Portable fans are the handy little tools that deserve a place in your carry-on
During 2024's record high temperatures , handheld portable fans surged in popularity . For travelers, these mini coolers can transcend trends to become a handy addition to a gear kit. But a quick online search reveals that choosing a portable fan isn't as simple as it may seem.
For one thing, the best personal fan isn't just easy to carry around. It should also be rechargeable, says Sunil Gupta, the co-founder and senior travel adviser at Luxury India Tours , a boutique travel agency specializing in India and other South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Simone Charí Harvin , a travel writer focusing on the African diaspora, agrees, adding that rechargeable fans can help cut down on the unexpected costs and inconvenience of hunting down replacement batteries while traveling.
'The main features I always suggest comparing are the charge type and life, setting options, and size,' she says. 'I also believe more is more, when it comes to fan settings, and often leads to fans with enough power to combat even the hottest days.'
With that advice in mind, we researched the many options out there, from foldable tabletop models to ones you can slip into a pocket. The super slim, do-it-all Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan 3-in-1 impressed us the most. It's affordable, incredibly portable (it fits in a pocket), has a long battery life, and doubles as a portable charger and flashlight. Read on for more of our top picks. The best portable fans for travel
When shopping for portable fans for travel, look for models that are lightweight, fold compactly, and are easy to use (you don't want one that'll be too tiring to hold). Long battery life is important too, especially if you're traveling someplace particularly sweltering or during the warm season, where your fan will get heavy use. We prefer fans with multiple speeds and extra features—as long as they don't make the fan too clunky or too heavy. Best portable fan for travel overall: Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan 3-in-1
Why we like it: This popular portable fan is a little wonder. It's a fan, a flashlight, and even a 2,000 mAh portable charger for topping off your phone. It's also a Nat Geo favorite . Reviewers appreciate that this fan gets up to 19 hours of battery life, when fully charged, and offers two speeds. We also love that you can use it as a handheld or tabletop fan and that it folds down in half for tucking into a pocket.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers say this portable fan can be hard to flip open if you have short nails. Others say the battery life is not as advertised.
Product details: Weight: 124 grams | Size: 1.6 x 1.5 x 4.7 in. | Battery: Rechargeable | Battery life: 12-19 hours | Noise level: 60 dB Best portable misting fan: HandFan Portable Misting Fan
Why we like it: If you're looking for a portable fan that's also a mister, this may be the right option for you. '[I] find this style to deliver the most relief. Plus, it's easy to take apart for cleaning, to prevent any dust or debris malfunctions,' says Harvin.
The 22-milliliter reservoir lasts from 22 to 55 minutes, according to the company. It has three fan speeds and adjusts so you can use it as a handheld or set it on a table. You can even wear it around your neck. LED lights indicate how much battery power is left.
Keep in mind: The highest fan setting will eat up the battery life. The company says it may only last three hours. You can fill the reservoir with tap or mineral water—not distilled or purified water. At about half a pound, this portable fan weighs slightly more and is slightly larger than others on this list. However, it's still very portable.
Product details:Weight: 0.6 lbs. | Size: 4.3 x 2 x 9.8 inches | Battery: Rechargeable | Battery life: 3-10 hours | Noise level: Not listed
( Here are 9 top sun hats for travelers ) Best portable neck fan: Jisulife Portable Neck Fan
Why we like it: This Jisulife option is ideal for travelers who want to go handsfree while sightseeing or getting through sweltering train stations. 'I could see this being ideal for families with little ones on adventure or theme park outings,' notes Harvin.
The bladeless design means hair is less likely to get tangled in it, according to the brand. At the same time, it offers five fan speeds blowing cooling air all around your neck. At top speed, the fan runs for about three hours, while the lowest lasts about 16 hours, according to the brand.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers note that this fan takes a long time to recharge. We recommend recharging at night or first thing in the morning. This neck fan doesn't convert for tabletop use, unlike others on our list.
Product details: Weight: 9.1 oz. | Size: 7.7 x 7.7 x 2.3 in. | Battery: Rechargeable | Battery life: 3-16 hours | Noise level: Not listed
( These are the best portable power banks, according to a mountaineer ) Best portable waist fan: AocoolFan Portable Neck Fan
Why we like it: This portable fan may be advertised as a neck fan, but it also clips to your waistband to deliver cooling air under your shirt. It comes with a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck or set it on a table. It has three speeds and a handy battery indicator, so you know when to recharge it.
Keep in mind: This portable fan takes around three hours to recharge. Some customers note that long hair can get tangled in it, so it's best to tie your hair back before use.
Product details: Weight: 4.8 oz. | Size: 4.8 x 3.2 x 1.6 in. | Battery: Rechargeable | Battery life: 4-12 hours | Noise level: Not listed
( Lightweight sun shirts are an easy way to protect yourself from UV rays ) Best rechargeable travel fan: Gaiatop Portable Fan
Why we like it: With a running time of up to 21 hours, according to the brand, this fan has one of the longest battery lives on our list. It's similar to our top pick yet costs a little less. You can use it has a handheld or a desktop fan. It charges in under three hours, according to the company, works with a USB cord, and is one of the quietest portable fans on our list. Reviewers also report that this fan is durable.
Keep in mind: Some people mention this portable is difficult to open. Others say it's not as reliable as the Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan 3-in-1.
