The best portable neck and handheld fans, tested: six expert picks to keep you cool

The hot weather is back. Beat the heat while on the move with our tried and tested portable neck and handheld fans

• The best fans for your home, tested

Most people were hoping we wouldn’t see a repeat of June and July’s heatwaves this year, according to a recent YouGov survey of 5,148 British adults. Well, another one is already upon us.

Thanks to the climate crisis, we know that things are hotting up year on year, and while we can hide in air-conditioned shops and offices, our homes can get uncomfortably – sometimes dangerously – hot. And we also have to go outside – or worse, voluntarily pack ourselves like sweaty sardines on dangerously hot public transport. On those occasions, a portable fan can make all the difference between manageable discomfort and indulging in an inadvisable quantity of ice-cream.

Best handheld fan overall:
John Lewis handheld and foldable fan

Best budget handheld fan:
Fine Elements folding rechargeable mini travel fan