If you’re anything like me – easily overwhelmed by the midday sun – the best handheld fans can feel like a lifesaver. Between summer heat waves and sweltering-hot festivals, portable handheld fans are more necessary than ever. Sure, SPF, breezy summer dresses, and blotting papers are all heatwave essentials – but when it comes to surviving sweltering commutes or scorching beach days, a reliable handheld fan is the way to go.
So, we've put in the work, and pulled together this edit of the best handheld fans you can buy this season. From simple mini portable fans, to options that also double up as a power bank or foldable desk fan, these gadgets will make it easy for you to stay cool, calm, and oh-so-collected this summer — whatever the temperature.
SKIP TO: Are handheld fans effective at keeping you cool? | What features should I consider when buying a handheld cooling fan? | How we tested handheld fans | Our full reviews.
Are handheld fans effective at keeping you cool?
In short; yes. To get scientific with it, just like an an air conditioner unit or standard electric fan, the increased cold airflow helps speed up the rate that sweat evaporates from your skin – which ultimately helps to quickly cool your body down.
What features should I consider when buying a handheld cooling fan?
For starters, you'll want to choose between a battery operated handheld fan, and a rechargeable one. While a rechargeable fan with a USB port may initially sound like the best option, a battery-operated one is definitely a better bet if you're making a festival checklist for Glastonbury, Reading, or Leeds. After all, finding a place to plug in your USB cable will likely be tricky in the middle of a field — so batteries will likely be easier than a charger.
Noise level is also worth considering, as while nobody will be able to hear a buzz on a busy tube or train, you'll definitely want a model that's as quiet as possible if you're planning on using it in the office.
Finally, would it be beneficial if you picked a handheld fan that could also be used hands-free? From folding models that double up as a handy personal desk fan, to ones that come with special clips and mounts that allow you to attach it to a stroller or umbrella, many popular fans on the market have been designed so that they can be used in more than one way.
How we tested handheld fans
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team – alongside our freelance contributors – have tested our fair share of handheld fans. And we used this knowledge and experience when pulling together this edit. We also dug deep into the specifications of each model – paying attention to things like the number of adjustable speeds, how long the battery life is, and whether it can also be used hands-free – and took note of customer reviews. So, you can be sure that every fan in this article has been thoroughly assessed and approved.
Ahead, our edit of the best handheld fans you can buy in 2025.
Specifications:
- Best for: Doubling up as a power bank.
- Pros: Also a power bank. Small and lightweight. Long battery life.
- Cons: Could be a little more powerful.
- Dimensions: H12 x W4 x D3.7cm.
- Speed settings: 2.
Perfect for a long day out at in the city or a daytime festival, this 3-in-1 fan also doubles up as a spare power bank — and has a built-in flashlight that'll come in handy when the sun goes down. Really petite, its pocket-sized design will come in handy if you're not taking a bag — and it'll provide up to nineteen hours of cooling when used on the lowest speed.
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Specifications:
- Best for: Looking chic whilst staying cool at a wedding or formal event.
- Pros: Pretty and classic. No power required. Folds up really compact. Powerful.
- Cons: Not electric. Not hands-free.
- Dimensions: H21 x W36 x D1cm.
- Speed settings: N/A.
For formal events like weddings and christenings, a classic bamboo and paper fan might feel more appropriate. Quiet and quaint, this small fan will make a lovely additional accessory with its pretty bird pattern in summery shades of green, yellow and pink, and it'll fit easily in a clutch bag when folded up. Alongside being surprised by how robust it seems to be, reviewers can't stop raving about how classy it is — with many saying they loved using it out and about on holiday.
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Specifications:
- Best for: A wearable fan for busy days out in the sun.
- Pros: It can cool for 3-15 hours on a single charge.
- Cons: None here!
- Dimensions: 6.1D x 5.9W x 15.7H cm.
- Speed settings: 1-100 (!).
With 100 (!) speed settings (yes, really), this ultra-chic handheld fan – available in six shades – has been a total game-changer for us. When I tested it out, I felt cooler right away during a sweltering tube ride to the office. The best part? It’s compact enough to slip into your work bag without a fuss, and it even comes with a handy travel lanyard so it stays with you, no matter how busy your day gets.
Specifications:
- Best for: Weddings and formal events where you need a subtle accessory to stay cool.
- Pros: No batteries needed. Folds down to a compact size.
- Cons: Not electric. Not hands-free.
- Dimensions: Unspecified.
- Speed settings: N/A.
Add a personal touch to your warm-weather wedding with these personalised silk fans from Gigi & Olive. Featuring customisable handles, they make beautiful and practical wedding favours your guests will love. Perfect for keeping cool in style, these silk fans are a thoughtful detail that will elevate your big day. They also serve as a chic accessory for other formal occasions when you'd prefer not to carry an electric-powered fan.
Specifications:
- Best for: Attaching to your stroller or pushchair.
- Pros: Baby and toddler safe. Flexible winding arms. Good size.
- Cons: Some customers found that it doesn't last that long.
- Dimensions: H6.3 x W15.7 x D14cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
Keep you and your little one cool and dry when you're out and about this summer with this clever stroller fan. The versatile tripod arms mean you can easily manipulate it to wrap around pretty much any kind of stroller or pram, and the cover has tiny 5.5mm gaps to ensure no little fingers get hurt.
