Planning a trip to Disney World, the tropics, or a national park this summer? We highly suggest bringing a portable fan with you to battle the hot weather. Portable fans are small enough to carry in a purse, backpack, or even your pocket, so they’re also helpful to have in your everyday life.
There are many different types of portable fans, including some that are designed to be worn around your neck and others that can be clipped to almost anything to create a makeshift stand. As long as you’re choosing something that fits your activity, won’t weigh you down, and has a decent battery life, you’ll be good to go.
Our favorite portable fan is the VersionTech Mini Handheld Fan. We love it for its diverse functionality: You can hold it in your hand, fold back the handle and place it on a hard surface, and almost always find a something to clip it on to. While the VersionTech model is our all-around favorite, we have plenty of other recommendations for trips that include things like sightseeing or camping. These are the best portable fans for all of your travel needs.
Our Top PicksBest Overall:VersionTech Mini Handheld Fan at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Budget:Wowgo Mini USB Personal Fan at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Planes:Honeywell On-the-go Personal Fan at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Sightseeing:Jisulife Handheld Fan at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Camping:Fxexblin Camping Fan at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Handheld:EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Hands-free:Comlife Portable Neck Fan at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Clip-on:Sky Genius Battery-operated Clip-on Mini Desk Fan at AmazonJump to ReviewBest With Mister:HandFan Portable Misting Fan at AmazonJump to Review
Best Overall
VersionTech Mini Handheld Fan
Amazon
View On AmazonWhy We Love It
This fan can be held, clipped down, or folded over, making it a versatile accessory for anyone who wants a cooling effect on the go.
What to Consider
The buttons on the outside of the folded handle can be pressed accidentally.
Clip this fan on to an umbrella or stroller, carry it in your hand, or fold the handle down and place it on a sturdy surface. Any way you choose to use it, you can effortlessly create an instant breeze. It’s powered by a rechargeable USB port and can be plugged into a power bank, phone, computer, or even a wall charger to get the battery full. The fan has three speeds (low, medium, and high), and the brushless motor makes it durable and quiet. It can be easily tossed in your carry-on, purse, beach bag, fanny pack, or backpack to add comfort to all kinds of warm-weather occasions, from amusement park trips to concerts and sports games. This must-have summer accessory is available in five colors, including basic black and white and bolder options like baby blue.
Price at time of publish: $16
The Details: USB cable | 4.5 x 2.8 x 4.1 inches
Best Budget
Wowgo Mini USB Personal Fan
Amazon
View On AmazonWhy We Love It
The light modes come in handy when you’re using the fan in dark places.
What to Consider
Because it is designed to be worn around your neck, this fan requires you to pull back your hair to avoid getting it caught in the blades.
For affordable, portable cooling that you can use hands-free, the Wowgo wearable fan is a great option. This one has less bells and whistles than other wearable fans on this list, but it still gets the most important job done: keeping you cool while traveling. It also has three speeds and seven colorful light modes, which come in handy when you’re dealing with low light. There’s also the added convenience of being able to bend the silicone arms to your liking to get optimal air flow. The fan is USB chargeable and will last for anywhere from two and a half to six hours, depending on what speed you’re using. Keep in mind that if you have long hair, it’s best to pull it back so that it doesn’t get wrapped in the fan blades.
Price at time of publish: $11
The Details: USB cable | 7.99 x 6.93 x 1.42 inches
Best for Planes
Honeywell On-the-go Personal Fan
Amazon
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The handle-turned-base design makes this a sturdy choice whenever you want to go hands-free.
What to Consider
The fan only has one speed option.
Planes can sometimes become a bit hot inside the cabin, and the tiny overhead air nozzles don’t help much. The handle on this fan folds down to become a base, which means you can easily set it on your tray table to get a cool breeze fast. It can be powered by either batteries or a USB charge and has a 3-foot air circulation, and it’s foldability makes it easy to store in your luggage or purse. The fan’s handle can be hung from anything, so you can also use it on an exercise bike, cabinet knob, or bathroom hook during your entire trip.
