We tried and tested the best hand-held fans to keep you cool during the heatwave

We're definitely a FAN of this lot...

best-hand-held-fans

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

It goes without saying, but when the UK gets hit with a sudden heatwave, we're not all that prepared, which is why you need the best hand-held fans to keep you cool in time for those climbing temperatures. After a pretty cloudy summer, there's a heatwave on the horizon, so it's best to be summer-ready.

As everyone always says, 30C feels different in the UK than it does abroad. After all, we tend to have limited air conditioning, and our houses are built to retain heat. So when that heatwave hits, you'll be all the more grateful to have your very own hand-held fan to keep you enviably cool during the hottest months of the year. (Bonus points if you have your own tower fan, we're extremely jealous).

Closer's best hand-held fans at a glance:

The best thing about a hand-held fan, though, is that you can take them anywhere. Just pop one in your handbag, and you're good to go. If you are planning on going on that all-inclusive trip abroad? Even better. Might as well get your money's worth, right? Right.

Gone are the days of your make-up melting off or getting all hot and bothered when you're trying to take a picture in your lovely summer dress by those must-see tourist attractions. A hand-held fan will be your new best mate. Here are the best hand-held fans to shop now as selected by us at Closer.

SHOP: 8 best hand-held fans to keep you cool 2024

Best hand-held fan overall

Expert rating:
5.0
John Lewis Handheld & Foldable Desk FanNatalie Corner

Compact, quiet and available in four colours, John Lewis' handheld fan is a bestseller for a reason. Our Commercial Content Writer, Piper Huxley, was delighted with this fan, calling it 'the best £12 she's ever spent' and saying that it's a 'must-have for the summer.' She went on to say 'I wouldn't be without mine, whether in the UK or abroad,' and described how she 'loved the click handle, several power modes and how it runs quietly and efficiently'. Our Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner, agrees. It's safe to say this bestselling fan, with thousands of reviews, has safely made its way into our basket. See for yourself.

Pros

  • Compact design makes it portable
  • Foldable so you're able to use it as a desk fan
  • Quiet, discreet and doesn't make too much noise

Cons

  • Reviews say the battery may not last long
Colours:White, sage, lake blue, yellow
Size:H25 x W11.3 x D2.5cm
Charge:Standard USB port, rechargeable battery included
Battery life:Up to 9 hours
Fan type:Handheld and desk fan
  • Rechargeable batteries included
  • 3-speed settings
  • 2-year guarantee included

Best multipurpose hand-held fan

Expert rating:
4.5
Benpen Rechargeable Portable Pram FanMaria Martin
Price: £12.99 (was £15.99)

Digital Group Editor Maria Martin swears by this handy multipurpose fan from Amazon. She says, 'I have to say, I was a bit dubious about spending almost £20 for it, but I'm happy I did.' Our writer goes on to say that it is 'very durable and lasted over three years, working for a good couple of days on just one charge'. She says, 'the grip is sturdy, meaning I can prop it on my desk, on a chair while having a picnic, or pretty much anywhere while travelling.' This innovative fan can be adapted to use almost anywhere thanks to its flexible legs, wrapping around surfaces like prams, bikes, high chairs and beyond to offer a powerful breeze.

Pros

  • Flexible, adaptable design to suit you
  • Anti-touch net makes it suitable for children
  • Also attaches to surfaces like prams

Cons

  • Less compact than other designs on the list
Colours:Black, blue, pink, white
Size:7.5D x 10.9W x 27.9H centimetres
Charge:Standard USB port, built-in rechargeable battery included
Battery life:Up to 8 hours
Fan type:Handheld, desk and clip-on fan
  • Built-in rechargeable battery included
  • 3-speed settings

Best viral hand-held fan

Expert rating:
4.5
EasyAcc Handheld Electric USB FansNatalie Corner
Price: £12.40 (was £16.99)

Gaining viral status last year, the EasyAcc Handheld Electric USB Fan features three settings and an impressive 10-hour battery life. We love that it's available in five colours which can be snapped up in a pinch on Amazon just in time for the hot weather to hit. Fans of the product loved its compact design and long battery life, with one reviewer calling this hand-held fan a 'game changer' and 'the best portable fan EVER'. Over 10,000 reviews later and, need we say more? Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner, can even vouch for the product herself.

Pros

  • Powerful motor for efficient cooling
  • Battery life that lasts up to 10 hours
  • Three different speed settings

Cons

  • Reviewers say it may be a bit noisy
Colours:Black, blue, green, pink, white
Size:4 x 11 x 23.5 cm
Charge:Standard USB port, rechargeable battery included
Battery life:Up to 10 hours
Fan type:Handheld and desk fan
  • Rechargeable batteries included
  • 3-speed settings
  • Before using the fan, open the battery cover and remove the insulating sheet

Best foldable handheld fan

Expert rating:
4.5
Price: £12.74 (was £16.99)

While there are other foldable options on our list, thousands of reviewers are raving about this Amazon fan which means it's deserving of a special mention. The VersionTech Mini Handheld Fan has fab portability so you can take it just about anywhere, and fold it down into your bag after a long, hot day. It comes with three speed settings, a clip-on function and loads of colours to choose from. One reviewer went as far as to say it's the 'best fan ever'.

