Summer is here, and handheld fans are trending. And for good reason—no need to suffer in the heat and humidity when you can have a fresh, cooling breeze wherever you go for as little as 10 bucks. Prime Day(s) may be coming to an end, but you've still got until midnight PT to shop. If you've been wanting to try a handheld fan, consider this your cue.
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A Safe Option for Kids
Photograph: Kat Merck Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan $14 $12 (14% off) Amazon
This fan looks like a little bear when closed, and the soft plastic blades stop instantly if they hit something. (I have accidentally hit myself in the face multiple times with this fan—no, I will not be taking questions at this time—and it does feel surprising, but I can confirm it doesn't hurt.) As a bonus, it can also serve as a flashlight with its bottom-mounted light, or a power bank for your phone.
Best Budget Option
This one also has soft plastic blades, but doesn't double as a power bank or a flashlight. It comes in six stylish colors (mostly pastels) and has cute pointy ears on top when it's closed.
Our Favorite Overall
WIRED reviewer Kristin Canning's favorite thing about this fan is the fact it can bend, so you can sit it on a table for hands-free cooling. My favorite thing about this fan, having tried similar models from other brands, is that it lacks the high-pitched jet-engine whine that so many more modern fan motors seem to emit. Not that this fan is quiet, to be clear, but I'll settle for “not disruptive.”
Sleek and Powerful
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