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CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Our Guide To The Best Portable Fans In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them)
Discover the top portable fans in Canada: compare airflow, battery life, noise levels, and portability, plus where to buy them at the best prices. Staying cool on the go isn't the easiest thing to do, is it? Cold drinks can help for a short time, and AC at a store or in your car can be a big relief, but what do you do if those things aren't enough? Or aren't available at all? Whether you're overheating in a stuffy office or you're working hard outside and need some air flow, there's one thing that can save the day. What are we talking about? A portable fan, of course. These handheld fans are super compact, super affordable, and offer a ton of features designed to keep you comfortable (and your dignity intact!) no matter where you are or what you're doing. Some of them even have extras like cooling technology or misting powers to keep you even cooler! Don't they sound amazing? If a portable fan sounds like exactly the thing you've been waiting for, we're here to make sure the one you choose is perfect for you. Portable fans will vary in things like price, overall size and portability, fan speeds, battery life, and more. You'll want to think about every feature if you're keen on finding your perfect match. And who wouldn't want that? This comprehensive guide will investigate the best portable fans in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let's dive right into our top five products. The Best Portable Fans Right Now Our Top Pick for The Best Portable Fan Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan Review What We Think of the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan We are big fans of the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan, and by the end of this, we think you'll be on board, too. One of our favourite features is the turbo motor. It makes this fan a lot more powerful than the average portable fan, and that means more cooling for less battery power! And with a battery life ranging from 3.5 hrs to 12 hours, you'll never be left alone in the heat. The maximum air speed of this fan is 10 m/s, so you can be confident in its ability to cool you down even on the sweatiest days. Plus, it can be used as a handheld fan, placed on a desk for hands-free cooling, and even worn on a lanyard. We love that versatility. Since the fan blades are protected by a solid mesh screen, you won't have to worry about any little fingers getting caught, either. Brilliant. The only thing that might not thrill you here is the noise level. Due to the turbo motor, this fan is louder than average, even on the lower settings. If excess noise bothers you, it might not be the most ideal choice. And yes, that's really the only flaw. Happy cooling! All in all, the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan has something to offer everybody. Whether your priority is a low price tag, versatile speed settings, or a long battery life, you'll be very happy with this option. They don't get much better than this, folks. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan. It's pretty powerful even on the lower settings, and the battery life makes it great for long days out and about. It can be pretty loud, especially on the higher settings, but most feel that it's worth the noise for the extra power. They highly recommend it for others. Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd appreciate multiple ways to use it A long battery life would be nice Strong airflow will be needed sometimes You need a fan that's safe for all ages Don't Buy If… You don't do well with excess noise Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan Specifications Dimensions: 2.2' x 1.8' x 6.7' Weight: 0.42 lbs Colour: 6 options Speeds: 5 Battery Life: 3.5 to 12 hrs Charge Time: 3.5 hrs Our Runner-Up JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan Review What We Think of the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan There are a lot of reasons to like the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan. One of the main ones is its versatility. It comes with a lanyard and has a tiltable head so you can wear it around your neck, place it on a flat surface, or hold it up to your face. There's nothing it can't do! The 12-blade design gives it a lot of power, too, so you won't be overheated for long after turning to this fan for relief. We're also really impressed with the battery life on this thing. At its highest speed, it can run for 3.5 hours, but on its lowest, you get over 19 hours of runtime. It's perfect for all-day comfort. You won't ever be caught with a dead fan, either, because it has a display to keep you informed about the remaining battery life and your chosen speed. Who doesn't love knowledge? The only potential issue we can see with this fan is its size. It's larger than many other portable fans and a little bit heavier, so it isn't quite as portable as you might need it to be. If you want something for all-day wear or that's pocket-friendly, a smaller option might be better for you. Otherwise, everything about this fan is just right. All in all, the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan is pretty awesome. With 3-in-1 usability, an exceptionally long runtime on the lower settings, and strong wind speeds for quick cooling, it's well-rounded enough to suit every activity. