After using it for over six months, the best overall fan we tested is the Better Homes & Gardens 40-inch 3-Speed Tower, an affordable, sleek option that we found to be quiet yet powerful at its highest setting. We also loved all of its unique features and internal oscillation. If you are looking to splurge on a fan that cools a larger space, we recommend the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan. During testing, airflow from this sturdy fan could be felt from as much as 20 feet away, both in and out of the direct flow.
To compile this list, we tested 31 fans in various styles and sizes at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. First, we studied the air speed of each fan, looking at how many speeds the fan offered, how to control them, and if the speed designation lived up to its performance. We also measured the speed with an anemometer, recorded the results, and compared them to the manufacturer’s claim, if listed. Our testers then evaluated the design of each fan, looking at factors including oscillation, adjustability, bladeless design, smart features, cord length, multiple color options, and more. Next, we evaluated the portability, noting if the fan had handles or an ergonomic design that made it easier to carry with one hand as well as its sturdiness and footprint to determine i ts optimal placement. To determine its effectiveness, we taped a spot on the floor directly in front of the fan at a distance of 6 inches, 6 feet, and 20 feet and assessed the airflow at the highest setting, both in front of and to each side of the fan. With all of these results in mind, our testers finally looked at the price of the fan and assessed its overall value.
We also tested 15 fans of these fans in our own homes for over six months. This testing not only helped us evaluate each fan’s long-term performance bu t also allowed us to note how useful these fans were in real-world settings.
There are several types of fans, so choose the one that will suit your room best. A powerful floor fan is usually most effective at moving the greatest amount of air in larger spaces, but anyone who needs to save space may want to look into a tower fan with a smaller footprint, such as our best overall, the Better Homes & Gardens 40-inch 3-Speed Tower. Tabletop and desk fans, including the Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator have plenty of power for smaller bedrooms or offices. Window and box fans can help inject a blast of fresh outdoor air on a cool night.
CFM—or cubic feet per minute—measures the amount of air a fan moves every 60 seconds. Generally, CFM depends on the fan’s motor and blades (their pitch, length, and shape). The higher the CFM, the more air a fan circulates. Fans with low CFMs are suitable only for small spaces.
Some fans operate from a single position, and others oscillate (or swivel) as they circulate air. An oscillating fan is more effective at cooling since it’s better equipped to move air throughout the entire room, such as the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan. During testing, we appreciated its wide, 85-degree oscillation. If you’d like your fan to focus on one spot—say, to dry a wet spot on a carpet—this feature isn’t necessary.
FAQ
Jenica Currie is the Associate Commerce Editor for outdoor, gardening, and home improvement at The Spruce. She has tested products at home and in the Lab, including artificial Christmas trees, clothing racks, bean bag chairs, and vacuums. Living in an older home without central air, she knows a good fan is essential in summer. Currie is currently using the Lasko FH500 Fan & Space Heater Combo Tower in her own home, and everyone (including the dog) is appreciating its cool breeze. For this article, she used our test results and researched dozens of top-rated fans to compile this list of the best available options. We also consulted with Rodney Ge orge, a Best Buy home expert, for this roundup. He provided insightful information on what to consider before purchasing a fan and how to best clean different types of fans.
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously test ed in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.