The 5 Best Pedestal Fans of 2024 | Tested & Rated
The 5 Best Pedestal Fans of | Tested & Rated
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Best Pedestal Fan
PELONIS Silent Turbo
Number of Speeds: 12 | Timer: Yes; 1-12 hours with .5 hour increments through 10 hours
REASONS TO BUY
Good range of speeds for precision control
Quiet, even on higher speeds
Intelligent settings
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the most powerful
Beeps loudly with every setting change
12 |Yes; 1-12 hours with .5 hour increments through 10 hours
Our favorite pedestal fan is the PELONIS Silent Turbo for its myriad options and fully functional range of speeds. This fan has 12 different speeds, allowing you to achieve the ideal airflow for your needs. Stretching just over 54" high, it's one of the tallest fans we tested and also the quietest &#; barely audible when on its &#;silent&#; mode. It has three additional modes, including &#;sleep&#; which gradually slows down over several hours, and &#;natural&#; which has variable speeds to blend more organically into the background. Additionally, you can set it to turn off after 30 minutes, 12 hours, or anything in between. The handy remote comes with a battery, and the lights power off after a few seconds, making it ideal for nighttime bedroom use. Unlike many other models, it also remembers your last settings when you turn it back on, so no need to fight through all 12 speeds every time you want to use it. A heavy base makes it more stable as well.
Although the Silent Turbo is one of the quieter fans, it beeps rather loudly every time you change a setting, which is not ideal if you are using the fan in a quiet bedroom. A couple of the modes seem very similar, and it took several seconds to settle into the correct speed when changing a setting. Additionally, this is not the most powerful fan we tested. Despite having 12 different speed settings, the highest rate of airflow measured at just 10.5 mph, which is below average for this group of contenders. With all that in mind, we highly enjoy the convenience and less intrusive noise you get with this model.
Includes: Remote and CR batteryDirections of Pivot: Down 8 degrees, up 16 degrees
Remote and CR batteryDown 8 degrees, up 16 degrees
Modes & Features: 4 modes (Normal, Sleep, Natural, & Silent), carry handle on motor
A quiet fan that offers a comfortable indoor breeze, ideal for watching a movie in bed without having to crank the volume.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Best Choice on a Tight Budget
Comfort Zone 3-Speed
Number of Speeds: 3 | Timer: No
REASONS TO BUY
Simple and straightforward
Lightweight
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
No extra features or frills
Only so-so power and medium quietness
3 |No
If you're here hunting for a pedestal fan that works and won't blow your budget, the Comfort Zone 3-Speed is that fan. It's extremely simple and straightforward to operate and does precisely what you'd expect from a basic fan. Its top-measured speed hit just above average at 10.9 mph on high. Though the base is a whopping 24" wide and deep, it comes in the shape of four legs that more easily fit over, around, or even under other objects in your home. The legs also fold up quickly, making this lightweight fan surprisingly portable. Their width and the fan's overall low weight also add to its sturdiness. With simple push buttons, it's easy to put this fan on a timer or smart switch, helping to make up for its lack of an internal timer.
Of course, this level of simplicity may be too simple for some. With just three speeds and no remote or other frills, this fan is in no way fancy or modern. It's also not particularly powerful or especially quiet, falling about in the middle of the pack on both fronts. Though the Comfort Zone doesn't feel like it's made of the most bombproof materials, we had absolutely no issues with its sturdiness or durability during our testing. At the end of the day, though this fan lacks the bells and whistles of fancier models, it still gets the job done, making it a good value item.
Includes: N/ADirections of Pivot: Slightly down, slightly up
N/ASlightly down, slightly up
Modes & Features: Foldable base, indented carry handle on back of blade cage
Though it's quite basic in this line-up, the Comfort Zone 3-Speed holds its own.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Best for Automated Temperature Control
Lasko S with Thermostat
Number of Speeds: 4 | Timer: Yes; 1-7 hours in 1-hour increments
REASONS TO BUY
Low hum easily fades into background
Useful, simple remote with no beeps
Lightweight but sturdy
REASONS TO AVOID
Less powerful at a distance
Base slides easily
Head may detach while carrying
4 |Yes; 1-7 hours in 1-hour increments
The Lasko S with Thermostat offers surprisingly convenient functionality beyond its optional thermostat functionality &#; which we love. The built-in thermostat eliminates the need for a smart plug and allows you to set your desired temperature from 60-80 degrees (in 5-degree increments), which automatically turns off the fan when the room reaches the set ambient temperature, and it kicks back on when the temperature rises. This fan emits a lower-pitched hum that more easily fades into the background than many other models' higher-pitched whirring noises. We almost couldn't hear it at its lowest speed amongst all the other sounds in the house. The remote is both simple and fully functional, controlling every aspect of this fan &#; including oscillation &#; with a beep-less push of a button. Though lightweight, this model is also more stable and less wobbly than most.
