The 9 Best Fans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
We've tested over 31 fans in our Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, where we spent hours evaluating each fan's power and assessing their design and extra features. We also sent top-performing fans home with our testers to gauge their performance over six months and share their feedback on what it was like to use each fan in real-world conditions. Backed by our testing in the lab and at home, here are our best fans to keep you cool.
In the past few years, we've tested bladeless fans that are incredibly quiet (and great for homes with kids and pets), models with remote controls or apps to make it easier to operate your fan from across the room, and combination fans that also serve as space heaters or air purifiers. We've also tested and loved plenty of simpler options that do their job incredibly at a very budget-friendly price. Which direction you go will be determined by your budget and how you expect to use your fan.
Fans are a quick and easy way to circulate the air in a space, which can make a hot, stuffy room feel cooler without raising your electrical bill as much as a window or portable air conditioner. While fans are not a new invention by any means, there are lots of newer styles and features to consider, especially if you're planning to use one as a primary way to circulate air in your home.
Best Overall
Better Homes & Gardens Tower Fan
View On Walmart
$48
Our Ratings
What We Like
Unique features
Relatively quiet operation
Sleek design
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Base wobbles slightly during use
Only effective in direct line of flow
After we tested over 30 fans in various styles and sizes, the Better Homes & Gardens 3-Speed Tower wins our title as Best Overall, based on its affordable price, unique features (almost too many to test!), and sleek design. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) This tower fan not only oscillates but also has three wind modes—you can select natural wind, sleep wind, and regular wind, each available at three speeds. While testing, we were impressed by the fan’s quiet operation, even while using the highest, strongest speed on the regular setting. After testing this product at home, we noted that this fan kept our room cool and offered the perfect amount of noise at night. As you may expect from its name, the sleep mode produced an even quieter sound at each speed, and the wind mode had a stronger airflow but still produced a relaxing sound.
On the top of the fan, you can find thoughtful features, including a magnetic area to store the remote; an LED-lighted control panel that turns off after a minute, so it doesn’t disturb you at night; a 7.5-hour programmable timer; and a handle, so you can easily carry the fan from room to room. In fact, we noted it was so light, we could move it with just one hand. However, we feel that this is not the best fan to travel with because it is not as compact as some other options we tested.
Regarding the fan’s effectiveness, while testing, we noted that it employs a direct flow and feels most cooling when it is relatively close up, with the airflow pointed directly at you. For example, while testing the airflow from different distances, we noted it was most cooling from 6 to 8 feet of its direct flow. Outside the direct flow (while the fan was stationary or oscillating), we could not feel it. So, if you are looking for a fan multiple people can feel in different parts of the room, this might not be the best option.
Tall and slender, this tower features internal oscillation: While the fan’s inside moves, the outside shell remains still. Although this product is designed to be more stable than a fan that entirely moves while oscillating (and provides more range of motion), the fan base wobbled a bit during use. However, this may be due to the way the fan was assembled, and we have had no issues with it toppling over. Overall, this affordable fan should keep you cool, has unique and useful features, and looks sleek in any room, making it our top pick.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this tower fan for over six months at one of our homes, we continue to be impressed by its powerful airflow and quiet operation. We've enjoyed using it to cool us off during the warmer months, and even during cooler temperatures, we've found the fan helpful in circulating the air while cooking, as well as to cool the room after home workouts. Even after daily use for six months, it continues to operate like new, making it worthy of remaining our top pick.
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 41.50 inches | Weight: Not listed | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 wind modes with 3 speed settings each | CFM: Not listed | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Cord Length: Not listed | Oscillation: Yes
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Desk
Vornado Large Air Circulator
Amazon
View On Amazon
$90
View On Wayfair
$100
View On Home Depot
$100
Our Ratings
What We Like
Powerful and quiet
Adjustable
Simple design blends in
Five-year warranty
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t oscillate
No remote control
After testing the Vornado 660 Whole Room Air Circulator in our lab and at home, we found it to be a powerful option for any room. Small enough to sit on a desk or dresser, this fan is designed to circulate air up to 100 feet. And although it doesn’t oscillate, while testing in our lab, we noted that we felt the fan’s direct airflow up to 20 feet away. Plus, we loved that you can tilt it up to a 90-degree angle, from horizontal to vertical to point it where needed.
