No one wants to be stuck in a stuffy and sweltering living space or office. When turning up the AC isn’t an option and opening a window won’t do you any good, a convenient and portable desktop fan can be the perfect solution.
Desktop fans come in many configurations and there are a lot of options to sift through. Which fans are best designed to have on your desktop? Which desk fans are the most effective? What about USB powered fans? We discuss all of this and more in this desk fan review and buyer’s guide.
Below, we have reviewed the absolute best desk fan options in Australia. That way, you can spend less time searching for a great fan and more time working at your desk while enjoying a gentle breeze.
1. Vornado 533 Small Air Circulator Fan (Top Pick)
The Vornado 533 Small Air Circulator Fan is a powerful and energy-saving fan that’s versatile, effective, and easy to use. If you’ve been searching for a fan that works well at home and at the office, this is a great choice to look into.
This fan has a unique vortex design that can circulate air throughout an entire room quickly and efficiently.
It provides smooth multidirectional airflow and has three varying speeds. With this fan, you can move air easily around a 21.5m² room for faster and more even cooling.
The only downside of the Small Air Circulator is that this fan is a bit too large to sit atop a standard work desk.
While it’s a compact fan that offers you fairly quiet motor operation, it has a wide base that works better on the floor or a side table than on a small desk.
Still, for the price and powerful air circulation, it’s a great option to consider.
What We Like:
- Powerful air circulation
- Cools a whole room quickly and efficiently
- Three variable speed settings
What We Don’t Like:
- Well-designed with energy-saving vortex technology
- Takes up desk space
2. Kambrook Arctic Antique Metal Desk Fan
The Kambrook portable fan is a desktop-friendly option that has three speed settings, a large diameter, tilt adjustability, and a chic antique-looking metallic finish.
It’s a no-nonsense option that can help you cool down your office effectively with minimal hassle.
With a wide 30mm blade diameter, this fan sends plenty of airflow in a targeted direction. It’s easy to use, effortless to clean, and crafted with a minimalistic and stylish aesthetically pleasing design.
On the downside, this fan has a wide base that makes it seem a bit bulky. It also isn’t the quietest fan option out there.
What We Like:
- Large diameter with wide airflow
- Adjustable tilt
- Three different speed settings
What We Don’t Like:
- Attractive metal finish
- Somewhat loud
3. Opolar Mini USB Powered Desk Fan
Here’s an impressive little USB fan that has been specifically contrived for desktop use.
It has a space-saving design, provides powerful targeted airflow, and can be charged with a USB cable. No need to fuss with cords and power outlets, just hook it into the nearest USB port and you’re all set.
The Opolar Mini USB Powered Fan is the perfect desktop option for just about anyone working at a desk. It has three adjustable settings and a tilting adjustable design so it’s easy to aim.
You can get directional airflow sent where you need it to go. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
The only drawback is that this fan can be a bit noisier than it claims to be. On the highest speed setting, some users find it makes a whirring sound.
What We Like:
- Perfect for desktop use
- Plenty of airflow power
- Effective and efficient
What We Don’t Like:
- USB port compatible
- Gets noisy
4. Dyson AM06 Cool Desk Fan
This sleek and portable fan is perfect for any desktop. It has everything you could ever want in a fan and has a futuristic halo design.
Using Dyson vortex air multiplier technology, this fan sends air smoothly through a circular hoop offering unparalleled cooling power efficiency.
Dyson AM06 Cool Fan lets you select from 10 versatile speed settings, provides cool and crisp air, and allows you to strike the perfect airflow and sound balance.
It’s also considerably quieter than many other fans and even has a remote. It’s one of the most high-tech cool fans out there.
So what’s the drawback? This fan is pricey. As a high-tech miniature full air cooling system, it doesn’t come cheap.
Still, if you’re willing to make the investment, it’s hands down the best option for those looking for a full office cooling system with an efficient stylized design.
What We Like:
- Dyson vortex airflow technology
- Air multiplier technology
- 10 different quiet airspeeds
What We Don’t Like:
- Futuristic, stylish, and sleek
- Warranty included
- Expensive
5. Heller 30cm White Desk Fan
This is an efficient and inexpensive table fan that’s reliable, powerful, and durable. It’s not all that loud, though it isn’t the quietest option either.
