Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Best neck fans 2023: portable devices to keep you cool during the heatwave
If you're looking for ways to keep cool in this heatwave, a neck fan could be just what you’re looking for. Check out our pick of the best on the market, suitable for all budgets...
By Gemma Wilcock | Last updated Sep 6, 2023
We updated this guide on 6th September, 2023 to ensure everything was up to date, and still the very best of the best.
Whether you’re on the school run, rushing around the shops, or working from your humid home office, the long summer days can leave you feeling hot and sweaty. With a portable neck fan, you can keep cool wherever you are.
Hands-free, wireless, and designed to look like headphones, they sit around your neck with two fans that blow air onto your face and head to keep you cool. The best neck fans run off rechargeable batteries that can last long enough for a day trip, so you don’t have to worry about overheating when you’re out and about. They’re ideal for use at home, too; we can’t all afford to splash out on a portable air conditioner or an air cooler, and they’re an effective, budget-friendly alternative.
To help you find the right neck fan, we first scoured the Mumsnet forums to find the products our users have tried, tested and loved. We then consulted authentic consumer reviews and expert websites to cross-check our recommendations and make sure our list has a range of fans for different needs and budgets.
Plus, for more carefully curated buys to tackle the heat this summer, we’ve also rounded up the best cooling boxes and the best tower fan according to Mumsnet users.
Best neck fan: our top picks
Best overall: SMARTDEVIL Neck Fan, £20
Best budget: Amacool Neck Fan, £13
Best for adjustability: COMLIFE Portable Neck Fan, £28
Best for comfort: SLuB Neck Fan, £19
Best bladeless: Amacool Bladeless Neck Fan, £20
Best for speeds: JisuLife FA14 Bladeless Neck Fan, £26
Best for style: CIVPower Portable Neck Fan, £35
Best wearable air conditioner: TORRAS COOLIFY 2 Neck Air Conditioner, £160
1. Best overall neck fan: SMARTDEVIL Neck Fan
Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Bladeless | Speed settings: 3 | Battery life: 2.5 to 7 hours | Battery type: 1800mAh | Dimensions: 20.7 x 22.2 x 5.8 cm | Weight: 225g
What we like
Sleek design looks like a pair of headphones
Bladeless so safer for long hair
Wind outlets for 360° cooling
What we don’t like
Some users said it can be quite noisy
It has also been known to run out of charge after a few hours
What Mumsnet users say
"It arrived today and it's doing me wonders." (Recommended by TrickorTreacle)
Our verdict
At first glance, the SMARTDEVIL Neck Fan could be mistaken for a pair of stylish headphones. The bladeless, lightweight design sits comfortably around your neck to keep your face and head cool, with users claiming to have worn it at work on hot hospital wards, sweaty trains, while doing housework, and for keeping cool on holiday - so the neck fan can be worn anywhere.
The fan charges easily with a USB cable which can be plugged into your computer, car, or power bank and can last for up to seven hours. However, some users did say it ran out after just an hour or two of use. The three speed settings and 48 wind outlets provide you with 360-degree cooling so you can feel the refreshing air all around your neck and face. The bladeless design also means the two fans won’t get caught up in longer hair - and it’s not a bad price too.
2. Best budget neck fan: Amacool Neck Fan 2600mAh Battery
Price on writing: £13 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Blades | Speed settings: 3 | Battery life: Up to 6 hours on speed 1 | Battery type: 2600mah | Dimensions: Approx. 20 x 28 x 6 cm | Weight: 185g
What we like
Four colours to choose from
Flexible arms allow it to be used as a stand-alone fan
Three strong speed settings
What we don’t like
Some users claim the neck fan has a burning smell
Bulkier than bladeless designs
What Mumsnet users say
"I'm on my sofa with some Ben and Jerry's. I've got my neck fan on and it's lovely." (Fan style recommended by MintyGreenDreams)
Our verdict
We don’t just love the price of the Amacool Neck Fan, we love how flexible it is, too. The arms move so it can be adjusted to get a good angle on your face and neck or you can take it off and use it as a desk fan in your home office.
The bladed design does mean it is bulkier than the likes of the SMARTDEVIL Neck Fan. However, for that you get an impressive three speeds powered by a 2600mAh battery which, even at the lowest setting, will keep you feeling fresher and cooler. It’ll be a lifesaver if you suffer with hot flashes or simply struggle in warmer weather. The blades have even been designed so that it blows your hairs away rather than getting caught up.
Related: Discover the best cooling pillow for a dreamy night's sleep
3. Best adjustable neck fan: COMLIFE Portable Neck Fan
Price on writing: £28 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Blades | Speed settings: 6 | Battery life: Up to 16 hours (natural mode) | Battery type: 2600mAh | Dimensions: 28.4 x 20.6 x 6.1 cm | Weight: 196g
What we like
Can last up to 16 hours
Six speed options
Flexible arms for getting the right position
What we don’t like
Need to tie up long hair when using this fan
Slower to charge than other designs - around four hours
US import so delivery may take longer than other options
What Mumsnet users say
"I've got these. I'm wearing them as I type." (Fan tried and tested by DialSquare)
Our verdict
When it comes to keeping you cool, the COMLIFE Portable Neck Fan gives you plenty of options. The bendy adjustable arms allow you to get the right angle of airflow whether the band sits around your neck or whether it sits on a table as a standalone fan. You can also reduce it to a compact size for fitting in your bag when not in use.
