When hot weather hits, you’ll need one of the best fans to keep you cool and comfortable without hiking up your energy bill. A quality fan should be portable, move huge amounts of air without creating a ruckus and easy enough to control. It’s also crucial to find one that blends in with your space without looking like an eyesore. Our top choice is the Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole Room Air Circulator Fan, a compact yet powerful option that effectively circulates air throughout an entire room. However, we rounded up several other strong contenders on the market that are worth considering for your cooling needs.
According to Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi, even those with central air conditioning can benefit from having a fan. “Having a portable fan in your home can help keep you cool on particularly hot days when your air conditioning can’t keep up,” she explains. “Fans are also helpful to have if you don’t have an HVAC system.” Micetich also points out that if you tend to feel hot easily, using a fan can be a great way to cool yourself down without affecting others in your household. Plus, they save on energy bills and improve the overall air circulation in your space.
To choose the best fan for your home, it’s important to consider the type of style you prefer (tower fans and window fans are popular options), the desired cooling strength, whether you need oscillation and eventually, your budget. With these factors in mind, here are the best fans you can buy in 2024.
Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
Style: Table/floor fan | Dimensions: 8.3 x 12 x 13.6 inches | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 3 | CFM: 378 | Cord length: 6 feet | Oscillation: No
Pros:
Compact
Three speed options
Easy to clean
Cons:
Not as quiet as other options
Expensive for the size
The Vornado 360 is a compact option that delivers some impressive cooling power. The fan’s standout feature is its ability to create a unique vortex that circulates air throughout a room of up to 70 feet, ensuring the airflow provided is not limited to just the person directly in front of it. You get to choose between three-speed options which can be adjusted using a dial located on the side of the fan, along with an adjustable tilt for that just-right angle. The sturdy base can be easily placed on a desk or the floor without the risk of tipping over, and the removable front grill makes it easy to clean and maintain the fan.
Best Value Fan
A Popular Model That's Just $17
Honeywell Turbo Force Power Air Circulator Fan
Style: Table fan | Dimensions: 10.9 x 6.3 x 10.9 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 3 | CFM: 185 | Cord length: Unspecified | Oscillation: No
Pros:
Can be wall mounted
Fan head pivots up to 90 degrees
Three speeds
Cons:
Doesn’t oscillate
Could be more powerful
Practically a bestseller at all major retailers (and perpetually sold out at Amazon,) Honeywell’s pint-sized Turbo Force fan is a popular value option that retails for just $17. It generates a noticeable breeze that can be felt up to 25 feet away and offers three adjustable speed settings. While the fan does not oscillate, it compensates with a tilting head feature that you can angle to direct the airflow towards you or tip it upward to circulate air within your room. Choose from two different neutral colors.
Best Upgrade Fan
A Stylish Fan That Doubles As Decor
Vornado Silver Swan Alchemy
Style: Table/floor fan | Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.7 x 17.6 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 3 | CFM: Unspecified | Cord length: 6 feet | Oscillation: Yes
Pros:
Attractive design
Oscillating fan head that tilts
Cons:
Can be time-consuming to clean
Expensive
Vornado's Silver Swan Alchemy is a stylish fan that doubles as decor, but it offers more than just good looks. The fan oscillates to cover a wide range and is crafted from metal, providing durability and a vintage feel. With a simple dial, you can easily switch between three speeds, and the head can be tilted to aim at your desired target. The fan is available in three colorways, from brushed nickel to matte gunmetal. Plus, cleaning this model is simple—just pop off the cover, wipe down the blades and securely reattach the topper.
Best Tower Fan
A Sleek Option With A Ton Of Helpful Features
Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 Tower Fan
Style: Tower fan | Dimensions: 41.7 x 13 x 13 inches | Weight: 9.7 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 6 | CFM: 1270 | Cord length: Unspecified | Oscillation: Yes
Pros:
Slim profile
Includes a remote control
Quiet
Cons:
Some reviewers cited issues with the oscillation
Tower fans are tall and thin, easily fitting into tight spaces or corners. If you’re in the market for this type of device, the highly rated Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 Tower Fan is a great option. It provides excellent airflow and helpful features—such as the sleep mode, which automatically dims the display after several seconds—that make operation a breeze. The bladeless fan relies on a built-in motor to cool your living space, and the wide oscillation ensures a broader coverage area. There are six speed levels, four modes and an included remote control conveniently attached to the fan's body. Customers say this is quiet, efficient and has a sleek, attractive design.
