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While an air conditioner is typically best for staying cool on sweltering days, sometimes a quality fan can be just as effective. There are many reasons why this is so; the simplest is that as surrounding cooler air moves past you, it pulls and absorbs heat from your body. The hotter air rises, making you feel cooler and more comfortable.
Still, fans come in many different styles and sizes, and some are more effective than others, which is why we tested many top-rated models. Our favorite model is the Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator Fan, which features four settings and a vortex-style airflow pattern that helps cool much of the room. Other contenders also fared well during our testing.
This guide will explain all of the most important features to consider when choosing a fan, as well as highlight some of the best fans on the market, per extensive in-home testing.
- BEST OVERALL: Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme Stand 16″ Fan
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Power Fan Air Circulator
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Shark 3-in-1 Air Purifier With True HEPA
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TABLETOP FAN: Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator Fan
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PEDESTAL FAN: Lasko 52″ Space-Saving Pedestal Tower Fan
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BOX FAN: Pelonis 20″ 3-Speed Box Fan
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WINDOW FAN: Jarden Bionaire 8.5″ Twin Window Fan
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMPACT FAN: JisuLife Life1 Table Fan
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TOWER FAN: Honeywell HYF260 Quiet Set Whole Room Tower Fan
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
|---|---|
| Products tested | 17 |
| Time spent testing | 4 weeks |
| Tests performed | 8 |
| Price range | $20 to $270 |
Our Top Picks
Shoppers, don’t lose your cool while comparing the best fans. The following are some of the top choices on the market, extensively tested by our team, and they’re available in every basic style.
Best Overall
Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Air Circulation 5/5; Noise 3.5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Tabletop or floor
- Airflow: Up to 1,638 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
- Speeds: 4
What We Like
- 4 fan settings for versatility and comfort
- Highest setting has 1,638 CFM volume
- Vortex-style airflow pattern disperses air around the room
- Works in a large room despite compact design
What We Don’t Like
- 54-decibel white noise might be loud for conversation
- Expensive for tabletop fan
If the plan is to effectively cool an entire room and not just a small bit of it, fan shoppers will want to consider the 660 large air circulator from Vornado. This tabletop room fan uses the brand’s vortex-pattern airstream to circulate air. We tested it in our 23.5-foot-long living space and could feel its powerful airflow from the other side of the room. It delivers impressive cooling ability for such a compact fan, earning it the top spot on our list.
The Vornado’s spiral pattern airstream flows across the room, dispensing outward and then backward once it hits the far wall, cycling back through the fan over and over again. On high, it can produce up to 1,638 CFM of airflow. We accidentally dropped an empty plastic water bottle in front of it, and the fan sent it flying to the other side of the room—a testament to just how much air it moves.
The Vornado features four speeds, deep-pitched blades, and a powerful motor, which combine to send air up to 100 feet from the fan. On its lowest two settings, the noise it produced was hardly noticeable. However, it’s a little louder on its highest setting at 54 decibels. Still, we didn’t find this disruptive to conversations or watching TV.
Get the Vornado 660 fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Target.
Runner-Up
Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme Stand 16" Fan
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Air Circulation 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Pedestal
- Airflow: Up to 2,436 CFM
- Speeds: 5
What We Like
- Tremendous airflow to move air around large rooms
- Turbo Boost setting adds air
- Fan noise as low as only 35 decibels
- Remote control adjusts speed, oscillation, and other settings
What We Don’t Like
- Remote does not control the timer
Folks who’d prefer a pedestal fan with top-of-the-line features might want to consider the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme 16-inch stand-up fan. This model has a pedestal stand that adjusts for the perfect height. It also features a fan motor and blade combination that produces nearly 2,500 CFM.
A standout feature of this oscillating fan was the “silent mode,” which produced only 35 decibels. It also has four other relatively quiet speed settings. Those who like to have a fan running at night but aren’t huge on white noise will appreciate the Rowenta. Aside from being quiet, it’s energy efficient with an energy-saving mode that automatically reduces airflow until the fan reaches its most efficient settings.
This stand-up fan model came with a remote control, so we could easily adjust the speed and oscillation from anywhere in the room. It also has a built-in timer that works for up to 8 hours. Unfortunately, though, you can’t control the timer from the remote. The fan can remain static or oscillate, which gives users the ability to direct airflow right where they need it or to ventilate an entire room.