However, the lightweight plastic disc base lacks any feet to hold it in place on a hard floor. While we don't think this is a huge problem, if pets or people are frequently bumping into the furniture, the Lasko S will slide. And, if you have a giant living space and are hoping to place a fan across the room that can still reach you with a powerful breeze on the couch, this one may disappoint you with its below-average wind speeds. If you plan to carry it around your home, we also found that it sometimes comes apart mid-transit &#; though it simply slides back together again easily. At the end of the day, if you want a fan to help keep your area at a more consistent temperature, the functionality and simplicity of this fan are here to help.
Includes: Remote (2 AAA batteries included)Directions of Pivot: Straight ahead, about 30 degrees up
Remote (2 AAA batteries included)Straight ahead, about 30 degrees up
Modes & Features: Remote hook on stand, auto-detect thermostat function (60-80 degrees ambient temperature, in 5-degree increments)
Keep your space at the perfect temperature all day with the optional thermostat function of this Lasko.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Best for Saving Space
Vornado 683 Medium
Number of Speeds: 3 | Timer: No
REASONS TO BUY
Very powerful
Points almost vertical
Lower pitch is less annoying
REASONS TO AVOID
Does not oscillate and lacks many features
Very short
3 |No
Despite being the smallest of our tested fans, the Vornado 683 Medium is also among the most powerful. Packing a big punch, we measured this little fan hitting 13.4 mph. Though this certainly helps you cool off when pointed directly at your face, it's also fairly effective as an air circulator when positioned just right in larger spaces. Instead of a solid base, this lightweight model has five sturdy legs that give it a small but stable footprint. Of all the models we tested, this one operates at the lowest pitch, sounding more like a hum than the traditional whirring of a fan. Though it can't point down, it can be angled nearly vertically to bounce air off the ceiling and blow it effectively around an entire room. It's the only one with the cord coming out of the bottom of the stand, as well, rather than dangling off the base of the motor halfway up the stand.
Though those that love simplicity will appreciate this straightforward 3-speed design controlled by a simple knob, the Vornado 683 is likely to disappoint if you're after settings and features. It has no remote, no extra modes, no timer, and doesn't even oscillate. Additionally, this fan may not quite reach the top of your bed &#; at its tallest, it stands just 38 inches high. It's also quite loud on higher settings, though the lowest speed is reasonably quiet. However, if you're looking for a pedestal fan with far-reaching power that you can stick in the corner and forget about, the Vornado may be exactly what you want.
Includes: N/ADirections of Pivot: Straight ahead, nearly vertical
N/AStraight ahead, nearly vertical
Modes & Features: Indented carry handle on top
Short on space but not ready to skimp on power? The Vornado 683 is a fantastic option.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Best for Big Power
Lasko 18" Cyclone
Number of Speeds: 3 | Timer: Yes; 1, 2, or 4 hours
REASONS TO BUY
Powerful
No annoying beeps
Remembers your last setting
Large height adjustability
REASONS TO AVOID
Quite loud and higher pitch than many
Limited setting options
3 |Yes; 1, 2, or 4 hours
Ready to feel impressive winds from across the room? The Lasko 18" Cyclone is a powerful fan that spreads air effectively around even larger rooms. This oversized option creates a veritable buffeting wind on higher speeds, just like its name implies. It's fairly lightweight and offers an exceptional range in height, from 42 to 54 inches &#; the most of any model we tested. While most remote-controlled fans beep with every button push, the Lasko stays silent. It remembers your last settings when turned on each time and can be helpfully positioned anywhere from slightly downward to nearly vertical. On top of that, it comes with a small Velcro patch for the remote that you can stick just about anywhere &#; like on your bedpost or nightstand &#; to keep it close by.
