Best Gadgets to Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer: The 2023 List

We spend more time in our cars than ever before, at an average of just under an hour a day. From longer commutes to the gig economy leading so many to take on rideshare for extra cash or to avoid driving themselves, optimizing the comfort of our drives is critical. Luckily, we have plenty of options to do so.

Here are the best gadgets to keep your car cool in the summer:

  1. Wooboo Handheld Bladeless Rechargeable Air Conditioner
  2. Little Big Chill Portable Personal Air Conditioner Fan
  3. Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus Personal Evaporative Air Cooler
  4. FiveJoy 360 Degree Rotatable Car Fan
  5. HITOPTY 12v Electric Car Dash Fan
  6. MILPROX F4 Portable Neck Fan
  7. TORRAS L3 Portable Neck Fan
  8. FrSara Bladeless Neck Fans
  9. SLENPET Portable Waist Clip Fan
  10. IDEAKOKO ICY Cooling Neck Wraps
  11. Zone Tech Cooling Car Seat Cushion
  12. AUTOTRENDS Orthopedic Gel Seat Cushion
  13. Yinbly Gel Car Seat Cooler Pad for Children
  14. Paffenery 2-in-1 Smart Car Cup Holder
  15. Sharper Image Cooling Gel Cushion Grip Steering Wheel Cover
  16. MCBUTY Car Windshield Sunshade
Woman cooling herself in the car.

As many as 25% of people in the US take rideshare at least once per month, but most commuters drive themselves. So let’s now take a good look at these gadgets to keep you cool during your summer commute, which are all available online.

1. Wooboo Handheld Bladeless Rechargeable Air Conditioner

This bladeless model is a simple, straightforward little air conditioner with a surprising amount of power for such a tiny unit. Add some water to an included sponge and place it into the device, and it will use that water to generate cool air and blow it from several points out of the base.

While it comes with a stand, you can set it anywhere in your car.

Wooboo Mini Handheld Portable Bladeless Rechargeable Air...
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Because it is so tiny and only runs in a single dimension, it is only fitting for one person. Reviewers mention adding essential oil to the water for a lovely, fragrant scent that will drift through the entire car.

Pros
  • Very cheap
  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • No additional features
  • Very basic
  • The cooling effect requires ice water.

2. Little Big Chill Portable Personal Air Conditioner Fan

One of the more popular portable air conditioners on the market right now, the Little Big Chill is a larger unit that can fit on the ground of your car.

It has two modes: fan only, which reduces the temperature by a modest 2 – 3 degrees, or water mode, which reduces the temperature by more than 10 – 12 degrees.

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  • Portable Personal Air Conditioner Fan with a...
  • Mini Portable AC Fan features a fast cooling...
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While it has a plug-in mode using a standard USB cable, it can run up to five hours on a full charge. You can remove and maintain a filter inside, which keeps the air clean and works as a humidifier.

Pros
  • It runs on a charge without being plugged in.
  • Can drop the temperature by more than 10 degrees.
  • The motor is quiet.
Cons
  • Larger than most units.

3. Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus Personal Evaporative Air Cooler

Do you want something both practical and pretty for your car? The Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus comes with an LED lighted side with full-spectrum color to put on a gentle light show while it cools you down.

It can run between three and eight hours on a full charge, depending on the setting you use. You can fit approximately 1 qt (950 ml) of water in the tank, reducing how often you have to refill the reservoir.

Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus EV-1500 Personal Evaporative Air...
  • 3-IN-1 COOLING – Evapolar evaLIGHT Plus...
  • NATURAL PERSONAL COOLING – Efficiently...
  • ENERGY-EFFICIENT & COST-SAVING – consumes...
  • 100% SAFE FOR BREATHING – Evapolar...

Some reviewers have complained that it doesn’t provide full directional cooling, but don’t be fooled. This is an issue when used in a room, but when it is in a car, it will circulate the air through the small, entrapped space.

Pros
  • The LED feature gives it a little something extra.
  • Provides effective cooling for small spaces.
  • It comes in a cheaper white model.
Cons
  • A weaker battery means less active time on a single charge.
  • The black model is almost twice the cost of the white.
  • Specifically states essential oils will gum up the filter.

4. FiveJoy 360 Degree Rotatable Car Fan

The dashboard is usually dead space, but with this dual car fan by FiveJoy, you can take advantage of that space and install a cooling device that will benefit everyone in the car. Secure it to the top and plug it into a USB lighter adapter.

It is small enough not to obstruct your road view but powerful enough to offer a heavy breeze.

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  • 🔥COOL DOWN YOUR CAR INTERIOR IN SECONDS:...
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The fans and motor are quiet, so there is no strain to hear voices or the radio. Because it has a 360-degree angle, you can use it to quickly defrost your window during the colder months, as well. It is close to the vents of your car, so it will push hot air in winter, making it useful all year round.

The cord is 5.5” (14 cm) long so that it can be used in the front or back. The included adhesive packs can stick to most surfaces without causing any damage.

