For handheld haze in photos and video, the PMI SmokeNINJA PRO V2 is the one to get, with a rechargeable battery, a remote and three fan speeds. The COLBOR CF5 is the color pick with a built-in RGB light, and for a small room or stage that needs steady haze from an outlet, the 5.7 lb FANSTGEQ 500W.
Our picks at a glance
#1Best Overall
#2Best for Color
#3Best Plug-In
#4
#5
#6
#7
Small hazers come in two kinds. Battery handhelds make short, controlled bursts for photos, video and small scenes, while compact plug-in hazers run for hours and fill a room. If you’re not sure which you need, our guide to haze machines vs fog machines explains the difference.
1. PMI SmokeNINJA PRO V2
#1Best Overall
Why we picked itRechargeable handheld with 3 fan speeds and a multi-unit remote.
- Handheld
- 18650 battery
- Remote
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- 3fan speeds
- ~20 minbattery
Why we like it
- Anti-spitting mesh chamber
- Remote can control several units
Keep in mind
- About 20 minutes per charge
- Good fit if
- You shoot photos or video and want controlled bursts.
- Skip it if
- You need haze running for hours.
PMI’s newest handheld runs on an 18650 rechargeable battery and comes as a kit with a remote that can pair and control more than one unit. It has three fan speeds, and PMI says one burst covers up to 1,000 square feet.
Its chamber has a mesh screen meant to stop liquid spitting, and overheat protection shuts it down before it gets too hot. Control is through USB-C, and PMI sells DMX and wired button add-ons for studio setups.
The battery gives about 20 minutes of fogging, so bring the charger to a long shoot.
2. COLBOR CF5
#2Best for Color
Why we picked it40W handheld with 25 fog levels and a built-in RGB light.
- Handheld
- RGB light
- 10 m remote
Available on Amazon as of Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- 40Woutput
- 351 gweight
Why we like it
- Colors the fog itself
- 25 fog levels
Keep in mind
- Small 12-13 ml chamber
- Good fit if
- You want colored fog in shots without extra lights.
- Skip it if
- You only need plain haze.
The CF5 is a 40W handheld with 25 fog levels and a magnetic RGB light that colors the fog as it comes out. A magnetic 3-speed fan shapes and pushes the fog, and a 10 m remote lets you trigger it from behind the camera.
It weighs 351 g and measures about 23 x 5 x 4 cm. COLBOR lists up to 30 minutes of runtime and about 10 minutes of continuous fog per 12 to 13 ml chamber.
3. FANSTGEQ 500W DMX Haze Machine
#3Best Plug-In
Why we picked itA 5.7 lb hazer with DMX and remote for steady haze from an outlet.
- Plug-in
- DMX 512
- Remote
Available on Amazon as of Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- 500Wheater
- 5.7 lbweight
Why we like it
- Runs as long as it has fluid
- Manual, remote and DMX control
Keep in mind
- Needs an outlet
- Good fit if
- You need haze in a room or small stage for hours.
- Skip it if
- You want something to hold in your hand.
The pick when you need haze from an outlet, not a battery. It’s a 500W hazer that weighs 5.7 lb and measures 8.8 x 6.3 x 7.3 inches, small enough for a DJ booth, a garage band or a living-room party.
You get manual, wireless remote and DMX 512 control, an LCD screen, and adjustable output, fan speed and timer. FANSTGEQ says it preheats in 1 to 2 minutes.
4. PMI SmokeNINJA
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The original SmokeNINJA is the simpler, smaller PMI. It has three settings, mist, dry ice and steam, and PMI lists a minimum fluid use of 0.5 ml per minute.
It comes with a remote, a magnetic mount and a 1/4-inch screw mount, so you can clip it to a light stand or a tripod. If you don’t need the PRO’s longer bursts and multi-unit remote, this is the one to start with.
5. COLBOR CF3 V2
Available on Amazon as of Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A lighter 30W handheld with 5 fog levels. COLBOR lists 30 minutes of runtime and says it fills about 215 square feet in minutes, which suits a small room or a tabletop scene.
It comes with bendable USB fans and tubing to guide the fog, plus a 10 m wireless remote for solo shooters.
6. BORGOVA 700W Haze Machine
Available on Amazon as of Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The bigger plug-in option, with a 700W heater and a 2.1 L tank for long nights. BORGOVA says it warms up in about a minute and runs on DMX, a timer or a wireless remote.
It’s still compact enough to carry to gigs, but it’s the most machine here, so it fits a club, a stage or a haunted garage better than a small room.
7. COOWOO Portable Mini Fog Machine
Available on Amazon as of Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A simple handheld with three modes, dry ice, portrait and incense, and a remote that works up to 10 m away. It comes with a carry bag and 100 ml of fog liquid, so it works out of the box.
It has fewer settings than the PMI and COLBOR handhelds, which makes it the easiest one to hand to a beginner.
Are Handheld Hazers Safe Indoors?
Use the fluid the maker sells for that machine, keep the nozzle away from faces, and air the room out after a session. Our guide to whether fog machine haze is safe to breathe covers what’s in the fluid and who should be careful.
Haze can set off some smoke detectors, especially optical ones close to the machine. Read will a fog machine set off a smoke alarm or sprinklers before you haze a venue or an office.
For bigger stage hazers that run all night, see our best haze machines list. Next, read whether you can use haze fluid in a fog machine.
Please be careful and use at your own risk
None of the authors, contributors, administrators, or anyone else connected with Wild Fog, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained in or linked from these web pages.
Compare our picks
| Feature | PMI SmokeNINJA PRO V2 | COLBOR CF5 | FANSTGEQ 500W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best Overall | Best for Color | Best Plug-In |
| Type | Handheld, battery | Handheld, battery | Plug-in hazer |
| Control | Remote, USB-C (DMX add-on) | 10 m remote | Manual, remote, DMX 512 |
| Runtime | About 20 min per charge | Up to 30 min | Continuous |
| Buy | Check at Amazon | Check at Amazon | Check at Amazon |
How to choose
In shortBattery handhelds for photos and short scenes, plug-in hazers for rooms and stages.
Handheld or plug-in
Handhelds run 20 to 30 minutes on a battery. Plug-in hazers run all night from an outlet.
Control
A remote helps solo shooters. DMX matters only if you run stage lights.
Fluid
Use the fluid the maker sells for that machine. Handhelds often use their own fluid.
FAQ
What is the best small haze machine?
For handheld haze, the PMI SmokeNINJA PRO V2. For a small plug-in hazer, the 5.7 lb FANSTGEQ 500W.
Do handheld fog machines need special fluid?
Usually, yes. Use the fluid the maker sells or recommends for that model, so it doesn't spit or clog.
Will a portable hazer set off a smoke alarm?
It can, especially an optical detector close to the machine. Keep it away from detectors and check the venue's rules.
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