The Best Window Fans, Tested & Reviewed

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Window Fans, Tested & Reviewed and hope the blog can help you.

Chill out while keeping energy bills in check with the right window fan for your space and budget.

When it comes to keeping your home cool and your utility bills low, you can’t beat a window fan. These devices mount to the bottom of a typical window frame and circulate air to bring in a breeze, consuming much less energy than an air conditioner.

We tested the fans that made our list, going through the installation and hearing the whir of cool air through the blades for ourselves. Many pull air in from outside and let you reverse the action to push hot indoor air and odors out—one reason window fans can be a major asset in the kitchen.

While hardly high-tech tools, the best cooling fans have a few features that suit them to specific functions, so it pays to be a discerning shopper. Read on to learn what you should look for in a window fan, and how these criteria and our hands-on testing informed our top picks.

1. BEST OVERALL: Lasko 16-Inch Window Fan with E-Z-Dial Ventilation
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: O2Cool Treva 10-Inch Portable Battery Powered Fan
3. BEST WHOLE HOUSE: Air King 20-Inch Whole House Window Fan
4. BEST WINDOWSILL: Genesis A1 Window Fan
5. BEST DIGITAL THERMOSTAT: Bionaire Window Fan, Twin Reversible Airflow Blades
6. BEST COMPACT: Vornado Energy Smart Small Air Circulator Fan
7. EASIEST TO USE: Comfort Zone 9-Inch Reversible Twin Window Fan

How We Tested the Best Window Fans

We tested and scored each fan and air conditioner according to an established rubric. We considered the quality of the materials, noise, airflow/cooling ability, and extra features. We also had to consider installation ease, since most of these fans had to be installed in a window frame. Each fan was run for at least 2 hours, though usually longer, and all settings were tested.

• Materials: It came down to plastic or metal blades and grills with these fans. Metal always offers better durability, but it comes at a higher price and poor energy efficiency.
• Noise levels: We tested noise levels by carrying on conversations and watching television while the fans ran to see how disruptive they were.
• Airflow/cooling: The cfm rating can be deceptive when it comes to actual airflow. The fans’ design and motor affected how cooling they felt versus what the specs said they could do. We tested all airflow settings.
• Extra features: We evaluated extra features like a remote control, built-in thermostat, extension panels, and feet. We also scored how well they benefited the fan’s usability.

Our Top Picks

The list of top window fans below, which we researched and tested, includes floor and desk fans as well as standard frame window fans. These fans are powerful enough to create air circulation that can cool a room and feature controls that make them easy to operate.

Best Overall

Lasko 16-Inch Window Fan with E-Z-Dial Ventilation

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This fan’s ability to function as both an intake and exhaust fan coupled with its multiple cool air speed settings and powerful output makes it one of the best all-around window fans on the market. Although the Lasko works with a single 16-inch fan versus two smaller fans, it’s capable of moving a lot of air. The ability to push 2,210 cfm of cool air puts it squarely among the most powerful window fans.

We set this fan up in an office on one side of a 2,318-square-foot house. It did an amazing job of moving air. It’s noisy, but the noise is worth it when those temperatures rise. We also liked that we didn’t have to take the screen off the window, so there were no bugs either.

One of the Lasko window fan’s most attractive features is its Storm Guard, an installation design that allows the user to close the window during a storm without having to remove the fan. The Lasko window fan also has three separate speed settings as well as intake and exhaust functions, adding to its versatility.

Product Specs

• Airflow: 2,210 cfm
• Size: 26.5 inches long by 26.5 to 34.5 inches wide by 8.25 inches deep
• Reversible: Yes

Pros

• Emits powerful airflow for cooling large spaces; suitable for living rooms, offices, or a whole house
• Reversible and comes with multiple speed settings ot suit users’ preferences
• Adjustable storm guard prevents the unit from getting damaged
• Users can close the window without removing the fan; comes with intake and exhaust functions

Cons

• Noisy compared to similar options available

Get the Lasko window fan on at The Home Depot or Best Buy. 