Get the Rowenta 16-inch fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Best Bang for the Buck
Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Power Fan Air Circulator
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Air Circulation 3.5/5; Noise 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Tabletop or mounted
- Airflow: 185 CFM
- Speeds: 3
What We Like
- Affordable enough to have multiple fans
- Compact design with max 185 CFM felt up to 25 feet away
- Can mount to a wall or ceiling or sit on a tabletop
- Head adjusts 90 degrees to direct airflow
What We Don’t Like
- No extra features like remotes or timers
- Won’t cool a large room
If you’re looking to cool a small room (or multiple rooms with multiple fans) on a budget, you’ll want to consider Honeywell’s TurboForce air circulator. This tabletop fan produces up to 185 CFM, providing enough air movement to keep folks in small rooms comfortable. It also features a turbo design (essentially a vortex-shaped grill) that helps maximize air movement, allowing it to reach walls up to 25 feet away.
The Honeywell electric fan came preassembled, so we put it to use right out of the box. It features a three-speed dial on the back and an adjustable 90-degree tilt, which allowed us to customize the speed and direction of the airflow. We placed it on our living room side table and used it as a personal fan, but we think it would also be a great choice for a home office or bedroom. It was relatively quiet on all its settings and caused no disruptions.
This Honeywell is very affordable but not well suited for large spaces. If you need to cool a medium- to large-size room, we recommend that you opt for a bigger and more powerful fan.
Get the Honeywell Turboforce fan at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Upgrade Pick
Shark 3-in-1 Air Purifier With True HEPA
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Air Circulation 5/5; Noise 3/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Floor fan/air purifier
- Airflow: Not specified
- Speeds: 3 modes (purified heat, purified fan, purified air)
What We Like
- Works as an air purifier, heater, or fan
- Has multiple power levels and oscillating options
- Displays room temperature and air quality level
What We Don’t Like
- Loud on highest setting
- Expensive compared to fan-only models
Fans circulate air to make a room feel more comfortable, while air purifiers remove toxins and allergens. If you’d like to have a fan and an air purifier, the Shark 3-in-1 air purifier combines these features and works as a heater. It has a Nano-Seal high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that captures 99.98 percent of micro-size particles and can purify spaces of up to 500 square feet.
We tested the Shark’s air purifying feature against several other air purifiers, and it was our favorite. It cleared smoke from an incense stick and particles from a dirty rag within 30 minutes to an hour. We appreciated the ability to use the purified fan during warmer months and the purified heat during the winter. While the Shark is relatively expensive, its ability to act as a heater, fan, and air purifier makes it worth its cost.
The Shark has multiple power levels. When we ran it on high, it was a little noisy, registering 59 decibels, but still not disruptive to any of our regular activities. On the lowest setting, the Shark was very quiet, registering only 28 decibels.
Get the Shark fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Best Buy.
Best Tabletop Fan
Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator Fan
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Air Circulation 5/5; Noise 3.5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Tabletop
- Airflow: 1,122 CFM
- Speeds: 3
What We Like
- 3 speed settings
- Adjustable head angle to control airflow
- Vortex-shaped airflow pattern can be felt up to 70 feet away
- Up to 1,122 maximum CFM; decent for a tabletop model
What We Don’t Like
- Max setting is somewhat loud at 52 decibels
Those hunting for the best tabletop fan might consider the Vornado 630 medium-air circulator fan. This model is compact enough to fit on a dresser, coffee table, end table, or most other flat surfaces. It has three speed settings and a tilting head so you can point it in the best possible direction and angle.
The Vornado came completely preassembled. We first tested it in our living room, and the airflow was strong, reaching the other side of the room. It has a dial on the side of its leg that made it easy for us to access when sat on a tabletop, although since the head is adjustable, it would also work as a floor fan and be a suitable fan for bedroom ventilation.
This high-powered fan uses Vornado’s signature vortex airflow pattern that sends a vortex of air across the room up to 70 feet. Once it hits the opposite wall, this air disperses in all directions, allowing this fan to create a cycle of airflow in the room without an oscillation setting. As for noise levels, it was slightly loud at its highest setting, with a max rating of 52 decibels. While it’s a small, powerful fan for any room, it’s especially handy for those who enjoy the white noise from a fan as they sleep.
Get the Vornado 630 fan at Amazon.
Best Pedestal Fan
Lasko 52" Space-Saving Pedestal Tower Fan
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Air Circulation 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Pedestal
- Airflow: 2,400 CFM
- Speeds: 5
What We Like
- Produces plenty of airflow to keep rooms comfortably cool
- Excellent adjustability, with 5 fan speeds and telescoping height
- Natural breeze and decrescendo modes automatically control airflow
What We Don’t Like
- Specs and retail availability are limited for this model
Pedestal fans are helpful when you lack tabletop space or would like to adjust a fan’s height. The Lasko 52-inch Space-Saving pedestal tower fan is one such option, with an adjustable base ranging from 41 to 52 inches. It features three speeds, oscillation, and directional louvers that allow you to direct airflow up or down. The pedestal fan portion is compact, making this a great fit for small spaces.
