Sign in Pro
Best USB Fans Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
One of the most attractive benefits of a USB-powered fan is its compact size and cooling power. However, the size varies between different brands and models which makes it important for you to distinguish which size will suit your needs best.
The best way to determine your ideal size fan is to consider the space in which you will use it. Once you’ve determined the space, such as a desk, bedside table, etc, you should measure the surface and determine how much of this space you are willing to allocate to your new fan.
Ideally, your chosen USB fan should be able to fit comfortably on your chosen space without overpowering it. You should have enough room left on the surface to still comfortably use for its original purpose and be able to reach and adjust your new USB fan without effort.
The measurements of each brand name and model should be freely available either on its box or on the website’s product description.
Speed
Much like traditional fans, several USB fans offer different fan speeds for your convenience. Fan speed is universally measured in Revolutions Per Minute (RPM).
Significantly, several USB fans offer only a single fan speed, which is reasonable considering the fan’s small size. However, certain fans offer two to three different fan speeds, typically ranging from 500 RPM to up to 1800 RPM. The lower RPM equates to a slower blade rotation, while a higher RPM means a faster blade movement and subsequently more powerful breeze.
The product description will generally state if the USB fan offers more than one speed as well as how you can control the speeds so you can determine the best fan for you.
Use
USB fans are best suitable for personal use. For this reason, it is important that you should consider who will be using this fan and under what conditions the individual will be using it.
When buying a fan, you should consider the main person who will be using it. Consider factors such as what age this person is and how capable they are of operating the fan. When buying the fan for a young child or elderly individual, your top concerns should be safety and user-friendliness. You can buy more complicated and high-tech models for a teen or adult.
Fortunately, these fans are pretty safe options and are designed for use when you are on-the-go or stationed at your desk, or simply sitting and relaxing. Many people use these fans on their desks at work, while they are traveling on the road or out camping, or when they are sitting at home watching TV, even.
Another thing to consider is where and when this individual will be using their fan the most, specifically when thinking about which size fan to get. If you’re buying this fan for a student or working professional, they might prefer fans that are small and quiet. In contrast, an individual who needs the fan for camping and traveling purposes might prefer a model that is highly adaptable and offers the option of included batteries or using via USB cable.
The use of a USB-powered fan might be a great option for the individual using it instead of battery operated fans, because you can plug them in wherever there is a USB port. This way, you don't have to worry about tracking down batteries or buying more. This is why these kinds of fans are perfect for students that are always on their laptops, working professionals always at their desks and even for people that are sitting around on their phones. That’s right. Some of these even come with USB cable adapters to plug into your smartphone.
Lastly, if there weren’t enough reasons already to use a USB fan, cutting down on electricity usage is a really big reason. You can conserve a lot of energy by using one of these fans. Think about it. You don’t have to plug it into the wall to use it for hours on end. You can simply charge the fan pretty quickly with the USB cable and then you are good to go with a compact fan designed to keep you cool.
Pretty much wherever you are, a USB-powered fan is handy to have on hand and take with you. And again, like stated before, most are small enough to fit in your bag and to not take too much space on your personal desk.
Safety Hazards
Safety should be a top priority when purchasing any new device, and this is no different when it comes to USB fans. While they may be small in size, choosing the wrong USB can still cause damage.
You should first consider the blades of the product and the materials that they are made of. A blade made out of thick inflexible plastic or metal can cause harm to someone who accidentally gets their fingers in the way of the blades. For smaller children especially you should try and buy a USB fan whose blades are made out of soft plastic or foam. If this is impossible, ensure that the blades are covered by a metal frame that cannot be penetrated by small, inquisitive fingers.
Other safety considerations should be whether or not the fan is waterproof (if used in damp or wet conditions), whether the USB cord is durable and won’t break to potentially expose harmful wiring as well as whether the fan will stay in place securely.
Stability
The base of the USB fan is another important consideration as a sturdy base is essential to prevent potential slips and breakages.
The base of a fan should be sturdy enough to support the full weight of the fan and to keep it securely in place. Look for a base that is heavier in relation to the fan so that it will stay put and won’t get knocked over and potentially fall and break.
Another consideration is the materials used at the bottom of the base. The bottom of the base should be covered in some protective material, such as rubber pads, to protect the surface from potential scratches.
Top 10 Picks
1. Aikoper Personal Fan
We just love this little baby. It not only works likes a charm but it looks super cool at your desk. Is it a light or is it a fan or a paperweight. The fact is it’s a twin turbo structure that pushes the air much like a hurricane. It doesn’t have blades so it doesn’t get dusty like the fan you have now and it also has a few speeds. This baby is a triumph of form and function so it gets out top spot hands down.
