
Has a built-in flashlight -
Two speed settings -
Can act as a power bank to charge other small devices -
Affordable at $18
-
Doesn’t have special features such as a cooling plate or mister -
The design includes a small bear face and ears, which can seem childish to some
Bottom Line
Why we like it: The ChillPill is like no other handheld fan I’ve tested because of its three-in-one design. In addition to a fan, it also has …
Pros & Cons
-
Three attachments -
Seven fun colors -
10 speeds up to 17 mph -
Two-year limited warranty -
Can be used on a tabletop
-
Pricey at $150 -
Attachments cost extra -
Lower battery life of six hours -
On the louder side at 77.5 dBA
Bottom Line
Why we like it: During my testing, the AlwaysCool stood out with its low noise level of 55.7 dBA, making it the quietest fan on this list. It …
Pros & Cons
-
Quiet at 55.7 dBA -
Lower price of $60 -
100 speeds up to 17 mph -
Long battery life of 32 hours
-
On the larger side at 2.44 x 2.56 x 7.28 inches -
Charge time of four-and-a-half to five hours
Bottom Line
Why we like it: JisuLife’s Pro1 Mini is the second-lightest and most compact fan, after the Fan 8, weighing 0.4 pounds and measuring 2.17 x 1….
Pros & Cons
-
100 speeds up to 17 mph -
Lightweight at 0.4 pounds -
Compact, measuring 2.17 x 1.97 x 5.59 inches -
Long 30-hour battery life -
Low charge time of two to three hours
-
Expensive at $70 -
Midrange noise level of 70 dBA
Bottom Line
Why we like it: The Ultra2 is also a power bank and flashlight, just like the Fan 8, but it packs 100 speeds up to 38 mph. It also comes with …
Pros & Cons
-
100 speeds up to 38 mph -
Flashlight and power bank -
Two nozzles for dusting and inflating -
Low charge time of two-and-a-half hours -
Long 25-hour battery life
-
Expensive at $90 -
Loud at higher speeds, up to 79.9 dBA
As CNET’s senior wellness editor, I used these blazing-hot days as opportunities to test handheld fans. Many of these devices were launched this year, meaning that tech companies are paying attention to rising temperatures and responding with cooling tools. To find the best handheld, portable fans among these products, I’ve spent weeks putting them to the test and comparing price, airflow, interface, extra features, size, battery life and sound.
What is the best handheld fan overall?
Aecooly’s Cold Air is the best handheld fan overall because it strikes the right balance of price, speed and quiet operation — and it includes a built-in water mister as an extra feature. It proves you don’t need to spend $100 or more to get a quality handheld fan that keeps you cool.
Best handheld fan overall
Aecooly Cold Air
-
Five speeds up to 22 mph -
Doubles as a water mister -
Quiet at 65.2 dBA -
20-hour battery life -
Three-hour charge time -
One-year warranty
-
Not the most affordable at $50 -
Not the lightest weight on this list
Why we like it: Aecooly’s Cold Air fan is simple, but it gets the job done with its five speeds up to 22 mph and a water mister that runs for up to eight minutes on a single fill. Its battery lasts up to 20 hours, while charging takes three hours.
A defining factor is its $50 price, making it the second-most affordable fan on this list. It’s often on sale for less. It also ranked second for the quietest fan at 65.2 dBA.
Who it’s best for: The Cold Air is best for anyone who wants a handheld fan that doubles as a water mister. It’s also great for anyone who wants a quiet fan they can use in public spaces without worrying about it sounding like a jet engine.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you’re looking to spend as little as possible on a handheld fan and don’t care about extra features, go for the $18 JisuLife Handheld Fan 8, the most affordable option on this list.
While the Cold Air is fairly lightweight at 0.63 pounds and compact at 2.56 x 2.05 x 6.02 inches, it’s still in the midrange. If you want a lighter, smaller portable fan, I’d recommend the 0.27-pound JisuLife Handheld Fan 8 or the 0.4-pound JisuLife Pro1 Mini.
- Max airflow (mph)
- 22
- Speeds
- 5
- Extra functions
- Water mister
- Weight (pounds)
- 0.63
- Dimensions (inches)
- 2.56 x 2.05 x 6.02
- Battery life
- 20 hours
- Charge time
- Three hours
- Warranty
- One year
- Max sound (dBA)
- 65.2
Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET
Best budget handheld fan
JisuLife Handheld Fan 8
-
Compact without sacrificing airflow -
Lightweight enough to carry for hours -
Around 19 hours of cooling time on a single charge -
Has a built-in flashlight -
Two speed settings -
Can act as a power bank to charge other small devices -
Affordable at $18
-
Doesn’t have special features such as a cooling plate or mister -
The design includes a small bear face and ears, which can seem childish to some
Why we like it: This is my go-to handheld fan when I’m out all day but don’t want to carry a bigger, heavier fan. It’s compact enough that you forget you’re even carrying it, and it fits in most small purses.
