A bedroom fan is a must-have for hot sleepers and anyone living in a warm climate. They’re especially vital for those who lack central air conditioning. Fans recirculate air and help regulate the temperature in the room, encouraging a relaxing and sound night’s sleep. They’re also helpful for some light sleepers because, depending on the model, they can provide just the right level of white noise to block out disruptive sounds and lull you to sleep. Read on to learn more about how to choose the best bedroom fan for your home.
- BEST OVERALL: Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Honeywell HT-908 Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
- UPGRADE PICK: Dyson Cool AM07 Tower Fan
- BEST COMPACT: Vornado FIT Personal Air Circulator
- BEST QUIET: Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme 16-Inch Stand Fan
- BEST PURIFYING: Blueair 3-Speed Blue Pure Fan
- BEST TOWER: Lasko 2511 36-Inch 3-Speed Oscillating Tower Fan
- BEST WINDOW: Genesis Twin High-Velocity 9-Inch Window Fan
- BEST CEILING: Westinghouse Lighting Comet 52-Inch Ceiling Fan
- BEST FLOOR: Lasko 2265QM 20-Inch Max Performance Floor Fan
How We Chose the Best Bedroom Fans
We thoroughly researched dozens of fan models before selecting the ones featured in this article. We considered manufacturer reputation—brands like Dyson and Vornado are recognized for making high-quality products. However, we also considered lesser-known companies that produce high-quality fans.
We evaluated fans based on their noise level, energy efficiency, and design aesthetics. While we took note of additional features, such as remote control functionality and smart-home compatibility, we didn’t rule out simpler models as long as they excelled in quiet operation and airflow efficiency.
Our Top Picks
Our recommendations for the best bedroom fans consider style, power, aesthetic, noise levels, and additional features—and, of course, manufacturer reputation and overall product quality.
Photo: amazon.com
Rather than operating like a standard fan, the Vornado 630 circulates the air in a room while remaining in a fixed position. In fact, it’s able to move air up to 70 feet using the company’s unique vortex-circulation style. That makes it perfect for anyone who is irritated by the inconsistency of oscillating fans. The settings are simple with just three speeds, and while it operates quietly at the lowest and middle setting, it does produce some white noise when operating at full power.
The head tilts so that the fan can be directed where needed. The brand makes a number of different tabletop and desk fans, but this is the model they recommend for midsize spaces like bedrooms.
Product Specs
- Type: Tabletop
- Oscillation: No
- Dimensions: 13.6 inches high by 12 inches wide by 8.6 inches deep
Pros
- The unique vortex-circulation style ensures consistent air movement
- 3 speed settings allow for adjustable comfort depending on user preferences
- Its compact and versatile design fits mid-size rooms
Cons
- Produces noticeable white noise when operating at full power
Get the Vornado 630 bedroom fan at Amazon or Vornado.
Photo: amazon.com
With a reasonable price, a rating of 230 cubic feet per minute (CFM), and airflow that can be felt up to 35 feet away, this fan is both affordable and powerful. The head of the fan rotates up to 90 degrees, providing either direct personal cooling or broader air circulation. When the fan is pivoted to point toward the ceiling, it maximizes air circulation for the entire room. It has three speed settings and can be placed on a tabletop or the floor, or it can be mounted to save space. The convenient carrying handle makes it easy to move the fan around the room as needed.
Product Specs
- Type: Tabletop
- Oscillation: No
- Dimensions: 15.2 inches high by 14.4 inches wide by 8.1 inches deep
Pros
- Delivers strong air circulation courtesy of its impressive 230-CFM rating
- Built-in carrying handle allows for simple and convenient relocation
- This model offers versatility with placement options and can rest on a tabletop or floor; can also be mounted
Cons
- Does not offer oscillation, limiting the range of air direction
Get the Honeywell bedroom fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Honeywell.
Photo: amazon.com
Dyson is known for making some of the most coveted fans on the market due to their powerful performance and sleek, bladeless design. One of the reasons this particular model works well in bedrooms is its programmable sleep timer. It can be set to turn off after specific intervals, from 15 minutes up to 9 hours. The 10 airflow settings can also be easily controlled from bed with the magnetized remote control.
