The best tent fans are easy to carry, compact and easy to power. They have a low weight and can be positioned in multiple locations inside or outside the tent.
In this article, we take a close look at how to choose the best tent fan by identifying what contributes to a high performing product, what the important aspects are to consider before buying, and what makes one fan better from another.
Recommended products
For speed and efficiency the below products form a list of what we consider to be some of the best tent fans currently available:
Best Overall: Amacool Portable LED Lantern Tent Fan
Runner Up Hanging Fan: Odoland Portable LED Tent Fan
Best Clip On Fan: Opolar 10000mAh 8-Inch Tent Fan
Best Freestanding Fan: Opolar 9 Inch Tent Fan
Runner Up Freestanding Fan: Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor Tent Fan
Best Handheld Fan: Opolar Hand Held Battery Operated Face Tent Fan
Products reviews
In this section, we’ve selected the best tent fans according to how they perform, their practicality, price, and multi-purpose use.
Hanging fans
Hanging fans remain a popular option, and as explained below, they attach directly onto the tent’s ceiling keeping the floor space free from tripping hazards.
01 – Amacool Portable Battery Camping Fan with LED Lantern Review
Fan size – 7.1 X 5.3 X 2.4inch | Blade material – foam | Weight – 8 ounces | Power source – rechargeable batteries | Battery – 2 X 2200 mAh | Number of Settings – 3 | Light – Yes | Automatic Rotation – No
- BORN FOR CAMPING: This upgraded portable fan combines tent fan, camping light and aroma diffuser, circulate air evenly, lights up your tent or campsite in darkness
- VERSATILE PLACEMENT: This camping fan has a built-in hook to hang it on the tents, branches or inside a car. It can be mounted on wall as well as simply placed on desk at home or in office. It’s also a great companion for your baby and pets
- Powered by rechargeable 5000mAh batteries (built-in),it can last for 5.5-35 hours depending on speeds, 9-240 hours depending on brightness. It also operates via USB cable connected to laptop, car charger, Power bank and etc. Perfect fit for both indoors&outdoors
- Set with 3 speeds, Whisper operation, Manual 360 degree rotation vertically and horizontally, ventilating air efficiently for a more comfortable space; equipped 12 bright LEDs with 3 brightness for different purposes like reading, illumination
The new Amacool hanging LED fan is among the best tent fan upgrades, and is not completely upgraded from the previous generation. Apart from its modern design, the tent fan is also made with one more blade, totaling 3 blades.
It also comes with USB charging, which was not the case with the first generation’s DC plug. 3 levels of brightness are characteristic of the fan’s LED lights, which means campers can sleep comfortably without being bothered by strong light.
Pros
- Made with a 3-in-1 design and works as a fan, lantern, while repelling mosquitos
- Its design remains suitable to keep the tent’s floor clear as its easily hung
- Powered either by rechargeable batteries or via a laptop’s USB port
- Suitable for 2-3 nights of better air circulation with up to 40 hours of battery life
- When used solely as a camping light, the battery power increases to over 400 hours
- Manually rotates both horizontally and vertically
- Versatile, as it can also be used as a desk fan
- The LED light and fan can both run independently or together
- The built-in LED lights operate with 3 levels of brightness
Cons
- It takes around 4 hours to charge, which may not be convenient when camping in the wilderness
- Lacks automatic rotation and needs to be manually adjusted
02 – Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan Review
Fan size – 6.25 x 6.25 x 7.25 inches | Blade material – plastic| Weight – 1 pound | Power source – rechargeable batteries | Battery – up to 50 hours | Number of Settings – 2 | Light – Yes | Automatic Rotation – No
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Among the best camping fans, a 2D cell battery-operated design cannot be overlooked. It is what Odoland offers with its portable LED camping lantern with a ceiling fan. Practically, it has a multipurpose design that adds LED lights to a simple fan.
One of the camping fan’s biggest advantages apart from its size is its affordability. With rising costs on camping gear, it is important to look out at overspending habits. It’s also proof that the best tent fans don’t need to be expensive.