Twin Turbo Structure
Here’s how this works twin turbos drive the air in opposite directions. That increases the inner pressure and pushes air out in a uniform quiet fashion. And we like that. The inner turbos also won’t get coated with that sickly post winter office dust that carries all kinds of nasties.
Single Touch design
No knobs on this baby, it’s like a clapper. One touch and it’s on another and you can change the fan speed another and it turns off! How cool is that? Now we’re still not convinced about the Internet of things turning every appliance we have into an internet portal, but we do like our tech and we like the attention to detail the folks at Aikoper put into this fan.
Cost and Value
Definitely in a high-tier price range, but this is a pretty high-quality instrument. It’s modern looking and it’s quiet and it’s just a bundle of the best fan tech you can imagine so for us we recommend dropping a few extra dollars and getting you one of these.
2. OPOLAR F401
OPOLAR is another trusted manufacturer of the personal cooling device and their F401 mini USB fan does not disappoint their reputation. The F401 features 4-inch blades that are encased in a sturdy metal frame of 6 inches as well as a 3.9 foot USB cable. The small size is perfect for displaying the sleek design on any desk and the fan's quiet operation makes it the ideal choice for any environment.
Versatile
The fan's small size means that you can take it anywhere with you. In addition, the fan's base can easily be adjusted to install it in several places. Simply place it on your desk, or adjust the base to hang it over your cubicle wall.
Quiet
This USB fan is completely quiet when it operates. While it offers only one-speed setting, the F401 works effectively and quietly to keep you cool without disturbing people around you.
Cost and Value
This device is reasonably priced and offers immense value for money. The device's versatility makes it easy to travel with and can easily be installed wherever you go. The device's metal will ensure durability for years to come.
3. iMBAPrice
Get the ultimate in personal cooling with this desk fan from iMBAPrice. This fan promises powerful cooling with its strong plastic blades encased in a sturdy frame. This fan can easily be adjusted to provide some cooling comfort in any direction. Despite its cooling power, the device is small yet sturdy enough so you can take the fan with you wherever you go.
Adjustable
This fan was designed with personal cooling in mind. It comes with a durable and long enough USB cord for easy placement. Moreover, the fan itself can easily be adjusted to provide efficient cooling in the direction you choose.
Durable
The fan features 4 blades made of hard plastic. However, these blades are protected by a high-quality frame. In addition, the fan sports a sleek yet sturdy design that won't easily be knocked over or slip off your desk.
Cost and Value
This is arguably one of the most cost-efficient fans currently available on the market. Despite its low price, the fan still delivers in its cooling capability as well as its overall quality.
4. MILIJIA USB Powered Tent Light with Ceiling Fan
Now, this little number gives you not only air but light and there are days when a little extra illumination might be helpful. Especially if you’re in an office that still relies on the scourge of seeing people everywhere, fluorescent lighting. We’ll leave that for another product but in addition to the light, you get a nice looking fan with three different speed settings and an adjustable base that lets you point the air exactly where it needs to go. It’s a nice dual purpose fan that works both in and out of the office.
Battery or USB Interface
Very useful if you have to get up for a while and move away from your desk and need a fan to beat the heat. But keep in mind if you’re running the light and the fan at the same time the batteries will only give you about 3 hours of constant use. The Light alone will last 30 hours and the fan alone will last six. It’s a nice option if you have to unplug but want to take your fan with you.
Single Button, 3 Settings
The fan itself has three different speeds, that’s helpful, and the same button will turn on and off the light, and adjust the light intensity. The single button helps add to the aesthetics of this light, which we like.
Cost and Value
Pretty cheap. The lighting element adds a few dollars to the price tag but we do like the dual use element of this particular light so if you’re looking to stay cool and shed a bit of extra light onto your workspace consider this simple little fan.
5. Honeywell HTF090B
The Honeywell HTF090B is an old-faithful when it comes to personal fans and has proudly decorated thousands of desks for the last few years. This cheap and compact fan, however, still delivers when it comes to cooling. This fan operates either via a USB port or using AA batteries, which gives it optimal mobility. With its innovative carrying handle, you can take your fan with you wherever you go.
Battery or USB powered
This nifty fan can be powered using either a USB port or AA batteries which gives the fan even more utility. While this is ideal for a desk fan, the AA battery option is sure to appeal to those who dislike dealing with an overflow of cables.
Carrying Handle
The HTF090B has a unique handle that will empower you to customize your cooling experience. The handle can be used to simply place the fan on your desk. However, you can easily adjust this handle to carry the fan around or to hang it up.
Cost and Value
The Honeywell is one of the most cost-efficient options featured on our list. Despite this, the device is durable and reliable and definitely does not compromise on cooling power.
