After 14 Nights of Restful Sleep, These Are the Best Fans for White Noise

When it comes to catching a night’s worth of ever-precious Z’s, fans for white noise can be a huge help. While some people might not have any problem shutting down for the day, those who live on busy streets, have rowdy neighbors, or simply like a little sound in the air often find comfort in the steady hum and cooling airflow of a well-chosen fan. 

To help you find a model that produces the perfect combination of consistent sound and user-friendly functionality, we spoke with experts about optimal sound output and essential fan features. We then spent 2 weeks testing seven popular products before selecting the Iris US Woozoo 360-Degree Pedestal Standing Fan as our top pick due to its versatile airflow speeds, overall value, and excellent range of white noise levels.

Whether you’re looking for a compact personal unit or a powerful tower fan, all the options that made our list can create the soothing soundscape you need for quality sleep. Ahead, discover our top picks for the best fans for white noise and learn which features to prioritize when choosing one for yourself. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Iris US Woozoo 360-Degree Pedestal Standing Fan
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2. UPGRADE PICK: Snooz Breez Smart Bedroom Fan & White Noise Machine 
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator
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4. BEST TOWER: Lasko 42-Inch Wind Curve Oscillating Tower Fan
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5. BEST PEDESTAL: Vornado Energy Smart Medium Pedestal Air Circulator 
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6. MOST VERSATILE: Shark FlexBreeze Fan With InstaCool Mist
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Fans for White Noise Comparison

Our Top Picks

Below are our top picks for the best fans for white noise, tested over a 2-week period for sound output and performance. While they each produce a level of consistent noise and airflow for comfortable, uninterrupted sleep, one model’s style, size, or set of features may suit your specific needs better than others.

Best Overall

Iris US Woozoo 360-Degree Pedestal Standing Fan

Buy at Amazon Buy at Costco

What We Like

• Excellent range of white noise levels across speeds
• 3D oscillation covers entire room
• Converts from a pedestal to a desktop fan
• Onboard remote storage

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive than basic fans
• Remote caddy tends to slide down pole

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Product Specs

• Decibels: 22 on low, 51 on high
• Speeds: 12
• Remote: Yes

Our Ratings

The Woozoo 360-degree standing fan has 12 settings to deliver a range of fan noise for sleeping​. In our tests, the lowest setting was so quiet (about 22 decibels) that we had a hard time measuring it separately from the sounds of tweeting birds outside. On its highest setting, it puts out about 51 decibels (dB) of sound, which was perfect for drowning out the noise of nearby neighbors and other family members moving about the house. This oscillating fan with remote​ also delivers a full 360 degrees of vertical oscillation, which helps it circulate air throughout entire rooms for effective cooling.

With a quiet and energy-efficient DC motor, this pick produced the best quality sound on its lowest setting of any of the fans we tested. There was absolutely no mechanical humming or clicking, just the gentle sound of very light airflow. In addition to its 12 speeds, it also has three modes: auto (detects the room temperature and adjusts the fan level automatically), rhythm (alternates between low and high power to simulate natural wind), and sleep (decreases air flow gradually over 2 hours before turning off). It converts easily from a pedestal to a desk fan by removing the 15-inch extender pole, and its compact head generates an impressive amount of air. The intuitive touch panel and included remote control (which stores in a handy caddy on the pole) make operation straightforward, though the caddy does tend to slide down over time from the remote’s weight.  

What our tester says: “I hate having cold air on my face and hearing too much white noise as I sleep, but my husband loves them both. And yet this fan somehow works for us both. Its compact head makes it easy to direct airflow at him without it hitting me, and because there are so many settings, we’ve been able to find a level of noise that’s good for him but not overpowering for me.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Iris USA fan for white noise at Amazon or Costco. 

Upgrade Pick

Snooz Breez Smart Bedroom Fan & White Noise Machine

Buy at Amazon Buy at Snooz

What We Like

• Fan and white noise can run together/separately
• 10 speeds and noise levels; 100 unique combinations
• App features smart scheduling and temperature settings
• Modern, attractive wood-accented design

What We Don’t Like

• App required for some features
• Does not oscillate

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Product Specs

• Decibels: Fan only: 28 on low, 52 on high; white noise machine only: 46 on low, 60 on high; combined: 47 on low, 62 on high
• Speeds: 10
• Remote: Via app

Our Ratings

The Snooz Breez sound machine fan is a well-designed two-in-one unit that combines a powerful tabletop fan with a customizable white noise machine. It features two independently controlled fans: one dedicated to airflow and the other to generating soothing white noise. It has 10 fan speeds and 10 sound levels, meaning you can tailor both cooling and sound masking to your preferences. The airflow is noticeably strong (up to 380 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at speeds of 20 feet per second), and the white noise output is equally robust, maxing out at about 60 decibels on its highest setting.  

