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While any ceiling fan can help cool things off when the indoor temperature rises, a smart ceiling fan takes that comfort to the next level. You can control these technologically advanced fans without reaching for a pull chain or searching the cushions for a remote control. Smart ceiling fans can be controlled via an app on a smart device or even by voice when paired with a digital assistant.
In addition to choosing the right size smart ceiling fan, finding one compatible with existing smart devices is crucial. There’s also design and style to consider when shopping for a new fan. Ahead, learn about these and other characteristics of the best smart ceiling fans.
- BEST OVERALL: Hunter Symphony With LED Light 54-Inch Smart Fan
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Home Decorators Collection Merwry 52-Inch Fan
- UPGRADE PICK: Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Fan
- BEST SMALL: Modern Forms Wynd 42-Inch Smart Fan
- BEST LARGE: Ovlaim 72-Inch Smart Ceiling Fan
- BEST CONTROLLER: Bond Bridge Smart Home Controller
- ALSO CONSIDER: Smaair Striver 52-Inch Flush-Mount Smart Fan
How We Chose the Best Smart Ceiling Fans
We researched more than two dozen models of smart fans to narrow the field to our seven top selections. In order to make our picks, we scoured scores of customer reviews while considering several factors. Ease of use and installation are important, so we limited our selections to smart fans that connect directly to a home’s Wi-Fi or include their own hub. Functionality is also key, so we selected fans with apps that allow for a broad range of functionality. Our selections include fans that allow you to control lights and set timers as well as fan speed. Finally, we also included a variety of styles and sizes of wireless ceiling fans to suit various room sizes and decor.
Our Top Picks
Our selections below include a broad range of styles and sizes of smart fans from reputable ceiling fan brands. All of these modern ceiling fans connect directly to a home’s Wi-Fi, are compatible with digital assistants, and feature robust apps that allow for a broad range of control.
Best Overall
Hunter Symphony With LED Light 54-Inch Smart Fan
With its curved blades and sleek undulating lines, this smart ceiling fan adds interest as well as ventilation to living spaces. With its 54-inch blade span, it’s large enough to cool living rooms, great rooms, and other large spaces. It connects quickly to a home’s wireless network through its SIMPLE connect Wi-Fi technology.
Smart controls for this fan are robust. You can turn the fan off and on, adjust speeds, and even dim the LED lighting via the Hunter app. This fan is also compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home, allowing you to control it with voice commands. In addition to its smart controls, this ceiling fan also comes with a remote control.
Product Specs
- Size: 54 inches
- Built-in light: Yes
- Smart-home compatibility: Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
Pros
- Compatible with smart-home devices, including Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
- Includes built-in dimmable LED lighting that can be controlled via the app
- Large 54-inch blade span is capable of cooling larger rooms
Cons
- Some customers complain that it’s difficult to connect the fan to Alexa
Get the Hunter smart ceiling fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Hunter.
Best Bang for the Buck
Home Decorators Collection Merwry 52-Inch Fan
At a price lower than many traditional ceiling fans, the Merwry 52-inch fan is a great option for those looking for a smart fan on the cheap. It comes with the Bond hub, which links the fan to your Wi-Fi network. Once connected, you can use an app to turn the fan on or off, change speed, and adjust the dimmable LED light.
The Bond hub is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing the fan to be controlled via voice commands. Moreover, since the Bond hub can handle up to 30 devices, you can connect other fans as long as they have a remote control. With its sleek, simple lines, this luxury ceiling fan is a good fit as a decorative ceiling fan, and it’s available in white, black, and brushed-nickel finishes. Its 52-inch blade span makes it suitable for large rooms.
Product Specs
- Size: 52 inches
- Built-in light: Yes
- Smart-home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
Pros
- Smart-fan capability at a price that’s cheaper than many traditional ceiling fans
- Controllable with voice commands when linked to Alexa or Google Assistant
- Sleek lines and simple design make it suitable for a variety of decor
Cons
- Some customers complain about the fan light randomly turning on
Get the Home Decorators Collection smart ceiling fan at The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Fan
With its ultraquiet operation and numerous settings (all of which can be controlled from an app), the sleek-looking Haiku is one of the top smart contemporary ceiling fans on the market. The Haiku app dims the lights, turns the fan off and on, and changes speeds. This fan is also loaded with settings. There are 10 speed options, including a sleep mode and a whoosh mode, which simulates natural breezes. There’s also an auto-off timer and 16 dimmable settings on its LED light. The fan is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.
In addition to its smart controls, the fan is also one of the quietest on the market thanks to precision-balanced airfoils that prevent it from wobbling and a silent DC motor.
Product Specs
- Size: 52 inches
- Built-in light: Yes
- Smart-home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
Pros
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls
- Silent operation thanks to airfoil blade design and quiet DC motor
- Includes 10 different speed settings, including 1 that mimics breezes
Cons
- One of the most expensive smart fans on the market
- Some customers complain that installation is too complicated
Get the Big Ass Fans smart ceiling fan at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Build With Ferguson, or Big Ass Fans.
