Chapter in this post:
USB fans - features, advantages and disadvantages of the devices
What are USB fans?
USB fans are fans that are powered by a USB port. They are usually smaller than conventional fans, but have a lower cooling capacity.
How do USB fans work?
USB fans work like conventional fans too. They have a small motor that rotates the attached propeller via a shaft. This creates a cooling air flow. Fans with USB connector are often connected to computers to cool computer users in high temperatures. But they can also be connected to any other USB port, including a power bank.

- ✨ 【Refined details】 JISULIFE Mini Fan narrows the gap of the fan cover to 0,2in for the ...
- 💨 【4 Speed Strong Wind】 JISULIFE portable fan has improved airflow and a ...
- 🔇【40dB Low noise level】 JISULIFE USB fan adopts a high-quality brushless copper motor and ...
Features of USB fans
You can buy fans with the following features:
- Devices with built-in battery: Some devices only run when plugged into a USB power source, while others have a built-in battery and are therefore completely mobile.
- Stand Fans: A stand fan is useful if you want to place it on a table. It's safe there and can't fall over.
- Fans without a base: There are also fans without a base, which have a flexible metal-coated tube and can be connected directly to a computer or a power bank. This type of fan can be used if you want to put a notebook on your lap to work.
- Fans with housing: Most fans do not have a protective housing. This means that the rotor blades are freely accessible and can pose a potential source of danger for children during operation. Fans with housing are therefore advantageous for users with children.
- There are also fans with colorful LEDs or with water atomizers, which can provide additional cooling on warm days.
The Amazon bestsellers
- 【USB fan 120mm】 ELUTENG 120 * 120mm USB fan, USB power supply, plug-and-play, very suitable for cooling ...
- 【3 Speed Adjustable】120mm silent fan has a speed switch. There are 3...
- 【Durable and Quiet】 With hydraulic bearings and excellent double ball motors, it is very durable and has a ...
- 👍👍【2 Year Warranty】★★★★★EasyAcc offers 2 year warranty on sold items. We sell...
- 【Small size and big wind power】Beyond your imagination. A: Stage 1: 3,9m/s. B: Stage 2: 4,9m/s. C:...
- 【3 Selectable Speeds】①Low: Comfortable for sleeping. ②Medium: A natural amount of wind...
- 【3 speeds adjustable】: With the 3-speed setting you can set the most comfortable speed for ...
- 【360° rotation & stable】: The fan head of this USB-powered fan can be rotated 360 degrees vertically, ...
- 【USB powered】: The portable fan is powered by a 1,5 m long USB cable (non-detachable) ...
- ★DUAL POWER SOURCES- Longer working time. Rechargeable battery or USB charging. The rechargeable USB...
- ★NEW VERSION USB FAN - CLIP & TABLE DESK DUAL USE.Improved version unique base design,The usb ...
- ★SUPER SILENT & 720 degrees ROTATION- We use the brushless motor for this small fan, which ...
- Laptop fan with constant airflow and chrome-plated flexible tube
- Power supply via USB port
- Funny lighting with 5 bright LEDs
- Type: USB Fan / Fan (Tilt) | Table fan / mini standing fan
- Connection: USB (no batteries required) / Power is supplied via the USB port | high quality...
- Input: DC 5V (USB port) | USB standard 2.0 / backwards compatible with USB 1.1 and upwards compatible with USB 3.0
- {Adjustable tilt and 2-in-1 clip fan}: The fan head supports horizontal and vertical rotation of ...
- {USB power supply with high compatibility}: The mini USB fan, built-in rechargeable 4000 mAh batteries, ...
- {Longer battery life}: Minthouz small desk fan takes about six hours to fully charge ...
- ✦MINI fan design - size 12,3x12,3x5 cm (0,17 kg), perfect for outdoor activities and travel or just ...
- ✦Cool for the summer -- Small fan with 5 blades and brushless motor: For a powerful breeze with less ...
- ✦USB Connection -- USB fan with USB connection, 1,2m USB cable. Power is supplied via the...
- 【Upgraded Version】 USB fan with 5 blades and brushless motor: For a powerful breeze with less ...
- 【Hand fan 3 speed control】 The fan with 3 airflow speed settings can be connected to ...
- 【PC fan portable and compact】 MiNi fan small (12,5x12,5x5 cm) and exquisite, easy to put in a bag ...
- 【5000mAh battery, up to 40 operating hours】 - ZEBRE Camping Fan built-in 5000mAh battery, after full charge, according to ...
- 【12 LEDs light】 Tent fan with 12 LEDs light, 3 brightness settings (strong light, bright light, warm ...
- 【3 in 1, hanging fan & table fan & table lamp】 It can be a table fan, camping fan, ...
Benefits of the devices
USB fans have some advantages over traditional fans. For one, they tend to be smaller and lighter, which makes them ideal for mobile use. The USB connection does not block a normal socket. This is an advantage when there is only a limited number of sockets.
You can also avoid arguing with another colleague in the office because he wants to charge a mobile phone and you want to connect a conventional fan to the only available socket.
Since the range of the air flow is very limited, it is not sufficient to blow down the paper files of the colleague at the neighboring desk. The background noise of the fan is also significantly lower, so conversations are hardly disturbed.

