Beat the heat: 7 handheld fans tested in real-world heat

SINGAPORE – Driven by rising temperatures in Singapore and across the region, and rapidly improving technology, consumers now expect far more than a steady breeze from portable fans. 

Modern handheld fans are expected to be compact yet powerful, with long battery life, multiple speed settings and, increasingly, add-on features such as LED torches, built-in power banks and even misting functions.

At the same time, competition is intensifying. Models are frequently refreshed or replaced within months as brands race to keep up with shifting preferences, says Mr Tan Beng Kwee, co-founder and managing director of home-grown appliance brand NNIO Singapore. 

Design, colourways and lifestyle positioning have also become key differentiators, transforming what was once a basic appliance into a personal accessory. Here are seven handheld fans The Straits Times tested, evaluating noise, airflow, battery life and overall usability.

1. JisuLife Handheld Fan Ultra2 

What we liked: With 100 levels of adjustable wind speed and an ultra-high-speed motor of 43,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), this is easily one of the most powerful devices on the list. It also comes with multiple accessories that allow it to double as a dust cleaner, air cushion pump or outdoor fire starter.

What to note: The fan – equipped with a 9,000mAh battery – is relatively heavy at 295g. At higher speeds, the whirring is noticeably loud, particularly in quiet spaces like public transport, and battery life drains quickly.

Cost: US$80.99 (S$103) from str.sg/cdrF

2. JisuLife Handheld Fan Life9

What we liked: Compared with the Ultra2, this fan is quieter and lighter at 159g, but still delivers strong cooling performance. While it skips additional functions, it nails the basics and has an affordable price point and a respectable battery life (3,600mAh model) of around five to six hours.

What to note: The lack of a digital interface makes speed adjustments less intuitive and battery levels a mystery. Its rectangular grip is also not the most ergonomic. And, like the Ultra 2, the narrow nozzle produces a more concentrated airflow rather than a wider cooling spread. 

Cost: US$26.99 from str.sg/rTHN

3. Aecooly Aero Ultra 

What we liked: Sleek and well-balanced at 172g, the fan stands out for its comfortable circular grip and aerospace-grade aluminium build, which feels cool to the touch. Even at lower speeds, it produces steady airflow across a relatively wide area. 

It also won international accolades such as the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award in 2025. 

What to note: It offers seven speed levels – four on its standard mode and three on its turbo mode. At maximum speed on its turbo mode, the whirring gets noticeably high-pitched. 

Cost: $30.81 from Shopee

4. Aecooly Cold Air 

What we liked: Its high-pressure atomiser is a game-changer, dispersing ultra-fine mist that delivers an immediate cooling sensation. The misting function can run for up to eight minutes on a full tank, which is built into the base of the fan’s body. 

On the whole, the mist makes a palpable difference and receives a stamp of approval from multiple colleagues and friends. 

What to note: At 285g with an irregular-shaped body, this fan is not the most comfortable for prolonged holding. Also, the water in the tank needs to be replaced frequently for hygiene purposes. 

Cost: US$49.99 from str.sg/fubX

5. Dyson HushJet Mini Cool

What we liked: The 212g fan’s circular 38mm-diameter body offers an ergonomic grip, and its noise levels are generally less high-pitched than the others on this list, though it can still get quite loud on medium to high speeds.

Its three colourways – dark blue, orange-red and pink – are sleek, and its rotatable nozzle is a thoughtful touch for users who want to adjust the wind direction.

“It might look simple (in design), but there’s actually a whole lot of complexity in here,” says Mr Tom Bishop, a design and development engineer at Dyson. “The fan has been iterated and acoustically tuned to create the best possible airflow and acoustics without compromising on either.”

Rounds of surveys with international markets including Asia and Europe have contributed to the fan’s development process, he adds.

What to note: The price is a clear sticking point. At $149, it sits far above most competitors, making it harder for the average user to justify when strong alternatives – which offer better airflow at lower speed levels, for instance – exist at a fraction of the cost.

Cost: $149 from str.sg/f3y2

6. NNIO U-Flex High Speed Portable Handheld Fan

What we liked: Aside from reliable airflow and its 100 speed levels, its cooling plate offers immediate cold relief when pressed against the skin. Once activated, the plate turns cold within seconds. The fan also doubles as a desk fan with a foldable body and includes an LED torch at its base.

What to note: Using the cooling plate means sacrificing airflow, as the fan cannot be used simultaneously when pressed against the skin. 

Cost: $46.80 from Shopee

7. NNIO U-Mini High Speed Portable Handheld Fan

What we liked: Weighing just 103g and smaller than most smartphones, this ultra-compact fan is highly portable. Testament to its smallness, I have found myself fishing for it in the depths of my handbag on many occasions. 

Despite its size, it delivers surprisingly strong airflow and offers 100 adjustable speed levels via a sliding button. 

What to note: Its compact build means it performs best at closer distances and higher speeds, which can drain battery life more quickly. 

Cost: $20.90 from Shopee