Pros
- Works both as a tent and as a LED camping lantern
- Designed to be hung from the tent’s ceiling
- Battery life depends on fan speed and the LED lights’ use
- The maximum battery life is 50 hours when the fan works on its lowest speed
- Uses regular 2D cell batteries
- Illuminated the entire area of the tent or in its vicinity using 18 LED lights
- Efficient at moving air out of the tent
- Only supports manual fan angle adjustments
- Can be used as a camping light to keep mosquitoes away from the tent
- Improves air circulation on hot summer nights
Cons
- The light dims a bit when used at the same time with the fan
- The plastic frame materials feel fragile
- Doesn’t include rechargeable batteries
Standing fans
Standing on their own feet, these fans are the choice campers make when they have no space to hang them inside the tent.
03 – Opolar 10000mAh 8-Inch Rechargeable Battery Operated Clip on Fan Review
Fan size – 8 X 9.8 X 5.3 inch | Blade material – plastic | Weight – 1.7 pound | Power source – rechargeable batteries | Battery – built-in 10000 mAh | Number of Settings – 4 | Light – No | Automatic Rotation – Yes
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The freestanding Opolar clip fan is one of the few compact designs which comes with automatic rotation. Airflow inside the tent is vastly improved as a result.
Its 8-inch blades circulate air more efficiently, especially with the automatic rotation. Charged via any USB port, the fan comes with a clip-on design which vastly improves the number of places inside the tent where it can be installed.
Pros
- Based on large rechargeable batteries, the fan works up to 24 hours on a single charge
- Designed with a clip-on grip
- The fan can be rested on the clip-on when placed on the floor
- Part of a select range of the best tent fans for automatic rotation
- It can be installed on the tent’s ceiling or anywhere on the tent’s walls
- Available on white, blue, and black
- Powered by a built-in 10000mAh battery
- The battery lasts up to 24 hours when the fan runs on its lowest speed
- Continuously runs up to 6 hours on the highest fan speed
- Supports fast charging based on its USB-C technology
Cons
- Doesn’t include LED lights
- Can’t be opened for cleaning purposes
04 – Opolar 9 Inch Battery Powered Rechargeable Desk Fan Review
Fan size – 9.9 x 9.7 x 5 inches | Blade material – plastic | Weight – 2.2 pound | Power source – batteries | Battery – 2 rechargeable batteries | Number of Settings – 2 | Light – No | Automatic Rotation – No
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This freestanding design is as versatile as possible for camping fans. Weekends away or entire weeks spent hiking during the summer can be uncomfortable when the temperature simply stays high during the day and the night.
Opolar designed this fan with built-in legs. Powered by regular rechargeable batteries, it becomes one of the best tent fans for durability, since it’s not packed with advanced features.
Pros
- Connects to laptops using USB ports
- Designed with anti-slip rubber legs which keeps it in place at high fan speeds
- Made with a detachable protective metal frame that allows quick cleaning
- The fan can also be hung on a wall or the tent’s ceiling with the help of a hook
- Only includes one button (ON/OFF power)
Cons
- Doesn’t include an LED light
- Can be left outside during rain as its batteries are not weather-sealed
05 – Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor Floor Fan Review
Fan size – 16.73 X 7.09 X 14.49in | Blade material – metal | Weight – 10 pounds | Power source – batteries | Battery – 1 15600mAh rechargeable battery | Number of Settings – Adjustable | Light – No | Automatic Rotation – No
- Geek Aire 10 inch Battery Operated Misting Fan, Rechargeable Outdoor Floor Fan with 2.9 Gal Water Tank, Powered Waterproof Durable 15000mAh Battery Run for Patio, Camping Gear Accessories
This heavy-duty tent fan is one of the most durable designs in its class. It features metal blades and it’s expected to last more than its plastic-made alternatives.
This is one of the reasons why the fan can be used by dedicated camping fans. Frequent use won’t easily damage the fan with its durable metal construction.
Pros
- Made with an included rechargeable battery
- It operates up to 24 hours on a single charge
- Features heavy-duty metal-made blades
- Quiet operation based on the brushless motor
- Compatible with the car’s or camper’s AC adapter
- Charges using a regular USB port
- Includes an LED battery status indicator
- Made with an enclosed battery case, the fan can be used outside the tent
- Features 120° tilting angle adjustment
- Recognized as one of the 2019 Housewares Design Award finalists
Cons
- The fan’s battery life is short on the highest speed
- Runs with high vibrations given its brushless motor
Handheld fans
Handheld fans provide on-demand cooling right where the camper needs it the most. These compact designs are the lightest of them all.
