Struggling to work in scorching hot weather? Stuck in a stuffy or noisy office? Pick up a desk fan to cool yourself down, get the air circulating, and provide some productivity-enhancing white noise! Compared to pedestal or tower fans, desk fans are much more portable, take up little space, and can run quietly. Some fans are also USB or battery-powered, so you don't even need to find power outlets.
We handpicked the best desk fans and compiled a list of 10 recommendations. MEOLPHY'S Personal Air Conditioner Fan earned first place, an easy-to-use lightweight fan that can provide cooling, mist, or humidity on a timer. We've also created a buying guide with advice and tips for finding the right desk fan.
Quick List - Top Desk Fans
Vornado
Sturdy Fan with a Vortex Design That Spirals Air
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When choosing a desk fan, make sure you consider important factors, such as the power source, noise level, and other features. Hopefully, the tips in this buying guide help you pick out the perfect fan to cool down your space quickly!
Desk fans are powered by either USB, batteries, or an electrical cord. When selecting your desk fan, think about which power source will be most convenient for your desk setup.
Fans powered by electricity will give you the highest power output. If you're looking for a fan that can deliver strong breezes and cool down large spaces, then this type is the way to go! Additionally, you won't have to worry about having a USB source or functioning batteries on hand, so this is a great choice if you're planning to use your fan in one location only.
However, electric fans might take up a lot of space on your desk. Check the measurements and see if your desk can accommodate the fan. You don't want to have to move a ton of items around or feel like your workspace is cramped.
You should also make sure that the cord is long enough to connect to a power outlet. Also think about how you'll store or cover up the cord if you're worried it will be unsightly or pose a tripping hazard.
Another consideration is how much power the fan uses. If you have other items plugged in, you'll want to make sure the addition of the fan will not overload the electrical outlet outlet or find a different plug for the fan.
If your desk is too small for electric fans or there are just no free power outlets surrounding your desk, then a USB fan might be a lifesaver! This type of fan takes up very little space. You just need to plug it directly into your laptop, power bank, or hub and the fan is good to go.
While some fans need to remain connected to a USB source, others can run on their own built-in rechargeable battery. That means you can pre-charge the fan then use it whenever and wherever you want! Keep in mind that this downsized version of an electric fan is able to cool a small area only, so it's an ideal choice if you're looking for a personal cooling unit.
Compared to electric and USB-powered fans, a battery-powered fan is the smallest and most portable. Given the small size, it won't be able to cool a large area or deliver strong winds. However, if you're working away from power outlets or USB sources, then this type of fan will work wonderfully for you.
And since it isn't connected to any wires, you can easily move it wherever you need. Don't place it too far away from you though, as you might not be able to feel any breeze. A battery-powered fan is convenient to use on the go as well!
Most desk fans come with different speed settings ranging from low to high, allowing you to adjust the strength of the air flow according to your needs.
If your room temperature remains stable most of the time, you might need a fan with only one speed. But if the temperature where you live changes drastically throughout the day, you might want to choose one with three or more speeds so you can better control the temperature.
Fans aren't always relaxing. They can provide comfort from the heat, but they can also be super noisy. It's important to take a look at noise levels when picking out a fan. And, in other cases, the addition of noise, specifically white noise, can be a benefit.
Unfortunately, fans aren't completely silent, and if you increase the speed of the fan, there will be more noise. If you can only concentrate with loud noise in the background, take a look at the decibel level to get a sense for how loud your fan will be.
A fan that operates at a quiet 15 and 30 decibels will sound equivalent to rustling leaves or a whispers. Between 30 and 45 decibels, you'll notice a fan's noise, but it won't be disruptive for most people. You probably won't want a fan that operates at a decibel level exceeding 50, which is as loud as rainfall.
Spinning blades are one of the reasons behind the whooshing noise. To fix that, consider purchasing a bladeless fan. Compared to conventional bladed fans, bladeless fans are quieter and more energy-efficient, but can be more expensive.
Cleaning is also easier since you don't have to disassemble the fan to wipe away the dust accumulated on each blade. And for those with children or pets in the house, bladeless fans are a safe alternative to prevent accidents and injury.
