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The 10 Best Fans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We like the Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator because it effectively circulates air around large rooms without making too much noise.

Group of fans displayed side-by-side in front of a blue wall

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

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 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. 

“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.” 

Best Overall Fan

Vornado Large Air Circulator

Vornado 660 Whole Room Air Circulator with Four Speeds

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Air Speed
    5/5
  • Portability
    3/5

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Type: Floor | Size: 13.5 x 11.8 x 15 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | CFM: 584 | Oscillation: No

Hand touching the Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Budget Fan

Honeywell Air Circulator Fan

Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    3/5
  • Effectiveness
    2/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Air Speed
    3/5
  • Portability
    5/5

Who it’s for: People who want an affordable and effective fan with a small footprint.  

Who it isn’t for: People who want a fan that can be felt from a significant distance. 

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.

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.

Type: Table/Desk | Size: 8.9 x 6.3 x 10.9 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | CFM: 185 | Oscillation: No

Best Splurge Fan

Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan

Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Air Speed
    4.8/5
  • Portability
    3/5

Who it’s for: People willing to spend more for a powerful pedestal fan that won’t disturb sleep. 

Who it isn’t for: People who want a more discrete fan. 

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. 

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.

Type: Pedestal | Size: 18 x 17 x 53 inches | Weight: 17.6 pounds | CFM: 2,400 | Oscillation: Yes 

Best Quiet Fan

Honeywell Tower Fan

Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Tower Fan

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    3/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Air Speed
    5/5
  • Portability
    3/5

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.

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.

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.

Type: Tower | Size: 10 x 10 x 40 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | CFM: 670 | Oscillation: Yes

Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Tower Fan displayed on a wooden floor

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Oscillating Fan

Pelonis Pedestal Fan

Pelonis 16-Inch Pedestal Fan

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Air Speed
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5

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.

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.

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.

Type: Pedestal | Size: 15.8 x 15.8 x 51.2 inches | Weight: 12.4 pounds | CFM: 1595 | Oscillation: Yes

Pelonis 16-Inch Pedestal Fan displayed against a blue wall

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Tower Fan

Lasko Tower Fan

Lasko Wind Curve Tower Fan

Wayfair

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Air Speed
    5/5
  • Portability
    3/5

Who it’s for: People who want a powerful and slim fan that can fit into tight spaces. 

Who it isn’t for: People who want a fan with a wide variety of speed settings. 

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.

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.

Type: Tower | Size: 12.5 x 12.5 x 41.9 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | CFM: 634 | Oscillating: Yes

Lasko Wind Curve Tower Fan displayed between a plant and table

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Portable Fan

Sharper Image Rechargeable Portable Fan

Sharper Image Rechargeable Portable Personal Fan

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    3/5
  • Effectiveness
    3/5
  • Value
    3/5
  • Air Speed
    3/5
  • Portability
    4/5

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 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).

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.

Type: Table/Desk | Size: 8.9 x 10.1 x 12.6 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | CFM: 387 | Oscillation: No

Best Window Fan

Genesis A1 Window Fan

Genesis A1 Window Fan

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Air Speed
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5

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.

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.) 

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.

Type: Window | Size: 4 x 24 x 12 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | CFM: 706 | Oscillation: No

Genesis A1 Window Fan displayed on wood floor with boxes and packing materials

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Desk Fan

Crane Circulating Desk Fan

Crane Oscillating Desk Fan with Remote Control

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Air Speed
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5

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.

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.

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.

Type: Table/Desk | Size: 9.8 x 9.8 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | CFM: Not listed | Oscillation: Yes

Crane Circulating Desk Fan displayed on a wood table

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Air Purifier Fan

Dyson Purifying Fan

Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Air Speed
    4/5
  • Portability
    4/5

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. 

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. 

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.

Type: Tower | Size: 4.4 x 7.5 x 40 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | CFM: 869 | Oscillation: Yes

Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan displayed next to a chair

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

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.

Person standing in front of the Shaper Image Portable Personal Fan

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.

Hand taking an air flow measurement of the Pelonis 16-Inch Pedestal Fan

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.

Person adjusting the Crane Circulating Desk Fan

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.

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