The 7 Best Small Fans of 2023

By Cory Maki Cory Maki has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on April 5, 2023

When it comes to improving airflow and keeping you cool, a fan can be a great asset. However, there are times when it might be difficult to use a fan without it getting in the way, such as when there is not much space or surface area. A small fan is a perfect choice for times like those, where you need to save space while still staying cool.


If you’re in a hurry, here are our top 3 quick picks for the Best Small Fans


Criteria for Choosing the Best Small Fans

The main concern when it comes to small fans is the size. After all, the only reason to choose a smaller product is to save space. However, that does not mean that all small fans are the same. Therefore, when choosing the best small fans for this list, the following things were considered:

  • Size: As mentioned above, size is the one thing that is required for something to be a small fan, much less one of the best small fans. However, there is more to it than the circumference of the fan. The size of the base or legs of these fans was also considered, with the overall size being taken into account.
  • Stability: A small fan has a smaller base, and while that is not a problem, there are times when a small base can mean instability. Moreover, if a clip or flexible legs are being used, how well they work is equally important. Therefore, the stability of each fan was taken into account when choosing fans for this list.
  • Power: While these fans are smaller than the average fan, that does not mean that they can be weak. However, it is likely that they will be weaker than most of the larger fans out there. When choosing fans for this list, they were looked at closely to see whether they are powerful enough to provide sufficient cooling.

There were other things considered as well, from ascetics to how easy they are to use. Even the number of speed settings and each fan’s ability to rotate were taken into consideration.


The 7 Best Small Fans

When it comes to finding a great small fan, there are plenty of options out there. Moreover, there are various designs, from those that need to be placed on a flat surface to those that can be put almost anywhere. This list will introduce you to a number of designs and fans to help you make a decision on which fan is right for you.

HOLMES Heritage 4-Inch Mini USB Desk Fan

The HOLMES heritage desk fan is good for a lot of reasons, but one of them is definitely the small size. The fan itself is four inches, while the base makes its total height around six inches. Regardless, it is small, and as such, it fits almost anywhere you want to put it. Moreover, it is powered using a USB, meaning you might not even need an outlet.

The fan does not just excel when it comes to saving space. It is also a powerful fan that casts a cool breeze. It can even be tilted to get the angle just right, ensuring you are nice and comfortable. The look stands out as well, with the high-end brushed copper finish giving it an elegant appearance that fits almost any room or space.

PROS
  • It is an incredibly small fan that is perfect for saving space
  • The power is not lacking, despite its size
  • It can be tilted for more direct cooling
  • The brushed copper finish is stylish
  • It has a sturdy base

CONS
  • The air from the fan does not reach very far
  • There is only a single speed setting

JISULIFE Pocket Handheld Fan

Another small fan is the JISULIFE pocket handheld fan. It is small enough to fit snugly inside a pocket, and it is also versatile, having a built-in flashlight and being able to serve as a battery bank. It can even be used in two ways, working as a handheld fan when you are moving or operating as a static fan that is sat on a desk or flat surface.

The JISULIFE fan is charged using a USB, and it charges quickly, returning to full battery life in as little as two hours. Plus, the battery lasts a long time, powering the fan for 14 to 22 hours, depending on which of the two speeds you use. It is also a great choice if you need something quiet, with the soft blades being both silent and safe.

PROS
  • It is extremely small and can fit in your pocket
  • It has a built-in flashlight and serves as a battery bank
  • The battery charges quickly and lasts a long time
  • There are two speeds to choose from
  • The soft blades are quiet and safe

CONS
  • It charges devices slowly when used as a battery bank
  • It lacks a bit of power compared to other small fans
  • It can be difficult to open

WiHoo Mini Handheld Stroller Fan

The main purpose of this small fan is to be used with a stroller or car seat, but the design makes it something that can be used almost anywhere. The three legs are bendable, allowing you to hang this fan from numerous places. Moreover, they can be used as a tripod if you want to place it on a flat surface, making it incredibly versatile.

The design is not the only impressive thing about this fan. It is quite powerful as well, allowing it to provide a significant amount of cooling. The battery is good as well, lasting between 6 and 15 hours, based upon which of the three speeds you keep it on. It can also be plugged in using a USB if you want to keep it fully charged during use.

PROS
  • It is small and easy to take around with you
  • The battery lasts for a good amount of time
  • This fan has significant power
  • There are three speeds
  • The design makes it versatile

CONS
  • It takes a bit to finish charging
  • The bendable legs are not that durable

SkyGenius Battery Operated Stroller Fan

While this fan from SkyGenius is also called a stroller fan, it can do so much more. In fact, it is designed to work just as well standing on its base as it does when clipped onto something. It can even be rotated 360 degrees to ensure that it cools you from any angle. Plus, since it is also lightweight, there is almost nowhere you cannot use it.

