Amazon

7 Best Portable Fans That Will Help You Beat the Heat

Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Eats are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

I know, I was just complaining about how cold it was, but I'm starting to realize I'm soon going to be making a fuss about how hot it is outside. Texas heat is no joke, and if you've ever lived here or in neighboring states, you know exactly why I'm searching for portable fans. When it comes to staying cool, I have no shame.

Once temperatures reach about 100-degrees Fahrenheit, you bet I'll pull my wearable fan out of my purse. And for the days the office feels a bit warm, I'll have my table fan ready. (Uh, yes, I'll have a fan for everything.) Travel down to Texas, and you'll see why! However, if you live in a state where temperatures are scorching hot as well, you'll find one of these tiny fans useful, too.

How to Clean a Fan

One of my least favorite parts of cleaning is cleaning the ceiling fan. Unless you're tall or are comfortable on ladders, it's such a hassle. It has to be done, though, especially if you have allergies or pets. Hair and dust pile up quickly!

Don't forget, your other fans need cleaning too. Whether it's your bedroom fan or your desk fan, cleaning it will be much simpler than cleaning your ceiling fan (at least to me).

Proline Range Hood writes, "To clean your fan, unplug it, remove the outer cover (for box fans and other handheld fans), apply a small amount of soap to a damp cloth, and wipe it thoroughly. You can also spray the fan cover with a hose once it's removed - but not the blades unless you can remove them from the fan as well."

You'll be shocked by how icky your fan was! If you don't have a damp cloth, you can copy one of my "struggle" hacks. Cut up an old T-shirt, and you'll have several pieces of cloth to clean your fans throughout the household.

Best Portable Fans

1. Amazon Basics 3 Speed Small Room Air Circulator Fan, 7-Inch

Best desk fan

Here's Amazon's Choice for desk fans. This $16 portable desk fan stands out for just about every spec. It's perfect for the home office that doesn't have a window fan! It has three speed settings and a 90-degree variable tilt head for directional accuracy.

2. GIM Portable Hanging Neck Sports Fan, 6.5-17 Hours Rechargeable

Best wearable fan

This wearable fan is a game-changer. The mini fan blades will circulate enough air to keep you cool while you workout, clean, or work in the garden.

The portable neck fan is under $10.

3. FlyItem USB Mini Portable Fans Rechargeable Electric Bladeless Handheld

Best personal fan for a quick cool-off (and lashes)

If you need something a bit lowkey (or something you can fit in your purse), consider this $15 portable fan. It's perfect for drying makeup, but in this case, we're going to use it to keep our makeup from running down our faces.

The USB fan comes with a power bank to keep it charged and is button-controlled. It has a 21-hour battery life for the lowest setting. It's Amazon's Choice for handheld fan purses for a reason. Check out this awesome review from Angie.

4. O2COOL Deluxe Misting Fan, 1, Grey

Best misting fan

If you go to music festivals a lot, then you're going to want something like this fan. Beat the heat with a fine mist of cold water and cool air!

The battery-operated fan is perfect for parks, baseball games, and more.

5. Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan Black, Small

Best mini floor fan

Here's another desk fan we love. Customers also use it as a floor fan. The Turbo Force fan is perfect for your home gym or office. Feel free to use it in the kitchen, too!

Best portable fan for every room

If you need something a bit more fancy, consider this oscillating tower fan. Moving it from room to room is simple (it only weighs 12 pounds).

Use it in bedrooms or the living room. It'll be sure to cool off the whole room.

7. Mini Handheld Personal Portable Fan, Baby Stroller Fan

Best fan for strollers

I highly recommend this clip fan for baby strollers. The bendable tripod is perfect for keeping babies and toddlers cool at Disney this summer! Maria gave the small fan five stars and said it's a must when you're in the desert.

The cooling fan is also a quick fix for cars without AC!

READ MORE: $14 Wearable Fan Will Keep You Cool (And Sane) This Spring