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a portable handheld misting fan spraying mist into the air

10 Best Portable Handheld Misting Fans for 2021

When choosing the best handheld misting fan, the end goal will always be to give you some sweet, chilly relief. Portable misting fans are ideal for those looking for airflow and a refreshing mist on-the-go, without worrying about the size or if there’s an electrical outlet around.

We love these mini lifesavers because they offer so much more than a regular fan. Not only does the mist cool you down, but it can also prevent the skin or sinuses from drying out. They don’t just blow and circulate the hot air around you, they can tangibly reduce your body temperature and take away discomfort from heat.

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People often use them while travelling, at amusement parks, in an office, at outdoor events, during sports and exercise, and wherever else the environment is way too hot to handle. You can even sneak the smaller handheld models inside to keep cool in your tent

While you might be tempted settling for a larger model, small misting fans offer a personalized cooling option that you can take with you anywhere, anytime. Let’s look at the best models you can find today.

1. Geek Aire Battery Operated Misting Fan

Geek Aire Battery Operated Misting Fan

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Now, this isn’t handheld per se, but it is portable, as it’s not as heavy-duty as some other industrial-style fans are out there. It’s a 13lb floor model, utilizing rubber feet for stability and a pivoting head for directional air and vapor flow.

A massive reach is achieved through the wide triple blades and powerful speed range – it gets up to 2300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and sprays up to 11.5ft. The battery is removable, and you can purchase several of them to switch out and get a runtime of over 30 hours.

We like how you can charge your phone or power bank at the same time by plugging it into the USB ports. With UV resistance, weatherproof and rustproof qualities, it can withstand outdoor conditions.

Key Features:

  • Portable Industrial 2300CFM Fan
  • Long Mist Reach of 11.5ft
  • Simple Set Up & Rechargeable/Detachable Batteries

 

2. OPOLAR Misting Handheld Fan

OPOLAR Misting Handheld Fan

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OPOLAR’s model is our first choice on the list. It’s small enough to fit in a medium-sized handbag, with a comfortable handle large enough for a full hand grip. Using a single battery placed in the handle, it can last for 14 hours or more. Plug it in your laptop with the micro USB to charge.

In terms of controls, there is a single button on the front that lets you choose each setting. Press it once to turn on, hold it down for 3 seconds to activate the mist, and from there continue pressing until you reach your desired fan speed.

Our favorite feature is that the handle area can fold down in two different ways. This makes it into a floor or desk fan, where you don’t need to hold it in order to cool down. This also lets you control the direction of the head and makes it more compact for storing. Prop it on a flat surface, and it will deliver uninterrupted mist and airflow until you turn it off.

Key Features:

  • Continuous Mist & Airflow with 3 Speed Settings
  • Rechargeable 2600mAh Battery
  • Holds 1.8 Fluid Ounces & Fills at Top

 

3. KOODER Handheld Mini Fan

KOODER Handheld Mini Fan

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This version from KOODER has an adorable design with minimalistic colors and shapes. Following a pale blue and white scheme, this is on the smaller side fitting in the palm of an average adult’s hand. It could fit snug in a large pocket, or easily in a small bag, making it highly portable. A weight of just 4.59 ounces makes it one of the lightest we’ve seen.

To refill for the vapor effect, it has a rear water tank with a capacity of around 0.5 fluid ounces. An interesting feature is the single fan blade, which is detachable. Due to the cylindrical base, you can use it in your hand, or on a flat surface like a desk.

The 1200mAh battery is rechargeable using a micro USB cable. It can be charged by a power bank, USB port like through a computer, in an outlet, or by a car charger.

Features:

  • Manual Spray Design Gives You More Control
  • Super Compact 4.9”H x 1.5”W x 2.5”L
  • 1200mAh Rechargeable Battery Lasts 6 Hours on Low

 

4. HandFan Portable Handheld Misting Fan

HandFan Portable Handheld Misting Fan

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Available in 4 different colors, this version from HandFan is perfect for travel or in the office. It has quite a narrow and simple design, plus it only releases a gentle hum, even on the highest setting. Equipped with a 2000mAh battery, it’s conveniently rechargeable.

When kept on its lowest speed setting, it can last for up to 9 hours with a constant mist. On the highest speed, it runs for about 2.5 hours. To operate, it’s a straightforward process. Hold the push button down for 2 seconds, and mist will emerge. After that, keep pressing to change between 3 speeds. A light indicator shows when it’s charging, when it’s fully charged, and it blinks when power is low.

