Even in air-conditioned rooms, small, portable fans are ubiquitous. So you can stay cool on warm days, we spent last summer testing out 25 USB fans to find seven of the best. The list below details the best fans we looked at in length.
Out of all the fans we tested, Arctic’s Breeze Mobile was the most convenient, quiet, and refreshing USB fan. It might be small and lightweight, but it’s still powerful enough to deliver high airflow. Compared to our second pick, Efluky’s Rechargeable Mini Desk Fan, the Breeze Mobile is more portable. You can take it everywhere you go—even on your daily commute—without attracting too much attention. Read on to find out more about it and the other six USB fans we tested.
Top 7 USB Fans Compared
#1 Arctic Breeze Mobile USB Fan
Award: Top Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Breeze Mobile is an ultra-portable USB fan that runs at 1700 rpm and will take up very little space inside your bag as it measures just 92mm (3.6” in diameter). Given its design, the fan is ideal for users who carry around a laptop or own a power bank.
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- Flexible and adjustable neck
- Small and lightweight but powerful
- Silent operation
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- Only turns 90 degrees
- Blades lack a cage
- No speed options
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Measuring 4 inches long, Arctic’s Breeze Mobile is a small USB fan that can easily fit inside a purse. This portability makes it perfect for hot summer months as you can take it everywhere you go. Whether you’re on a train or a bus, you can simply connect it to a power bank and stay fresh before you reach the office. And it doesn’t take up too much desk space. The best modern ceiling fan doesn’t compare to that.
The Breeze Mobile runs at 1,700 RPM, which gives a powerful wind speed for a fan of this size. So even if it looks a little on the small side, this much power is really effective in cooling. It’s really handy, especially on hot days when your high-velocity fan, ceiling fan, or air conditioner just isn’t doing enough. Aside from providing good airflow, it is quite silent as well. It makes a smooth white noise with a noise level that you can easily watch TV or talk over, unlike the choppy whirr sound that other powerful fans make. Thanks to its flexible neck, you can adjust and enjoy a refreshing breeze in any direction. It is available on Amazon and also Amazon’s choice for “USB fan for laptop”. If your office area is larger and still muggy and toasty, pair this fan together with window fans for better circulation.
#2 Efluky Three-Speed Mini Desk Fan with Rechargeable Battery
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: The 4.9-inch Efluky mini desk fan might be small and portable, but it offers great value for its price with its 3-speed settings, LED lights, and built-in rechargeable batteries. It’s a top-rated battery-operated fan that’s ideal for employees and students who have to endure a grueling commute to get to their destinations.
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- 3 speed settings
- Built-in rechargeable 2,200 mAh battery good for 3-9 hours
- Has anti-slip rubber pads
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- Not adjustable
- Too powerful for its size
- Batteries are prone to damage
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If you don’t have the best ventilation fans in your home, this is another good choice. The Efluky USB fan comes with two rubber strips at the base that reduce noise and vibration. Given that it has three-speed settings (low, medium, and high), the anti-slip pads will come in handy when you switch to the highest speed. And the battery life will depend on which of the three-speed settings you use. Also, this is a quiet fan that makes a smooth white noise with a noise level that is not disturbing to work under or watch TV over.
Its rechargeable batteries can last up to 9 hours on the lower setting and at least 3 hours on its highest setting, on a single charge. Thanks to its fast-charging capabilities, it takes at least 2.5 hours to recharge. The fan also has internal and side emergency lights, which you can easily activate by tapping on the power button a certain number of times. This fan is available on Amazon, and is also Amazon’s Choice for a “portable mini fan”.
#3 AC Infinity Multifan S5
Award: Best for Computers
WHY WE LIKE IT: Built for computers and other electronic devices, AC Infinity’s Multifan S5 offers whisper-quiet cooling at a reasonable price. It’s a hassle-free solution to keep your electronic devices cool in hot weather.
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- No complicated installation
- Long-lasting dual-ball bearings
- Has a multi-speed controller for noise and airflow
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- Designed only for computers and electronics
- Speed is a little slow
- Lacks battery power
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AC Infinity’s Multifan S5 comes with two USB fans designed to prevent your gadgets from overheating throughout the hot summer months. Measuring 3.2 x 3.2 x 1 inch, each fan can easily fit behind refrigerators, computers, game consoles, and other devices. It can stand upright or stay flat, right on top of your consoles. With silicone rubber footing, the fan can cool your device without making too much noise. It has a noise level of 2.4 dB. Even with a high-velocity fan or the best outdoor ceiling fan, some days you need some extra cooling and this works.
The Multifan S5 requires no installation, making it easier for you to keep your device from overheating whenever you’re using it.
#4 Aikoper Desk Fan with Twin Turbo Design
Award: Best for Office/Most Unique Design
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Aikoper Twin has powerful blades that produce cool, refreshing air at the lowest possible noise levels. Its advanced features are encased in a small, sleek matte black casing, making it an inconspicuous addition to an employee’s desk.
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- Sleek, contemporary style
- Powerful airflow
- Sensitive touch control
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- Limited fan speed options
- Limited fan speed options
- Poor adjustability features
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Built with Aikoper’s latest twin-turbo cyclone design, this personal electric fan (not a mechanical fan) features a twin-turbo design that produces refreshing streams of air around the room. It only has two speed options—low and high, but no medium setting. It is made of aluminum and plastic frame With its sensitive touch controls, all you have to do is tap its aluminum alloy stand to turn it on or off. This model will help when the best ceiling fans for homes just aren’t cutting it.