It punches above its weight in terms of airflow, at about 8.5 mph. It’s small but has two airflow settings, and I find that it works well during heat waves. The built-in flashlight is a nice touch for practical reasons (I’ve used it to find my keys in my purse at night or even to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant). Even though it’s pretty cheap at $18, the construction feels well-made for the price.
Who it’s best for: This fan is best for those who want something small at 1.46 x 1.57 x 4.72 inches and easy to carry, or a budget option with great airflow. It’s also terrific for those who want a multi-tool, since it has a built-in flashlight and can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you want a device with more bells and whistles, such as cooling plates or misting, this device isn’t for you. You’re getting great value with this fan, but it doesn’t offer anything beyond basic fan utility.
– Nasha Addarich Martínez, head of editorial initiatives
- Max airflow (mph)
- ~8.5
- Speeds
- 2
- Extra functions
- Power bank, flashlight
- Weight (pounds)
- 0.27
- Dimensions (inches)
- 1.46 x 1.57 x 4.72
- Battery life
- 21 hours
- Charge time
- Two to three hours
- Warranty
- One year
- Max sound (dBA)
- 69
Best splurge handheld fan
Shark ChillPill
-
Three attachments -
Seven fun colors -
10 speeds up to 17 mph -
Two-year limited warranty -
Can be used on a tabletop
-
Pricey at $150 -
Attachments cost extra -
Lower battery life of six hours -
On the louder side at 77.5 dBA
Why we like it: The ChillPill is like no other handheld fan I’ve tested because of its three-in-one design. In addition to a fan, it also has a dry-touch water mister and cooling plate attachments. I especially love the latter, which can lower skin temperature up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fan itself has 10 speeds and airflow up to 17 mph, matching the speeds of two other fans on this list: the JisuLife Pro1 Mini and the Blueair AlwaysCool. You can also twist it to make it a tabletop fan.
The ChillPill has the longest warranty at two-years limited. The only other one I tested with that warranty is the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool, but that didn’t make the list.
Who it’s best for: The ChillPill is best for anyone who wants more than a handheld fan. It would also be great for someone who wants a fan in a fun color, as the ChillPill offers seven options. I have the pink one and love it.
Who shouldn’t get it: I wouldn’t recommend the ChillPill to anyone on a budget, as it’s $150 at full price, making it the most expensive fan on this list. While it does come with a wristlet (usually $10 extra), extra accessories such as a crossbody strap, clip and clamp cost up to $30 extra.
Compared to the other fans, the ChillPill was also on the louder side at 77.5 dBA, so I wouldn’t recommend its higher speeds for public spaces. Battery life is also low at six hours.
- Max airflow (mph)
- 17
- Speeds
- 10
- Extra functions
- Water mister, cooling plate
- Weight (pounds)
- 0.77
- Dimensions (inches)
- 1.77 x 3.31 x 4.41
- Battery life
- Six hours
- Charge time
- Three hours
- Warranty
- Two-year limited
- Max sound (dBA)
- 77.5 dBA
Quiestest handheld fan
Blueair AlwaysCool
-
Quiet at 55.7 dBA -
Lower price of $60 -
100 speeds up to 17 mph -
Long battery life of 32 hours
-
On the larger side at 2.44 x 2.56 x 7.28 inches -
Charge time of four-and-a-half to five hours
Why we like it: During my testing, the AlwaysCool stood out with its low noise level of 55.7 dBA, making it the quietest fan on this list. It also has the longest battery life at 32 hours. With 100 speeds, it goes up to 17 mph.
Who it’s best for: Blueair’s AlwaysCool is great for anyone who wants a quiet handheld fan with long battery life. Compared with others on this list, its $60 price is also on the lower end.
Who shouldn’t get it: While it is lightweight at 0.5 pounds, the AlwaysCool is the largest handheld fan I tested, measuring 2.44 x 2.56 x 7.28 inches, so it isn’t ideal for those seeking a smaller footprint. For that, I’d recommend JisuLife’s Handheld Fan 8 or Pro1 Mini.
Because of its long battery life, the AlwaysCool has the longest charge time on this list, at 4.5 to five hours. For shorter charge times, opt for one of the JisuLife fans I previously mentioned, as they charge in two to three hours. JisuLife’s Ultra2 also takes less time to charge, in 2.5 hours.
