Amazon
Maybe it’s the heat talking, but I can no longer remember the last time I wore pants. These days, doing whatever it takes to stay cool has become crucial.
Enter the misting fan: By no means a new invention, but an absolute game-changer when it comes to temperature regulation that can make summer (and spring, and maybe fall, and eventually winter…) downright tolerable. Today’s misters also come in a range of sizes and configurations, so whether you’re walking your hot dog or “chilling” in the backyard, it’s never been easier to conjure up some arctic air.
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Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular options for keeping your cool even as the world becomes too hot to handle:
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1
More than just a mister
This highly rated portable option from HandFan is also highly versatile — you can hold it upright, position it on a tabletop, or wear it hands-free around your neck. And not only is it rechargeable (it can run for up to 16 hours on a single charge), it has a backup battery that lets it double as a charger for other devices. It’s also lightweight (less than 11 ounces), compact, and comes in eight fun colors.
Promising reviews:
“This fan blows so cold and has 3 speeds and the cool mist feature is so good. It’s not enough to get you wet it’s just the right amount of comfortable mist. I couldn’t recommend this more for anyone needing a good blowing fan I’ll be getting some for my coworkers it's a lifesaver.” — Shea
“I bought this fan after a youtuber recommended it for DIsney trips but decided to also bring it to my wedding this past weekend and it was the best decision I've ever made in my life. This fan kept me and my new husband cool during dance floor breaks. It worked so well even while battling the 90 degree July Maryland humidity. Loved it so much I bought a second one for my husband to have his own.” — Vivian
2
An easily convertible option
It definitely not small enough to pack in your purse; but if size isn’t an issue, then the Shark FlexBreeze may be the only fan you need: It transforms from pedestal to tabletop fan with ease; can be used indoors or outdoors (it’s UV- and rain-resistant); functions as both a standard air circulator or a mister (just add the Instacool misting attachment); and has both corded and cordless power (with up to 24 hours of run time on a single charge). It also has five speeds, 180-degree oscillation, and weighs just 13 pounds.
Promising reviews:
Everything about this fan is Shark quality. I might be imagining things, but the breeze it creates is different: natural, cool. The cordless feature is terrific. The break-apart to a small standing fan is easy and also terrific. The turbo feature is terrific. The remote is terrific. We love it so much we are thinking of purchasing a second one for even more convenience. – Jeannie Demet
Nightmare scenario : 103 degree heat outside, power goes out suddenly, and I didn't notice for a few minutes because this fan KEPT going on battery in my home office. Then I noticed the computer and everything else was OFF. Fast forward: another SIX hours in sweltering heat before my power came back on and this fan ran the whole time, enough to keep the living room cool and comfortable and me and my dog SAFE . Getting ANOTHER so we can have EXTRA cool air for the next power outage during a heat wave. LOVE IT. It's QUIET, and I can have it on full blast on video meeting calls and nobody hears a thing. – CJ
3
A fold-flat option
If the heat makes your brain go bye-bye, opt for the ease of COMLIFE’s rechargeable blower and its incredibly intuitive buttons, which let you switch between three wind speeds and the fan-only or fan+mist settings with ease. It can be used in-hand or on a table top, and it folds completely in half for total portability.
Promising reviews:
“Bought 2 for a beach trip, thinking it would be a throw away item once we were back. Very surprised at how well this worked! We even used it at night as a table fan - shocked to find the battery still working when we woke up the next morning. The mist function was also a big surprise....it was very subtle and almost like a mini air conditioner.” – Amazon Customer
“So far, I have purchased 3 of these fans with the mister and we love all three of them. I fully charged them as soon as I received them and was surprised that after using them for approx. 6 hours a day for 4 days I still didn't really need to re-charge them, they were still running strong just like when they were fully charged. I highly recommend these fans and will be purchasing more of them in the future.” – Kayle B.
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4
amazon,com
An oversized misting fan with a generous water reservoir
This rechargeable, portable, large-size misting fan has a nine-liter water reservoir, so you definitely don’t have to worry about constant refills. It works great indoors, but also folds in half and has a carrying handle, so it’s incredibly easy to take almost anywhere. It can be plugged in for use, but also has an ultra-powerful rechargeable battery that makes it a game changer for those long, sweaty summer days outdoors.