This fan lacks a handle and is a bit bulky compared with other desk fans, but it is powerful for its size and portable enough to carry from room to room. It also lacks a remote, but the push-button controls on the back of the fan, adjusting the speeds from whisper-quiet to turbo, are straightforward and easy to use. After using this fan at home for months, we not only noticed this fan circulating air in a rather large and lofty room, but it also cooled the space significantly. Overall we found it to be small, but mighty and found the color and design to be minimal enough to not be an eyesore or change the overall style of the room. We also love that it comes with a five-year warranty in case of any issues.
Dimensions: 15 x 13.5 x 11.8 | Weight: 7.32 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 4 | CFM: Not listed | Decibel Rating: 48 | Cord Length: 72 inches | Oscillation: No
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Quiet
Pelonis Pedestal Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$85
Our Ratings
What We Like
Quiet at highest speed
Sturdy design
Wide oscillation
Powerful, strong breeze
What We Don't Like
A bit pricey
The Pelonis Standing Fan stood out for its quiet yet powerful performance and sturdy design during our lab and long-term home testing. Even at the highest of 12 air speed settings, the fan was relatively quiet, with a strong breeze felt at 6 feet and a noticeable breeze detected even at 20 feet. We've found the amount of features on this fan is really what makes it stand out, including wide, 85-degree oscillation; easily adjustable height; a digital display; a 12-hour timer; and basic remote control. The head of the fan even tilts up or down.
We did note that this fan is a bit heavier than expected, and with its handle a bit too close to the blades, it isn’t the easiest fan to carry. However, it was light enough to move with one hand. Also, we noted that we had to cycle through each speed to change speed settings, but it was still quick and easy to do.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this fan for over six months at home, we continue to be impressed by its array of features, quiet blades, and exceptional performance in cooling any room. We are even happy that it has a heavy base which prevented our dog from knocking it over! We've also appreciated its adjustable height, and haven't noticed any change in the looks or performance of the fan during this time.
Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 x 51.18 inches | Weight: 12.35 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 12 | CFM: Not listed | Decibel Rating: 38 dBA | Cord Length: Not listed | Oscillation: Yes
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Splurge
Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$180
View On Wayfair
$180
View On Walmart
$127
Our Ratings
What We Like
Cools a large space
Five speed settings
Includes remote control
Sturdy base
What We don't Like
Large footprint
Heavy to move
For a fan that cools a larger space without being too noisy (and is, on some settings, almost silent!), we recommend the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan. Although it’s not the most stylish or affordable option we tested, this powerful, sturdy, and effective oscillating fan is well worth its slightly higher price point.
We love how versatile it can be, with an adjustable height from about 43 to 57 inches and five speed settings so you can tailor it to suit your needs. Choose the powerful Turbo Boost setting when you really want to cool down or Silent Night Mode when you need it to be as quiet as possible. In fact, while using this speed, we noted that the fan was almost silent. Note that this fan is heavy and takes two hands to move. However, we appreciated the sturdy base and found that it wasn't easy to tip over.
While testing, the airflow performance in front of and to the sides of the fan’s direct line was impressive—we felt the airflow from as far as 20 feet, as well as when we were out of the direct flow. The fan oscillates about a foot in each direction, so the airflow can directly reach more parts of the room.
How It Performed Long-Term
After over six months of using this fan at home, we continue to be impressed by its very quiet, yet powerful performance. We've found it very effective in cooling down a small room that does not have an air conditioner, making it comfortable enough to work or watch TV in the summer. We especially love being able to easily switch between oscillating and fixed positions (depending on hot the room is!) with the remote control. And although this isn't the best portable option and isn't easy to tuck away when not in use, we haven't found it to be an eyesore either.
Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 53 inches | Weight: 17.6 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 5 | CFM: 2400 on maximum speed | Decibel Rating: 35 dBA on minimum speed | Cord Length: Not listed | Oscillation: Yes
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Large Room
Lasko Fan & Space Heater Combo Tower
View On Amazon
$130
View On Wayfair
$152
View On Wayfair
Our Ratings
What We Like
Combined fan and heater
Tall, to reach higher areas
Tip-over safety feature
Easy-clean filter
What We Don't Like
Short cord
After testing the Lasko FH500 Fan & Space Heater Combo Tower, we found it to be a great value, with features that can help make a larger room feel comfortable year-round. This 1,500-watt combined heater-fan is ETL-listed, meaning it's certified as meeting the requirement of widely accepted safety standards. It features a bladeless design and tip-over safety feature, so it should automatically shut off if it falls over. While testing, we found this four-speed fan effective at circulating the air, even as far as 20 feet. And at its highest setting, the sound is subtle enough to act as white noise. We also like that the unit has built-in storage for the included remote control.
Although it is not height-adjustable, this combination heater and fan is tall enough to reach over a bed (when used as a fan), so it is a great option for most bedrooms. In fact, when testing in a small bedroom, we found it to be almost too powerful! We also noted that the cord is shorter than the other options we tested, but since the airflow can reach relatively far, it shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. We also appreciate how easy the permanent filter is to access and clean—press the EZclick Filter button on the cover on the back of the fan to open, then use your vacuum’s brush attachment to clean.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this fan for over six months, our at-home team testers said her whole family loves this fan—including her dog. This fan offered her open floor plan living, dining, and kitchen area a "natural breeze" environment and helped circulate the air from the AC unit. We did note that this fan isn't completely quiet, but it's not loud enough to be disturbing during working or sleeping hours. After almost constant use in the warmer months, we never noticed a change in its performance. Also, even with two dogs knocking into the fan from time to time, impressively, it has never toppled over.
We've also used the heat setting during cooler months and found it to warm up the room nicely. However, only the bottom half of this tall unit functions as a heater, so it feels a bit bulky when only using that setting.
Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 41.88 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 4 for fan, 3 for heater | CFM: Not listed | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Cord Length: 72 inches | Oscillation: Yes
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Small Room
Lasko Tower Fan
View On Amazon
$70
View On Wayfair
$71
View On Home Depot
$61
Our Ratings
What We Like
Blends with decor more than others
Remote control storage
Tall with carrying handle
Oscillates
What We Don't Like
Can’t feel it more than 10 feet away
For small spaces, the Lasko Oscillating Tower Fan is our top choice out of the options we tested. With a relatively small footprint and wood panel design, it blends into a room better than other options. We found that it has plenty of features that make it great to use at night, including a 7.5-hour programmable timer and a nighttime setting that dims the display and gradually decreases the fan speed. We also appreciate the built-in, space-saving storage for the remote.
As far as performance, we found that this three-speed fan was quite powerful and relatively quiet when we tested it from 10 feet away. However, we noted that at 20 feet, we couldn’t feel the fan at all, which would be an issue only in larger spaces.
After testing this fan long-term at home, we found that it was a complete game changer in an apartment, which only has one AC unit in the bedroom. We left this fan running on high and oscillating every day while we worked from home. We sometimes even forgot to turn it off because it operated so quietly. Overall, this fan’s design and features make it a great option for small bedrooms or other compact spaces where you want powerful circulation but quiet operation.
Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 42.5 inches | Weight: 14.5 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | CFM: 634 | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Cord Length: 72 inches | Oscillation: Yes
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Budget
Crane Circulating Desk Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$50
View On Wayfair
$72
View On Walmart
$50
Our Ratings
What We Like
Tilts in three angles
Oscillates
Lightweight
Remote control
What We Don't Like
Need to manually tilt fan
If you are looking for a budget-friendly, compact, and adjustable fan, look no further than the Crane Oscillating Desk Fan. While testing this fan, we loved how the three adjustable angles (straight up, 45 degrees, or 90 degrees) allowed the air to focus on different areas of the room. Although you need to manually adjust the tilting feature, we appreciated being able to select the three speeds and programmable timer options via the digital display or by using the remote control.
