Sony’s latest wearable cooling device, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus, arrives as an incremental upgrade to a product line that has quietly evolved since 2017. What began as a crowdfunding experiment in 2019 has matured into a more refined personal cooler now reaching UK and European markets through Sony’s direct store and retailers including Amazon.
The device sits at the base of the neck, relying on the Peltier effect to electrically cool a metal plate against the skin. Rather than blowing air like a conventional fan, it functions more like a portable ice pack positioned near major blood vessels, aiming to influence core body temperature efficiently. This approach has always differentiated it from simpler neck fans, though it comes with trade-offs in design and cost that remain evident in this newest version.
Over nearly a decade, Sony has iterated on battery life, comfort, and performance. The Pro Plus brings a claimed two-degree Celsius improvement in cooling power — roughly a 20 percent gain — alongside a smarter algorithm that adjusts based on both the device’s temperature and the surrounding environment. Sony reports up to 10 hours of operation on its second-highest setting, which represents a practical step forward for anyone using it during commutes, outdoor work, or warmer indoor spaces. New stabilizing fins improve the fit around the neck and shoulders by about 40 percent, according to the company, addressing one of the more common complaints with earlier models. A redesigned vent fin adapts better to different body shapes, and an automatic shutdown helps prevent overheating.
The hardware largely carries over from the previous Pro model, maintaining its discreet profile beneath clothing. A small internal fan assists with heat dissipation, keeping noise levels low enough for everyday use. The package now includes a second-generation Pocket Tag sensor, a compact accessory that tracks ambient temperature and humidity to help fine-tune cooling performance. A companion app offers manual controls and customization, though the device functions independently of a smartphone if preferred.
At £199 in the UK or €220 across Europe, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus sits firmly in premium territory. That price reflects the engineering involved but also raises questions about accessibility. Wearable cooling remains a niche category, appealing primarily to those in hot climates, athletes, or people sensitive to heat, yet it competes with far cheaper traditional fans and emerging climate-control clothing. Sony has not yet detailed US availability, leaving some markets waiting as summer 2026 approaches.
The persistence of this product line speaks to a genuine consumer need. As heatwaves intensify in many regions and office environments grapple with rising temperatures, personal cooling solutions feel less like gadgets and more like practical tools. Still, the Reon approach demands close skin contact and carries the usual limitations of battery-powered Peltier systems, including reduced effectiveness in extreme humidity. Real-world performance will ultimately determine whether the upgrades justify the cost over previous generations or simpler alternatives.
For now, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus represents Sony’s continued investment in specialized wearables that solve specific discomforts rather than chasing broader trends. It may not transform daily life for most users, but for those who have waited for a more capable version, the refinements could make a noticeable difference during warmer months.
