Best Battery-Powered Fans
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Power Source
Some companies offer up information on how many ft/s (of feet per second) their products product. What this means is how many feet air can travel per second. It’s difficult to compare these to products like window units because a lot of companies calculate them by ft/m (feet per minute) because they are designed for much larger spaces. Computer fans, for instance, typically generate about .30-.50 ft/s- which is pretty minimal- and it is not typically something you would use to ever cool down a person. Therefore, we tried to select models that not only listed how many ft/s they created, but also what reviewers had to say. The range for these models went anywhere from 75 ft/s to 10 ft/s, and that is even if the company was willing to offer up that information. We also determined power based upon what people had to say. If a unit wasn’t able to generate very much power, there was usually an overwhelming amount of customers that made sure to make note of that. If there were too many users complaining about minimal power, we simply moved on to another design.
Advanced Features
We know, how it looks isn’t going to help it move air any faster, but it doesn’t hurt. Typically these blades are housed in a black plastic frame that has a round face. We liked when companies tried to spice it up a bit by using colored plastics for the case to add a little bit a character to your gear. No one said that you had to be so serious all the time- there is nothing wrong with pepping it up with some neon green gear! We looked at other things besides colors, though. We were a big fan of products that offered a good sturdy clip to use to mount it. These clips make you able to mount to a bedpost, a dashboard, to the handlebars of your bike, to your treadmill (doesn’t that sound like a good idea?), or on your stroller to keep your little one cool on long walks. Products that had clips that also worked at a stand to keep it from knocking over was along a big plus.
Portability
Odds are, if you are shopping around for one of these products, you are looking to take it with you on some adventures. Whether you are tossing it into your suitcase to use at the beach, or into the trunk of your car to take to the campsite for a hot and sticky weekend, you are going to want something that is easy to tote. Most of the units on our list, with the exception of some of the larger models, actually fold in half so that you could even carry it in a purse or backpack if you wanted to. Portability is an important feature, and if it was too bulky or cumbersome without adding any additional features, we wouldn’t use that model for our list.
Effectiveness
If you are someone that isn’t held back by a little blistering mid-July heat, you know better than anyone that ensuring that you are equipped with the right gear is the most important thing. A lot of products out there making claims that their designs will last for hours on end without needing a recharge, or that they have a breeze so powerful it could blow a top hat off of a goat- but it’s important that you listen to what past users have said about them. When companies make grandiose claims about their products, they really need to deliver. A common complaint we discovered when researching these products is that they don’t have enough juice to last a decent amount of time, or that they have all of the power of a toddler blowing on a dandelion. To ensure that you are geared up this summer with the best tools to keep you cool, there were a few things that we kept in mind while selecting the products that made this list.
Top 10 Picks
1. Ommani
While some users find that the sound of these products is rather soothing and don’t mind if they make a lot of noise, some find that they want something that runs almost silently. If silence is what you are aiming for, it doesn’t get much quieter than the Ommani design, which clocks in at around 30 decibels (the equivalent to a quiet rural area)
Read moreDesign:
The outside frame of this unit is composed of a white plastic that has light blue hinges and arms connect the face to the clips. The base has a clip that is able to be affixed to most surfaces, and also serves as a stand while laying on a flat surface.
Size:
This compact model stand to be over 6 inches tall and 5 inches wide, making it one of the smaller units that you might find out there on the market.
Power:
When the rechargeable lithium batteries are at a full charge, they can last for up to 3.8 hours on the highest setting and up to 8 hours on the lower power setting. To charge it up, simply plug the USB cable into a power source. It has 4 different speed settings that you can select from to adjust the power of the breeze.
Ease of use:
All of the things you will need to adjust this unit is found on the back panel. You can turn it on by pressing the power button and then adjust the speed by pressing the plus or minus buttons located next to the power button. When you need to plug it in, the micro USB port is located right next to the power button.
Value:
No surprises when it comes to checkout here, this design costs about the same as many of the similar designs out there on the market. If you wanted to ensure that you purchased something that wasn’t the least expensive, but that wasn’t the most expensive- this is a really great option.
Summary:
For those that want something that is almost as quiet as a whisper and don’t want to spend a lot of money on some of the bigger options, this is a great piece of gear to take along with you on your next camping trip.
2. SkyGenius
This little guy is really great at what he does. It has a surprising amount of power for a smaller unit, can clip on to almost anywhere, and it is about to run for a really long time without the need of replaces or recharging the batteries.