As far as cooling performance, we felt the breeze up to 20 feet, although it was strongest up to 6 feet. We also found this fan fairly light and portable, with areas underneath you can use as carrying handles. This fan is marketed as a desk fan, but while using this fan at home, we found it rather bulky to actually sit on a desk all the time. However, we still appreciated how easy it was to maneuver on a bedside table. Plus, the top portion of the fan can fold down, so we were able to easily store it when not in use.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 7.75 | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | CFM: 12.5 | Decibel Rating: 40 dBA | Cord Length: 60 inches | Oscillation: Yes
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Tower
Dyson Purifying Fan
View On Amazon
$636
View On Dyson.com
$430
View On Hsn.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Fan and air purifier combo
Bladeless design
Lightweight
9-hour timer with 15-minute increments
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Could easily tip over
After testing the Dyson Pure Cool Air Purifier and Fan for over six months, we've continued to appreciate its cooling and air-purifying features and sleek, stylish design. This tower fan doubles as an air purifier (with HEPA filter) and claims to remove over 99.97 percent of pollutants and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. It also offers a blade-less design, a remote control, a nine-hour timer, an easily removable filter, and 70-degree oscillation.
While testing in our lab, we could feel the airflow as far as 20 feet on the highest setting. However, we noted that it wasn't until the sixth setting (out of 10) before we started hearing or feeling the airflow; lower, we had to put a hand right up to the fan. We also noted that it is fairly quiet on its highest, strongest setting, so it shouldn’t disturb you at night or while watching TV. In fact, while testing at home, we appreciated the fan's white noise and found that it was louder than our ceiling fan, but not as loud as the AC.
How It Performed Long-Term
We used it almost daily in addition to a ceiling fan (or AC on especially hot days), and have not noticed any changes in its performance. We continue to enjoy the sleek, stylish design and have used the air purifying feature to help circulate the air during the winter months as well. Although this unit is more expensive than other, more powerful fans, we continue to think it's an excellent option for anyone looking for a stylish fan with an array of helpful features.
Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.7 x 40.1 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 10 | CFM: 10.3 | Decibel Rating: 56 dBA | Cord Length: 78 inches | Oscillation: Yes
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Window
Genesis Window Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$49
View On Home Depot
$49
View On Walmart
$63
Our Ratings
What We Like
Each side can expand 6.5 inches
Intakes and/or exhausts air
Can be used freestanding with legs
What We Don't Like
Temperature settings are misleading
Lacks a remote
When space is an issue, a great option is a window fan—this type of fan directly brings in fresh air or exhausts the room air without taking up valuable floor space. We tested the Genesis Twin Fan and found it to be versatile and budget-friendly. You can expand it from 24 to 37 inches to fit your window, and its detachable legs permit it to be freestanding on a table. While testing, we found the fan to be lightweight and easy to move with one hand, thanks to the built-in handle.
We also appreciated the ability to select the airflow direction (in or out) of each fan individually. The unit also features three speed settings and five temperature settings (from 60 to 80 degrees), thanks to its built-in thermostat. And while this window fan is not the most powerful fan we tested, we felt the airflow up to 20 feet in front of it, as well as circulating the air around the room.
How It Performed Long-Term
While using this fan at home for over six months, we felt that it definitely made a difference in keeping a room cool and preventing it from becoming stuffy on hot days. When used in the window, we found it useful to be able to operate each of the two fans separately, so one was bringing air in, and the other was pulling air out. However, we felt that the temperature settings on this fan were confusing, (especially since it is not an AC with a cooling feature), but the low-to-high speed setting is pretty straightforward and useful. When the weather was cooler, we continued to use it as a standalone fan on the floor to keep us cool after workouts. We've noticed no changes in the performance or appearance of the fan during this time.
Dimensions: 24 to 37 x 12 x 4 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | CFM: 706.21 | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Cord Length: 72 inches | Oscillation: No
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
“There is a room fan available to fit your specific needs, from cooling your workspace to purifying and circulating the air of a small room,” says Brown. “Consider the size of the fan and the intended space, noise levels, energy savings, efficiency, and even style.”
We tested 32 fans in our Lab to determine which are the best to buy, evaluating them on air speed, design, portability, effectiveness, and value. We also brought the top performers home for long-term testing and have updated this piece with fresh insights based on our experience. For expert tips on what to look for when shopping for fans, we consulted Matt Brown, former merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floorcare, and current senior merchant of vinyl flooring, at Home Depot.
A quality fan is a worthwhile investment, whether you’re trying to keep cool during the night, reduce your electricity bill , or stay comfortable when on the go.
