If you don’t have central air conditioning and you live in a warmer climate, you’re going to need at least one cooling device to help keep your home comfortable in the summer months. For those who want something that fills their living space with a strong, fresh breeze, your best bet is a window fan. Designed to chill areas by pulling in fresh outdoor air or expelling warm indoor air (or both), the best window fans are powerful, unobtrusive and easy to install. Our top pick overall is the Vornado Transom, thanks to its notably sleek design and wide speed range, but that’s not the only model we’d trust to keep us cool this season.
Thanks to its sleek design, the Vornado Transom—our favorite window fan—isn't a total eyesore.
While anyone can benefit from a window fan, these devices are especially great for “homes in mild to moderately warm climates,” says Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi. (For those who live in hot, humid climates, you’re probably better off with a window AC unit or a portable air conditioner.) If you’ve decided that a window fan is right cooling device for your space, your next order of business is measuring the dimensions of your preferred window—you don’t want to get something that doesn’t fit in the frame. Then, you can scan what we believe to be the best options on the market, considering each device’s design, speed range, cord length and additional features.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best home products on the market. Over the years, we’ve published a myriad of expert-backed roundups on heating and cooling products, including the best fans, the best tower fans and more.
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- 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.
How We Chose The Best Window Fans
To find the best window fans, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features and asked industry experts—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, Lasko and Optimus.
- We analyzed features such as dimensions, weight, number of fan speeds, noise level and portability 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 window fan. Then, our editors reviewed each model’s dimensions, weight, cooling power, number of speeds 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 Window Fan
Still not feeling confident in your ability to pick the right window fan for your living space? “When choosing a window fan, you should consider the power, size and features of each fan,” says Micetich. Ahead, here are the most important factors to consider while shopping.
Size
When considering a window fan, the first thing you should check is its size, as the last thing you want to do is purchase something that can’t fit in your preferred window. While most fans come with adjustable side panels to fit a wide range of frames, some can expand more than others (while some are especially petite). In general, most models can fit in windows between 26 and 32 inches wide. If you have a narrow window, consider the Optimus 7-Inch Twin Window Fan, which can fit frames between 22 and 34 inches wide. For those with wider windows, opt for a model that can fit frames up to 40 inches wide.
Fan Speeds
At minimum, most window fans have two speeds: one low and one high. While exceptions exist, the more speeds a fan offers, the more powerful and expensive it is. For example, our top choice, the Vornado Transom, and its sister window fan, the smart Vornado Transom SE, have four speed settings. The Amazon Basics Window Fan (our favorite budget-friendly option) and Optimus 7-Inch Twin Window Fan (the best pick for small spaces), on the other hand, can operate at two speeds.
Noise Level
No window fan—nor any cooling device, for that matter—makes zero noise during operation. “Generally, window fans are about as loud as traditional standing fans,” says Micetich. That said, some models are quieter than others. “If noise is a major concern for you, look for a model that is specifically designed to be quiet,” she adds. Also keep in mind that the amount of sound a window fan makes is somewhat within your control; to decrease the noise, reduce the fan’s speed. Eventually, “you should be able to adjust the fan speed to get a noise level you’re comfortable with,” says Wilson.
Additional Features
As a whole, window fans don’t tend to boast a ton of bells and whistles. That said, the best models come with a few non-essential features that are worth seeking out. First, Micetich suggests looking for a fan with a digital display that tells you the temperature of your room. And if you’re willing to spend extra (because yes, this feature typically raises the price of the fan), opt for a model with a built-in thermostat, which maintains your ideal temperature once you program it.
Do Window Fans Really Help?
Yes, window fans are a great way to circulate cool, fresh air into your living space. They don’t lower the room temperature as efficiently as air conditioners, but they’re a relatively low-cost option that can provide relief on hot days. Fans also use less electricity and are easy to install.
Can A Window Fan Cool Down A Room?
To effectively cool down a room, look at the number of fan speeds and the CFM (cubic feet per minute). The higher the CFM, the more air the fan can move through the room, so if you’re trying to cool down a larger space, look for a higher CFM. Sometimes, this measurement is difficult to find, so the blade size can be a good indicator if the manufacturer doesn’t list the cubic feet per minute. Typically, the larger the blade, the more airflow.
