Spring has officially blossomed in the UK. Weeks of sunny weather has nearly made us forget about the non-stop rain at the beginning of 2026 – and warmer, longer days are giving way to temperatures up to 26C. Whether you’re looking to bask in your lunch break, negotiate clammy conditions on the commute or keep cool at home, the best portable fans can help to keep you comfortable.
Sometimes loose linens, staying hydrated and ducking into shade just don’t cut it. While we’re not in heatwave territory yet, investing in a portable fan now will set you up for the summer. Trust us: handheld fans are an affordable luxury that can make a world of difference.
Providing sweet relief from sweltering trips into work or warm days at your desk, John Lewis’s anyday hand fan sells out every year – and it’s an IndyBest team favourite. Fully rechargeable and available in various sleek, stylish colourways, the nifty device costs just £12.
With more than three thousand five-star reviews, the fan offers a cost-effective way to keep cool. It’s also a fraction of the price of portable fans from the likes of Shark and Dyson,which might set you back more than £100.
Whether you want a fan to pop in your bag, help you drift off at night or keep you cool while you’re working, here’s everything you need to know about the top-rated John Lewis hand fan.
John Lewis & Partners handheld and foldable desk fan
Get ready to make surviving the working day in the heat a total breeze with this small yet powerful portable fan. Measuring 4in in diameter, the fan is compact, meaning it’s not only a great option for sitting on your desk but can also be easily slipped into your bag when you’re on the go.
Senior tech critic Alex Lee praised “its near-silent performance” in his review of the best handheld fans. “If you prioritise subtlety and simplicity over power, and want something no-frills that won’t distract you, this is a nice handheld fan,” he wrote.
Deputy IndyBest editor, Sabrina Sahota, also took it on a trip to Australia: “This lightweight, little fan is perfect for travel and genuinely made the Australian summer heat more bearable when out and about exploring”.
The gadget is rechargeable using a USB port, making it the perfect companion if you're spending a lot of time in your home office, as there’s no need to change batteries.
It also has three different speed settings, so you can adjust the breeze to suit you and, once fully charged (which only takes five hours), it will operate for approximately nine hours on low speed, six hours on medium speed and four hours on high speed. The fan is designed with a built-in fold-out stand, so you can use it as a handheld option or prop it up on a table.
Plus, it also comes in five different colours. The white and teal shades are super sleek, while the hot pink hue, lilac and lake blue will add a splash of colour to your outfits.
Buy now £12, Johnlewis.com
If you need a larger cooling device, we have plenty of other recommendations in our guide to the best fans to suit every space and budget.
MeacoFan sefte 10” table air circulator
The best fan in our appliance expert’s tried and tested review, the MeacoFan sefte is “one of those rare models that manages to feel both powerful and refined.” Joanne Lewsley found that “the airflow is strong enough to be felt across the room, yet it never has that harsh, buffeting feel you get from cheaper desk fans.”
Buy now £99, Meaco.com
VonHaus air circulator cooling fan
VonHaus’s air circulating cooling fan was our tester’s favourite budget buy. “It feels more like a mini air circulator than a standard desk fan,” she noted, “pushing air around the room rather than just blasting it straight ahead, which makes a noticeable difference in smaller spaces.” Praising the compact design and slightly retro, 1950s-inspired look, she said that its performance punches above its price.
Buy now £39, Amazon.co.uk
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