We like the look of the sleek, bladeless design of this tower fan, not to mention the fact that it gives those with pets and kids peace of mind. It comes with 10 different speed settings, the highest of which could be felt from up to 20 feet away. The 70-degrees oscillation sweeps the newly purified cool air throughout the entire room. Additional features include a magnetized remote that can be stored on the fan itself, as well as a sleep timer and an automatic shut-off in the case that it’s tipped over. We think this fan would make a great choice for the bedroom, due to its quiet operation and HEPA filter, especially for those who suffer from allergies or asthma .
The Dyson Pure Cool comes with a hefty price tag, but it makes up for it in that it's both a tower fan and an air purifier in one. It uses a HEPA filter to capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, including pollen and pet dander. As it cools, it pushes the newly purified air throughout the room.
Who it’s for: People who are willing to spend extra for a fan that blows purified air throughout the room. Who it isn’t for: People who already own an air purifier or people who don’t want to bother with changing a filter.
With this fan, you get lots of cooling power without taking up too much space, making it an excellent choice for an office, dorm room, camper, small kitchen, and more. It doesn't come with a carrying handle, so it's not as well suited for on-the-go use, but we were really impressed with its numerous advanced features, especially given its size. Plus, its modern, sleek design will fit with any style of decor.
This model is definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum for a desk fan, but for daily use, we'd argue it's well worth the splurge. It comes with many features that are uncommon for a fan of its size, including a 90-degree tilt so you can aim the airflow in your desired direction, as well as oscillation, a remote control, and a programmable timer. We found it to have an impressive airflow given its size—we were able to feel a breeze even from 20 feet away. The noise level was noticeable, but still low enough not to be disruptive.
Who it's for: People who want a small fan for personal use. Who it isn't for: People who want a fan with a carry handle.
At its highest speed setting, the airflow could be felt easily from six feet away, although it was very faint when we stood at a 20-foot distance. The two fan heads can be reversed to exhaust stale indoor air, which is a particularly useful feature when you’re trying to get rid of smoke or other odors . Plus, the expandable panels make it easy to fit this unit into any window frame. Our one complaint was the noise level—we found it a bit too loud to sleep with this fan running.
Window fans operate by pulling in outside air to cool a room. They are designed to be tucked into window frames, much like a window air conditioner, so they don’t take up floor space. We were impressed with the power of this window fan, which comes with three speeds and a built-in thermostat with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to convert it into a floor fan or use it in a room without a window, it comes with detachable feet and a carry handle. (However, we did find it somewhat laborious to switch between the two.)
Who it's for: People who have limited floor space. Who it isn't for: People who want to be able to open and close their window as needed and people who want an ultra-quiet fan.
Although this fan does not oscillate, it has a 45-degree adjustable tilt so you can direct the airflow in multiple directions. The built-in carry handle makes it easy to take on-the-go, and the metal stand keeps it upright and stable while in use. Its lightweight, cordless design made it so that we could easily carry it from our desk to the end of a yoga mat for a quick workout in between meetings. Although this fan is not the most effective at cooling large rooms, it more than makes up for it with its easy-to-transport design.
This wireless fan will help you beat the heat whether you’re at home, at work, on the patio, camping, or anywhere else you need it. The battery can last up to 22 hours on the lowest setting and recharges using the included USB plug in just six hours. We were surprised by the powerful airflow of this fan considering its compact build—it was the most powerful of all the portable fans we tested. It comes with three different fan speeds, the highest of which could be felt strongly from six feet away (but not from 20 feet).
Who it's for: People who want a cordless fan that can go anywhere. Who it isn't for: People who don't want to worry about recharging batteries.
This tower fan also includes a number of helpful features, such as an auto shut-off timer that’s programmable up to 7.5 hours, a remote control with a built-in docking station, and a carry handle (although we still found it a bit cumbersome to move). You can even set it the nighttime mode, which decreases the fan speed and dims the controls for all-night use. We would like to see more than three speed settings, but for the price, this fan provides more than enough for variety for most people. And, like other tower fans, its quiet operation makes it great for those who are sensitive to noise.
