The 5 Best Desk Fans for Keeping Cool While You Game
Gaming is a great way to unwind and relax but it can also get pretty heated at times. And when the fate of the world depends on making the right keypresses at the right time, you're going to want to keep a cool head. That's why every gamer should invest in a quality desk fan. Small, compact, and powerful, these devices are the perfect way to blow off some steam. Here, we've compiled a list of the best of the best in desk fans. Read on to discover our top five favorites, from the inexpensive to the premium pick.
OPolar USB Desk Fan, Small But Mighty Fan for Desktop Office Table, 3 Speeds, 4.9 Foot Cord
OPolar, the Ice King
Great things come in small sizes, at least in the case of the Opolar USB Desk Fan. For starters, it’s an affordably-priced pick, costing less than fifteen dollars. And if you expect such a cheap fan to deliver weak air flow, think again. The OPolar is small but exceptionally mighty. The 3-speed adjustment allows the user to alternate from light and breezy to strong and gusty with the push of a button. Better yet, it’s USB-powered and can be used with a regular power adapter or plugged right into your computer. Plus, at only 4-Watts, this option is an energy-efficient device that doesn’t drain laptop batteries. The only caveat is that the air flow is narrow but it’s easy to direct the wind onto your face with the 40-degree rotating head. Seriously, this thing blows (in a good way).
Pros
- Strong air flow
- Long power cord
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Narrow stream of air
Holmes Heritage Desk Fan, 6-Inch, Brushed Copper
A prem-o fan for a prem-o price
It seems Holmes Heritage aims to elevate the desk fan to a whole new level. Not only is this pick compact and powerful, it’s also kind of beautiful. The brushed copper has a steampunk aesthetic that can augment the look of your gaming rig. Plus, the all-metal construction is super durable and can easily withstand drops or smacks from the occasional rage-quit. Best of all, the Holmes Heritage is deadly quiet, so you can listen for the creeping footsteps of your enemies without interruption. Although it costs a bit more than the other options on our list, it’s a worthwhile investment for those that want a desk fan that’ll keep cool, quiet, and running for years.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Super quiet
- Two speeds
Cons
- Kind of pricey
Aluan Desk Fan Small Table Fan with Strong Airflow, Mini Personal Fan for Home Office
Don't sweat the cost
In this day and age every dollar counts. That’s why we were delighted to discover an affordable desk fan that gets the job done quietly and effectively. This option from Aluan features an energy-efficient 2.5-Watt motor and a 3.3-foot USB power cord. It produces a surprisingly powerful wind that keeps the cool. Plus, this option features one of the best designs we’ve seen for adjusting direction. The fan head pivots a full 360-degrees, so you can angle the air flow any which way you please. And just like our premium pick, the Aluan is silent as the breeze, with a maximum volume of around 40 dB. That’s quiet enough to run it in a library and not get hushed.
Pros
- Cheap price
- USB-powered
- Quiet
Cons
- Kind of flimsy materials
- USB cable is short
Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator Fan, Bliss Blue
Vornado's tornado machine
Looks aren’t everything but who doesn’t like cute things? This option from Vornado sports a sweet aesthetic and a convenient design. It’s available in seven different chic colors, including Bliss Blue, Coral Blush, Cream, Black, and Plum. And when the temp drops and it’s time to switch off the fan, the Vornado “Flippi” flips down and collapses into a neat little tower to protect it from dust and collisions. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a desk fan based off appearances alone. This pick produces a strong, cooling airflow and has two different speed settings. If you need to cool off, you might as well do it in style.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Stylish look and design
- Long, 6-foot power cord
Cons
- Not the most powerful
SkyGenius Battery Operated Clip On Mini Desk Fan
Keep it moving, Keep it cool
Most USB-powered desk fans are too bulky to bring with us as we travel, but not the SkyGenius. This compact cooling companion is small enough to fit in a backpack and powerful enough to keep you and your laptop chill. In fact, this pick sports one of the most versatile designs we’ve come across. For one, it has a stepless speed control so you can fine-tune the power to your preferred setting. Better yet, it can be clipped to a desk or stand on its own. Best of all, the SkyGenius comes with a rechargeable battery that can keep the fan running for several hours on a single charge. It’s a popular option for people that want to keep cool on-the-go and save the planet from the scourge of single-use batteries.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Includes rechargeable battery
- Versatile design
Cons
- Can’t reach max speed when plugged in
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these desk fans only for gamers?
Although we try to highlight the benefits that these products have for gamers, all of the desk fans on our list are great choices for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Which is the best desk fan for a dorm room?
The “broke college student” archetype isn’t just a meme. Since most college students are operating on a tight budget, we suggest the affordable options on our list. Our Best Overall pick from OPolar and Best Budget pick from Aluan are both great options that cost less than fifteen dollars each. They’re powerful enough to keep you cool during those late-night study sessions and durable enough to last at least the school year.
How can I use a desk fan to cool down my computer?
Computers generate a ton of heat. Cooling them down can improve their performance, so getting the right fan for the job is important. All of the options on our list would be up to the task, though for the USB-powered options, we suggest plugging them into a wall adapter rather than the computer. This takes the burden off of your computer’s power supply. Once it’s powered up, make sure the placement of the fan is strategic. The goal is direct the hot air away from the computer, so ensure your fan is pointed towards the open-air rather than directly at the computer tower. In other words, use your desk fan to make a wind tunnel that can funnel air up and away.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.