These fans have become especially popular for RV’s and camping trailers.

Pros
  • Intense fans with a very quiet motor.
  • Can turn at any angle.
  • Great defroster during cold months.
Cons
  • Requires being plugged in.

5. HITOPTY 12v Electric Car Dash Fan

There isn’t much to say about the HITOPTY Electric Dash Fan, and therein lies its charm. It is so straightforward that its reviews are almost entirely positive. It doesn’t come with any frills, and it requires next to no setup.

Plug it in, turn it on and leave it.

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There is no wet pad for cool air, as it just uses what is already working in your car. That makes it a better choice for cars that have air conditioning but need a bit more, or climates that aren’t sweltering and so can use the natural air of an open window and enhance it with a standard fan.

It is surprisingly strong for such a small unit, as well.

Pros
  • Super easy to use.
  • Powerful but silent blades.
  • It can be mounted anywhere due to its small size.
Cons
  • There is no way to decrease air temperature with water.
  • It can’t be charged and operated without a cord.

6. MILPROX F4 Portable Neck Fan

You are driving the car, so why not be the one who has the fan?

Portable neck fans are becoming more common these days, and they are more affordable than ever. This is the new model released this year from MILPROX, with a sleek design that is stylish and attractive.

Sale
MILPROX F4 Portable Neck Fan,Rechargeable Hands Free...
  • 【WHY CHOOSE】:This portable fan allows you...
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  • 【3 GEAR SPEEDS & 70 AIR OUTLETS】3 wind...
  • 【Long Batter Life & Type C...

You have three speeds to choose from, which blow through seventy different outlets along the surface of the curve, giving you a full neck and face cooling effect. It is flexible, so you can adjust it close or further away from the body, as needed.

Pros
  • Attractive design
  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable
Cons
  • It only works for the person wearing it.
  • Cannot add water to drop the temperature.

7. TORRAS L3 Portable Neck Fan

This updated TORRAS L3 Portable Neck Fan isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as the MILPROX. But it has a long-lasting battery and powerful air pressure that has made it the darling of Amazon.

TORRAS L3 Portable Neck Fan 360° Cooling Fan 8H Using...
  • [360°Cooling neck fan & Double wind] The...
  • [Hands-Free & Adjustable] The lightweight...
  • [2.5H Full Charging & 8H Using] The Type-C...
  • [Quiet & Bladeless] The bladeless design...

The 4000mAh battery has up to eight hours of use on a single charge, and it uses twin turbines to provide 5000 RPM fans to handle even the hottest day. It is flexible and bends at different angles, rather than just widening or narrowing the neck space.

The USB-C gives you the fast-charging capability to power it up quickly, no matter where you are.

Pros
  • A flexible neck lets you blow air anywhere.
  • Lasts all day on a single charge, with a fast-charging USB-C cord.
  • Comfortable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Doesn’t refrigerate the air.
  • More expensive than most competitors.

8. FrSara Bladeless Neck Fans

A mid-range portable neck fan, this model for FrSara focuses on giving you more design options to meet any style preference. It comes in 14 different colors and patterns, including graffiti.

Sale
FrSara Bladeless Neck Fans Portable Rechargable, Adjustable,...
  • 【Upgraded Air Volume 】Neck Fan new...
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While it doesn’t come with some of the more impressive features of other brands, it does offer up to three hours of cooling on full throttle and is rechargeable. The thin middle stem is comfortable to use while sleeping, and it is silent, so you won’t be disturbed when wearing it in the car.

It partially closes in the front to keep it in place without slipping.

Pros
  • Cheap and great for shorter car rides.
  • Splashproof and protected against sweat.
  • Lasts up to eight hours on half power.
Cons
  • Not as powerful as other models.
  • Some users have claimed it can overheat when using it consistently at full power.

9. SLENPET Portable Waist Clip Fan

If you prefer something that doesn’t have to wrap around your neck, this is a portable clip fan that can go on your body or onto the car’s vents. It comes with a lanyard, which can even hang from your rearview mirror. It is lightweight, at just under ½ lb (230 g).

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The air flows out of the top and the front for multi-directional cooling. It is rechargeable, so no fussing with batteries.

This has become a popular fan for delivery drivers, keeping them comfortable during long hours with open trucks and no air conditioning. Best of all, it has a 4000mAh battery that lasts up to 23 hours on a single charge.

Pros
  • Super comfortable to wear anywhere.
  • It can be clipped to your car.
  • Long battery life, so rarely needs to be charged.
Cons
  • If you need it during physical work outside of the car, it doesn’t stay in place well.
  • Frequently out of stock due to popularity.

10. IDEAKOKO ICY Cooling Neck Wraps

You don’t want something you have to charge? This is an excellent neck wrap that freezes at room temperature. It keeps you nice and cool without an electric fan and will refreeze at anything less than 82°F (27.8°C).

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It is an innovative product, easy to use and comfortable to wear.

