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You can feel it in the air—green leaves, a warm breeze, the budding flowers. Spring has arrived, bringing warmer weather and beautiful scenery to the great outdoors. Still, that means summer’s right around the corner, and you know what that’ll bring: hot heat, humid air, and so much sweating.
To beat the summer heat, you can opt for the best cold plunge tubs, but sometimes you need a simpler (and cheaper) way, like a cool breeze from a fan. If you’re on the move, you might want a wearable fan, like the best portable neck fan.
Here at Garage Gym Reviews, our fitness experts have compiled top picks for the best neck fans on the market. Our team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and athletes have tested these neck fans according to our testing methodology, scoring each fan a 1 to 5 in the following categories:
- Design and materials
- Weight and comfort
- Fan levels and outlets
- Noise level
- Battery life
- Overall value
So let’s breeze on through these best neck fans to help you chill in these upcoming warmer months.
The 5 Best Neck Fans
- Best Neck Fan Overall: CIVPOWER Neck Fan
- Best Value Neck Fan: GULAKI Neck Fan
- Most Comfortable Neck Fan: SWEETFULL Portable Neck Fan
- Best Luxury Neck Fan: TORRAS COOLiFY Neck Air Conditioner
- Neck Fan with the Longest Battery Life: Hotsales Neck Fan
Best Neck Fan Overall: CIVPOWER Neck Fan
Good for: Those wanting a comfortable, lightweight neck fan for being in the heat all day
The CIVPOWER Neck Fan is a nice tool for keeping cool if you’re standing out in the heat all day. Weighing just under 9 ounces, this lightweight neck fan has a battery life of up to 16 hours, depending on which of the three available fan speeds you’re using.
What our tester says:
“It feels pretty comfortable. The weight is more evenly distributed than other neck fans I’ve tried, so I’d be more inclined to use this one if I needed to wear it for extended periods.”
Our favorite pick overall is the bladeless neck fan from CIVPOWER, as it offers a lot in a small, lightweight package, and is reasonably priced at about $35—although you can often find it for less than $30. “I think that’s a fair price, since it has a decent battery life and is more comfortable than other neck fans I’ve tested,” says GGR Managing Editor Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, who tested out the CIVPOWER Neck Fan and rates its value a 4 out of 5.
The battery life of the CIVPOWER is certainly a highlight of the neck fan, as the 4,000 mAh battery (milliampere-hour) can last up to 16 hours, using its lowest of three speed settings. If you’re out and about on a balmy day at Disney World or another park, this neck fan can keep up with you for the vast majority of the day, earning it a 4.5 out of 5.
Another highlight is the weight and comfort of the personal fan, which Amanda scores at a 4 out of 5. “It’s just under 9 ounces and feels pretty comfy,” adds Amanda. “The weight is more evenly distributed too, so you don’t feel like the fan is dragging your neck down or anything.”
There are three fan speeds, which is quite typical of most neck fans. There are, however, a whopping 78 air vents, or outlets, along the neck fan, allowing for plenty of air to be distributed across the neckband, earning the fan speeds and outlets a 4 out of 5.
At its lowest fan speed, CIVPOWER estimates the noise to be around 35 decibels, and Amanda felt like that was accurate, rating the noise level a 3.75 out of 5. However, it can get noisier at higher levels; CIVPOWER claims noise levels as high as 60 decibels. Customer reviews, which are generally positive, also, mirror this sentiment, saying that the neck fan is pretty loud at its top speed.
| Price | $34.99 |
| Number of speeds | 3 |
| Outlets | 78 |
| Battery life | 3-16 hrs |
| Battery charge time | 3-5 hrs |
| Material | Plastic (ABS and silicone) |
| Colors | White, Black, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Light Blue, Light Green, Orange, Pink |
Best Value Neck Fan: GULAKI Neck Fan
Good for: People on a budget looking for a good value rechargeable neck fan
The GULAKI Neck Fan is a portable neck fan with LED lights on the ends of the fan. With three speeds and a battery that lasts up to 17 hours, it can last all day in the heat at it’s lowest settings.
What our tester says:
“This feels durable, even with having to stretch the fan out a bit to get around my neck. It comes in seven colors, too, and it even has LED light features, which is pretty neat.”
If you’re looking for some value in your hands-free fan, then look no further than the GULAKI Neck Fan. On Amazon for under $25, this neck fan is just as powerful as some fans that are $10 or $20 more.
