Shopping for a wearable air conditioner?
You’ve come to the right place.
Almost unheard of 20 years ago, today there are many personal wearable cooling devicesto choose from – from neck-worn models to wrist-band style and even clip-on units.
So if you are interested in purchasing the best wearable air conditioner, this article is for you. In it we review the best-selling top-rated models sold today and recommend specific models for several common situations.
When Does It Make Sense to Use a Wearable Air Conditioner?
A wearable personal air conditioner is an innovativeand efficient way to keep yourself cool in a wide range of situations.
Here are a few examples of the times a wearable air conditioner comes in handy.
Enjoying a Long Run
Using a wearable AC while running makes you feel light and airy. It keeps the sweat at bay so that you can enjoy the experience to its fullest.
At the Gym
Although most gyms and fitness centers are already air-conditioned, having a wearable AC will greatly help them conserve energy, especially when there are only a few gym-goers working out.
At a gym, the wearable AC will keep you cool so you can work harder towards your fitness goals.
While Driving
As the traffic on the roads continues to swell, driving a short distance is also very time-consuming, especially during the hot summer months. The heat and noise combined can drive anyone to the edge.
A wearable AC will definitely come in handy in such a situation. Using one can alleviate your stress levels and keep you calm while you drive.
Working By Yourself
These days, most corporate offices and other modern buildings have central air conditioning systems. They are certainly beneficial when the building is crowded and ensure everyone is cool and comfortable.
But on weekends and at nights most buildingslower orturn off the central AC.So using a wearable ACis a great fall-back option for pulling those late nighters..
Watching Sports
You can take apersonal wearable air conditioner to football and baseball games to ensure the heat doesn’t take away the fun of supporting your favorite team.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Delivers a hands-free cooling experience
- Free adjustability makes it very versatile
- Suitable for users with various neck sizes
- This compact and lightweight device is easy to keep on
- Comes with an adjustable lanyard to wear around your neck
- Operates on 2 AA batteries
- 3 fan speeds
- Supports fast charging via USB
- Boasts a quiet and noiseless operation
What's in This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Wearable AC units make it possible for you to remain comfortable in places you never thought possible. That said, there are several different kinds of wearable AC devices.
But this is where this guide comes in.
In this guide we recommend top pick for the best wearable air conditioner in a number of situations and type of product. We then review each device in detail.
After our reviews of the top picks, we provide a buying guide that discusses the features to look for when shopping for a personal/wearable air conditioner. Finally, we answer some commonly asked questions about these devices.
So let’s dive in!
Best Wearable Air Conditioners
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- 1. Best Full-Neck Wearable AC: FrSara Neck Fan
- 2. Best Necklace-Style Wearable AC: O2COOL Battery-Powered Personal Fan
- 3. Best Clip-On Wearable AC: Koonie Store Waist Clip Fan
- 4. Longest Run Time: BLAUX Wearable AC Plus
FrSara Neck Fan
Best Around-the-Neck
9.25 x 6.26 x 2.56 inches:
12.4 ounces
Material
Silicone, BS, and PCBattery
2 LiMicro-USB Charger
4-10 hours
3 fan speeds
O2COOL Battery-Powered Personal Fan
Best Necklace-Style
3.4 x 1.3 x 4.56 inches
0.09 pounds
Material
PlasticBattery
2AANo charger
12 hours
1 fan speed
Koonie Store Waist Clip Fan
Best Clip-On
3 x 1.6 x 4.3 inches
0.49 ounces
Material
PlasticBattery
Built-in rechargeableUSB 2A fast charger
Upto 23 hours
3 fan speeds
BLAUX Wearable AC Plus
Longest Run Time
9.65 x 8.66 x 2.13 inches
1.1 pounds
Material
PlasticBattery
2 LiUSB-C charger
Up to 30 Hours
3 fan speeds
The FrSara Neck fan is a versatile product that you can greatly customize according to your comfort. It operates quietly and quickly, providing relief from the heat in as little as 3 seconds.
PROS
- Available in a wide range of designs and colors
- Provides 360° comfort
- Can operate at 3 different speeds
- Flexible middle section improves adjustability
- The anti-slip design prevents it from falling off
CONS
- Battery life reduces significantly on max speed
- Some people find it heavy on the neck
Features
- Delivers a hands-free cooling experience
- Free adjustability makes it very versatile
- Suitable for users with various neck sizes
- One of the quietest units out there
- Useful for a wide range of applications
Our Review
We really like the FrSara neck fan for its versatility and durable build.
