Advertisement
Home Shopping Guides

The best cooling fans to beat the summer heat

Smart, stylish ways to stay cool this summer
Our editors handpick everything we recommend. We may receive revenue for sharing this content or when you shop through our links. Read more here

As someone who dreads sticky summer days (and muggy summer nights), I’ve spent more than a few seasons on a quest to find the best ways to stay cool. From breathable cooling sheets, a cooling mattress, and cooling fans, this summer should be the most comfortable yet. Thankfully, the days of noisy, bulky appliances are well and truly behind us – today, fans are sleek, quiet, portable, and even smart.

Advertisement

A good fan isn’t just about blowing air; it’s about finding the right balance of airflow, noise levels, energy efficiency and convenience. Some days I’m after a strong, targeted breeze to get me through a home workout, other times, I want gentle circulation while I unwind with Netflix. Features like oscillation and adjustable speeds make it easy to tailor the temperature.

Last summer, I invested in the Shark FlexBreeze Fan, an absolute game-changer for surviving Auckland’s January humidity. It became my constant companion around the house: while sunbathing on the deck, I connected it to the hose for a cool mist, and later, in tabletop mode on my bedside table, super quiet yet cooling throughout the night.

Keep reading to discover the best cooling fans to beat the New Zealand heat, from pedestal, tower, desk and table, and even portable designs. Whether you’re upgrading an old, clunky model or simply trying to survive a humid afternoon, we’ve found options that combine performance and convenience.

The best cooling fans for summer

  1. The best pedestal fans (see here)
  2. The best tower fans (see here)
  3. The best desk and tabletop fans (see here)
  4. The best portable fans (see here)

1. Pedestal Fans

Pedestal fans are a summer staple, offering flexible, efficient cooling for any room. Their adjustable height and rotating head let you direct airflow where you need it. Lightweight and portable, they’re easy to move between rooms and typically use less power than air conditioning, helping you cut down on energy costs. Modern designs are quiet too, stylish and often include remote controls or connect to an app for added convenience.

Advertisement

Practical and effective, a pedestal fan is an easy way to stay comfortably cool throughout the warmer months.

Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor Outdoor Pedestal & Table Fan With Water Tank

$449.99 at Shark

Best for: An all-rounder fan that combines outdoor durability and indoor convenience

This fan really stands out amongst the rest, not just for its flexibility and smart design, but its adaptability. Shark’s Flexbreeze Pro Mist is a refined pedestal-to-tabletop fan that blends powerful circulation with refreshing misting – ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

With a weather-resistant design and cordless-capable runtime of up to 24 hours, this fan is every bit at home on the deck as it is in the living room. The detachable water tank empowers the mist mode (no hose or bulky attachments) to provide a mist that drops the perceived temperature instantly. Hot tip: Add ice to the water tank for an even cooler mist.

Its pivoting pedestal allows 180-degree side-to-side swing and a 55-degree tilt, while the quick-release head lets it convert to a tabletop fan in seconds. Whisper-quiet on its lower settings, it won’t intrude on conversation or sleep, yet delivers serious reach of up to 20 metres.

This reviewer compared the Shark FlexBreeze Pro outdoor air-conditioning:

Wish I’d bought this beauty earlier in the year. Apart from it having some force behind it to keep you cool indoors, the misting function is amazing. Using this outdoors is like having air conditioning, it’s unbelievable how much it cools you down. No need to worry about not having a power outlet , its also cordless. I’ts been a godsend at the caravan the past couple of weeks, got my tan levels right up!! Its the next best thing to real aircon indoors and I’d say BETTER than aircon outdoors (not that you would find that anywhere). Buy one you won’t be disappointed. Also worth a mention, the build quality is superb, just what you expect from Shark.

Range: Up to 20 metres

Battery runtime: Up to 24 hours

Settings: BreezeBlast, natural breeze mode and five fan speeds

Dimensions: 35.3 x 35.3 x 98.5cm

Product weight: 6.9kg

Colours: Grey and white

Key features:

  • 2-in-1 pedestal to tabletop
  • Water tank
  • Free shipping
  • 2 Year Warranty
360 Degree Pedestal Fan

360 Degree Pedestal Fan

$137.49 at De’Longhi

Best for: Affordable cooling for large spaces

When you want a smart, space-friendly breeze, the De’Longhi 360 Degree Pedestal Fan rises to the occasion. This lean model offers full-room comfort thanks to its unique 360° automatic horizontal sweep, paired with its manual 90° vertical tilt, allowing it to circulate air evenly through a space. With three fan speeds, you can customise your desired noise and cooling level – so whether you’re looking for a robust breeze while working out, or whisper-quiet night cooling, this fan adapts.