Promising reviews:
“I love love love this product! I had a summer backyard splash party for kids and had this product on the table for the adults!!! Everyone loved it and asked where I got it! I love that it is rechargeable. It truly is cooling and works fantastic. It stores away perfectly. The water I filled in it once lasted the whole 6 hours for the party!!! Highly recommend!!” –danielle chapman
“I have a number of other bucket misters that I use outside. They're effective, but they go through a lot of water, and I'd you use them very long you get pretty wet. This one is much better if you want something you can sit near for hours to keep yourself cool. The mist is very fine. I've used it indoors (in my very dry climate) without anything getting damp. You can use it plugged in, but it is also rechargeable and has a pretty impressive battery life.” – VAL-LA
5
A manual mister that doesn't skimp on power
This misting fan from 02COOL may lack the tech appeal of our other picks (it’s battery operated, and offers only one blade speed), but its cooling capabilities are no joke: The fan is powerful, the spray function releases a sizeable mist of water, and having to squeeze the lever yourself means you can customize your experience. The water reservoir is also substantial, so you’ll be refilling less frequently (and it’s big enough to fit ice cubes!).
Promising reviews:
“During our CA major heatwave this hand held misting fan was a life saver. Works great. Fill with ice water and makes it even better. This is our 3rd fan and they have lasted a longtime.” – john torres
“We went to an amusem*nt park on a day that reached 95. Someone in our group had mild heatstroke, she used this fan/spray and was fine within 30 minutes. She used it the rest of the day. I wish I had bought 5 more for everyone- because everyone wanted to use it. Phenomenal.” – Amazon Customer
6
A baby-centric fan (works for all ages)
This misting fan has three bendable, 7-inch “legs” that make it easy to secure to a stroller bar or a car headrest, so it’s definitely great for babies — but it actually works wonders for anyone anyone with a place to secure it — treadmill, table leg, tree branch, etc. The pivoting head (360° horizontally and 270° vertically), 3 speed settings, 10-hour run time are also major selling points.
Promising reviews:
“This fan is perfect. Bought it for my dog stroller since the pavement is too hot for their feet in summer. The mist that comes out is just the right amount. This fan is quiet enough too that it doesn't spook my dogs. I keep it at my desk sometimes and use it while I call customers and never had any complaints that it's heard or causing any noise issues. Battery life seems good too! I will be buying more for sure!” – Shal
“I bought this for our 3 month old during the summer and it’s awesome. The mist is great and acts like a little a/c unit for his stroller. The battery life is long and charges quickly! I’ve even charged it in the car and it’s been great. Would definitely buy again.” – hannahchann
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7
A tiny, take-anywhere option
This super-compact mister from 02COOL comes with an attached carabiner so you can easily clip it to your bag or belt. It’s definitely little — just five inches tall and two inches wide — so it’s not as powerful as some of our other options; but it’s also battery-operated, making it a great choice for prolonged outdoor activities (think camping, hiking) where space is at a minimum, and charging capabilities are few and far between. (The soft foam blades, small size, and vibrant colorways also make it an ideal choice for kiddos.)
Promising reviews:
“These are the most compact mist-fan combos I've been able to find. They are great for summer camp because the kids can clamp them on their backpack or water bottle and not lose them. They can fill them up when they fill their water bottles and the battery lasts a few days.” – LMS
“These are perfect for on the go! Plus it’s easier to carry batteries than a charger! You also stay cool with the light mist it gives off! Love it!” – Amazon Customer
8
A plug-in powerhouse from a trusted fan brand
Lasko is a major player in the fan game, so it’s no surprise that their Misto outdoor misting fan is a top choice. You can’t take it with you (it’s corded, with a 3-prong grounded safety plug), but the 90-degree pivoting head at powerful mist make it a must-have for backyard hangouts on hot days. Simply attach the fan to a standard garden hose and you can reduce the outdoor temperature feel by up to 25 degrees.
Promising reviews:
This is amazing it truly has made our outdoor living space so much more enjoyable! Georgia heat is brutal this is like outdoor AC! Amazing! — Lisa Givens-Mize
“I live in one of the hottest areas of the US, Phoenix. Lots of 115+ degree days this summer. I bought the Misto about two weeks ago, and quite simply, this thing is an absolutely amazing BEAST!!!! [..]While I do agree with other posters that you wind up getting somewhat wet, especially after 30 minutes, I am 110% thrilled with this purchase. Kudos to Lasko. And Amazon's price is a real bargain.” – Harold N. Callaway
Want to see which handheld fans are getting HuffPosters through the summer? Keep scrolling.