Despite its strong airflow, it manages to operate quietly, producing 60 percent less noise than the brand’s older model, the AM02. The fan both pivots and oscillates, allowing airflow to be redirected as needed. Because there are no blades, the Dyson fan is easy to clean and is safe for young children and pets.
Product Specs
- Type: Tower
- Oscillation: Yes
- Dimensions: 39.6 inches high by 7.5 inches wide by 4.4 inches deep
Pros
- Programmable sleep timer provides convenient auto-shutoff options
- 10 remote-controlled airflow settings offer flexible adjustments
- The bladeless design ensures easy cleaning and optimal safety
Cons
- Higher in price compared to other top-quality fans
Get the Dyson bedroom fan at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Vornado FIT fan is a compact and efficient model perfect for small spaces or on-the-go cooling. Its minimalistic look and small footprint make it a great addition to any desk, bedside table, or kitchen countertop. Despite its size, it utilizes Vornado’s signature vortex air circulation to deliver robust airflow, providing an impressive amount of cooling.
The FIT offers two speed settings to tailor to your comfort, and the adjustable head allows for multidirectional airflow. This small but mighty fan also features a fold-up design that makes it easy to take with you wherever cooling is needed.
Product Specs
- Type: Tabletop
- Oscillation: No
- Dimensions: 8.25 inches high by 7.5 inches wide by 5.2 inches deep
Pros
- Compact design with fold-up capability makes it portable and convenient
- Vornado’s vortex circulation delivers impressive airflow for its size
- The adjustable head provides multidirectional cooling
Cons
- This compact fan isn’t as powerful as other tabletop models
Get the Vornado FIT bedroom fan at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
While the sound of a whirring fan may be comforting to some, others want temperature regulation and air circulation without the added noise. The Rowenta Turbo Silence fan operates at just 35 decibels while managing a 2,436-CFM rating, making it ultrapowerful and ideal for large bedrooms. It’s a pedestal-style fan that has an adjustable height ranging from 43.3 to 55 inches. The height, along with the other settings, can be changed using the remote control, which has a built-in storage spot in the fan itself.
Product Specs
- Type: Standing
- Oscillation: Yes
- Dimensions: 43.3 to 55 inches high by 23 inches wide by 19.6 inches deep
Pros
- Operates at a quiet 35 decibels, which is perfect for those who don’t like loud white noise while sleeping
- High CFM rating of up to 2,436, offering powerful air circulation
- Remote control with built-in storage allows for convenient adjustments
Cons
- Being a pedestal-style fan, it may take up more floor space than other models
Get the Rowenta bedroom fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
Indoor air quality is a concern for many, and this combination fan and air purifier helps to improve the air quality in the bedroom by eliminating more than 99 percent of airborne dust and pollen particles in just 20 minutes. It’s a great choice for allergy sufferers and anyone with environmental sensitivities. The airflow it provides is gentle, so it may not be the ideal pick for anyone looking for a powerful breeze while they sleep.
Machine-washable filters come included and are available in a range of colors. The design of the device has a retro midcentury feel and allows for a 90-degree coverage range without oscillation.
Product Specs
- Type: Tabletop
- Oscillation: No
- Dimensions: 14.9 inches high by 13 inches wide by 11 inches deep
Pros
- Purifying feature removes over 99 percent of airborne dust and pollen
- Machine-washable filters provide ease of maintenance
- Retro midcentury design adds aesthetic appeal
Cons
- Gentle airflow may not suffice for those seeking a powerful breeze
Get the Blueair bedroom fan at Amazon or Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
Despite a maximum CFM of 239, the Lasko tower fan operates quietly at different speeds, making it a smart pick for light sleepers or even for use in children’s rooms. It works well in small spaces because it takes up very little floor space and oscillates smoothly to maximize coverage.
The built-in timer can be set to shut off the fan in 1-hour increments for up to 7 hours, making it a good choice for those who don’t want it to run throughout the night. The settings, including the timer, can be controlled using the included remote. It’s available in both black and white to best suit the aesthetic of the bedroom.