The automatic timer, via the onboard LED display or remote control, allows you to set a shut-off after 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours.

Range: Up to 20 metres

Settings: Normal, nature, sleep

Dimensions: 45.3 x 41.4 x 140cm

Product weight: 8.6kg

Colours: Black and white

Key features:

  • Free shipping and returns
  • 1 Year Warranty
Advertisement
Barkley the Schnoodle enjoying the Shark FlexBreeze Fan

Shark FlexBreeze Fan With Misting Attachment

$349.99 at Shark

Best for: A pedestal to tabletop fan that delivers instant cooling, wherever you may be

This fan singlehandedly saved me last summer. It switches effortlessly between corded and cordless modes, runs for up to 24 hours on a single charge, and easily converts from pedestal to tabletop use. It’s weather-resistant too, so it comes with us when we’re hosting friends outdoors. When the heat really hits, we attach the misting unit (which connects to the garden hose) to lower the temperature by up to five degrees instantly. With its remote control and whisper-quiet operation, we often forget it’s even on. Best of all, it keeps our pup cool when she’s overdue for grooming. Honestly, need I say more?

Range: Up to 20 metres

Battery runtime: Up to 24 hours

Settings: Boost mode, four fan speeds

Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 94cm

Product weight: 5.7kg

Colours: Black and white

Key features:

  • 2-in-1 pedestal to tabletop
  • Cordless or corded
  • Free shipping
  • 2 Year Warranty

2. Tower Fans

Tower fans offer a sleek, space-saving way to keep your home cool and comfortable. Their tall, slim design fits easily into corners or beside furniture, making them ideal for modern living spaces. With wide-angle rotation and multiple speed settings, they deliver consistent, even airflow throughout the room. Many models also feature quiet operation ideal for nighttime use and nurseries, as well as remote controls and smart connectivity for effortless comfort.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1

$799.00 (was $999.00) at Dyson

Best for: Those who want heating, cooling and purifying in one sleek unit

From the first warm breeze of spring to the chill of winter evenings, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 delivers comfort, purification and style in one elegant tower design. With its modern white and silver finish and compact profile, this fan perfectly fits into all spaces of the home, blending in like a luxury appliance.

This unit doesn’t just circulate air, it purifies and conditions it. With Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology and HEPA H13 filter, it captures up to 99.95% of airbourne pollutants while simultaneously delivering powerful cooling in summer or heating in winter. With 350° rotation, you’ll feel fresh air gently sweeping across the room.

Smart technology is built in, too. Connect to the MyDyson app to monitor air quality in real time, set heating/cooling schedules. You can control the unit hands-free via voice command with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, or simply use the remote control to switch between the fan’s 10 airflow settings.

Whether you’re after a cool breeze on a sunny afternoon or craving purified, calm air in pollen-rich spring months, this Dyson model makes the upgrade worthwhile.

Noise level: Up to 63 dB

Room coverage: 81m3

Battery runtime: Up to 12 hours

Settings: 10 modes, including sleep

Dimensions: 76.5 x 24.8 x 24.8 cm

Product weight: 5.26kg

Colours: White/silver

Key features:

  • Free shipping
  • 2 Year Warranty
Advertisement

Shark TurboBlade Ultra Powerful Bladeless Tower Fan

$499.99 at Shark

Best for: A super stylish, yet powerful fan that’ll cool in an instant

When you’re craving a fresh breeze during those hot, muggy nights, the Shark TurboBlade steps up like a sleek upgrade for your living space. With its bladeless design and dual-blade air jets, it propels airflow up to 20 metres and sweeps a full 180-degree oscillation to refresh every corner of your room.

With 10 speeds and noise levels, this fan offers true comfort. Dial it down to whisper quiet while you sleep, or up to top speed when the summer heat demands serious circulation. With ‘Tower Mode’ for focused airflow and ‘Air Blanket Mode’ for a sweeping breeze, you’ll get flexible cooling that adapts to your space and needs.

Maintenance is effortless too, thanks to the wipe-clean bladeless tower and dust-defence technology. And with a remote control (which magnetically docks to the unit), you can make adjustments from the couch or bed without getting up.

Noise level: Up to 52 dB

Range: Up to 20 metres

Settings: 10 speeds and noise levels

Dimensions: 29.5 x 32.5 x 96cm

Product weight: 6.5kg

Colours: Charcoal and white

Key features:

  • Bladeless fan
  • Dust defence technology
  • Free shipping
  • 2 Year Warranty

Goldair Platinum 96cm Bladeless Tower Fan

from $290.00 at Mighty Ape

Best for: Smart cooling for open-plan spaces

Step into cooler air with the Goldair Platinum 96cm Bladeless Tower Fan — a sleek, modern design that blends effortlessly into contemporary interiors. With whisper-quiet performance, three speed settings and three breeze modes, you can tailor the airflow to suit your comfort while wide-angle oscillation circulates cool air throughout the room.