06 – Opolar Hand Held Battery Operated Face Fan Review
Fan size – 3.9 x 1 x 7.8 inches | Blade material – plastic | Weight – 6.4 ounces | Power source – batteries | Battery – 2200mAh rechargeable battery | Number of Settings – 3 | Light – No | Automatic Rotation – No
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As far as portability goes, Opolar’s Hand-Held Battery Operated Face Fan offers an enjoyable camping experience. It can be used anywhere inside or outside the tent. It may also be used on the road while hiking.
Its portability makes it highly versatile once home as well. There are 3-speed settings to choose from with this quirky fan and the best part is it uses rechargeable batteries.
Pros
- Made with handheld design
- Powered by Li-Ion rechargeable USB-charged batteries
- The fan lasts up to 11 hours on the lowest speed
- Available on white, blue, and black
- Charges at any laptop or desktop computer
- The foldable design allows it to be placed on the ground
- Its lightweight allows it to be carried easily with camping gear
Cons
- Doesn’t make a large airflow impact inside the tent
- Needs to be placed directly in the face of the user for a cooling effect
Conclusion
All of these designs are inspiring. But seeking the best camping fans can easily be confusing with so many good options to choose from. This is why the Amacool Portable Battery Camping Fan LED Lantern is the best all-round option for most users. It’s not metal-made as the Opolar 9 Inch Battery Powered Rechargeable Desk Fan. But it certainly replaces a camping lantern and it works against mosquitoes as well.
With included rechargeable batteries, it is among the best camping tent fans for sustainability, with no reason for spending mindlessly on an endless supply of batteries.
Types of tent fans
Within this comfort-giving category of camping products, a few sub-categories have formed to include:
Standing fans
Standing fans as the name suggests, are freestanding products that when placed on a flat and stable surface require little to no additional support.
Due to the highly common nature of this fan type, few people struggle with their operation, and as a result they are very quick to set up. This type of fan can also be placed on a desk, or simply used around the house when not camping.
Drawbacks include space limitations. Not every tent has sufficient ground-level space to both accommodate and store a freestanding product, and furthermore, especially when dark, they can become a trip hazard if not vigilant.
That said, for tents with small floor to ceiling heights and/or no ceiling fixture to hang a ceiling fan (as described below), they can provide a very effective and efficient way of staying cool.
Ceiling fans
These fans are hung from a tents ceiling. As they are mounted higher, they are among the best options for ultimate air circulation. A few popular camping tents such as those made by Coleman or Skylink feature a few options right on the ceiling for the fan to be hung from.
Ceiling fan benefits include a practical storage location out of the way. This is why these fans are easily among the best solutions to keep a trip-free tent as safe as possible. Those with kids love these designs.
Ceiling fan drawbacks are just a few. If not properly installed, these fans can easily fall on those inside the tent. Otherwise, they can be as secure as needed.
Portable fans
Portable camping fans are not limited to the tent. They can be carried around and outside the camp, as their name suggests. Portable camping fans are useful to those who have trouble breathing or staying cool during long hikes.
Portable camping fans’ benefits include their small size. They don’t need to much space in the backpack when leaving home. All of these fans are also battery-operated, which means they give users a higher degree of freedom of movement.
Portable camping fans’ drawbacks include a lower power output. The blades of these fans are smaller and not as fast as those of other types of fans.
Personal/handheld fans
Over recent years, handheld fans have made an impact on campers. Hiking in the sun can be exhausting. The same can be said about all walks out in nature during the summer, when campers need better hydration and something to help them stay cool.
Handheld fan benefits include the compact nature of these designs. Some of them may even easily fit inside a pocket. They can also be shared by hikers or other groups.
Handheld fan drawbacks include their limited cooling capacity. Outside the space right in front of them, they offer little to no air circulation. This is why those hoping to use them to improve airflow inside the whole tent need to look elsewhere.
Why are tent fans useful?
To start out, all campers need to understand the purpose of a tent (or camping) fan.
