The 10 Best Fans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
“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.
Best Tower Fan
Dreo 42" Oscillating
$80 at Amazon
Style: Tower | Number of Speeds: 6REASONS TO BUY
Great app
Quiet low speeds
Powerful airflow
REASONS TO AVOID
Wobbly on higher speeds
Expensive
Tower |
The Dreo 42" Oscillating is a highly effective and functional tower fan. Its high-powered airflow has no trouble reaching all parts of the room. From a decent distance, we were able to feel a substantial gust of cool air. It has six different speeds and four modes: normal, natural, sleep, and auto. Most notably, the sleep mode gradually shuts off throughout the night. The Dreo has an accompanying mobile application that allows the user the option to remotely control the fan or check the room temperature. When the fan is powered back on, it remembers the last used settings, so you won't need to readjust it every time. Additionally, its sleek and slim profile is easy on the eyes and sure to blend into almost any room.
The Dreo's base is sturdy and we never felt it would tip over. However, the higher speed settings made us uncomfortable as the top wobbled quite a bit. These high speeds were also rather noisy. Additionally, the indicator lights shut off so quickly that we barely had time to note which setting we were in. All in all, this is an excellent tower fan that boasts a strong airflow and overall functionality.
Read more: Best Tower Fans
The Dreo 42" has a sleek, minimalist design that fits into any space.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Best Oscillating Fan
Pelonis 40" Oscillating
$58 at Amazon
Style: Tower | Number of Speeds: 3REASONS TO BUY
Great coverage
Quiet
Very useful settings
REASONS TO AVOID
Wobbly
No remote housing
Tower |
If you're searching for a tower fan that cools an entire room without breaking the bank, the Pelonis 40" Oscillating is it. It oscillates a whopping 90°, whereas most tower fans only rotate 65°. This is quite a powerful fan, with airflow easily reaching the other side of the room. It boasts three speeds and four modes: normal, natural, sleep, and eco. On its lowest settings, the fan is barely audible. Additionally, the fan includes a timer for up to 15 hours and quiet beeps when the settings are changed.
Though we appreciate the nearly silent low modes, the higher-powered modes are a bit loud. These high settings also make the tower wobbly and unstable. Unfortunately, the machine doesn't have a convenient housing for the remote control. Still, if you're looking for a powerful tower fan that is cost-effective, the Pelonis 40 is an excellent option.
The Pelonis 40" Oscillating fan does an excellent job cooling the entire room with a 90 degree rotation.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Best Floor Fan
Vornado 660 Large
$90 at Amazon
Style: Floor | Number of Speeds: 4REASONS TO BUY
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Simple and effective
Quiet
Variable speeds
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited pivot
No features
Floor |
The Vornado 660 Large fan moves an impressive amount of air while remaining compact and portable. It includes four speeds, which are all notably distinctive and effective. As an "air circulator," this fan is capable of moving large amounts of cool air throughout an entire room. Though it is designed to sit on the floor, the compact size can easily fit on tables, nightstands, and desks. Additionally, the fan is fairly quiet on the two lowest settings making this a great option for the bedroom or while watching TV.
The Vornado 660 doesn't have oscillating options and only pivots 90°, less than many other models we tested. Next, we found the speed selection a bit annoying. Each speed is controlled by a separate button that can't be changed until the unit is powered on. This is a simple fan with no bells and whistles. This means it lacks a remote and timer. All things considered, this is an excellent fan that gets the job done at many different locations of the house.
Read more: Best Floor Fans
The Vornado 660 is compact and powerful, moving cool air throughout the entire space.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Best Budget Small Model
Lasko 3300 Wind Machine
$49 at Amazon
Style: Floor | Number of Speeds: 3REASONS TO BUY
Effective airflow
350-degree angle
Compact and less expensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Loud
Slides around
Floor |
The Lasko 3300 Wind Machine is an impressive machine that circulates air without costing a fortune. The fan can pivot almost all the way around, though the handle prevents a full 360° spin. Once you've found the ideal angle, two knobs tighten the unit to keep it in place. The fan is among the most simple, with just three speed settings that are all quite effective at moving air. Though this fan isn't necessarily quiet, it has a low-pitched hum rather than the typical high-pitched squealy sound.
Though the noise wasn't too annoying in pitch, it was one of the loudest we tested in terms of decibels. This model has a sturdy base, though the bottom lacks grip pieces to keep it in place. A gentle bump made this unit slide across our wood floor. Additionally, the control knob is inconveniently placed at the back of the fan, making it a bit difficult to use.
The Lasko Wind Machine is a larger floor model with a sturdy base and almost 360-degree spin.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Best Window Option
Lasko W09560
$64 at Amazon
Style: Window | Number of Speeds: 3REASONS TO BUY
Intuitive app
Air exchange settings
Converts to table/floor model
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks power
Manual controls are poorly designed
Window |
The Lasko W09560 is a window unit that excels at dispersing fresh air into your room. It features twin blades that can individually be programmed to intake or exhaust. If you're looking to exchange air, one blade can be set to intake while the other is set to exhaust. It includes temperature control and a 1 to 8 hour timer. Installation is simple and intuitive, with options for vertical or horizontal orientation. Additionally, the fan can be controlled through an accompanying mobile app or directly on the machine.
