Summer is coming. In addition to days at the beach, cookouts in the backyard and generally improved levels of happiness, the change in seasons means warmer temperatures. Granted, at the beach or in your yard, these temps aren’t much to worry about. However, if you’re stuck indoors in your work from home office, uncomfortably high temperatures can hamper progress and concentration. Our advice is to be prepared with one of the best desk fans.
The best desk fans can offer near-instantaneous relief from stifling temperatures without the commitment of permanently changing your desk setup or investing in larger air-conditioning units. When it comes to choosing the best desk fan for you, here are some of the most important factors to consider.
Size – For some people, adding an extra item to their desk will take up valuable surface space. If this is the case for you, consider the size of your desk fan and favor options with a smaller footprint.
Portability – You aren’t at your desk for the whole day, so having a device that is easily moved between locations can be beneficial, especially if temperatures stay high through the night. Many fans include built-in handles or compact designs to aid in portability.
Power Source – You’ll also need to consider the power source for the device. Different fan models use various power sources. Some use a power socket, some use a USB port and some include built-in, rechargeable batteries. There are also models which combine power options for greater convenience. If remote use is something that appeals, it may be worth considering a device that runs on battery power.
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Safety – On the whole, fans are safe. However, if you live in a household with tiny fingers and paws, you may prefer a bladeless design or a model with foam, safe-to-touch blades.
Below, you’ll find 14 of our favorite desk fans. There’s an option for every type of desk as well as versatile fans which are ready to come with you anywhere you go. Scroll down and find the right desk fan for your needs.
1. OPOLAR USB Desk Fan
BEST OVERALL
While the OPOLAR USB Desk Fan may be the cheapest fan on our list, it’s undoubtedly one of the best. Just ask the 15,000+ Amazon users who awarded it a five-star rating. If all you’re looking to invest in is a reliable, tried-and-tested desk fan at a fair price, this is the one. Function-wise, the fan is powered by a USB cable, making it easy to plug into a computer, a power bank or simply into a converter in a power socket. It also offers three different fan speeds and 40 degrees of rotation. Plus, it runs impressively quiet and comes in three color choices.
2. OPOLAR Mini Portable Battery Operated Desk Fan
BEST BATTERY OPERATED
If you want to be free of the confines of having to plug your desk fan into a power socket or USB port, this OPOLAR Mini Portable Battery Operated Desk Fan may be the way to go. The fan comes supplied with a 2200mAh rechargeable battery which offers up to 13 hours of use from a full charge, providing a freedom few others can compete with. However, should you wish to plug it in, the fan can run from the supplied USB power cord, too. Additionally, this device is available in four different colors, contains an atmospheric LED and offers three airspeeds.
3. Yaltoon Neck Fan
BEST CURVEBALL
Unlike the average desk fan, the Yaltoon Neck Fan can keep you cool and comes with you at the same time. This means, no matter whether you’re on lunch, using the bathroom or even running an errand, you can stay cool. Each pair features a 2600mAh rechargeable battery which runs for up to 12 hours from a full charge, more than enough for the average workday. They’re also ultra-quiet, offer three different speeds and include rotating heads for a truly customizable experience.
4. Vornado Zippi Small Personal Fan
MOST UNIQUE
The Vornado Zippi Small Personal Fan’s chunky, open-blade design makes it as visually interesting to look at as it is functional. But don’t worry about danger, as the blades are made from a soft nylon and are safe to the touch, even when the fan is in motion. You can choose between two fan speeds and adjust the tiltable head to deliver sufficient and precision cooling as you’re sitting at your desk. Furthermore, this USA-made fan includes a three-year, hassle-free promise and comes in six different colors.
5. SmartDevil Small Personal USB Desk Fan
COMPACT PICK
The SmartDevil Small Personal USB Desk Fan is one of the most versatile fan choices on our list. At 4.7 by 4.7 inches and weighing a mere six ounces, this fan is ultra-light and compact, making it highly portable. Its smart yet simple design further adds to this without taking away any functionality, as you can still adjust the fan direction and fan speed. This device is also backed by over 6,000 five-star ratings and comes in either pink, white or blue. In addition, the included USB cord lets you choose from a range of power sources for added convenience.
6. OPOLAR Small Battery Fan
PORTABLE PICK
With its ability to switch between a desk-mounted and handheld fan, the OPOLAR Small Battery Fan gives you plenty of freedom when deciding how and where you want to stay cool. The device’s 2200mAh, 18650 lithium battery delivers up to 11 hours of use from a full charge, while the three different airspeeds ensure you enjoy the right level of comfort. Additionally, the head is foldable for greater comfort during use, whether you’re at your desk, sitting on your couch or even heading out to a ball game.