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 4.5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan Reviewers are very happy with the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan. The 3-in-1 design makes it usable in a ton of different situations, and they're very impressed by the strength of the wind it produces. The battery life hasn't let them down yet, and they love being able to monitor it on the screen. It's a bit bigger than some people expected, but they still love it. JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan Pros and Cons Buy If… A 3-in-1 design would be useful You need a fan that can easily last all day You'd love to stay informed about wind speed and remaining battery life Quick cooling would be nice Don't Buy If… You need something really compact JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan Specifications Dimensions: 3.3' x 1.7' x 7.6' Weight: 0.52 lbs Colour: Black, grey, or pink Speeds: 5 Battery Life: 3.5 to 19.5 hrs Charge Time: 4-5 hrs Our Mist-Enabled Pick Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan Review What We Think of the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan If airflow alone isn't enough to help you stay cool on the hottest or busiest days, the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan is exactly what you've been looking for. In addition to three fan speeds, this gem can also produce mist for up to 20 minutes. We won't say that it's the most refreshing thing ever, but it sure comes pretty close. You don't even have to fork over much cash to make it yours! We love that for you. The aesthetic of this fan is also something we admire. In addition to black, this fan is available in three vibrant hues—blue, pink, and purple. If you want to add a splash of colour to your splash of misty air, this one is the perfect choice. It comes with a lanyard and has a tiltable head, so you can use it hands-free, too. You can't beat that convenience. Unfortunately, there are a couple of features that might not meet your expectations. One of them is the size of this portable fan. Since it's larger and heavier (with the water tank full) than other portable fans, it isn't as easy to travel with or as comfortable to wear around your neck. Its power also leaves a little something to be desired. All in all, the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan is the perfect choice if airflow alone isn't quite enough to keep you feeling good on hot days. With a built-in water tank for mist production, a great price tag, and tons of ways to use it, you'll be all set for every adventure. Performance: 4.5/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan Reviewers have great things to say about the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan and only a couple of cons to mention. It isn't as powerful as other fans they've used (although the misting function helps make up for that), and it's a bit too large to wear comfortably. They like the hands-free options, though, and the mist is incredibly refreshing on hot days. Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd appreciate some hydration with your cooling Vibrant colours make you happy You want to be able to use it hands-free sometimes A low price is ideal Don't Buy If… You need powerful airflow You're looking for something really portable Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan Specifications Dimensions: 1.7' x 4.2' x 8.5' Weight: 0.39 lbs Colour: Black, blue, purple, or pink Speeds: 3 Our Compact Pick Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan Review What We Think of the Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan The Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan is our favourite option for folks who need the smallest and lightest possible fan. It weighs almost nothing and folds up to store easily in the included travel case—you seriously can't find anything more portable than this fan. The exceptionally low price is another huge incentive for choosing this fan. Another huge benefit is the fact that it doubles as a power bank. That's right, you can plug your phone into your fan to get some extra juice during a long day out. And even if you do that, you won't have to worry about your fan dying when you need it most. It has enough battery power to run for up to 15 hours, so there's plenty to go around. There are a few things that we'd improve about this one if we could. The exposed fan blades can be a safety concern with young kids or long hair, so you'll need to be vigilant. This also means you won't be able to wear it around your neck for hands-free cooling on the move. Its durability is questionable, too, but the low price tag does make up for that a little bit. All in all, the Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan is an amazing option if your priority is finding something compact. It's one of the smallest and most affordable portable fans out there, and with a long runtime and power bank function, it's perfect for travel. Performance: 4/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 4/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan Reviewers have mostly good things to say about the Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan. They appreciate how small and lightweight it is (it's great for sightseeing and similar activities), and the battery life is great for how quickly it charges. However, it feels pretty flimsy and can be hard to fold up properly. The exposed fan blades can be a safety risk, too, even though they're rubber. Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan Pros and Cons Buy If… Portability is your top priority You'd like to pay as little as possible You'd love a quick charge for a long runtime You'd make use of a portable fan that doubles as a power bank Don't Buy If… Safety is something you need to think about You'll need to wear your portable fan occasionally Longevity is important to you Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan Specifications Dimensions: 1.4' x 1.5' x 4.7' Weight: 0.29 lbs Colour: 7 options Speeds: 3 Battery Life: 9-15 hrs Charge Time: 1.5 Warranty: 1 year Our Cooling Zone Pick Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler Review What We Think of the Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler The Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler is pretty unique. What is an ice cooler, you might be wondering? It's essentially a cooling pad that you can rest on your skin to provide instant relief from the heat. Sounds like a selling point all on its own, huh? We think so too. The five fan speeds also do a lot to promote cooling. Since it's powered by a turbo motor, it provides double the power of most portable fans. You'll notice the difference, trust us. Despite the air strength, this fan is fairly quiet, so it won't be much of a disruption in your day. Plus, it charges in under three hours, so it'll always be ready to go when you are. One of the only things that might not wow you is the battery life. At most, you'll get 13 hours on the lowest speed with no cooling, and only two hours at the highest speed with cooling. If you need a fan that'll last all day in extreme heat, this one isn't it. If this doesn't sound like a problem for you, this fan is a perfect choice. All in all, the Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler is the best choice for people who need some extra relief from the heat. With a built-in cooling pad, five high-powered fan speeds, and a quick charging time, this portable model is a superb choice for every occasion. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler. The ice cooler is incredibly refreshing for instant cooling of their skin, and the strong fan helps reduce sweating. It's surprisingly quiet even on the higher settings, too. They also like that they don't have to wait forever for it to charge. Some people would prefer a longer battery life, though. Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler Pros and Cons Buy If… Regular airflow just won't cut it Versatile speed options appeal to you Quick charging would be nice You'd appreciate a quiet fan Don't Buy If… An extra-long battery life is what you're looking for Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler Specifications Dimensions: 2.3' x 1.5' x 6.1' Weight: 0.44 lbs Colour: White, pink, or black Speeds: 5 Battery Life: 2-13 hrs Charge Time: 2-3 hrs Why Trust Shopping Trends? At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we're recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison. Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it's a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you'd use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every 'top pick' featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship. How to Properly Choose Your Portable Fan Price Some portable fans cost only $15 or so, but others can cost close to $50. Generally, more expensive portable fans will have five speeds instead of three, more powerful motors, and longer battery lives. They might even offer extras like cooling pads or misters. Speeds Most portable fans will offer either three or five fan speeds. The exact airflow of each speed will vary depending on how strong the motor is. If you like to be precise with the amount of airflow you're getting, a five-speed option is the ideal choice. Battery Life The runtime of a portable fan will typically range between 2-4 hours at the least and 18-20 hours at the most. Higher speed settings will drain the battery faster, so if you'll be using those levels more than most, a long battery life should be a priority. Charge Time Portable fans will take anywhere from 1.5-5 hours to charge fully. Generally, models with a bigger battery and longer runtime will require more time to charge, but that isn't always the case. Portability Of course, the portability of a portable fan is an important factor to consider. Most of them will weigh less than a pound, but even small differences in weight can affect how comfortable it is to hold for hours. Some fans will be foldable for more compact storage, and you can also see travel cases included from time to time. If portability is your priority, you'll want to look for a lightweight, compact size and a travel case. Extras Some portable fans offer extra functionality in addition to the fan. One of the more common additions is a water tank that allows the fan to double as a mister for more efficient cooling. Another rarer find is a cooling plate that can be pressed directly to your skin for additional cooling. How To Choose A Portable Air Conditioner How To Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning This Summer: 17 Essentials For Surviving A Hot Home Without AC The Best Beach Products For Summer 2025 Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Dangerous heat, severe storm risk across Maryland into weekend
