Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review: an incredible portable fan to make summer easier indoors and outdoors

My flat in London can get extremely hot, thanks to the combination of it being in a new-build block and the city’s humidity during the summer. In previous years, that was a problem. But not in 2025, thanks to the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo.

With another scorching UK summer on the cards – and temperatures rising both indoors and out – a reliable fan has become essential, not just for working from home or cooling down at night, but for trips to the park or garden, too.

That’s where the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo comes in. It’s a cordless, battery-powered fan that delivers powerful airflow, a built-in misting function, and all-day portability, all in a pretty attractive design.

I’ve been using it during the first real heatwave of the year to see whether it lives up to the promise, and whether it deserves a spot among the best fans to buy in 2025.

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review: Price and Availability

The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is available now in the UK, the US, and Australia, with a standard retail price of £129.99 / $129.99 / AU$249.99.

You can buy it directly from Shark’s website or through major retailers like Amazon, Currys, and John Lewis in the UK, and Amazon or Target in the US.

In the UK, Shark currently offers the HydroGo in a charcoal finish, as well as green, lavender, pink, and blue, while US buyers get a similar choice of colours.

At this price point, the HydroGo falls into the mid-range bracket – more expensive than a basic desk fan, but significantly cheaper than premium tower models like those from Dyson.

You're largely paying for the convenience of it being fully portable, rechargeable and mist-equipped – features that are rare to find combined in one fan.

The full-size Shark FlexBreeze, which includes pedestal support and higher airflow, comes in at a steeper £199.99 (around $199.99 or AU$249.99).

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review: Specifications

• Dimensions: 29 x 21 x 22 cm
• Weight: 1.77 kg
• Power consumption: 36W
• Fan speeds: 5
• Airflow reach: Up to 20 metres
• Tilt range: 45° vertical tilt
• Breeze modes: 2 (natural and interval)
• Misting options: Continuous or interval mist
• Water tank capacity: 150 ml
• Battery life: Up to 12 hours (on speed 1 with no mist)
• Power options: Cordless battery operation and mains charging
• Weather resistance: IPX5-rated for rain, UV-resistant casing
• Cord length: 2 meters

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review: Design

The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo doesn’t try to reinvent the fan – but it does make it a lot more versatile.

Finished in a matte charcoal plastic with a smooth, rounded silhouette, it manages to look modern without drawing too much attention to itself. The materials feel solid and well put together, and despite being lightweight, it never feels flimsy or fragile.

There’s a clever modularity to the design, too. The fan can sit flat on a desk or table, clip onto the back of a chair, or attach to an optional pedestal (sold separately) for use as a standing fan.

It’s easy to adjust the angle thanks to the vertical tilt mechanism, and the built-in carry handle makes it simple to move from the living room to the garden or even out to the park.

The ability to move the fan horizontally as well as vertically would be a nice touch, although the two-prong base is sturdy, with rubberised feet making it stick well to any surface.

My only real gripe is the charger – while the fan itself is compact and travel-friendly, the power brick is chunkier than I’d like. Still, once charged, you can go completely cordless for hours, so it's a compromise I can live with.

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review: Features

For a fan designed with portability in mind, the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo packs in an impressive range of features.

To start with, there are five speed settings to cycle through, from a gentle airflow ideal for desk use at closer ranges to a more forceful blast that’s surprisingly effective for outdoor cooling.

One of the standout features, though, is the pair of breeze modes. Instead of a constant stream of air, these settings vary the intensity to recreate the feel of natural wind. It’s a subtle but genuinely effective touch – particularly if you’re sitting nearby for long periods.

Rather than becoming overly dry or fatiguing, the airflow feels more organic and comfortable, like sitting outside. It’s the kind of addition that quickly makes you wonder why more fans don’t offer it.

The built-in misting function also deserves credit. A 150 ml water tank fits neatly into the base and offers both continuous and pulsed mist options. On hotter days, it adds a welcome cooling effect without soaking surfaces or leaving you feeling damp. Indoors or out, it’s a handy extra layer of comfort.

I also found that lower-power misting modes worked well in doors, without getting all of my possessions damp.

Controls are really straightforward, with a small set of three physical buttons on the top of the unit. There’s no app or remote, which might be a drawback for those hoping to integrate it into a smart home setup – but in practice, the simplicity is part of the appeal.

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review: Performance

The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo performs far better than its small size and weight might suggest.

On its highest setting, it delivers a powerful stream of air that you can feel from several metres away – enough to comfortably cool you while working, relaxing, or even sitting in a sun-trap garden.

Unlike some compact fans that only shift the air immediately in front of them, this one actually makes a noticeable difference across a decent space. At lower speeds, it’s quiet enough to use while working or trying to sleep.

There’s a soft whirr at the mid-range settings, but nothing intrusive. The oscillation feature isn’t as wide as you’d get on a tower fan, but the vertical tilt helps you position it exactly where it’s needed.

The misting function works especially well outdoors or near an open window. While it doesn’t change the temperature of the air, it makes the breeze feel cooler on your skin – and that can make all the difference when the sun’s beating down.

Indoors, it’s subtle enough not to create any condensation, but still adds a refreshing touch. Compared to static desk fans or USB-powered portables, this feels like a real step up – more versatile, capable, and useful across a range of settings.

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review: Battery Life

Shark says the FlexBreeze HydroGo can run for up to 12 hours on a single charge – but that’s based on using it at its lowest fan speed, and without the misting function enabled. In real-world use, you’re likely to get quite a bit less.

That’s not a criticism, though. Even at mid-range speeds with occasional misting, the battery easily lasted through a long afternoon and still had power to spare.

For shorter bursts – say, a few hours at the park or during a particularly sticky night indoors – it’s more than up to the job.

Charging is straightforward via its proprietary port, though the included power brick is chunkier than ideal if you’re packing light. The fan can be used while plugged in, so if you’re near a socket, you’re never left without airflow.

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review: verdict

If you’re after a fan that can follow you from your living room to your balcony to your local park, the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo nails the brief.

It’s thoughtfully designed, easy to carry, and manages to offer more than just basic breeze – with its clever wind modes, misting function, and solid build giving it a real edge over flimsier portables.

The battery life may not quite stretch to Shark’s most optimistic claims, but it’s still long enough for most realistic uses. And while the charger is bulkier than ideal and there’s no app or remote, those feel like small trade-offs for something this flexible and effective.

There are cheaper fans out there – and more powerful ones too – but the HydroGo’s unique blend of portability, performance, and features make it one of the most compelling options for keeping cool in a UK summer that shows no signs of getting any cooler.