Best Desk Fans

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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When the mercury starts to rise, keeping cool at work or at play becomes a top priority. Often USB powered, these compact yet powerful fans allow you to bring a refreshing breeze with you wherever you go, so you can get on with your day in comfort.

How We Compared Desk Fans

To find the right desk fans, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Power
• Quietness
• Portability
• Timers
• Ease of Use

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Desk Fan Reviews

LIPONTAN Rechargeable (Editor’s Choice)

This powerful yet compact model is our number one pick and Editor’s Choice. Brimming with features, it is ideal if you’re looking for a fan that packs a punch without taking up too much of your workspace. It can be folded down or angled between 0-90 degrees to direct airflow as desired and is incredibly lightweight at just 870g. 

This impressive desk fan by LIPONTAN offers four different speeds, ranging from a refreshing breeze to a cooling blast of air suitable for the hottest days. It is rechargeable and portable, which makes it perfect if you work remotely or hot-desking in the office. Its small size will fit into a briefcase or backpack effortlessly, so you still have plenty of room in your bag for all your work supplies. Because it doesn’t require a mains electricity source, you can use it anywhere without being restricted to power outlets. Depending on the chosen speed setting, the battery lasts between 3 to 16 hours when fully charged. 

The wide angle 100-degree oscillation ensures you can enjoy cooler air across your workspace, not just a small area. If you like, you can also set it up with a timer so that it will automatically switch off after a certain duration has passed. Aside from these useful features, this desk fan also includes a choice of five integrated light modes, so it can double up as a comforting night light on stuffy evenings.

Iris Ohyama (Luxury Choice)

If you’re looking for a powerful yet quiet desk fan that can cool a large area, then our luxury pick is well worth checking out. This model features specially-designed blades for enhanced airflow and multi-directional oscillation that expands its reach. 

This model from Iris Ohyama has been crafted with blades that have a deep pitch. As a result, the air is funnelled into a spiral pattern, increasing the distance it can travel. The cooled air can reach as far as 25 metres, effectively cooling an area of up to 30 metres squared. This makes it a great option if you work in a big office which requires a powerful fan to combat the heat on oppressive summer days. It has five-speed settings to suit your preferences and can be controlled via the included remote, so you don’t have to leave your seat. 

The multi-directional oscillation mode turns the fan head around both horizontally and vertically, so the refreshing flow of air circulates around the entire room. Despite its powerful effects, this product is also super quiet. It reaches just 30dB on the low-speed mode, so it’s perfect for use during phone calls or when sleeping. The choice of timers is practical, too. Simply select a duration, and the fan will switch itself off automatically.

Honeywell TurboForce (Best Value)

Our best value pick may have fewer features than others on our list, but it still packs a punch for its size. This compact model has been cleverly designed to maximise cooling without taking up too much space on your desk. 

The Honeywell TurboForce desk fan weighs just 1.3kg, but it is capable of circulating air around 185 cubic feet every minute. Despite its small size, this model will keep you cool from as far as 7 metres away, so you don’t need to have it right next to you to feel the benefit. It comes with a selection of three-speed settings to choose from and can oscillate by 90 degrees. This makes it a good option for comfort if your office space often gets hot and stuffy.

Although it is pretty strong for a compact fan, this model doesn’t make too much noise. Therefore, it’s also an attractive pick if you need a quiet space when working or you wish to keep your bedroom cool in summer. And thanks to the included mount, you also have to option of installing it on your wall to save precious desk space. 

OCOOPA USB (Best Lightweight)

If you need a lightweight model that is easy to carry, check out this option. Featuring a copper brushless motor with a longer overall lifespan than comparable products, it is an impressive choice. Despite weighing just 310 grams, the strong blades can run at a very high speed to keep you comfortably cool on hot days.

The OCOOPA desk fan boasts a smart design crafted to intensify air movement, so you can enjoy powerful results. The front cover is shaped to channel the cooling breeze efficiently, and it comes with a choice of two-speed settings that allow you to tailor the flow to meet your needs. It’s easy to operate, too. Just click the power button to switch it on, then again to change the speed as desired. 

This lightweight model comes complete with a USB cable, so you can connect it to your computer or via an adapter. The rubberised feet keep it sturdy on your desk, so the airflow stays constantly directed. It also runs quietly; even on its fastest setting, the sound level is less than 45db. This feature is particularly good if you struggle to concentrate with too much background noise. 

