Xiaomi's new handheld fan has 100 speed settings and a $29 price tag
Xiaomi has launched a handheld fan in China priced at 199 yuan — roughly $29 — that offers 100 discrete speed levels and a battery rated for up to 40 hours of use. The Mijia Handheld Fan goes on sale via JD.com on June 10. There's no official Western release date yet, but the specs make a strong case for one.
The hardware
At its core is a brushless DC motor that spins up to 10,000 RPM, pushing 250 m³/h of airflow at a maximum wind speed of 8.5 m/s — Xiaomi claims you can feel it from up to five metres away. That's enough to be useful beyond just your commute: think a stuffy office, an outdoor festival, or a packed train carriage. A small LED display shows the remaining battery level and current speed setting, per Gizmochina.
The 100-speed system is the headline feature. Most handheld fans offer three or five fixed modes. Here, you slide through levels incrementally — useful if you want airflow that won't disturb a napping baby but still need something stronger than the lowest setting. At full power, noise hits 69 dB(A), roughly as loud as a normal conversation. Not silent, but that's the trade-off for serious airflow.
The battery
The 5,000 mAh cell (18.5 Wh) is rated for up to 40 hours at minimum speed — realistic for a full day outdoors, though maximum power will cut that significantly. The 18.5 Wh capacity falls below the standard airline carry-on limit of 100 Wh, so it can fly in your hand luggage without issue. Charging is via USB-C. The fan weighs 260g and measures 63×64×167mm, with a detachable shoulder strap included.
Device dimensions. Image: Xiaomi
Availability
Right now, this fan is exclusive to China. Gizmochina has confirmed no global rollout announcement. US rivals HandFan and JISULIFE sell comparable handheld fans for $26.99–$89.99, so Xiaomi's $29 entry point would be competitive if it reaches Western shelves. Grey-market demand is already there — eBay UK lists Xiaomi handheld fans at around £26–£27 from importers. For summer travel, concerts, or anywhere air conditioning is a distant memory, it's worth keeping an eye on.