The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool, the company's first handheld fan, offers impressive power with wind speeds up to 55mph, but comes with significant noise levels that may deter users. Priced at £99.99, the fan combines sleek design with powerful airflow, yet its loud operation could be a drawback for many.
Design and Features
The HushJet Mini Cool features a minimalist design, comfortable to hold for extended periods. It includes a single power button and a speed rocker with five settings plus a boost mode. The fan comes with an adjustable lanyard for neck wear and a charging stand for desk use. Dyson promises 17 years of airflow expertise packed into a 38mm cylindrical frame.
Available in three colour options: stone/blush, carnelian/sky (red with light blue head), and ink/cobalt (dark blue and black), the fan weighs 220g and charges via USB-C. A universal mount for strollers and a grip clip for bags are planned for later release.
Performance Testing
In tests, the fan achieved wind speeds of 2.0 metres per second (m/s) at its lowest setting and 6.1 m/s at the highest, with boost mode reaching 7.5 m/s. This makes it the second most powerful handheld fan tested, surpassed only by the JisuLife Handheld Fan Ultra2 at 9.8 m/s, which is bulkier at 294g.
Battery life varies significantly: 6 hours 9 minutes 30 seconds at lowest speed and just 50 minutes 45 seconds at highest. The 5,000mAh battery is similar to large Android smartphones but drains quickly due to the powerful motor.
Noise Levels
Noise is a major concern. At 15cm away, the fan measures 61.5dB at lowest setting, 69.4dB at level 2, 76.2dB at level 5, and 80.3dB in boost mode. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, 76.2dB is comparable to landscaping equipment heard indoors, making it potentially embarrassing to use in public.
"This thing is loud with a capital L," said reviewer Alan Martin. "More 'jet' than 'hush'." The noise issue is due to the physics of a small motor spinning at up to 65,000 rpm to create meaningful airflow.
Sustainability Concerns
Despite Dyson's sustainability magazine, the HushJet Mini Cool lacks clear eco-credentials. No recycled materials are mentioned, and the battery is not user-replaceable. The fan does use a USB-C cable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery, avoiding disposables.
Comparison with Alternatives
The Shark ChillPill, priced at £129.99, offers less power (max 4.6 m/s) but includes interchangeable heads for misting and cold plate cooling. The John Lewis handheld fan (£12) is quieter (max 62.4dB) and longer-lasting (10 hours low setting), but less powerful (3.7 m/s). The Diveblues Jetforce (£22.95) matches Dyson's power (6.6 m/s) but is also noisy (74.3dB). The JisuLife Ultra2 (£63.50) tops power at 9.8 m/s but reaches 88.8dB.
Verdict
The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is effective for cooling but its noise and £100 price tag may limit appeal. It's best suited for very hot days or noisy environments like concerts, but for home use, a quieter desk fan might be preferable.