Though the Lasko Cyclone does have a timer, it only goes up to 4 hours, which may not be enough for some folks. It has a push-pull tab on the motor to control oscillation, rather than including that on the remote like many others. The super-wide, 21-inch circular base takes up a significant amount of room and slides readily across hardwood floors. As a light, plastic unit, ours bounced and vibrated at every speed &#; not audibly, but visibly. Unfortunately, the lights on the base also don't dim or turn off, and this is one of the loudest, highest-pitched fans of the bunch, making it not a great option for picky sleepers or for use when watching movies. Though, if you're a fan of white noise and a powerful breeze, you may just love this big unit exactly as it is.
Includes: Remote (batteries not included)Directions of Pivot: Barely down, nearly vertical
Remote (batteries not included)Barely down, nearly vertical
Modes & Features: Velcro patch to stick remote anywhere
The Lasko Cyclone brings a true cyclone-feeling into smaller rooms.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Good Range of Speeds and Heights
Rowenta VU Turbo Silence Extreme 5-Speed
Number of Speeds: 5 | Timer: Yes; 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours
REASONS TO BUY
Large range of heights; taller than most
Wide range of speeds
Fairly quiet
REASONS TO AVOID
Not very sturdy
Beep is particularly annoying
5 |Yes; 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours
The Rowenta VU Turbo Silence Extreme 5-Speed remains impressively quiet while offering an impressive range of speeds which we measured as low as 4.7 mph and as high as 12.9 mph. The &#;3 speeds and 3 modes&#; essentially boil down to 5 speeds. Silent Night mode didn't even register sound on our instruments, blowing a very modest amount of air at close range. Turbo Boost acts and sounds exactly like what you'd expect from the name, and the Normal settings are the three middle speeds. This fan exhibits one of the larger and taller height ranges while its heavy base securely anchors it to the floor. It includes a timer and a remote &#; though no CR battery &#; and features a remote caddy on top of the motor. We also love that it remembers its last settings when you turn it back on and is surprisingly quiet and pleasant at every speed.
Unfortunately, this heavy gizmo is one of the most wobbly models we tested, literally blowing itself into a backbend at high speeds. For a futuristic-looking fan, it still has the old-school oscillation knob on the unit, with no button to control it remotely. It chirps loudly and obnoxiously with every setting change, and though the lights dim, they never turn off. Switching between speeds, the unit we tested also had considerable difficulty finding the right rotation rate, shifting awkwardly between several speeds before settling at a constant pace. At the end of the day, though we find much to like about this quiet, effective fan, we're not quite sure its shortcomings make it worth the hefty price tag.
Includes: Remote (CR battery not included)Directions of Pivot: Slightly down, slightly more up
Remote (CR battery not included)Slightly down, slightly more up
Modes & Features: 3 modes (Silent Night, Normal, and Turbo Boost) 3 regular speeds and 1 high speed, remote caddy, and carry handle on top of motor
While there's a lot to like about the quietness and power of the Rowenta, we wish it was a bit more sturdy.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Quiet on Low Power
Amazon Basics Oscillating Dual Blade 16-Inch
Number of Speeds: 24 | Timer: Yes; 1-18 hours, 1-hour increments
REASONS TO BUY
Very quiet on low speeds
Lights dim after a bit
Fairly sturdy
REASONS TO AVOID
Very unpleasant chirpy beep
Not powerful
Many settings seem the same
24 |Yes; 1-18 hours, 1-hour increments
The Amazon Basics Oscillating Dual Blade 16-Inch is an attractive and quiet model that's full of settings and is best for subtlety. Though it boasts a whopping 24 speeds, it's quite difficult to discern a difference between many of them. The lowest 8 speeds are so silent our instruments couldn't even detect them. It's heavy and solid, with a low center of gravity that's not easy to tip over. The lights on the base turn off after several seconds, and the head tilts slightly up and down. It comes with a remote that controls all the settings &#; including oscillation &#; but requires your own AAA batteries.