Out of all the tower fans we tested , we like Lasko Wind Curve best of all for its sleek, curved grill that is able to sweep an entire room with cool air, especially when used in conjunction with the oscillation setting. Tower fans tend to be less powerful than other types of fans, however, we were still able to feel a strong airflow from this fan from up to 10 feet away (although it diminished quite a bit at 20 feet). In fact, we preferred this fan to our ceiling fan during the hot, New York summer. Its slim build means it can fit nicely in tight spaces, making it a great choice for the bedroom, home office, a dorm room, or anywhere else you might be short on space.
Who it’s for: People who want a powerful and slim fan that can fit into tight spaces.
We like that the build of this fan is sturdy and high quality, with a durable metal base that provides stability and support for the large fan head (which gave us peace of mind that our pets would not be able to knock it over). Like most pedestal fans, it features an adjustable height so you're covered whether you're sleeping in bed or sitting on the couch. The clear fan blades also give this unit a sleek, clean look. And we appreciate that it comes with a 12-hour programmable timer and an auto shut-off function in the case that the fan overheats, making it particularly friendly for a nursery or kid's bedroom.
This standing fan has an ultra-quiet operation, ranging from 10 decibels at its lowest setting to 80 decibels at its highest setting. We were impressed with its wide oscillation that moves both up and down and left to right to cover large areas. Even more impressively, you can shuffle through a whopping 12 speed settings using the LED digital display or remote control (it does require you to shuffle through all the settings before you reach your desired speed though). The breeze on the highest setting was very strong from a six-foot distance and faint but still detectable from 20 feet away.
Who it's for: People who want a quiet fan with many speed settings. Who it isn't for: People who want a compact fan for personal use.
Generally, tower fans are not the most portable type of fan to begin with, because their tall and slim construction makes them awkward to carry. However, we found this fan to be particularly difficult to move, because it has a short power cord and lifting it dislodges the unit from the base. But if you intend to keep your fan in one place, such as a bedroom, this slim and quiet tower fan will produce a powerful cool without disrupting your sleep.
If you're a light sleeper or someone who is sensitive to sound, this fan is a great option for the bedroom—we found that it produced a very low hum that is not disruptive. It comes with five different speed settings based on your noise and cooling preferences: Sleep, Calm, White Noise, Refresh, and Power Cool. From a six-foot distance, we were able to feel the breeze of this fan on its highest setting, although it wasn't noticeable from 20 feet away. However, it was able to quickly and effectively cool a living room, thanks in part to the oscillation setting that provides a wide range of airflow. This fan also has a user-friendly interface and a number of additional features, including a remote control that clips to the back of the unit, and a programmable timer.
Who it's for: Light sleepers or people who are sensitive to sound. Who it isn't for: People who want a fan that can easily go from room to room.
We found the noise to be nearly undetectable, especially on the lower settings—so much so that we often forgot it was running. In addition to adjustable speed settings, it also comes with a timer that’s programmable up to eight hours, an energy-saving decrescendo mode that automatically reduces airflow over time, and an adjustable height up to 4.75 feet tall. This is the heaviest fan on our list by about five pounds, so it doesn’t easily go from room to room. However, its sturdy build and substantial weight mean it's not easily tipped over. This is the second most expensive fan on our list, but for those who struggle to sleep due to both temperature and sound, this fan could be well worth the splurge.
Calling all hot sleepers: The Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan is both powerful and whisper quiet for a better night’s rest. This is Rowenta’s most powerful fan—and the most powerful fan on our list—at 2,400 CFM. It comes with five different speed settings, which can be controlled from the bed or the couch using the included remote control. The airflow was noticeable up to 20 feet away from the fan, and the fan was able to effectively cool down an entire living room, thanks to the 120-degree oscillation.
In terms of portability, this fan is extremely lightweight and easy to carry from room to room, thanks in part to its wide handle. We think this versatile and affordable fan could be used for a number of different purposes, from personal use to cooling a small room.
Like our best overall pick, this is technically an air circulator and not a fan, meaning it works by constantly moving air throughout the room. It's small enough to sit on a desk or tabletop, but features a significant airflow at its highest setting and a 90-degree tilt for whole-room cooling. We could clearly feel the airflow from six feet away, although it was significantly diminished when standing 20 feet away. If you’re looking for a fan that can be used comfortably at close range, this is a great option. Plus, we found it quiet enough to keep on during virtual meetings, making this a great work-from-home companion.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a fan that can be felt from a significant distance.