Product Specs
- Type: Tower
- Oscillation: Yes
- Dimensions: 36 inches high by 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep
Pros
- Operates quietly, making it ideal for light sleepers and children’s rooms
- Compact footprint and smooth oscillation maximize coverage in small spaces
- Built-in timer and remote control add convenience and functionality
Cons
- This model has a relatively low maximum CFM of 239
Get the Lasko 2511 bedroom fan at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
While bedroom fans generally use the available indoor air, window fans operate by pulling in air from outdoors in order to cool the space and provide proper circulation. Many models, like this one by Genesis, also offer reversible airflow so hot indoor air can be redirected outside. The two functions can even be used simultaneously. There are three fan-speed settings and a built-in thermostat so the exact temperature is easy to track.
It uses dual fan heads, each with their own copper motor, which is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. The expandable side panels ensure that the fan will fit into a variety of window sizes.
Product Specs
- Type: Window
- Oscillation: No
- Dimensions: 12 inches high by 24 inches wide by 4 inches deep
Pros
- Reversible airflow allows for versatile cooling and ventilation
- Dual fan heads with durable copper motors offer strong performance
- Expandable side panels ensure fit into various window sizes
Cons
- Lacks oscillation, which limits the area of air circulation
Get the Genesis bedroom fan at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
While in some places, ceiling fans may be considered somewhat dated in terms of home decor, they’re one of the best tools for keeping a bedroom cool in a hot climate. At the highest speed, this Westinghouse model is rated at an impressive 3,589 CFM, making it suitable for large bedrooms of up to 400 square feet. It’s also equipped with a reverse function, which creates a gentle updraft in cooler temperatures to keep the room warm.
A 16-watt dimmable LED light kit is integrated into the design and doesn’t require a light bulb. The aesthetic is simple and modern, and it’s available in four colors: brushed pewter, matte black, white, and espresso.
Product Specs
- Type: Ceiling
- Oscillation: No
- Dimensions: 14.25 inches high by 52 inches wide by 52 inches deep
Pros
- High CFM rating of 3,589 makes it suitable for large rooms
- Reverse function provides additional warmth in cooler temperatures
- Integrated dimmable LED light kit adds to its functionality
Cons
- Installation is more complex and time-consuming relative to other fan types
Get the Westinghouse Lighting bedroom fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or LightingDirect.com.
Photo: amazon.com
The Lasko 20-inch Max Performance floor fan is versatile and powerful, providing top-notch air movement. Its rugged design with metal housing is robust enough for any environment, whether it’s the bedroom, garage, or gym. The fan features three powerful speed settings, and its pivoting head allows you to direct the airflow wherever you need it.
The QuickMount system allows it to easily convert from a floor fan to a wall-mounted fan, providing flexibility based on your cooling needs. It’s designed with a convenient carry handle, making it easily portable.
Product Specs
- Type: Floor/wall-mount
- Oscillation: No
- Dimensions: 22 inches high by 22 inches wide by 12.63 inches deep
Pros
- This high-velocity fan provides powerful air movement
- QuickMount system allows easy conversion between floor and wall mounting
- Robust metal housing ensures excellent durability
Cons
- Lacks oscillation, limiting the range of air direction
Get the Lasko 2265QM bedroom fan at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bedroom Fan
While it’s easy to assume that all fans perform similarly, a number of factors affect their functionality. A bedroom fan should easily fit in the available space and match the room’s aesthetic. It should be able to operate at low volumes while being powerful enough to provide a noticeable cooling effect. Keep reading to learn about some of the most important qualities to consider when shopping for the best bedroom cooling fan.
Type
When shopping for a bedroom fan, there are several styles to consider.
- Ceiling fans are powerful and work well for cooling large bedrooms. They do require installation, which varies in difficulty depending on the model, and must be placed a minimum of 8 feet from the floor, so they won’t work in rooms with low ceilings.
- Tabletop bedroom fans are compact and sit on a nightstand or dresser.
