As Seen on TV Fan | What It Actually Is

An As Seen on TV fan is a marketing label used on several portable, rechargeable fan models, not one standardized product.

When you search for an As Seen on TV fan, you’re not looking at a single device. The label covers multiple compact cooling products sold through different retailers, each with its own specs, features, and quirks. The most clearly documented models are the My Foldaway Fan and the Go Fan Cordless Rechargeable Fan. Which one suits you depends on where you’ll use it and how much airflow you need.

What Models Exist Under This Label

Two main models dominate the current US and Canadian retail listings. Both are portable and rechargeable, but they serve different purposes.

My Foldaway Fan at Home Depot is a 2-speeds, collapsible table fan with a rechargeable lithium battery plus USB power. It measures 11.81 inches tall, weighs about half a pound, and pushes 101.8 CFM of air at up to 52 dBA noise. The retailer lists it as indoor-only. Its key selling point is the 2-in-1 design: it folds flat for storage or shifts between table and pedestal heights.

Go Fan Cordless Rechargeable Fan at Canadian Tire is a different beast. It’s a 5-speed, clip or desk fan rated for both indoor and outdoor use. It runs up to 8 hours on a charge and lists 40 dB noise output. The battery holds its charge up to 6 months when unused, which makes it a solid emergency or travel pick. One listing shows a 360-degree “smart spin” head for directing airflow wherever you need it.

A third variant, the My Foldaway Rechargeable Floor and Table Fan, expands up to 40 inches tall with three speeds. It’s heavier at 3.7 pounds but adds real pedestal functionality. This one functions as both a table fan and a floor fan with a telescopic arm.

What Specs Matter Most

Before buying, compare these core specs across models. Differences matter more than the shared label suggests.

| Model | Speeds | Noise | Runtime | Use Location | Stand Type |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| My Foldaway Fan | 2 | 52 dBA | All-day rated | Indoor | Table, folds flat |
| Go Fan Cordless | 5 | 40 dB | Up to 8 hours | Indoor/outdoor | Clip or desk |
| Foldaway Rechargeable Fan | 3 | Not listed | Not listed | Indoor | Table + floor |

Noise matters if you sleep with the fan running. The Go Fan runs quieter at 40 dB, which sits below normal conversation level. The My Foldaway at 52 dBA is noticeably louder, closer to a refrigerator hum or light traffic.

Airflow ratings, where listed, tell you how much air each fan actually moves. The My Foldaway lists 101.8 CFM. Treat unverified airflow claims with skepticism.

Power input also differs. The My Foldaway runs on 5V with a 4.92-foot cord and supports both battery and USB power. The Go Fan runs on 4V. Neither model offers smart features or wireless connectivity.

For a hands-on comparison of the top-rated options in this category, our tested roundup of the best As Seen on TV fans breaks down real-world performance and value.

How To Use Your As Seen on TV Fan

My Foldaway Fan: no assembly needed. Set it flat on a table, adjust the height if your model supports it, and choose from the two speed buttons. Charge via the included USB cable between uses. The all-day battery rating assumes low speed; higher speeds drain faster.

Go Fan Cordless: clip it to a table edge, chair arm, or tent pole, or set it on its flat base. Press the power button to cycle through five speeds. Recharge via USB when the battery runs low. Expect up to 8 hours of run time at moderate speeds, less on the highest setting.

Foldaway Rechargeable: expand the telescopic arm for floor use or keep it collapsed for table placement. The three speeds cover low, medium, and high. A micro-USB cable handles recharging.

For every model, the battery indicator serves as your main maintenance cue. Charging overnight before a long trip or outdoor event prevents mid-use shutdowns.

Safety and Limitations

None of these models carry water resistance ratings. Keep them away from sinks, pools, rain, or high-humidity bathrooms. The My Foldaway is explicitly rated indoor-only; the Go Fan’s outdoor rating refers to weather exposure tolerance, not waterproofing.

Certification varies by model. The Go Fan lists CSA and UL listings, which signal tested electrical safety. Lower-cost knockoffs may skip these certifications entirely. If the listing doesn’t show a safety certification mark, assume the fan hasn’t been independently tested.

The two names — My Foldaway Fan and Go Fan — are distinct products with different voltages, speeds, and use cases. Don’t assume specs transfer between them because they share the As Seen on TV label.

FAQs

Can I use an As Seen on TV fan outdoors?

The Go Fan Cordless is rated for indoor and outdoor use with CSA and UL listings. The My Foldaway Fan is explicitly indoor-only. For outdoor use, choose a model that states outdoor compatibility in its listing rather than assuming any portable fan handles weather exposure.

How long does the battery last on these fans?

The Go Fan Cordless runs up to 8 hours on a charge at moderate speeds. The My Foldaway Fan’s retailer states “all day battery life” in its Q&A, though this assumes lower speed settings. Actual runtime varies with speed selection, age of the battery, and temperature.

Are As Seen on TV fans quiet enough for sleeping?

The Go Fan rates at 40 dB, which is suitable for light sleepers. The My Foldaway Fan runs louder at 52 dBA, closer to background conversation level. If noise sensitivity matters, prioritize the dB rating over other specs when comparing models.