For comfortable holding, the handle has small indents for the fingers. At its most rapid blade speed setting, the airflow reaches 4.6 m/s (meters per second).  The mist will emit at 20-30 ml/h. When you want to use it on a flat surface or store it away, the handle folds backwards and it becomes half its size.

Key Features:

  • Pivoting Head & Large Capacity Tank of 1.8 Fluid Ounces
  • Folding Handle Reduces Size by Half
  • 4 Hour Charge Lasts for 9 Hours on Low Setting

 

5. HandFan Small Handheld Misting Fan

HandFan Small Handheld Misting Fan

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Another edition from HandFan, this one is ever so slightly smaller than the previous version. It comes in royal blue, black, or white. We enjoy the modern design to it, with sleek curves on the handle and a silver metal band across the top of the head.

Hold 3 seconds to power on the spray for a nonstop stream, then adjust the blade speed by tapping the same button repeatedly. There is a fairly long battery life, with 13 hours on low, 6 on medium, and 3 hours on high.

Another highlight feature that we haven’t seen on many of these fans is the LED light. 7 different colors of light alternate while the blades run, which is handy for use while camping and it’s dark. Measuring just under 8 inches at its full length, the foldable handle makes it half its size. This also makes it double as a floor or desk fan.

Key Features:

  • Built-In 2000mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Large Spray Volume of 0/8 ml/minute
  • Multifunctional with Mist, Fan & LED Lights

 

6. COMLIFE Super Mini Handheld Fan

COMLIFE Super Mini Handheld Fan

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This fan from COMLIFE is ultra-compact, small enough to fit in an adult sized jeans pocket. Despite its small stature, it has a massive battery life of 18 hours on its lowest speed. The battery is 2000mAh and takes 4 hours full a full charge.

The design is a standout for us because of how straightforward it is – there are no surprises or complicated interfaces to work with. The blades are highly protected with a tight cage, and handle is smooth and fits nicely in a hand, and the removable base lets you set it up on a tabletop for hands-free use.

The airflow is quite powerful thanks to a brushless motor – the highest blade setting reaches 5 m/s. Choose from 4 speeds in total, including the first which is natural wind mode. This means it blows air every 5 seconds. A bottom wrist strap lets you carry it around with ease.

Key Features:

  • 2-in-1 Design with Detachable Flat Base
  • Strong Airflow & Long 18 Hour Rechargeable Battery Life
  • Mini Size & Wrist Strap for Transport

 

7. WoneNice Portable Handheld Misting Fan

WoneNice Portable Handheld Misting Fan

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We think the WoneNice model is ideal for quiet situations, where you need something that will produce a minimal amount of sound. It uses a brushless motor, which significantly lessens the sound down to just 40dB. Great for sleeping babies, in a library or quiet office, or in a tent.

With a 0.6 fluid ounce capacity, it can last up to 6 hours on low in combination with a 2200mAh battery. This is quite a high-powered battery for such a small design. 3 modes are available in terms of the wind speed, and you get a handy indicator light that lets you know all the settings. For charging, simply plug it into an AC adapter, laptop, power bank, or car charger.

Key Features:

  • Rechargeable High-Power 2200mAh Battery
  • 6 Hour Runtime on Highest Speed Mode
  • Compact & Portable 7”H x 4”L x 1.9”W

 

8. Upper Commerce 2020 Unique Portable Misting Fan

Upper Commerce 2020 Unique Portable Misting Fan

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This next pick has a really stylish design and comes in white or pink. The white version has a mini cactus toy inside, and the pink one has a little rabbit – these are great for kids as well as adults. These miniatures aren’t just for looks though, as they sit inside the ball at the front which creates a more direct flow of mist. It has a very slim structure, with a thin handle that measures just 1 inch. At 8.4 inches in length, it will fit in a small sized handbag.

There are two barely-there buttons on the front. The top turns it of and on and controls the blade speeds, while the bottom controls the spray function. USB charging capabilities make it easy to recharge on the go.

Key Features:

  • Stylish & Compact Design with Ball-Point Continuous Spray
  • USB Rechargeable
  • Quiet Mode & 3 Other Air Speeds

 

9. O2COOL Carabiner Misting Fan

O2COOL Carabiner Misting Fan

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Now, this is seriously as compact as it gets. It’s literally a keychain designed as a mini fan with mist. It utilizes manual spraying, so you can control how much vapor you want at any one time. One AA battery is required.