We liked the design of this rotating fan but thought the base was slightly small in proportion to the tower fan, which may cause it to topple over. At its highest speed, it produced only 49 sound decibels, making it a great option for living spaces, nurseries, and bedrooms. It wasn’t the most powerful fan we tested but provided enough cooling ability to keep a small to medium-size space comfortable.
It comes with a remote that allows users to adjust the fan speed, oscillation, timer, and sleep mode, but also has a control panel located at the top of the fan. The timer allows you to choose how long you’d like the fan to run (up to 7.5 hours) before shutting off.
Get the Lasko floor fan at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Box Fan
Pelonis 20-Inch 3-Speed Box Fan
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Air Circulation 5/5; Noise 2/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Box
- Airflow: 2,295 CFM
- Speeds: 3
What We Like
- Produces a lot of airflow from a compact, portable box fan
- Built-in carrying handle to place inside open window jamb
- Tight grill pattern prevents children from reaching inside
What We Don’t Like
- Loud like most box fans, producing up to 73 decibels
Folks looking for a reliable box fan that’s not only powerful but also portable enough to switch from the windowsill to the floor might want to consider this model from Pelonis. This box fan has a built-in carrying handle that allows you to move it while keeping its exterior streamlined enough to fit nicely into an open window. It also has recessed cord storage for when it’s not in use. It’s lightweight, and we had no problem toting it from our house back to our workshop.
The Pelonis box fan came fully assembled. It has three speed settings and moves a lot of air, especially at its highest setting. It also has stabilizing feet and recessed cord storage, two features we like to see on box fans. Our biggest complaint was that the cord seemed a little short. The fan may require the use of an extension cord, especially if you’re trying to position it in a window that’s not close to an outlet.
This air circulation fan produces 73 decibels at its max setting, which might be good for white noise but is a bit loud for conversation. The box fan also has a tightly woven grill that prevents children from placing their fingers in the grill.
Get the Pelonis fan at Amazon.
Best Window Fan
Jarden Bionaire Remote Control Twin Window Fan
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Air Circulation 5/5; Noise 4.5/5; Portability 2/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Window
- Airflow: N/A
- Speeds: 3
What We Like
- Reversible fans help exchange room air for fresh air
- Includes remote for adjusting fan speed easily
- Digital thermostat turns unit on and off per set temperature
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have a timer
- Airflow ratings are not available
The Bionaire window fan might be the right choice if you’re looking to enjoy fresh air while also circulating stale interior air back out. This model features two 8.5-inch fans that are reversible and work independently of one another. One fan can blow inward while the other blows outward, exchanging interior air for fresh air. This model can also simply pull air in with both fans or quickly exhaust interior air by blowing both fans outward.
The Bionaire has an extender panel that reaches 24 to 36 inches, making it a snug fit for most standard-size windows. However, installing the fan took us a while and was more difficult than anticipated.
One of our favorite features was the ability to set specific temperatures for the fan to kick on or turn off. The digital display showed the temperature on its LCD screen, and we could adjust the fan’s settings via the control panel on the fan or the remote, which worked as far as 15 feet away.
Get the Bionaire fan at Amazon.
Best Compact Fan
JisuLife Life1 Table Fan
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Air Circulation 3.5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Portable; tabletop or mounted
- Airflow: 590 CFM
- Speeds: 4
What We Like
- Lasts up to 15 hours on a single charge
- Can be set on a flat surface or hung via a hook
- 4 fan modes
- Great portability; weighs only 8.64 ounces
What We Don’t Like
- Not big enough to cool entire rooms
While large fans are ideal for making entire rooms feel more comfortable, a small portable fan can be a saving grace for your desk, bedside table, or hot summer outing. The JisuLife Life 1 table fan is one such option that is versatile and powerful enough to earn a spot on our list as the best portable fan.
Weighing less than a pound and about the size of an iPad mini, this portable fan is easy to carry and small enough to fit in most purses and bags. When we first received it, we were impressed with its design. Despite being compact, it still feels high-quality and puts out enough air to keep us comfortable when our home office gets too warm.
