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Unlike a conventional fan, a neck fan can keep you cool when you’re on the go. These portable fans rest around the neck and direct a cooling breeze onto the face and around the head. They run off rechargeable batteries that can last up to 16 hours, making them ideal for all-day use.
But how much could a neck fan really improve personal comfort? Were they a gimmick or the real deal? We tested several models over 2 months to find out.
During testing, we appreciated the intense cooling the Jawhock Cooling Neck Fan provided. It also boasts a 6-hour battery life while cooling and offers quiet operation. This was our fan of choice to wear during the workday. A close second was the FrSara Neck Fan, which provides an intense breeze for cooling. Overall, the cooling plates on the Jawhock and its affordable price point pushed it to our top spot.
With so many neck cooling fans on the market, finding the right one can be a challenge, so we put them to the test to give you real-life feedback for each model. Ahead, learn about the qualities to look for when shopping for the best neck fan and find out how the models below performed during our hands-on testing.
- BEST OVERALL: Jawhock Cooling Neck Fan
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: FrSara Neck Fan
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sweetfull Portable Neck Fan
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Torras Coolify 2S Neck Air Conditioner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ADJUSTABLE: Amacool Bladeless Neck Fan
↓ Jump to Review - MOST FLEXIBLE: Comlife Portable Neck Fan
↓ Jump to Review - BEST AIRFLOW: Shinebella Portable Neck Fan
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: DesertWest 2024 Flagship Portable Neck Fan
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Neck Fans
With such a wide section of neck fans, we researched over 30 models to compare specs, battery life, features, and overall performance. After whittling our list down to nine, we were ready to test.
Testing took place over the course of 2 months and in various settings broken up into 8-hour sessions. This allowed us to test each model three times in various settings and also put the battery through an entire day of use.
The neck fans were tested through different outdoor activities including baseball games in 90 degree Fahrenheit humid weather, mowing the lawn on a hot day in the direct sun, and a 10-hour workday in a hot and unvented warehouse. This setting sees temperatures inside as high as 102 degrees Fahrenheit with very minimal airflow, so we knew this would be a great place to put these fans to work.
While most of the fans did a great job of keeping us cool, there were some that stood out from the pack.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 9 |
| Time spent testing | 2 months |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $18 to $200 |
Our Top Picks
Our list includes the best neck fans that were put through various tests to see which could run for hours before needing a recharge, kept us cool in the summer heat, and provided excellent airflow. Check out the results of our testing below to find the best fan for your cooling needs.
Best Overall
Jawhock Cooling Neck Fan
Our Ratings: Battery Life 4/5; Cooling Power 5/5; Comfort 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 12.55 inches long by 7.2 inches wide by 1.49 inches deep
- Running time: 2 to 10 hours
- Weight: 17.28 ounces
What We Like
- Option to use fan, cooling, or fan plus cooling to prolong battery life
- Noise level of only 20 decibels
- Cooling plate gets ice cold in seconds for immediate relief
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than some of the other hands-free fans we tried
We were able to lower our body temperatures quickly, no matter the setting, with the Jawhock neck fan. With 360-degree airflow and three adjustable settings, the Jawhock has 18 vents to pump air around our neck and face for quick and effective cooling. It uses a semiconductor cooling plate to deliver cold air in seconds.
This neck fan stood out from the pack and won our Best Overall spot due to its cooling properties. It uses a semiconductor cooling plate to deliver cool air within seconds. This cooling plate, which definitely sets this fan apart from the others, sits on the back of the neck and delivers instant relief from the heat combined with the 18 vents pumping air around the head. We felt cooler instantly.
The Jawhock recharges in just 3 to 4 hours, and the option to run the fan, the cooling function, or the fan plus the cooling function means the battery lasts between 2 and 10 hours. On straight cooling mode, the battery only lasted about 2 to 3 hours, but on fan mode, we found the battery would last 8 to 10 hours.
Get the Jawhock neck fan at Amazon.