It features a bladeless design that revolves the air around the outlet to provide 360-degree comfort. You can operate it at 3 different speeds – low, medium, and high. Although it is very quiet, it tends to make some noise at the maximum speed.
Unlike other similar products, the FrSara neck fan produces even airflow on both sides. The 60 turbine blades are very strong and comfortable.
They cool you down in as little as 3 seconds, providing instant relief from the sweltering effects of the hot season.
Another good thing about this personal wearable air conditioner is its low-power design. It takes about 2 hours to charge completely and provides 4 to 10 hours of runtime, depending upon the speed you run it on.
If you run it at low speeds, it can easily last you a whole day, but running at high speed drains the battery quickly.
The FrSara neck fan is also very easy to care for and requires minimal cleaning. Since the bladeless design is enclosed, there is very little chance of sweat or hair getting inside.
Also, it is designed for single-person use, so it guarantees clean and healthy air.
The fan is one of the simplest products to use. There is no extremely long manual that you have to read, and neither is the device complex to operate.
You don’t have to do anything except charge it and wear it around your neck. Then with the single press of a button, it will start blowing cold air to help combat the heat.
The O2COOL makes it easy to battle the sweltering summer heat. Just put it on and turn it on, and it will make you feel cool and comfy in a matter of a few minutes. The slim and compact design looks very appealing around your neck. In fact, the overall look is quite classy.
PROS
- Available in assorted colors
- It is a thin device that lies flat against your chest
- Features a breakaway lanyard for more convenience
- Hangs around your neck for hands-free cooling
- Provides a powerful yet comfortable breeze
CONS
- You must purchase the batteries separately
- Runs on only one speed
Features
- This compact and lightweight device is easy to keep on
- Comes with an adjustable lanyard to wear around your neck
- Operates on 2 AA batteries
- Provides a total runtime of 12 hours for each pair of batteries
- Vertical airflow direction keeps you cool
Our Review
The sleek and stylish O2COOL personal fan is meant to be worn like a necklace. For this purpose, it comes with an adjustable safety lanyard, and once you put it on, the device rests flat against your chest. For added convenience, the lanyard has a breakaway design.
It is compactly built with a lightweight body and slim profile that ensures your comfort. Plus, it is available in various colors – you can choose from black, blue, purple, raspberry, teal, and grey.
The most interesting feature of this wearable personal air conditioner is its top vent. This ensures that the direction of the airflow is vertical towards your face and neck.
The tiny 2.5-inch fan provides constant airflow that’s comparable to a light breeze. But since it blows directly to your face, the power is more than enough.
The device runs on 2 AA batteries, but they are not included in the package. Each pair of batteries deliver about 12 hours of operation, so you’ll have to replace the batteries after that.
The O2COOL personal fan has 1 one speed only, so there is no option to increase or decrease its speed.
The Koonie Store fan is a 2-in-1 model that you can wear in two ways. You can clip it to your waistband or use the lanyard and wear it like a necklace.
PROS
- It is a lightweight unit that does not burden you with its weight
- Takes 3 to 4 hours to charge completely
- Features lightweight yet durable plastic construction
- The 2-clip design allows you to wear it comfortably
- It is a compact and portable unit that is great for multiple applications
CONS
- Lasts about 4.5 hours at maximum speed
- Intake must not have any obstruction
Features
- 2-in-1 design that you can clip to the waist or wear like a necklace
- 3 fan speeds
- Lasts for about 23 hours on a single charge
- Supports fast charging via USB
- Boasts a quiet and noiseless operation
Our Review
The Koonie Store Waist Clip Fan is a game-changer in the wearable AC industry.
Like numerous other units available on the market, this device is also designed to be worn around the neck, but you can clip it to your waistband, too.
It has two clips, one to attach it to your bottoms and the other to clip it to your shirt. This way, you are free to attach it in a position you find more comfortable.
The air vents on the top, so it blows air in a vertical direction. When you clip it to your waist, it will deliver cooling comfort from underneath your clothing. And when you wear it like a neck fan, it will blow air towards your face and neck.
It is made out of heavy-duty and durable plastic, yet it is lightweight. It can withstand tough conditions and minor falls without sustaining lasting damage.
It is also equipped with a powerful 6000mAh rechargeable battery. Thanks to its fast-charging support, it is quick to charge and lasts up to 23 hours of continuous usage. Plus, since it supports USB charging, you can charge it via power banks, laptops, PCs, and car chargers too.
A good thing about this device is its triple-speed performance.
