I compared two camera cooling fans for long video recordings and preferred the Ulanzi unit in this April 2026 test. Attachment security and consistent operation mattered as much to me as the temperature readings.
Originally published on YouTube Apr 16, 2026.
What the recording tests showed
With external power and cooling, my test setup recorded until the 512GB card filled, roughly two hours and twenty minutes in the example discussed. Without cooling, the recording stopped sooner. These results describe my cameras, settings, and room conditions, not a guarantee for every shoot.
Why Ulanzi won this comparison
I found the spring-loaded attachment easier to install and more secure. Its selectable operating modes suited my unattended recordings. The SmallRig unit I tested shut off during the demonstration and had an attachment I trusted less, particularly when changing the camera’s orientation.
Noise, power, and a later update
The video includes fan-noise samples and surface-temperature checks. The Ulanzi sounded more like airflow to me, while the SmallRig had more of a whine. In my later run-and-gun kit review, I describe problems with the Ulanzi battery and better results from a newer SmallRig model. Read that follow-up before treating this earlier comparison as my final recommendation for mobile use.
Related reviews
Watch on YouTube and view the original product links. Some shopping links in the original description may be affiliate links.
