A good fan should make your space feel better the moment you turn it on. But plenty of models simply move air without actually cooling things down, often because of weak motors or limited airflow. The best fans do much more: They circulate air throughout the entire room, run quietly enough for sleep or work and include useful features like adjustable speeds, oscillation and timers. Our top pick, the Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator, moves a surprisingly strong volume of air with minimal noise, making it especially ideal for bedrooms and home offices.
The best fans help cool down any space quickly and efficiently.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers
In addition to strong airflow and low noise, itâs important to choose a fan thatâs built to last. As Gerrit Jan Reinders, CEO of climate systems company Reinders Corporation, puts it: âNever buy a fan just because itâs the cheapest. Cheap fans are loud, break quickly and donât move much air." In fact, he warns, "youâll end up buying two or three cheap fans instead of one good one." To help you find a fan thatâs actually worth it (and right for your space), we spoke to experts about the features that matter most, including quiet operation, reliable performance and thoughtful design. If you need something powerful for a bigger room, consider the adjustable-height Dreo PolyFan 704S pedestal fan; for bedrooms or smaller areas, the sleek Dreo Smart Tower Fan is a quiet, space-saving option. Ahead, find all of the best fans on the market to help keep your space comfortable.
Powerful Airflow That Circulates Throughout The Entire Room
Amazon
Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator
Dimensions: 8.6 x 12 x 13.6 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | Timer: No | Remote: No | Oscillation range: Multi-directional tilt (no oscillation)
What you'll love:
Effectively circulates air across an entire room
Easy-to-adjust tilt directs airflow precisely
Simple three-speed manual controls
Easy to clean due to removable grill
Keep in mind:
Doesnât include a remote or timer
No automatic oscillation
This compact model uses what Vornado calls âVortex circulationâ to efficiently move air around the whole room, instead of just blowing it in one direction. Experts consistently point to airflow as the single most important factor when choosing a fan; Reinders notes that a fan's ability to effectively move air doesn't depend on how big the blades are, but rather on how well they're designed and positioned. With steeply pitched blades and an inlet guide cone, this Vornado model creates strong and focused airflow that quickly evens out temperature and makes stuffy rooms comfortable almost immediately. The adjustable tilt head also lets you direct airflow exactly where you want it, whether toward your desk or across a warm living room.
While this fan is powerful, it's definitely not whisper quiet, especially at the highest speed. On low, the sound is fine for sleeping, but you'll still hear noticeable white noise. If you prefer total silence, this fan isn't ideal. But if you don't mind ambient fan noise, it's steady and smooth, without any rattling or mechanical hum.
Itâs also helpful that this fan has a removable front grill, because dust inevitably builds up on the blades over time. Instead of taking the whole fan apart, you can just pop the grill off and easily wipe the blades clean. I've had mine for years and it's noticeably sturdy; nothing has loosened or broken, and it stays perfectly stable even after running all night.
Best Value Fan
Compact, Reliable And Surprisingly Powerful
Walmart
Honeywell Turbo Force Power Air Circulator Fan
Dimensions: 8.94 x 6.3 x 10.91 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | Timer: No | Remote: No | Oscillation range: No oscillation; pivots 90 degrees
What you'll love:
Fan head pivots 90 degrees
Easily mounts on a wall
Quiet compared to similar models
Keep in mind:
No oscillation feature
Smaller size limits airflow range
The Honeywell Turbo Force fan is small but surprisingly strong. It pushes a noticeable breeze several feet out and the fan head pivots vertically up to 90 degrees, which helps direct airflow exactly where you need it most. While there's no oscillation feature, mounting the fan on a wall lets you position it higher for better air circulation in tight spaces.
Even though itâs inexpensive, this fan doesnât feel cheaply made. It has a lightweight build, but the plastic casing is sturdy rather than flimsy. Honeywell says it's about 25% quieter than comparable compact fans, but that doesn't mean it's silent; on higher speeds, you can expect noticeable, steady fan noise. If typical white noise from a fan doesnât bother you, it works well in bedrooms, home offices or other smaller spaces.
