Yahoo editors agree: The Jisulife is the best cooling fan on the street. (Amazon)
The ultimate summer accessory isn't a pair of sandals or sunglasses — it's a neck fan. These wearable gadgets are like personal air conditioners you can keep on at all times, whether you're lounging, exercising, commuting or socializing. And if you're looking for the absolute best neck fan, there's really only one option, say our team of shopping editors: the Jisulife Neck Fan.
I asked my colleagues, many of whom frequent New York's steamy streets and subway stations, what they'd recommend, and this cooling neck fan popped up again and again. Below, I get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this chargeable, versatile — and dare I say, beautiful? — pick such a hot commodity. I also rounded up some more top-rated neck fans (at slightly lower price points), perfect for wearing while gardening, cleaning ... or just trying to survive a heat wave.
Run time: Each of the neck fans on this list can run for four to 16 hours, depending on the speed (or amount of power) you use. Try to get by with a lower speed to preserve battery life, especially if you're using it all day. High speeds are great for short bursts, such as a morning run or commutes to and from work.
Power: Milliamp hours (mAh) tells you how much charge a battery can hold, and how long a device can run before the battery runs out. In general, the higher the mAh, the stronger a fan's cooling power. Opt for a neck fan with at least three speed modes, so you can customize the amount of airflow based on how hot it is and how long you need it. Just note that higher speeds tend to be noisier.
Size/fit: Of course, if you're going to wear something around your neck — especially for long periods of time — it needs to be comfortable. Choose a neck fan that allows for some wiggle room, without being so loose that it falls off. Even better if it's adjustable with enough vents to go all the way around your neck. This might go without saying, but as they're designed to be worn, all of the fans on this list are bladeless.
Aesthetic: In my experience, darker colors tend to mask dirt and makeup, but can attract more heat than white or light shades. Choose a neutral for a more versatile look, or go with a bright pink, purple or green to add a pop of color to your outfit.
I, a senior home writer at Yahoo, asked fellow Yahoo writers and editors who shop, test and cover home and tech gear for a living to share the neck fans they've been relying on to get by in the sweltering summer heat and humidity. As the answers came in, it became obvious our team had just one favorite, so to round things out, I researched dozens of other cooling neck fans and sorted through hundreds of reviews, landing on two other high-performing (and fairly affordable) picks for different needs and aesthetics.
Neck fans are typically bladeless, meaning they don't have exposed blades, but rather draw air through a motor and then expel it back out. Most are rechargeable, with a battery life of 4 to 16 hours, depending on the chosen mode (or speed). Check the brand to see what kind of cable is required to charge a given model, and whether it's included. Once it's charged, you place it around your neck, and turn it on. Research suggests that neck fans are effective at cooling down not just the neck, but other parts of the body because they're typically positioned near the part of the brain that regulates temperature.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can transport fans on an airplane, either via carry-on or a checked bag. The TSA recommends consulting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines for more on restrictions related to specific battery types and portable electronic devices.
The best neck fan for Disney parks is the one that you can wear comfortably, and that will cool you continuously. Look for a fan that's lightweight with a long run time — especially if you plan on taking advantage of extended (er, "Magic") park hours.
As mentioned above, Senior Deals Writer Carrie McCabe and I put our faith in the Jisulife Portable Neck Fan for Disney trips and were glad that we did: It managed to keep us cool for hours at the parks and well beyond.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.