We Tested Over 15 Tower Fans—These Are the Ones Worth Buying This Summer

Of all the fans that exist on the market—window, pedestal, box, and wall-mount—tower fans often rise above the rest. Why? Their appeal lies in their combination of efficient and effective cooling, space-saving design, and surprisingly quiet operation. 

After considering dozens of popular tower fans and testing 15 for possible inclusion in this guide, we chose the Lasko T42951 42-Inch Wind Curve Oscillating Tower Fan as our favorite for its straightforward functionality, modern design, and attractive price point. Keep reading to learn more about these fans, get tips on navigating the available options, and explore some of the best tower fans available.

1. BEST OVERALL: Lasko T42951 42-Inch Wind Curve Oscillating Tower Fan 
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Honeywell QuietSet Mini Tower Table Fan
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3. UPGRADE PICK: Dyson Cool AM07 Tower Fan
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4. BEST AIR CIRCULATION: Vornado 154 32-Inch Tower Circulator
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5. BEST ENERGY-EFFICIENT: Pelonis 40-Inch Bladeless Tower Fan with Remote
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6.  BEST SMART: Dreo Pilot Max S 714S Smart Tower Fan
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7. BEST HEATER AND FAN: Lasko FH500 1500W All-Season Tower Fan & Space Heater
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Best Tower Fans at a Glance

Our Top Picks

We listed our top picks in various categories to suit a wide range of needs. Read on to discover some of the best tower fans on the market today for cooling your home.

Our Ratings

After testing the Lasko T42951 42-inch Wind Curve oscillating tower fan, we can confidently share that it’s a worthwhile purchase for anyone needing a straightforward, reliable cooling solution for moderate-sized rooms. We highly value basic functionality and ease of use; this fan checks all the boxes.

This tall tower fan has a sleek and unobtrusive design, making it a natural addition to most room decor. The intuitive user interface features simple button controls and a basic remote control that makes operation straightforward from across the room. Regarding performance, the Lasko T42951 excels in moderate-sized spaces such as bedrooms or small living rooms. It offers a range of speeds and an oscillation feature that helps distribute cool air evenly. We particularly appreciate the quiet operation, which is quiet enough not to disturb while sleeping or working.

However, its effectiveness wanes in larger spaces. In a large open-plan living area, for example, the fan struggles to provide the same level of cooling. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider if you want to cool a larger area. Long story short: the Lasko T42951 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a no-frills, effective fan for smaller spaces. 

What our tester says: “This Lasko’s ease of use, effective cooling, and quiet operation make it a standout option, rightly earning its place as our best overall tower fan.”—Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Lasko T42951 tower fan at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings

The Honeywell QuietSet mini tower table fan is a refreshing addition to any desk setup. Firstly, the desk fan’s slim, compact design is a major plus. It fits seamlessly into small spaces, barely taking up any room on our crowded desk. It’s lightweight and portable, so we can easily move it between our work desk and nightstand. The aesthetic is sleek and modern, blending well with various interiors without being an eyesore.

The stand-up fan also has several premium features that enhance its utility. The oscillation function is handy, allowing the fan to cover a broader area on any tabletop. The auto-off timer is a thoughtful addition, letting us set it to turn off automatically after intervals ranging from 2 to 8 hours, which is perfect for periods of use when we might forget to shut it off. While it includes a night mode for even quieter operation, making it ideal for light sleepers, it is important to manage expectations regarding its cooling capabilities. The fan is not cut out for large spaces. It’s designed for personal use, providing a direct, cool breeze nearby, but it won’t replace a larger room fan.

Get the Honeywell tower fan at Amazon, Walmart, or Staples. 

Our Ratings

For those prioritizing circulation, noise, and ease of use, the Dyson Cool AM07 is a worthy upgrade. Thanks to the brand’s Air Multiplier technology, this quiet tower fan delivers a smooth, even airflow, and with 10 speed settings, it gives you more control than a basic model. 

Even though Dyson doesn’t list this cooling tower fan’s CFM level, it blew a piece of paper only a few inches short of the Dreo we tested, which outputs 1475 CFM. And although it measured about 51 decibels on its highest setting, the sound itself felt less obtrusive than the Pelonis bladeless fan, which only hits 45 decibels. It also doesn’t oscillate at as wide an angle as a couple of others, but 70 degrees was more than enough to reach every seat of our large sectional couch in our open-plan living room. All this is to say that even though it doesn’t have the best specs on paper, the Dyson AM07 was an easy favorite. 

As for downsides, while we loved the curved, magnetized remote, if you forget to click it back in place and end up misplacing it, you’ll lose access to the oscillation function entirely. Still, we firmly believe this bladeless tower fan is worth its price, though we wouldn’t fault you for trying to find it on sale. 

What our tester says: “After sleeping with this fan for a few weeks, I can’t imagine not having it. The 10 settings make it easy to adapt to changing spring and summer temperatures, and even on high, the sound it makes is just so pleasant—there’s no rattle at all. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to clean.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dyson tower fan at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, or Dyson.