The fan was a bit simpler to use with the app, whereas the manual controls were less intuitive. The fan also wasn't very powerful. At 13 feet away, we felt just a slight gust. However, we enjoyed the intake of fresh air from outside rather than just circulating the room's air as most fans do.
Read more: Best Window Fans
The Lasko W09560 can fit both horizontally or vertically in windows.
Credit: Laura Casner
Best Cost-Effective Window Fan
Comfort Zone CZ319WT
$52 at Amazon
Style: Window | Number of Speeds: 2REASONS TO BUY
Easy to use
Good airflow
Intakes fresh air
REASONS TO AVOID
Only blows in one direction
Lacks features
Window |
If you're searching for a window fan that keeps your wallet happy, the Comfort Zone CZ319WT is a great option. This minimalist twin-blade fan easily fits into a double-hung window gap and minimizes gaps with its included bug screen. The fan is unidirectional but can easily be flipped around to exhaust a room. Additionally, the airflow from this fan was impressive, with a steady cool gust at 20 feet away.
Though this unit does a great job moving air, the unidirectional fans must be flipped around for exhaust. This process was easy but a bit more involved than simply pressing a button to change the direction. Additionally, the fan only has two settings — high and low. However, the fan boasts an impressive performance at a price that is hard to beat.
The Comfort Zone CZ319WT has twin blades that fit best in double-hung windows.
Credit: Laura Casner
Best Clip Fan
Genesis 6-Inch Clip
$14 at Amazon
Style: Table | Number of Speeds: 2REASONS TO BUY
Sturdy clip
Minimal noise
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited pivot
Tabletop stand isn't sturdy
Table |
The Genesis 6-inch Clip is a small, personal-sized fan that is great for desks or headboards. The unit has two speeds, with 1.7 mph wind on low and 3 mph on high. Both speeds make minimal noise and vibration. This is partially due to the insulated clip, which helps absorb any vibrations. The fan can also be used as a tabletop fan, with features that include oscillation and pivot.
The fan is among the most simple, though you might be limited in its functionality. The clip feature works great; however, the tabletop stand is not the sturdiest and easily falls down when bumped. Additionally, the fan only pivots about 130° when used as a clip. Though this fan has its downsides, we think this inexpensive model is a great option, especially for small spaces.
Read more: Best Table Fans
The Genesis 6-inch Clip is a small tabletop fan that can also be clipped to desk tops.
Credit: Laura Casner
Best Pedestal Fan
PELONIS Silent Turbo
Style: Pedestal | Number of Speeds: 12
REASONS TO BUY
Great modes
Remembers last used settings
Quiet airflow
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks power
Loud beeps
Pedestal |12
The Pelonis Silent Turbo is a classic pedestal fan with updated, advanced features. Among these updated features are four distinct modes: normal, sleep, natural, and silent. Most notable are the "sleep" and "silent" modes. With "sleep" mode, the fan gradually slows down over a few hours. The "silent" mode is remarkably quiet. We were only able to hear the fan when we stood right next to it, and even then, the noise wasn't much. This unit has 12 speed options, allowing you to fine-tune your airflow. It also remembers your last used settings, avoiding any frustration with resetting the fan every time it is powered on. The unit includes a handy remote, a sturdy base, and a 30-minute to 12-hour timer.
The Pelonis Silent Turbo impressed us with its quiet airflow. However, it wasn't the most powerful fan we tested. The 12 speed options had little variation, and the airflow topped out at 10.5 mph. We also weren't too impressed by the loud beeps when a setting is changed. All in all, this pedestal fan is a great option with its convenient settings and quiet airflow.
Read more: Best Pedestal Fans
The Pelonis Silent Turbo is hardly noticeable on its "silent" mode.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Why You Should Trust Us
This review is the result of many months spent testing all kinds of fans of different models, from tabletop to window and everything in between. We extensively researched every model and, as a result, purchased the most promising contenders. Each of these has been put through a series of rigorous tests. We tested these in our gyms, offices, homes, and patios during the hottest of days to see which ones truly held up. We measured every fan's airflow speed, oscillation, and decibel rating. Each fan was compared side by side to bring you a clear guide of the best of the best.
Our testing team is comprised of Maggie Nichols, Jessica Riconscente, and Becca Glades. Maggie has spent countless years living and working in some of the hottest parts of the world. From conducting research in West Africa to teaching in the Amazon rainforest, she is no stranger to stifling days. Jessica spent years exploring the warmest parts of the southern hemisphere after earning her degree in industrial technology. She is a jack of all trades and brings a keen eye when testing products. Becca Glades spent her childhood in Southern New Mexico, where the hottest days seem to last a lifetime. That said, this team of testers never underestimates how important a good, reliable fan can be.
