The 3 best desktop fans we’ve tested — including an affordable model that ‘blast out impressively strong airflow at a pleasingly low volume’

Okay, maybe summer isn’t here yet, and maybe it’s wishful thinking that I’m already watching the fans. But there’s also a practical side to this: waiting until you’re already too hot is a recipe for disaster: every year, the best fans sell out at the first mini-heat wave. You don’t want to be that person scrambling for the one disappointing fan still in stock, only to be too late to really help, do you? I didn’t think so.

We’ve tested a whole bunch of fans in different shapes and sizes, but in this mini roundup, I’m going to focus on our favorite desktop models. These are compact fans designed to be positioned on a surface and easy to move exactly where they are needed (unlike pedestal or tower fans, which sit on the floor). Read on to discover our top-reviewed picks…

The Coolest Desk Fans We’ve Tested