Runner-Up
FrSara Neck Fan
Our Ratings: Battery Life 4/5; Cooling Power 4/5; Comfort 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 8.8 inches long by 5.7 inches wide by 2.44 inches deep
- Running time: 4 to 16 hours
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
What We Like
- Comes in more color options than other neck fans
- Large 5,200-milliampere-hour (mAh) battery; 16 hours of use on a single charge
- Light at just 6.7 ounces; comfortable to wear for long periods
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have any adjustability to fit different neck sizes
We found the FrSara neck fan ideal for those looking to color coordinate their portable neck fans as this brand offers plenty of options to choose from. For testing, we chose white as it felt neutral and easy to pair with anything. It was easy to clean and has stayed true to its color even with long wear in the sun. Along with its numerous color options, the FrSara fan comes equipped with a large 5,200 mAh rechargeable battery, which runs for 4 to 16 hours. We found the battery life to be about 15 hours on its lowest setting and 4.5 hours on its highest setting.
We appreciated the three fan speeds and numerous vents, which helped provide a cool breeze around the entire head. While the fan comes with a silicone coating that helps to keep it in place on the neck, it doesn’t offer any adjustability for size. The lack of adjustability made it a bit uncomfortable when we were moving around or walking, but it was fine while sitting or still. Overall, this fan has the power to keep you cool for long periods of time and is well made.
Get the FrSara neck fan at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Sweetfull Portable Neck Fan
Our Ratings: Battery Life 5/5; Cooling Power 4/5; Comfort 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 6.8 inches long by 8 inches wide by 2 inches deep
- Running time: 4 to 9 hours
- Weight: 8.6 ounces
What We Like
- A great value; costs significantly less than other neck fans
- Lightweight design is more comfortable to wear for long periods
- Rechargeable battery lasts up to 9 hours and uses a fast charger
What We Don’t Like
- Some customers complain that it’s too noisy at higher speed settings
This Sweetfull portable battery-operated neck fan offers cooling relief at a price that’s much more affordable than other neck fans. Similar to others we tested, it comes equipped with a 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery that runs for between 4 and 9 hours per charge, depending on its speed setting. The bladeless fan also uses a USB-C connection for fast charging and has three fan-speed options.
During testing, we found that this neck fan had one of the better battery lives, lasting just over 6 hours on the lowest setting. The goal was to find a neck fan to get through an entire workday, and this one was pretty close.
This budget pick is also lighter than most, weighing just 8.6 ounces. It was easy to carry around in a bag and felt weightless when around the neck. We really liked its curved design, which gives it a very similar look to a pair of headphones.
Get the Sweetfull neck fan at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Torras Coolify 2S Neck Air Conditioner
Our Ratings: Battery Life 3/5; Cooling Power 5/5; Comfort 5/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 7.6 inches long by 6.1 inches wide by 2.1 inches deep
- Running time: 4 to 18 hours
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
What We Like
- Uses cooling plates to reduce temperature by as much as 27 degrees Fahrenheit
- Flex-fit design keeps it snugly in place while moving
- Plates also can provide heat in cold weather
What We Don’t Like
- Much more expensive than other types of neck fans
While many neck fans we tested cooled us down by blowing air, this cooling neck device actually acts as an air conditioner. This was a game changer for us as not only did it cool us off using its built-in fans, but it also used two cooling plates, which provided cooling relief within seconds. This was ideal for humid conditions inside of the warehouse where we tested.
The fan uses a rechargeable 4,000 mAh battery that can charge in under 3 hours and last for up to 18 hours on low-speed fan mode. (For even longer cooling power, a 5,000 mAh battery is also available.)
This neck fan converts the cooling pads to heat pads in cold weather. LED controls allow you to set the neck fan between three fan settings and three heating or cooling settings. We loved that the Coolify neck air conditioner uses a clamping design to create a snug fit around the neck, so it fits properly and stays in place while moving.
The only downfall is when using the cooling plates, the battery life is diminished to about 3 hours. Sadly, this is not enough time to get through an entire workday.
Get the Torras neck fan at Amazon.
