Best Overall
Dreo Nomad One Tower Fan
- This oscillating fan provides a powerful breeze that fits four versatile modes and speeds.
This oscillating fan provides a powerful breeze that fits four versatile modes and speeds.
- There is no way to tilt the fan or change its height.
There is no way to tilt the fan or change its height.
Of all the fans we tested, the Dreo Tower Fan proved to be the superior choice. We chose this fan as best overall because it thoroughly impressed us with its ability to consistently keep the room cool with its four speeds and modes.
During testing, we found that there was a significant difference in the four speeds. The lowest setting was able to provide a comfortable breeze, and the highest setting was able to fully cool the room without being too loud or overwhelming.
The eco mode, which is designed to save energy, fluctuated automatically between the low and high setting. The night mode turned the fan’s lights off and prohibited beeping so it doesn’t interfere with sleep.
The oscillation setting had an excellent range of motion with its 90-degree rotation. We felt this fan would work great in any size room since it had enough power to be felt from 20 feet away.
We appreciated how quiet this fan was during the testing process. Even at its highest speed it made very little noise, so it wouldn’t keep you awake at night.
This fan has a timer setting for up to 8 hours, which we liked using at night. It also has a remote control that made the fan easy to use, and it worked up to 20 feet away. The design is sleek and modern-looking with its bladeless design. enough it would fit into any room without standing out.
How it Performed After 2 Months
The fan continued to perform well, with no wear and tear despite running it nearly every night during the testing period. Even on the highest setting we thought it was quieter than other fans we've tried and liked the white noise effect. The handle on the back makes it super convenient for moving around the apartment.
It's easy to wipe down with a cloth, and you can remove the vent for cleaning though we haven't found that it gets dirty enough to need to take that step. We also love how stable the base is—if we knock into it, it stays put.
Product Details: Speeds: Four | Wind Modes: Four | Max CFM: 24 | Timer: 8-hour timer | Dimensions: 11.81 x 11.81 x 36.22 inches
Key Terms to Know
- CFM: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. This is how much air a fan can move in one minute.
- HEPA Filter: HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter helps remove particles like dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Box Fan
Blueair Blue Pure Purifying Fan
- It has a more stylish look than a typical box fan and also doubles as an air filter.
It has a more stylish look than a typical box fan and also doubles as an air filter.
- It is more expensive than other similar styles.
It is more expensive than other similar styles.
“These practical fans have an open-back design perfect for moving air from one area to another, making them an excellent window fan option,” Hoelter says. “Their larger blades make them ideal for circulating air in spacious areas like living rooms and garages.”
If you prefer a box fan, we love the Blueair Blue Pure Purifying Fan. The fan filters the air before it hits the fan blades, so you never have to take the unit apart to clean it. Plus, there is a replaceable filter as well as a colored fabric pre-filter, which supports the main filter and helps capture particles. Part of what makes this pick one of the best fans for a bedroom is it’s a great option for those with allergies. When operating in auto mode, this fan automatically increases fan speed when it detects particle pollution levels rising and returns to a lower speed once the air is clean, so you won’t have to worry about a build up of pollutants in your bedroom. If you’re a warm sleeper, you’ll appreciate this fan’s night mode—it operates at 25 decibels (dB), which is fairly quiet. On the highest setting, the fan reaches about 54 dB, which would offer white noise for those who like to sleep with some sound in the background. This 11.6-pound fan is fairly lightweight compared to some other styles and it features a leather strap on top, so you can move it around your bedroom however you see fit. While it’s a bit more expensive than other styles, the midcentury modern style will make for a decorative piece in your bedroom.
Product Details: Speeds: Three | Wind Modes: Two | Timer: None | Dimensions: 12.9 x 11.2 x 15.5 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
Best Ceiling Fan
Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan
- This modern black three-blade ceiling fan moves a lot of air and doesn’t look as bulky as traditional ceiling fans.
This modern black three-blade ceiling fan moves a lot of air and doesn’t look as bulky as traditional ceiling fans.
- The switch to reverse the blade directions is not on the remote so you have to use a step ladder to reach it on the main unit.
The switch to reverse the blade directions is not on the remote so you have to use a step ladder to reach it on the main unit.
During testing, the Minka-Aire Light Wave 52-Inch Integrated LED Indoor Ceiling Fan was our favorite ceiling fan for bedrooms because of its sleek design and quiet operation. Instead of four or five blades like you might find in other large bedroom ceiling fans, the three blades on this fan take up less visual space.
We liked that we could operate all three fan functions and the light through the remote control. One feature we liked was that we could dim it and turn the light off and the next time we turned on the light, it would return to the last used level. This is a benefit if you need to turn on the light in the middle of the night, but don’t want it shining in your eyes.
