That gruelling humidity is here to stay: 10 personal cooling fans that will actually help

Best for: The person who wants the closest thing to a Shark ChillPill

As the author, I’m putting this one first because it has genuinely saved my sanity this summer. Shark’s portable fan has quickly become one of those things I drag from room to room without even thinking. It’s been on my desk when I’m working from home, out on the balcony on humid evenings and even next to the bed on those nights when the air just won’t move.

What makes it feel different to a standard fan is the built-in misting tank. The spray is ultra-fine, so you feel cooled down rather than damp or sticky – exactly what you want when the humidity is doing its worst. It can drop the air temperature around you by a few degrees, and because it weighs under two kilos, it’s easy to carry with one hand.

Key features:

• Built-in misting tank with ultra-fine evaporative droplets
• Up to 12 hours cordless runtime (speed 1)
• Under 2kg – genuinely portable
• BreezeBoost mode with up to 20 metre range
• Indoor and outdoor use
• Corded or cordless operation
• Water-resistant design
• Multiple speed settings

Also available at:

• $299.99 at Amazon
• $300 $185 at Appliances Online
• $299.99 $199.95 at Kitchen Warehouse
• $299.99 $199.99 at Myer
• $199.99 at Shark

Best for: Outdoor entertaining and serious cooling power

The Shark FlexBreeze with Misting Attachment is a full-size pedestal fan that transforms into a tabletop fan in seconds – genuinely useful when you want it on the patio one minute and on your kitchen bench the next.

The InstaCool misting attachment connects via hose for a rapid hit of cool air, and it’s rain- and UV-resistant, so it’s great for outdoor entertaining. BreezeBoost mode projects air over 20 metres, and it runs for up to 24 hours cordlessly.

“I am so happy with this fan,” shared a five-star reviewer at The Good Guys. “Yes it cost me more than I had expected to pay but WOW well worth it! It was easy to assemble and easy to use. There are five speed settings – the first two are so whisper quiet and perfect to use at night. I love it and have no hesitation in recommending it if you are able to pay the higher price.”

Key features:

• 5 fan speeds with 180° oscillation and 55° tilt
• BreezeBoost mode reaches over 20 metres
• Up to 24 hours cordless runtime (speed 1, no oscillation)
• InstaCool misting attachment included
• Rain-resistant and UV-resistant
• Transforms from pedestal to tabletop in seconds
• Remote control included (stores on the fan)
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

Also available at:

• $277 at The Good Guys
• $279 at Big W
• $279 at Woolworths
• $349.99 $299.95 at Kitchen Warehouse
• $349 $299 at David Jones
• $350 $312 at Appliances Online

Best for: Those who want to cool down (and breathe better)

Yes, it’s an investment. But the Dyson Purifier Cool earns its price tag by doing two important jobs at once – cooling you down and actively cleaning the air you’re breathing. The HEPA H13 filter captures 99.95 per cent of particles as small as 0.1 microns, including dust, allergens and VOCs, while the bladeless fan circulates purified air throughout the whole room.

An LCD screen shows real-time air quality data, which is either reassuring or mildly alarming depending on what you discover. It oscillates up to 350°, has a night mode for quiet overnight use and was voted the most trusted air purifier brand by Australian consumers. Worth every cent if you have allergies, young kids, or pets.

This fan has over 500 five-star reviews on the Dyson website, with one recent customer writing: “I’ve had this for several months now. I’m so impressed. It’s extremely quiet and super efficient. I live on a dirt road and I’ve noticed a considerable improvement to the air quality and even reduction to dust inside the home.”

Key features:

• HEPA H13 filtration captures 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns
• Purifies rooms up to 81m²
• 350° oscillation
• LCD screen with real-time air quality display
• Night mode and sleep timer
• 10 airflow settings
• Bladeless – safe around kids and pets
• Voted most trusted air purifier brand by Australian consumers

Also available at:

• $799 at Appliances Online
• $799 at Myer
• $799 at Winnings
• $799 at Betta
• $799 at The Good Guys

Best for: All-day cooling without misting

If you love the idea of the Shark FlexBreeze but don’t need the misting function, this is the one for you. Same great DNA – cordless or corded, converts from pedestal to tabletop in seconds, UV and rain-resistant, BreezeBoost mode projecting air over 20 metres – just without the water tank.

It’s slightly more streamlined as a result, and a solid pick if you’re primarily after a powerful, versatile fan that can easily move between indoors and outdoors.

Myer customers rave about how quiet it is, even at higher speeds – a rare thing. One reviewer said: “Very happy with this fan. Love that it can become wireless so you can easily move it to where you want. Love that you can change speeds and that it has an oscillating feature, and that it’s quiet as well.”

Key features:

• 3 fan speeds with 180° oscillation and 55° tilt
• BreezeBoost mode reaches over 20 metres
• Up to 24 hours cordless runtime (speed 1, no oscillation)
• Transforms from pedestal to tabletop in seconds
• Rain-resistant and UV-resistant
• Remote control included
• Under 6kg
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

Also available at:

• $239 at Woolworths
• $300 $281 at Appliances Online
• $297 at Kogan

Best for: Camping, outdoor adventures, or anyone who wants a budget-friendly misting option

Don’t let the affordable price fool you – this portable fan punches well above its weight, especially if you’re outdoorsy. It has a 10,000mAh battery that runs for up to 35 hours on low speed (yes, really), a 230mL water tank for misting, and a built-in LED light that makes it useful in a tent after dark.

