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Beat The Heat With One Of These Cooling Portable Fans & Thank Me Later

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by Kim Quindlen
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Amazon/Bustle

If, like me, you crave a cool breeze during the warmer months, you need one of the best portable fans. A summer essential, they're a simple and inexpensive way to stay comfortable in annoyingly hot conditions, no matter where you are. And that's what sets them apart.

Some of the best fans for summer are cooling towers or oscillating options that conserve energy, but let's face it: Neither of those is practical to take with you on the go. Personal portable fans, on the other hand, are lightweight, small, and ready to be tossed into your bag. The best part? They come in a wide range of styles — from fans with water misters to ones you can literally wear for hands-free use — all guaranteed to suit your cooling needs. There's even one that plugs directly into your smartphone for the ultimate convenience factor.

Now that you have a taste of what's out there, it's time to find the best portable fan for you. Here, shop a list of the must-haves available on Amazon, and once you've made your pick, keep the fan shopping going. Choose from the best fans that cool like air conditioners and top-rated window fans, too.

1

The Overall Best Portable Fan

With a motor that can last for up to 20,000 hours, this OPOLAR Handheld Fan is the best overall and a great long-term investment at an unbeatable price. It boasts three different speed settings, a battery that'll last five hours on the highest setting, and a compact, foldable frame that weighs just 6 ounces. Plus, it can even work as a power bank for your phone — just plug a charger right into the USB port. Toss it in your bag or use it as a desk fan — the possibilities are endless.

What fans say: “This fan might be small but it sure is powerful. Love love love. I highly recommend. I love the different levels and speeds, easy to charge, easy to carry around, works excellent in the heat and humidity of the Caribbean.”

2

A Wearable Fan That'll Keep Your Hands Free

If you need your hands free, opt for a wearable necklace fan like this one from OPOLAR. The three-speed option weighs less than 8 ounces, has a battery that can last up to 20 hours, and, yes, can be worn around your neck. It's adjustable 180 degrees (up and down), ensuring you can easily direct the wind based on your height and position. Plus, with a USB charging port that's compatible with multiple devices including laptops and cell phone adapters, charging this fan is a breeze (pun intended).

What fans say: “I'm a backpacker in Texas. It's HOT where I hike. Having this little gem around my neck while I walk makes all the difference in the world.”

3

A Fan That Plugs Directly Into Your iPhone

Compatible with Apple devices starting with the iPhone 5 and up, it's hard to believe this pair of portable fans is so budget-friendly. Each fan is lightweight, and the soft (super safe) fan blade and body come apart, making it easy to store. Since these fans require minimal power, they won't drain your phone's battery or make tons of noise. In this pack, you’ll get a black fan and a pink one, and prepare to never leave your home without one of them.

What fans say: “This fan for iPhone is light and portable to bring around. It is an amazing tool during hot weather. It did not deplete my phone battery life as much as I thought it did. It is such a great invention.”

4

A Misting Fan That Cools Even More

This portable misting fan will become your new best friend if you love a good spritz. Operating on two AA batteries, it's easy to bring with you anywhere — without having to worry about several hours of charging time — and holds up to 1,000 sprays per bottle. You can even sneak some ice into the bottle! Many users cite that it's a life-saver at amusement parks like Disney World, while others love it for everyday life. Plus, its flexible fan blades are completely safe, and if you aren't a fan of blue, it's available in seven other colors.

What fans say: “The fan blades are a flexible plastic so won't hurt little fingers that get in the way while they're on. The volume of water that comes out is just right. A perfect, cooling mist. They're a good size, easy to throw in a beach bag and they fit into cup holders. The colors are actually really pretty too.”

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