Dyson’s Handheld Fan: More Powerful and Louder Than Expected
▼ Summary
– The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is a $99.99 handheld fan with a slim, pocketable cylindrical design that safely encloses all its components.
– Despite its “Hush” branding, the fan is not whisper-quiet and produces a noticeable, higher-pitched sound, especially at higher speeds.
– It offers five speed settings plus a Boost Mode, is easy to operate with simple controls, and provides up to six hours of battery life on its lowest setting.
– The fan can be used hands-free with a strap, set down with a stabilizing base accessory, but is limited to its lowest speed when plugged in via USB-C.
– While not the quietest option, it balances compact size, strong airflow, and battery life better than many competitors, outperforming them in power.
As a tech journalist with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless gadgets promise to solve everyday problems. Dyson’s latest attempt, the $99.99 HushJet Mini Cool handheld fan, aims to deliver portable relief from summer heat. While it succeeds in being remarkably powerful and portable, its performance comes with a significant trade-off in noise, making its “Hush” branding feel somewhat misleading.
The device itself is a feat of engineering. Dyson has packed a motor, a 5,000mAh rechargeable battery, and spinning blades into a sleek, cylindrical body just 38mm in diameter. Weighing about 208 grams, roughly the same as a premium smartphone, it slips easily into a pocket. This design stands in stark contrast to many competitors that use exposed, flexible blades or bulky housings that compromise portability and safety.
Operation is straightforward. A toggle switch powers it on, while a rocker button cycles through five speed settings, indicated by a strip of white LEDs. For a burst of maximum airflow, you can hold down the “plus” side to activate a temporary Boost Mode. The only minor ergonomic hiccup is remembering to grip the fan above the intake vents at its base to avoid blocking airflow; some textured guidance here would be a welcome improvement.
Battery life is respectable. Dyson advertises up to six hours on the lowest setting. In my testing, at the highest sustained speed (excluding Boost), it lasted 62 minutes, which is impressive for such a potent little device. You can check the remaining charge via the LED strip, but only when the fan is off. Being able to monitor this while it’s running would help users better plan their cooling sessions.
The HushJet Mini Cool offers versatility with a stand accessory for hands-free use, though this small piece feels easy to lose. It can also run indefinitely via USB-C, but this tethered mode is restricted to the lowest speed setting, which offers a gentle breeze only effective within about five feet.
Where the fan stumbles is acoustics. Despite Dyson’s marketing emphasis on “tonal comfort” and eliminating high-pitched noise, the HushJet Mini Cool is noticeably louder than expected. Even at its lowest setting, it’s not whisper-quiet, producing a distinct, higher-frequency whine reminiscent of other Dyson products, albeit at a lower volume. Compared to a model like the Nitecore izzCool 10 Pro my family has used, Dyson’s fan is over 10 decibels louder at full power, a direct result of its far stronger airflow.
This creates a clear use-case scenario. At a loud outdoor festival or crowded fair, the fan’s noise would blend right in, and its power would be a major asset. In a quieter setting, like an outdoor wedding or a quiet office, you might draw unwanted attention for turning it on past the first speed or two.
Ultimately, the HushJet Mini Cool represents a deliberate compromise. You can certainly find quieter portable fans. You can also find more powerful air blasters, like compact electric dusters, but those are much louder and not designed for personal comfort. What Dyson has engineered is a uniquely balanced product that prioritizes compact size, impressive battery life, and substantial cooling power. If your primary need is a potent pocket-sized fan for active, noisy environments, this is a compelling option. Just don’t expect it to live up to the “hush” in its name.
(Source: The Verge)