On the other hand, the noise a fan makes might actually help you. Fans create white noise, which drowns out or blurs together other sounds. White noise helps you focus, reduce stress, and keep your creative juices flowing in the face of loud distractions. Try a fan with a speed setting that's no louder than 50 decibels and see if that helps mitigate distracting background noise.
Some fans have an oscillation function, which allows the fan to steadily sweep from side to side, pushing air in multiple directions rather than just straight ahead like a conventional fan. An oscillating fan distributes the air to a larger area and cools down your space effectively, which is especially helpful if you live in a hot climate.
You should also see if your fan can be tilted at different angles. Fans with a tilt-adjustable head or neck are especially useful if you want to focus the airflow toward a certain direction. Some fans can even tilt 360 degrees so you can easily rotate the fan and direct the cool air wherever you'd like.
Desk fans come in various designs and colors to match the aesthetic of your working area. While some fans have a simple and neutral design ideal for minimalist spaces, others boast a retro design or a bright cheerful color to add statement piece and flair to your desk.
You'll also find fans with a clip-on design. This functional design allows you to easily position your fan anywhere, such as on the side of your desk or even to your computer. Plus, a clip-on fan saves a lot of space on your desk! Also consider a fan with a rubber, anti-slip base so that it stays firmly on your desk.
Some desk fans are equipped with other features that add convenience, functionality, or style. Some fans come with multi-color LED lights to create ambiance, help you relax, or fall sleep more easily. You'll also find some fans that act as a humidifier or diffuser. Just drop your favorite essential oil into the water tank and enjoy!
Other fans can serve as an emergency power source for other devices. Some fans even come with a remote control so you can change the speed from a distance or a timer that automatically turns the fan off while you're sleeping.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MELOPHY Personal Air Conditioner Fan | ![]() | Keep Cool With This Multitasking Fan | |
2 | POOCCI Vintage Personal Turbo Fan | ![]() | A Sleek Fan With a Wood Finish and Adjustable Airflow | |
3 | Vornado VFAN Mini Classic Personal Vintage Air Circulator Fan | ![]() | Sturdy Fan with a Vortex Design That Spirals Air | |
4 | COMLIFE Clip-on Personal Desk Fan | ![]() | A Flexible Tripod Design for Multiple Uses | |
5 | Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan | ![]() | Aerodynamically Designed to Maximize Air Currents | |
6 | Vornado Small Personal Fan for Desk |Zippi | ![]() | A Compact Fan With Safe-to-Touch Nylon Blades | |
7 | Holmes Heritage 4-Inch Mini USB Desk Fan | ![]() | Add a Classic Copper Cooling Fan to Your Desk | |
8 | SkyGenius Battery Operated Clip On Mini Desk Fan | ![]() | A Clip-on Fan With a High Max Wind Speed | |
9 | OPOLAR Portably Battery Operated Desk Fan | ![]() | This Double-Headed Tower Fan Oscillates | |
10 | SOUNDANCE Desk Fan | ![]() | A Space-Saving Foldable Desk Fan |
This versatile machine serves as a regular desk fan as well as an air conditioner, humidifier, and mood light. For a cooling mist or added moisture in dry conditions, just add purified water and ice to the tank. With 400 milliliters of water, your fan can produce mist up to six hours straight. The removable tank should be filled no more than three-quarters full and cleaned regularly.
The fan operates on three speeds. With an automatic timer, the fan will shut off after two or four hours. If you're looking for some ambiance or a night light, you can choose from eight different-colored LED light modes. A handle makes this lightweight fan easy to carry anywhere.
Reviewers liked that the fan was quiet, portable, compact, and easy to use. Happy buyers thought it was a great personal cooling unit whether they were using it at their desk, in rooms where the AC wasn't good, by their bedside, or in the car. A couple of people also used the fan as a diffuser by adding essential oils to the tank.