It has more wind speeds than any other fan on our list, with six to choose from, including a more energy-efficient natural wind mode, in which the fan stops for five seconds every five seconds. Using it like this, it can last for up to 16 hours otherwise the 2600mAh battery will keep you cool for up to nine hours. It does take around four hours to charge though, so it's not that quick, which could be annoying on a hot sunny day. Users have found it convenient to wear in place of a handheld fan when cleaning or travelling on a hot, sweaty bus.
Related: Relax in the shade this summer with our pick of the best hammocks
4. Best comfortable neck fan: SLuB Neck Fan
Price on writing: £19 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Bladeless | Speed settings: 3 | Battery life: Up to 8 hours | Battery type: 1800mAh | Dimensions: 6.6 x 18.2 x 25.7 cm | Weight: 220g
What we like
Sleek, lightweight design
Silicone material can be bent to adjust for comfort
What we don’t like
Users say it is a bit noisy on the fastest speed
Battery doesn’t last as long as other models
What Mumsnet users say
"It's been an absolute godsend. It's loudest on setting 3, but to be honest it's not unbearably loud (but then I have been wearing a headset)." (Vetted by cazisalittlenuts)
"Mine has arrived... It's amazing." (Reviewed by Shodan)
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a sleek neck fan that doesn’t cost too much, then the SLuB Fan is a good mid-range option. Users claim the lightweight design and bladeless turbo fans are effective at keeping you cool when sightseeing on hot sunny holidays or working in stuffy workplaces, such as care homes.
We like that it is made from soft silicone so it can be bent to get the right angle for your face or to make sure it sits comfortably around your neck. There are a couple of things to bear in mind, though - the battery doesn’t last as long as other models, up to eight hours as opposed to 16 for the COMLIFE Portable Neck Fan, so this one may be better suited for those wanting a quick cool down. Users also claim the neck fan can be quite noisy, but it may be worth it if it keeps you cooler in the summer heat.
Related: Cool down quickly with our guide to the best pedestal fans
5. Best bladeless neck fan: Amacool Bladeless Neck Fan
Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Bladeless | Speed settings: 4 | Battery life: Up to 9 hours (speed 1) | Battery type: 5000mAh | Dimensions: 5 x 16 x 20 cm | Weight: 274g
What we like
Can last up to nine hours on lowest speed
Adjustable fan arms
60 air outlets for more air distribution
What we don’t like
Some users found it uncomfortable to wear
Pricier than other models
What Mumsnet users say
"Genius little invention, isn't it? I bought one last year while extremely pregnant, was a lifesaver. Completely forgot about it until I saw this thread, charging mine now." (Type of fan tried and tested by MooChops89)
Our verdict
The Amacool Bladeless Neck Fan fan has been designed to offer flexibility so that it can fit any neck size comfortably, including both adults and children. The bladeless design makes it sleek and lightweight when sitting around your neck so it shouldn’t get in the way if you’re exercising or doing housework and need to keep cool.
The flexibility of this neck fan also means you can stand it on a desk or table and keep cool while you cook or work. With 60 large fan outlets to blow air on your neck and face and a 5000mAh battery, it can last for up to nine hours, so you can use it for travelling to work or on hot days out - however, that is at the lowest setting.
6. Best neck fan for speeds: JisuLife FA14 Bladeless Neck Fan
Price on writing: £26 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Bladeless | Speed settings: 3 | Battery life: Up to 16 hours (speed 1) | Battery type: 4000mAh | Dimensions: 19.7 x 19.8 x 6 cm | Weight: 257g
What we like
78 air outlets
Can work for up to 16 hours
Quiet
What we don’t like
Pricier than other models
What Mumsnet users say
"I'm sitting here with one I ordered yesterday from Amazon from a recommendation on Mumsnet! It is life-changing for me already! Got an aerosol pump spray filled with cold water, too, and the combo together has saved my sanity today!’ (Type of fan vetted by LCDIT)
Our verdict
There’s a lot to like about this fan. Firstly, it has 78 air outlets for making sure you can get plenty of air flow to your neck and face - something you’ll appreciate on those really hot sunny days. You can also pick from three speed settings depending on how powerful you want the breeze to be.
Another great feature of the JisuLife FA14 Bladeless Neck Fan is the battery life. The 4000 mAh battery can last for up to 16 hours on the lowest setting, so you shouldn’t need to worry about recharging it too often, and you can use it when you’re away from home. The one-touch button design also makes it easy to adjust.