- Tower fans take up minimal floor space because of their tall, narrow design. They are generally designed to oscillate and use thin blades for quiet operation.
- Standing fans have large blades and are elevated using a pedestal-style stand. They typically oscillate and their air-velocity capabilities depend largely on the model.
- Floor fans typically sit on the ground and have a square or round shape. A square version is also known as a box fan. They are powerful because of their large blades, and they can cool an entire bedroom.
- Window fans mount to a window frame and use fresh air from outside to replenish the air in the bedroom. They can also typically be set to expel hot air from inside.
Noise
While some people appreciate the white noise of a fan to drown out outside noise and promote a more peaceful sleep, others want their fan to operate as silently as possible. If noise is a concern, look for models that list a decibel level in their product description. Fans with decibel levels lower than 45 are unlikely to be disruptive for those who want their bedrooms to be quiet. As a point of comparison, a standard refrigerator operates at 40 decibels, while conversation level is generally around 60 decibels.
Power
A fan’s power is measured by how much air it moves in cubic feet per minute. CFM is affected by blade size, rotations per minute, and blade pitch. The higher the CFM, the more powerful a fan is. A standard bedroom with an area of between 200 and 300 square feet and 8-foot ceilings requires a fan with at least 400 CFM but ideally 670 CFM or higher in order to cool the entire room. Keep in mind, however, that it’s not necessary to have air circulating in the areas of the room that aren’t in use, so a fan with a CFM rating of between 200 and 300 is sufficient for most people to be comfortable.
Oscillation
While some types of fans only blow air in one direction, others—like tower fans and stand fans—are typically designed to oscillate. This means they rotate back and forth to increase the space that they’re able to cool. Most oscillating fans have a range of between 90 and 180 degrees, while others are able to rotate a full 360 degrees. No matter the style, the oscillating feature is usually optional, allowing the fan to simply be set to operate in a fixed position. Oscillating fans may be bothersome to some sleepers because of the inconsistent airflow they produce.
Remote Control
Most fans have at least three speed settings and are generally designed with a simple user interface. A remote control is a handy feature in a bedroom fan because it allows you to control the settings in the middle of the night without getting out of bed. While the most affordable fans don’t typically come with remote controls, some higher-end models do. Because these remotes are often on the small side, it’s ideal if they attach to the fan in some way so that they’re not easily lost.
Design and Style
Fans come in a wide variety of different materials and finishes depending on the style. Most people choose fans for their functionality rather than their aesthetic, but considering it’ll be on display in your bedroom, choosing a model that’s visually appealing is still important. While the most basic and affordable models certainly prioritize performance over appearance, there are many products out there that will stand out.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bedroom fans.
Q. What is the best fan to keep your bedroom cool?
To keep your bedroom as cool as possible, look for a powerful fan with an air velocity rating of 670 CFM or higher. Typically, ceiling fans are more powerful than standing or table fans.
Q. Do I need to clean/maintain my bedroom fan?
Fans are notoriously tricky to clean, but because they accumulate lots of dust, it’s important to clean them regularly. The cleaning method will depend on the type of fan you choose.
Q. What is the best size fan for a bedroom?
Choosing the best fan size for a bedroom depends on the room’s dimensions. As a general rule, a bedroom measuring less than 144 square feet (12 feet long by 12 wide) will need a fan with a 42-inch to 48-inch diameter. For larger rooms up to 225 square feet (15 feet long by 15 feet wide), a 52-inch to 56-inch fan would be suitable. Rooms larger than 225 square feet may require multiple fans or a larger ceiling fan.
Q. What is the quietest type of fan for a bedroom?
When it comes to quiet operation, tower fans are often considered the quietest type of fan, making them perfect for bedrooms. These fans use simple motors that create a smooth, quiet operation. Some tower fans also have “white noise” or “sleep” settings that maintain airflow while minimizing noise levels.
Q. How do I measure for a bedroom ceiling fan?
When preparing to install a ceiling fan, start by measuring the room’s length and width to determine the square footage. Next, measure the ceiling height. Fans should hang 8 to 9 feet above the floor for optimal airflow.
Why Trust Bob Vila
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Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
