Your questions about portable fans answeredWhat’s the best portable fan?The best portable fan is Commem turbo fan. It’s compact, shockingly powerful and can be propped up in loads of positions. The only issue? It’s noisy. The John Lewis anyday fan feels more premium and is the quietest of the bunch, though it’s a bit heavier, and isn’t quite as powerful as others on this list. I’m obsessed with Shark’s chillpill because of its sheer versatility and included fine-mist spray feature, but it’s not cheap. Are portable fans actually effective in extreme heat?Portable fans do not lower room temperature like an air conditioner, but the best portable fans significantly improve personal comfort by increasing air circulation and, in some models, adding misting or evaporative cooling effects.Can I take a portable fan on a plane?Yes, you can take a portable fan on a plane in both hand luggage and checked baggage, as long as it contains a battery that meets airline safety rules (typically lithium-ion batteries must be carried in cabin baggage if they are removable or built-in and within allowed capacity limits).How I tested and selected the best portable fansI tested each portable fan in the blazing sun, on the commute, during bus and tube journeys with limited to no air conditioning. I’ve tried them while walking outside in 30C heat, and when trying to sleep through muggy nights. I also used them at home during the day to see how noisy they were on calls and whether they actually cooled me down while I was working. When testing, I considered the following: Battery life: A long-lasting battery is essential. You need each fan to work for hours on the commute or during long sets at music festivals.Noise levels: I needed these fans to be quiet – you don’t want to annoy a colleague with a buzzing fan, or have it keep you awake at night.Power: Some handheld fans feel like someone’s wheezing on you, not like a cooling jet of air. I looked for fans with powerful motors.Design: Could they fold up to sit on a desk, clip to my neck, or fit in a bag without taking up loads of space? Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsAlex Lee is The Independent’s senior tech critic. Alongside reviewing the latest launches from the likes of Apple and Nintendo, he’s also been reviewing everything to do with cooling your home down and air treatment since 2021. Alex has consulted experts on what to look for in cooling tech, and always takes into consideration everything from performance and value to design and usability when testing. He’s got particular expertise when it comes to cooling devices, having tried and tested everything from Sony’s wearable fan and Dyson’s best fans to the best portable air conditioners and air coolers. Beyond his experience in real-world testing, Alex is the perfect candidate for this test since he runs warm, making him a harsh critic. Need something stronger to beat the heat? Take a look at our tests of the best fans