The Dreo is easy to use with simple buttons and modes.Many fans come with a remote control to easily change the machines settings.While some fans have remotes and apps, others have extremely simple interfaces for speed controls.How to choose the right fan
There are many types of fans on the market at an assortment of price points. Understandably, it can be difficult to decide on one when so many factors are at play. This review highlights the best tower, floor, window, table, and pedestal fans. Each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. So which kind is the best? This greatly depends on what space you plan to put it in and what features you are interested in.
Tower Fan
Tower fans are tall, narrow units that typically have a wide assortment of features. Most include a timer, remote control, and adjustable speeds. The minimal footprint allows them to fit easily in most spaces. Tower fans typically oscillate, whereas many other types don't. This feature increases the airflow's area, reaching more of the room. However, the height of these fans don't adjust, so it's important to note the height to ensure the air movement is high enough for your liking. Given their height, they are often not as sturdy as other types.
Tower fans are tall and skinny yet keep a minimal footprint.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Floor Fan
Floor fans are simple units with an impressive amount of power. These fans almost always rotate up and down but rarely oscillate. However, their lightweight, compact nature means they can easily be pivoted. They are among the sturdiest, with a low center of gravity and a wide base. They typically include multiple speeds but lack advanced modes and features. Though noisy, floor fans move a notable amount of air. They are great for gyms or rooms where a bit of background noise is welcome.
Floor models often have a large tilt so you can find the exact position for ideal airflow.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Window Fan
Window fans are ideal for circulating fresh air into a room. They are available in many different sizes with varying power. Most notably, they bring outside air in, a feature almost all others don't have. They aren't particularly useful without a window, so you'll want to make sure the room you're trying to ventilate has an appropriately sized window. Though possible, you probably won't be moving this fan around. Aside from the placement, these fans typically have a range of features, including temperature control, remotes, and timers.
Many window fans are also convertible to tabletop fans. However, this conversion isn't typically the smoothest process.
Credit: Laura Casner
Table Fan
Table fans are fairly small and simple fans that are best for desktops or nightstands. They don't have the most advanced features, but many include unique designs that give them a small footprint. Some even come with clips to secure them to the side of a table. Table fans are best suited for individual use as they aren't the most powerful. You wouldn't want to rely on them to cool an entire room. However, a table fan might be the best option if you're simply looking for a cool breeze at your desk or bed. Additionally, these units tend to be more financially feasible.
Table fans are small and often just enough to keep a constant breeze on one person.
Credit: Laura Casner
Pedestal Fan
Pedestal fans have the classic style of upright units; however, most are updated with modern features. Many include remotes, timers, variable breezes, and multiple speeds. These fans often oscillate and do a great job of moving air around. They did about average in our noise tests, but their top-heavy design makes them less stable than most others.
Pedestal fans have the classic look, though many have been updated to include modern features.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Other Factors to Consider
Noise
Each fan is going to make some level of noise. Some are louder than others. If you are sensitive to sounds, it is worth looking for a model that did well in our noise tests. A handful of models include a "quiet" setting, which is barely detectable. Many of these sacrifice airflow power for a lower noise level. However, the more powerful fans can be set further away from the user, making the perceived noise quieter. While we are mostly concerned about the airflow noise, we also noted which fans had a particularly annoying "beep" when changing settings. Most of the models with remotes indicate a change was made by a small beeping noise. However, some machines incorporate loud, off-putting indicator beeps.
The Silent Turbo is among the quietest fans we tested, with almost no perceived noise on its "silent" mode.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Advanced Features
While most have some sort of speed option, a handful include a selection of advanced features. Among these are timers of various lengths, remote controls, and modes. For those interested, you can program your fan to shut off after a certain amount of time or simply select a mode that gradually shuts off within a certain timeframe. A handful of these models even have a mobile app that can be used to control the machine. These advanced features come at a higher price point, so it might be worth saving the extra cash if you're looking for a bare-bones fan.
A handful of fans now include mobile apps to help keep you in control of the breeze.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Size and Location
Depending on where you decide to put your new fan, the size is worth considering. If you're looking to ventilate a small office or room, a large fan might be overkill. In contrast, a larger space or gym will likely require more than a simple clip fan. If you are deciding on a top-heavy pedestal or tower fan, it is worth noting where this will be placed. These fans are often less stable and shouldn't be in an area where they could easily be knocked over by kids or pets playing. Before making a purchase, note the space that will be gaining the cooling unit. Having an idea of where it will be placed will help guide you in purchasing the best fan.
Location is essential when choosing a fan.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
We spent countless hours testing all kinds of fans, from tower and tabletop models to floor and window units. We thoroughly investigated each model in every category and selected the best options to test and present. We hope this guide makes it easier to select a new fan to keep you cool on the hottest of days.
We spent countless hours testing all kinds of fans, from tower and tabletop models to floor and window units. We thoroughly investigated each model in every category and selected the best options to test and present. We hope this guide makes it easier to select a new fan to keep you cool on the hottest of days.
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