6. Senpaic Personal
This sleek desk fan features a unique square design that's made from high-quality, durable plastic. The fan is small enough to comfortably fit on cramped working spaces without compromising on its cooling ability. This desk fan has two fan speeds to satisfy most personal cooling needs. Lastly, the fan has a rubber base to sit securely on any surface.
Sturdy
Despite being made entirely out of plastic, the Senpaic is a sturdy and durable product. In addition, the bottom of the fan features rubber padding that will secure the fan safely on any surface.
Energy Efficient
USB fans are inherently energy efficient since they don't require energy from an electrical outlet but from your computer. However, the Senpaic fan is even more energy efficient than most models since it requires a minimum of 5 V to operate efficiently.
Cost and Value
The Senpaic Personal Fan is very moderately priced compared to similar models on the market. This fan can cater to most cooling needs, is made of durable material, and will save electricity. Definitely worth the buy!
7. Efluky Mini USB
The desk fan from Efluky is likely to turn some heads both for its cooling power as well as its futuristic design. This fan offers three different fan speeds as well as a built-in blue light. However, the true selling point of this fan is that you can charge it via a USB port and use it wirelessly for up to 3 hours. This fan is ideal for those who prefer a more mobile fan.
Built-in Light
While the light may seem unnecessary and even bothersome in a corporate or educational environment, it can be a useful tool during camping trips, or for using the fan in a child's bedroom. You can easily turn the light on and off using the controls on the device.
Charging Capability
Unlike other USB fans, this one can be charged via a USB port and used wirelessly. The attached cable resembles that of an Android smartphone. One single charge will provide a battery life of up to 3 hours.
Cost and Value
While the Efluky is perhaps one of the more costly USB fans available on the market, there are several features to redeem this price. The built-in lighting, its ultra-silent motor as well as its cordless ability are all major features that few other USB fans offer.
8. Fancii Small Personal Desk
Fancii's personal desk fan was designed with simplicity in mind. The device offers two fan speeds that you can conveniently adjust using the device's touch control. Despite its small size, the device utilizes twin turbo cyclone blade technology to maximize the airflow for the ultimate personal cooling experience. The fan boasts 40% more efficiency and 25% less noise than similar products on the market and has an adjustable handle for versatility.
Twin Turbo Cyclone Blade Technology
This innovative piece of technology is a major factor in this fan's cooling power. By utilizing technology, Fancii has produced a device that is compact, yet manages a surprisingly powerful airflow capability.
Portable
With its sleekly designed handle, you can carry your Fancii fan with you anywhere you go. Moreover, this compact device can easily fit in your handbag, backpack, or briefcase and will fit on any desk.
Cost and Value
This device is one of the more expensive options when it comes to USB fans. The higher price can be attributed to the device's immense cooling capability that promises to be 40% more efficient than the average desk fan available.
9. OPOLAR Portable Travel Mini Fan
This portable USB-powered fan from OPOLAR is easy to take with you wherever you go. Whether you need some cooling off at your desk, on a hike or at the gym, you can use your laptop or any device with a USB port, charge it up and you're good to go. It's also easy to pack up into a bag, so you can take it with you because of its compact size.
Three speeds
This fan offers three speeds of wind. According to your demands, you can set the fan at low, medium or high speed. On a single charge, you can get this relief anywhere from 3-13 hours depending on how full of a charge you have.
Strong but quiet
This fan offers low, medium and high-speed power, but does so quietly. This means that this fan is great for in the office or next to your bed while you sleep because it won't disturb you or others around you by being too loud.
Cost and Value
This fan is affordable and worth the price because of its powerful airflow, LED light up feature, compact size and quiet performance.
10. Holmes Heritage 4 Inch Fan
Aesthetically speaking this is one of our favorites just for the brushed copper. It gives it a very retro feel, plus it’s actually made of metal. But guess what it also moves air quite well, so while this is just a basic fan, it’s a nice looking piece and you can be confident it’ll keep things just cool at your desk.
Tilt Adjustable
So this doesn’t just sit idly on your desk, you can adjust the air direction even though it looks like it just sits flush on the counter. This is a nice element considering the blades are pretty small at 4 inches. Being able to get the air exactly where you want it is a nice selling point.
Metal Construction
No flimsy plastic here, this looks like metal because it is metal. Oil rubbed stainless steel to be exact with a copper finish. This just adds to the appeal of this classic little fan.
Cost and Value
This fan falls in the midrange when it comes to cost. But the fact that it has all metal construction and a very appealing retro look kicks it up a few notches when it comes to USB fans. This is a little fan that can and will find a nice home on any desk.
Sources
- , Computer Fan, Website
- , Enhanced mini-USB, Website
- , The 10 Best USB Powered Fans, Website