Best Upgrade Fan
Vintage-Inspired Design You'll Actually Want to Display
Wayfair
Vornado Silver Swan
Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.7 x 17.6 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | Timer: No | Remote: No | Oscillation range: Yes |
What you'll love:
Elegant, vintage-style Art Deco design
Sturdy die-cast metal construction
Oscillation and tilt adjustment for better airflow
Keep in mind:
Heavier than typical table fans
Pricier due to premium materials and design
Most fans aren't attractive; usually they're just something you tolerate because you'd rather not be hot. The Silver Swan is an exception. With its vintage-inspired Art Deco curves and sturdy metal construction, this is a fan you'll actually want visible in your room. It circulates air just as effectively as other powerful fans from Vornado, with three speed settings, tilt adjustment and smooth oscillation. It also feels noticeably solid when you pick it up, thanks to the all-metal build, and it won't wobble or vibrate even on higher speeds. But the real upgrade here is aesthetic: Instead of hiding it behind a plant or in a corner, you can keep this one out as part of your decor.
Best Tower Fan
Quiet And Powerful Operation In A Compact Frame
Amazon
Dreo Smart Tower Fan Pilot Max S
Dimensions: 12.8 x 12.8 x 42.5 inches | Number of speeds: 12 | CFM: 1,475 | Timer: 1 to 12 hours | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: 30 to 120 degrees | Noise range: 25 to 48 decibels
What you'll love:
Smart controls via app, Alexa or Google Assistant
Wide, customizable oscillation angles
Ultra-quiet operation on lower settings
Removable rear grill for easy cleaning
Keep in mind:
Higher price point
App is easier to use than the remote
The Dreo Pilot Max S tower fan connects to the Dreo app, Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can control it without getting up from the couch. It produces strong airflow at speeds up to 27 feet per second, which is enough to cool off even a larger bedroom or living area. There are 12 speed settings to give you much finer control compared to typical fans that have only two or three. Or, if you'd rather not adjust settings yourself, the auto mode senses the room temperature and adapts the fan speed accordingly.
It's especially quiet at lower speeds. At the lowest setting, the Pilot Max S runs around 25 decibels, quiet enough for comfortable sleep or work calls. To clean dust from the blades, the back grill pops off easily, so you don't have to take apart the whole fan.
Best Pedestal Fan
A Highly Customizable Option With Smart Controls
MOST POPULAR
Amazon
Dreo PolyFan 704S
Dimensions: 8.7 x 13.7 x 43 inches | Number of speeds: 9 | Timer: Up to 12 hours | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: 150 degrees horizontal, 120 degrees vertical | Noise range: As low as 25 decibels
What you'll love:
Oscillates horizontally and vertically
Adjustable pedestal height
Smart controls via app, Alexa or Google Assistant
Energy-efficient and quiet DC motor
Keep in mind:
Higher price than basic pedestal fans
Primarily plastic construction
This Dreo pedestal fan lets you get highly specific with airflow direction and strength. It offers nine different speeds and oscillates horizontally and vertically, which helps move air evenly throughout the entire room. The DC-powered motor is quiet and energy efficient; at the lowest speed, it runs at just 25 decibels, which is quieter than typical whisper-level noise. It also adjusts in height from about 38 to 43 inches, so itâs easier to position for better coverage in larger spaces or rooms with high furniture.
You can control this fan in several ways: using the included remote, the Dreo app, or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. Thereâs also a built-in timer that lets you schedule when it turns off, which is helpful if you use it overnight. Cleaning the fan is simple, too, since the grille and blades detach easily rather than requiring you to take apart the entire unit.
Best Box Fan
Lightweight, Affordable And Easy To Move Around
Amazon
Pelonis 3-Speed Box Fan
Dimensions: 5.6 x 20.6 x 21.3 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | Timer: No | Remote: No | Oscillation range: None | Noise range: Around 40 decibels
What you'll love:
Lightweight and portable
Simple three-speed control
Safety grill protects blades
Keep in mind:
Noticeably louder than other fan types
No oscillation feature
The Pelonis 3-Speed Box Fan is exactly what you'd expect from a classic box-style fan. Itâs lightweight, easy to carry and fits neatly on a windowsill or tabletop. The dial control offers three simple speed settings, without extra features or complicated controls. And while this fan isn't quiet, the sound it makes is a steady and predictable white noise rather than rattling or buzzing.
The protective safety grill covers the blades to prevent accidents, and the durable plastic housing can survive daily bumps or knocks. Because itâs light and compact, this Pelonis model works especially well in garages, workshops or any space where you need extra airflow without delicate parts or extra maintenance.