Our Ratings

The Vornado 154 excels at what it’s designed to do: move air effectively across a room. The fan’s ability to circulate air is impressive, making it a great choice for larger spaces where airflow can become stagnant. The air movement is noticeable, creating a more comfortable environment quickly by reducing hot spots and enhancing overall room temperature uniformity.

One of the standout features of this fan is the magnetic remote control, which attaches neatly to the top of the fan. This design aspect is particularly handy, ensuring you never misplace the remote and can easily access it to adjust settings.

However, we’ve noticed a few drawbacks. The operation of the fan, especially on the lowest setting, is louder than other fans. The noise level can be intrusive, especially in quieter settings or at night when minimal disturbance is desired. Additionally, this fan might not be the best option for small spaces due to the powerful air output. We’ve observed that the sheer force of the airflow, combined with the noise, can be overwhelming in confined areas. Nonetheless, if you need a fan that provides excellent air circulation, the Vornado 154 is perfect. 

Get the Vornado tower fan at Amazon.

Our Ratings

With a DC motor that draws just 33 watts of electricity and outputs 1200 CFM of airflow, the Pelonis 40-inch tower fan with remote is the perfect pick for those seeking power plus efficiency. But it isn’t just the operation that’s economical; this bladeless tower fan also comes at an excellent price without skimping on features. In addition to six speeds, four modes, and 90 degrees of oscillation, it also has a 7-hour timer and the brand’s Sensi Cool Technology, which automatically adjusts airflow based on room temperature.

The only drawback of this energy-efficient fan is its controls. While it’s great to have six speed settings and four modes, accessing them isn’t very intuitive, since the number of available speeds changes depending on the mode you’re in. In normal mode, for instance, you have access to all six speed levels, but in natural mode, only two—and this isn’t really obvious without reading the manual (which is a little hard to follow). The indicator lights for speed are also cumulative, so rather than having individual lights for any speed above speed 3, you add up whatever’s glowing to know what you’re on (lights 1 and 3 translate to speed 4; lights 1, 2, and 3 translate to speed 6, and so on). However, if you’re willing to work through the learning curve, the airflow and efficiency make this pick a definite winner.

Get the Pelonis tower fan at Amazon or Best Buy.

Our Ratings

As the most powerful tower fan we tested, the Dreo Pilot Max S 714S has a 1475 CFM airflow rating, 120-degree oscillation, four modes, and 12 speed settings. Its Auto Mode senses room temperature and automatically adjusts the fan speed, and since it works with the Dreo app, Alexa, and Google Assistant, it’s an excellent option for those looking for convenient smart features. 

In our tests, this model impressed us right away. Its speed settings and oscillation delivered strong, wide coverage across our entire living room, and the brushless DC motor made it one of the quietest options, measuring just 25 decibels on the lowest setting and 45 on high. And although you can’t just wipe it off like a bladeless model, there’s just one small screw in the back that lets you remove the rear grill of this smart tower fan for easy cleaning. The only potential downside is that you have to click together the base and attach it to the fan before use, but that only takes a couple of minutes and doesn’t require any tools.

What our tester says: “Having this fan in our living room has allowed us to stay cool without AC on days we’d normally need to turn it on. It’s powerful enough to cover the entire space, and it’s one of the few fans out there with an auto function that adjusts to help maintain a set temperature.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dreo tower fan at Amazon or Dreo.

Our Ratings

Bring the heat in the winter and the cold in the summer with the Lasko fan and space heater tower. We found this mighty and sleek unit to be a versatile addition to our home. It has three hot airflow levels and four quiet fan speeds to accommodate any weather conditions or seasons. It includes a tip-over switch and an overheat protection function to prevent burns and fires, providing peace of mind.

The unit’s 42-inch height and 13-inch diameter footprint make it an ideal fan for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices. Its whisper-quiet functionality ensures that it does not cause noise pollution or disturb sleep. The Lasko fan and heater also come with a remote control, a built-in carrying handle, an oscillation function, a digital thermostat, and an 8-hour programmable timer for overnight use. The only downside we experienced was the bright digital display, which was bothersome at night.

Overall, this Lasko fan and heater tower is perfect for those looking to save on energy bills while staying comfortable in any season.

Get the Lasko combo tower fan at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.

ALSO TESTED

We almost feel bad not recommending the Lasko U35115 High-Velocity Tower Fan. It’s not a bad fan in any way, but it just didn’t measure up to the rest, especially since our best overall pick is from the same brand, costs less, and is more powerful. If you score a great deal on the U35115, you won’t be disappointed, but otherwise, you’d be better off with our top pick, the T42951. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Tower Fans

To find the best tower fans, we tested 15 models over 9 weeks, evaluating them all on ease of use, air circulation, noise, portability, and value. One by one, we ran them at both high and low speeds, measuring decibels and noting how effectively we could feel their output from at least four different distances. To get a visual read on airflow, we placed loose papers around the room to see how far the fans moved them. To assess portability, we carried them up and down a flight of stairs and between rooms. We also tested their additional features—sleep mode, timers, smart controls, and cleaning—as part of our overall evaluation. 

