15 Handheld Fans To Keep Cool In Summer 2023

Handheld fans will be a godsend this week, what with the 28-degree heatwave we're being blessed with. Here in the UK we love the sun, but we're not really equipped to deal with it in our carpeted, insulated homes that have been designed to keep the warmth in… Enter: the handheld fan. You probably own one of the best fans for your bedroom (and if you don't, get on it) but, when you're out and about and the Zara changing rooms are about to hit boiling point, one of the best handheld fans will be your best friend. Or this TikTok neck fan. Genius.

Typically, the best handheld fans won't set you back much in the way of £££. In fact, you can even grab one for as little as 99p. That said, you do tend to get what you pay for, and depending on whether you're in need of a gentle breeze to take the edge off or a powerful cooling face mist, the price of your fan will likely reflect its performance. Not to mention this heatwave has got Amazon sellers pumping up the prices of their cooling wares…*sigh*.

Take this handheld misting fan from Amazon, for instance; it comes with three different mist settings (continuous, intermittent or none), a stand so you can use it at your desk or on the go, and a generous ten-hour run time. At £37.90 it's not the cheapest of the lot but, compared to some of the pocket-money price fans, you won't need to hold it practically up against your nose to feel its cooling effect.

What handheld fan types are there, you ask? For starters, you'll want to choose between a battery operated handheld fan and a rechargeable one. While rechargeable may sound like the modern and preferable choice, there are actually benefits to opting for a battery fan, or even a paper fan. For those of you getting ready for the likes of Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and compiling your festival checklists, a battery fan will likely be the choice for you as it means you can simply pop in another set of batteries on the go when it eventually conks out. After all, you're not going to seek out a power outlet at a festival all for the sake of a handheld fan?

Can be used with batteries or USB charge

Elsewhere, you can buy folding fans, fans that double as a phone power bank and even bespoke fans for bridesmaid gifts or wedding favours. We're in love with this white and gold one from Etsy - it has three speed settings and totally looks like a mini Dyson hairdryer, if you ask us. For us, this Amazon Tecknet handheld fan is the best all-round selection. It works as power bank for your phone or tablet, can work for a maximum of 21 hours (good, right?), has four different wind speeds and even stands up on its own for use on your desk or dressing table.

For more from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.

Scroll for our full edit of the best handheld fans to keep cool for summer '23.

Why we love it: There’s not much John Lewis can’t do, so when we saw they were bringing their best travel fan back for 2023, we were elated. This wishlist item sold out last year, so grab it quick for the summer ahead before it inevitably goes OOS.

Pros: The base snaps in half, allowing you to benefit from the cool air while at a desk or even on the edge of a hot tub or inflatable pool (you’d best be careful though, it’s not waterproof).

Cons: None here! & it’s got 236 five-star reviews from customers, too.

Customers are saying: It’s durable, makes for a great handbag fan for on-the-go and it’s excellent value for money.

Save money on handheld mini fans by using these John Lewis retailer discount codes when you checkout.

Why we love it: Freestanding and with a variety of power settings, this Amazon handheld fan works just as well on the go as it does on your desktop, not to mention you can order it on Amazon Prime if you're in need of a cooling blast in a hurry.

Pros: Works for up to 21 hours and includes an in-built portable charger for your phone or tablet.

Cons: The fan itself doesn't bend/adjust if you are using it on your desk.

Customers are saying: Good value for money and only takes two hours to charge fully.

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Why we love it: At a more affordable price compared to its competitors inflated price tags post-heat wave, this Free People portable fan is lightweight - ideal for mums-to-be with an already-heavy labour bag - and features a USB rechargeable battery so you needn't worry about being caught unawares in the hot weather without double AA batteries.

Pros: Also available in baby pink and can be delivered in as little as three days.

Cons: While it does stand on its own, it's perhaps a bit too likely to topple over for use in a home office.

Customers are saying: N/A

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Why we love it: Don't let the eyelash extension angle on this seller's page put you off, the Fenshine USB charging portable fan is not only bladeless, but also comes with its own stand for use as a desk fan, as well as featuring three different speeds to suit your personal preference.

Pros: Battery life will last for up to 8 hours before you'll need to charge it using a USB cable.

Cons: You have to click through all the modes to turn it off with the one button.

Customers are saying: It's a great electric fan for kids given the bladeless design, and is great for everything from setting make up to taking outside in hot weather.

Save money on USB port compatible personal fans with these Amazon discount codes.

Why we love it: With a handsfree 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 bladeless - ideal for kids and pets - and made from silicone to prevent it from slipping should you be sweaty when you first put it on.

Pros: The rechargeable battery-powered fan will work for up to nine hours before it needs to be plugged in and it also has three adjustable wind speeds.

Cons: Cannot be used as a USB desk fan.

Customers are saying: This portable neck fan provides instant relief and is good value for money.

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Why we love it: 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.

