Initiated by well logging NMR, portable NMR instruments are being developed for a variety of novel applications in materials testing, process analysis and control, which provides new opportunities for geophysical investigations. Small-diameter cylindrical sensors can probe short distances into the walls of slim-line logging holes, and single-sided sensors enable non-destructive testing of large objects. Both sensors are characterized by small sensitive volumes. Barrel-shaped magnets that accommodate the sample in their center have higher sensitivity due to a larger sensitive volume but can accommodate only samples like drill cores, which fit in size to the diameter of the magnet bore. Both types of magnets can be scaled down to the size of a coffee mug to arrive at sub-compact NMR equipment. Portable NMR magnets are reviewed in the context of applications related to geophysics.