The Dreamie alarm clock got me to stop using my phone in bed
Jun 16, 2026 7:48 PMThe Best Handheld and Wearable Fans for People Who Hate Being SweatyWhether you’re at a festival, tennis match, or wedding, these hand fans and wearable cooling devices will make the heat way more bearable.Featured in this articleBest Handheld Fan OverallPlayHot Handheld Turbo FanRead moreBest Waist FanAecooly Portable Waist FanRead moreBest Neck FanJisulife Portable Neck FanRead moreBest Cooling JacketOroro ZenFlow Power Cooling JacketRead moreBefore I started using a handheld fan, I was a total skeptic. 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—and they seemed completely unnecessary. But now that I’ve used the fans on this list, I don’t know how I was functioning without them.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. 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.Photograph: Kat MerckFor 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.Best Handheld Fan OverallPhotograph: Kat MerckPhotograph: Kat MerckVideo: Kat MerckPlayHotHandheld Turbo FanThis fan was a godsend during a sweltering outdoor concert. It bends at the neck, so I was able to set it up on the picnic table and blast it toward my face without even holding it, then straighten it back into the standard position to carry it with me as I walked around. It also comes with a lanyard that allows you to hang it from your neck. It felt stronger than the other handheld fans I tested, and I liked that the blades were contained, which made the airflow feel more concentrated and meant I couldn’t catch them on anything. It kept my face from melting off on the 100-degree day I used it, and while it isn’t slim enough to slide into a clutch or pocket (like some other fans on the list), it fit into my small crossbody bag.There are five speed levels, and the 5,000-mAh battery lasts from three to 12 hours depending on which level you’re using. A digital display lets you know what level you’re using and how much battery life you have left (you can get a full charge in three hours). The only cons to this fan are that it doesn’t have any other uses (no charging bank or flashlight capabilities, like some options on this list), and it’s a bit loud, with a drone-y sound. It didn’t bother me at a loud concert, and I was even able to talk to a friend without any problem, but if you’re in a quieter setting, it might be an issue. At only $20, it’s a solid investment for any outdoor festivals or weddings where you need a heavy-duty airflow to really stave off sweat. —Kristin CanningWIRED/TIREDWIREDHands-free carry and operation5 speed levelsLong battery lifeTIREDCan't fit into a pocketBest Waist FanPhotograph: Kat MerckVideo: Kat MerckAecoolyPortable Waist FanI liked the 3-in-1 design of this chunky waist fan, which lets you wear it on your belt or waistband inside or outside your shirt, on a strap around your neck, or propped up on a table or desk. It's not super lightweight at nearly three-quarters of a pound (which means you can't wear lighter-weight pants or shorts if you plan to clip it on your waistband), and it's not exactly quiet at 53 decibels, but with five speeds and a top wind speed of 866 feet per minute, it's one of the more powerful waist fans I've tried. There's also a “flashlight” on the side with a strobe option, but it's