Disadvantages of the devices
However, USB fans also have some disadvantages compared to conventional fans. On the one hand, they can circulate less air due to the small rotor blades. Only one person who is in the immediate vicinity of the fan can benefit from the cool air.
The lower cooling capacity means that the air from the fan only has a short range. Air turbulence, which creates a subjectively cooling impression, cannot be achieved in large rooms.
Fans without a base usually do not have an on/off switch. After plugging in the USB plug, these run without a break and can only be switched off again by unplugging them.

Fans with USB-C connection
In a press release, the European Parliament stated that from autumn 2024 manufacturers will only be allowed to sell small electronic devices with a USB-C connection. So far, there have been different USB ports for every electronic device, such as mobile phones, tablets, etc.
If, when buying a USB fan, you make sure that the device is charged via USB-C, you have decided on a future-proof product. This has the additional advantage that the fan can then be easily connected to smartphones or power banks with USB-C. With your smartphone you always have a small fan with you to cool off.
- Just plug n play
- Silicone material, soft, tactile, safe and environmentally friendly
- Lightweight: Portable and pocket-sized, easy to carry and use, especially when traveling anywhere and...
- Package Contents: 3 x USB fans, 3 x USB conversion ports (1 x Type-C, 1 x Micro USB, 1 x Lighting)
- 👀【4-16Hrs. Or Plug & Play】Are you still worried about too many charging cables on the table...
- 👀【Ultra Quiet】 The quiet fan blades are made of high-quality materials, so the sound of the TriPole ...
- 👀【3-speed strong wind】 The battery fan can be easily regulated by pressing a button; speed...
- 🌀 COMPATIBILITY: Used for all Type-C phones with OTG function, Mini Portable Type-C mobile phone fan fan...
- 🌀 PORTABLE: Weighing under an ounce, our small and sleek design allows for easy and ...
- 🌀 SAFE AND EASY TO USE: The fan is made of high quality silicone materials that are environmentally friendly ...
- 【Small size, big function】 In combination with fan + flashlight + backup power bank function, the ...
- 【14-21 Hours Cooling Time】Up to 21 hours cooling time on a full charge. The super long battery life...
- 【A backup charger in the palm of your hand】 The portable F8 Mini fan with a unique design in ...
Tips for choosing a USB fan
Therefore, when looking for a USB fan, the first thing to think about is what purpose it is intended to serve. Depending on which personal preferences are important, you can use the advantages and disadvantages described to choose the perfect USB fan.
USB fans have both advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional fans and should therefore be selected depending on the intended use.
The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de