Before I started using a handheld fan, I was a total skeptic - a proud non-believer in the power of tiny, battery-operated wind machines. I'd seen the ones that attach to your phone or fit in a bag, and I couldn't imagine they'd provide any real relief from the heat. They seemed completely unnecessary, like a fidget spinner for people who are too warm. But now that I've actually used the fans on this list, I don't know how I was functioning without them. The answer, it turns out, was poorly.
There are certain scenarios where having a portable fan makes your life so much better: outdoor concerts, weddings, festivals, amusement parks, sporting events, backyard parties - basically any event where humans gather to be slightly miserable together. I don't live in New York City anymore, but I could imagine having one of these on the subway would be a game changer. Despite their size, they do actually create a significant breeze - in some cases, it's enough to stop you from getting sticky, shiny, and sweaty. If you want to make it through a ridiculously hot day without your makeup melting or pitting out, you need one of these handheld fans. Science: still works.
For more ways to stay cool, check out our guides to the Best Fans and the Best Window ACs. Updated June 2026: We've added new fans from Dyson, Shark, and Aecooly, removed discontinued fans, and ensured up-to-date links and prices. No word yet on whether they can also fix your credit score.