Amazon
The budget-friendly version I have
Let's be honest, I wanted something with good reviews sure, but really something that wasn't over $10. I didn't know if I was going to like/use a hand fan, so I wanted to get a really budget-friendly option before going for a more expensive one. I love the size, as it's really not too big and not too small (about the size of my iPhone) and that it comes in fun colors. It also holds a charge for up to seven hours. Lastly, it fits nicely in a bag and really is a fuss-free option.
Amazon
The Jisulife folding fan with a power bank and flashlight
"I bought it for a slew of outdoor concerts I knew I was going to last year — including one in sweltering hot Georgia and another in nearly equally hot North Carolina," says deputy managing shopping editor, Marquaysa Battle. "This thing held a battery as if I'd had it plugged into a wall!"
Battle notes this fan is lightweight, foldable and compact making it great for tiny bags needed for concerts and events or traveling. "The air it put out was cool and refreshing even though it was just spinning the air outdoors. I've since bought another for my mom and two more as gifts for friends," she said.
This fan has an adorable bear face and ears and comes in six colors. It can run up to 19 hours plus it can be used as a flashlight and phone charger for extra convenience.
Amazon
A bendable fan you can attach all over
Shopping editor Emily Ruane has this versatile fan that you can hold via the handle or use the bendy trip-op to attach to a stroller, car seat, crib or table. A charge lasts 3-9 hours and the bendable legs are covered in soft foam. This comes in four colors.
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Amazon
A folding fan with a six blade design
"This is literally my favorite fan of all time, I literally own seven," Kelly De Leon, director of product said. "It's so powerful for a handheld fan but isn't annoyingly loud, the charge lasts like six hours on full speed, and it folds up for convenient transportation." Calling it a "game changer," she says she'll run it over her entire body and face when walking around Disney. "I own multiple colors and multiple of the same color so that I can keep one anywhere I travel."
This folding option comes in five colors and lasts 5-12 hours between charges.
Amazon
A folding fan with a power bank
Senior culture editor Erin Evans has and recommended this folding fan that doubles as a power bank. A single charge lasts up to 10 hours and the six blades work for quiet cooling. This comes in nine colors, clip the coupon for 10% off.
Target
A mini rotatable fan with a clip
Supervising editor Sara Bondioli grabbed this little fan at a Target on a recent road trip. "We just got this one to combat my 4-year-old’s car sickness," she said. "We were able to plug it in to the USB port in our car and clip it on the front headrest. It rotates all around so we could position it to aim toward her. She made it an entire road trip without getting sick, and I attribute it to having a fan on her. This one worked great!"
With a head that can turn 360 degrees, this clip fan can run for up to five hours between charges.
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Amazon
The HuffPost-beloved Jisulife neck fan
The Jisulife neck fan has been a longtime reader favorite here at HuffPost and continues to be a top-selling item. A true journalist, HuffPost editorial director Kristen Aiken bought one for herself and research shows — it's really good. "I bought this years ago and it's still going strong!" she said. "It gets me through hot days at the beach and long baseball games in the sun, and the charge lasts all day!'
This rechargeable fan is built with 78 ventilation holes and has a battery life of 4-16 hours depending on which wind setting you’re using. It comes with a USB-C charging cable and is bladeless and wireless, so you don't have to worry about your hair or beard getting caught.
Amazon
A portable neck fan with three wind speeds
Another neck option, this portable neck fan is soft to the touch and also recommended by De Leon. "This one is really lightweight, it's super quiet, has multiple strength settings and the battery lasts a long time," she said. "And most importantly, it has a lot of spots that the air actually comes out of, so you get airflow all around your neck, which is super effective in helping cool down!"
This stretchable neck fan gives you a ton of cool air circulating. It comes in seven colors and lasts 5-17 hours between charges.
Amazon
A folding fan with a detachable front cover
Senior security director Greta Geiselman recommended this neutral option. "I bought this one and love it! So much I sent my friend one," she said. "Lightweight, can sit on my desk when I get into work, lasts a while between charges and is quiet."
This option has a detachable front cover, to easily clean the blades. It runs for up to 21 hours between charges and comes in tan, black and blue.
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Amazon
A compact fan that's also a power bank
If you run hot and your phone is always dying — let us put you on to this genius option recommended by IT project manager, Jusanha Abobo. "I recommend this one!" she said. "It’s portable, compact, and also functions as a power bank."
This hybrid option has a handy wrist strap and can run for 14-21 hours. It comes in a bunch of fun colors and can fold and stand for stationary cooling.
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