4 Best Neck Fans, Tested & Reviewed
These wearable fans are both comfortable and cooling.
Tested by Alec SchermaTest Engineer
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Staying cool during summer months can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you're walking around outside. That's when a neck fan can come in handy. Affordable, lightweight and comfortable, these portable fans sit on your neck and provide constant airflow so you don't overheat while you're out with the dog, sitting on a stuffy airplane or doing yard work. What's best about them is that unlike handheld fans, you don't have to actually hold them to feel their effect, and they certainly don't require an outlet.
Our top pick: Gulaki Portable Neck Fan. A top performer in our Lab tests, we found this fan comfortable, easy to adjust and quiet. We also loved its flexible, lightweight design that makes it convenient to wear for several hours.
The engineers and experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all types of fans and cooling equipment, including portable ACs, ceiling fans and much more. To find the best neck fans, we researched the most popular models on the market and evaluated five models for everything from how effectively they cooled to their battery life, charging time, portability and whether or not they felt comfortable on our necks. According to our experts, these are the best neck fans to get this summer.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Quiet operation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Slow charging times
- Doesn’t feature a display
Boasting a sleek design that’s available in seven colorways, this neck fan enables you to choose among three speed settings to help you cool down fast. It sports a curved design that’s adjustable, so it should comfortably rest on your neck during long periods of use. Another unique feature: This model has built-in lights for a fashionable (albeit somewhat unnecessary) touch.
✔️ How it performed in our tests: This neck fan earned top scores in our Lab tests, especially when it came to ease of use. It features one on/off button that lets you adjust its airflow to your liking, and we love that it operates quietly yet efficiently. According to GH Institute Test Engineer Alec Scherma, the fan’s flexible design makes it a breeze to open and close around your neck comfortably. He adds that its lightweight design makes it a top choice for extended use, as well as its impressive battery life, though he does point out that charging times are slow.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Sides fold in for easy transportation
Cons
- Doesn’t open or close when putting on
Not only is this neck fan affordable, but it features a convenient, foldable design so you can easily squeeze it into your backpack or purse when traveling or commuting. It comes with 12 hours of claimed battery life at its lowest setting, in addition to three speed settings so you can adjust just how much cool airflow you need. It’s also rechargeable via USB-C.
✔️ How it performed in our tests: Easy to use and comfortable to wear, according to our pros, we liked this neck fan for its portable, foldable design. While our test engineer notes that it can feel stiffer than other picks that seamlessly open and close around your neck, he appreciates that it can be easily adjusted and found that the airflow was both effective and pleasant. Additionally, we like that it’s lightweight, features a small display and has a sufficient amount of power to help you stay cool for a few hours. Alec tested the device on its max speed from 100%-0% and it lasted 3.5 hours.
Pros
- Impressive cooling power
- Features two display screens
- Includes travel case
- Charges quickly
Cons
- Heavier and thicker on the neck
- Heat can be too powerful
The priciest pick on our list, the Torras is for anyone who plans on getting a lot of use out of their device. Unlike other neck fans, it stands out for its immersive cooling effect, which makes the actual device itself (not just the air) cooler, as well as its ability to provide heat. In addition to powerful airflow, we like that you’re able to choose among four modes (eco, auto, alternating and relief) for the best experience. It’s also compatible with an app on your phone for personalized temperature management.
✔️ How it performed in our tests: Although a bit heavier than some of the other models we tested, our pros found this pick to be high-quality and appreciated that a travel case is included for storing your neck fan when on the go. Scherma likes its “solid build,” which doesn’t sacrifice flexibility, as well as its two display screens. In tests, it earned top scores for cooling power and charged faster than other fans, though it also died faster. On top of being one of the coldest devices we tested that actively cools and blows cool air, it features a heating function that Scherma found impressively hot (if not too hot!).
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Air angle can be adjusted
Cons
- Doesn’t feature a display for air speed
This slim neck fan comes in three colors (black, pink and white) and can be taken wherever and whenever you need some extra air. It has a claimed batter life of at least 3.5 hours, depending on how much power you need. Its angle is adjustable so you can find the perfect fit on your neck to maximize airflow, and it can be recharged via USB-C when it’s time.
✔️ How it performed in our tests: Our pros liked this powerful fan for its “shooting” sensation along the neck, which created a cooling effect. We also found it reasonably comfortable to wear over an extended period of time and liked that it’s flexible enough to adjust closer or further away from the neck. It is, however, a bit louder than others on our list and only features a display for battery charge.
How we test neck fans
Neck fan tests were recently led by GH Institute Test Engineer Alec Scherma, who evaluated five of the most popular models on the market.
To make our selections above, we evaluated everything from the fan’s ease of use to its performance, including how quickly fans charged and how much charge they held. We also evaluated their design and whether or not they were comfortable to wear for an extended period of time. We considered how adjustable and portable neck fans were. To score performance, we assessed factors such as cooling capability and noisiness. Lastly, we considered any notable extra features, such as heating capability or app connectivity.
What to look for when shopping for a neck fan
✔️ Adjustability: Making sure your neck fan can be adjusted is key to ensuring that it's comfortable and that the airflow effectively targets your neck. This is especially important if you plan on wearing the fan for a few hours at a time.
✔️ Display: Neck fans may or may not feature a display that indicates how much power is remaining and/or fan speed. While a display may not be essential, it's a nice addition.
✔️ Weight: Lightweight neck fans will feel lighter and less burdensome when resting on your neck; however, they may sacrifice some sturdiness.
✔️ Battery life: The more battery power, the more use you'll get out of your neck fan before having to recharge. Since charging times on most neck fans we tested tended to be higher than other devices (most required at least two hours), our pros recommend choosing one with the highest battery life.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Institute Senior Reviews Writer and Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to home, fitness, travel and more. She frequently collaborates with various GH Institute Labs and has reviewed products like tower fans and table fans to help readers make the best buying decisions.
To write this story, Olivia worked with GH Institute Test Engineer Alec Scherma, who conducted the Lab's most recent neck fan tests. Scherma's background in mechanical engineering and HVAC consulting provides testing expertise and knowledge on the different types of HVAC and tech equipment one can purchase.
Alec Scherma (he/him) is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test engineer, where he helps to create and implement new product testing methodology across home, cooking and cleaning appliances, wellness, tech products and more. He graduated from Drexel University’s College of Engineering with a B.A. in mechanical engineering.
Readers Also Read
90 Birthday Freebies Most People Forget About
Amazon Is Selling a Magical Igloo Tent
The Best Vacuum Cleaners
LEGO's 'Home Alone' Set Isn't Coming Back