Some would say its design is a bit dated, but for the price, it gets the job done well. It has a stable base, easy-to-clean protective housing.
It can also be set to run at three different speeds and gives you tilt adjustability and oscillation.
All in all, this is a very basic desktop fan that has a durable and reliable design. It comes at a decent price, and the oscillation is a definite bonus. Especially considering that many desk fans these days don’t oscillate.
While it’s a somewhat dated design, it’s a great money-saving option.
What We Like:
- Straightforward durable design
- Tilt and oscillation
- Powerful and effective
What We Don’t Like:
- Good value
- Simplistic and a bit outdated
6. Fancii Portable USB Desk Fan
If you’ve been searching for a stylish and innovative little fan that is super easy to use and incredibly space-saving, the Fancii USB Fan is for you. While this isn’t the most powerful option out there, it gets the job done decently enough.
This fan has a unique foldable design, can be recharged via USB cable and is by far one of the most portable tabletop fans out there. It’s totally cordless, lightweight, and extremely versatile.
Not only that, but it has a sleek and compelling design that makes it more of a desk ornament than a piece of hardware. It has speed control settings and can run for 10 hours per charge.
While this fan won’t cool an entire room by any means, it still can provide airflow on your face, neck, chest, and torso. It’s also a very quiet fan, and won’t disrupt you as you use it.
All in all, if you’ve been searching for a stylish and portable fan that can be recharged for cordless operation, this is the perfect option.
What We Like:
- Long-lasting USB rechargeable cordless operation
- Lightweight and portable
- Very quiet
What We Don’t Like:
- Stylish and attractive design
- Not extremely powerful
7. Opolar Rechargeable Battery Operated Clip on Fan
If you’ve been in search of a powerful cooling solution for your desk that comes with all of the bells and whistles, this may be the fan for you.
With a secure holding mechanism, it clips to the top of a table or desk, meaning that you won’t have to sacrifice on desk space.
It features rechargeable battery operation, can be charged with a USB cable, and four speed modes.
Its tiltable head gives you target airflow and it comes in three different colours. All in all, this is one of the most versatile and powerful portable desktop fans.
It has a durable design, powerful airflow that lasts for hours, and can be taken anywhere. The only drawback with this fan is its slow charging USB cable.
What We Like:
- Powerful and long-lasting
- Clips to tables and desks
- Rechargeable USB design
What We Don’t Like:
- Versatile and portable
- Charges slowly
8. Smartdevil Lower Noise Portable Desk Fan
Finally, let’s look at the Smartdevil Portable Desk Fan. This is a great mini fan that charges with a 2000mAh battery for up to 10 hours of run time. It also has an aerodynamic 360° rotation in both vertical and horizontal directions.
You can choose from three different speed levels and use this fan virtually anywhere. It’s also attractive and stylish, so it will go well in most office spaces.
On the downside, when it’s running at the highest speed, it loses power in about two hours.
What We Like:
- Stylish design
- Portable and versatile
- Charges fast
What We Don’t Like:
- Battery only lasts two hours on high setting
Desk Fan Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve shown you some of the best desk fans out there, here’s a short guide to help you choose the perfect fan for your home or office.
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How can you tell if a desk fan will be quiet?
If you’re looking for a quiet fan that won’t disrupt you by making lots of noise, you’ll want to search for a fan with quiet operation as a key feature.
Smaller portable fans also tend to be very quiet options. For large cooling fans, the Dyson AM06 Cool Fan has one of the quietest operational ratings.
You can also look to see how many decibels of sound each fan creates on its highest setting. Finally, if you want your fan to operate silently, try running it at a lower speed. This will go a long way toward reducing noise.
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Do USB fans have to stay plugged in?
Yes and no. This will depend on which USB fan you have selected. Some fans with USBs have to be plugged in to run, such as the Opolar Mini USB-Powered Fan.
Others can be charged for cordless operation. It’s a good idea to learn about rechargable USBs and how they work to help you operate your fan (and any other USB-powered devices) more easily.
What is the best overall fan for my desk?
This will depend on what you value the most in a fan. If power and effective cooling matter the most to you, you will want a larger fan with targeted airflow. If you just want a nice breeze at your desk, small portable fans are the way to go.