Specifications:
- Best for: Using hands-free in a myriad of different ways.
- Pros: 90° folding head. Five speed settings. Super quiet.
- Cons: We genuinely can't think of any…
- Dimensions: H20 x W9.5 x D3.5cm.
- Speed settings: 5.
With its sleek LCD display that shows which of the five speed settings you're on, detachable stand with an integrated phone holder, and clip-on lanyard for carrying and cooling on-the-go, this nifty fan is packed with plenty of impressive features. Direct the airflow precisely where you need it thanks to the clever 90° folding head, and enjoy staying comfortably cool — whatever you're doing.
Specifications:
- Best for: Kids and beauty practices.
- Pros: Sturdy. Bladeless design. Comes with stand.
- Cons: Quite noisy. Not massively powerful
- Dimensions: H21.6 x W6.6 x D6.1cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
Don't let the eyelash extension angle on this seller's page put you off — this bladeless fan isn't just a bestseller amongst beauty practitioners. Thanks to its bladeless design, it's a safe option for kids — and it also comes with its own weighty stand so they can easily use it as a desk of table fan on hot days.
Specifications:
- Best for: Using hands-free as a table fan.
- Pros: Stable base included. Pretty quiet. Robust and long-lasting.
- Cons: Some people might find it heavy
- Dimensions: H22 x W10 x D3.5cm.
- Speed settings: Doesn't say.
Thanks to its weighty detachable dock, and generally robust design, this handheld fan is guaranteed to stay stable when stood on a table or desk. According to reviewers, it has enough power when fully-charged to last the whole day, and is quiet enough that you can definitely use it during a hospital stay.
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Specifications:
- Best for: Commuters looking for a portable neck fan.
- Pros: Hands-free design. Powerful. Great battery life.
- Cons: Quite noisy.
- Dimensions: H6 x W14 x D21cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
With a hands-free design so you can do all the washing up, laundry, and whatever else you don't want to do in this weather without breaking a sweat, this LYMBETY neck fan is easy to wear on-the-go. It's made from silicone to prevent it from slipping should you be sweaty when you first put it on, will work for up to nine hours before it needs to be plugged in, and has three adjustable wind speeds.
Specifications:
- Best for: A fan that's chic and simple.
- Pros: Clever folding design. USB rechargeable. Compact size.
- Cons: We'd like a little more info on its number of speed settings.
- Dimensions: Doesn't say.
- Speed settings: Doesn't say.
Petite enough to pop into your bag and carry around with you for the day, this sturdy handheld fan can be used upright, as well as folded and placed on a desk or flat surface if you'd prefer. It comes with a USB cable for easy recharging, and is definitely quiet enough to use in a communal space.
Specifications:
- Best for: Quickly cooling down in the middle of the night.
- Pros: Misting fan. AMAZING reviews. Long battery life.
- Cons: None that we can see…
- Dimensions: H21 x W9.9 x D3cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
Suitable for use on a desk and on-the-go, this handheld and foldable misting fan gives buyers that extra shot of coolness with its 17ml water tank for boosted freshness. It's super quiet, and also has a handy built-in nightlight — making it a great option for quickly cooling down when reading in bed, or nursing in the middle of the night.
Specifications:
- Best for: Maximum power and battery life.
- Pros: On-trend design and colours. Can be used hands-free. Really great reviews.
- Cons: Quite loud.
- Dimensions: H16.7 x W4.3 x D8.2cm.
- Speed settings: 5.
For a turbo-charged blast of cool air, look no further than this bestselling fan. It's got an impressive five different speed settings, has been fitted with a nifty noise-reduction shell and low sound motor, and can be used both handheld or as a table fan. Chunky and funky, we're big fans of its modern shape and design.
Specifications:
- Best for: Keeping in the top drawer of your desk at the office.
- Pros: Versatile power sources. Can be hung. Pretty quiet.
- Cons: Could do with some more speed settings.
- Dimensions: H16 x W1.2 x D5.8cm.
- Speed settings: 2.
This powerful fan packs a real punch with its high speed Turbo Power setting that can be felt from up to three metres away. It works really well as a desk fan, but is also foldable and small enough that it can also be easily transported and used on-the-go. Really versatile, it comes with a USB cord for the rechargeable battery — but you can use four AA batteries instead if you'd prefer.
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Specifications:
- Best for: Clipping to a parasol.
- Pros: Clip-on function. Compact size. Good reviews.
- Cons: Can be a little temperamental.
- Dimensions: H10 x W14 x D11cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
It may cost a bit more, but this VersionTECH handheld folding fan has over 7000 five-star reviews and is certainly not one to be overlooked. It's got an impressive six fan blades (closed off for safety), has a long battery life, and comes with a handy mounting clip in case you want to attach it to a buggy or parasol.
Specifications:
- Best for: Cars with bad or broken air conditioning.
- Pros: Great suction cup mount. Quite quiet. Long 2.5m power cable.
- Cons: Not really handheld. Requires a cigarette lighter charging port.
- Dimensions: H12 x W15 x D12cm.
- Speed settings: 2.
A portable fan in a different sense, this cooling fan from Streetwize is designed to be mounted on your car's windscreen via it's strong suction cup, and produces a great airflow. Not just great for humans, reviewers seem really impressed with how well it helps keep their dogs cool on long drives in hot weather when it's placed at the back of the car.
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