Best Pedestal Fan
A Swanky Device You Control Via An App
Dreo Pedestal Fan With Remote
Style: Pedestal fan | Dimensions: 12.9 x 14.1 x 43.5 inches | Weight: 16.4 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 8 | CFM: 882 | Cord length: Unspecified | Oscillation: Yes
Pros:
Large range
Offers eight different speed settings
Adjustable height
Included remote
Cons:
Oscillation can be noisy
App is glitchy
If you need a fan that can effectively cool an entire room, the Dreo PolyFan Max S is the perfect choice. Covering an impressive 100-foot range, the fan has a powerful output of up to 882 CFM and eight speed options to provide customizable cooling. Despite its power, it operates quietly at just 25 decibels. You can conveniently control the fan using the included remote or an app, and it's even compatible with smart home devices. Choose between horizontal or vertical oscillation to push out air from any direction you choose.
Best Box Fan
A Durable Model With A Slim Profile
Pelonis 3-Speed Box Fan
Style: Box fan | Dimensions: 4.1 x 20.6 x 21.1 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 3 | CFM: 145 | Cord length: Unspecified | Oscillation: No
Pros:
Lightweight
Easy to transport
Ideal for a windowsill
Cons:
No oscillation
Loud
Pelonis’ bestselling box fan is designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, with a convenient built-in carry handle in the corner. With three adjustable speeds, this fan offers versatility in airflow control. A slim profile—measuring just four inches deep—makes it ideal for a windowsill, while the weather-resistant motor allows it to be used as a window fan when needed. For added safety, the fan is equipped with impact-resistant safety grills, in case it’s accidentally tipped over.
Best Desk Fan
A Lightweight Fan That's Easy To Move Around
Hampton Bay 3-Speed Personal High Velocity Table Fan
Style: Table fan | Dimensions: 10.8 x 11.4 x 5.8 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 3 | CFM: Unspecified | Cord length: 6 feet | Oscillation: No
Pros:
Portable
Budget-friendly
Slip-resistant feet
Cons:
Not as powerful as other options
No oscillation
Hampton Bay's three-speed fan may not be the largest or most powerful option on the market, but for $20 it still delivers enough cooling power to keep you comfortable, even on hotter days. Weighing just three pounds, it's lightweight and easy to lift onto your desk, and convenient to move between rooms when needed. The fan's head can tilt up to 90 degrees, allowing you to adjust it to the perfect angle for optimal airflow. It also features slip-resistant feet that prevent it from tipping over, in case you accidentally bump into your desk.
Best Window Fan
The Low-Profile Design Won't Ruin Your View
Vornado Transom
Style: Window fan | Dimensions: 5.7 x 26 x 7.2 inches | Weight: 8.8 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 4 | CFM: 1,315 | Cord length: 8 feet | Oscillation: No
Pros:
Sleek, low-profile design
Includes a remote control
Four different speed settings with auto temperature control
Cons:
Only fits windows 26 to 40-inches
A window fan can be a great alternative to air conditioning, particularly in mild climates. The Vornado Transom is a sleek and slender option that snugly fits into your windowsill, without blocking your view. You have the flexibility to choose between intake and exhaust modes, and with four different fan speeds, you can customize the cooling level to your preference. The auto temperature control feature lets you set your desired temperature, while the Transom adjusts its speed accordingly. Additionally, it comes with remote control for added ease of use.
Best Quiet Fan
An Impressively Quiet Option For Bedrooms
Honeywell Home QuietSet Tower Fan
Style: Tower fan | Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 40 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 5 | CFM: Unspecified | Cord length: 6 feet | Oscillation: No
Pros:
Quiet
Tall, slim profile
Sturdy base
Cons:
Could be more powerful
Many fans can be noisy and disruptive, but the Honeywell Home QuietSet Tower Fan is specifically designed to provide a tranquil experience. With a noise level of just 28 decibels, it operates quieter than the sound of rustling leaves, ensuring minimal distraction. Choose between five speed settings, and while the noise may increase slightly as you choose higher speeds, it remains impressively quiet overall. A wide base lowers the risk of the fan toppling over, while the included remote control can be conveniently stashed on the back of the unit when not in use.