We also liked how well it moved air on the medium and highest settings. At top speed, the fan moves air at a rate of 4,531 CFM, which is great for a large bedroom. We felt it provided a cooling breeze while sleeping and created soft white noise.
On medium speed, it was nearly silent and moved air well for winter months when you want air movement but not a cooling breeze. However, on the lowest level, we couldn’t feel much air movement in a large bedroom.
One detail to consider if you like to run your ceiling fan year-round is that the switch to change the direction of the fan blades is located on the fan’s housing unit. You can’t change the direction from the remote so you would have to manually reach the fan to move the switch.
How it Performed After Six Months
This fan continued to be a standout both in terms of design and function during testing. As a year-round hot sleeper, we ran it nightly in the bedroom even once the weather cooled down. We appreciate the ability to reverse the fan's direction, though we did find it annoying that you couldn't do so from the remote.
We love how visually attractive and contemporary the fan is, especially considering that it's effective as well. While it offers a bit of pleasant white noise on the highest settings, the lower two settings are basically silent.
Product Details: Speeds: Three | Wind Modes: One | Max CFM: 4,531 | Timer: No | Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 13.75 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
Best Portable
Crane Circulating Desk Fan
- One tester liked that the fan folds, so it’s easy to pack or store between uses.
One tester liked that the fan folds, so it’s easy to pack or store between uses.
- You’ll have to manually adjust the position however you see fit, which could be inconvenient.
You’ll have to manually adjust the position however you see fit, which could be inconvenient.
Whether you’re at home or on vacation, the Crane Oscillating Desk Fan with Remote Control is a great portable option. The compact fan folds up, so you can take it on the go or just store it between uses to save some space. This oscillating desk fan works in three positions: straight up, a 45-degree angle, or a 90-degree angle. It also oscillates up to 70 degrees from side to side, so you can set it however you see fit. We could feel the air moving well at 6 feet away, but not at 20 feet so it’s great for a small bedroom or shared spaces, like dorm rooms or a home office.We also liked that it had a digital touch display that allowed us to choose between three-speed settings, as well as a programmable seven-hour timer. There is also a remote for easier operation, although we still had to manually adjust the position of the fan to how we wanted it.
How it Performed After One Month
We really liked the funky design of this fan, which we also found effective for cooling. The top portion folds down for easy storage. This detail combined with the overall compact size makes it a nice option for small homes or apartments. Though it's advertised as a desk fan, we do think it might be too bulky to place on a desk.
Product Details: Speeds: Three | Wind Modes: Two | Timer: Yes; programmable seven-hour timer | Dimensions: 9.75 x 9.75 x 7.75 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
Best with HEPA Filter
Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde
- It captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air.
It captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air.
- It is the most expensive portable fan on our list.
It is the most expensive portable fan on our list.
If you’re looking for a bedroom fan that can do it all, the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde HP09 Smart Tower Fan is the best choice for you. This fan, heater, and air purifier has a powerful filtration system that detects pollutants in the air and captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The filtration system is completely sealed so irritants are pulled in and aren't released back into the air.
Although this fan has a high-tech filtration system, it is easy to use and can be controlled by voice command through Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Home. You can also change the settings via an app on your mobile device or with the included remote.
One feature we really like about this fan is that you can use it to heat or cool your room. This makes it a versatile option all year long. If you need to warm up your bedroom during winter months, this fan will help you stay cozy without having to crank up the heat in the entire house.
And vice versa, it will help keep your room cooler in summer. The only drawback to this bedroom fan with HEPA filter is that it is a more expensive option than other portable fans on our list of best bedroom fans.
Product Details: Speeds: 10 | Wind Modes: Five | Max CFM: Not listed | Timer: None | Dimensions: 5.12 x 9.8 x 30 inches
Best Standing Fan
Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan
- The high-power fan can spread air through a large bedroom.
The high-power fan can spread air through a large bedroom.
- A standing fan with blue plastic blades might not fit with the style of your room decor.
A standing fan with blue plastic blades might not fit with the style of your room decor.
The Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme Plus Stand Fan is a powerful fan that’ll fill a large space with cool air. The remote-controlled fan features five speeds and 120-degree oscillating movement, so you’ll always have a comfortable breeze. Part of what makes this design one of the best is the multiple speed settings. When testing this fan, we noted that the lowest speed was nearly silent.
The other lower speeds made subtle noise while the highest speed was a bit louder. However, we didn’t find it to be disruptive overall. There’s also a natural breeze function that varies the wind speed to mimic natural airflow.We also appreciated that you can also get the best of both worlds with the decrescendo mode that automatically reduces the fan speed from the maximum level to the minimum. The feature will cool off the bedroom as you fall asleep—you can even set an auto-off timer. The fan is larger than other picks but you’ll be able to extend it from 53 inches to up to 57 inches. Just keep in mind that the fan may not be as stylish as other options, so if you’re looking for a decorative option this may not be the best pick.
