As summer temperatures soar, handheld mini fans have become essential gear for beating the heat. TechCrunch senior writer Amanda Silberling tested a range of mini fans, from budget-friendly picks bought on Amazon to premium models from brands like Dyson and Shark. She found that while all the fans provide relief in sweaty conditions, the best choice depends on factors like budget, portability, and personal preference for features or design.

Among premium options, the Dyson HushJet stood out for its powerful airflow and five-speed settings, making it the strongest fan tested. However, at around seven inches tall and relatively heavy, it is less pocket-friendly. It comes with handy accessories including a travel bag, USB-C charger, and a neck lanyard to free your hands, although the fan still needs to be held to direct airflow. Despite some noise at higher speeds, the Dyson is praised for desktop use and durability, potentially making it suitable for active or child-friendly environments.

The Shark ChillPill is the priciest fan evaluated at $149 but offers the most versatility with three attachments: a fan, a water mister, and a cooling plate for targeted relief. Its dual-cylinder design makes it bulkier, but it performs well outdoors, particularly at sports or music events. The attachments connect securely, although the lack of a carrying case for them makes on-the-go use less convenient. The ChillPill offers ten fan speeds, appealing to those who want customizable cooling options beyond just blowing air.

For those seeking value and compact design, Silberling recommends two affordable fans. The $13 JISULIFE 3-in-1 fan, with its flashlight and phone charging capability, offers decent airflow and portability despite being the weakest performer. The random $15 MACMORE fan from Amazon impressed most for its small size, quiet operation, and handy clip for hands-free use. Compact enough to fit in a pocket or small purse, it balances convenience and effectiveness, demonstrating that sometimes simple and inexpensive can be the best choice for daily summer comfort.