Best Adjustable
Amacool Bladeless Neck Fan
Our Ratings: Battery Life 4/5; Cooling Power 4/5; Comfort 5/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 7.87 inches long by 6.3 inches wide by 1.97 inches deep
- Running time: 3 to 9 hours
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
What We Like
- Flexible neckband allows for a wide range of users and the option to spread airflow across shoulders
- Size and weight are appropriate for adults and kids
- Comes in pink in addition to the standard black or white color choices
What We Don’t Like
- One of the louder options we tested, especially on the high setting
This bladeless neck fan from Amacool features a long-lasting 5,000 mAh battery, 62 air outlets, and three speeds. Its weight and size are midrange compared to all the options we tested, and since it’s adjustable, it’s a good choice for kids, adults, and even pets. We found the soft silicone cover to be comfortable against the skin, and the neck fan stays in place whether reclining in the sun or wearing it while walking.
Amacool’s neck fan uses dual turbo motors and provides a nice and steady breeze that lasts about 3 hours on the highest setting. On the lowest setting, we were able to stay comfortable with a light breeze for just under 9 hours. During testing, the Amacool neck fan recharges in about 3.5 to 4 hours with the included USB-C cord.
Get the Amacool neck fan at Amazon.
Most Flexible
Comlife Portable Neck Fan
Our Ratings: Battery Life 3/5; Cooling Power 4/5; Comfort 3/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 11.2 inches long by 8.1 inches wide by 0.8 inches deep
- Running time: 1.5 to 5.5 hours
- Weight: 6.9 ounces
What We Like
- Fans can be adjusted 360 degrees, allowing you to direct the airflow
- Can stand up on its own to double in function as a desktop fan
- Bladed design can create more airflow than other neck fan designs
What We Don’t Like
- Not as attractive as other neck fans
- Smaller 2,600 mAh battery provides less runtime than other neck fans
Comlife’s bladed fan provided a bit more airflow than bladeless neck fans. Although the fan might not be as sleek looking as other neck fans, its flexible arms allowed us to adjust each fan 360 degrees to direct the airflow where we wanted it to go. This was great for days when we didn’t want to cool our necks but actually direct the air toward our faces.
Unlike bladeless fans, those with long hair will need to tie their hair back when using this fan to prevent their locks from being sucked into the blades. Yes, this happened to us more than once. The design is a bit bulky and may not be suited for work environments.
This fan can sit upright on its own when not being worn, doubling for use as a small desktop fan. It has three speed options and comes with a rechargeable 2,600 mAh battery, which we found was enough for about 5 hours of operation.
Get the Comlife neck fan at Amazon.
Best Airflow
Shinebella Portable Neck Fan
Our Ratings: Battery Life 3/5; Cooling Power 4/5; Comfort 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 8 inches long by 7.3 inches wide by 2.6 inches deep
- Running time: 3 to 10 hours
- Weight: 8.96 ounces
What We Like
- 3 motors provide more airflow than other neck fans that only have 2
- Comes with 79 air outlets for maximum coverage of the neck and face
- Recharges in about 4 hours with a rapid charger
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter-than-average runtime compared to other rechargeable neck fans
With its three motors, Shinebella’s hanging neck fan offered great airflow compared to others with only two motors. There are two fans located at the ends of the neckpiece and a third in the back, all of which can be set to three different speed options. That additional fan coupled with the 79 large air outlets provided plenty of airflow to keep us cool throughout the day.
All three fans are powered by a 4,000 mAh rechargeable battery, which recharges in about 4 hours with a rapid charger. During our testing, it seemed the average runtime was 3 hours on its highest setting and closer to 7 hours on its lowest setting. While this fan is not adjustable in terms of size, it was comfortable to wear. For smaller necks, it does bounce around a bit while walking, but we didn’t find it to be a big issue.
Get the Shinebella neck fan at Amazon.
Also Consider
DesertWest 2024 Flagship Portable Neck Fan
Our Ratings: Battery Life 4/5; Cooling Power 4/5; Comfort 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 7.63 inches long by 7.28 inches wide by 1.97 inches deep
- Running time: 3 to 16 hours
- Weight: 11 ounces
What We Like
- Foldable design increases portability for on-the-go cooling
- Quad-core hydraulic motor with 4 air ducts in the front and 4 in the back provide all-around airflow
- Relatively quiet operation, especially on low and medium settings
What We Don’t Like
- Limited adjustability, which may make it feel too small or large for some users
This bladeless neck fan from DesertWest was one we were really excited to test out. Not only is its unique design foldable, it also cools more quickly than other options thanks to its quad-core hydraulic motor. It features three speeds; four air ducts for the back of the neck and four for the front; and the option to select the front fans only to direct more airflow toward the face.