Equipped with an LED display, remote control and smart-home compatibility via WiFi and voice commands, it’s designed for ultimate convenience and everyday ease. Elegantly tall and thoughtfully engineered, this fan is ideal for medium to large spaces and perfect for anyone wanting to elevate their cooling experience in style.

Settings: 3 speeds and 3 breeze modes

Product weight: 4.2kg

Colours: Grey

Key features:

  • Free 14-day trial
  • Free shipping
  • 2 Year Warranty

3. Desk or Table Fans

Compact yet powerful, desk and table fans are the perfect way to enjoy a refreshing breeze exactly where you need it. Ideal for home offices, bedside tables or kitchen benches, their small design makes them easy to move and position throughout the day. Many modern models feature adjustable tilt heads, multiple speed settings and whisper-quiet operation.

Energy-efficient and space-saving, desk and table fans are a practical choice for personalised comfort, whether you’re working, relaxing or drifting off to sleep.

Advertisement

AirActive 3D Connect Air Circulator

$229.95 at Breville

Best for: Small to medium spaces like bedrooms, home offices or nurseries where quiet yet effective airflow matters

Compact yet powerful, the Breville AirActive 3D Connect isn’t just about cooling you down; it’s about creating intelligent airflow that refreshes your entire home. Designed to oscillate both horizontally and vertically, it moves air up, down and side to side, helping to reduce stagnant zones and improve ventilation throughout the space.

Smart home enthusiasts will appreciate this fan’s WiFi connectivity via the Breville Home Connect app, voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also comes with a remote-control unit for easy access, while the intuitive ‘Natural’ and ‘Smart Eco’ modes simulate real breezes or adjust automatically based on room temperature.

Despite its compact footprint, this fan delivers impressive performance, with airflow reaching up to six metres and a noise level around 55 dB at full speed — quiet enough to use in the nursery or while working from home.

Noise level: Up to 55 dB

Range: Up to 6m

Settings: 3 speeds, 3 natural modes, smart eco mode

Dimensions: 23 x 24 x 33.2cm

Product weight: 6.5kg

Colours: Grey

Key features:

  • Free shipping
  • 3 Year Warranty

Philips Table Fan Series 2000

$117.61 at Amazon

Best for: Desk-friendly cooling for warm working days

With hot days lingering and productivity calling, the Philips Table Fan Series 2000 brings quiet power and thoughtful design to your desk. Its ultra-quiet operation (as low as 23 dB) uses SilentWings technology to deliver substantial airflow without noisy distraction.

Tailor the breeze to your needs with your choice of two modes – quiet sleep, natural breeze – and three speed settings. The 180° vertical tilt allows you to aim the airflow just where you need it. Lightweight and compact at just 2.3kg, this fan slides easily onto desks, shelves or bedside tables, and its minimalist finish blends into modern interiors with ease.

Noise level: Up to 23 dB

Range: Up to 25 metres

Settings: 3 speeds, 2 modes

Dimensions: 25.9 x 25.9 x 37.5cm

Product weight: 2.38kg

Colours: Grey/white and Black

Key features:

  • Light and portable
  • Free shipping
  • 2 Year Warranty
Kmart Bladeless Desktop Fan

Bladeless Desktop Fan

$79.00 at Kmart

Best for: Affordable yet effective cooling

Beat the summer heat in style with the Kmart Bladeless Desktop Fan. Its modern, bladeless design ensures safety and easy cleaning, making it ideal for homes with children and pets. Standing at 58 cm tall, it offers a space-saving solution without compromising on performance.

Equipped with three speed settings, a 9-hour timer, and both fixed and oscillating functions, this fan allows you to customise your cooling experience. Control is effortless with touch-sensitive buttons and a remote control, ensuring convenience from anywhere in the room.

Settings: 3 speeds

Dimensions: 21.2 x 20.5 x 58cm

Product weight: 2.9kg

Colours: White

Key features:

  • Free shipping
  • 1 Year Warranty
Advertisement

4. Portable Fans

Portable fans are a versatile solution for staying cool wherever you are. Lightweight and compact, they can be moved from desk to bedside, patio to the garden, providing instant relief on hot days. Many models feature rechargeable batteries, adjustable speeds and tilt functions, allowing for personalised airflow where required. Plus, these can be easily stored away during winter when no longer needed.