Aside from having touch-sensitive controls, its aluminum alloy stand features an anti-shake design. It has two anti-slip rubber strips that reduce vibrations. Even at its highest setting, the fan will stay securely on top of your desk.
#5 Opolar Mini USB-Powered Desk Fan
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: Best Budget
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Opolar USB-powered desk fan features a stable, space-saving, 40-degree articulating head and whisper-silent design. You can take it with you by your bedside and still sleep comfortably.
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- Quiet operation (less than 50 dB)
- Powerful airflow
- Easy to clean
- USB powered
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- Only turns 40 degrees
- Only turns 40 degrees
- Build isn’t very strong
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Opolar’s mini USB-powered fan may not have rechargeable batteries, but it has a 4.9-foot USB cable, which can reach any USB port or outlet, even in the most inconvenient spots. It can connect to a wide array of devices—laptops, power banks, and car adapters, meaning it can function as a fine car fan. It has four anti-slip rubber pads on its base to reduce vibration and noise, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quiet fan. At the same time, they protect your desk from potential scratches. It has three-speed settings for low, medium, and high, and a single button control. This Fan Opolar is a more compact choice compared to the best fans.
This USB fan is also very lightweight, as it’s made from plastic. Which should make it easy to toss in a bag and bring home or to the office. It’s too bad it needs to be connected to a USB power source to work since it doesn’t have rechargeable batteries.
#6 Holmes Heritage Mini USB Desk Fan
Award: Best for Home Decor
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Holmes Heritage USB fan is the most aesthetically pleasing fan we’ve ever laid eyes on, with its 4” blades, retro design, and brushed copper finish. Anyone who wants to stay cool and in style will love this desk fan.
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- Sleek, classic look
- Stainless steel build
- High-end metal finish
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- Limited fan speed options
- Poor adjustability features
- Lacks battery power
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Four-inch blades enable the Holmes Heritage USB fan to cast a powerful, refreshing breeze on hot days. Like other Holmes products, it features the brand’s signature antique look with a high-end metal finish, making it ideal for classic or contemporary spaces and a great complement to the home or office.
Despite its antique style, its capabilities are quite modern. It can be powered from a socket, desktop, laptop, power bank, and more. The fan can tilt its head; however, that’s as far as it goes in terms of adjustability. It is also available on Amazon.
#7 Keynice USB Desk Fan
Award: Best Value
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Keynice USB device is a highly versatile option that you can use as a clip-on fan to secure on top of a steady base and rotate 360 degrees. Thanks to its clip, you can keep your child happy in their stroller on a sweltering summer day.
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- 360-degree rotation
- Highly versatile design
- Quiet operation
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- Limited fan speed options
- Lacks battery power
- Not very powerful
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Measuring 8.1 x 7.8 x 4.2 inches, the Keynice USB fan is the largest on our list, with a cable that reaches 4.9 feet long. It might not be as small as other fans on this list, but it’s just as convenient and useful. If you have a child, you can simply clip it onto the stroller to keep the little one happy and less fussy on a hot day. It’s perfect as a leading stroller fan.
This fan, unlike a few of the options on our list, can rotate 360 degrees, so you can direct the airflow in the ideal direction. Given its design, you’ll likely want to use it with a power bank as there is no built-in battery, though if used at home or the office that will be a non-issue. So, this wouldn’t make it a great travel fan.
Note: Other USB fans worth noting that are not on our list are such as the Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan. This Honeywell model has 3 speeds and a 90-degree pivoting head, with power you can feel from 27 feet away so it is ideal for both the whole room and personal cooling. There’s also a more advanced high-quality product from Honeywell called the Honeywell HTF210B 13-inch table fan for personal cooling with quiet operation and oscillation. It has a sleek design that doesn’t take up too much space, has 4 levels of sound and power settings, an automatic shut-off timer, and uses a DC motor that saves 50%energy vs. AC motors.
How We Decided
USB fans come in all shapes and sizes. For our list, we focused on compact and portable USB fans that you could easily place on top of a desk or inside a backpack. That’s why we chose personal fans that were less than 10 inches small, but we also made sure they were powerful enough to provide extra cooling. Since USB fans are often used in the office or the bedroom, we eliminated ones that would affect the quality of your sleep or work. Stability was also an important factor in our decision-making process. We selected sturdy fans that wouldn’t easily get knocked over. Moreover, USB fans can be some of the greatest fans for college dorms, especially since college kids will use their computers more often.
USB Fans Buyer Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
Given the wealth of options on the market, choosing a USB fan is a lot more challenging than you might think. In your search, you might want to consider the following features:
- Oscillation – An oscillating fan can swing from side to side, promoting better airflow. That means a fan with such a feature can cool a room faster without having to increase the speed of the blades’ rotation
- Speed settings – Since USB fans are often compact and portable, they usually come with a single-speed option, which is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). However, you can also find fans with two to three-speed options, ranging from 500 to 1,800 RPM, despite their small sizes and compact design.
- Power options – Some USB fans are battery-powered. You can use rechargeable or disposable batteries to keep them running, which is very convenient especially when you’re nowhere near an outlet. This additional feature is useful if you enjoy camping and other outdoor activities, which means you’ll need a high-end camping fan to stay cool.