7. SkyGenius Clip-on Mini Desk Fan
BEST CLIP ON
In addition to a standard, flat surface stand, this SkyGenius Clip-on Mini Desk Fan incorporates a powerful and secure clip. This handy extra lets you clip your fan to work surfaces, treadmills, strollers, car seats and numerous other handy fixtures. This freedom is complimented by the device’s power source options, which include either the USB power cord or the included, rechargeable battery. When fully charged, the battery can supply up to six hours of continuous use. For greater convenience, the fan head can be rotated by 360 degrees on either the horizontal or vertical axis.
8. Honeywell Quiet Set Personal Table Fan
BEST TOWER
If desk space is at a premium but you still want maximum fan power, the Honeywell HTF210B Quiet Set Personal Table Fan could be the answer for you. The tower-style fan offers quiet yet powerful cooling at four different levels. You’ll also have the option of oscillation for greater room coverage. Plus, the 13-inch-tall device features handy, one-touch controls and includes an auto shut-off timer for added convenience.
9. HOLMES Heritage Brushed Copper Desk Fan
BEST METAL
For a hint of style alongside the cooling function, check out this HOLMES Heritage Brushed Copper Desk Fan. It sports an attractive, brushed copper finish and comes in either a four or six-inch model, depending on your cooling needs. It also offers two different fan speeds and includes a tilt-adjustable head for greater precision during use. Additionally, the manual on/off switch keeps things simple, which seems to keep users happy given the 7,000+ five-star ratings.
10. UN UNITEDTIME Desk Fan
BEST ADJUSTABLE
In a time when most people’s working habits change from hour to hour, it’s good to have a fan that can adapt. That’s why it’s good to have the UN UNITEDTIME Desk Fan. By including a smart, telescopic stand in the design, this device is always ready to provide cooling air, no matter whether you’re at your desk, on the couch or even in more remote locations. It comes supplied with both a rechargeable, 7200mAh battery and a USB charging cable, meaning you get to choose how you power the fan. Additionally, the head can be tilted for better precision, and the protective cover can be removed for easier cleaning.
11. Ozeri Brezza III Dual Oscillating Desk Fan
BEST REMOTE
The Ozeri Brezza III Dual Oscillating Desk Fan eliminates the inconvenience of having to get up to change the settings thanks to its user-friendly, comprehensive remote control with an extended range. The stylish device arrives fully assembled, so it’s ready to cool right out of the box. It offers four different fan speeds, boasts oscillation in both vertical and horizontal motions and includes a shut-off timer to boot.
In addition, for the more technically advanced out there, the fan is also available with incorporated Bluetooth technology, which allows you to turn your smartphone into your fan remote control.
12. Rowenta VU2660 Turbo Silence Fan
BEST TRADITIONAL
Visually, the Rowenta VU2660 Turbo Silence Fan features a very traditional table fan design. It’s only on closer inspection that you’ll discover it does everything a traditional fan should, and then some. Not only does the 12-inch diameter fan offer 35db, whisper-quiet operation for sleeping or movie time, it also offers several other speed settings, including a turbo boost for extra-hot days. Plus, you’ll find a handy remote that lets you change your fan speed from a distance as well as a built-in, ergonomic handle for greater portability.
13. Greentech Environmental pureFlow QT7 Fan
BEST BLADELESS
The Greentech Environmental pureFlow QT7 Fan is another unique-looking option for your desktop fanning needs. The spherical, bladeless design provides plenty of eye-catching appeal, while the 90-degree vertical and horizontal oscillation and 12 available airspeeds ensure its beauty is matched by its function. This is a great choice for users wanting a powerful circulation fan alone or something to work alongside an air-conditioner for better airflow. In addition, the fan comes with a user-friendly remote, runs at a whisper-quiet 13dB and includes a nine-hour, shut-off timer.
14. Dyson Air Multiplier Table Fan
BEST SPLURGE
The Dyson Air Multiplier AM06 Table Fan is another well-reviewed, bladeless fan. The attractive device comes in black, blue or white and is an ideal choice for family or pet households who are worried about potential, blade-related accidents. The unique design also allows the fan to run quietly and be cleaned without any of the hassle usually associated with cleaning a desktop fan. Furthermore, the device incorporates a 15-minute to nine-hour shut-off timer and comes with a two-year parts-and-labor warranty.