Best Window Fan
Low-Profile Design With Intake, Exhaust And Temperature Control
Amazon
Vornado Transom Window Fan
Dimensions: 5.7 x 26 x 7.2 inches | Number of speeds: 4 | CFM: 1,315 | Timer: No | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: None (reversible intake/exhaust) | Noise range: Around 45 decibels
What you'll love:
Slim design doesnât block window views
Switches easily between intake and exhaust
Auto temperature control adjusts fan speed
Keep in mind:
Only fits windows between 26 to 40 inches wide
Must be installed horizontally
The Vornado Transom window fan has a slim, low-profile shape that fits neatly into your window without blocking the view or drawing too much attention. You can easily switch between intake mode, which draws fresh air indoors, and exhaust mode, which pushes stale air outside. There are four different speeds, plus automatic temperature control that adjusts airflow based on the roomâs temperature.
This fan is easy to install, as long as your window measures between 26 and 40 inches wide; foam blocks help create a secure fit and seal out drafts or gaps. It also includes a remote control so you can adjust settings from across the room. If you live somewhere mild and donât always need air conditioning, this model helps circulate fresh air comfortably.
The Forbes Vetted home team regularly researches, tests and reviews cooling appliancesâincluding the best tower fans,portable air conditioners and air purifiersâto recommend products that keep your home comfortable and fresh year-round.
This article was written by home and kitchen editor Kelly OâSullivan and edited by deputy editor Rebekah Lowin. They bring more than a decade of experience in lifestyle journalism, home appliances and product testing.
Our recommendations for the best fans rely on thorough research, expert insights and firsthand experiences. We've personally tested several of the fans featured in this guide and only selected highly-rated models endorsed by our own team and HVAC professionals.
We consulted HVAC and home climate experts including Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Homes & Services, who has more than 30 years of experience in heating, ventilation and air conditioning; Gerrit Jan Reinders, CEO of climate systems company Reinders Corporation, who specializes in high-quality residential cooling solutions; and Tim Alagushov, co-founder of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical, whose expertise focuses on HVAC system design and customer education. These experts provided detailed guidance on airflow efficiency, noise levels, motor quality and which features matter most when choosing a fan for your space.
We periodically revisit and update this guide to ensure our recommendations remain current and reliable. This article was most recently updated in August 2025.
How We Chose The Best Fans
To choose the best fans, we thoroughly researched and compared top models across various categories. Some products we included were recommended directly by HVAC experts, while others stood out due to consistent positive feedback from buyers.
We chose highly rated fans from well-known brands like Vornado, Honeywell, Pelonis and Dreo.
We spoke to HVAC professionals about what matters most when selecting a fan, including airflow strength, blade design, motor quality, noise levels and ease of maintenance.
We focused on features that impact daily use, such as adjustable speeds, timers, remote controls and easy installation.
We included options for different budgets and spaces, from affordable compact fans for small rooms to powerful tower and pedestal fans designed for larger areas.
We prioritized products with consistently high customer ratingsâspecifically models earning at least 4 out of 5 stars from hundreds or thousands of real users.
What To Look For In The Best Fans
Choosing the best fan depends on your specific space, noise tolerance and cooling needs. HVAC experts we spoke to recommend focusing on airflow efficiency, noise output and convenient features.
Airflow
Good airflow is essential if you want your fan to noticeably cool down your space. Reinders notes that blade design is key: "Blades angled at 12 to 15 degrees push air much better than flat blades," he explains. He also emphasizes motor quality, pointing out that "CFM (cubic feet per minute) is what really matters," and suggests aiming for "at least 1,000 CFM for small rooms and 3,000+ CFM for bigger spaces." Our top overall pick, the Vornado 630, uses steeply pitched blades and focused airflow technology, providing powerful, even circulation throughout the room.
Noise Level
If you're sensitive to noise or plan to use your fan in a bedroom or office, decibel rating matters. Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Homes & Services, recommends "looking for decibel ratings under 50 dB for nighttime or office use." Brushless DC motors also run quieter, making them ideal for spaces where noise matters. Both the Dreo PolyFan 704S pedestal fan and Dreo Pilot Max S tower fan operate around 25 decibels on lower settings, quieter than typical whisper-level noise, making them great choices if you plan to use them while sleeping or working.
Convenient Settings
Fans with multiple speed settings, oscillation and smart controls are simply easier and more convenient to use. Tim Alagushov, co-founder of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical, notes that "oscillation is really helpful because it spreads air around the whole room instead of just one spot," and he also recommends looking for features like remote control or app integration for convenience. Our best tower fan pick, the Dreo Pilot Max S, includes customizable oscillation angles, 12 speed settings and app connectivity, letting you control airflow without repeatedly getting up to adjust it.