When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreJaclyn Turner/Business InsiderIt's that point in the summer when I can't leave my house without a personal fan. Phone, wallet, keys… fan. Inexpensive, no-name Amazon options used to dominate personal cooling, but legacy cooling brands like Shark and Dyson are now stepping in with luxury $100+ upgrades. One BI reporter dubbed the $150 Shark ChillPill the "status symbol of the summer," while the $100 Dyson HushJet Mini was sold out for most of June. I spent the season testing both to see which one is actually worth your money.I know which one I gravitate toward, but I'll let you decide which fits your needs — or if you're just as well off with a basic portable option.Features at a glanceFeatureShark ChillPillDyson HushJet MiniPrice$150$99Weight0.77 pounds0.49 poundsSpeeds10 speeds (up to 25 ft/sec)5 speeds, plus a boost mode (Up to 55 mph or 80 ft/sec)Noise38-63 decibels45 to 65 decibelsBattery Life11 hours6 hoursIncludesMisting attachment, ChillPlate, pouch, USB-C charging cableNeck strap, charging base, travel pouch, USB-C charging cableShark’s 3-in-1 design keeps you cool — but comes with trade-offsThe 3-in-1 design includes a fan, mister and Insta-Chill cooling plate.Jaclyn Turner/Business InsiderThe Shark ChillPill looks a bit like a compact pair of binoculars. One side houses the motor, while the other rotates to act as a stand or adjust airflow direction. It’s playful, colorful, and clearly designed to stand out, with shades ranging from bright turquoise and pink to more neutral tones.It offers 10 fan speeds, which I found useful for dialing things in. I typically stayed around level 3 or 4 at my desk.What sets the ChillPill apart is its modular cooling system. In addition to the fan, it includes:A misting attachment, which uses a small water reservoir and replaceable wick (Shark includes extras)An InstaChill cooling plate that is inspired by the technology found in its CyroGlow face mask products and delivers instant cooling when pressed against skinThe cooling plate was surprisingly effective. I found myself dabbing it on my wrist, neck, or cheek for quick relief — especially helpful if you run hot or deal with things like hot flashes. That said, a note in the instruction manual says it's designed to work best at temperatures below 90°F, which raises questions about performance during peak summer heat.The biggest drawback is that these features aren’t integrated. You have to swap attachments. I expected a more all-in-one experience, and keeping track of multiple pieces quickly became annoying. It doesn’t help that key accessories — like a wrist strap, crossbody strap, or proper carrying case—are sold separately. Factoring in these extras pushes the total cost closer to $180, which is steep.After dropping it once, I can confidently say this product needs a strap. You'll have a lot better peace of mind knowing your pricey fan is tethered to your wrist rather than at risk of cracking on the pavement. The Dyson fan is all about simplicity.I can hold the Dyson in my hand, station it on a desk, or use the the included lanyard to wear it around my neck.Jaclyn Turner/Business InsiderThe Dyson HushJet Mini takes the opposite approach. It’s sleek, minimal, and unmistakably Dyson, with a narrow, pipe-like body and a translucent rotating head that directs airflow. The light blush tone color did have a few friends (and coworkers) mistake it for something else. It's now available in a few other colors, like navy and red.It feels more like a scaled-down version of Dyson’s HushJet air purifier.The design is straightforward:Five speeds plus a boost modeA 360-degree adjustable head for directing airflowA stable charging base and included neck strapIt’s easy to hold, and the included strap makes it more practical for on-the-go use. That said, I was always aware of the weight when wearing it around my neck for hand-free use — it’s not uncomfortable, but it’s not invisible either. Another quirk I'm starting to notice is that dust particles get caught in the grooves between the translucent plastic and the fan's frame, and it's hard to clean them out.Compared to the Shark, it’s just easier to live with. No attachments, no setup—just turn it on and go.Which fan actually keeps you cooler? Dyson is more powerful, Shark feels coolerThe Shark ChillPill has separate attachments you'll need to keeptrack of.Jaclyn Turner/Business InsiderThis is where the differences really show.The Dyson HushJet Mini is significantly more powerful. On its highest setting, I could feel airflow from over 12 feet away. Even on lower settings, it delivers noticeable airflow — enough that level two was often more than I needed indoors. It even left my hair a little windblown. The air-stream is also very pointed and targeted, and while it flows far, the radius is narrow.By comparison, the Shark’s airflow is less powerful, but not in a way that it underperforms.
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