I tested out the GULAKI Neck Fan myself, and rated the value a 4.5 out of 5 for its materials, design, and performance. Neck fans are made to be sturdy but flexible—so you can wrap the neck fan around the back of the neck without breaking the device. I’m a larger athlete, a competitive weightlifter, so my neck’s pretty large, and I never feared that the fan would break. I rate the materials a 4.5 out of 5.
The design is sleek, too, as you can choose from seven different colors. The coolest aspect, however, was the pair of auto-changing lights on either end of the neck fan. With a 3-second hold on the power button, you can cycle through 64 different colors, lit up with LED lights. Is it necessary? No, but it feels nice to know I’d feel right at home wearing these at a dance party.
As many neck fans, the bladeless fan has three speed settings. The number of outlets are limited, as there are only 16 air vents by my count. While the vents are large, the airflow won’t be as powerful as it would with smaller, compact vents. I rate the fan levels and outlets a 3 out of 5, since this probably won’t help you cool down as well as other fans. This is also one of the heavier neck fans we looked at, weighing in at nearly 10 ounces.
That said, the rechargeable battery can last up to 17 hours on one charge, and it can fully charge in under 4 hours, earning the high-value neck fan a 4.5 out of 5 for its battery.
| Price | $29.99 |
| Number of speeds | 3 |
| Outlets | 16 |
| Battery life | 5-17 hrs |
| Battery charge time | 3.5 hrs |
| Material | Plastic |
| Colors | Black, Green, Navy Blue, Pink, Pure Blue, Purple, White |
Most Comfortable Neck Fan: SWEETFULL Portable Neck Fan
Good for: People who want a comfortable neck fan to stroll around with on hotter days
The SWEETFULL Portable Neck Fan is a lightweight cooling device that fits around most necks. Available in nine different colors, this neck fan is a great choice to stay cool in outdoor activities, like a day at the amusement park or lawn work.
What our tester says:
“I do like that there are ‘notches’ on each side that can rest on your collarbones—that makes the neck fan more comfortable to wear.”
Portable neck fans are made to be worn for a long while in hot weather, so comfort is a necessity. Our pick for the most comfortable neck cooler is the SWEETFULL Portable Neck Fan, which has an indentation on each side of the neck fan which sets over your collarbone, making it contour to you and adding to the comfort.
GGR editorial team member Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, tried out the SWEETFULL Neck Fan and rated its comfort and weight a 4 out of 5. “The way the neck fan rests on your collarbones definitely makes it more comfortable to wear,” she adds.
Although it’s marketed as weighing 8.6 ounces, it was a bit heavier when Amanda used her kitchen scale—9.1 ounces. She does note the weight feels a bit forward, with the bulk of the neck fan being toward the front, but the weight distribution doesn’t pull on her neck at all.
The neck fan has three speed settings, and Amanda counted 73 outlets around the neckband. She rates the noise level a 3 out of 5, saying, “The fan can be a bit loud even at its lowest setting, which SWEETFULL estimates is 45 decibels.”
The battery life isn’t the most stellar, as the same 4,000 mAh battery of other neck fans we tested and researched only lasts for up to 9 hours. The battery capacity isn’t the only determining factor on a battery life, so it seems that the fan consumes more battery power than other neck fans. It earns a 3.5 out of 5 for its battery life.
Still, this is a reasonably priced neck fan, usually under $30, and has many air outlets for solid airflow while in use. SWEETFULL doesn’t disclose the number of air vents, but Amanda counts 73 on her neck fan.
| Price | $31.99 |
| Number of speeds | 3 |
| Outlets | Not disclosed (we counted 73) |
| Battery life | 4-9 hrs |
| Battery charge time | Not disclosed |
| Material | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) |
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green, White, Pink, Purple, Avocado Green, Rose Red, Light Purple |
Best Luxury Neck Fan: TORRAS COOLiFY Neck Air Conditioner
Good for: Anyone needing a premium neck fan that can also cool air
Although pricier than other neck fans, the TORRAS COOLiFY Neck Air Conditioner has a fan mode and a cooling mode, which actually cools the air as it flows around your face. The battery can last up to 8 hours and will fully charge in 2 hours.
What our tester says:
“Neck fans are typically under $50, so this neck air conditioner is a bit pricey. But with the cooling features, it might be worth it to those who have the budget.”
Neck Fan with the Longest Battery Life: Hotsales Neck Fan
Good for: People needing a long-lasting neck fan
The Hotsales Neck Fan has a higher battery capacity than comparable neck fans, able to last up to 18 hours long on its lower settings. It’s available in five different colors and weighs only 9 ounces, making it a lightweight option.