This small fan can reach a maximum wind speed of around 16 feet per second, and it does this with little noise. Moreover, with three different speed settings, you can adjust the airflow perfectly. Also, while the battery only lasts between three and six hours, it can be used while plugged in using the USB charging port.

PROS
  • It can be used standing on its base or clipped to something
  • The 360-degree rotation allows for cooling from any angle
  • There are three speed settings
  • The USB charging port makes it easy to charge
  • The USB charging port makes it easy to charge

CONS
  • The battery life is quite short
  • The clip does not work well with every surface

SmartDevil Small Personal USB Desk Fan

The design of the SmartDevil desk fan is great, weighing less than half a pound and having dimensions of less than five inches by five inches. Plus, the design allows it to rotate 360 degrees and deliver significant airflow from a variety of places. It is even quiet, meaning you can use it while you work or when you are sleeping.

Even though this desk fan is small, it packs a good bit of power, and it has three-speed levels, so you can pick which one is most comfortable for you. However, the size and power do come at a slight cost. This fan is powered by a USB charger, but it does not have a built-in battery, so it is not rechargeable and cannot be used on the go

PROS
  • The design allows for 360-degree rotation
  • The design allows for 360-degree rotation
  • It delivers powerful airflow for its size
  • It can be plugged into any USB port
  • There are three speed settings

CONS
  • It does not have a built-in battery

LEMOISTAR Mini Desk Fan

Another fan that is meant to be used while plugged in is the mini desk fan featured here. This LEMOISTAR fan is small and lightweight, but the stand and its ability to vertically rotate up to 310 degrees give it a lot of versatility. It even features a detachable front cover, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.

This small fan packs some power as well, and it comes with four-speed levels so that you can choose how strong you want it to be, starting from 1900 RPM and going up to 3800 RPM. Even at the highest speed, it stays quiet, so you can enjoy the cool air without much noise. Moreover, the lack of frills means you get it for a fantastic price.

PROS
  • It is small and lightweight
  • It can vertically rotate up to 310 degrees
  • The front cover can be removed for easy cleaning
  • It has four speed settings
  • The price is low

CONS
  • It must remain plugged in for it to work
  • The base is a bit weak

SkyGenius 7-Inch Camping Fan with LED Lantern

One of the best things about small fans is that they are portable and easy to use in a compact space. This SkyGenius camping fan takes that quality to the next level, giving you a lot of options with how to use it. In fact, it has both a strong base and a hanging hook, so you can use it while camping or when sitting at a desk.

This fan also works as both a fan and a flashlight, and you can use them both at once. Of course, depending on the brightness and which of the three speeds you set it on, the battery life decreases, but you can use it anywhere between 6 and 50 hours. There are even other features, such as 360-degree rotation.

PROS
  • It can be used while hanging or on a flat surface
  • It has a built-in LED flashlight
  • There are three speeds and multiple brightness settings

CONS
  • The battery drains very quickly at the highest speed

How to Shop for a Small Fan

As you can see from the list above, there are a variety of fans to choose from, and they all have their own merits. Therefore, to choose the best fan for you, there are some things that you need to consider, such as:

  • Power Source: A lot of times, the reason for getting a small fan is so that you have something mobile and easy to use on the go. If that is the case, you will want something with a built-in battery to power it without the need for a cable.
  • Base: While a lot of fans have a flat base that can be put on an even surface, there are also many that can clip onto surfaces or wrap around it with multiple flexible legs. You should make sure to keep the location you will be setting it down in mind.
  • Power: The power of small fans can vary greatly. Therefore, if you need one that has more power, then you will need to look at their maximum speeds carefully. Moreover, not every one of them has an adjustable speed, which is a great feature for those who like to change up the power of their fan.

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a small fan, but as long as you think about the above, you will find it easy to find something that will work well for you.


In Conclusion 

A small fan is ideal when it comes to keeping yourself cool without taking up a lot of space. They provide a decent amount of power and cooling power, and most of them are easy to take with you anywhere you go. Moreover, they are generally inexpensive. So, save yourself from the heat and go get a small fan today.


Other Products You May Need

We hope you enjoy these products! But keep in mind, Grit Daily might take a small commission on the items recommended here—but that doesn’t mean we don’t believe in them. We only recommend products that we would buy or use ourselves, so don’t be wary of our suggestions. 

By Cory Maki Cory Maki has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Cory Maki is a former Staff Editor and the Business Development Manager at Grit Daily.

Read more

More GD News