Read moreDesign:
This model has a round face and comes in a black plastic shell that is incredibly durable. It also as a clip that runs along the bottom to allow the user to affix it to many different types of surfaces.
Size:
Including the mounting clip, this unit stand up to be 8 inches tall, and 6.2 inches wide, which makes it perfect for small spaces.
Power:
There are two ways to keep power running to this unit. You can opt to get power from a USB port- perfect if you are working on your laptop and need a little bit of air circulation, or you can use the included and Rechargeable 2600mAh 18650 battery that will supply you with about 2.5-6 hours of power (dependant upon the power setting).
Ease of Use:
No need to dig out the toolbox when it comes to replacing batteries. Simply pry off the back panel to put in a new unit. The back panel is also where you adjust the power. There is a dial that you can turn to adjust the power setting from low to high, and it is also where the USB charge cable is plugged into (it uses a micro USB so that if you lose it, you will likely have a similar cable to use at home to replace it).
Value:
In terms of price, this unit falls right in the middle of the road. It isn’t the most expensive unit out there on the market, but it is far from being the most expensive. It will likely set you back the same amount of money you spend on a take-out pizza.
Summary:
If you want something simple and affordable that travels well, the SkyGenius is going to be your best bet. If it isn’t plugged into a USB power source, the life doesn’t last all that long when placed on a high setting- which may be a deal breaker for some.
3. Honeywell HTF090B
Honeywell has been making really great products for the home since they were founded in 1906. It is no surprise that they are coming in on a top spot on our list with their sharp portable design. This is perfect for picking up and using in various rooms around the house or packing it up for outdoor events or traveling.
Read moreDesign:
This unit has a round face with an understated black plastic frame. It has an arm that is able to be unfolded to use as a stand, or it can also be used to hang from a hook. It comes in a matte black design with the Honeywell logo printed in red letters in the middle.
Size:
It is pretty small, and measures to be about 6 inches long and stand up to be about 5 inches high. Don’t let the small size dissuade you, however, because its power can be felt from up to 3 feet away.
Power:
What’s great about this product is that if you are in a place where you have access to electricity, you can simply plug it into a USB port for continuous power. When you are on the go, it will need 4 AAs. Per-user reports, 4 fresh AA’s will provide about 8-10 hours of power.
Ease of Use:
There aren’t any options to adjust the power level with this option. Simply press the power button that is located at the bottom right of the face. If you want to use alternative USB power, the plug can be found in the reading of the unit.
Value:
This is one of the more affordable options out there on the market, and will likely set you back about the same that you would spend on breakfast in the morning.
Summary:
For those that want the option of something that can run off of AA’s, but can also be plugged into an outlet when being used around the house or gym- this is an excellent choice that is very affordable.
4. O2COOL
O2COOL has a lot of different design out there on the market- but this model has the best features, as well as an incredible amount of positive reviews from past users. It not only provides you with a good deal of airflow wherever you are, but it also comes in a lot of fun color options.
Read moreDesign:
The O2COOL has a found face that is housed inside a square plastic shell. Users can select from a wide variety of shell colors that include blue, pink, green, orange, purple, black, and white. It doesn’t have a clip like some of the others, but it has a wide flat base to prevent it from tipping over.
Size:
This unit stands up to be a perfect square. It measures to be about 6.9 inches high and 6.9 inches wide, which is just a little bit smaller than some of the others you might find on the market. To visualize this design, it can fit comfortably in the palm of your hand- from the tip of your fingers to the base of your palm.
Power:
You are going to need to take a trip to the drugstore to power this unit up because it calls 2 D batteries that are not included with purchase. It might be frustrating to make a special trip to buy this type that isn’t utilized much anymore- but it will be worth it. One pair will give this unit an impressive 55 hours of life.
Ease of Use:
There is a power setting the runs along the side that you can use to adjust the power level. Users can select from two setting- low and high. When you are ready to pack up and head home, the back folds in to make it easy to store and carry.
Value:
Hands down, this is one of the most affordable options out there on the market. For the price, you could buy 2 of these for the same price as the SkyGenious design and put one in the front and back seat of your car.
Summary:
It’s important to keep in mind that the price may be appealing- but this unit doesn’t come with batteries, and it doesn’t have a clip so that you can mount it higher up or on something that is moving like a stroller. However, it is set at a really great price point and comes in a lot of different colors.