“They are used to stay cool during the summer months, to improve airflow inside and outside of the tent, to provide illuminate, and keep mosquitos and other flying bugs at bay.”
Some fans are unable to offer all of these features in one go however, while others even include advanced characteristics such as automatic rotation to help improve airflow even further.
Important characteristics of the best camping fan
Appearance
Tent fans’ appearance should not be a top concern. But in a crowded market where many products look alike, it can be a differentiating factor. But this characteristic can also refer to the fan’s functionality, as closely tied to appearance. Some camping fans can’t be opened. This means they remain dirty when dust builds inside them.
Speed
The speed of the fan is closely tied to its mode of operation. While adjustable on the best fans, higher speeds drain batteries faster.
Fans slice through the air and they push hot air downwards or away from the tent. This air is then replaced with cooler air. The blades also improve air circulation. From physics, we know that hot air always rises on top of the cool air. But this process is inverted with the blades of the fan. The more powerful the fan is, the faster this inverting process becomes.
The speed of the fan therefore impacts just how cool the tent can become.
Low speed for night use – During the night, the temperature drops naturally as the sun goes down. This is why fans don’t need to run at the same speed as during the day. Campers can save crucial battery life simply by reducing the speed of the fan while sleeping.
Average speed for general use – The average speed of the fan is recommended for mix use. During the day when it’s not too hot, this speed is the balanced performance option. It allows campers to have a relaxed camping experience.
High speed for maximum cooldown – When it becomes very hot, fans operate at high speeds to balance the raised temperature. For most campers, this is the sole speed that can allow them to sit inside the tent during a hot summer day. As all campers know, this is nearly impossible without a fan.
Blades
The shape of the blades and their materials impact fans’ efficiency. Most mass-market fans are made with one of the following materials.
- Foam
- Plastic
- Metal
Foam blades are the least efficient option in terms of airflow. However, the material is super-lightweight, and therefore valuable to those seeking to reduce their camping gear’s weight. On the other hand, campers can’t expect the highest durability with these foam blades.
Plastic blades are a balanced performance choice. They have a higher airflow capacity than foam blades, whilst maintaining a relatively lightweight.
Metal blades are the heaviest. They are also the more durable of these materials. As expected, the airflow capacity of metal blades is considerably superior to foam and plastic alternatives.
Noise
Brushless motors now feature in the majority best tent fans. However, not all of them are as quiet as expected. Among the noisiest fans, metal blade fans stand out.
Noise might not be the first concern when purchasing a tent fan. However, it should be. Just imagine taking a nap while a noisy fan is running nearby.
While some noise is coming from the motor or the blades, other noises might be coming from the runtime vibrations. It’s important to place the fan in a location where vibrations are not easily transmitted to the tent’s poles.
Power
Battery-powered tent fans are the most common choice today. A few electric fans are also available. On the other hand, solar-powered camping fans are not as popular. When purchasing a tent fan, the cost of the batteries also needs to be taken into account. But powering up a fan with rechargeable batteries proves the most financially-viable option while it’s also better for the environment.
Most tent fans’ batteries are charged via a USB port. Among them, USB-C capable devices are the fastest to charge. On the other hand, all users should know that a regular USB fan charges in about 4-5 hours. Sufficient time should be allocated to recharge the fan, especially before going to sleep.
Runtime
If one area of tent fans has improved over the years it’s runtime. From a mere hour to now offering even up to 40 hours on a slow speed, fans are capable to cool off users for 2 or 3 nights in a row before recharging.
As already proven, the higher the speed, the lower the battery of the fan lasts. Other features such as LED lights are not as taxing on battery life. Fans can run on LED light mode continuously for more than a day and night.
Size
The size of the fan has its role as well. All campers are efficient by their practical nature. Many of them stay away from heavy gear as a result. Tents are made lighter by the year. The same applies to fans which need to be as lightweight as possible, especially when carrying a lot of camping gear.
Durability
The durability of the fan is generally covered by a warranty policy. Be mindful to not leave fans outside during wet weather.
Portability
With sizes from 6 to 8 inches, tent fans are generally portable. However, they need their space in the camping gear backpack. In most cases, they need to be placed on top of the gear itself, as they can’t handle heavy loads.
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