This bladeless fan has a powerful turbo design that will quickly and quietly generate cool air you can feel from up to 10 feet away. There are three speed settings, so you can choose from a low wind, a cool breeze, or a strong wind. And if you like vintage decor, this fan will cool you off in style. The manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.
One disgruntled reviewer said they couldn't feel the air coming from the fan. Another buyer reported that the fan did not cool their office area; they complained that the air flow was weak unless using the highest speed, which they said was too loud for conversation. A few other reviewers agreed that the higher settings were noisy.
Happy buyers were impressed by how much air this small but incredibly powerful fan moved around, even at the lowest speed. The ability to adjust the head of the fan up or down to aim the airflow where you want it was another popular feature. Other reviewers liked the vintage style and dark wood finish. A few reviewers mentioned an included accessory that allows you to diffuse perfume.
This is a great pick if you love all things vintage and need a small but mighty fan. Air moves out of the Vornado in an efficient spiral- or tornado-like fashion to circulate air throughout your room. With design features like deep-pitched propeller blades and air cones, more air can travel farther, relative to other fans.
There are two speeds, and you can tilt the fully adjustable head to control the direction of the airflow. The power cord is six feet long for your convenience. All of the moving parts are safely housed, so the fan is quieter and does not pose any risks. Additionally, the manufacturer offers a five-year warranty.
Some reviewers were displeased because their fan quit working after only a few months. A handful of buyers had issues with the power switch, and some said the fan was too noisy. However, happy buyers found the fan to be quiet enough. They marveled at how well the compact but powerful fan could move air and were satisfied with the sturdy metal construction.
Unlike other clip-on fans, this fan has a sturdy and flexible octopus tripod design that allows you to stand the fan up on your desk, wrap or wind it around different objects, hang it up, or use it as a handheld fan. If you're using this fan at your desk, you can even rest your phone on the tripod legs. It weighs just a little over half a pound, so it's easy to carry and set up anywhere.
You can rotate the fan a full 360 degrees to adjust it to your liking. Six blades produce four different speeds of powerful winds below 57 decibels. After you fully charge the replaceable battery via the included USB cable for four hours, the cordless fan can run between 3.5 and 13 hours depending on the speed.
Several reviewers reported that tripod legs broke off, and others said the battery stopped holding a charge. A few reviewers said the cover of the fan kept coming off, exposing the blades. Satisfied buyers attached the fan to strollers, carseats, bikes, and wheelchairs. They said that it ran quietly and liked the four speeds and the long rechargeable battery life.
The blades of this desk fan with an aerodynamic turbo design are engineered to create less noise and powerfully move air that you can feel from up to 25 feet away. The fan also features a tilting head so you can directly cool yourself or rotate it the full 90 degrees to get air circulating throughout a small- or medium-sized room.
You can also use this fan in conjunction with air conditioning or heat sources to better circulate air and cut down on energy costs and leave a smaller environmental footprint. This fan can be mounted on a wall, but it also has a handle for convenient carrying.
Some reviewers complained that it was hard to access the blades for cleaning the dust that accumulated. A few buyers wished the fan tilted downward. Many users were amazed by this fan's powerful performance, saying that it quietly moved a considerable amount of air. Reviewers reported that the sturdy and lightweight fan provided good white noise and improved air circulation.
This little electric fan is equipped with three nylon blades that are safe to touch even when the fan is on! That means curious kids won't get hurt when trying to touch the cloth blades, which powerfully propel air. There are two speeds and a pivoting head that allows you to adjust the airflow. The Zippi also folds up for compact and easy storage.
Some reviewers complained that the fan did not move enough air; they said they could not feel a breeze even from a short distance. Others did not like that the design caused them to have to reach behind the fan to access the controls. A few reviewers mentioned that fan made annoying clicking and rattling noises, and some said it was too loud.
Happy buyers said the fan was well built and and long-lasting. Others mentioned that the rubber feet kept the fan stable and prevented sliding and vibrating. Buyers also liked that the fan could positioned at any angle. The safe design and operation was another plus; buyers didn't have to worry about pets. kids, or themselves getting hurt.
