The 6 Best Neck Fans for Staying Cool on the Go

The 6 Best Neck Fans for Staying Cool on the Go We researched top-rated neck fans and found the models that deliver the best mix of comfort, cooling power, and battery life. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Why Trust Us? Summer workouts can feel never-ending, especially when temperatures crack the 90-degree mark as they have been this month. Whether you’re on a morning run or a weekend hike, relentless sun can make your workout feel much more difficult and dehydrate you faster. There are several precautions you can take and products you can purchase to make surviving the heat easier, but recently, we’ve tested out a new method of cooling for summer runs. If you're seeking more significant relief from the heat, neck fans—also known as wearable air conditioners—may be exactly what you need. They sit around your neck and continuously blow cool air onto your skin, which can help keep you feeling cool on the hottest days. These are convenient for long days outside, as most can run for over 8 hours, and you don't have to worry about carrying them. To help you choose the best one for you, we've rounded up our favorites below. How to Choose a Neck Fan When looking for a neck fan, there are a few key things you will want to consider to make sure that it is right for you. The most important, surprisingly enough, is whether or not you have long hair. If you do, your hair can easily get tangled in the fan, causing an unwanted haircut—specifically if the fan is bladed. If you do have long hair, opt for a bladeless model and try to keep your hair out of the way, regardless. There are also two types of neck fans: those that function just like a fan, moving air around, and those that will actually cool the air before blowing it on you. The latter is definitely more expensive, but if you tend to overheat or live in a particularly warm part of the world, it may be worth it to you. How We Selected To find the best neck fans among the many options on the market, we researched the most popular models available and considered price, materials, durability, cooling properties, and comfort. We looked at both expert and customer reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon, to settle on the neck fans you'll find below, all of which have average customer ratings of four stars or higher. Sarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master's in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor's in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie. Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track. Readers Also Read The 7 Best Walking Pads for Your Home Office 7 Moves from Doctors for Plantar Fasciitis 7 Most Effective Ways to Treat Plantar Fasciitis How You Can Treat (and Prevent) Bunions