A stretch of extreme summer heat and humidity will grip the Baltimore region through the middle of next week, prompting multiple First Alert Weather Days Friday through the weekend and into early next week. A combination of extreme heat and scattered strong storms will create disruptive and at times dangerous weather conditions, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours each day. Friday kicks off the string of Alert Days, with heat index values expected to exceed 105 degrees in many areas central Maryland. Actual air temperatures will climb into the upper 90s to near 100°, but stifling humidity will make it feel significantly hotter-especially in urban corridors like downtown Baltimore, Columbia, and Essex. The excessive heat will strain infrastructure, increase the risk of heat-related illness, and pose challenges for outdoor workers and vulnerable populations. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms will develop during the peak heat of the afternoon across western Maryland and then slowly make their journey toward our area. While storms should not be widespread, they will pack a punch for places impacted by them. Some of the strongest storms may produce damaging winds, torrential downpours, and intense cloud to ground lightning. The timeline for storms appears to be 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday's high temperatures won't be as extreme today, but given even higher humidity levels, not much 'relief' will be felt. Heat index values will approach 100 degrees by midday, with another round of scattered afternoon and evening storms. While not everyone will see rainfall, those who do may experience locally heavy rain and gusty winds. Given the repeated storm threat and lingering heat, Alert Days remain in effect for both Saturday and Sunday. By Sunday, storm coverage will likely increase slightly, especially by late afternoon and evening. Highs will hover near 90 degrees, though high humidity will once again push heat index values into the upper 90s. The scattered nature of the storms means some neighborhoods could remain dry, while others deal with intense downbursts or brief flooding. Monday will feature a brief lull in storm activity, but the heat will keep cranking. By Tuesday, temperatures are expected to spike again, reaching the mid to upper 90s, with humidity pushing the heat index back into the 100-105 degree range. An additional First Alert Weather Day may be necessary for Tuesday due to the extreme conditions. By Wednesday, a stronger cold front will approach the region, bringing yet another chance for strong to severe thunderstorms-potentially more widespread than earlier in the week. The front will also usher in a refreshing air mass. Thursday will feel dramatically different. High temperatures will tumble into the low 80s, and much of the region will enjoy overnight lows in the 60s, particularly in the suburbs. A reinforcing shot of cooler and drier air will approach us from the northwest Thursday afternoon, which may spark another brief, but gusty shower or thunderstorm.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Heatwave death sparks protests among European workers
Southern Europe is grappling with a brutal heatwave, creating perilous conditions for outdoor workers. The death of a street sweeper in Barcelona due to extreme heat has sparked protests and calls for tougher regulations from European labour unions. More than 1,000 excess deaths have been recorded in Spain during June and July, attributed to the severe heat. Despite new rules issued by Barcelona City Hall, workers claim these measures are not being implemented and they face sanctions for taking breaks. European labour organisations and the UN's International Labour Organization are advocating for a coordinated international approach to protect workers from heat stress, which they term an 'invisible killer'.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Europe's hottest workers demand protection as heatwave bakes region
Southern Europe is grappling with a brutal heatwave this summer, creating a stark divide between air-conditioned comfort and the perilous reality for outdoor workers. Such labour can be gruelling, even deadly. Last month, a street sweeper in Barcelona died during the extreme heat, and a labour union reports 12 other city cleaners have since suffered heatstroke. In response, powerful European unions are pushing for tougher regulations to protect the aging workforce from climate change, on what is already the world's fastest-warming continent. Deadly heat in Barcelona Hundreds of street cleaners and concerned citizens marched through downtown Barcelona last week to protest the death of Montse Aguilar, a 51-year-old street cleaner who worked even as the city's temperatures hit a June record. Fellow street sweeper Antonia Rodríguez said at the protest that blistering summers have made her work 'unbearable.' 'I have been doing this job for 23 years and each year the heat is worse,' said Rodríguez, 56. 'Something has to be done.' Extreme heat has fueled more than 1,000 excess deaths in Spain so far in June and July, according to the Carlos III Health Institute. 