Sony's Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a wearable cooling and heating device that's been available in Japan since 2019, but it's now making its way to the US. I recently got a first look at this technology and have been testing it for the past few days. Here's everything you need to know about it, along with my thoughts.
The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a portable, 8.7-ounce device designed to be worn around your neck and under clothing, making it more discreet than other wearable and handheld fans. It uses a stainless steel plate that comes in contact with the skin, allowing the wearer to manually adjust the device's cooling or warming temperature range from 41 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Smart sensors automatically adjust temperature, and there's also a smart mode that uses multiple temperature and humidity sensors to automatically adjust the plate's temperature to the wearer's preference.
The device's plate uses a Peltier element, which is a semiconductor module that can cool on one side and heat on the other. To maximize cooling performance, a high-volume fan, a vapor chamber, and heat-dissipation fins are used to release the internal heat generated on the opposite side of the plate. I was impressed by how quickly the Reon Pocket Pro Plus could adjust its temperature, and I found its effect on my upper back to be enough to make a difference.
The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is designed to be discreet, with a neckband that holds the device in place and a short air vent that extends from the back of your shirt. The neckband is adjustable and can be bent, and there are extension tips that can be removed to adjust the length. I found the device to be fairly comfortable and lightweight, but I wish that the plastic neckband were covered in a softer material.
One of the Reon Pocket Pro Plus's best features is its silent operation, making it even more discreet. During my testing, I only heard a slight noise when the device turned on, but that was it. As for battery life, on the cool setting in smart mode, you get up to 15 hours. When the 3,000-mAh lithium-ion battery is fully depleted, it takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes to charge.
The main drawback for me is that the Reon Pocket Pro Plus is $260, which is more expensive than some other handheld fans. While it doesn’t offer the same discreet, quiet technology or heating, the most expensive handheld fan I’ve tested is the three-in-one Shark ChillPill at $150. However, if you value silence and discretion and have the cash, then the Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a cool investment (literally).
In conclusion, Sony's Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a fascinating device that opens up new possibilities for quiet, low-profile, and adaptable heating and cooling technology. While it may not be the most affordable option, it's a great choice for those who prioritize discretion and comfort. If you're looking to stay cool this summer without breaking your budget, consider a handheld fan like Blueair’s new AlwaysCool, the ChillPill, or the HushJet Mini Cool. But if silence and discretion are important to you, and you have the cash, then the Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a cool investment (literally).