Shark portable fan in blue

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan

$249.99 at Shark

Best for: Indoor and outdoor cooling and misting, wherever you are

When summer temperatures soar, this portable misting fan from Shark offers an effortless way to stay cool. Whether you’re relaxing on the deck, working out inside or enjoying a weekend away, this fan will be your saving grace. Compact yet powerful, this clever fan combines strong airflow with a built-in misting feature, instantly cooling the temperature by three degrees

Lightweight and cordless, the Flexbreeze HydroGo is designed for on-the-go use. It can be plugged in or completely cordless, offering up to 12 hours of cooling on a single charge, making it perfect for moving around the home or taking on a summer road trip. Thanks to its water-resistant design, it performs just as well outside as it does inside. Choose from multiple breeze settings, from a soft, quiet airflow to a refreshing ‘Breeze Boost’ mode, and you’ll be free to fine-tune your comfort level.

This reviewer raved about the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan:

I’ve been looking for an indoor misting fan for a long time. The FlexBreeze is great but the garden hose connection means no mist indoors. The HydroGo is the answer. When I come inside hot and sweaty I love to stand in front of my HydroGo with the mist turned on. The mist is very refreshing. It cools me off in a few minutes. HydroGo is easy to carry, compact, has cool styling, cool colors (mine is Honeydew), goes anywhere with battery power. The battery power lasts a long time between charges. HydroGo is nearly silent on the lower speeds. I love everything about this fan, but the misting is the main reason I would choose it.

Noise level: Up to 36 dB

Range: Up to 20 metres

Battery runtime: Up to 12 hours

Settings: Boost mode, natural breeze mode, 1 – 5 speed modes

Dimensions: 21.2 x 22 x 29.1cm

Product weight: 1.76kg

Colours: Quartz, lilac, honeydew, dove, glacier, and charcoal

Key features:

  • Light and portable
  • Free shipping
  • 2 Year Warranty

PopFan Foldable Rechargeable Fan

$89.95 at Breville

Best for: Travel-friendly cooling

Meet the PopFan — a compact, mobile fan designed to bring a refreshing breeze wherever you need it. Whether you’re working from a humid home office, lounging in the sun, or enjoying a weekend away, this USB-rechargeable fan delivers effortless cooling without tying you to a power outlet. On its lowest speed, it offers up to 15 hours of runtime, while higher settings provide around 4 hours of powerful airflow.

Its foldable design makes it ultra-portable and easy to store. It’s perfect for slipping into carry-on luggage or packing away for winter. The 180° manual tilt lets you direct airflow exactly where you want it, and with four speed settings, you can choose anything from a gentle breeze to full-force cooling on warmer days.

Compact yet capable, portable and thoughtfully designed, the PopFan blends cooling convenience and comfort.

Noise level: Up to 35 dB

Battery runtime: Up to 15 hours

Settings: 4 speeds

Dimensions: 17 x 18.7 x 27.9cm

Product weight: 650g

Colours: Grey

Key features:

  • Light and portable
  • Free shipping
  • 2 Year Warranty
Advertisement
Portable Neck Hanging Cooling Fan

Portable Neck Hanging Cooling Fan

$39.00 at Mighty Ape

Best for: Portable, convenient cooling that goes where you go

When summer days stretch on and you’re tired of trying to escape the heat, meet the fan that travels with you, wherever you go. The Portable Neck Hanging Fan sits comfortably around your neck, freeing your hands while delivering a refreshing breeze all around. With 78 air outlets arranged for full neck and head circulation, it’s engineered to keep you cool whether you’re working from home or exploring the great outdoors.

Under its sleek, wearable design, a 4000mAh battery powers the fan for up to 6 hours (dependent on speed). Made from lightweight ABS material, it weighs just 370 grams and includes a low-noise motor that operates below 35 decibels. It’s designed to ensure comfort and convenience, rather than distraction.

Battery runtime: Up to 6 hours

Settings: 3 speeds

Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 7cm

Product weight: 370g

Colours: White

Key features:

  • 1 Year Warranty

Which type of fan is best for cooling?

The best fan for cooling depends on your space and your preferred airflow. Pedestal fans are powerful and adjustable, making them ideal for bedrooms, living areas, and any space where effective circulation is key. Tower fans offer sleek, modern design and quiet operation, with tall, bladeless builds that distribute air evenly across wider spaces. Desk and table fans offer compact, targeted cooling for workspaces or bedside tables, with many featuring oscillation and multiple speeds. For maximum flexibility, portable fans deliver cooling wherever you need it. Each style has its strength, offering a cooling solution for every space.

Do any fans blow cold air?

While most fans don’t technically blow cold air, they create a cooling effect by circulating air, which can lower your body temperature. However, some advanced cooling fans go beyond simple airflow. Misting fans, such as the Shark FlexBreeze Pro, combine fine water vapour with moving air to deliver a refreshing, chilled breeze.


Related stories


Advertisement
Advertisement