Popular portable coolers like the Chillwell 2, Polar Cooling, BreezeBox and Coldeez Chill Pro are often marketed as affordable “mini air conditioners.” And while they’re not true AC units - they won’t cool down an entire room - they can provide a noticeable drop in perceived temperature when used in the right conditions and in very little spaces.

These devices rely on evaporative cooling, which can be energy-efficient and refreshing in dry climates. However, their effectiveness is limited to very close-range use - usually within 2 feet. To feel any real relief, you need to keep the unit directed at you from a short distance.

That said, they’re lightweight, easy to set up, and quiet enough for desktops, bedside tables, or small personal spaces. Just don’t expect them to replace your wall unit or cool the whole living room.

I kept seeing these so-called “mini ACs” — like the Coldeez Chill Pro and Protec Air all over social media. I gave them a shot, and while they didn’t transform the room into an icebox, they did offer some personal relief when placed close by.

These are evaporative coolers, not real air conditioners. But if you’re sitting within a couple feet, they can make your space feel noticeably cooler. They’re quiet, portable, and simple to use — just don’t expect them to replace a full AC unit or work in humid conditions.

In my quest to beat the summer heat and find a reliable solution to sweltering heat, I decided to try out the TORRAS COOLiFY 2S.

With its bold claims of advanced cooling technology, TORRAS COOLiFY 2S caught my eye. However, my excitement quickly faded as the device underdelivered.

Promised instant cooling was more subtle than expected, and durability issues arose sooner than anticipated, with functionality waning within a few months.

Despite its stylish design, the weight of the fan became a nuisance, and the cooling plates struggled to maintain their effectiveness in real-world conditions.

Additionally, the much-touted battery life fell short, especially when using the cooling feature, necessitating frequent recharges.

The supplementary app control turned out to be more cumbersome than convenient.

Given its steep price, the COOLiFY 2S's performance and reliability disappointments led me to conclude that the simpler, more cost-effective Lumyvix Neck Fan definitely offers better value and effectiveness for those seeking relief from the heat.

I was hopeful that the Arctic Air Freedom Personal Air Cooler would be my savior. Its affordable price and the promise of a portable 3-speed neck fan seemed like the perfect solution.

Unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations.

The fan, while lightweight and hands-free, barely circulated ambient air around my neck, offering little to no cooling effect even on the highest setting.

Concerns about its durability and the high noise level further diminished its appeal.

The cooling plate, a feature I had been excited about, failed to provide any real sense of relief, ultimately making me feel warmer rather than cooler.

Given its performance and the issues I encountered, those looking for effective cooling might want to explore other options.

My foray into finding relief with the Arctic Air Freedom Personal Air Cooler ended in disappointment. Its inability to effectively cool, combined with concerns over build quality and noise, left much to be desired.

For those in search of a genuine escape from the heat, this product's performance suggests that it might be wise to consider other options.