Other than plugging in this fan and noise machine and pairing it with the Snooz smartphone app, there’s no assembly necessary. In addition to working as a remote control, the app provides scheduling (with a fade-out option so that it doesn’t just shut off abruptly), a timer you can program for up to 24 hours, and temperature sensing that automatically turns the fan on and off. In terms of white noise, we found 99% of the fan’s 100 possible combinations to be excellent. The only one we didn’t like was the fan-only setting on the lowest setting (with the white noise completely off), as you can barely make out the sound of the motor. As a combo unit with smart features and dual functionality, it costs a bit more, but if you need concentrated airflow for cooling and customizable white noise for sleeping, this pick provides plenty of value for its price point.

What our tester says: “I’m never sure about multi-purpose tools, but Snooz did a great job with this two-in-one unit. Both functions work as well alone as together, which I loved since I’m picky about both airflow and sound as I sleep.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Snooz fan for white noise at Amazon or Snooz.

Best Bang For The Buck

Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Best Buy

What We Like

• Compact and portable flip-down design
• Adjustable tilt and swivel base
• Stylish, modern appearance

What We Don’t Like

• Only 2 settings
• Both settings could be too quiet for some

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Product Specs

• Decibels: 30 on low, 36 on high
• Speeds: 2
• Remote: No

Our Ratings

Folks who want to add a little white noise to their bedroom without breaking the bank may want to consider the Vornado Flippi V6. This compact model easily fits on nightstands and delivers exactly what many light sleepers need: gentle, consistent sound without overwhelming power. The head is positionable, and the base swivels manually, so you can direct both airflow and fan sound precisely where you need it. Its high-gloss finish and wide range of available colors—including black, teal, midnight blue, plum, cream, and grey—make it an attractive addition to any bedroom decor.

The Vornado Flippi keeps things simple with two speeds: low and high. We measured its output at just 30 decibels on low and 36 decibels on high from a meter away, which is slightly lower than the 39 and 50 decibels Vornado advertises. While this might not provide enough white noise for louder environments, our tester who prefers “just enough” background sound found it perfect. Another thing we love about this model is its compact, flip-down design. At just 4.9 inches deep by 5 inches wide by 6.2 inches high and 1.68 pounds, it’s a highly portable fan for travel, desk, or bedside use. As a personal fan rather than a whole-room unit, it doesn’t move as much air as larger options, but it does great for its size and budget-friendly price point.  

Get the Vornado Flippi fan for white noise (various colors) at Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Vornado.

Best Tower

Lasko 42-Inch Wind Curve Oscillating Tower Fan

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Automatic timer, remote control, and quiet nighttime mode
• Tall and slim design doesn’t take up a lot of space
• Lightweight and easy to move

What We Don’t Like

• Not powerful enough for large rooms

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Product Specs

• Decibels: 54 decibels on high
• Speeds: 3
• Remote: Yes

Our Ratings

Lasko’s Wind Curve oscillating tower fan is a sleek, space-saving model ideal for bedside use. It produces 54 decibels of sound on high, has a remote, a programmable timer, and a nighttime mode that gradually dims its lights and reduces its speed for undisturbed sleep. Standing 42 inches tall, it generates more even air distribution than traditional round-head oscillating fans, making it great for moderately sized rooms like bedrooms, nurseries, or home offices. 

Performance-wise, this tower fan doesn’t move as much air as the larger pedestal models we tested, though we still found its airflow adequate. It also only oscillates at 60 degrees compared to the wider sweep offered by larger oscillating fans, but it still did a great job distributing air evenly, especially for its compact size. Its lightweight body (10.63 pounds) and integrated handle make it easy to move. We loved both the timer, which shuts it off after 0.5 hour to 7.5 hours, and the nighttime mode, which prevents it from powering down abruptly—something that could wake up light sleepers. If you want ample fan noise for sleep without an overpowering amount of air, the Wind Curve is an excellent choice.

Get the Lasko fan for white noise at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Pedestal

Vornado Energy Smart Pedestal Air Circulator

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Excellent speed and white noise range
• Energy-efficient DC motor
• Powerful airflow up to 85 feet

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t oscillate

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Product Specs

• Decibels: 30 on low, 59 on high
• Speeds: 99
• Remote: Yes

Our Ratings

The Vornado energy-smart pedestal fan delivers both powerful airflow and substantial white noise, producing 30 decibels on its lowest setting and 59 decibels on high, which is enough to mask distractions in almost any environment. It uses a powerful brushless DC motor to blow air up to 85 feet away while consuming less energy than comparable fans. Though it doesn’t oscillate, it puts air out in a distinctive vortex pattern that disperses it evenly throughout entire rooms. 