Best Bang for the Buck

O2Cool Treva 10-Inch Portable Battery Powered Fan

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Though this desk fan may not be a traditional window fan, its slim design and square shape make it a great option for those looking for relief from the summer heat on a budget. Its 10-inch blade isn’t quite as powerful as higher-priced window fans. However, during testing, we found that it could move enough air to provide cooling relief on a hot day in a small room or within 10 feet when outside. It also offers the advantage of versatile power options, operating off AC power or six D batteries.

However, batteries aren’t exactly cheap these days, and relying on the battery too much could get pricey. We ran this fan for 4 days straight on the six D batteries, which is a pretty good life. Batteries also make it super quiet.

Since it isn’t tethered to a power cord, the O2Cool is suitable for camping as well as home use. This narrow window fan measures 12 inches wide, 13 inches high, 4 inches deep and weighs just over 2 pounds and is ideal for moving from room to room or even taking on the road. We moved it around the house from an office to the bathroom to outside and back to the office, which became its home. It also has a convenient port for charging a smartphone. We tested the charger, and it wasn’t fast, but it’s handy in a pinch.

Product Specs

• Airflow: N/A
• Size: 13.19 inches long by 12.08 inches wide by 4.02 inches deep
• Reversible: No

Pros

• Compact size for easy transport; can be used for desks as well as windows
• Runs off batteries or AC power for versatility and ease of use
• Quiet operation will not cause any noise pollution while in use
• Freestanding design can be moved anywhere it is needed

Cons

• Not reversible; may not be suitable for some users’ needs
• Less powerful than standard window fans

Get the O2Cool window fan on Amazon.

Best Whole House

Air King 20-Inch Whole House Window Fan

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When your entire home feels like a sauna, flood it with cool air from floor to ceiling with this powerful fan. The Air King fits windows between 27 and 38 inches wide and at low-, medium-, or high-speed settings, it delivers an airflow of 2,510, 3,120 or 3,560 cfm. On its highest setting, the Air King can cool up to 1,310 square feet.

We can attest to the power of this Air King fan. During testing, there was an unfortunate accident on the stove that left behind some seriously unpleasant odors. We turned this fan on exhaust, and the house was cleared of odors within 10 minutes. It’s heavy and loud but powerful. It was tested in a 2,318-square-foot home, and we could feel cool air moving in almost every room, going beyond the advertised 1,310 square feet.

There’s no remote control with this model, but it’s reversible. We didn’t love the installation process. It comes with a guide and sliding panels to fit it to the window, and it must be screwed into place. Two people are needed to install this behemoth.

Product Specs

• Airflow: 3,560 cfm
• Size: 26.75 inches long by 11.25 inches wide by 26.25 to 37.5 inches deep
• Reversible: Yes

Pros

• Tremendous airflow; suitable for large living spaces and summer heat
• Durable metal construction will last for years to come
• Fits standard window sizes for added versatility and peace of mind
• Comes with multiple useful speed settings

Cons

• No remote control included with purchase; must be adjusted manually
• Large size won’t suit very small windows

Get the Air King window fan on Amazon.

Best Windowsill

Genesis A1 Window Fan

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Loaded with features that make it easier to control coupled with a design that allows one to either install it into a window or use it as a freestanding fan, this double window fan is one of the more versatile options on the market. Accordion panels on the sides help create a good fit. However, users should expect some wrestling as they try to expand the stiff panels while locking them in place from the top and bottom.

It also comes with feet, which can be attached to turn the fan into a freestanding model. The feet were easy to put on and take off during testing. There are three speed settings, and users can toggle the direction of each fan independently to intake or exhaust. This was the only fan we tested that allowed us to change the direction of each fan independently. It was a nice feature, though it probably would’ve worked better if we could have gotten a better seal with the window.

