Best handheld fans for labour, heatwaves and hot flushes

Heatwaves, packed trains and sweaty school runs are becoming a regular part of British summers, which is why so many people are searching for the best handheld fan to stay comfortable on the go. Lightweight, portable and easy to slip into your handbag or changing bag, handheld fans offer quick relief when the temperature climbs. While a portable air conditioner can help cool larger spaces at home, a handheld fan is far easier to carry around when you are out and about.

They are also one of the most recommended hospital bag essentials for labour during warmer weather. While the best neck fans offer a cooling blast on your face and neck, a portable handheld fan is useful for targeted cooling wherever you need it. Senior midwife Mary Dehinbo from Central Health London recommends “a rechargeable handheld fan with a long-lasting battery and a built-in misting function” to help ease hot flushes during labour, adding that features such as “an ice plate and a lanyard are especially useful” for hands-free cooling while moving through different labour positions. Sophie Clougher from Your Doula Sophie also points out the importance of choosing a quieter model: “Labouring women are often very sensitive to noise and distractions, so a loud fan could take them out of their focus or ‘birthing zone’.”

Of course, handheld fans are not just useful during labour. A quick icy blast can make everything from packed commutes and sticky sports days to long journeys and stuffy bedrooms feel far more bearable in hot weather. We’ve researched the best handheld fans for all scenarios, analysing expert advice, customer reviews and recommendations from Mumsnet users to find the models genuinely worth buying.

Best handheld fans, at a glance:

• Best handheld fan overall: VonHaus Handheld Fan, £15

• Best budget handheld fan: Halfords Simply Motorised Handheld Fan, £2

• Best handheld misting fan: HandFan Misting Handheld Fan, £19

• Best foldable handheld fan: EasyAcc Handheld Portable Fan, £20

• Best bladeless handheld fan: Fenshine Bladeless Handheld Fan, £16

• Best mini handheld fan: EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan, £17

How do I choose a handheld fan?

• Battery life: Some models can last for 24 hours, while others may run out of steam after three. Always check the battery life, so you don’t get caught out.

• Is it rechargeable?: The best handheld fans now feature rechargeable batteries that can be charged up from your electricity mains or laptop using a USB cable. Rechargeable models are a great money-saving option, and you won’t have to worry about having spare batteries around the house.

• Power: A decent handheld fan should have a good amount of power behind it to provide you with enough of a breeze to keep you cool. Most models have different power settings – usually two or three – covering everything from a light breeze to a strong wind. It all comes down to personal preference, as well as what you’ll be using the fan for, so be sure to check before you buy.

• Portability: If you want to take a handheld fan on holiday or simply out and about with you during a heatwave, it needs to be lightweight and small enough to pop in your bag.

• Noise levels: Some handheld fans are noisier than others, so if this is an issue make sure you look for ‘silent’ models, which, although not always 100% silent, are much quieter than traditional handheld fans.

• How safe is it for children?: If you plan on letting your child use a handheld fan, it’s important to consider the safety elements of each design. Bladeless models are a good choice for children, as there’s nothing for them to hurt themselves on. But, of course, it goes without saying you should never let a young child use a handheld fan unsupervised.

• Additional features: Some of the best handheld fans are basic and straight-forward in design, while others include all sorts of bells and whistles – we’re talking everything from water misting to light-up models.

What is the best handheld fan?

We think the EasyAcc Portable Handheld Fan offers a lot for the price. Powerful and with great battery life, this fan can be used as a desk fan as well as a handheld. Portable and lightweight, it really does tick all boxes.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users 

First up, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users to get their feedback on the best handheld fans they've used. We considered the models and brands they loved, weighing up features like simplicity of use, versatility, and, of course, cooling power.

We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsnetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality or didn’t work.

Expert opinions

Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best handheld fans on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

About the author

Natasha is an Affiliate Content Editor at Mumsnet. With several years of editorial experience under her belt, she specialises in seeking out the top products to make daily life that little bit easier, with a focus on lifestyle and home product round-ups and reviews.

She has also written for The i Paper, Stylist Magazine, Exposed Magazine, and Mumsnet's sister site Gransnet.

Why you should trust us

Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products.

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.