The Vornado electric fan for white noise​ is all about adjustability, and with 99 speed settings, it’s easy to find the perfect balance of airflow and sound output. The tilting head and telescoping base (adjustable from 31 to 39 inches) ensure the right angle and height, and the included remote and timer add convenience and energy savings. On the downside, those features come with a steeper price tag than most standard pedestal fans, and though it does an excellent job moving air around a room, some users might still miss standard oscillation.

Get the Vornado Energy Smart fan for white noise at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Vornado.

Most Versatile

Shark FlexBreeze Fan With InstaCool Mist

Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

• Nice range of white noise levels from 32 to 59 decibels
• Powered via electric cord or rechargeable battery
• Works as desktop/pedestal model/outdoor misting fan

What We Don’t Like

• Versatility increases price

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Product Specs

• Decibels: 32 on low, 59 on high
• Speeds: 5
• Remote: Yes

Our Ratings

The Shark FlexBreeze Fan with InstaCool offers a user-friendly range of white noise levels from 32 to 59 decibels, making it an excellent choice for both bedroom use and outdoor relaxation. This indoor/outdoor fan produces consistent sound that’s perfect for masking distractions, whether you’re settling in for a peaceful afternoon nap on a hot summer day or need steady white noise for nighttime sleep. 

While this fan offers just five speed settings instead of the dozen or more offered by other models, it makes up for that limitation in several ways. It converts from a pedestal fan to a tabletop model in seconds, runs either corded or cordless (with up to 24 hours of battery life), and connects to a standard garden hose to create a cooling mist for sweltering afternoons outdoors. It also only weighs about 12 pounds, making it easy to move from your bedroom to your patio, and it has a magnetic panel on its head for convenient remote storage. Though the price point is higher than basic white noise fans, the FlexBreeze delivers solid value. If you want flexibility, portability, and consistent sound suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it’s a worthy investment.

Get the Shark FlexBreeze fan for white noise at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, Best Buy, or Shark.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Fans for White Noise

Sleep is incredibly important, so we wanted to put together the most helpful list possible of the best fans for white noise. After performing extensive product research to identify top candidates, we spent 2 weeks testing each model for:

• Assembly ease
• Airflow performance on both low and high settings
• Noise output at minimum and maximum speeds
• Sound quality (no motor hums, clicking, or other mechanical noises)
• Effectiveness at drowning out background sounds during sleep and work
• Portability for moving between rooms 
• Extra features like timers and remote controls
• Cleaning requirements

For each fan, we measured sound output using a decibel app on our phones and evaluated airflow in our bedroom and home office. We considered how well each model masked common household noises like conversations, traffic, and appliances, and we also performed the manufacturer’s fan cleaning steps for each unit. We then gave the models that excelled in our tests awards based on their strengths.

What to Consider When Choosing a Fan for White Noise

No one wants their sleep disturbed, so it’s essential to understand the key considerations when shopping for the best fan for white noise. The following are some main points to consider when comparing these products. 

Noise

White noise contains all the different frequencies of sound a human can hear. It can help block out background noise by filling auditory space, which makes it harder for the brain to notice distracting sounds. For many people, it’s also downright relaxing. Technically, the sound from an electric fan is not white noise, though consistent sound output at a specific decibel range can have similar effects, which is what makes these fans so good for bedroom, nursery, or office use. 

But how much noise is necessary? According to a recent study in the journal Nature, 45 decibels of white noise in an office space improved cognitive performance, accuracy, speed, and creativity, and it was associated with lower stress levels and better concentration compared to both ambient noise (about 42 dB) and louder white noise (around 65 dB). It’s therefore reasonable to assume a fan with white noise in the 40- to 60-decibel range will meet most needs, though that range could be even smaller when coupled with window soundproofing methods. Most of the fans on our list go as low as 30 decibels and up to about 59 decibels. 