This air circulator doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of some more expensive fans, such as a remote control, a programmable timer, or smart device compatibility, but it’s effective, quiet, and backed by a five-year warranty.
As this is an air circulator and not a traditional fan, it doesn’t oscillate. However, it does feature a chrome glide bar that enables a full 90-degree tilt. The manufacturer recommends aiming the air so that it hits the opposite wall about halfway up, in order to create a high speed air circulation pattern. The 660 is designed to cool a large room, such as a living room or primary bedroom.
This floor fan (which is still small enough to sit on a tabletop) produced a direct airflow that could be felt even from 20 feet away. It comes with four different speed settings that are readily accessible on the top of the unit. Because of the power of this circulator relative to its size, you won’t often need to turn it to the highest setting, which makes its already quiet operation even less pronounced. Plus, its sleek, minimalist design blends seamlessly into any space.
Vornado's signature air circulation technology sets it apart from much of the competition. Unlike traditional fans, which can only be felt when you stand directly in their path, air circulators move air constantly throughout the whole room. To do this, the fan emits a stream of air that flows in a spiral pattern while simultaneously drawing in fresh air from behind, using the walls and ceilings as pathways for constant air circulation. This eliminates the hot and cold spots you get with traditional fans and means you don't need to be standing directly in the fan's path to feel its cooling effect.
Who it's for: People who want to effectively cool a large room or open floor plan. Who it isn't for: People who want a fan with extra features such as a remote control or programmable timer.
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator because it can effectively move air around a large room, eliminating hot and cold spots as well as the need to stand directly in front of the fan in order to feel its airflow.
For a less expensive option more suited for small spaces, the Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan also works as an air circulator and creates a surprisingly powerful breeze relative to its size.
Our Testing Process
We researched and acquired 32 of the best fans on the market to put them through a series of diligent testing. First, we used an anemometer to record the air speed of each fan. We also took note of how many speeds each fan is equipped with and its noise level at the highest and lowest settings.
Next, we evaluated the design of each fan, considering its build, quality, features, and adjustments. During testing, we also assessed the portability of each fan, taking note of its weight, handles, and overall footprint.
For our final test, we marked spots on the floor directly in front of each fan at 6 inches, 6 feet, and 20 feet. We then turned the fan on its highest setting and stood at each spot, taking note of the strength of the airflow from each distance in order to measure its effectiveness. Finally, we received the price of each fan and scored it based on its value, considering both cost and performance. The top performing fans came home with us for long–term testing, and we provided additional feedback as to how well each fan held up after one, three, and six months of use.
Real Simple / Rachel Marek
How to Shop for Fans Like a Pro
Fans vs. Air Circulators
You'll notice many modern fans are referred to as "air circulators." Turns out, this is more than just semantics. Traditional fans work by blowing cool air directly in front of it, while air circulators work by keeping the air in the room constantly moving. This helps to eliminate hot and cold spots, particularly in spaces with poor ventilation. Traditional fans require you to be in the direct path of the airflow, and they tend to provide a more immediate cooling effect.
Type
There are many different types of household fans to choose from, ranging from small desk fans for personal use to powerful floor fans for large spaces. Consider the space you intend to cool before choosing a type of fan.
Table/Desk Fans: For small spaces such as a bedroom or office, a tabletop or desk fan will deliver just the right amount of cooling power. Their smaller footprint means they can go from room to room with ease, making them a great choice for an office or dorm setting.
Pedestal Fans: Also known as stand fans, pedestal fans feature a large fan head mounted on a tall, adjustable stand. They typically come with an oscillating feature that widens the range of their airflow. Pedestal fans are designed to provide a more wide-reaching and powerful airflow without taking up too much space. "High-powered pedestal fans are ideal for large indoor and outdoor spaces like patios and living areas," says Brown.
Tower Fans: These fans are most often used in bedrooms because they are slim and quiet, while still providing a powerful airflow. Most tower fans are oscillating and feature adjustable speed settings and remote controls.
