The best USB desk and portable fans you can buy

The VersionTech's Handheld Fan is a good travel companion that you can easily take anywhere.

A deskbound fan is awkward for a day at the beach. Conversely, a fan that's purely handheld doesn't do much good at your desk. Enter VersionTech's Handheld Fan: a portable fan that also works perfectly fine whether at a sporting stadium or sitting at a desk. Such a smart design makes it ideal for those who are bouncing from place to place.

The three-speed fan has a handle that lets you easily hold it. When placed on a stand, fold down the handle to create a stand; it also makes it compact for stowing in a purse or backpack. With a 4-inch diameter, this fan can't quite match the output of pure desktop models, but users say it can output a deceiving amount of air.

The VersionTech Handheld Fan comes with a rechargeable battery for portable use sans USB power. The battery is removable, so it can use a regular non-rechargeable battery as well.

Pros: Folding handle turns into a stand, easy to carry, rechargeable battery, available in five fun colors, can use standard battery if needed, includes lanyard

Cons: Not as powerful as dedicated desk fans

Buy the VersionTech Handheld Fan at Amazon for $15

With a blue light for mood and white light for utility, Efluky's 3 Speeds Mini Desk Fan is perfect for those bedtime or late-night study sessions.

The Efluky 3 Speeds Mini Desk Fan does double duty as a USB fan and a night light.

There are actually two different colored lights. A blue light is great for creating mood and functioning as a night light when you're in bed. When you actually need to see, you can turn on the brighter, white side light to illuminate small areas, like a bedside table.

You can't adjust the angle, and it only stands up in one straightforward way. That could be a deal-breaker for some. That said, its 4.9-inch blades — with three speeds to choose from — spin up fast enough to cool you down at a reasonable distance.

When it's not connected to an outlet, its 2,200mAh rechargeable battery lets you take it to another room or even outside.

Pros: Good airflow, two lights for mood and illumination, built-in battery, affordable

Cons: No options for adjusting angle

Buy the Efluky's 3 Speeds Mini Desk Fan for $14.99 at Amazon

Sharper Image's SBS1 makes a stylish statement on any desk.

A lot of USB desk fans focus more on functionality and portability, but styling is an afterthought. Not so with the Sharper Image SBS1. With a wood-grain finish that pairs well with a jet-black fan and silver accents, it has a retro-modern look that will look nice on any desk.

The SBS1 is dead-simple to use. There are two speed settings you can cycle through with a lone touch-control button. Its three exposed blades may seem dangerous, but Sharper Image constructed them with a soft material to protect against injury. We also like the ability to adjust the angle.

Battery power isn't available, but its USB connection means you could hook this thing up to a power bank and use it wherever you please. It also comes with a wall adapter.

Despite the premium look, the fan costs only $19.99. If the dark tones aren't your thing, this fan is also available in a lighter wood and white fan casing.

Pros: Elegant design, quiet fan operation, affordable style, simple controls

Cons: No battery power, limited fan speed options

Buy the Sharper Image SBS1 at Amazon for $19.99

Strap O2COOL's fan around your neck and you'll get hands-free comfort all day long.

While many other fans on this list blow air forward, O2COOL's necklace fan sends its stream upward. Also unlike other fans on this list, it's not designed to go on a desk or clamped to a stroller — this one hangs around your neck.

This design gives you a hands-free fan solution that's perfect for walking through an amusement park, working out, or doing work around the house. It's a little larger than other fans of this type (120mm tall, 90mm wide, and 36mm thick), but that also comes with the added benefit of providing a significant flow of cool air even on the lowest setting.

There are three speed settings to choose from, and the fan holds up for four to five hours on a full charge. Battery dead? It continues to work while it's plugged in, so you can have it hooked up to your PC while sitting at your desk and unplug it when it's fully recharged.

A common complaint among Amazon customers is that battery life needs improving. But, it's just $10, so it's still an affordable, fun, and useful gadget with some minor shortcomings.

Pros: Hands-free air makes it handy for travel, fan operation is quiet, affordable

Cons: Only blows air in one direction

Buy the O2COOL Deluxe Necklace Fan on Amazon for $9.99