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.
The best fans create a personalized breeze to keep you cool, even on scorching days.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
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
Walmart
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
Amazon
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
Amazon
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
Amazon
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.
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