At low speed, it blows out a gentle wind. At medium speed, the airflow is more powerful. Meanwhile, at the maximum speed, the airflow is the strongest; however, it consumes a lot of energy and lasts only about 4.5 hours of continuous use.
BLAUX Wearable AC Plus is a modern-looking gadget that works just as great as it looks. Simply place it around your neck, and it will instantly create a cooling effect to help you combat the heat.
PROS
- Moves 1.9 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air
- Rotating vents allow positional airflow
- Universal design fits everyone perfectly
- Does not heat up during operation
- Built-in filter captures dust particles to deliver cleaner air
CONS
- Takes 4 hours to charge completely
- If you wear it longer, its weight becomes noticeable
Features
- Boasts quality components and expert workmanship
- Operates silently and efficiently
- Sits nicely around the neck and doesn’t irritate the wearer
- Simple to use and easy to maintain
- Equipped with LED ring for power and charging status
Our Review
Blaux Wearable AC Plus is a wearable air conditioning unit designed for everyday use. You can wear it indoors while conducting your day-to-day chores or outdoors at work, picnics, or sporting events.
It comes pre-assembled and delivers seamless operability for up to 30 hours without any apparent drop in performance.
It is a powerful device that delivers 1.9 cubic feet of air per minute. It comes preloaded with 2 lithium-ion batteries. These take about four hours to charge completely but ensure 30 hours of continuous operation before needing a recharge. You can charge them with the provided USB-C cable.
Although the Blaux AC is made to be a universal fit, it offers plenty of adjustability options for better personalization. For example, 2 Flexi joints on each side allow you to expand the fan and adjust it according to your needs. You can also adjust the rotating air vents for better airflow.
The device operates at 3 speeds, giving you better control over its operation. It also features removable Nano-Silver filters that sterilize the air passing through them. A built-in ionizer further improves the quality of the air you get.
Best Wearable Air Conditioner Buying Guide
What are Wearable Air Conditioners, and How do they Work?
A wearable air conditioner is a personal cooling machine that either attaches to your clothing or fits around your body to deliver an instant cooling effect.
Although the idea had been around in theory for several years, market-ready solutions were only recently introduced.
Wearable air conditioners either rely on the Peltier effect or a thermal cooling plate for you to feel some respite from the heat.
The Peltier effect is a quirk of materials science that provides intense cooling sensations in a smaller form.
Running an electrical current across a junction between a metal and a semiconductor creates a cooling effect. While running the current, the opposite direction produces heat. Today, many mini wearable air conditioners use this thermoelectric effect to generate cooling.
Cooling through a thermal cooling plate requires electricity to work. Such devices come with rechargeable batteries that power them. The cooling plate collects the hot, humid air, cools it down, and blows it out.
For this purpose, such variants have two outlets – one to collect the hot air and the other to blow out cold air.
Why buy Wearable Air Conditioners?
Many people find wearable personal air conditioners quite bizarre.
But we think it is actually quite genius – no more sweat, no more rashes, and unlimited cool air.
Here are some other reasons why you should buy a wearable air conditioner:
Economical
We all know that using a traditional air conditioner every day can be quite expensive. Even if it is a portable unit, your electricity bill will pile up if you don’t use it smartly. And a central air conditioning system costs even more than that.
On the other hand, wearable ACs are not only affordable (spare a few exceptions), but they are also quite economical. Most units run on rechargeable batteries, so they don’t put an unnecessary burden on your budget.
Efficient and environmentally friendly
Unlike their traditional counterparts, these gadgets are very efficient and eco-friendly. They don’t consume a lot of energy. Plus, their batteries take a few hours to charge completely and last for a long time on a full charge.
Wearable ACs that make use of the Peltier effect don’t emit any heat to produce cooling. This makes them environmentally friendly because while regular ACs provide instant cooling, they also produce large amounts of heat as a by-product.
Easy to use
Another great thing about wearable ACs is their ease of use. They come pre-assembled, and there is no need for installation.
All you have to do is place them around your neck, wrist, waist, or clip them to your clothing. Then with a simple press of a button, you can turn on the device and get instant heat relief.
Portable
You have to agree; even portable AC models are not as portable as they claim. However, when it comes to wearable ACs, portability is what defines them.
They are small, lightweight devices that you can put on your body or clothing. They can accompany you everywhere you go and provide relief from the hot sweltering heat that can leave anyone bothered.
Versatile
The best thing about wearable ACs is their versatility. They are universal units designed to fit most users easily.
Whether it is a necklace-style model or a watch-style device, everyone can find a style they’re comfortable with. Some units are also adjustable, so you can customize them according to your preference.