Product details: Weight: 4.2 oz. | Size: 1.4 x 1.5 x 4.3 in. | Battery: Rechargeable | Battery life: 14-21 hours | Noise level: 50 dB Best clip-on portable fan: Amacool Battery-Operated Stroller Fan Tripod Clip On
Why we like it: This portable fan is hugely popular with parents looking for stroller fans, but it's also ideal for travelers. It has a bendable base that secures around lots of surfaces. Reviewers report this portable fan performed well in a variety of locations, including dusty and sandy environments.
Keep in mind: The bendy legs don't work on everything. If you're looking for a fan with a clip, the Beskar Portable Clip On Fan may be a better bet. Just make sure the clip opens wide enough for your needs. Some reviewers note that the Amacool fan can be loud on the highest setting and the battery time can vary significantly. This is also the heaviest fan on our list.
Product details:Weight: 11 oz. | Size: 2.5 x 5.4 x 11 in. | Battery: Rechargeable | Battery life: 2.5-10 hours | Noise level: Not listed
( 7 great reef-safe sunscreens for your next island vacation ) How we chose the best portable fans for travel
As a freelance journalist, I travel extensively for work and frequently get hot, especially on airplanes, and often find myself staying in European hotels without air conditioning. Having a portable fan makes a world of difference for comfort (and sleep quality). In addition to my personal experience, here are other factors I considered when compiling this list:
Third-party reviews: There are many portable travel fans on the market and some aren't worth the money. I dug through hundreds of third-party reviews looking for real-world experiences, details, and frequently mentioned pros—and cons.
Expert interviews: I spoke to three people who are expert travelers, all of whom have used portable fans on their travels to warmer climates, for their detailed advice. Tips for buying a portable travel fan
Consider size, weight, and ease of use
A portable fan won't do you much good if you can't pack it into your carry-on or if it's so clunky that it isn't easy to use on the go. It helps to think about what you'll be doing at your destination too. If your itinerary includes several destinations, then you may want to try a neck fan, such as the Jisulife Portable Neck Fan, so you can keep your hands free to tote bags and other things.
If you're traveling light, a handheld option like our top choice, the Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan 3-in-1 with its built-in power bank and flashlight, may be worth a look. The HandFan Portable Misting Fan would be a good choice for a hot, dry destination.
Noise level
Not every fan on our list displays noise level, but it's something to consider if you're a light sleeper and want to use your portable travel fan overnight.
'Some of these devices can be pretty loud, and you'll quickly get bored of listening to the fan running,' notes Gupta. 'Opt for fans with low-noise operation, especially if you plan on traveling in a group or will spend a lot of time in shared spaces.'
Of the portable fans on our list, reviewers report that the Gaiatop Portable Fan is fairly quiet.
Battery life
As Gupta and Harvin both note, battery life matters. Harvin suggests fans with rechargeable batteries. That way, you don't have to hunt down new batteries in an unfamiliar destination. Our pick, the Gaiatop Portable Fan, has one of the longest running times of the portable fans on our list. Frequently asked questions
What are some portable fan maintenance tips?
Maintaining your fan will help it last longer. 'The biggest maintenance tip is to keep them clean. Whether traveling near or far, it's easy for things like loose hair, dirt, and other particles to make their way into the fan and eventually the motor,' says Harvin. 'Regularly cleaning the accessible parts of the fan, whether detachable or not, with a damp cloth can keep these irritants from making the fan malfunction. It's also a good idea for travelers prone to allergies, as that dust buildup can lead to unnecessary allergic reactions.'
If you choose a misting fan, be sure to clean the reservoir and the blades. Misters can clog if they aren't cleaned regularly. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Gupta also notes that it's important to use the provided charger and to avoid overcharging your fan. 'This way, you'll keep the battery healthy for a long time,' he says.
He also says travelers should take care not to leave fans out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Doing so risks damaging the battery. 'Keep in mind that just because your fan can run uninterrupted for 20 hours, it doesn't mean it should,' he adds. 'Use it only when you have to, and keep it turned off when you don't.'
Can I bring a portable fan on an airplane?
Yes, you can bring a portable fan on an airplane. It's actually a good idea, especially if it runs on rechargeable batteries. Gupta notes that most airlines don't allow you to pack lithium ion batteries in your checked luggage. That's also why portability matters, since you'll be carrying your fan in your cabin baggage.
Can I leave a portable fan on all night?
You can leave a portable fan on all night but you should take some safety precautions. Make sure you place it on a table near you, not in bed with you, says Harvin. 'In case of unexpected issues with electrical sparks and/or batteries, it's better to have the fan away from you and the bedding,' she says.
'Before leaving your portable fan on overnight, check for any damage, especially the power cord and blades. While this doesn't necessarily mean sparks will be flying, you shouldn't leave a device with visible signs of damage running all night,' adds Gupta. 'Make sure to position the fan safely where there's no danger of accidental contact with moving parts or electrical components, and make sure the fan won't fall over during the night.'
Be aware of battery life and whether you'll need the fan while you're out and about the next day.
'Using anything for prolonged periods has the potential to wear it down faster than periodic daily use,' says Harvin. 'But for some scenarios, the relief is worth it.' Abigail Bassett is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Los Angeles, California. She has written for The Atlantic, Travel + Leisure, CNN, National Geographic, and Elle, among other outlets. *Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
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