Pros

  • Brushless motor for durability
  • Foldable so you're able to use it as a desk fan
  • Has a portable, lightweight design

Cons

  • Clip on feature may not be as strong as other options
Colours:Black, blue, green, pink, white
Size:4D x 10W x 20.5H centimetres
Charge:Standard USB port, built-in rechargeable battery included
Battery life:Up to 8 hours
Fan type:Handheld, desk and clip-on fan
  • Built-in rechargeable battery included
  • 3-speed settings

Best budget hand-held fan

Expert rating:
4.5
HonHey Handheld Fan PortableAmazon
Price: £5.99 (was £8.99)

As the cheapest option on the list, the HonHey Handheld Fan is a worthy contender in our round up. So much so, in fact, that reviewers have lovingly dubbed it as a 'summer saviour', claiming that they don't leave the house without it. Though it be but small, it is mighty - and this compact handheld fan certainly packs a powerful punch, delivering cool air for up to 10 hours thanks to its high-performance rechargeable battery. You can choose whether to use it as a standard hand fan, or attach it to a base which converts it into a desk fan - your choice. Either way, you'll be glad when you're keeping cool by this budget fan. We know we will.

Pros

  • Fantastic value for money
  • Battery life that lasts up to 10 hours
  • Four different speed settings

Cons

  • The handle is non-foldable
Colours:Blue, grey, pink and white
Size:3.6D x 10.4W x 19.8H centimetres
Charge:Standard USB port, rechargeable battery included
Battery life:Up to 10 hours
Fan type:Handheld and desk fan
  • Rechargeable batteries included
  • 4-speed settings

Best luxury hand-held fan

Expert rating:
4.5
Price: £17.84 (was £24.99)

The JISULIFE Handheld Turbo Fan looks positively fancy, and if it's one thing, it's certainly sleek. A worthy investment that looks so much more expensive than it is, it definitely won't be an eyesore on your desk. Not only that, but the stylish fan boasts five different speed settings and up to 16 hours of battery life. Customers were pleasantly surprised with the quality and power of this little fan, with one even commenting it was 'the best investment they'd made in a long time'. We'll take their word for it.

Pros

  • Sleek, stylish design that looks luxury
  • Battery life that lasts up to 16 hours
  • Five different speed settings

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than other models
Colours:Black, brown, green, white
Size:‎8.2 x 4.3 x 16.7 cm
Charge:Standard USB port, rechargeable battery included
Battery life:Up to 16 hours
Fan type:Handheld and desk fan
  • Rechargeable batteries included
  • 5-speed settings

Best cooling hand-held fan

Expert rating:
4.5
Price: £18.99

Regulate your temperature with the HandFan Handheld Portable Misting Fan. It provides a burst of gentle mist of water to cool your face down in a hot flash, so it's totally genius if you ask us. Ahhh. You can select between three different speeds and whether you want the added mist or not, so you can adjust it to totally suit your needs. Reviewers say to 'get one and don't look back', and we're not going to argue with that. Besides, you'll be the envy of the whole office when you're battling 30C heat, that's for sure.

Pros

  • Releases gentle mist to cool the face
  • Battery life that lasts up to 13 hours
  • Three different speed settings

Cons

  • Other models may be more powerful
Colours:Pink, royal blue, black, white
Size:3D x 9.9W x 21H centimetres
Charge:Standard USB port, rechargeable battery included
Battery life:Up to 13 hours
Fan type:Handheld, desk and clip-on fan
  • Rechargeable batteries included
  • 3-speed settings
  • It has a 17ml water tank that produces a gentle cooling mist

Best compact hand-held fan

Expert rating:
4.5
JISULIFE Small Pocket FanJISULIFE
Price: £14.24 (was £24.99)

Arguably one of the most compact options on the list, we're loving the JISULIFE Small Pocket Fan, especially given its super cute design. This sleek mini fan can be used as a handheld option or folded so it rests on the desk to keep you cool as you work. Its small enough to fit in your pocket, and an added bonus? It also comes with a torch. Yep, this fan can literally do it all. The best part? It can last an unmatched 19 hours on just one charge, and reviewers say it's an absolute 'life saver'.

Pros

  • Compact design means it can fit into your pocket
  • Battery life that lasts up to 19 hours
  • Comes with an added torch function

Cons

  • Other models on our list may be more powerful
Colours:Blue, brown, light green, pink, white
Size:3.7 x 4 x 12 cm
Charge:Standard USB port, rechargeable battery included
Battery life:Up to 19 hours
Fan type:Handheld and desk fan
  • Rechargeable batteries included
  • 2-speed settings
  • It has an additional torch function

FAQs

What different types of hand-held fans are there?

The most popular type of hand-held fan is motorised options. They're super easy to use, and no work is required to fan yourself when you're already hot and bothered. These are usually battery-powered or come with rechargeable batteries that you can charge with a USB, which is really convenient.

If you want to go all out, manual hand-held fans are another style. We often see these on trips abroad, like hen parties and girls' holidays, with some fab designs that can be customised for your girls' trip. They make a great accessory for your outfits and keep you cool while doing so. A total win-win.

What features should I look for when buying a handheld fan?

Portability: Look for a lightweight and compact design that's easy to carry in your bag.

Battery life: Go for a fan with a long-lasting rechargeable battery to avoid frequent charging.

Speed settings: Multiple speed settings will allow you to adjust the airflow.

Noise level: A quieter fan is less disruptive, especially in public or professional settings.

Samantha Price is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for Closer. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on several projects, from championing the Closer newsletters to writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

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