Type

There are several types of fans, and their differences primarily involve their design and operation. The following are some of the most common types of fans for white noise:

• Tabletop: Tabletop fans are compact enough to fit on top of a table or dresser. They’re relatively portable but can move quite a bit of air. Generally speaking, they tend to be quiet fans, making them ideal for use on a nightstand.
• Pedestal: Pedestal fans are freestanding. Their bases sit on the floor, but they have long shafts that hold the fan 3 to 5 feet off the ground.
• Tower: Tower fans are tall, slender fans that resemble columns. They’re typically 2 to 3 feet tall and pivot on a stationary base. They have compact footprints but can move quite a bit of air.
• Window: Window fans are designed to sit inside the jamb of an open window frame. Many models feature two fan blades with separate motors—one to draw fresh air in from outside and the other to push stale air out. This setup helps improve air circulation throughout the room.
• Box: Box fans are the large, square-shaped fans that folks typically use in front of a window or on the floor. They’re versatile, and even a small box fan produces a lot of airflow, but they are easy to knock over. Box fans may be overly loud fans for sleeping​ when operating at their highest settings, but the sound they produce at lower speeds might be just right. 
• Compact: A compact fan could potentially fit inside a nightstand or suitcase. These small fans don’t produce much white noise, but they can be helpful for folks who can’t sleep without a bit of noise and some airflow.

Size and Portability 

When choosing the best fan for white noise, you’ll want to consider whether size or portability is an issue. Those with smaller rooms may prefer a small tabletop fan that won’t take up floor space. Likewise, anyone who’d like their fan to pull double duty on a home office desk or in a living room might look for something small and portable. The loudest small fans can handle this job.

However, if you need a lot of airflow or noise, you’re going to need a bigger, more substantial fan. For these shoppers, a traditional box fan, window fan, or pedestal fan may be best, and most of these fans are still portable. 

Airflow

White noise is really the icing on the cake for a typical fan. The main purpose of a strong fan is to provide airflow and circulation. There are two ways to control a fan’s airflow: the size of the fan blades (which is a factor the manufacturer determines, and some fans don’t even have blades) and motor speed.

Manufacturers equip fans with adjustable speeds so that you can control the amount of air the fan moves. Even cheap box fans are adjustable. This allows you to dial the fan back if it’s getting chilly or ramp it up when they need to move some serious air. However, understand that the slower the fan is running, the less noise it will typically make. 

Additional Features 

There are plenty of additional features you may want to consider. For those who just need a fan to help them fall asleep, a fan with a built-in timer that shuts it off after an hour or two can be helpful. For a gentle breeze across an entire room, oscillation might be key. Some models also come with remotes that users can grab to adjust airflow or turn the fan off from the comfort of their bed. Others may include features that enhance stability, such as bases that clamp down onto an end table or feet that adjust to improve stability on an uneven surface.

FAQs  

If you’re still wondering whether high-powered fans or more gentle machines are better for sleep, the following answers to some frequently asked questions should help. 

Q. Where should I keep my fan for white noise?

While it may seem that moving a fan closer will help you make the most of its white noise, a fan should be at least a few feet away from your face while sleeping. Fans can circulate dirty, dry air, which can cause a sore throat, a dry nose, or other issues.

Q. Is it OK to play white noise all night?

There are numerous debates over the use of white noise for sleep. While most researchers agree that it can help restless sleepers, some believe that listening to white noise all night can cause issues for people who suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.

Q. How many speeds do fans for white noise usually come with?

The most common number of speeds for a white noise fan is three. This includes low, medium, and high, and you can adjust the speeds according to their airflow or noise needs. 

Q. What type of fan is best for white noise?

Purely from a white noise perspective, the best fan for white noise is one that produces about 40 to 50 decibels of sound. This is a common range for a fan, so it’s relatively easy to find an appropriate model. Our best overall pick, the Iris US Woozoo 360-Degree Pedestal Standing Fan, produces 22 decibels of noise on setting 1 and 51 decibels on setting 12, making it great for a range of white noise preferences. 

Q. Is it okay to play white noise all night?

According to Dr. Hamid Djalilian, Director of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery at UC Irvine and Chief Medical Advisor at NeuroMed, “Leaving a source of noise on all night should be just fine, so long as it is playing softly.” He points out that fan noise is actually closer to pink noise (higher frequency and more comfortable to listen to) than white noise and that studies have shown pink noise is more effective for promoting restful sleep. 

Q. What are the negative effects of white noise?

Dr. Djalilian also told us there’s early research that suggests that even low-level noise can influence our brains in unexpected ways. He recommends weighing these findings against the proven harm of poor sleep, noting that “Agencies like NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) consider anything under 70 dB to carry minimal risk of hearing damage, no matter how long you’re exposed to it.”

Q. Can you overuse white noise?

It depends. According to Dr. Djalilian, “Using a fan for background noise to help sleep can be a safer choice than a white noise machine. Many of these devices reach volumes up to 90 decibels, a level loud enough to risk hearing damage.” Since you’re in control of the volume on these devices and may not be aware how loud the white noise is, there’s a greater risk you’ll play it at an unsafe level for overnight use.

Meet the Testers

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last. 

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.

 

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