What our tester says:
“It’s a pretty rigid plastic. I wish it was more flexible though, because I feel like I have to pry it open to get it around my neck.”
Need a neck fan that lasts through your tourist day trip through Napa Valley? Well, it doesn’t have to be for that specific trip, but for a long-lasting lifesaver in the heat, we recommend the Hotsales Neck Fan. With a 6,000 mAh battery, it can last 18 hours on one charge, using its lowest setting, earning it a 5 out of 5 for its battery life.
GGR Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, has tested the Hotsales Neck Fan and rates the design and material a 4 out of 5. “It’s lightweight, weighing only 9 ounces, and is pretty easy to carry,” explains Matt. “It’d be cool if it was foldable, but it’s great as is.” It comes in five different colors as well, so it can match quite a few different styles.
The neck fan has three speeds and an impressive 66 air outlets, making it effective at moving air. Matt rates the fan levels and outlets an industry-standard 3 out of 5, remarking that “It’s fine but nothing too special.”
Hotsales doesn’t estimate the noise level of its neck fan, only saying that it’s quiet, but Matt feels it’s a bit louder than it could be. “I’ve never used a neck fan so don’t have anything to compare it to, but this one is a little noisy,” Matt adds. He continues, “In a quiet room it was certainly distracting, but running around outside or at a theme park would probably be fine.” He rates the noise level a 3 out of 5.
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This is one of the pricier neck fans we’ve tested, at about $50. However, it may be worth it if you’re looking for a more powerful battery in your neck fan.
| Price | $49.99 |
| Number of speeds | 3 |
| Outlets | 66 |
| Battery life | 4-18 hrs |
| Battery charge time | 4 hrs |
| Material | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Pink, White |
Other Neck Fans We Researched
There are plenty of best-selling neck fans on the market now, with different features and price ranges. Not all of them could make the list, however. If you didn’t see your favorite portable neck fan on our list, then just chill (literally) with one of these honorable mentions:
- JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan: We haven’t had a chance to test out this neck fan, but it has an impressive five fan speeds, which may make it a contender for the best portable neck fan in due time.
- penkou Portable Neck Fan: We chose to test other neck fans besides the penkou Neck Fan simply because it was very similar to other options, but a little pricier too.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Neck Fans
To test out the best neck fans, our expert testers used them for a variety of activities. We may not have planned a trip to Six Flags just to see how the neck fans would hold up, but we did an array of activities—workouts, outdoor and indoor activities, errands, and more. We noted how they held up in durability, battery life, and with noise levels.
Specifically, we tested our portable neck fans on the following criteria:
- Weight and comfort: Neck fans can weigh between 8 and 10 ounces. Lighter is better, as it can cause less strain on your neck over time. The most comfortable neck fans will be the ones you forget that you’re wearing.
- Design and material: We took a look at the fans’ materials and durability here, as well as the design and color options available. Would it be easy for dust and debris to get caught in the air vents?
- Fan levels and outlets: Neck fans can have as many as five fan speeds, although three is the norm. Air outlets can vary, with some having fewer than 30, and others with over 70 outlets.
- Noise level: Since neck fans sit just under our ears, the loudness of the fans will be something we definitely notice. The best ones have noise levels under 30 decibels, while louder fans may reach above 50 decibels.
- Battery life: How long can the neck fan last on a single charge? Likewise, we also explored the time it takes to fully charge the battery.
- Price and value: Neck fans can range from under $30 to $200 or more. For a more expensive item to still have value, it needs to have extra features, whether that’s a larger battery, a cooling function, better materials, or a combination.
- Customer experience: Here we looked at the ease of purchasing items, as well as return policies and warranties (if they have them). Most neck fans are sold by third-party sellers like Amazon, so these scores ended up being very similar.
- Customer reviews: We took this directly from the average rating of customer reviews on Amazon or another retailer.
After testing out top brands and scoring them 1 through 5 in the categories above, we decided our top picks to make the list you now see.
Benefits of Neck Fans
Unless I’m not current with the latest trends (and that could very well be the case), neck fans aren’t often used as the most stylistic accessory, and they’re not the most fashionable gadget. Still, there are plenty of reasons people still flock to this item on hot days and treks through an amusement park.
