Fall may be a few weeks away, but it’s still plenty hot out: In many regions of the country, temperatures are still hovering in the 90- to 100-degree Fahrenheit range. This means staying cool is top of mind for lots of us, and one of the simplest ways to achieve a little respite from the heat is to wear one of the best neck air conditioners. Our top pick, the Torras Coolify Cyber Neck Air Conditioner, will bring your personal temperature down by as much as 20 degrees, while our lightest pick, the Jisulife Portable Neck Air Conditioner, weighs less than a loaf of bread.
Sport one of the best neck air conditioners to stay cool a temperatures rise.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Whether you’re working outside, you run hot or you’d like a little relief while traveling this summer and fall, we’ve gathered the top neck air conditioners that will appeal to a wide variety of budgets and needs. If the goal is to stay cool, you’ve come to the right place.
Maximum Run Time: 15.5 hours | Weight: 3.33 pounds | Battery: 6000mAh
One of the most highly-rated neck air conditioners available, the Torras Coolify is quiet, easy to operate and effective. As far as neck air conditioners go, this option is expensive—but well worth the cost when considering the feature set.
The Torras Coolify features a patented metal radiator plate which cools the wearer’s neck, and features a fan, cooling and heat setting. The upper and lower vents work in tandem to increase the cooling capability of this neck air conditioner, and deliver steady airflow. The Coolify has been shown to cool the temperature of the neck by 20 degrees, which offers one of the most premium cooling experiences on the market.
The Torras Coolify Cyber Neck Air Conditioner comes with a protective carrying case, has a long battery life and is light enough at 3.33 pounds to be used at home or while traveling without becoming a heavy nuisance. If you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks and are looking for the most elevated neck air conditioner experience available, this should be your top pick.
Best Budget Neck Air Conditioner
Excellent Performance At A Great Price
Amazon
Gulaki Neck Fan
Maximum Run Time: 5-17 hours (depending on wind speed) | Weight: 0.62 pounds | Battery: 4000 mAh
If you’d like a little personal cooling but don’t want to break the bank, the Gulaki Neck Fan is an excellent choice. Despite its disarmingly low price tag, the Gulaki packs quite the punch: It features three fan settings, simple controls and an optional side LED light, which features 64 changing colors. The ergonomic design is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and the battery life is pretty substantial at 17 hours of run time on the lowest setting, and five hours of run time on the highest setting.
The Gulaki isn’t loud, but it also isn’t totally silent. It falls in the middle of the road in terms of neck air conditioner noise, but its quality construction, approachable price point and ease of use make it a compelling buy.
Most Lightweight Neck Air Conditioner
Lots Of Cooling Power In A Small Package
Amazon
Jisulife Portable Neck Air Conditioner
Maximum Run Time: 16 hours | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Battery: 4000 mAh
While none of the neck air conditioners on this list could be considered objectively heavy (although the 3.33-pound Torras is a little beefy), there’s definitely something to be said for going as lightweight as possible when it comes to carrying a device around your neck for hours at a time.
The Jisulife Portable Neck Air Conditioner weighs in at just 9.1 ounces, but it comes with the same full feature set that the heavier options on this list also sport.
The Jisulife is equipped with 78 vents and is capable of five different fan speeds. The neck air conditioner was designed to look reminiscent to a pair of headphones, and is subtle enough to complement any outfit. Made of ABS and silicone, this neck air conditioner is comfortable and won’t slip around your neck on hot days.
Although the Jisulife is quiet and lightweight, it is not as powerful as its competitors—so if you’re looking for the maximum cooling power available, you may want to look elsewhere. But, if minimal weight is your number-one feature, you’ll be hapy with the Jisulife.
Most Quiet Neck Air Conditioner
Stay Cool In Peace
Amazon
Sweetfull Portable Neck Air Conditioner
Maximum Run Time: 12 hours | Weight: 8.5 ounces | Battery: 4000 mAh
The cool air provided by a neck air conditioner is nice, but if it comes with the annoying drone of a loud fan, odds are it won’t be worth wearing. The Sweetfull Portable Neck Air Conditioner is all air, low noise: it emits approximately the same noise level as a table fan, and according to Sweetfull, measures less than 40 decibels on low.
Alongside its whisper-quiet functionality, the Sweetfull is also ergonomic, comfortable and affordable. Its 4000 mAh lithium battery recharges in a few hours, and lasts for up to 12 hours of run time on low. (On high, it lasts for just around two hours, which is pretty meager if you plan on using it all day…) At just 8.5 ounces, it is incredibly light and has decent power and is effective.
While it’s not the most powerful neck air conditioner on this list, the Sweetful Portable Neck Air Conditioner is highly rated, works well and is about as quiet as they come.
Best Hanging Neck Fan
An Alternative To Around-The-Neck Options
Amazon
Ruinuokai Portable Hanging Neck Fan
Maximum Run Time: 3-10 hours | Weight: 5.1 ounces | Battery: 2000 mAh
If you’d like to experience a little personal cooling but don’t want the sensation of a pair of headphones hanging around your neck. we’ve got options. Specifically, this Portable Hanging Neck Fan. With a simple design and over a thousand 5-star reviews on Amazon (plus an unbeatable price) this is an easy option to consider.
The Portable Hanging Neck Fan comes in eight colors, has seven fan blades and three fan speeds to deliver fresh air, fast. It’s powered by a 2000 mAh lithium rechargeable battery and can work for 3-10 hours, depending on the fan speed.
