Brand: HandFan

The HandFan combines a portable fan and a fine-nozzle misting system in a single compact device, for extra-strong cooling outdoors. USB-rechargeable and fitted with a removable water tank, it works just as well at festivals, on hikes, or on a simple city stroll during the hottest days.

I took it to an open-air concert one scorching afternoon, exactly the kind of situation where the fan-and-mister combo needed to prove itself far from any outlet. On speed 3, the airflow is surprising for such a compact device, and the fine mist, switched on now and then, noticeably boosts the cooling sensation on the face without ever soaking your clothes. The battery lasted the whole afternoon at moderate speed with occasional misting, matching the claimed 9 hours in fan-only mode. The 55 ml tank, on the other hand, emptied well before the battery: two refills were needed in four hours once I leaned on the mist function, so it pays to scope out a water point in advance. The light plastic shell also took a knock falling out of a bag pocket, no crack but a visible mark. For occasional outdoor summer use, festivals, hikes or a simple outing, this 2-in-1 format remains clever and practical, as long as you accept juggling the tank level.

The HandFan 5200mAh is a handheld fan built around a 3-blade brushless motor capable of up to 5 m/s (4300 RPM) across 5 adjustable speeds. Its battery claims up to 27 hours of runtime on the lowest setting and recharges via USB-C. Foldable to 180°, it works handheld, laid flat on a table or standing on a desk, with a wrist lanyard included. It also doubles as a backup power bank to top up a phone on the go.

I took it to an open-air festival on a properly scorching afternoon, exactly the kind of situation where a handheld fan has to prove itself far from any outlet. On speeds 4 and 5, the airflow is surprisingly strong for such a compact unit: the brushless motor pushes a clean stream of air without the shrill whine of cheaper models. The 180° folding hinge turned out to be genuinely useful, laid flat on the table it worked as a small desk fan without me having to hold it the whole time. The battery comfortably lasted the whole evening on speed 2, in line with the claimed runtime under moderate use. I also tested the backup power bank function on my phone at 15%: a welcome rescue, even though charging is noticeably slower than with a dedicated charger. The one downside after several outings: with the lanyard and the body in hand, it takes up a bit more room in a small pouch than an ultra-slim model, without that hurting real-world comfort. For anyone after a versatile handheld fan that works just as well in hand, on a table or on a desk, the HandFan 5200mAh remains a convincing choice.