Best Portable Fan
A Battery-Powered Pick That's Easy To Carry
O2Cool Treva 10-Inch Portable Desktop Fan
Style: Portable fan | Dimensions: 11 x 12.6 x 12.8 inches | Weight: 2.4 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 2 | CFM: Unspecified | Cord length: NA | Oscillation: No
Pros:
Portable, battery-operated design
Three light settings
Cons:
Only two speeds
Doesn’t include batteries
O2Cool’s Treva fan can be plopped on your desk, tossed in your beach bag or in your tote for a quick errand run, thanks to its portable battery-operated design. Choose from two speeds—low or high—and flip between three LED light settings to see better in dim conditions. A cool feature: The base’s legs adjust independently of each other, so you can balance the fan out, even on uneven ground. At under 2.5 pounds, it’s a great option for anyone who likes to stay cool on the go.
Most Stylish Fan
A Modern-Looking Fan In Five Vibrant Colors
The Windmill Fan
Style: Table fan | Dimensions: 10.7 x 8 x 6.8 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Number of fan speeds: 5 | CFM: 111 to 388 | Cord length: 5 feet | Oscillation: No
Pros:
Portable and lightweight
Stylish, modern appearance
Included remote
Ultra-quiet
Cons:
No oscillation
Most fans have a similar appearance and come in the standard black or white colorways. However, the Windmill Fan comes in five stylish colors: White, Marine, Butter, Pink and Black. Its lightweight design weighs 2.5 pounds, making it easy to move from room to room, and the tilting head allows you to reposition it for optimal airflow. There are five speeds, including Boost mode, and it remembers your last setting. Controlling the fan is easy, too, thanks to the large button on the base and the included remote control. (You can also download the associated Windmill Air app and automate when your fan turns on and off.) Customers rave about its quietness and efficiency and appreciate the bright color options.
Author of this piece Korin Miller is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics.
Miller also gathered key insight and guidance from Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi, and Aaron Wilson, a home appliance expert at JustAnswer.
This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. Lifestyle editor Katherine Louie last updated it in June 2024, adding the The Windmill Fan and well-reviewed Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 Tower Fan.
How We Chose The Best Fans
To find the best fans, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features and asked an industry expert—along with our team of experienced staffers—for insights.
Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on top-rated models from trusted brands like Vornado, Honeywell and Lasko.
We analyzed features such as type, size, weight, cooling power, oscillation and cost to assess the overall value and help readers pinpoint the best option for their needs.
We consulted two experts to determine what features to look for in a good fan. Then, our editors reviewed each model’s dimensions, materials, cooling power, oscillation and other special features.
We carefully considered customer reviews and average star ratings, sticking to options with an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Consider When Buying A Fan
If you’re ready to turn your home into a cool and comfortable oasis even in the midst of a heatwave, here are a few factors to consider when making your shopping decision.
Type
There is a range of fan types to choose from, including desk, portable, tower, pedestal, window and box. According to JustAnswer home appliance expert Aaron Wilson, box fans are great for large areas, while pedestal fans are ideal for living areas and bedrooms due to their oscillation feature that covers a larger area or can remain stationary. “Tower fans are typically quieter and more aesthetically pleasing than pedestal fans but can also be less powerful,” he adds. Window fans, as the name implies, are installed into your window to pull in air from outside. Portable fans offer the convenience of being easily taken anywhere, while desk fans are typically placed on countertops for personal use.
Cooling Power
Typically, a higher fan speed allows you to cool off faster, but the temperature of your room plays a role as well. Many fans have three speeds—low, medium and high—but some models have more options. If you want a wide range of cooling power, consider the Dreo Pedestal Fan With Remote. It offers an impressive eight speeds to choose from, which can be adjusted with the help of an app or remote control.
Oscillation
While oscillation is a convenient feature, it’s not necessary for everyone. “An oscillating fan has many advantages,” Wilson says. “It rotates back and forth so it can cover more area or it can also be stationary if one needs it to blow air in a certain direction. This makes an oscillating fan very versatile.” It’s also helpful if you’re trying to cool a larger area with a fan, Micetich says. “However, you should keep in mind that even oscillation fans are limited in how much space they can cool,” she adds. “If you want to consistently cool a larger space, consider installing a ceiling fan or an HVAC system in your home.”