Price at time of publish: $15
The Details: USB cable | 5 x 4.7 x 12.5 inches
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Best for Sightseeing
Jisulife Handheld Fan
Amazon
View On AmazonWhy We Love It
The wrist strap and lightweight design make this portable fan easy to carry while on the go.
What to Consider
This fan is a bit noisy, so be mindful in really quiet areas.
Whether you’re riding on a packed tour bus through a bustling city or trekking to Machu Picchu in the middle of the summer, a small fan can be a comfort game-changer when sightseeing. This one from Jisulife has our approval because it’s tiny, lightweight, and comes with a wrist strap that allows you to drop it and pick up your phone or camera in a flash. When you’re not on your feet, you can flip the handle backwards and use it as a standing fan. The charge will last for up to 46 hours, depending on whether you’re using the low, medium, or high speed setting. It also folds, making it easy to store in your purse, fanny pack, or even your pocket.
Best of all, this fan has multiple uses. It doubles as a charger thanks to the USB output, so you’ll have one more emergency power bank on your trip. The fan can even be used as a flashlight. You simply hold down on the power button when the fan is not spinning, and you’ll have a light in a snap.
Price at time of publish: $29
The Details: USB cable | 5.1 x 1.65 x 1.65 inches
Best for Camping
Fxexblin Camping Fan
Amazon
View On AmazonWhy We Love It
The built-in light and emergency power bank are musts for campers trying to pack as lightly as possible.
What to Consider
This fan is best for a tent or other small space, as it doesn’t put out a ton of air.
When you’re in the great outdoors, you’ll often find yourself in need of a portable fan, whether it’s to cool your tent at night or find a bit of a breeze after a long day of hiking. The Fxexblin Camping Fan is a great three-in-one device for campers, as it’s also a light and emergency power bank. It comes with a remote control, and the fan has three speeds plus light levels to adjust brightness and a timer to set it to shut off automatically. The battery will last for anywhere from six to 25 hours, depending on how high of a setting you’re using and how long the light has been on. Indicators alert you when it’s time for another charge via the USB cable. An attached hook allows you to hang it from your tent ceiling, or you can fold it down to create a standing base.
Price at time of publish: $24
The Details: USB cable | 6.8 x 6.8 x 5.4 inches
Best Handheld
EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan
Amazon
View On AmazonWhy We Love It
Its handle folds up to become a stand so you can set it down and still feel cool.
What to Consider
The power button sticks out, so it may turn on if bumped against something in your bag.
If you’re looking for something handheld with an easy-to-carry handle, this fan is an absolute winner. It has three speeds with a six-blade design to enhance airflow and minimize noise. The USB port allows for easy recharging, and the fan will operate for up to ten hours, depending on the speed you’re using. It’s so slim and light, you can easily fit this fan into your purse, backpack, or carry-on bag so you’re ready to stay cool no matter where your day takes you.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Details: USB cable | 2.4 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches
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Best Hands-free
Comlife Portable Neck Fan
Amazon
View On AmazonWhy We Love It
Six speed options with the ability to rotate both fans come in handy for hot days at theme parks or other outdoor activities.
What to Consider
You might find yourself having to re-adjust the fan if you use it while moving a lot.
Our favorite hands-free option is a wearable fan that you can throw around your neck and not worry about while on the move. This one from Comlife is quiet, lightweight, and adjustable to your liking. Simply rotate the silicon pieces that the fans rest on to create optimal airflow where you need it. Six speeds are available, and you can set it to energy-efficient mode — which turns the fan off and on every 5 seconds — whenever you chose. The fan is chargeable via a USB port and will run for up to nine hours, depending on the speed level, or 16 hours in energy-efficient mode. It’s recommended to tie long hair back so it doesn’t get caught in the fan when in use.
