Dyson vs. Shark Portable Fans: I Recommend One for Summer Heat Waves

We’re halfway through July, and the US is already contending with its second heat wave of the month, according to NBC News, making it an essential time to practice heat wave safety by staying cool. Due to climate change, heat waves are expected to become more common.

That would explain why air care tech companies have begun expanding their product lines with cooling devices. In March, Shark released its ChillPill, the only three-in-one personal fan with a cooling plate and water mister. Just one month later, Dyson revealed its first-ever handheld fan, the HushJet Mini Cool. Most recently, Blueair launched its AlwaysCool handheld fan and Sony brought its cooling neck device to the US.

As CNET’s wellness editor, I’ve had the opportunity to test all of these devices, including the Shark ChillPill and Dyson HushJet Mini Cool. Considering I live in Los Angeles, where I’ve already experienced temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, I’ve been in the right location to put these portable fans through their paces. 

If you’re trying to decide whether to purchase the HushJet Mini Cool or ChillPill, by the time you finish reading this comparison guide, you’ll know which is the best portable fan for your summer needs.

Cooling attachments are the main differentiator

When it comes down to features, it’s tough to compare the ChillPill and HushJet Mini Cool. While the latter is simply a fan, the ChillPill comes with two additional attachments that turn it into a dry-touch water mister and a cooling plate. 

Based on my testing, I can say that ChillPill’s two added features make a difference. I’m especially a fan of the cooling plate, which Shark says can lower skin temperature by up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit, while the mister is cleverly designed to be dry-touch, meaning it won’t leave you soaking wet.

Along with being handheld, the fans can be used in three different ways, creating pros and cons for each:

• On a tabletop: The ChillPill’s barrels can be twisted so it easily rests on a table, while the Mini Cool stands upright on its own. 
• On your person: Both fans can be worn on a lanyard around your neck. The Mini Cool comes with one included, while the ChillPill’s crossbody strap is $25, wristlet is $10 and the clip attachment for affixing the device to a jacket or purse strap is $30. 
• Clamped onto a stroller or workout machine: For $40, you can purchase the ChillPill’s clamp attachment. This summer, Dyson will launch additional accessories for the Mini Cool, including a clamp.

Among ChillPill’s extra accessories, I have the $40 clamp, which I’ve been using to attach the device to my balcony railing. It’s well-built and specifically designed to fit the ChillPill, which could explain the high price. However, I’m not sure it would be worth it unless you plan to use it often, such as attaching it to a stroller’s handle on a daily walk. 

While Dyson hasn’t yet launched its additional accessories, I can say that the cost of the ChillPill’s add-ons isn’t my favorite. The fact that the HushJet Mini Cool comes with a lanyard is a major win in my book. 

All that considered, if you simply want a portable fan, the HushJet Mini Cool would be the best choice. But if you want the added benefits of a water mister and cooling plate, go for the ChillPill. Just remember that you’ll have to pay extra for add-ons with both, especially the $25 crossbody strap with the ChillPill. 

Do you want power or battery life?

Compared to the 15-watt ChillPill, which reaches 17 mph at speed 10, the 40-watt, five-speed Mini Cool reaches 55 mph in boost mode. 

However, the Mini Cool’s power comes at the cost of battery life, as it runs for up to six hours. The ChillPill runs for up to 11 hours, but it does take 3.5 hours to charge, 30 minutes longer than the Mini Cool.

If power is what you’re after, then opt for the Mini Cool’s 55-mph airflow. However, I’m not sure power matters as long as the devices both cool you down. What might matter more is battery life — and on that front, the ChillPill would be the better choice. 

At higher speeds, they’re both loud

According to the Decibel X app on my phone, when held about 2 inches away from the fans, the ChillPill’s speed 10 reached a maximum of 74.6 A-weighted decibels, and the HushJet Mini Cool’s boost mode reached 77.5 dBA, making it louder than the ChillPill.

For reference, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says that a vacuum cleaner and an alarm clock are around 70 dBA, meaning both the Mini Cool and ChillPill are louder than that. 

Anecdotally, I’d say both handheld fans are loud at their higher speeds, with the Mini Cool being louder, so they’re best for outdoor use when you want more speed. For shared indoor spaces, go with the lower speeds.

One is better for travel

If fun colors are the deciding factor here, the ChillPill would win with its eight options: green, pink, red, purple, rose gold, teal, brown and black. The HushJet Mini Cool only comes in three colors: red and light blue, blush pink and blue.

ChillPill’s two barrels — one with the display and charging port, the other for the attachments — make it bulkier than the slim Mini Cool. The 0.77-pound ChillPill measures 1.77 x 3.31 x 4.41 inches, while the 0.46-pound Mini Cool is 1.5 x 7.9 inches. The Mini Cool’s 1.5-inch diameter is significant, as it’s about the size of a watch face. 

If you want a lightweight portable fan you can easily throw in your bag, then I’d recommend the HushJet Mini Cool. It also comes with a travel pouch that fits the entire device, whereas the ChillPill’s pouch fits only two of its attachments. 

Shark’s fan is $50 more

The HushJet Mini Cool is $100, while the ChillPill is $150. With the ChillPill, you get two additional attachments, better battery life and more color choices, while the Mini Cool has more power, comes with a lanyard and has a slimmer design that makes it better for travel. 

If money isn’t an object, I prefer the ChillPill. I don’t think you can beat the fact that it’s the only three-in-one portable fan on the market with a cooling plate and water-misting pod in addition to the fan. 

If you don’t care about extra features and simply want a powerful handheld fan, then go with the HushJet Mini Cool.

But if money is a deciding factor for you and the Mini Cool’s $100 is over budget, I’d recommend checking out JisuLife’s fans. Consider the 38-mph Ultra2 ($76) or 17-mph Pro1 Mini ($56), which I’m currently testing. The Ultra2 is also a flashlight and power band, while the Pro1 Mini comes with an aroma pod you can fill with your favorite scent. 

At the end of the day, what matters most with any cooling device isn’t how much it costs or its fancy features; it’s whether it can keep you cool. For that, you simply need a personal fan that turns on.