The JisuLife fan has four settings: low, medium, high, and natural. It can last up to 16 hours on a single charge when used on low power and up to 5 hours on high. It’s also very quiet, registering only 48 decibels at its max speed, so you won’t have to worry about it interrupting your work or conversations. Rather than having a cord like standard electric fans, it has a rechargeable battery and comes with a charger.
Get the JisuLife fan at Amazon.
Best Tower Fan
Honeywell HYF260 Quiet Set Whole Room Tower Fan
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Air Circulation 4/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Tower
- Airflow: N/A
- Speeds: 5
What We Like
- Whole-room airflow with a compact footprint
- Built-in timer can be set to run for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours.
- User can adjust speed or oscillation settings with remote
What We Don’t Like
- Requires (no-tools) assembly out of the box
Not every large room has enough floor space for a giant fan. Those who are tight on space but still require some help with airflow might benefit from the Honeywell HYF260 whole-room tower fan. This model has five speed settings, including sleep, calm, white noise, refresh, and power cool. It also features a remote control that conveniently stores in the back of the unit.
The Honeywell HYF260 quiet fan includes a built-in timer that you can program for 1-, 2-, 4- and 8-hour intervals. We used the built-in timer feature on busy days so we didn’t forget to shut off the fan. We also like the oscillation that allows this standing fan to spread airflow to an entire room. The top display showed us which setting speed the fan was on and also featured a button that allowed us to brighten or dim the display light.
The Honeywell HYF260 has a built-in carrying handle that you can access from the back, making it easy to tote around the house. It requires some assembly, however, so folks who don’t feel like putting their air cooler fan together will want to skip this model.
Get the Honeywell HYF260 fan at Amazon or The Home Depot (not height adjustable despite title), Target, or Best Buy.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Fans
Before choosing which fans to test, we researched popular models, looking at user reviews, brand reputation, and value. With those considerations in mind, we picked 10 highly rated home fans to try out. All fans were evaluated for their cooling abilities on their highest and lowest settings. We also kept noise in mind, noting whether each fan’s highest and lowest setting was disruptive to holding conversations, watching TV, or listening to music.
We evaluated any extra features, including remotes, sleep mode, and timers, when applicable. To assess portability, we carried the fans up and down our stairs.
Each fan was scored in our testing rubric based on its air circulation, noise, portability, and value. At the end of testing, we tallied our scores to award each fan a category.
What to Consider When Choosing a Fan
Fans for home use might be the most basic appliance for keeping cool, but there’s actually quite a bit to know about them. The following are the most important considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best fans for cooling.
Type
While all fans can blow air across the room (or out of it, in some cases), there are several types to consider. The following are the most common types of fans that you might use to keep cool during hot weather or for sleeping.
- Pedestal fans: Pedestal fans feature a standard fan blade and motor on top of a tall, thin shaft. They’re typically height adjustable from about 30 to 50 inches, depending on the model. They’re great for setting up in the corner of a room since they don’t require a dresser, TV stand, end table, or other furniture to sit on.
- Tabletop fans: Tabletop fans, as the name suggests, are designed to sit on top of a table or another piece of furniture. As such, they’re usually compact and easy to move from room to room. Larger models might also be known as floor fans.
- Box fans: A box fan is the standard square fan that most folks are used to seeing. They’re pretty loud, affordable, and move a lot of air. They can be put on the floor or in a window, though they are easy to knock over.
- Window fans: Window fans sit inside an open window jamb and pull fresh air into the room, or eject stale air out. These fans usually don’t work outside of a window, however, since they aren’t stable enough to stand on their own.
- Compact: Compact fans are a big deal, semi pun intended. These models often come with clamp bases and might even operate on battery power. They’re light and portable, and some are even suitable for a jobsite.
- Tower fans: Tower fans are tall and slender with tiny footprints but plenty of output. They often feature oscillation and fit nicely in the corner of a room, covering the whole room with their air pattern. Most are relatively quiet, as well. They can be stand-up fans or tabletop.
- Whole-house fans: Whole-house fans are installed in the home’s uppermost level. The best whole-house fans draw in fresh air and eject stale air through a vent, lessening the need for air conditioner use.
- Air conditioner fan: Most air conditioners have fan settings in addition to their cooling settings.
- Ceiling fans: Cooling ceiling fans are affixed to the ceiling and usually have a light fixture situated in the middle of the fan blades. These fans can be a great addition to bedrooms and living spaces, helping circulate the air. However, choosing the best ceiling fan may come down to aesthetic preferences, performance, budget, and ceiling fan installation costs.