We think it’s perfect for going on runs in hotter weather, out on a picnic or camping, at sport games, or on road trips. You can put it on your keys, in your pocket, or in a bag and it will barely take up any space.

It’s obviously not going to give you a large level of spray or air, but it’s more intended for quick fixes, rather than a continuous mist. The single fan blade is made from soft foam for safety.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-Compact Size
  • Soft & Safe Foam Blades
  • Carabiner Attaches to Keys or Other Gear

 

10. O2COOL Deluxe Misting Fan

O2COOL Deluxe Misting Fan

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Last up is another model from O2COOL, this time larger than a keychain accessory. It’s one of their bestselling models, thanks to its simplicity in use and design. As well as a 9-ounce liquid capacity, we appreciate that the refill opening is wide enough to fit cubes of ice for a chilling effect.

Rather than a constant flow of vapor, it has a trigger button that lets you regulate how much you want to come out. It’s powered by 2 AA batteries, and gives approximately 1000 sprays on a full tank. The fan blades are made from a flexible plastic, making it safe to put your fingers on while running.

Key Features:

  • Large 9-ounce Capacity
  • Manual Trigger for Mist Control
  • Provides Approx. 1000 Sprays from a Single Refill

 

3 Key Things to Look for in a Portable Handheld Misting Fan

Portability & Design

One of the first things you’ll notice is how the fan actually looks. Think about what size you’re looking for, and where you’ll be taking it. While most of them are small enough to fit in a handbag, or even a pocket or on keys in some cases, it’s important to consider your preference.

Another design factor to think about is whether it has functions other than handholding. Some of the handles can bend in different ways, allowing you to use it handsfree as a floor or desk fan.

The size and power of the blades is something else to look out for. If it has larger blades and a stronger motor, then it will typically produce more air and spread more mist. Also take note of the water capacity, as this can determine how long the mist will last.

Regular or Rechargeable

Almost all of them are battery powered for convenience, so that you don’t need any wall outlets for them to work. You’ll generally get two options – AA batteries, or rechargeable batteries that use USB connections to power up. Your choice will depend on what you usually have around you. Do you carry AA batteries on hand? Or can you see yourself plugging the fan into your laptop or other outlet to charge?

Type of Mist

Some models require manual misting, where you squeeze a trigger or hold down a button to produce the mist. Others will give you a never-ending stream of water until you turn it off. Manual versions give you a bit more control over customizing the amount of mist, while continuous ones are automatic and can leave your hands free.

 

Do handheld misting fans actually work?

This depends on how you’re expecting them to work – since they are much smaller than traditional sized fans, you can’t assume that they’ll produce a massive breeze with an ultra-powerful mist. They aren’t designed for that.

Handheld designs are made to cool down your body on the go, being as portable and convenient as possible. Despite their smaller size, the misting property helps them reduce temperatures much more accurately than a regular fan. They use the concept of evaporation, where the water molecules absorb heat in the air, thus making things cooler.

Are handheld misting fans good for camping?

They are perfect for camping! You could use them on their own or use in addition to a slightly larger camping fan that hangs in the tent. We love them for camping because most can fit in your pocket or gear, so you can take them hiking, hunting, fishing, or walking without weighing yourself down.

Can a portable misting fan be used inside a tent?

Handheld misting fans can be used inside a tent, and shouldn’t heat the interior up since they use such low voltage batteries due to the small size. Something to keep in mind, though, is that the fan could make your gear and sleeping area wet if it’s in close proximity. This can be dangerous for sleeping in, as you don’t want to lose too much body heat when you sleep.

Misting fans for tents are more-so used in canopies or gazebos, as the exposed walls let the water vapor escape. While camping, use it on a low setting, and pay attention to any condensation it creates.

 

Conclusion on Portable Misting Fans

Owning your own portable misting fan is like carrying around a mini air conditioner in your back pocket or bag, just without the hefty costs or inconvenience. While they’re not going to give you the power of a traditional full-sized misting fan, handheld models are rather intended for portable and brief use. A few spurts of mist and a breeze from the fan and you’re good to go. These mini fans will give you the freedom to enjoy warmer days outside, without fear of overheating. 

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Brian Refugio

Brian may seem like a typical outdoorsman, but he spends much of his time traveling the world. His favorite places to hike are the Canadian Rockies, Patagonia, and the Northern Sierra. Brian claims to be "pretty good with a camera," but we all know he is no novice!

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