I wouldn’t make it through the summer without this neck fan from Amazon

For the most part, I love walking to work every day. I avoid unpredictable bus and train schedules; there’s no traffic or parking to think about; and I start my day with a peaceful stroll through Manhattan. The summer months, however, are another story. High temperatures, strong sun and oppressive humidity can quickly turn my 15-minute walk into a nightmare, one where my makeup melts off my face, my curly hair frizzes to the sky and my outfit clings to my sweaty skin. These factors would likely put anyone in a bad mood, but as someone who hates summer to begin with, the experience ruins my day.

After one too many miserable walks to NBC’s office, I started searching for a solution. A quick Amazon search presented me with dozens of personal fans, but I knew I wouldn’t like holding one in front of my face for the duration of my walk. I also wanted to keep my hands free to open doors and carry my bags. Then, I found it: a neck fan. It seemed like the answer to all my problems, so I bought the first one I clicked on without even reading the reviews.

Now I never leave my apartment without my Comlife Bladeless neck fan if it’s over 80 degrees. Walking to work — or anywhere — is significantly more pleasurable with the little gadget, and I started using it after a hot yoga class or a long run. I often throw it on while doing my makeup in my tiny, unventilated bathroom. I have fully embraced the neck fan life — here’s why you should, too.

What is the Comlife Bladeless Neck Fan? 

Comlife Bladeless Neck fan

$35.99

Amazon

The Comlife neck fan is a rechargeable, portable, personal cooling device that you wear around your neck similar to how you’d wear a pair of over ear headphones when you’re not using them. There are outlets positioned around the fan that blow cool air toward you, and thanks to its bladeless design, you don’t have to worry about hair getting caught inside openings.

This fan has three airflow speeds, which you change by pressing its power button. You can also adjust the airflow angle by twisting the silicone piece that sits at the back of your neck. Depending on which airflow speed you choose, a full battery gives you between three and a half to nine hours of use, according to the brand. (You can recharge the battery via the included cable.) I usually use the fan for less than 30 minutes at a time, so it rarely dies. There’s a power indicator light on the exterior of the fan so you know when to recharge it.

I bought this fan in July 2023, and at first, I exclusively used it to stay cool while walking to work and back home during the summer months. That’s still the main way I use it, but because it makes me so much more comfortable while spending time outside, I started bringing the neck fan on leisurely walks through Central Park and to the beach. I also plan on using it while attending outdoor concerts and sporting events.

I bring my neck fan to the gym and to workout classes, too. After running on the treadmill or taking a hot yoga class, I use it to quickly lower my body temperature and feel refreshed. It also comes in handy while I’m doing my makeup in my bathroom, which gets hot and steamy even when I prop up other fans, like the Snawowo mini fan, near my sink. I now throw on my beloved neck fan to quickly cool off, which helps my makeup and skin care set as I layer it on

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This fan may be small, but it’s powerful. Even on the lowest setting, it blows a steady stream of cool air toward my face and neck. Since there are outlets around both sides of the fan and on the back, I feel the air regardless of which way I turn my head while I’m wearing it.

There’s a noticeable difference in how strong the breeze is as you increase its airflow settings. I tend to start off using the lowest setting since it’s the most gentle, and I increase it if I start sweating or if it’s a super hot, muggy day. The medium and high airflow settings are slightly louder than the lowest option, but overall, I don’t find the sound of the fan disruptive. It’s a mild buzz that I barely notice after a few minutes, and it’s not noticeable to those around me.

My only concern when I bought this fan was that it would be uncomfortable to wear. Thankfully, that isn’t the case. At 9.7 ounces, it’s lightweight, and I don’t feel it pressing down on or into my neck and shoulder blades. (For context: a mini Poland Spring bottle weighs 8 ounces.) I practically forget I’m wearing it after I put it on. The fan also isn’t bulky, so it doesn’t get in my way while I’m wearing it. It also stays in one place instead of bouncing or swinging around as I move.

Since it’s compact, it easily fits inside my work tote without taking up much room. I’ve also packed it in beach bags, weekender bags and carry-on luggage. When I’m traveling, I throw the fan’s power cord in a pouch with all my other chargers so I don’t have to worry about it dying after a couple days of use, especially if I’m spending a lot of time outside in a warm climate.

Comlife’s neck fan is not a fashionable accessory by any means, but in my experience, it’s one of the most effective ways to stay cool regardless of where you are and what you’re doing. I love that my hands are free while I’m using it and can comfortably wear it for as long as I need to. If you feel as miserable as I do during the summer, or need help combating warm temperatures indoors and outdoors year round, this neck fan is exactly what you’re looking for.

I’m an associate updates editor at NBC Select who has written product reviews about cookware, sunrise alarm clocks, meal delivery services and more. I bought the Comlife Bladeless Neck Fan in 2023 and have used it for over a year in numerous indoor and outdoor settings.

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