When the weather heats up in the UK, things tend to get sticky, fast. Not only does a neck fan work to cool you down fast, unlike handheld fans they also keep your hands free, particularly if you’re the sort of person who’s always on the go pushing a pram, chasing after the kids, running errands, or dealing with drop offs, pickups, and rush hour commutes.
If you’re looking to climate control your own personal bubble, then, you’ll be pleased to know that the UK’s best neck fans are usually more cost-effective and energy-efficient (most come with USB charging capabilities, so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing batteries) than traditional fans.
There are, however, lots of neck fans to choose from – some being more basic, battery-powered numbers, while others are kitted out with cooling chips and other innovative technologies. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the best neck fans for 2024, all of which are ideal for combating those hot British summer days or even to help you keep cool during labour.
Best overall neck fan
AmazonLooking every bit as sleek as a pair of headphones, plenty say this TRILINK model is one of the best neck fans in the UK right now – not least of all because it provides 360° cooling without the use of blades (which means you don’t have to worry about your long hair).
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick to charge
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Easy to adjust
- Not as powerful as some other models
Best affordable neck fan
AmazonA brilliant purse-friendly neck fan, the COZII boasts up to nine hours of battery life, which makes it perfect for an all-day affair. Even better? It may be a budget option, but it still boasts a cool four settings, the lowest of which is a gentle breeze, the highest of which promises “powerful cooling” on even the hottest of days.
Pros
- Affordable
- Streamlined design
Cons
- USB not supplied
- A little noisy on the higher settings
Most powerful neck fan
AmazonThis premium neck fan doesn’t just blow air – it’s also been kitted out with a built-in cooling plate for that icy air-conditioning effect. Which means, yes, it’s one of the most powerful and best neck fans out there… albeit one of the priciest.
Pros
- Controlled via bluetooth app
- Comfortable silicone design
- Incredibly cooling
Cons
- Expensive
- Low battery life
Incredibly lightweight (it weighs only 0.5 pounds) and available in a range of different colours, it’s little wonder many are describing this as the best portable neck fan for people on a budget. Reviewers especially love that the band has been made from premium silicone, making for a much more comfortable fit than you might expect.
Pros
- Light enough to go in a travel bag
- Comfortable
- Wonderfully cooling on even the lowest setting
Cons
- Noisier than expected
- Poor battery life
Best neck fan for design
MenKindwww.menkind.co.uk
This chic neck fan may look just like a pair of oversized headphones, but it doesn’t skimp on the cooling effect. In fact, with three different modes and promising up to five hours of refreshing airflow, it will help you beat the heat in no time flat.
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- Discreet
- Large air vents
Cons
- Short battery life
- No vents on the back
Best flexible fit neck fan
AmazonWhether you’re looking for a ‘just for summer’ option or hoping to track down one of the best fans for keeping cool in the height of your pregnancy in the summer months, you’ve come to the right place. The Amacool Neck Fan is easy to charge, boasts 360-degree cooling air vents, and can be adjusted to fit any and all.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Quiet and effective
- Can also be used as a stand-alone fan
Cons
- Takes about 1.5 hours to charge
Best neck fan for battery life
Wilkowww.wilko.com
Simple and effective, this no-frills neck fan might be basic, but it gets the job done with no fuss. We especially love that it features air vents on both sides of the neck band, for a seriously even cooldown effect.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Runs for up to eight hours
- Airflow can be directed upwards or downwards, according to preference
Cons
- Bulky design
- Noisy
Best neck fan for different settings
Bootswww.boots.com
Touted as one of the best neck fans for menopause, this no-frills design is really easy to use and convenient given it recharges easily. Still, while many have praised its cooling effect, others have criticised it for its noisiness (not to mention the fact it has ‘menopause and me’ printed all over it!).
Pros
- Easy to use
- Rechargeable via USB
- 3 different cooling options
Cons
- Noisy
- Airflow is more focused on the neck than the face
Best quiet neck fan
AmazonSuper quiet and lightweight, this is one of the best neck fans for those who need a quick cool down without disturbing anyone around them. So much so, in fact, that we’d say it’s our favourite for everyday use, especially indoors or during naptimes.
Pros
- Quiet
- Stylish
- Long battery life
Cons
- Needs some adjusting for a comfier fit
- Pricier than some other models
Best neck fan for colour choices
AmazonCompact and cute, this fan comes in a variety of colours, adding a fun element to your cooling needs. It’s not just one of the better looking neck fans out there, either; think 78 air vents for 360-degree cooling, making it ideal for those who want something stylish yet functional.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Chic in style
- Up to 16 hours of battery life
Cons
- Noisier than expected
- Long hair needs to be worn up when in use
What are the benefits of a neck fan?
Unlike the more traditional desk fan or air conditioning unit, neck fans are portable in nature (you can wear them like a pair of headphones!), making them a real game changer when it comes to keeping cool on the go. They’re completely hands-free, too – not to mention lightweight, rechargeable, and quiet – and they’re kitted out with tiny, powerful blades or air vents that create a cooling breeze wherever you might be, providing instant relief from the heat. Many women turn to these for keeping cool during pregnancy and even during childbirth if the hospital gets too hot!
Can you sleep with a neck fan on?
Sleeping with a neck fan on can be safe – under the right conditions. Ensure yours comes from a reputable manufacturer and meets safety standards, and try to opt for a bladeless option, as it’s far safer (especially for children and those with long hair). Just as is the case with any fan in the bedroom, you may find having it on at night contributes to dry eyes and lips
A freelance writer and editor with over a decade of experience under her belt (not to mention a toddler to wrangle), Kayleigh Dray covers parenting, lifestyle, and entertainment content across a number of different titles – with the odd opinion-based rant thrown in for good measure!