7. Best stylish neck fan: CIVPower Portable Neck Fan
Price on writing: £35 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Bladeless | Speed settings: 3 | Battery life: Up to 16 hours | Battery type: 4000 mAh | Dimensions: 5.99 x 19.2 x 19.99 cm | Weight: 240g
What we like
Six colours available
78 air vents for 360-degree cooling
Up to 16 hours of battery life
What we don’t like
Pricier than others on the list
Users claim it can be quite loud
What Mumsnet users say
"I've got a neck fan, had it for weeks as anything over 25°C is life-threatening for me. We've had odd days when it's got that hot here, last two days have been over 30°C though. It’s great as I can wear it wherever I go.’ (Type of fan used by Becca19962014)
Our verdict
Another bladeless option, the CIVPower Portable Neck Fan comes in a range of stylish colours for keeping - and looking - cool on the go. The turbo fans and 78 vents allow air to flow all around your neck and face.
The 4000 mAh battery can last for up to 16 hours of usage, more than long enough for a hot day out or the commute to and from work. It doesn't have the same flexibility as other designs, so it can’t be adjusted to fit you better or get a better angle, but it will look like a stylish pair of headphones around your neck if you’re conscious about wearing the fan out and about.
Related: The best ice cube trays, as tried and tested by Mumsnetters
8. Best 2-in-1 neck fan and air conditioner: TORRAS COOLIFY 2 Neck Air Conditioner
Price on writing: £160 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Bladeless | Speed settings: 3 | Battery life: Up to 18 hours (mode 1) | Battery type: 4000mAh | Dimensions: 17.8 x 7.6 x 20.3 cm | Weight: 378g
What we like
Three modes; cooling, blowing and heating
Both a fan and a wearable air conditioner
Uses cooling plates to reduce temperature quickly
What we don’t like
Very pricey
Our verdict
If a fan isn’t quite giving you the cooling effect you want, then the TORRAS COOLIFY 2 may be just what you need. It's a wearable air conditioner, using built-in cooling plates to reduce your temperature by 1°C in just one second.
If you want to keep cool, there are two modes, fan and cooling, with three speeds to choose from. Then in the winter, you can even use the device to keep you warm as there is also a heating setting. The fan can last for up to 18 hours depending on what setting you choose and it clamps to your neck, which will help keep the fan secure if you’re exercising or moving about.
Users have found it very effective for hot offices and holidays abroad, but the price is eye-watering compared to the rest of the products on our list. This one could be worth the investment though if you really need to keep your temperature down.
Are neck fans safe?
In general, neck fans are not considered dangerous. The only thing to bear in mind is if you have longer hair and don’t want to tie it up - in this instance, it would be better to go for a bladeless neck fan rather than a bladed model which could get your hair caught.
What to consider when choosing a neck fan
Power
Take a look at the wind speeds when shopping for your neck fan. This will affect how hard it blows into your face. Many come with multiple speeds, but bear in mind that sometimes the faster the fan, the louder it may be. There are quieter designs available, too.
Battery life
If you plan to use the neck fan on a sweaty commute or for long days out - or you just don’t want to have to keep charging it - look at how long the battery lasts. The high-end designs on our roundup can last for up to 16 hours.
Design
The main difference between fans is whether they are bladed or bladeless. Bladed fans tend to offer more airflow but are bigger around the neck. Bladeless neck fans look more like headphones so aren’t as obvious and, as they use small turbines to create airflow, are more suitable for people with long hair.
How long do neck fans last?
This will depend on the size of the battery. On average, neck fans with a smaller 2,000mAh battery will run from three to nine hours, depending on what speed setting you use. While fans with 4,000mAh or 5,000mAh batteries can last up to 16 hours on low. So, even if it has a smaller battery life, a good neck fan is a smart addition to your bag along with the best reusable water bottle during the summer months.
About the author
Gemma Wilcock is a freelance writer and copywriter. At Mumsnet, she creates content providing useful parenting advice, information and top products to make life easier – as a mother of two children herself, Gemma knows how important it is to get the right advice.
After working on women’s weekly magazines for nine years, Gemma turned to freelance writing to fit around family life, writing for a range of online and print publications, charities and small businesses. She loves writing about subjects that will be helpful to the reader – and herself! - including recommending top products on Mumsnet that help parents in their day-to-day life. She knows how important online reviews are when it comes to making a purchase, so she always makes sure to thoroughly research every product so we are recommending the best ones on the market.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real parents
We started our research by trawling our forums to find out what our Mumsnetters thought about neck fans and which products they recommend. Our forums have over 8 million monthly users, so we know that the neck fans Mumsnetters independently suggest have been tried and tested and will cater for different needs and budgets.
Authentic reviews
We looked at in-depth reviews of neck fans to see which brands and products impressed experts the most. This helped us to narrow down our shortlist and focus on the products that excel across the board.
We also checked verified consumer reviews on websites such as Amazon, making a note of both positive and negative feedback, to help us pick the best products.
Celebrated best products
Finally, during our research, we always make sure to look at products that have received awards. This, combined with real parent recommendations, reviews and expert advice, helped us recommend a variety of neck fans to keep you cool on hot summer days.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
Related: Discover the best kids' water bottles according to parents