- Max airflow (mph)
- 17
- Speeds
- 100
- Extra functions
- N/A
- Weight (pounds)
- 0.5
- Dimensions (inches)
- 2.44 x 2.56 x 7.28
- Battery life
- 31 hours
- Charge time
- Four-and-a-half to five hours
- Warranty
- One-year limited
- Max sound (dBA)
- 55.7
Best lightweight handheld fan
JisuLife Pro1 Mini
-
100 speeds up to 17 mph -
Lightweight at 0.4 pounds -
Compact, measuring 2.17 x 1.97 x 5.59 inches -
Long 30-hour battery life -
Low charge time of two to three hours
-
Expensive at $70 -
Midrange noise level of 70 dBA
Why we like it: JisuLife’s Pro1 Mini is the second-lightest and most compact fan, after the Fan 8, weighing 0.4 pounds and measuring 2.17 x 1.97 x 5.59 inches. Because of this, it tends to be the fan I grab when I’m running out the door. Yet it beat out the Fan 8 for this spot as the “best lightweight handheld fan” thanks to its 100 speeds and airflow up to 17 mph.
The Pro1 Mini also has the second-longest battery life at 30 hours, but the lowest charge time of two to three hours.
Who it’s best for: The Pro1 Mini is perfect for those who want a lightweight, small handheld fan they can wear around their neck with the included lanyard or throw in a bag. While I didn’t use the aroma pod it came with, as I didn’t want scent blowing in my face, it could be nice for those who may find themselves in stinky situations.
Who shouldn’t get it: Though it’s often on sale for less, the Pro1 Mini’s full price of $70 is expensive, so it isn’t for those on a budget.
In terms of sound, this fan falls in the middle at 70 dBA. If you want a quieter fan, go with the Cold Air, AlwaysCool or Fan 8.
- Max airflow (mph)
- 17
- Speeds
- 100
- Extra functions
- Aroma pod
- Weight (pounds)
- 0.4
- Dimensions (inches)
- 2.17 x 1.97 x 5.59
- Battery life
- 30 hours
- Charge time
- Two to three hours
- Warranty
- One year
- Max sound (dBA)
- 70
Most versatile handheld fan
JisuLife Ultra2
-
100 speeds up to 38 mph -
Flashlight and power bank -
Two nozzles for dusting and inflating -
Low charge time of two-and-a-half hours -
Long 25-hour battery life
-
Expensive at $90 -
Loud at higher speeds, up to 79.9 dBA
Why we like it: The Ultra2 is also a power bank and flashlight, just like the Fan 8, but it packs 100 speeds up to 38 mph. It also comes with two magnetic nozzles for dusting or inflating. As for the flashlight, it has three brightness modes and an SOS mode that turns it into a strobe light.
Despite these extra features, the fan itself is on the smaller side, measuring 5.31 x 2.95 x 1.57 inches.
Who it’s best for: The Ultra2 is perfect for anyone who wants more from a handheld fan, in the form of a flashlight and power bank. The two included nozzles also make it useful for dusting or inflating beach balls and pool floats.
It’s great for anyone who wants a multipurpose fan for outdoor adventures or camping.
Who shouldn’t get it: This fan costs $90, so it isn’t ideal for those who want an affordable option or someone who just wants a fan with no extra frills. It was also the second loudest fan I tested at 79.9 dBA, so it isn’t be a good match for those who want to use their fan on higher speeds in public places.
- Max airflow (mph)
- 38
- Speeds
- 100
- Extra functions
- Flashlight, power bank
- Weight (pounds)
- 0.65
- Dimensions (inches)
- 5.31 x 2.95 x 1.57
- Battery life
- 25 hours
- Charge time
- Two-and-a-half hours
- Warranty
- One year
- Max sound (dBA)
- 79.9
Other handheld fans we tested
Dyson HushJet Mini Cool: While the HushJet Mini Cool has the highest speed of any fan I’ve tested — 55 mph on boost mode — I don’t feel it justifies its high $100 price. As long as a fan can cool you down, I don’t think speed matters as much.
Aecooly Cold Air Ultra: With 100 speeds up to 56 mph, the Ultra has a higher airflow than its predecessor, the Cold Air, and comes with a touchscreen display and two nozzles, but in my opinion, that doesn’t make it better than the Cold Air — especially at $100. At half the price, the Cold Air is lighter and more compact, has double the battery life and is quieter than the Ultra’s 80.9 dBA.