Product Details: Speeds: Five | Wind Modes: Two | Timer: Yes | Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 53 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
Best Window
Genesis A1 Window Fan
- The fan is powerful enough to feel the airflow from 20 feet away.
The fan is powerful enough to feel the airflow from 20 feet away.
- It might not work with all window configurations.
It might not work with all window configurations.
The Genesis Twin Fan High Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan has a few standout features we appreciate. In addition to a built-in thermostat, the dual-motor fan comes with feet that allow you to use it as a traditional fan as well as extenders that help it attach to just about any window. Thanks to the fan’s thermostat, you’ll be able to set the temperature on the fan between 60 and 80 degrees. For your convenience, there are even LED lights that indicate the temperature setting.
If you want to just use it as a fan, you’ll appreciate that there are three speed settings to choose from: low, medium, and high. Overall, one tester said she was impressed with the fan’s performance, especially given the price. Unlike some other window fans, you can change the direction of the fans to blow in or out. You can even set one fan to blow air into the room and the other fan to push air out, which is ideal for small rooms that don’t get a lot of natural airflow. The fan is 24-inches wide, but there are extenders that reach up to 37 inches, so it can accommodate a number of windows. If this fan doesn’t work with your window shape and size, however, you can set it on the included plastic feet and place it on a bedroom dresser or nightstand. Thanks to a lightweight build and built-in handle, it’ll be easy to move it wherever you see fit.
How it Performed After Six Months
The fan worked well during the entire testing period. During colder months we continued to use it for home workouts. We do think the temperature settings listed on it are a touch misleading, and it's probably best for someone in a moderate climate as it lets in a lot of outside air if it's permanently installed in the window.
Product Details: Speeds: Three | Wind Modes: Three | Timer: No | Dimensions: 4 x 24 x 12 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
Best Smart Fan
Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Ceiling Fan
- You can operate this fan with a remote, an app on your mobile device, or with Alexa and Google Home.
You can operate this fan with a remote, an app on your mobile device, or with Alexa and Google Home.
- It’s more expensive than other similar options.
It’s more expensive than other similar options.
With seven speed settings and a permanent-magnet motor for whisper-quiet, energy-efficient airflow, the Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Ceiling Fan will help keep your bedroom nice and cool. Although it’s a bit of an investment, the fan has smart capabilities and offers a modern look for your bedroom. The fan is available in black or white and features three sleek blades that fit with any style of decor. You can turn it on and operate the fan with a remote or with the brand’s mobile app for added convenience. You can also turn it on and off with smart home devices, like Alexa and Google Home Assistant, as well. The three wind modes in this design are part of what makes it a great choice. First is the whoosh mode, which varies the fan speed up and down to simulate a natural breeze.
Sleep mode reduces the fan speed gradually over a set amount of time. There is also an auto-timer that will turn the fan off completely after a set period of time. The fan is also equipped with an LED light kit, which includes 16 dimmable settings. There’s also an included universal mount that makes for easy installation.
Product Details: Speeds: Seven | Wind Modes: Three | Timer: Yes | Dimensions: 15 x 15 inches; 52-inch blade span
Best Clip-On Fan
Vornado Pivot Personal Air Circulator Fan
- It weighs less than two pounds, so it’s easy to travel with.
It weighs less than two pounds, so it’s easy to travel with.
- It doesn’t offer a ton of airflow and has to be plugged in, so you’ll have to make sure you’re near an outlet to use it. It also doesn’t have a timer, so you’ll have to remember to turn it off.
It doesn’t offer a ton of airflow and has to be plugged in, so you’ll have to make sure you’re near an outlet to use it. It also doesn’t have a timer, so you’ll have to remember to turn it off.
The Vornado Pivot C Clip-On Fan will help keep you cool during the day or at night. Whether you want to clip it to your headboard or to a desk while you work, the handy fan is a small and convenient option. The fan features three speeds as well as a fully pivoting head that’ll allow you to direct airflow however you see fit. At just 2 pounds, the fan is easy to move around your bedroom. Since it’s so lightweight, you could also dedicate some suitcase space to this clip-on fan and take it with you on your next vacation. Unlike some bulky clip-on fans, this one has a sleek design that won’t be an eyesore in your bedroom. It’s also easy to clean thanks to a removable grill, so you won’t have to worry about a lot of dust build up between uses.
Product Details: Speeds: Three | Wind Modes: One | Timer: No | Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.9 x 9.9 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL MAREK