Before I start using a hand fan, I was very skeptical. I had seen the ones that attach to your phone or fit in a bag, and I couldn’t imagine they would offer any relief from the heat—and they seemed completely unnecessary. But now that I’ve used fans on this list, I don’t know how I was doing without them.
There are certain situations where having a portable fan makes your life better: Outdoor concerts, weddings, parties, amusement parks, sporting events, backyard parties. 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 actually create a lot of wind—in some cases, enough to keep you from getting sticky, shiny, and sweaty. If you want to get through a hot day without your makeup melting or breaking off, you need one of these handheld fans.
Photo: Kat Merck
For more ways to stay cool, check out our guides Best Fans and Best Window ACs.
Updated June 2026: We’ve added new fans from Dyson, Shark, and Aecooly, removed fans that didn’t have fans, and confirmed updated links and prices.