Our Testing Scores

How to Choose the Right Tower Fan

Like all types of fans, tower fans vary widely in size, airflow, and extra features. Knowing what to prioritize for your space and needs makes it much easier to choose the right one. 

Room Size

The size of the space you’re shopping for should be your starting point. Generally speaking, tower fans are designed for whole-room circulation, but a model that works well in a small bedroom may not be powerful enough for a large living area. For that reason, cubic feet per minute (CFM) output is an important factor (covered in the next section).

If you’re not looking to cool an entire room but rather just your personal space—a work area or one side of the bed—a desktop tower fan will likely be enough. For a full bedroom or living room, it probably won’t be. Since most tower fans have a small footprint, fitting one into any space that needs more airflow is rarely an issue.

Airflow, Oscillation, and Speed

CFM—how much air a fan can move per minute—is an easy way to compare models. Tower fans generally have between 200 and 1500 CFM of airflow, which is enough to make a noticeable difference but not as much as what’s offered with larger pedestal or box fans. Most also have at least three speed settings, though higher-end fans may offer 10 or 12 for greater customization. 

Oscillation is how wide an area the fan covers. Most tower fans sweep between 60 and 90 degrees, which is sufficient for most rooms, while some models offer adjustable arcs or go up to 120 degrees for broader coverage.

Noise Level and Sleep

Because their blades are smaller, tower fans are generally quieter than traditional fans. To know exactly how much sound you can expect, you can simply look at the manufacturer’s stated decibel range. The number of settings the fan has will come into play a bit as well, as fans with 10 or 12 rather than 3 or 6 may be especially quiet on low, with little to no difference on high. 

If you plan to use your fan in the bedroom, consider a model with a dedicated night mode, which typically runs the fan at a quieter speed for a set amount of time before automatically shutting off.

Additional Features

Beyond basic cooling, many tower fans include features that add convenience and flexibility, such as timers, remotes, apps, or thermostats.

Timers let you program the fan to shut off after a set number of hours, which is handy for preventing it from running unnecessarily overnight. Remote controls let you adjust settings from across the room, and it’s increasingly common for them to have dedicated onboard storage so that the remote is less likely to get lost. Smart fans go further by connecting via Bluetooth and pairing with an app so you can control the fan from your phone or tablet, and many of those also have a thermostat so that the fan automatically cycles on and off based on room temperature. 

FAQs

Even with more knowledge about tower fans, you might still have some questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your purchase. 

Q. What are tower fans good for?

Tower fans are good for personal or room-wide air circulation, especially in smaller spaces where you want a slim, quiet fan that doesn’t take up much floor area. They’re also useful for moving air around a room to make existing cooling feel more effective, and many models have convenient features like oscillation, timers, and remote controls. 

Q. Do tower fans cool better than regular fans?

Not usually. Tower fans can feel like they distribute air more evenly, and they’re often better for compact spaces, but pedestal fans and box fans typically have larger blades for greater air circulation.

Q. What is an oscillating tower fan?

An oscillating tower fan is a tall, slim fan that rotates from side to side to direct airflow over a wider area rather than in a single direction. Oscillation is useful for circulating air more evenly across spaces. 

Q. Which tower fan is the quietest?

One of the quietest tower fans on the market today is the Dreo Pilot Max S 714S Smart Tower Fan, producing only about 20 decibels at its lowest setting and 40 decibels at its highest.

Q. How do you clean a tower fan?

To clean a fan, start by turning it off and unplugging it. Then use compressed air or a vacuum brush attachment to clean the vents. vents.

Q. Do tower fans help with humidity?

Not directly. Tower fans move air and can make a humid room feel less stuffy, but they don’t remove moisture from the air as a dehumidifier or air conditioner would.

Q. Are tower fans noisy?

No, not usually. In fact, tower fans are often quieter than pedestal or box fans because the blades are both smaller and enclosed. However, noise varies by model and speed setting, so it’s best to check the decibel range if noise is a primary concern.

Q. What is a good CFM for a tower fan?

A good target for a tower fan is about 500 CFM or higher for strong airflow, and 800 CFM or more for larger rooms. Some of the more powerful models can go well above that, but anything above 500 CFM is generally considered high for a tower fan.

Meet the Testers

Michelle Larson is a writer and editor with expertise in home, health, and technology products. Her straightforward, detail-driven approach stems from her general curiosity about all things self- and home-improvement. Whether she’s testing pedestal fans, pizza ovens, or portable power stations, she focuses on durability and usability to help readers make confident, informed decisions.

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.

Debbie Wolfe is a photographer, author, and freelance writer in various niches. She has contributed hundreds of home, garden, and crafting articles and DIY tutorials for leading media outlets and retailers. Her testing approach is straightforward and budget-minded. 

Additional research provided by Andréana Lefton and Tiffany Lewis.

 

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