If you're looking for the best USB fan, we've got you covered right here.
USB fans can be a very useful method of keeping cool, without needing to plug anything into a wall.
They can range from compact portable fans to slightly larger desk options, so knowing which one to go for can be a little difficult at times.
If you do opt for a desk fan, then you may also want to consider other items to optimise your comfort, such as the best footrest for under your desk or the best wrist rest for gaming.
What you want to use the fan for will impact your buying criteria. For instance, if you're going to be travelling around, a portable personal USB fan is likely to be better than a desk fan.
In addition, you'll want to have a look at factors such as the scope of adjustability, how much you direct and control the airflow, as well as the number of speed options. Some fans may have two, while others can have three or more.
We've taken a look at what's available on the market today, aligned them with what we think makes an excellent USB fan, and selected a number of options based on everything from specs to reviews.
So, let’s get to it – here are our recommendations for the best USB fan out there today.
Best USB Fan
- EasyAcc Handheld Electric USB Fan
- Tripole Small Desk Fan
- BESKAR 6-Inch Clip On Fan
- Fancii Small Personal Desk USB Fan
- HOLMES Heritage 6-Inch Mini USB Desk Fan
Best Handheld USB Fan - EasyAcc Handheld Electric USB Fan
click to enlargeFor those after a handy handheld USB fan, the EasyAcc Handheld Electric USB Fan looks to be an excellent choice.
With it comes three different adjustable levels of breeze - Low, Medium, and High - and there should be ample push of air so you can stay cool easily.
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The Easy Acc Handheld Electric USB Fan also has a decent runtime of 10 hours before it needs to be charged, so you'll be able to have this on for an entire working day without it running out of battery.
In addition, as a handheld fan, this is also compact enough to fold down even further, so you can sling it in a bag without it taking up too much space.
Best USB Fan For Office - Tripole Small Desk Fan
click to enlargeIf it's an office environment you're working in and you want a convenient means of keeping you cool, the Tripole Small Desk Fan should be an excellent choice.
As a wired USB fan, you do need to plug it in for it to work, but with the USB-A connector on the end of the cable, you can use it while it's plugged into your PC or a laptop, which is especially handy.
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In addition, the Tripole Small Desk Fan has three-speed settings on it, which are all accessible from the singular button around the back of the fan, which ensures its high user friendliness.
This fan can also rotate 360 degrees and is vertically adjustable, giving you plenty of control over the direction of airflow to make sure you stay cool.
Best Clip-On USB Fan - BESKAR 6-Inch Clip On Fan
click to enlargeClip-on fans are a particularly good hands-free method of keeping cool, and the BESKAR 6-Inch Clip On Fan should be a great option.
This fan should be capable of clipping onto any surface 2.5 inches or less in terms of thickness, which means you'll be able to attach it to a wide range of places and keep yourself cool, especially given its airflow distance of 2 metres.
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In addition, the BESKAR 6-Inch Clip On Fan is also quite small at just 6 inches in height, which means it won't be obtrusive wherever you place it, and with a brushless motor, should be rather powerful, too.
This fan is also adjustable 360 degrees both vertically and horizontally, which is especially useful, as is the fact it's also quite quiet, with a quoted noise level of 40dB
Best Twin-Turbine USB Fan - Fancii Small Personal Desk USB Fan
click to enlargeIf it's all-out power you're after in a USB fan, the Fancii Small Personal Desk USB Fan should be a top option.
It utilises two blades that Fancii says are 40% more powerful than similar models, with a max airflow of 4.2m/s which should get you cool in no time.
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Moreover, the Fancii Small Personal Desk USB Fan is also quite compact and features a folding handle that you can use as either a kickstand or a carry handle if you want to transport the fan around.
There are also two-speed settings on offer - Low and High, and 180 degrees of rotation also provides a decent level of adjustability.
Best USB Fan For Looks - HOLMES Heritage 6-Inch Mini USB Desk Fan
click to enlargeThe HOLMES Heritage 6-Inch Mini USB Desk Fan is a great USB fan for those after some good looks.
It features this retro-inspired brushed copper construction that both looks great and should also be rather durable.
The HOLMES Heritage 6-Inch Mini USB Desk Fan also has two different speed settings to offer you more control over airflow, which is useful for optimising your comfort.
In addition, you'll also find the 6-inch blades can provide quite the powerful breeze which should get you cool rather quickly, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are USB fans worth it?
The reality is that USB fans are not a huge investment by any means, at least not compared to the Dyson airblade or any of the best smart fans on the market today. We've even explored all the pros and cons of USB fans, and we still found ourselves finding more variables to factor into our final decision.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick, simple solution to a heat wave, sure, they're a good way to go. But if it's power you're wanting, you may have to look elsewhere.
How much should I spend on a USB fan?
Generally speaking, a decent USB fan will run you between $15 and $35. At the lower end of the scale, you'll be looking more at smaller, personal files, while at the top end, you'll be getting something a little larger that may be more substantial.
Do portable fans use a lot of electricity?
In short, no. Portable USB fans will draw very little power, given they're powered by a singular USB port on a device such as a desktop PC or laptop. This is in comparison to larger fans that will draw hundreds of volts from a socket to be powered.