'Climate change is, above all, playing a role in extreme weather events like the heat waves we are experiencing, and is having a big impact in our country,' said Diana Gómez, who heads the institute's daily mortality observatory. Even before the march, Barcelona's City Hall issued new rules requiring the four companies contracted to clean its streets to give workers uniforms made of breathable material, a hat and sun cream. When temperatures reach 34 C (93 F), street cleaners now must have hourly water breaks and routes that allow time in the shade. Cleaning work will be suspended when temperatures hit 40 C (104 F). Protesters said none of the clothing changes have been put into effect and workers are punished for allegedly slacking in the heat. They said supervisors would sanction workers when they took breaks or slowed down. Workers marched behind a banner reading 'Extreme Heat Is Also Workplace Violence!" and demanded better summer clothing and more breaks during the sweltering summers. They complained that they have to buy their own water. FCC Medio Ambiente, the company that employed the deceased worker, declined to comment on the protesters' complaints. In a previous statement, it offered its condolences to Aguilar's family and said that it trains its staff to work in hot weather. Emergency measures and a Greek cook In Greece, regulations for outdoor labor such as construction work and food delivery includes mandatory breaks. Employers are also advised — but not mandated — to adjust shifts to keep workers out of the midday sun. Greece requires heat-safety inspections during hotter months but the country's largest labor union, the GSEE, is calling for year-round monitoring. European labor unions and the United Nations' International Labor Organization are also pushing for a more coordinated international approach to handling the impact of rising temperatures on workers. "Heat stress is an invisible killer,' the ILO said in a report last year on how heat hurts workers. It called for countries to increase worker heat protections, saying Europe and Central Asia have experienced the largest spike in excessive worker heat exposure this century. In Athens, grill cook Thomas Siamandas shaves meat from a spit in the threshold of the famed Bairaktaris Restaurant. He is out of the sun, but the 38 C (100.4 F) temperature recorded on July 16 was even tougher to endure while standing in front of souvlaki burners. Grill cooks step into air-conditioned rooms when possible and always keep water within reach. Working with a fan pointed at his feet, the 32-year-old said staying cool means knowing when to take a break, before the heat overwhelms you. 'It's tough, but we take precautions: We sit down when we can, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. We drink plenty of water — really a lot,' said Siamandas, who has worked at the restaurant for eight years. 'You have to find a way to adjust to the conditions.' The blazing sun in Rome Massimo De Filippis spends hours in the blazing sun each day sharing the history of vestal virgins, dueling gladiators and powerful emperors as tourists shuffle through Rome's Colosseum and Forum. 'Honestly, it is tough. I am not going to lie,' the 45-year-old De Filippis said as he wiped sweat from his face. 'Many times it is actually dangerous to go into the Roman Forum between noon and 3:30 p.m.' At midday on July 22, he led his group down the Forum's Via Sacra, the central road in ancient Rome. They paused at a fountain to rinse their faces and fill their bottles. Dehydrated tourists often pass out here in the summer heat, said Francesca Duimich, who represents 300 Roman tour guides in Italy 's national federation, Federagit. 'The Forum is a pit; There is no shade, there is no wind,' Duimich said. 'Being there at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. in the summer heat means you will feel unwell.' This year, guides have bombarded her with complaints about the heat. In recent weeks, Federagit requested that the state's Colosseum Archaeological Park, which oversees the Forum, open an hour earlier so tours can get a jump-start before the heat becomes punishing. The request has been to no avail, so far. The park's press office said that administrators are working to move the opening up by 30 minutes and will soon schedule visits after sunset.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Weather Words: Heat Stress Day
Sometimes, extreme heat and humidity are too much for our bodies to handle safely — so much so that heat stress days are designated for those days when they make a dangerous, and even deadly, combination. A heat stress day occurs when the combination of high temperatures and humidity puts significant strain on the human body, making it harder to cool down and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses or death. Unlike just a hot day, a heat stress day factors in both temperature and how much moisture is in the air, because when humidity is high, sweat doesn't evaporate as easily and the body struggles to regulate its core temperature. (MORE: No AC? Here's How To Cool Your Home In Extreme Heat) Meteorologists often use tools like the heat index or wet bulb globe temperature to determine when conditions are dangerous. These measurements consider how heat, humidity, sunlight and wind combine to affect the human body. On days when the heat index climbs above certain thresholds, outdoor activity can become hazardous, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and outdoor workers. The National Weather Service will issue heat alerts when temperatures climb dangerously high. Heat is the No. 1 killer when it comes to weather, so make sure you pay attention to any heat-related alert that is issued. As the climate warms, the number of heat stress days is increasing. On average, cities across the U.S. are experiencing about 10 more heat stress days compared to 1979, according to Climate Central. However, some locations, especially across the southern U.S., are experiencing as many as 25 to 35 more heat stress days per year. What used to be rare, high-heat events are now happening more often and lasting longer. Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.
