Forget Shark and Dyson: I've been using this $13 portable fan to stay cool

DivesBlue Fanzy held in the hand. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I’ve been using different portable fans to beat the heat for years now, and it’s insane how pricey they’re getting. The $149 Shark ChillPill that uses water to direct a cool mist at you and the ultra-quiet $99 Dyson HushJet Mini are just two prime examples. But after trying the DiveBlues Fanzy, I realized just how much people are being overcharged.

That’s because the DiveBlues Fanzy is only $13 at Amazon for a limited time, making it one of the best deals I’ve seen ahead of the summer. Amazon is offering a 25% discount that knocks $4.61 off the original price, bringing it from $18 down to $13 — and it even comes with Prime shipping.

Obviously, I’m amazed most by the low price tag, especially since you can easily spend $20 to $50 on standard portable options like neck fans and other handheld models. Just last month, I tested out the $42 JisuLife Neck Fan Life5, which clips onto my belt to blast air up my shirt. I thought it was a steal at the time, especially compared to the prices of the Dyson HushJet Mini and Shark ChillPill. Yet, even they look overpriced compared to the $13 DiveBlues Fanzy.

DivesBlue Fanzy around the neck. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

The coolest thing about this fan is its versatility, thanks in part to its foldable design. Sure, I can hold it normally in my hand, but it also comes with a lanyard to wear around my neck so it can blast air at me completely hands-free. Alternatively, I love that I can fold it flat to act as a tabletop fan when I'm working at my desk.

DivesBlue Fanzy laid on surface. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I also can't believe how powerful it is. At its maximum setting, I can feel the breeze from about six feet away. When I’m at my desk, though, I keep it on the lowest setting because it’s plenty enough to keep me cool without draining the battery. Speaking of which, its 3,600mAh cell is rated for up to 12 hours on low. That’s more than enough to get me through the workday and my subway commute.

And lastly, it’s super compact and has a built-in carabiner-style hook that’s perfect for clipping onto my backpack when I’m on the go. I still can’t wrap my head around how we’ve been programmed to think we need to spend hundreds on a high-end cooling gadget when this $13 fan effortlessly morphs into a neck, handheld, and desk fan all on its own.

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.