Users can choose to set each fan to a specific speed or automate the fans by using the thermostat temperature settings on the Genesis. We liked leaving it on the automatic setting so we could set it and forget it. It provided good airflow and wasn’t too noisy unless it was on the highest setting. One thing we didn’t like was how cheap the materials felt. It seemed like if we dropped this fan, it would most definitely break.

Product Specs

• Airflow: 2,500 cfm (total)
• Size: 12 inches long by 24 inches wide by 4 inches deep
• Reversible: Yes

Pros

• Thermostat or standard controls to suit users’ exact preferences
• Can function as a stand-alone or window fan for versatility
• Ample airflow provided for summer heat as well as whole house use

Cons

• Materials feel cheap compared to similar window fans available

Get the Genesis window fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Genesisco.com.

Best Digital Thermostat

Bionaire Window Fan, Twin Reversible Airflow Blades

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While other fans include thermostats with preset temperatures, Bionaire is one of the few that allows the user to set specific temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit on the digital display. We set low and higher temperatures to test the accuracy, and the Bionaire performed well. Adjustments are made using the unit’s control panel or the convenient remote control.

We liked that we could control everything from the temperature to the fan speed when on manual mode with the remote. We used it from 15 feet away, and it adjusted beautifully.

The unit includes two fans, each of which can be set independently to function as an exhaust or intake fan. The package includes extender panels for both sides of the fan, allowing it to fit spaces between 24 inches and 37 inches wide. Our testing window didn’t need the extenders, though we used the extension panels built into the sides of the unit. This wasn’t the easiest fan to install; it was a bit of a struggle to get a good fit. We finally got it, but there was a small 0.5-inch gap on one side.

We also had to take the window screen out to test this model. A deeper window might be required to keep the screen in and bugs out.

Product Specs

• Airflow: N/A
• Size: 14.1 inches long by 25.5 wide by 6 inches deep (extender panels included)
• Reversible: Yes

Pros

• Digital thermostat built into the unit; allows for quick checks and adjustments
• Water-resistant motor prevents damage if it rains
• Remote control included with purchase for quick changes anywhere in the room

Cons

• Not as much power as other fans on the market
• A little tough to install; may require more than one set of hands

Get the Bionaire window fan on Amazon.

Best Compact

Vornado Energy Smart Small Air Circulator Fan

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With its compact size, this powerful Vornado window fan is a nice alternative to a traditional window fan. It measures just 11 inches high and just under 10 inches wide but packs a punch thanks to its design. Its spiral-shaped grate and powerful brushless motor allow it to move air up to 75 feet.

This little fan became a favorite during testing. It has a variable speed dial that adjusts the airflow. It can go from whisper quiet to a wind-blowing tornado and everything in between. A powerful motor creates far more airflow than one might expect from the size. The Vornado can also tilt upward or downward, making it easy to direct airflow. Plus, it’s small and lightweight (only 3.5 pounds), so it can be carried from room to room.

Product Specs

• Airflow: 358 cfm
• Size: 11.3 inches long by 9.65 inches wide by 7 inches deep
• Reversible: No

Pros

• Compact and lightweight construction can serve multiple purposes in the house
• Ample airflow for its size; ideal for small apartments and spaces
• Variable airflow adjustment allows the user to customize the settings to their preference

Cons

• Loud on the highest speed; may not be ideal for use on a desk

Get the Vornado window fan on Amazon, Acme Tools, or Vornado.

Easiest to Use

Comfort Zone 9-Inch Reversible Twin Window Fan

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With its simple controls, this twin window fan from Comfort Zone is one of the easiest to operate. The fan’s control panel, which sits conveniently between the two fans at the top and bottom of the unit, consists of an off button and on button that also sets the fan to one of three speed settings.

We appreciated that this fan came with bug screens. None of the other window fans with a similar design did. Some were narrow enough to fit between a screen and the frame, but others weren’t. We didn’t have to worry about bugs, which was a load off when the mosquitoes came out.

Controls at the bottom of the fan make it easy to set the fans to exhaust, intake, or circulate, which runs the two fans in opposite directions. With detachable feet and lockable accordio