It has an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 122 reviews on BCF, with 92 people giving it five stars, and 91 per cent saying they recommend this fan. Customers praise its cooling relief, long battery life and quiet operation, with the misting function singled out as one of the top features.

“This is a fabulous product,” shared a reviewer. “The fine mist is just so relieving on a really hot day and then the fan itself of a night is fabulous. The battery life was a long time. I didn’t have to recharge it. I love this fan.”

Key features:

• 10,000mAh rechargeable lithium battery
• Up to 35 hours runtime on low speed
• Built-in misting with 230mL water tank
• 3 speed settings
• Built-in LED light – great for camping
• Water-resistant design
• 12cm blade size
• 12-month warranty

Best for: The desk worker, frequent traveller, or anyone who needs something compact

Small but mighty, the Breville PopFan is the one to throw in your work bag and forget about until you need it. It folds flat for easy storage, has a carry strap so you can hang it wherever you want, and the 360° whirling grill sends airflow in all directions, rather than just straight ahead.

Up to 15 hours on low speed means it will get through a full work day without needing a charge, and it tilts 180° manually so you can angle it however you like.

95 per cent of shoppers recommend this fan on the Myer website, writing about its strong airflow and long battery life. They also love its portability, adjustable tilt and cordless convenience. A few did note that cleaning the blades can be tricky, but most found it reliable and versatile.

Key features:

• Foldable design for easy storage and transport
• Up to 15 hours runtime on low speed
• 360° air delivery from whirling grill design
• 180° manual vertical tilt
• 4 speed settings
• Carry strap included
• USB rechargeable
• Lightweight at 650g

Also available at:

• $79.95 $49.95 at David Jones
• $58 at The Good Guys
• $79.95 $69 at House
• $74.95 at Breville
• $75 at Betta

Best for: Commuters, festival-goers, or anyone who runs hot

The Pro1S has a proper aluminium alloy body that feels noticeably more premium than the plasticky alternatives, a digital display showing battery life and speed, and – brace yourself – 100 wind speed levels. If you find three-speed fans a touch limiting, you will be thrilled with this portable fan.

It fast-charges in 1.5-2 hours, runs for up to 40 hours depending on your settings, and at just 280g it’s easy to carry anywhere.

Key features:

• 100 adjustable wind speed settings
• Aluminium alloy construction
• Up to 40 hours battery life (5,000mAh)
• Fast charges in 1.5-2 hours (18W)
• Digital display showing speed and battery
• USB-C rechargeable
• Lightweight at approximately 280g
• 1-year warranty

Best for: A hands-free option at a budget-friendly price point

The Goldair Neck Fan is a a great entry point into the world of wearable cooling. Backed by Goldair’s 40-plus years in the appliance game, it’s a solid, reliable pick for anyone who wants to try a neck fan without committing to a higher price tag.

It extends to 38cm or retracts to just 12cm, so it can slip easily into a bag when you’re on the go. USB-C rechargeable and designed to sit comfortably around your neck, it also keeps the air moving while you get on with your day. There are three speed settings, minimal noise and up to 14 hours of run time on the lower setting.

One five-star Amazon reviewer wrote: “Purchased this for an elderly family member who was hospitalised and having issues with body temperature. The fan was easy to charge, easy to use and comfortable to wear. The three setting options made this ideal for purpose.”

Key features:

• Adjustable length: extends to 38cm, retracts to 12cm
• Up to 14 hours runtime
• 3 speed settings
• USB-C rechargeable
• Lightweight and portable
• Quiet operation
• Hands-free design
• Backed by Goldair’s 40+ year reputation

Also available at:

• $39.95 at Myer
• $43.12 at Big W

Best for: Long wear, all-day comfort and anyone who doesn’t usually like neck fans

If you’ve tried a neck fan and found it uncomfortable or loud, the JisuLife Life4 is worth a second look. The neck support is ergonomically shaped to follow the curve of your neck, which makes a real difference – no sticky, stuffy feeling after a few hours. It has five speed settings, 80 air outlets for genuine 360° cooling, and a 5,000mAh battery that runs for up to 16.5 hours.

At under 25dB it’s whisper-quiet. In fact, JisuLife claims you could use it in a library without anyone noticing!

And if that’s not enough to convince you, it also has over 630 five-star ratings on Amazon. “6/5 stars! Wore this for a full six hour shift and battery lasted and kept me cool,” said an Australian reviewer. “Not too noisy either which reduced distraction. Definitely recommend!”

Another said it helped their spouse, who experiences hot days due to a health condition, and they sometimes use it themselves. “Really works very quickly to reduce body temp. You quickly get used to the fan noise which is quite faint but still there, even at the lowest speeds.”

Key features:

• Ergonomic silicone neck brace shaped to fit the neck curve
• 5 speed settings with 80 air outlets
• 360° airflow coverage
• Up to 16.5 hours battery life (5,000mAh)
• Under 25dB – near-silent operation
• USB-C fast charging (3-4 hours full charge)
• Bladeless – no hair-catching
• Lightweight and portable

Also available at:

• $45 at Bing Lee
• $53.32 at JisuLife