Your work air-con has broken again. The air is gross, warm and still. There's no cooling breeze rolling through the window. The heatwave is winning. We can’t let that happen. One of you greatest allies in the fight against a heatwave is a reliable desk fan. There are many options out there, but you need one that’s going to be by your side, keeping you cool no matter what.
Fear not, we’ve got you covered. We’ve collected together some of the best, all you need do is see which is right for you. Most of the options we’ve brought together are USB powered. Why? Because USB powered desk fans are great for four of reasons.
One, they don’t take up any of your valuable mains outlet sockets (which are always, somehow, in short supply). Two, they are portable. Any USB-powered socket will get you up and running, be it from your laptop, portable battery pack, or mobile phone wall socket. Three, they are small, so they won’t be taking over your desk space (also, somehow, always in short supply no matter how much you tidy). Four, this small size means that the fan will create a pleasant cooling breeze that won’t dry your eyes out or blow your paperwork everywhere.
Added bonus: All of these products are eligible for Amazon Prime One-Day delivery, so take advantage of your membership (or sign up for a free trial) to get yourself cooled ASAP.
Best USB fans
1 of 4Invero® Mini USB Tilting Desktop Cooling Fan with Metal Shell and Aluminium Blades, £9.99
This 4-inch fan has a 1-meter cable, so you can easily set it up on your desk somewhere out of the way. The fan sits on four rubber feet, so the it won't slip or be easily knocked around. It's available in eight colours, letting you indulge your stylish flair however you please.
2 of 4Fancii Small Personal USB Fan - Portable Mini Table Desk Fan with Twin Turbo Blades, £15.99
A real little gadget with a sophisticated look. The dual-fanned tubular design delivers a steady and powerful cooling air flow. It runs quietly, and the aluminum stand allows you to choose its position freely. It's USB powered, and touch operated – simply tap the case to switch between the two speed settings.
3 of 4Oypla Electrical 12" 3 Speed Oscillating Electric Desk Home Office Fan, £16.99
A traditional, three-bladed 12-inch desk fan with three speed settings and an oscillating head. This fan is powered by a main's plug. It has a near silent operation volume and is a sensible choice for anyone spending time in a larger room.
4 of 4HOKEKI USB Fan Portable Table Desk Fan, £25.99
The Hokeki USB Portable fan is packed with features that you wouldn't expect to find in a desk fan. It's got a foldable head, which makes for easy storage. There are four fan settings and it oscillates across 90-degrees. There's an LED night light with breathing setting and a 16-hour timer – it can be set up on your bedside table to lull you off into a cool sleep. Oh, it's rechargeable too – so it really can be taken anywhere.