Best Small
Modern Forms Wynd 42-Inch Smart Fan
This fan’s 42-inch blade span and rating for use in wet areas make it one of the best small ceiling fans for covered porches and bathrooms as well as bedrooms and living areas (it’s also available in 52-inch and 60-inch sizes for larger rooms). Its wood and metal finishes give it a rustic look that suits farmhouse and modern decor. It also has multiple other finish options, allowing it to meld with a variety of color schemes.
The Modern Forms app allows you to control fan speed, light brightness, and set on/off schedules. The fan is also compatible with various digital assistants, including Alexa, Google Assistant, Ecobee, and Control4, among others. Customers can choose between a wall control or a remote control in addition to the smart controls.
Product Specs
- Size: 42 inches
- Built-in light: Yes
- Smart-home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Ecobee, Control4, SmartThings, Bluetooth, Josh
Pros
- Compatible with a broad range of digital assistants, including Alexa and Google Assistant
- Available in several finish options to suit various color schemes
- Smart controls include fan speed, light brightness, and scheduling
- Rated for use outdoors, so it’s suitable for covered porches or bathrooms
Cons
- Customers must choose between a remote control and a wall control
Get the Modern Forms smart ceiling fan at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Build With Ferguson, or Wayfair.
Best Large
Ovlaim 72-Inch Smart Ceiling Fan
With a massive blade span that covers 6 feet, this large indoor/outdoor ceiling fan is ideal for spacious living rooms or patios. You can set six different fan speeds and create schedules, all via a smart device. The fan is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and comes with a remote control.
Curved wooden blades give this large fan an attractive modern look, and it’s available in various finishes, including several natural wood options as well as black and white. Despite its large size, the fan’s DC motor makes this model one of the more quiet ceiling fans. While this ceiling fan can cool a large area, it won’t illuminate it. It has no built-in lighting, nor is it compatible with a light kit.
Product Specs
- Size: 72 inches
- Built-in light: No
- Smart-home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
Pros
- 6-foot blades provide plenty of airflow for a large room
- Rated for use indoors and outdoors, making it an excellent option for a large porch
- Uses a quiet DC motor to minimize motor noise
Cons
- Does not include a light and isn’t compatible with a fan light kit
Get the Ovlaim smart ceiling fan at Amazon.
Best Controller
Bond Bridge Smart Home Controller
With its easy setup and broad compatibility, this device turns a standard remote-controlled ceiling fan into a smart fan. The Bond Bridge uses the fan’s radio frequencies to connect to a smartphone and communicate with its remote control. Setup is simple: After connecting the hub to the home network, simply point the remote control at the hub to connect the fan. The Bond hub then connects to the home’s Wi-Fi.
Once connected, you can control the fan via the Bond app or voice when connected to a digital assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant. Since it works with up to 30 devices and covers 2,500 square feet, a single bond hub can control all the ceiling fans in a home. The Bond hub will also work with fireplaces that have a remote control.
Product Specs
- Size: N/A
- Built-in light: N/A
- Smart-home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
Pros
- Turns any ceiling fan with a remote control into a smart fan
- Can use it to control up to 30 ceiling fans at once
- Compatible with digital assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Some customers complain that it’s difficult to set up voice controls with Alexa
Get the Bond smart ceiling fan controller at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Bond.
Also Consider
Smaair Striver 52-Inch Flush-Mount Smart Fan
With its simple modern design and ability to be installed outdoors, this ceiling fan is a great choice for a living room, bedroom, or covered porch. It comes in 52-inch and 48-inch sizes and multiple finish options. Since it’s flush-mount only, this fan won’t work with angled ceilings.
The fan’s app turns the fan off and on, controls speeds, and sets light brightness and temperature. You can also set timers and schedules via the app. The Smaair Striver is compatible with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant for voice control. In addition to smart controls, this model also comes with a remote control.
Product Specs
- Size: 52 inches
- Built-in light: Yes
- Smart-home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Pros
- Versatile fan comes in 2 different sizes and several finish options
- App allows you to control speed, dim lights, and set schedules and timers
- Fan is compatible with digital assistants Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for voice control
Cons
- Can’t be installed on angled ceilings since it is a flush-mount fan
Get the Smaair smart ceiling fan at Amazon.
Or, Convert Your Ceiling Fan to a Smart Ceiling Fan
While replacing an old ceiling fan with a new one is one way to add a smart ceiling fan to a home, a more affordable and less labor-intensive option is converting your existing fan into a smart one. There are several ways to do this. If the fan has a remote control, you can purchase a smart hub that will use that remote-controlled radio signal to connect the fan to the Wi-Fi network, allowing it to be controlled via the hub’s app or even a digital assistant. While a single hub is an expense, it can turn all the fans in a home into smart fans.
It’s also possible to add a remote control to a pull-chain ceiling fan rather than use that remote device to connect it to a hub (though this is less cost-effective given the equipment required). Another solution is to trade out the existing fan’s light switch with a smart ceiling fan wall switch.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Smart Ceiling Fan
Factors such as size, installation, and the robustness of app controls are crucial elements to consider when selecting a smart ceiling fan.
