Beat the heat with this round-up of our favourite handheld fans available from retailers like Amazon, John Lewis and The Range
The UK is finally set to enjoy a heatwave this weekend, which means many Brits will keen to get out and about, firing up the BBQ and soaking up the sun. But for those that want to keep cool when the temperature soars, a handheld fan can be a life-saver.
With the whole country expected to see temperatures in the 20s – with a peak of 24C – you may want to act fast to snag one of these budget-friendly fans. The best handheld fans can prevent you overheating on stuffy trains, bus journeys and even at summer festivals.
They can also be used to stop makeup from melting as the weather heats up. Prices on this list start from as little as £2, so there’s a fan for every budget.
Top 3 handheld fans
Best handheld fans to buy 2024
Here’s our roundup of stylish, discreet and wonderfully portable handheld fans – including options from Amazon. This guide features something for every budget, so you should have no trouble finding the perfect one for you. Ready to beat the heat? As the scorching weather begins, snap up one of the handy gadgets below, and thank us later.
1. EasyAcc Handheld Portable USB Fan
Best overall handheld fan
Get up to 17 hours of cooling time with this handheld fan – perfect for long days in the garden. This sleek gadget folds up easily to fit in your bag and it can also be used as a small desk fan when you’re working from home.
Pros
- Long-lasting power
- Folds up easily
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pricier than other handheld fans
Price: £18.99, Amazon – buy here now
2. John Lewis 4″ Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan
Best stylish handheld fan
Lightweight and easy to carry, this John Lewis option comes in four stylish colours. It operates for approximately nine hours on low speed, six hours on medium speed and four hours on high speed.
The fan is even designed with a nifty fold-out stand, making it a wonderful choice for a desk. It also comes with a two-year guarantee.
Pros
- Includes rechargeable battery
- Includes charging cable
- Super quiet
- Has a fold-out stand
Cons
- Takes five hours to fully charge
Price: £12, John Lewis – buy here now
3. OCUBE Mini Handheld Fan with 7 Colour LED Light Base
Best LED light handheld fan
Light up and stave off the heat with this handheld fan that boasts an LED light base. Not only does it look cool, but has three speed settings and a powerful top speed. It’s also rechargeable on standard USB ports – like a laptop – has a long battery life and it doubles up as a desk fan.
Pros
- Looks good
- Has a powerful top speed
- Can be used as a night light
Cons
Price: £9.99, Amazon – buy here now
4. Rechargeable Handheld Bladeless Fan
Best bladeless handheld fan
If you’re looking for a powerful fan on a budget, this bladeless device is for you. Available in white, pink or green, it can emit wind from 360 degrees and provides a soft breeze. A USB cable charger is included, allowing you to charge on the go.
Pros
- Boasts a stylish design
- Bladeless
- Includes USB cable charger
Cons
Price: £12.50, The Range – buy here now
5. Gaiatop Handheld Foldable Fan
Best discreet handheld fan
If you prefer a minimal look, go for the Gaiatop Handheld Foldable Fan, Foldable Small Fan that’s discreet, lightweight and compact. It can run for a whopping 21 hours and is rechargeable by USB – it can even be used as a power bank in an emergency.
This fan is available in a range of colours including blue, yellow and rose, but its the pink model that’s the cheapest.
Pros
- Super discreet and compact
- Soft and safe blades
- 14-21 hours usage time
Cons
Price: £12.99, Amazon – buy here now
6. YunTuo Mini Portable Handheld Fan
Best travel handheld fan
An attractive and handy fan, this little number can work cable-free for up to 15 hours. Powered with two rechargeable batteries, it has three speed settings and delivers strong power.
There are six different colours available including coral, white and blue, plus 15% off using the voucher on the Amazon product page.
Pros
- Anti-slip bottom
- Strong and durable
- Come in different colours
Cons
Price: £15.99, Amazon – buy here now
7. Halfords Simply Motorised Handheld Fan
Best budget handheld fan
If you need something cheap, you can’t go wrong with this budget-friendly option from Halfords. Priced at just £2, the affordable model is ideal for keeping stashed away in your bag.
This fan are designed with foam blades, it is safe to use and won’t hurt your hands or face like plastic ones could if you get too close. Powered by two AA batteries, each one features a 4500rpm motor to deliver great airflow.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Extra safe foam blades
- Small size
Cons
Price: £2, Halfords – buy here now
8. JISULIFE Handheld Fan
Best multi-purpose fan
This three in one design not only keeps you cool on hot days, but also works as a flashlight and a power bank for when your phone battery runs low. Great for travelling, it offers up to 21 hours of cooling time and can be charged with a USB socket from other devices like a laptop, power bank or car charger
Pros
- Foldable
- 21 hours cooling time
- Pocket-friendly
Cons
Price: £18.99, Amazon – buy here now
9. Revolution Hand Held Electric Fan
Best for makeup lovers
If you tend to do your makeup during commutes, this light-up fan is a safe bet. The mini-handheld gadget not only keeps you cool with a gentle breeze, but also has built-in ring light that helps you achieve the perfect glam on the go.
It can also clipped onto a phone, bag or mirror so it can be easily used while on the go.
Pros
- Built-in ring light
- Comes with a micro USB cord
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- Only comes in pink
Price: £9.29, Amazon – buy here now
Check out our top tips on staying cool during the heatwave.
We have also picked some affordable portable air conditioning units for your house, should you want some industrial-level cooling down when the temperatures begin to soar.