Though it doesn’t twist and adjust as much as some fans that we tested, we did really like how the ends of this fan pivot in a bit for those with smaller necks (and ensure that it stays on while any wearer is moving). Its battery life was on the higher end of the options we tested with enough capacity to run up to 16 hours on the low setting. It also recharges in just 3 hours, which is as fast or slightly faster than the other fans in our lineup. The DesertWest fan is on the more expensive side, but for those looking for a model with a long runtime that provides ample airflow, it’s a great choice.
Get the DesertWest neck fan at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Neck Fan
Deciding on whether to go with a powerful bladed neck fan or stylish and hair-friendly bladeless model is one factor to keep in mind when shopping for a neck fan. Find out more about these two different types of fans and other factors to consider when shopping for one of these portable neck fans.
Blades vs. Bladeless
Neck fans create airflow by using either blades or a bladeless design that relies on small turbines to move air. Bladed fans provide more airflow than bladeless fans and allow for more adjustability than bladeless models. Since bladed fans consist of two small fans that extend in front of the wearer’s face, they’re more conspicuous than bladeless models, which resemble a pair of headphones. Bladed fans also have the potential to grab onto hair if you’re not careful.
Bladeless fans don’t produce as much airflow, but they have a sleek look that resembles a pair of headphones. Since they use small turbines instead of blades, they don’t present the same hazards to those with long hair.
Battery Life
All neck fans use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that range in capacity from 2,000 mAh to 5,000 mAh. The larger the battery, the longer it will last on a single charge. Smaller 2,000 mAh batteries typically last between 1.5 and 5 hours, depending on the fan speed used, while larger 4,000 mAh and 5,000 mAh batteries will last as long as 16 hours on a single charge.
While larger batteries offer longer running time, larger batteries are also typically heavier than lower-capacity models, adding more to the overall weight of the neck fan. They also usually take longer to fully recharge.
Noise Level and Fan Speed
Noise can be an important consideration in a neck fan review. Most neck fans have three speed options that allow the wearer to adjust the airflow from low to medium to high. The faster the fan speed, the higher the noise level of the fan. Some fans also have a third “wind” setting, which varies the fan speed to simulate a breeze.
While cooling neck fans use motors that are very quiet, they still produce some noise when running. Expect the decibel level to range from around 25 decibels at low speeds, which is similar to the sound of a ticking watch, up to about 45 decibels for high fan speeds, which is about the same noise level as a normal conversation.
FAQs
Below, find out if neck fans present any potential hazards to the wearer, whether it’s safe to sleep with one on, and how long you can expect a rechargeable model to deliver cool air before its battery gives out.
Neck fans don’t present much of a hazard to people. They use rechargeable batteries that produce a very low electrical current that isn’t capable of shocking the wearer. Neck fan batteries also aren’t powerful enough to create a fire hazard. While bladeless neck fans don’t present a risk to those with long hair, bladed models can entangle hair if you aren’t careful.
How long a portable neck fan lasts before it needs a recharge depends on the size of the battery. Higher end neck fans with larger 4,000 mAh or 5,000 mAh batteries can last up to 16 hours on a single charge when set to low. Those with smaller 2,000 mAh batteries have a battery life of about 5 hours on low.
While most neck fans are fairly light at around 8 or 9 ounces, the Comlife neck fan is one of the lightest. It weighs in at just 6.9 ounces, making it one of the most comfortable neck fans to wear over long periods.
Since a neck fan doesn’t present a hazard to you, it’s safe to wear a neck fan while sleeping. It won’t cause an electric shock, and since most are bladeless, they won’t hurt you. That said, since fans can circulate pollen and dust, wearing one while sleeping can exacerbate any allergies you have. Even if you don’t have allergies, running the fan at your face for long periods can dry out your sinuses.
Meet the Tester
As the executive editor of Commerce/Product Reviews, Stephanie Cronk has spent years researching and testing products. She also brings over 12 years of commerce experience to the BobVila.com team, where her focus is on reviewing and testing products in a variety of categories including DIY, home improvement, home appliances, outdoor living, and more.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.