Oddly, the jump from speeds 8 to 9 is far more noticeable than any other speed change, jumping a full 6 decibels. Even though it claims to have 24 speeds, the Oscillating Dual Blade is by far the least powerful pedestal fan we tested, with a measured airspeed range from 3.5 mph to just 8.7 mph &#; a top speed that's nearly the same as many others' lowest speeds. It doesn't have a memory for its last settings, instead always powering up on level 18 with no oscillation and chirping offensively as you scroll through all 24 speeds. If you want a powerful fan, this isn't likely to tick your boxes. However, if you prefer a very light breeze and value silence, this may be a good fit.
Includes: Remote (AAA batteries do not come with purchase)Directions of Pivot: Barely down, slightly more up
Remote (AAA batteries do not come with purchase)Barely down, slightly more up
Modes & Features: 3 modes (Nature, Sleep, Normal), 2 blades each with 5 fins
If all you want are the low, quiet speeds, this fan from AmazonBasics might work but don't expect much power!
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
A Step Above Basic
Black+Decker 16"
Number of Speeds: 3 | Timer: Yes; 1, 2, or 4 hours
REASONS TO BUY
Straightforward use
Has remote and timer
Less expensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Fan head is droopy
Controls on unit are behind fan blades
Loud, chirpy beep with every setting change
3 |Yes; 1, 2, or 4 hours
The Black+Decker 16" is a small step up from the basic pedestal fans of old. It features a remote and caddy that clips onto the stand, and a timer function gives some operational options. The solid base adds stability, and the head tilts slightly. Compared to some of the competition, this fan is pretty affordable.
The controls on the fan's base are awkwardly located partially behind the bottom of the blade cage. It chirps loudly with every setting change, and the light on the base never turns off &#; though it's just one small red dot, which is less intrusive than many others. The remote caddy must be removed from the stand to put the head all the way down, and you can't control the oscillation function with the remote, only with the traditional knob on top of the motor. Our unit also had a heavy, droopy head, which limits its angles of operation from straight ahead to slightly down. We measured this fan as having just under a 2 mph difference between the lowest (8.5 mph) and the highest (10.3 mph) speeds. We're not sure the low price and extra features are worth the long list of shortcomings.
Includes: Remote (AAA batteries not included)Directions of Pivot: Slightly down, straight ahead
Remote (AAA batteries not included)Slightly down, straight ahead
Modes & Features: Removable remote caddy on stand, carry handle on back of blade cage
We appreciate the usefulness of the Black & Decker remote caddy, but find it annoying that it has to be removed in order to completely lower the fan.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Why Trust GearLab
To find the best pedestal fans on the market today, we spent hours combing through the top options before selecting the most promising models to purchase and test side-by-side. Tasked with cooling us off through some of the hottest days of the desert summer, we put these fans through a litany of laboratory and real-world tests. We used them while watching movies, sleeping at night, reading books, and working out at home. We measured airspeeds and took decibel readings, comparing them all head-to-head to see which ones offer the most settings, the most power, sturdiest bases, and quietest experiences.
This review is spearheaded by Senior Review Editor, Maggie Nichols, who lives and recreates in the hot high deserts of northern Nevada. Maggie grew up enduring the oppressive heat/humidity combination of the Midwest, spending sticky afternoons keeping cool in front of fans. She's spent a huge chunk of her life battling heat and humidity from teaching in the jungles of South America and plains of Africa to living on a remote Caribbean island. Fans have always been a necessary part of life for both Maggie and her easily overheated dog. From her home gym to her home office, she knows what it takes to find the right fan for any space. She tests several types of fans and has been testing all types of home and outdoor gear for both OutdoorGearLab and TechGearLab since .
Pedestal fans have the classic look, though many have been updated to include modern features.Analysis and Test Results
We tested each fan's performance through a battery of tests that cover four metrics. We put together a complete picture of each model through laboratory tests, precision measurements, everyday usage, and qualitative analyses. Here we break down the metrics we evaluated and the tests we used to pinpoint the best ones for specific jobs.
Stay cool with the right fan for your space.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Power
To test each pedestal fan's power, we performed multiple airspeed tests on different settings and combined that with how well it translates into what you can feel across a room. We measured airflow, placing each fan across a large room and standing on the other side to gauge how easily we could feel each setting, both directly in front of and off to the sides of every fan. And we considered how many settings, modes, features, and timer options each model has, alongside the use of those settings.