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Hands-Free Cooling
The most obvious reason you may want to opt for a neck fan over a handheld device is that a neck fan frees up a hand. If you are strolling through an amusement park, you’ll have both hands free to grab funnel cake or a stuffed animal. If you’re working out, you’ll be able to hold a pair of the best dumbbells and perform an incline press while still using your fan. A neck fan lets you focus on your day or activities and stay cool without the hassle of holding the fan.
Can Help Prevent Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia2, or overheating, is when your body temperature reaches a temperature higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Obviously, this can happen from a fever, but it can also happen from being dehydrated in the heat. The best defense against overheating is to stay cool and stay hydrated. You can keep hydrated with an electrolyte drink, but to stay cool, a neck fan can help regulate your core temperature.
Better Athletic Performance In the Heat
A study in 20111 showed that people can exercise better and longer in the heat by cooling their neck—although the study was a small sample size of eight men. Still, the act of cooling the neck helped these athletes perceive less exertion in the heat and last longer during their workouts. Neck cooling units, like neck fans or cooling towels, can help athletes perform better during summer months.
It should be noted, however, that a 2015 study3 measured the effect on athletes’ cognitive function during strenuous exercise in the heat. The study showed that cognitive function didn’t change with or without neck cooling. So while a neck fan may arguably help athletic performance, it won’t help you solve that Sudoku puzzle in the heat.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Neck Fans
Prepping for your next family trip and need some neck fans? Here are some things to look for and consider.
Weight
While Neck fans are traditionally lightweight, weighing around half a pound, make sure that they’re lightweight and comfortable. Ideally find a neck fan that is under 10 ounces. If you’re wearing a neck fan for the majority of the day, you don’t want it to have any points that could become achy over time.
Fan Speeds and Air Outlets
Sometimes it’ll be hot enough for a neck fan, and sometimes it’ll be hot enough for a neck fan on full blast. It’s nice to have some versatility in the amount of air the neck fan can move, so many have fan speed levels. Typically, neck fans have three levels, but some can have up to five levels; others can have only one or two.
Air outlets can vary in a neck fan, too; more air vents and smaller air vents are usually the ideal way to go, as this ensures a more powerful airflow around the entirety of your neck, face, and head.
Noise Level
Since neck fans sit just under your ears, you’ll want a quiet one. The quietest neck fans are under 30 decibels, which shouldn’t be very annoying at all—especially if you’re outdoors while using the neck fan. Some may reach 40 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of an actual air-conditioning unit, and some reach past 50 decibels, which is comparable to casual conversation.
Battery Life
Take a look at the battery size, as well as the claimed battery life and charging time. The size of the battery, usually measured in milliampere-hours, or mAh, will let you know how powerful the battery is. However, the amount of power consumption can impact the battery life still, so make sure to look at the typical battery life of these neck fans. Using a lower or higher fan setting can drastically impact the battery life, making the battery life vary from a few hours to nearly 20 hours.
Price
In general, neck fans are inexpensive, with most being under $50 and the vast majority around $30. However, if you have the budget, you can look at higher-end models, which can reach $200 or more.
To justify the added price, some of these neck fans will use actual cooling systems in their unit, or the battery may be much more powerful than the typical budget item. Check your budget and make sure the neck fan you have your eyes on has features that can justify its price.
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
FAQs About the Best Neck Fans
What is the best neck fan to buy?
The ideal neck fan for one person or another may depend on their budget, their needs, and what they favor in their products. That said, our best overall pick for neck fans is the CIVPOWER Neck Fan, which is priced well, has a long battery life, and is very comfortable in use.
Do neck cooling fans really work?
Neck fans can help regulate your temperature with localized cooling around the head and neck area, which can stave off overheating2 and help cool one’s core temperature.
What’s the difference between a neck fan and a neck air conditioner?
The major difference between neck fans and neck air conditioners is that neck fans are a little less versatile. They simply move and blow air around the neck and face to help lower your body temperature. Neck air conditioners, on the other hand, actually using a cooling system on the neckband to help lower your neck’s temperature, which will in turn help cool you down, too.
References
- Tyler, C. J., & Sunderland, C. (2011). Cooling the neck region during exercise in the heat. Journal of athletic training, 46(1), 61–68. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-46.1.61
- Wasserman, D. D., Thurman, J., & Healy, M. (2023). EMS Methods to Cool a Patient in the Field. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Ando, S., Komiyama, T., Sudo, M., Kiyonaga, A., Tanaka, H., & Higaki, Y. (2015). The effects of temporal neck cooling on cognitive function during strenuous exercise in a hot environment: a pilot study. BMC research notes, 8, 202. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-015-1210-0
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