Price at time of publish: $20
The Details: USB cable | 63.6 x 9.6 x 97.2 inches
Best Clip-on
Sky Genius Battery-operated Clip-on Mini Desk Fan
Amazon
View On AmazonWhy We Love It
It rotates 360 degrees.
What to Consider
There are no specific speed selections, only a dial that allows you to adjust the fan speed.
Looking for something to clip on to a child’s stroller, picnic table, tent, or camping chair? Skygenius’s clip-on fan can be attached to almost anything, including your office desk or car seat. The USB port makes charging a breeze, and a full charge will last anywhere from three to six hours. The fan rotates 360 degrees, meaning you can easily adjust where your air is blowing. Charge it from your computer, a USB outlet, or a power bank, and you’re good to go.
Price at time of publish: $20
The Details: USB connection with charging cable | 7.5 x 5.9 x 3.9 inches
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Best With Mister
HandFan Portable Misting Fan
Amazon
View On AmazonView On Handfan.comWhy We Love It
This fan is packed with fun additional features like a misting spray and nightlight.
What to Consider
You may have to frequently refill the mister with water, depending on how much you use it.
Whether you’re lounging poolside or hitting a festival, this fan will be your new outdoor essential. Not only does it feature a misting spray to keep you cool, but it has seven different colored nightlights, so you can use it in the dark or just to have some fun. It has a battery life of up to 13 hours on its low setting and a convenient USB charging port so you can even use a portable charger to ensure all-day comfort. The fan is just about the size of a small notebook, so you can conveniently store it in any day bag for easy access when things get hot.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: USB connection with charging cable | 1.65 x 4.13 x 8.86 inches
Tips for Buying a Portable Fan
Consider the different types of fans available
Before buying a portable fan, consider how and where you’ll be using it. Are you biking through Europe? You’ll need both hands to steer your bike, so you’ll want to find a wearable fan. Do you want something you can take with you daily just in case it gets hot? You can probably get away with a handheld fan that has a wrist loop. If you know you’re going to need it for something like a baby stroller or your desk post-travel, you might want to get a fan with a clip. However you’re traveling, make sure you buy a portable fan that works for your needs.
Make sure you buy the proper size
Take into account where the fan is going as you’re shopping for a portable fan. If you’re going on a cruise and staying in a small cabin, you won’t want something that takes up too much space. If you’re doing a lot of walking, you might want a fan small enough to fit in your pocket. Don’t forget about airline limits as well — you don’t want your fan to be too heavy and weigh down your luggage, and if you’re only packing a carry-on, you’ll want to consider going with a smaller fan to save room.
Choose a power source wisely
Know how to power your fan before heading into unknown places. If you have access to electricity while traveling, a fan with a USB cable is a nice choice, as you can charge it from your phone, a laptop, or power bank. (Just make sure you have an adapter if you’re in a foreign country so you can power your devices.) If you’re camping, you might not have access to electricity, so make sure your fan is battery-powered.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I bring a portable fan on a plane?
Absolutely. You can usually stow a portable fan in your carry-on or checked bags. Just make sure you’re not bringing a bulky, heavy fan that will weigh you down or take up too much room in the overhead bin.
How do I clean a portable fan?
Always check for included cleaning instructions before attempting to clean your portable fan. Every fan is different, and you don’t want to ruin a battery-powered or USB-powered fan by cleaning it with soap and water. Also, make sure the fan is completely off and unplugged from any power sources before cleaning. For general cleaning, remove the battery cover, fan cover, or any part that easily detaches. Dust the fan with a clean cloth to remove any debris.
How do you know a portable rechargeable fan is fully charged?
Most rechargeable fans feature a charging light that will indicate whether or not it’s fully charged. To find out how to tell if your portable rechargeable fan is fully charged, be sure to read any instructions before use.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this article, Amanda Ogle researched dozens of portable fans and used her expertise as a travel writer to craft the perfect list of portable fans for you.
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Updated byTravel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.” tabindex=”0″ data-inline-tooltip=”true”>Taylor Fox
Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.learn more
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