Making the Most Out of Your Fan
Adding a fan to your home in a strategic way can be a great way to make your space more comfortable &#; and possibly even more energy-efficient during hot summer months. Every model has a unique airflow pattern. Some create a tunnel straight ahead, others buffet wind around the room more evenly, and still others are meant to create a feedback loop of air, circulating it within a space. Play with the placement of your fan, using it to spread air from your window AC, perhaps angling it at the ceiling to create a more even room temperature. How you put the specific fan you decide to take home into your unique space may take some experimentation and practice to perfect, but don't give up!
When it comes to sheer airflow and power, the Vornado 683 Medium takes the cake. In our tests, it reached the highest measured speed of 13.4 mph. It's easily felt from across a room, though only if you're standing directly in its tunnel-like path. Not only does this high velocity feel great in your face after a prolonged period outside on a hot day, but it also helps to circulate air around a room more effectively &#; exactly what this model is made to do. The Lasko Cyclone is also quite powerful and has the added bonus of oscillation and a timer, both of which the Vornado lacks. We clocked its 18" face producing speeds of 12.5 mph and a strong buffeting effect even from 20 feet away. Also notable for a high top speed is the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme 5-Speed.
Despite its small size, the Vornado packs some serious power into its three speeds and works well to circulate air throughout the room.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Though the Pelonis Silent Turbo doesn't offer the high rate of flow that many others do, it does have a wide range of lower speeds. With 12 distinct speeds, this quiet fan measured between 3.3 mph on its lowest setting to 10.5 mph on its highest. It has four different modes with intuitive speeds and functions to fit precise situations that likely occur daily in most homes.
Madeline loves lying in the breeze from the oversized Lasko Cyclone.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Percieved Noise
To score each model's overall noisiness, we started off by taking decibel readings of each fan at all of their various speeds. We then qualified each fan's sound, including relative pitch, quality of noise, and respective annoyance levels. We noted if they had extra noises, like clicking, beeping, whirring, or vibrations. And because gunk getting stuck in your fan can affect its noisiness, we also inspected how easy they are to clean.
Fan Maintenance
Just like everything else in your home, your pedestal fan needs regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it working well. A clean fan will be a quieter fan. Most fans have a way to remove the front grill, which can be wiped or washed, along with the blades themselves. Obviously, you'll need to avoid getting the motor wet, but even regular dusting will help you make the most of your fan. Be sure to always unplug your fan from the outlet before taking it apart.
While it seems like every fan claims to be silent, the Pelonis Silent Turbo comes the closest to achieving that lofty goal. Its lowest settings didn't even register on our decibel meters, and even at its highest speed, this fan was still surprisingly quiet both in measurement and quality of sound. The Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme is another fairly quiet fan, regardless of its speed. On its highest setting, which is almost 3 mph faster than the Pelonis Turbo, we measured it at a lower decibel reading. The Lasko S with Thermostat emits a low hum on its lowest setting that immediately becomes a background sound you hardly notice. The Amazon Basics Oscillating Dual Blade is whisper quiet on speeds 1-8, but by the time you hit speed 24, it's one of the loudest of the group, despite having the least impressive airflow. Though the Vornado 683 Medium is fairly loud at top speed, it also has a low, more even hum that sets it apart from the traditional whirring noise of most fan blades.
We're impressed by how quiet the Pelonis remains even on its highest speed.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
When it comes to keeping these units clean, all of them have removable grills that can be rinsed or wiped, allowing easy access to the blades to keep them dust-free. The Black+Decker 16" makes it even easier, with simple clasps that can be twisted to the side with your thumb for removal. The Comfort Zone, Lasko S, and Lasko Cyclone grills can be popped on and off, as they utilize plastic tabs to stay in place. The rest of the fans have at least one screw holding the grill onto the head of the fan. The Vornado 683 has several screws but also includes directions on how to remove both the grill and the blade for more thorough cleaning.
Several fans have a single screw that can be removed to take off the grill and access the blades for a thorough, regular cleaning.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Size Value
Pedestal fans have a reputation for being ungainly and large &#; but how ungainly and how large? We measured the dimensions of every fan, checked to see how much their heights are adjustable, and considered their base size and the blade housing size. Of course, since larger fans are often more powerful, we considered other values of their sizes when calculating scores in this metric. Being able to tilt or oscillate a fan also makes a big difference in where it can live in your home, so we considered these abilities as well.