The one-button control is easy to operate, and the lanyard design makes it somewhat unobtrusive—although there’s no getting around the fact that you are wearing a fan around your neck. Aesthetically-driven shoppers may not like this option, due to its lack of sleekness compared with around-the-neck models, and users with long hair may want to look for another option, given that this neck fan has blades.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published many expertly researched gear buying guides. These include dozens of personal care roundups for personal health, wellbeing and fitness.
This story was written by Forbes Vetted contributing editor Hayley Helms. Her career spans over a decade, and she has tested and reviewed hundreds of outdoor, fitness and lifestyle products. She contributes to a number of publications, including Field Mag, Ski Mag, Gear Patrol and more.
This story was edited and overseen by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to fitness, outdoor and personal care products and has overseen the majority of Forbes Vetted gear guides.
We refresh this list regularly to ensure you’re up-to-date on product availability and sales. This article was first published in September 2024.
How We Chose The Best Neck Air Conditioners
To determine the best neck air conditioner for each category, we reviewed best-selling models, top-reviewed products and comparative feature sets. We also relied on our team of experienced staffers for product recommendations and insights regarding what to focus on when shopping for the best neck air conditioner.
Our outdoor and fitness editorial team narrowed their focus to top-rated models from trusted neck air conditioner brands and top-reviewed products.
We analyzed features including weight, battery life, noise levels and fan speeds to assess overall value and help readers pinpoint the best neck air conditioners for their needs.
We made sure to look at a large selection of neck air conditioners that meet a variety of lifestyle needs including comfort, budget and personal style.
What To Look For In The Best Neck Air Conditioners
When shopping for a neck air conditioner, there are a few key factors to consider, including fan speed, battery life, weight and price. Each of these will determine which neck fan is best for you.
Fan Type
While many neck fans use blades to move air, neck air conditioners can also feature a bladeless design. This is for multiple reasons, the most important being that a lack of blades means hair and clothing won’t get caught in the neck air conditioner while you wear it. Keep in mind that if you’re opting for bladeless (which is generally more expensive) for noise reduction, these models are not always quieter than traditional fan options.
Battery Life
Most neck air conditioners run on rechargeable batteries. In addition to allowing the devices to be mobile, rechargeable batteries also have a longer life span than other options. Most neck air conditioners will at least run for a couple of continuous hours, but if battery life span is important, review how long your neck air conditioner can run on a single charge. If you plan on using the higher fan speeds on your device, keep in mind the battery will be drained faster than using lower speeds.
Weight
Most neck air conditioners weigh anywhere between 10 ounces and a few pounds, with exceptions on either end of the spectrum. If you have a sensitive neck or weight is a concern, check your chosen product’s dimensions before purchasing.
Price
The design of neck air conditioners is relatively simple, and the price range of most models is between $30 and $60 dollars. Our most expensive pick on this list is north of $200, but comes with the most functionality and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Neck Coolers Really Work?
Neck coolers will make you feel temporarily cooler, but they’re no replacement for traditional air conditioning. While neck coolers will make your neck and head feel relief from the heat, they won’t lower your overall body temperature. Neck air conditioners and fans are great for instant relief, but if you’re sensitive to heat or have a medical condition, they should not be considered as a replacement to air conditioning.
Is There A Difference Between A Neck Fan And A Neck Air Conditioner?
There is a difference between neck fans and neck air conditioners: neck fans use a traditional fan design, which features blades that push and cool air, while neck air conditioners rely on cooling chips, similar to air conditioning units used in buildings and vehicles. Both will help to maintain your feeling of coolness and relief from the heat.
What Is The Best Neck Fan?
The best neck fan is the model that fits your specifications, and the one you will most likely wear. This is dependent on desired power output, battery life and charging times, weight and price.
As a full-time food writer, cookbook author and the primary cook in my household, few things bring me more joy than a well-organized refrigerator. While you won’t find filming ‘restock my fridge’ content for social media, I admit, I do find those videos soothing to watch. Once I discovered the satisfaction of a streamlined, uncluttered…
Staying warm on the slopes isn’t a simple task. But the best ski gloves and mittens seamlessly blend insulation, waterproofing and durability to keep your hands warm during a long day on the slopes. As gear experts and avid skiers, we know that finding a pair that checks all your boxes can seem as daunting…
For your beard to look its best, it needs to be nourished and styled with care—no more ignoring it during your daily bathroom regimen. There are plenty of products that cater to your facial hair, from beard oils and balms to dedicated beard washes (pro tip: you can also use your regular shampoo and conditioner)….
Solar panels have been a renewable energy option for homeowners for decades. But technology advancements have made the best solar panels a reliable and cost-saving asset to many homeowners. When it comes to choosing the right solar panels for your lifestyle, there are a lot of factors to consider, but our top recommendation is the…
You have a few possibilities when it comes to sprucing up your mattress, but it’s not always easy to discern one bedding accessory from another, especially when you have so many options to pick from. If you find yourself wavering between a mattress pad vs. mattress topper, you’re not alone. In fact, they often get…
The best stroller organizer can make or break your walks and errands with your baby. From your water to your phone to your wallet, an organizer helps you keep everything handy (rather than in a diaper bag or in the under-seat storage) and simply makes life easier. It can also be an ideal space to…