What to look for When Buying a Wearable Air Conditioner
While the concept of wearable AC is still relatively new, there’s a wide range of models available to choose from. To ensure you make the right choice, look out for:
Temperature Range
Different wearable air conditioning units have different temperature ranges. Although their degree of temperature range is not very high, they are powerful enough to keep the wearer cool.
The device you purchase doesn’t need to be anywhere near freezing cold. A little cooler than the average human body temperature will work just fine.
Ease of Use
The most significant benefit of a wearable AC is its ease of use, but even then, some are easier to use than others.
We suggest buying a unit that does not give you a hard time both in setting up and operating. Look for a device that is easy to wear, operate, and recharge. It should also be light enough to not weigh you down and make you dread wearing it.
Battery Life
All wearable AC units operate on rechargeable batteries, with some lasting for a few hours and others almost an entire day. The key to finding the right unit is to look for a model that lasts as long as you need it.
Another thing to look out for is the charging time. An AC that takes a long time to charge but does not provide enough runtime is definitely not the right choice.
Durability
The durability of your wearable AC is extremely important. Since you will be wearing it in various conditions, it has to hold its own against different circumstances.
Whether you are watching an outdoor sports match, are out on a camping trip, or working out at a gym, the device should keep you cool and comfortable. Look for a device featuring high-quality components and expert craftsmanship.
Pros and Cons
While wearable personal air conditioners have revolutionized the cooling industry, they have limitations as well.
Here’s a brief account of both aspects:
Pros
Require no assembly
One thing we really like about wearable air conditioners is their lack of assembly. They come pre-assembled, so you don’t have to fiddle with small parts and components to make them work.
Just charge the unit, put it in, and press the button for an instant cooling effect. There is no need to call on professionals or pay installation charges to be able to use them.
Operate on rechargeable batteries
Unlike traditional air conditioning units, you don’t need to hook up wearable AC units with an electrical outlet to function.
Instead, they work on rechargeable batteries. Once the battery is fully charged, you can enjoy hours of cooling before you need to charge the battery again. In fact, some units last around an entire day on a single full charge.
Great for targeted cooling
The biggest advantage of wearable air conditioners is their targeted cooling. As they move with you, there is no need to fiddle with the thermostat or remote control to cool the room you are in.
Regular air conditioners either cool the entire house or keep a single room cool. But with a wearable AC, you take the coolness everywhere you go.
Useful when you are on the move
Another great thing about wearable ACs is that they are as effective outdoors as indoors. Whether you are at home, at work, on a run, or out shopping, the device keeps the sweltering heat at bay by providing a cooling sensation throughout your body.
Help conserve energy
Cooling individuals is more energy-efficient than cooling entire homes and buildings.
Regular air conditioners, whether fixed or movable, consume more energy than their wearable counterparts.
However, since the cooling of wearable AC units is targeted at the wearer, they don’t consume nearly as much energy. A few hours of charging is enough to keep them functional for longer periods.
Cons
For individual use only
The biggest issue with wearable ACs is that they are only suitable for individual use. They are designed to facilitate just the wearer. Not even a bystander, let alone an entire room, can benefit from their cooling function.
Not all wearable ACs are standalone
You cannot set up wearable ACs as standalone cooling devices that can regulate the room’s temperature. Such devices have to remain in contact with your skin so you can feel the difference in temperature they create.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I charge a wearable air conditioner?
This greatly varies from one model to another. Some can deliver only 2-3 hours of runtime, while some can even last as long as 30 hours.
On average, you can expect a wearable AC to provide cooling for up to 5 hours without needing a recharge.
What is the average runtime of a wearable air conditioner?
This greatly varies from one model to another. Some can deliver only 2-3 hours of runtime, while some can even last as long as 30 hours.
On average, you can expect a wearable AC to provide cooling for up to 5 hours without needing a recharge.
Does a wearable AC give off harmful radiation?
Although some regular air conditioners emit harmful radiations like EMF, this is not the case with wearable ACs. They are safe to put on and don’t put your health at risk with their functioning. However, we do suggest checking out with the manufacturer to be completely sure.
Final Verdict: What is the best Wearable Air Conditioner?
We find the BLAUX Wearable AC Plus is the best wearable AC for most users. It is a powerful unit that delivers smooth and long-lasting performance.
The FrSara Neck Fan is also a good choice primarily because of its reliable performance and a wide variety of colors.
Lastly, the Koonie Store Waist Clip Fan is an ideal option if you want a versatile wearable AC unit to battle the heat.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