5. OPOLAR
The OPOLAR offers users with something that is a little bit bigger than a lot of the other options out there on the market. Due to its larger design, it might be a little bit cumbersome to load up into a travel bag or suitcase for a trip, but if you can spare the room it will give you superior airflow.
Read moreDesign:
This has more of a thin wire frame design that resembles those old floor models that you would find in schools and gyms. It has a round black frame that sits on a black metal adjustable bar.
Size:
The size of this unit is what makes it stand out from the crowd, it measures in at an impressive 9 inches tall.
Power:
There are two different power options for this unit. You can either use the micro USB to plug it into a power source while you are at home, or you can opt to load it up with two rechargeable 18650 Li-ion batteries. Unfortunately, you can only use these and not the kind you would pick up at the drugstore. With a full charger, users will be able to get up to 6 hours of continued used with this unit.
Ease of Use:
Everything that you will need to get this up and running is located on the back panel. Simple pry off the back to load it up with the batteries that come with the purchase. To turn it on and adjust the power, simply turn the switch to the right or the left. The micro USB outlet can be found on the back panel as well.
Value:
The price is a little bit of an issue with this design. This cost about three times as much as the Honeywell option. However, if you need something that is a log larger and can really get the air moving, it is well worth the padded price tag.
Summary:
If you want something bigger that is able to pack a punch, this is a great product for the money. It might be a little bit more difficult to pack than some of the other folding options- but if you are heading anywhere hot for the weekend you will be glad that you made the room.
6. COMLIFE
This unit is made to be taken pretty much anywhere. It has a compact design that makes it easy to pack, and a clip on the base that can really secure to any surface. One thing that makes this unit stand out from the rest is that it is actually able to run without using both the batteries that are included with purchase.
Read moreDesign:
The COMLIFE has a basic black rounded plastic frame. The mount at the bottom is made from a really thick and durable plastic, and it is able to secure in place with a clip that can screw into place. Another feature of this item is that you can load it up with your favorite essential oils so that the air around you smells fresh and clean.
Size:
The size of this unit is just slightly larger than the standard size you have come across on the market. It measures in at 8.3 inches tall, 5.91 inches wide, and is 3.94 inches thick.
Power:
The output of this unit can generate about 10.5ft/s- which is a little weaker than some of the other options so it is important to keep that in mind. However, this little unit can do a lot more than you might expect. If you have managed to lose one of your rechargeable batteries, this will actually run with just one. Also, you can use the micro USB to plug it into a USB charging station. Plus, if you are running from a full charge- there is actually a USB output so that you can even charge your phone while camping out in the woods.
Ease of Use:
The power source, as well as the USB ports, are found on the back of the unit. If you wish to adjust the power that this unit emits, simply turn the dial found at the bottom. One square means a low setting and three square means the highest setting.
Value:
While it isn’t the most expensive model that you will find out there on the market- it is far from being the most expensive. It sits just a little bit higher than many of the averagely priced models on this list.
Summary:
If you are constantly on the go and want something that will be easy to stow and will keep you cool even during those hot camping trips in the middle of July- this will be a great addition to your gear, and it won’t take up all that much room in your pack.
7. IEOKE
The IEOKE really packs a punch. It comes as just a standard design that offers all of the things that users would want, but it costs a little bit less, doesn't take as much power to get running, and users rave that it is a powerful little unit.
Read moreDesign:
There are no frills and thrills when it comes to this design. It has a round face with a solid black plastic frame. What makes this design really great is that the clip also serves as a stand. So, if you don’t want to clip it onto something, you can just use the clip as a stand on any surface.
Size:
This unit stands up to be about 7 inches tall and just over 5 inches wide, which makes it a little bit bigger than some of the other options.
Power:
There are two ways to power up this little unit. You can use the micro USB cable along the side to plug it into a power source. If you are on the go. One of the single rechargeable Li-ion is all that it needed to power up this unit.
Ease of Use:
There are 4 different levels of power that you can set this unit at to give you different levels of airflow. Turning it on, adjusting the power, and replacing the batteries are all found on the back panel. Even the USB input port is found on the back of the unit.
Value:
The price of this unit is pretty standard for similar options that have similar features like this one out on the market. It will likely set you back the same amount of money you would spend on a take-out pizza. Plus, IEOKE offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren’t pleased with the performance.