MYCARBON (Best for Low Noise)

Are you seeking a powerful model that can keep you cool without being too loud? Then this product could be the answer. Our best low-noise pick can operate at an almost unnoticeable volume, so you can get on with your work during hot days in quiet comfort. It also offers a generous choice of 12 speeds and four modes – perfect for tailoring the airflow to your specific desires. 

The quietest setting of this MYCARBON desk fan is its special “sleeping mode”. When selected, it operates the fan blades at just 25db. Even on its highest setting, it will keep you cool while emitting a sound of only about 50db. This means that no matter the speed, you’ll be able to work and sleep undisturbed. 

Another benefit of this quiet desk fan is its built-in turbine feature. This allows it to distribute air around the room much more efficiently for better results. It can be used alone or in combination with your home air conditioning for enhanced climate control. You can also choose to set a timer so that it will switch off automatically and help you to save energy. 

EasyAcc USB 5-Inch Desktop (Best Retro Design)

Treat yourself to a stylish option with our pick of the best retro model. This product boasts a sturdy metal mesh frame with a deep bronze hue, sure to stand out in the office or at home. The electroplate finish is crafted to resist rust and has strong welded seams to enhance durability and longevity. 

Offering a choice of two-speed settings, this attractive desk fan by EasyAcc works effectively to keep you feeling good when the weather gets hot. The highest setting rotates the blades at 2000rpm to create a strong wind to cool you down while working or relaxing. The brushless motor ensures it operates at a quiet low of less than 25db, which is great if you prefer a silent environment while concentrating. It also comes with an anti-vibration pad which stops it from slipping and reduces the potential for distractions. 

Aside from all these useful features, this model also has an efficient design which only uses 2.5 watts an hour, even when you run it at its highest speed. This allows you to run the fan all day without having to worry about the impact on your energy bills. It is very portable and can be used with any standard USB outlet, making it a good choice if you often work remotely. 

Winique Stroller (Best for Versatility)

Are you looking for a truly adaptable model? Then this product is well worth checking out. Our selection for the best versatile choice has been cleverly designed to attach to a wide range of surfaces, so you can stay cool and comfortable wherever you work. 

Its smart octopus-like tripod legs are flexible, allowing you to wrap them around and secure the whole unit to desks, monitors, chairs and more. The Winique Stroller fan can also be used freestanding. All you need to do is straighten out its legs and place it where you would like. Alternatively, bend up the front two legs and have it as a convenient smartphone mount. It can rotate 360 degrees for wide-reaching cooling, offers three speeds and is relatively quiet at below 57db. 

Powered by a 2600mAh rechargeable battery, this highly-portable model can be charged up fully in just 3 hours. You can also use it via a power bank, mains outlet with an adapter or by plugging it into your computer USB socket. The integrated LED light function is also useful for illuminating your work area if you don’t wish to disturb others after dark. 

How to Choose a Desk Fan

Before selecting your new desk fan, spend a moment or two reading through our in-depth buyer’s guide. Here we break down the most crucial factors to consider when making your choice. 

Power

When picking your desk fan, look at the power and speed options. Some models offer stronger motors and, therefore, a faster rpm than others, creating a more intense airflow to keep you cool. Also, a variety of speed settings is a welcome feature, enabling you to tailor the breeze to suit your needs. 

Quietness

Staying cool is the objective, but be sure to investigate the noise levels each fan will generate before buying too. It’s great to feel chilled at your desk, but you may regret your decision if you cannot hear yourself think while the item is running. Quiet models are also the best option if you are looking to buy one to use in your bedroom, so you can get a restful sleep in comfort.

Portability

Another aspect to think about is the portability of your fan. Is it important that you can take it around with you, or are you expecting to use it at your desk only? If you’re looking for a model that you can carry with you while travelling, check the weight, dimensions and whether it can be collapsed or folded down for easy transport. 

Timers

Timers can be a convenient feature if you are planning to use them overnight, as it allows you to “set it and forget it”. For rechargeable models, this function will also help to save power, as the fan will automatically turn itself off when the time is up, saving you from having to remember to do it yourself. 

Ease of Use

Are the settings easy to understand? Does the speed cycle directly from the highest option, or can you click to select which mode you need? Are the cables and charging instructions simple to use? Consider all of these functions before buying to prevent frustration later on. 

Summary

Our Editor’s Choice for the best desk fan is the LIPONTAN Rechargeable. This model is lightweight, compact and foldable for easy portability, making it great for travel or hot-desking. It comes with four-speed settings for your comfort, wide oscillation, and timers and can be recharged so you can use it on the go. We also like that it features a selection of five different light modes – perfect for those late-night work sessions where you don’t want to disturb others.