Even as it keeps you cool, it doesn’t leave you feeling like your neck is being frozen. The material covering it is soft and soaks up sweat, so no rubbing or friction leaving rashes. It comes in small, medium, and large.

Pros
  • No charging is necessary.
  • No need to put it in the freezer.
  • Comfortable to wear, with no water droplets forming.
Cons
  • It has to be at room temperature to refreeze.
  • Cannot be kept in the car unless it is cool outside.

11. Zone Tech Cooling Car Seat Cushion

You have doubtlessly heard about heated seats, including cars with them as a standard feature.

But what about during the hotter months of the year? Don’t worry, you can buy cooling seat covers that will help keep you comfortable as you sit behind the wheel, no matter how long you are stuck in traffic.

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Made of microfiber, it contains hundreds of little openings across the seat that push cool air from all around you. The material is moisture resistant, sluffing off sweat. The cushioning makes it soft, with good lumbar support.

Choose between high or low cool settings for the perfect temperature that fits your preferences.

Pros
  • Fits any standard sedan, SUV, RV, or truck seat.
  • Plugs into the lighter slot with a standard adapter.
  • Breathable material.
Cons
  • A little on the noisy side.
  • Only one seat per adapter unless you purchase a dual adapter.

12. AUTOTRENDS Orthopedic Gel Seat Cushion

As basic as it gets, this is a seat cushion that is part orthopedic support, part cooling gel. Protect your back while cooling yourself from underneath.

AUTOTRENDS Gel Seat Cushion Cooling Coccyx Orthopedic...
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  • Unique gel cooling structure for greater...
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It uses memory foam to adjust to your body, and no fans mean no need to worry about adapters or plugs. You can use this seat all year round, as it will take on the temperature when the heater is on and become a warming gel.

It is a solid investment for those who find themselves aching after being in the car and want something to take the pressure off of their lower back and glutes.

Pros
  • No frills, as you just set it in your seat and sit down.
  • Comfortable support for your back and lower body.
  • It doubles as a warming cushion when the heater is on.
Cons
  • It only cools the lower body.

13. Yinbly Gel Car Seat Cooler Pad for Children

This one is for the kiddos. If they are in the car with you, they need to be kept cool just as urgently as you do.

This seat cover can go over both the back of a car seat and booster seat, using cooling gel to lower their body temperature. It comes in two cute patterns: trees and flowers. It is easy to install and safe, clipping onto the seat to keep it in place.

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It also offers a tiny bit of extra padding, and they might not want to leave the car.

Pros
  • Skin-friendly to avoid any rashes on sensitive baby skin.
  • No fans, so no need to plug it in.
  • Safely clips to the seat to keep it in place.
Cons
  • Hand-wash only.

14. Paffenery 2-in-1 Smart Car Cup Holder

There is nothing nicer than having an ice-cold drink when in a car on a hot day. This fancy electronic cup holder will keep your can or cup perfectly chilled, no matter how long it sits there.

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Plug it into the cigarette lighter with its attached adapter, turn it on and enjoy. It also has a heating feature if you prefer your drinks hot. It is effortless to use, sturdy, and fits most standard cans and cups. The travel mug itself fits into any basic cup holder or console.

Pros
  • Works for hot or cold drinks.
  • Controlled by temperature, so it safely heats baby bottles on the go.
  • Chill your drinks quickly and maintain them.
 Cons
  • A little bulky.
  • It can’t fit all mug sizes or be used as a mug itself.

15. Sharper Image Cooling Gel Cushion Grip Steering Wheel Cover

The steering wheel is one of the hottest points in a car. It is also next to impossible to drive until it cools down.

Having a simple steering wheel cover fixes the issue, but it doesn’t help keep you cool as you drive. This version by Sharper Image has a cushion made of cooling gel that lowers the temperature and reacts to your air conditioner.

BDK Cooling Gel Cushion Grip Steering Wheel Cover with...
  • COOLING GEL GRIP - Your steering wheel will...
  • KEEP YOUR CAR LOOKING NEW - Protects your...
  • SOFT COMFORTABLE GRIP – Plush microfiber...
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It improves overall comfort while letting you get on the road without waiting.

Pros
  • Easy to install.
  • Cooling gel and cushion make it more comfortable to drive.
  • Nothing to plugin.
Cons
  • A bit bulky.

16. MCBUTY Car Windshield Sunshade

Finding a good windshield cover can be challenging, with so many using thin, reflective material that doesn’t last long and only provides minimal temperature control.

The MCBUTY Sunshade is different, as it comes with five layers of felt-like material on a hardened surface. That lets it lay heavy enough on the windshield to keep it in place while protecting your car more thoroughly.

Sale
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There is a noticeable difference when you get back into your vehicle.

Pros
  • Very thick
  • Thanks to straps and suction cups, it can be kept inside or outside.
  • Folds up for easy storage.
Cons
  • One size fits all, so it may not be big/small enough for some cars.

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