Summary:
For those that want something simple, easy to use, but can also pack quite a punch in just a little unit, the IEOKE will be an excellent addition to all of your summer adventures.
8. LEESOR
The LEESOR design offers users something that is just a little bit more fun and compact. It will be perfect for travelers that are always on the go and want something that can charge up quick, and hold a charge for the duration of your road trip. Plus, it comes in at a very reasonable price point.
Read moreDesign:
While the frame boasts the standard found face with a round plastic frame and base- they offer more color options than just standard black. Users can also select from a run summertime blue color that will really stand out while sitting on the beach or lounging by the pool.
Size:
The entire unit measures to be 8 inches tall, and 6 inches wide. Also, the clip is able to open up to be 2 inches, making it easy to clip just about anywhere.
Power:
You can run power to this unit in one of two ways. The first way is to plug the USB into a power outlet to not only give it power but to also charge the lithium rechargeable batteries. When you are on the go, one charge can hold anywhere from 3 to 6 hours of power, and it typically only takes 30 minutes to fully recharge when plugged into a power source.
Ease of Use:
Everything that you need to operate this model can be found on the back panel. There aren’t any features that allow you to adjust the speed of air, so the only button you will need to operate is the on and off switch.
Value:
The cost of this unit runs in the middle of the road. It isn’t the most expensive model out there, but it is far from the least. Considering the power that this little unit can emit, it is well worth the price point.
Summary:
If you want your gear to be a little bit more colorful than the standard black options, and you want something that will hold a charge for a while- and charges up quick- this is a great little piece of gear that is perfect to take along with you on your next trip, or just to leave in your office on stuffy days.
9. TOMOTO
TOMOTO has a really great outer shell that is perfect for packing up and taking on the go. It is easy to use, and safe enough to clip on to the side of your baby’s crib. Plus, unlike some of the other brands on the market, you can pick between two different color options.
Read moreDesign:
The outside shell of this model has a round plastic face and a plastic frame. Users can select between the standard black option, or going for something that is a little more playful in powder blue. It has a clip at the bottom that makes it easy to clip on to most surfaces, but it can also be used as a stand
Size:
The entire unit- with the clip included- stands up to be about 8 inches tall and is just over 6 inches wide. The face of the fan measure to be about 5 inches, which is a little small.
Power:
When running off of a full charge, this unit can run for about 2 hours on the highest setting and around 5 hours on the lowest setting. The downside of the TOMOTO design is that it takes about 2 hours to get the lithium batteries back up to a full charge.
Ease of use:
This model is incredibly easy to use because everything to need to operate it is located on the back panel. You can adjust the speed using the dial at the top, and the located of the micro USB port is situated just below the speed setting for when it is time to give it a charge.
Value:
This is one of the more affordable options out there on the market and is priced just slightly below that of the average prices that you might find for a similar design.
Summary:
If you need something that is easy to use, and can plug into the USB port of your computer- this is a great choice that is offered at a reasonable price point that won’t break the bank.
10. Coleman
Breaking away briefly from the standard designs that are made to work in a variety of places and situations, we wanted to select something that was designed specifically for camping. Coleman took a problem- the stuffy camping tent in the middle of the summer- and created a product to add a little bit of extra airflow.
Read moreDesign:
This unit is a little bit bigger than some of the other options out there on the market. It has an open face that promotes more air flow- but could be a little troublesome for little ones with curious little fingers. It has a black plastic frame and a solid black base.
Size:
This unit measure to be about 11 inches tall and the base of this unit can fit in the palm of your hand.
Power:
There are 2 speeds for this unit- low and high. The good news is that it can run for up to 21 hours before needed to be recharged. The bad news is that it only takes D cells (not included), so you are going to have to stock up on D cells before heading out into the woods for a long weekend.
Ease of Use:
Everything that you will need to control this unit can be found right on the base. The power button is located on the left-hand side, and you can adjust the fan speed with the same button. Coleman includes mounting screws if you want to mount this unit to a permanent place.
Value:
Surprisingly, this unit costs about the same price as many of the smaller designs. However, it is important to keep in mind that even though the price is low, you are still going to have to add in some additional cost for the supply of D cells.
Summary:
If you need something this summer that will run for a long time without interruption and won’t need to be recharged- this is an excellent option that comes from a trusted brand.
Sources
- Top 10 Best Battery Operated Fans in 2019, Article ,