Pros: Includes nightlights if you want to use it while reading in bed or perhaps nursing in the night.

Cons: More expensive than some other rechargeable fans on the market.

Customers are saying: A great rechargeable handheld fan, it's relatively quiet and is like having a portable air conditioning unit with you.

Save money on handheld fans for boosted airflow with these Amazon discount codes.

Why we love it: You can stock up on water bottles and Evian mists but, the reality of summer for little ones can be tough. The solution? It’s as simple as a small size clip-on fan to make those hot pushchair journeys all the more bearable.

Pros: It’s USB-rechargeable so you needn’t worry about finding those pesky AAs like you would with a battery-operated fan and, what’s more, it has a flexible neck and a heavenly ‘Breeze-Mode’ setting.

Cons: None here - we even found in Argos’ FAQs that the fan will last up to 6.8 hours on one charge. Woah.

Customers are saying: A good purchase for dogs as well as babies!

Save money on pocket fans, pram fans and more with these Argos discount codes.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a fan with great value for money, this is it. A 3-in-1 fan with a cute teddy bear motif and 1.7k+ of rave reviews, how many can we buy?

Pros: Extra features include a power bank for emergency phone charging and a flashlight for late nights in the dark.

Cons: None from us and buyers are happy, too.

Customers are saying: A great handbag fan, has good power and the charge is reliable, too.

Save money on everything from beauty gift sets to the best fans with these Amazon discount codes.

Why we love it: Whether you’re attaching it to a backpack, a desk or your phone, the clip-on fixing on this Amazon fan makes it oh-so-practical for a hands-free cool breeze on a hot day.

Pros: It has a safety guard for little fingers and can be tilted around a 10° degree angle to suit your needs.

Cons: It’s perhaps a tad big to transport everywhere throughout summer, and weighs nearly a kg at 760g.

Customers are saying: Powerful and quiet - some buyers just remarked that they wished the charging cable was a tad longer.

Save money on the best high speed portable fans with these Amazon discount codes.

Why we love it: A portable fan in a different sense, this cooling fan from Streetwize is designed to sit on your car’s windscreen, keeping you chilled and calm on your commutes.

Pros: You needn’t worry about charging cables with this powerful fan, it comes with a cigarette lighter car charging cable to keep its two speeds on-the-go all the time.

Cons: Perhaps not as versatile with its requirement for a car charging port.

Customers are saying: Great for keeping dogs cool, suction cup is powerful and produces a great air flow in the warmer months when it’s needed.

Save money on everything from garden gazebos to portable air conditioner units with these Argos discount codes.

Why we love it: This Honeywell fan really is a nifty gadget and offers buyers use as both a desk fan for their home offices as well as being small enough at just 16cm on the longest side to be portable for use on the go.

Pros: Can be used with four double AA batteries as well as being USB rechargeable, and can also provide airflow from up to 3m away.

Cons: No easy carry handle.

Customers are saying: Five-stars all round.

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Why we love it: 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.

Pros: Available with two-day delivery and features six fan blades (closed off for safety) for an extra boost of cool. Plus it's a clip-on fan should you like to attach it to a buggy or parasol.

Cons: Is over 20cm when unfolded, so quite big for use at weddings.

Customers are saying: Not heavy, great for menopausal women and has a really long battery life.

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Why we love it: With the option to add personalisation for your wedding party, these handheld fans come in four different colours with nine different font choices and they even have three speed settings.

Pros: The seller is open to discussing pricing for bulk orders.

Cons: £2 delivery.

Customers are saying: N/A for this product, but customers of the seller as a whole are thrilled.

Why we love it: With a great discount for buyers looking to buy these in bulk, as well as the option to customise them for weddings and parties, these floral wood fans are reasonably priced, high-quality and will look great in photos.

Pros: The buyer is open to creating unique designs that aren't listed.

Cons: Doesn't include a little bag or case to protect the flower.

Customers are saying: Very beautiful and a big hit at weddings.

Why we love it: Running for up to five hours with a rechargeable battery, the JML Chilmax fan from Wilko is great for parents and childless buyers alike, providing them with a clip for prams and/or sun loungers and, at only 18cm in size, it'll easily fit in your bag, too.

Pros: The only oscillating fan in this round up, the JML Chilmax comes with 360 degree smart spin technology for a wider range cooling blow that'll rival your full tower fan and desktop fan.

Cons: Not foldable.

Customers are saying: It actually cools you and is really handy that you can clip it onto something nearby.

Save money on the best mini portable fans with these Wilko discount codes.

After more summer content? Fear not because we've got everything from the best rattan furniture to fire pits, the best BBQs and even pallet cushions and outdoor cushions to elevate your exterior aesthetic. If you're travelling this summer, make sure to check out our holiday packing list, guide to the best pumice stones to get your paws pampered for the pool and beach, as well as our top pick of the best Airbnb Luxe stays and Airbnbs Majorca. Happy browsing!

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