Floor Fans: Floor fans have an extremely powerful airflow and come in a variety of styles, including square-shaped box fans and round air circulators. They can cool large spaces such as open floor plans, garages, large bedrooms, kitchens, and more. Unlike pedestal or tower fans, floor fans are portable and lightweight so they can easily go from room to room.
Window Fans: Window fans are the most space-saving type of fan, as they are designed to be tucked into window frames. They make an affordable alternative to a window air conditioning unit by pulling in outside air to cool a room (some can even exhaust stale indoor air). Keep in mind that it’s generally not recommended to operate window fans in rainy weather, which means you’ll need to remove the fan and stow it elsewhere from time to time.
Real Simple / Rachel Marek
Airflow
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is the measure of how much air a fan can move every minute. The higher the CFM, the more air the fan will circulate. Small desk fans can have a CFM as low as 100, while more powerful household floor fans can go upwards of 1500 CFM (our best splurge pick, the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan, has the largest CFM of those on our list at 2,400). Keep in mind that a powerful fan isn’t necessarily better, particularly for small spaces, as it can make the room uncomfortably windy. “The general rule of thumb is 1 CFM = 1 square foot of room coverage, so a 500 CFM fan could cover a 500 square foot room,” says Brown.
Noise
A quality fan should not rattle or overwhelm a space with noise, even on its highest setting. This is especially important if you're looking for a fan for a bedroom or nursery. We took the noise level of each fan into consideration during our testing.
Additional Features
Oscillation: An oscillating fan is one that rotates from side to side (and sometimes up and down) while blowing. This can help to widen the scope of the airflow for traditional fans. Keep in mind that air circulators do not oscillate, but rather circulate air around the entire room.
Speed Settings: Most fans feature more than two speed settings, so you don't have to choose between a barely-there breeze or an uncomfortable wind.
Adjustable Fan Head: Look for a fan with an adjustable head that can be pivoted at different angles to adjust the direction of the airflow without having to move the whole unit.
Remote Control: A remote control allows you to adjust speed settings or turn the fan on or off without ever getting up—a particularly useful feature for a bedroom.
Power Source: "Units can be wall powered, USB powered, battery powered (C or D cell batteries), and also rechargeable (built in battery)," says Brown. "Fans can also be hybrid—powered both by wall/USB and battery/rechargeable." The Sharper Image GO 9 Rechargeable Portable Fan is our favorite rechargeable cordless option.
More Fans to Consider
Better Homes & Gardens 3-Speed Tower Fan: This tower fan makes an affordable alternative to the others on our list. It features an impressive variety of air speeds and settings for the price, including three speed settings and three internal oscillation settings. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.)
Lasko All-Season Tower Fan & Heater: This hybrid model puts off a natural breeze when running the fan and warms the room nicely when running the heat. However, it’s somewhat difficult to carry, so it’s better off as a permanent fixture in a bedroom or living room.
Real Simple / Rachel Marek
Questions You Might Ask
How should you clean a fan and how often?
The blades on fans can attract dust and dirt, which then become airborne and affect the quality of your air: "Blowing air one way means that fans can attract air—as well as dust and other floating particles—from the opposite direction," says Brown. "Dirty fan blades and motors work less effectively and need to be dusted once a week."
To clean your fan, make sure the fan is unplugged and use the brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to clean the grill. Then, use compressed air or a hair dryer to blast away the remaining dust from both the front and back of the blades. Finally, wipe down the exterior of your fan with a damp cloth. If you are using the fan in conjunction with your air conditioner, plan this maintenance at the same time that you clean your window A/C unit.
Where is the best place to set up a fan?
To get the most out of your fan, position it facing the opposite wall so that the air will bounce off and mix with the other air in the room, helping to cool the space. During intense heat waves, you can also open a window at night and place one fan facing the window to let the warm air out. Place another fan facing inwards, to circulate the air in the room. Be sure to keep your windows and blinds closed during the day to repel the sun as much as possible, and, if you have one, change your ceiling fan direction for warm weather.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 32 fans in our Lab and evaluated them based on their air speed, design, portability, effectiveness, and value. We also brought the top performers home for long-term testing and have updated this piece with fresh insights based on our experience. For expert tips on what to look for when shopping for fans, we consulted Matt Brown, former merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floorcare, and current senior merchant of vinyl flooring, at Home Depot.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.