5 handheld fans you need for on-the-go cooling this summer
From Shark to Dyson and beyond...
2026 is shaping up to have the hottest summer on record for the UK. We’ve been hit by multiple heatwaves, and the only thing that’s got me through being outside in the sun is a handheld fan.
Handheld fans have been around for years, but it feels like 2026 has seen a huge surge in popularity for them. Instead of cheap, flimsy portable fans that are usually on the market, higher end brands have launched their own models this year, including the likes of Shark and Dyson.
If you’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and buy yourself a handheld fan, here are the five best handheld fans on the market right now for on-the-go cooling.
Best handheld fan overall
1. Shark ChillPill
The handheld fan that started the revolution has got to be the Shark ChillPill. This 3-in-1 fan launched in March 2026, offering portable cooling in a stylish design. Featuring fan, mist and InstaChill attachments, the Shark ChillPill can be used indoors and outdoors, and at just 11.2cm height and weighing just 0.35kg, it’s easy to take with you on commutes, day trips and more.
The best part of the Shark ChillPill is its high-speed fan which has 10 speeds and a maximum velocity of 7.5m/s. It’s intensely cooling albeit a little loud, but that can be ignored because of its great versatility and power. It also has an ultra-fine mister which releases micro droplets to cool you down, and its InstaChill cooling plate lowers skin temperature by up to 9°.
Read our full Shark ChillPill review for more details.
Best premium handheld fan
2. Dyson HushJet Mini Cool
A month or two after the Shark ChillPill came out, Dyson launched its very own – and first ever from the brand – handheld fan, the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool. While it looks like something that stepped out of a sci-fi film, the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool has a lightweight, slim design that’s comfortable to hold and comes with easy controls.
The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is extremely simple with just an on/off button and speed controls, which is a surprise from a premium brand like Dyson. It gets a bit loud, but the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool can handle any intense temperature and its projection power is hard to beat. The cheapest product from Dyson at £99.99, it still gets our vote for the best premium handheld fan due to its high quality and durability.
Read our Dyson HushJet Mini Cool review for more details. If you can’t decide between Dyson and Shark, check out our comparison on the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool vs Shark ChillPill.
Best budget handheld fan
3. JML ChillMax ChillMate
If you’re on a tight budget, the JML ChillMax ChillMate is £14.99 / $19.99 so it won’t break the bank. It might be cheap but it’s certainly cheerful with three fan speeds, a base stand for hands-free cooling, and an up to six hours runtime.
Where the JML ChillMax ChillMate really stands out is its built-in cooling plate. Located at the centre of the fan, this plate can be placed directly against your skin to cool you down quickly and effectively. It works best on places like your wrist, temples and back of your neck where heat builds up.
Best handheld fan for battery life
4. Blueair AlwaysCool
Launched in June 2026, the Blueair AlwaysCool fan ticks lots of boxes. Firstly, its design features an LCD display that shows speed and battery settings, and a tilting head which adjusts its airflow. It has 100 speeds to choose from, and uses AeroSilent technology to operate at a maximum noise level of 46dB.
The Blueair AlwaysCool fan exceeds all expectations with its battery life. It has a 5200mAh battery and can be used for up to 32 hours on a single charge which is significantly more than other brands on this list. Users will need to have it on its lowest settings to make the most of the battery life, but it’s impressive anyways.
Best misting handheld fan
5. Aecooly Cold Air Ultra
Misting is quite a tricky thing to add to a handheld fan as they have a small size and need constant refills. But the best misting handheld fan I’ve found is the Aecooly Cold Air Ultra. It has a wide mouth water tank which gives up to eight minutes of misting with one refill.
The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra has a digital display which easily flicks through its misting and fan settings. It generates speeds and projection of up to 82ft/s and is seriously cooling. It’s slightly bulkier than the other models on this list but it’s easy to hold and travel with.