Controls
Smart ceiling fans give you more control over your fan’s functions. These fans have smart device apps that allow you to turn the fan on or off, adjust fan speeds, and even set on/off schedules. Most apps also allow you to control the brightness and even the temperature of a ceiling fan with lights. Many smart ceiling fans are also compatible with digital assistants like Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to control the fan with voice commands.
In addition to smart controls, most smart ceiling fans also come with other control options, including the traditional pull chain, wall controls, and remote controls.
Indoor/Outdoor
Ceiling fans come in both indoor and indoor/outdoor models. Indoor fans are rated for dry locations. They are only suitable for use indoors in rooms that aren’t exposed to high humidity, making them good ceiling fans for bedrooms, dining rooms, and family rooms. Damp-rated fans can withstand high humidity, making them suitable for bathroom installation. Wet-rated or outdoor ceiling fans are the only type of fan rated for outdoor installation, such as under a covered porch. Fans without the proper ratings should never be installed in damp areas or outdoors as they have the potential to short circuit, creating a fire hazard.
Installation
Installing a smart ceiling fan is similar to installing a standard ceiling fan. These fans can replace most existing ceiling light fixtures. Installing smart ceiling fans typically requires basic tools, including a ladder, screwdriver, and adjustable wrench. As such, most DIYers can handle a ceiling fan installation on their own.
When installing a ceiling fan, paying attention to the ceiling height is important. Most ceiling fans are designed for ceiling heights of 8 to 9 feet. High ceilings require a rod extension to lower the fan’s height so the blades are about 9 feet from the floor. Ceiling fans for low ceilings should be flush-mounted. Once installed, a smart ceiling fan must be added to the home’s Wi-Fi network, which is a process similar to adding any other smart device to a router.
Size
Fans come in different sizes to suit large and small rooms. Buying the right size fan is crucial to ensuring it provides enough airflow to ventilate the space. A fan’s size is determined by its blade span, which is the distance from the end of one blade to the tip of the opposite blade. Blade spans vary from as little as 30 inches up to large models with blade spans of more than 70 inches. Use the square footage of the room to determine what size fan to purchase:
- Up to 75 square feet: 36 inches or smaller
- 75 to 144 square feet: 36 to 42 inches
- 144 to 225 square feet: 44 inches
- 225 to 400 square feet: 50 square inches or greater
Additional Features
In addition to their primary function of helping to make a house feel cooler by circulating air, many smart fans have other useful additional features. Most ceiling fans also double as lights. Smart-fan apps typically allow you to turn the light off and control its brightness and temperature.
While all smart fans have speed settings, some also have additional specialty settings. A whoosh setting varies the speed of the fan to simulate a breeze. Some fans also have a sleep setting, which gradually reduces the fan’s speed before eventually shutting it off to account for the body’s natural temperature decline during sleep.
The Advantages of Owning a Smart Ceiling Fan
Smart ceiling fans offer several advantages over fans limited to remote controls and pull chains. These high-tech ceiling fans allow you to turn them on and off or control their speed, all from the comfort of a couch or bed via a smart device app or voice-activated digital assistant. Smart ceiling fans also allow you to set timers and schedules to turn the fan on to provide comfort when a room is in use and shut it off to save energy when the room is not occupied.
- Controllable without getting out of bed or off the couch
- Apps allow for setting schedules and timers
- Most smart fans integrate with digital assistants for voice control
- Can dim and change the temperature on the ceiling fan light
FAQs
Still have questions about purchasing a smart ceiling fan for your home? Read the answers to some commonly asked questions below to help you choose the model that’s right for you.
Q. Can I turn my ceiling fan into a smart fan?
Yes. For remote-control ceiling fans, you can add a hub to connect the fan to your Wi-Fi. If you have a pull-chain ceiling fan that does not have a remote, you need to change the fan’s wall light switch to a smart-fan light switch to control it from a smart device or via a digital assistant.
Q. Do smart ceiling fans include lights?
Most but not all smart ceiling fans have lights. You can usually control these lights from the app. In addition to turning the light on and off, you can also dim the light or change the color temperature.
Q. What does a smart ceiling fan do?
A smart ceiling fan connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing you to turn it off and on, control the fan speed, and adjust its light via a smartphone app or a digital assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
Q. Can I use a smart ceiling fan outdoors?
Yes. However, like any other ceiling fan, the smart ceiling fan must be rated for outdoor use. Do not attempt to use an indoor ceiling fan outside, as wet weather and high humidity can cause it to short out, creating a fire hazard.
Q. Does a smart ceiling fan need a wall switch?
A smart ceiling fan doesn’t necessarily need a wall switch. Smart ceiling fans can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, eliminating the need to control it with a switch. Many smart ceiling fans also have a remote control as a backup.
Why Trust Bob Vila
BobVila.com has been a trusted source for DIYers since its launch in 1996. Our product reviews are based on many hours of research by experts in their fields. Tony Carrick is a writer who’s purchased and installed his fair share of ceiling fans, including a few smart ones. He strives to help his readers choose quality products with his honest and thorough reviews.