Are larger 16cm fans catching on? Trying the Foldy 100-speed fan
As summers get hotter, I keep looking for a portable fan that works both at my desk and outside. Last year’s small, powerful models could feel a bit harsh on the eyes. This year, larger fan heads seem to be gaining ground. I tried the Foldy 100-speed big fan to see how that approach worked in daily use.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the fan, a USB Type-C cable, a lanyard, and a slim manual. There are no unnecessary extras or elaborate packaging, just a tidy set of essentials.
It charges from the USB-C setup already on my desk, so I don’t need another adapter or cable. In the hand, the battery in the handle balances the motor in the head well. It feels stable without putting awkward strain on my wrist.
Is the design practical?
The Foldy comes in white and dark gray. I tried both and preferred the cleaner look of the white version. My son favored the matte dark gray.
The fan head is noticeably larger than those on typical handheld models. An LED display in the handle clearly shows the battery percentage and speed setting.
What are the functional highlights?
The 100-speed adjustment is its most useful feature. A button cycles through 1, 25, 50, 75, and 100, while the dial above it lets you adjust in 1-step increments.
The display updates straight away, so you can see exactly which setting you’ve selected rather than guess by feel alone.
The head and handle are joined by a firm hinge, and that folding design is central to how the fan works in different places. Straighten the handle and it becomes a conventional handheld fan to carry outside. Back in the studio, fold the handle all the way behind the head and it becomes its own desk stand. There is no separate cradle to find or carry between the two uses. The same hinge lets me change from holding the fan to setting it down as I move between an outing and indoor work.
How was it in actual use?
Standing beside my keyboard, the hinge held its position more firmly than I had expected. I could put the fan in a corner that stayed clear of my hands, then adjust the angle so the breeze reached my face. Even when I was typing heavily or moving the mouse over a wide area, its placement didn’t get in the way. That matters for a fan intended to spend part of the day on the desk: it has to keep its angle without taking over the space where I’m working.
At 25 or below, the noise drops enough that it doesn’t distract me from work or listening to music.
My son likes it for commuting and basketball practice. He prefers it to the smaller, faster-spinning model he used last year.
Put a credit card beside the 16cm head and the size becomes much easier to appreciate. This isn’t a fan that will slip into a pocket. Folded up, though, it fits well enough in my wife’s handbag, which gives it a practical place to go when it isn’t being used. That is the distinction I would keep in mind: the folding mechanism makes it easier to pack into a bag, while the broad fan head still sets the limit on pocket portability.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fine speed control: 5 presets (1/25/50/75/100), plus adjustments throughout 1–100.
- A front-facing LED display shows battery level and fan speed.
- Folds between handheld use and a freestanding desk setup.
- Quiet at lower settings (under 15).
Cons
- The large head makes pocket storage awkward.
- Motor and airflow noise become much more noticeable above 80.
- The airflow is strong enough to reach neighboring passengers on public transport, whether they want it or not.
Who is this for?
I’d choose this for a mix of commuting and desk use. Someone who values the smallest possible size above everything else would probably want a more compact fan.
Being able to dial in a comfortable breeze and stand it up without a separate cradle makes it useful day to day. Think about the space on your desk and how often you’ll carry it outside; those will determine whether its size is a worthwhile trade-off.
↓ Purchase here ↓
