Can a portable air conditioner worn around the neck really improve concentration during hours-long image editing sessions in a heated apartment? This question came to mind as temperatures rose again and my attic home office threatened to become a personal sauna.
As a photographer, I spend countless hours in front of my laptop sorting, selecting, and editing images. A cool head is not just a cliché but a fundamental requirement for creative and precise work. The summer heat often turns this into a test of patience.
This is how I came across the COOLiFY Cyber and its predecessor, the COOLiFY 2S. Are these devices more than just a technical gimmick, and can they prove themselves as useful tools for a photographer’s desk?
Background on the COOLiFY Brand
The COOLiFY brand belongs to TORRAS, a company founded in 2012 with its roots in manufacturing mobile device accessories. Over time, TORRAS has expanded its business and ventured into personal cooling devices. Since the introduction of the first neck air conditioner in 2020, the company has continuously developed the technology.
Size and Build Quality
Both models come in attractive and robust carrying cases that offer good protection in everyday use. The first impression of both devices, the Cyber and the 2S, is high-quality. The design is modern and resembles futuristic headphones more than a simple cooling device.
The COOLiFY 2S is made of smooth plastic that feels pleasant to the touch. Flexible silicone elements ensure it adapts well to different neck sizes. Inside are the two cooling plates that make direct contact with the skin.
The COOLiFY Cyber appears even more thoughtfully designed in its form. It features not only the side cooling plates but also a third cooling element in the neck area, meaning an increased contact surface. In my opinion, its ergonomic shape hugs the neck even better.
A not insignificant point is the weight. When you pick up the devices, the weight is quite noticeable, with the Cyber being slightly heavier. However, when worn, the weight is distributed very well and does not feel negative even during longer editing sessions.
Flexible elements on the sides allow the device to adapt with gentle pressure, ensuring a secure fit without feeling constricting. The initial concern that the device might slip during movements like leaning towards the screen did not materialize.
A nice detail with the Cyber’s case is that the included charging cable can be stored in a compartment in the lid.
Features of the Models
Features of the COOLiFY Cyber
The COOLiFY Cyber can be operated intuitively even without the accompanying smartphone app. A small display on the side shows the selected mode and power level. You can choose between fan-only operation, a cooling, and a heating mode.
On days when the temperatures are only moderately high, fan-only operation is often sufficient to provide pleasant air circulation. However, the device’s real strength lies in its cooling mode, which activates the three thermoelectric cooling plates.
The transition from ambient temperature to noticeable cold happens surprisingly quickly. The cooling performance can be finely adjusted from 1 to 100 percent. I rarely needed the highest setting. Often, the lowest setting of 20 percent is enough to provide noticeable relief in a warm apartment. This also keeps noise levels very discreet.
A very well-thought-out feature is the ability to control the cooling pads and the fans independently. This allows you to activate only the cooling pads for moments when absolute silence is required for concentration. Due to the placement of the fans near the ears, the airflow is naturally audible, especially at higher levels. However, the noise is comparable to that of a quiet desk fan, and after a while, you unconsciously tune it out.
The heating function is surprisingly pleasant. It’s not only useful when you feel cold in winter but also when you have stiff neck muscles after hours in the same posture in front of the laptop. The warmth feels soothing and can help relax muscles.
Connecting with the app worked immediately during testing. After turning it on, the device was recognized directly, and a firmware update was offered. The app allows for even more detailed control, and you have the option to create an account or skip this step.
The Cyber’s battery showed solid performance in testing. The charging process from 0 to 100 percent took 2 hours and 52 minutes in my test. 10 percent was reached in 10 minutes, and 50 percent after 45 minutes.
At full cooling level, the battery lasts for about 120 minutes. Since you usually get by with lower levels in practice, the runtime is extended accordingly. Especially in fan-only mode, the battery lasts long enough.
Features of the COOLiFY 2S
The COOLiFY 2S is the predecessor model, but by no means technologically outdated. It offers the same basic functions as the Cyber: cooling, heating, and fan operation. Control is also via buttons on the device or via app. It has two cooling plates on the sides of the neck, and the intensity can be adjusted in three levels (C1, C2, C3).
With the 2S too, the lowest setting C1 is often sufficient for a satisfactory cooling effect in an indoor environment. The difference in maximum cooling performance compared to the Cyber is present, but the 2S’s performance is absolutely sufficient for most situations at the desk.
The battery charging process from 0 to 100 percent took 2 hours and 15 minutes in my test. At the highest mode, the battery is depleted after approximately 3:30 hours.
Comparison between Cyber and 2S
Personally, I find the Cyber more comfortable to wear. The shape and the additional cooling plate in the neck ensure a better and more comfortable fit during long, relatively static activities like image editing. This third cooling zone also provides a more comprehensive cooling sensation.
A potential criticism of the Cyber for people with very narrow necks could be that the side cooling plates do not fit optimally. However, when sitting at a desk, this should be less of an issue than with vigorous movement.
The Cyber is slightly heavier, and its case takes up more space. However, for use at home or in the office, where the device is either worn or charged on the desk, this aspect is secondary for me.
Nevertheless, I would lean towards the Cyber. The third cooling zone and, above all, the better fit are more important arguments for me that justify choosing the newer model.
Conclusion on COOLiFY
To return to the initial question: Yes, these devices can make a photographer’s work at the desk noticeably more pleasant and productive.
Both the COOLiFY Cyber and the 2S are far more than technical gadgets. They offer effective, immediately available cooling that makes a real difference to well-being and concentration on hot days.
The concern that the devices might be bothersome has dissipated. They sit securely and are barely noticeable after a short adjustment period. The ability to operate the cooling quietly and at a low level is ideal for the work environment.
The choice between the models depends on personal preferences. The 2S is a solid device that does its job well. However, the Cyber, with its third cooling zone and optimized fit, offers an even more convincing overall package and has become a valuable companion for me during long editing marathons in the warmer months.
Online Shop
The COOLiFY models can be ordered from Torras’s online shop. You can also find it on Amazon.