The best portable fans to keep you cool, heatwave tested and reviewed by editors

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.AppliancesWe tested portable fans to find the best neck fans, handhelds and more — these 6 are our top picksThese small appliances kept us cool on even the most humid days.July 14, 2026, 3:25 PM EDTCory FernandezCommerce EditorSkip to table of contents The best portable fans include affordable options from Shark, Jisulife and more.Courtesy Jem Alabi / Josh Liu / Zoe MalinTable of contentsOur top picksThe best portable fans in 2026How I picked the best portable fansHow to shop for portable fansFrequently asked questionsWhy trust NBC Selected?See 3 MoreAs a native Floridian, I’ve experienced just about every version of extreme heat you could imagine. Walking to get the mail and coming back sweating or stepping into a car with leather seats in the middle of July feels like a nightmare. With that said, appliances like portable fans help make these everyday situations more bearable. That’s why my colleagues and I at NBC Selected have tested several portable fans over the years, including neck fans and handheld fans (even ones with cooling plates) to get a breeze of relief during our daily commutes and activities in New York City, crowded subway trains and all. Below, I’ve rounded up the best portable fans to help you stay cool this summer and beyond. Selected.Our top picksBest overallJisulife Handheld Mini Fan$12.32$13.76AmazonLearn moreBest neck fanComlife Portable Bladeless Neck Fan$21.59$23.99AmazonLearn moreBest fan with a cooling plateShark ChillPill$undefined$149.99AmazonLearn moreBest splurgeDyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan$undefined$99.95AmazonLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedThe best fans for cooling a room (and body): tower, pedestal, desk, and moreWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.The best portable fans in 2026All of the portable fans below have been tested by...