Airflow
When it comes to fans that blow cold air, most of today’s models measure their airflow in cubic feet per minute to note the volume of air; others rely on how far the fan can move air (up to 100 feet in some cases). When choosing a fan, the size of the room relative to these measurements can be a factor.
For instance, for large rooms, it might be best to choose a fan that can blow air up to 100 feet, as these are heavy-duty fans with a lot of airflow. In terms of CFM, look for something that produces at least 1,000 CFM. For smaller rooms, scale these numbers back to 55 or 60 feet and 300 CFM. It might be OK for tabletop fans to go as low as 100 CFM. On the other hand, some box fans and pedestal fans might produce more than 2,000 CFM.
Settings and Adjustability
Being able to control airflow to keep the room comfortable is important, so manufacturers use built-in speed adjustments to allow you to choose your ideal flow. Typically, there are three speeds: low, medium, and high. The higher the speed, the more air the fan will move, but the louder the fan will be. Many folks choose to keep their fans on the lowest possible speed that still makes them feel comfortable.
Not all fans have three speeds, though. Some models may have up to 100 speeds, allowing you to choose the exact amount of airflow you want from your fan, with total adjustability.
Noise
Noise is always a factor when it comes to fans. Some manufacturers even list their fans’ noise outputs in terms of decibels. The lower the decibel rating, the quieter the fan. Quiet fans that run at 35 decibels are considered “whisper quiet,” while those above 50 decibels may be considered a replacement for white noise.
It is possible to find large fans that move a lot of air without creating a lot of noise. These models are usually very expensive and might even feature bladeless designs. They keep the air moving without drowning out conversations. On the other hand, there are cheap fans that are small and create a lot of sound, and one of these models might be the best fan for sleeping for folks with noisy neighbors or busy streets.
Additional Features
As with any appliance or home item these days, it’s all about the additional features. Many of the best fans include remote controls that can adjust the speed of the fan from across the room (or in bed). Others might have built-in timers that allow the user to set them to run for a certain period before shutting off (usually less than 12 hours). Still other models might include oscillating fans to move air around the room or vortex air patterns that send air around the room without oscillation. Some models may even be graded as outdoor fans.
There are even smart fans that connect to digital assistants. Users can activate these fans by voice, set up schedules, or even turn them on and off when they aren’t home. This can be a big help for those with pets or who are just forgetful.
Ease of Setup and Cleaning
When it’s hot, no one wants to spend a lot of time figuring out their fan’s setup. They prefer a fan that’s preassembled, clearly labeled, and stable so they can just plug it in, set it to the correct fan speed, and relax.
Fans process a lot of air, and that air isn’t always clean. Dirt particles, dust, and lint all collect in a fan, and the more that collects, the worse the air quality becomes. Not to mention, no one wants to look at a fuzzy fan full of lint and cobwebs. Look for a model that’s easy to take apart so it can be cleaned thoroughly. Most fan blade impellers pull right off the motor’s spindle to allow users to clean the fan.
FAQs
Still have questions about which fan is right for you? Read on for answers to the most common questions shoppers have about these appliances.
If the idea is to keep the space feeling comfortable, point the fan so it faces the opposite wall where most of the activity in the room takes place. However, if the idea is to cool down immediately and feel some airflow, point it at yourself and enjoy the breeze.
Our top choice for the best fan is the Vornado 660 fan. This model produces a ton of airflow that can be felt from 100 feet away. It also uses a vortex airstream that distributes air around the room without oscillation.
Fans can run for 24 hours without an issue, but you’ll want to turn them off when you’re at work or out of the home. Fan motors are designed to cool themselves, but the longer they run unnecessarily, the shorter their lifespan.
Vornado is one of the current favorite brands. Their compact but powerful fans can throw vortex-shaped air across a larger room, allowing it to disperse and encourage airflow around the rest of the room.
Fans that see a lot of use should be cleaned weekly. This involves removing the grill and dusting everything. For serious cleaning, once a month will do, and in this case, it’s best to unplug the fan and clean the grill and blades with soap and water.
Compared to using an air conditioner, fans are very energy efficient and can reduce energy consumption costs.
Meet the Testers
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. With an unbiased approach to testing, she aims to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Stacey L. Nash has written about home and garden products for more than 5 years. She’s passionate about research and hands-on testing to find the products that add true value to homeownership and daily life.
Glenda Taylor is a product tester, writer, and owner of a general contracting company. She has tested hundreds of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Debbie Wolfe has over 10 years of experience as a home and garden writer, tester, and editor. She focuses on value and user experience and loves great products.
Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.