This fan will make your desk look much more stylish with its classic copper finish! It's powered by a USB cable and can be plugged directly into your computer. The head is also adjustable, so you can direct the cool air where you want it. There's one speed setting and a simple on and off switch. You can open the fan to clean the blades.
Some reviewers wished the fan had more than one speed setting. A few said their fan died after a few months or even after only a few uses. Others reported that their fan vibrated noisily and started rattling. A few buyers had issues with the cord breaking or not connecting, said the cord was too short, and did not like that they could not use the fan unless they had access to a USB source.
Still, many users loved how powerful this little fan was. They were pleased that it was super quiet as well; in fact, a few said they barely heard any sound at all from the fan. Others adored the classy, sleek design. Other happy buyers said the mini fan was the perfect size and didn't take up too much space.
Don't have a lot of space to spare on your desk? This clip-on fan can come in handy! It's lightweight and can be clipped anywhere, including your office desk, a baby stroller, your laptop, or gym equipment! The base of the clip is non-slip, so you can also stand the fan upright. Instead of distinct different speed settings, you adjust this fan using stepless speed regulation.
The fan can be rotated 360 degrees vertically and horizontally for maximum angle adjustment. It runs on a replaceable rechargeable battery. Just charge the battery using the included USB cable for about 4.5 hours and you should be able to use your fan between 2.5 and six hours depending on the speed.
Some reviewers had issues with the charging port and said the fan stopped charging and therefore working. A few complained that fan was too noisy, but happy buyers said the fan kept them cool. They liked that the clip was strong, sturdy, and padded so as not to cause any damage and that the base was stable enough to leave the fan freestanding on a flat surface if they preferred.
This double-headed fan can give you all the wind you need at three different speeds! Each fan runs on its own motor. Because the dual motors run independently, you can position each one at a different angle, making this a great option if you're sharing this fan with another person. Even better, the decibel level does not exceed 42, so you can work in peace!
The fan oscillates 110 degrees to help you cool down a larger area, and each head can be rotated up to 350 degrees. After charging for six to seven hours, this cordless fan can conveniently run for six to 24 hours straight, depending on the speed setting. Alternatively, you can leave it plugged in via the USB cable. Rotate the fan cover counterclockwise to remove it for easy cleaning.
Some reviewers were annoyed by how often and how long they had to charge their fan. A few said the fan was weak, and a few others said the fan stopped oscillating or working completely. Happy buyers liked that they could move each fan head in whatever direction they wanted. Others appreciated that the fan ran quietly and was easily portable.
This desk fan folds flat, so you can easily store it in a drawer, on a bookshelf, or in your bag. With three speed settings, you can choose from a light breeze or a powerful blast of cool air. It also comes with a USB cord so you can easily power it with your laptop or another power source or use the USB cable to recharge the built-in battery. The fan is plastic with a wood finish.
Several reviewers reported that they couldn't charge the battery and were frustrated that the fan was thus not portable since they had to keep it plugged in. A few had other issues with the USB cable connecting or breaking, and some said it was too short. A couple of reviewers said their fan stopped working, and a couple other reviewers said the fan was not powerful and the breeze could not be felt.
Happy buyers loved the wooden design and were impressed by the amount of air moment, especially given the size of the fan. They said the fan was very quiet and provided a nice breeze. The wood finish was a hit; reviewers liked how the fan fit in with their decor. The built-in rechargeable battery was another plus, especially for those who traveling or camping.
A fan is just one of the tools you can use to create a comfortable work environment. Check out this video from studyquill for more products and tips that will help you organize your desk for maximum convenience and productivity.
If you're trying to to make your workspace comfortable, don't forget the basics: office furniture. We've got articles that will help you find the best desk, office chair, and cushion so you can sit down and get to work.
No. 1: MELOPHY|Personal Air Conditioner Fan
No. 2: POOCCI|Vintage Personal Turbo Fan
No. 3: Vornado|VFAN Mini Classic Personal Vintage Air Circulator Fan
No. 4: COMLIFE|Clip-on Personal Desk Fan
No. 5: Honeywell|TurboForce Air Circulator Fan
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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