Best handheld fans compared
| Fan | Price | Max airflow (mph) | Speeds | Extras | Weight (lbs) | Battery (hrs) | Charging (hrs) | Max sound (dBA) |
| Aecooly Cold Air | $50 | 22 | 5 | Mister | 0.63 | 20 | 3 | 65.2 |
| Aecooly Cold Air Ultra | $100 | 56 | 100 | Mister | 0.76 | 10 | 2.5 | 80.9 |
| Shark ChillPill | $150 | 17 | 10 | Mister, cooling plate | 0.77 | 11 | 3.5 | 74.6 |
| Dyson HushJet Mini Cool | $100 | 55 | 5 | N/A | 0.46 | 6 | 3 | 77.5 |
| JisuLife Pro1 Mini | $70 | 17 | 100 | Aroma pod | 0.4 | 30 | 2-3 | 70 |
| JisuLife Ultra2 | $90 | 38 | 100 | Power bank, flashlight | 0.65 | 25 | 2.5 | 79.9 |
| Blueair AlwaysCool | $60 | 17 | 100 | N/A | 0.5 | 32 | 4.5-5 | 55.7 |
| JisuLife Handheld Fan 8 | $18 | ~8.5 | 2 | Power bank, flashlight | 0.27 | 21 | 2-3 | 69 |
How we test handheld fans
I spent weeks testing each handheld fan on this list, particularly on the hottest days, with temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with ensuring that each product works as intended, I also paid attention to how easy it was to use and hold while testing any extra features, such as water misters, flashlights, power banks and, in the case of the ChillPill, a cooling plate.
To measure sound, I used the Decibel X app, holding my phone next to each fan as it ran on its highest speed. Then, I recorded its maximum noise level in A-weight decibels. For reference, a vacuum cleaner is around 75 dBA, while normal conversation ranges from 60 to 70 dBA.
Factors to consider
Airflow: In my testing, I didn’t find airflow speed to be important as long as the fan cools you down. However, those in hotter climates may prefer a fan with higher airflow. Just note that higher airflow usually correlates to more noise and less battery life.
Speed setting range: All the fans on this list have a speed setting range, from two to 100. The range offers flexibility, depending on the situation you’re in. If you’re in a public place, you may prefer a lower speed to keep things quiet, but if you’re outside in the heat, a higher speed will likely be your best bet.
Price: You can find handheld fans available at any price, and, fortunately, there are always many on sale. If you’re on a budget, price is likely where you’ll want to start, but you may not get as much airflow, a wide speed setting range or extra features at lower prices.
Extra features: Handheld fans are no longer just fans. Many now come with extra attachments or built-in features. If you camp or often go on outdoor adventures, features such as a flashlight or a power bank may come in handy. If you want multiple ways to cool yourself down, consider getting a fan that doubles as a water mister, or the ChillPill, which comes with a cooling plate.
Size and weight: If you plan to carry your fan for several hours, travel with it or keep it in a small bag, then you won’t want one that’s bulky or heavy. All the fans on this list weigh less than one pound, but they do vary in size. In my experience, I most often reach for fans that are both light and compact.
Battery life: Fans with extra features or higher speeds typically have lower battery life, so you have to charge them more often. If this isn’t something you want to do, you may want to choose a fan that’s just a fan, but offers long battery life.
Charge time: All the products on this list take five hours or less to charge, but if you’re on the go and don’t want to be stuck waiting for your fan to juice up, charge time is a factor to consider. Out of the fans I’ve tested, the lowest charge time is two to three hours.
Warranty: A majority of the fans I tested have a one-year warranty, though some have up to a two-year warranty. If you’re worried about having issues with your fan, then a warranty is something to pay attention to.
Sound: At higher speeds, all handheld fans will produce some noise, but the exact amount depends on the specific fan. If you plan to primarily use your fan in public spaces and don’t want to disturb others or attract attention to yourself, then a fan with a lower sound level is best, but if you’re going to be outdoors where noise isn’t as much of a problem, then sound level may not be a concern.
Best handheld fans FAQs
What is the quietest handheld fan?
Based on the fans I tested, the Blueair AlwaysCool is the quietest at 55.7 dBA. Next is the Aecooly Cold Air at 65.2 dBA.
What is the lightest handheld fan?
The lightest handheld fan on this list is JisuLife’s Handheld Fan 8 at 0.27 pounds. In second place is JisuLife’s Pro1 Mini at 0.4 pounds.
Can you travel with a handheld fan?
If your fan has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Transportation Security Administration states that devices containing lithium-ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. But check with your specific airline to be sure.
How long does a handheld fan battery last?
Based on this list, handheld fan batteries can last from six to 32 hours.
Are handheld fans safe?
Yes, many handheld fans have grilles that prevent fingers from touching the blades or hair from getting caught.
Are handheld fans waterproof?
Most handheld fans are not waterproof, but some do have built-in water tanks that allow them to mist.
Can you use a handheld fan as a desk fan?
Yes, many handheld fans stand upright or fold so they can sit on a tabletop and be used as a desk fan.
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