We researched top-rated neck fans and found the models that deliver the best mix of comfort, cooling power, and battery life.
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Why Trust Us?
Summer workouts can feel never-ending, especially when temperatures crack the 90-degree mark as they have been this month. Whether you’re on a morning run or a weekend hike, relentless sun can make your workout feel much more difficult and dehydrate you faster. There are several precautions you can take and products you can purchase to make surviving the heat easier, but recently, we’ve tested out a new method of cooling for summer runs.
If you're seeking more significant relief from the heat, neck fans—also known as wearable air conditioners—may be exactly what you need. They sit around your neck and continuously blow cool air onto your skin, which can help keep you feeling cool on the hottest days. These are convenient for long days outside, as most can run for over 8 hours, and you don't have to worry about carrying them.
To help you choose the best one for you, we've rounded up our favorites below.
This neck fan is comfortable, lightweight, and has a sleek design that makes it discreet enough for regular wear. It has 78 air outlets that surround your neck and boasts all-day battery life. It is easy to use and is quite affordable at under $30. Plus, it’s made from sustainable materials and uses USB-C fast charging, making it easy to power up quickly and stay cool.
This wearable neck fan is affordable and a customer favorite, earning a 4.4-star average rating from more than 3,500 buyers. Not only does it blow straight into your face instead of directing air toward your neck and chin, but the fans are also adjustable, making it easy to customize your comfort. However, this may not be the best option if you have long hair, as it does have blades, so you could get tangled up if you’re not careful.
While some neck fans will just blow warm air at you, this one actually cools the air down first. In fact, it's designed to lower skin temperature on your neck by up to 12 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also has fast charging capabilities, a bladeless design, and can operate at three speeds—not to mention that it has a long-lasting battery. All these features come at a high price, however, and it's the most expensive option on our list.
If you’re looking for a neck fan that works well and looks great, this is the one for you Not only does this model come in a variety of fun colors and patterns, but it’s a steal at $30. This fan is bladeless, so you don’t have to worry about it catching long hair, plus it has three speeds and can last up to 16 hours on a single charge.
If you prefer to have a bit more control over where your fan is facing—or are worried about it getting tangled in long hair—this handheld model is a great choice. It comes with a lanyard, so you can wear it around your neck, and the fan mechanism attaches to a handle, so you can easily hold it up to provide targeted cooling where you need it most.
It can also be used in either an upright position or can be bent to a 90-degree angle, with the latter position making it easy to have the air blow toward your face when it's attached to the lanyard.
The Kidee Neck Fan is a budget-friendly wearable fan that punches above its price point. Its bladeless design directs airflow around your neck and face through multiple vents, creating a more even cooling sensation than traditional mini fans.
With three speed settings, a rechargeable battery rated for up to 16 hours depending on the setting, and USB-C charging, it's a convenient option for walks, hikes, spectating at races, or cooling down after a run.
When looking for a neck fan, there are a few key things you will want to consider to make sure that it is right for you. The most important, surprisingly enough, is whether or not you have long hair. If you do, your hair can easily get tangled in the fan, causing an unwanted haircut—specifically if the fan is bladed. If you do have long hair, opt for a bladeless model and try to keep your hair out of the way, regardless.
There are also two types of neck fans: those that function just like a fan, moving air around, and those that will actually cool the air before blowing it on you. The latter is definitely more expensive, but if you tend to overheat or live in a particularly warm part of the world, it may be worth it to you.
To find the best neck fans among the many options on the market, we researched the most popular models available and considered price, materials, durability, cooling properties, and comfort. We looked at both expert and customer reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon, to settle on the neck fans you'll find below, all of which have average customer ratings of four stars or higher.
Sarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master's in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor's in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