Pay Attention to the Base
Pedestal fans can be fan-tastic in your home, but their unique shapes can also make them more challenging to Tetris into your space. Pay attention not just to the fan head's size, but also to the size and shape of the base. Many have solid bases that can be difficult to squeeze into smaller spaces, but a few have legs that may more easily conform to your needs.
The Vornado 683 is the smallest of the group. It has a small footprint with legs that can go around objects and a small head that's powerful and can be pointed in nearly any direction, pivoting a full 90 degrees, from horizontal to almost vertical. The Lasko S is a fairly average overall size but is much lighter than most and with a thin, wide base that can slide easily under most furniture. The lightweight Comfort Zone has a folding base comprised of four legs, and though they're much wider, their small profile makes them conducive to squeezing into spaces and under furniture. The Lasko Cyclone and Rowenta Turbo Silence are both noticeably larger than the competition, in base and head size, as well as the overall presence in a room.
Unlike many circular and square bases, the Comfort Zone 3-Speed has four legs that can slide between and even under things for a better fit in your home.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Just about every pedestal fan we tested oscillates roughly 90 degrees with the exception of the Vornado 683, which doesn't oscillate at all but can be twisted on its stand to face any direction. However, the Vornado offers one of the widest pivot ranges, at nearly 90 degrees, whereas most others are closer to 20-25 degrees at most. The Lasko Cyclone also pivots at close to 90 degrees.
The Vornado 683 is both small and short, making it a better fit when space is at a premium. However, it's also the only one without an oscillating function, and must be spun by hand to point the direction you desire.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Stability
Just looking at some pedestal fans can feel like they're on the verge of being knocked over. If your home includes excitable pets, clumsy children, or ungraceful adults, it's important to have a sturdy fan that's less likely to take a fall when bumped. We evaluated fans on their center of balance, weightiness, sturdiness, and other features that help to hold them in place, like rubber feet. Since many of these come with a tiny remote, we also considered extra features (like remote storage spots) as a bonus in this metric.
Avoiding Unnecessary HazardsPedestal fans are one of the more awkwardly shaped fans you can put in your home. If you have pets or humans in the house who regularly knock things over, you might consider a sturdier option that's closer to the ground. Check out our picks for the
Pedestal fans are one of the more awkwardly shaped fans you can put in your home. If you have pets or humans in the house who regularly knock things over, you might consider a sturdier option that's closer to the ground. Check out our picks for the best floor fans
The Pelonis Silent Turbo and Rowenta Turbo Silence use heaviness to their advantage when it comes to stability, weighing over 15 and 17 pounds, respectively. However, the Rowenta has a rather wobbly vertical portion of the unit that makes it feel a bit rickety, while the Pelonis Turbo is sturdier overall. The Amazon Basics Oscillating and Black+Decker 16" exhibit a similar strategy with heavy bases to lower their center of gravity.
Though there's a lot we like about the Rowenta, its stand is a bit too flexible for our preference and can blow itself backward when on high power.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Using a different strategy, the Vornado 683 and Comfort Zone 3-Speed are lightweight but have wide bases compared to their heads, with rubbery grips to help hold them in place. Four models include some form of storage for their remotes: the Rowenta, Black+Decker, Lasko S, and Lasko Cyclone. The Rowenta has a slot on top that securely stores its remote right on top of the unit. The Black+Decker has a clip-on caddy that attaches to the stand but gets in the way of lowering it completely. The Lasko S pairs a hook on the back of the remote with a slot on the back of the fan stand to keep them together when not in use. The Lasko Cyclone provides just a simple Velcro patch, allowing you to connect the other side of it to wherever you find most helpful &#; whether that's the top of the fan motor or the side of your coffee table.
Stay comfortable in any season with the right pedestal fan.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Conclusion
A good pedestal fan can make all the difference during a hot summer, while a bad one can leave you cursing your decision to buy it. By testing these fans side by side, we hope that our comparative analysis helps you find the one that melts your sweat away and keeps you cool.
A good pedestal fan can make all the difference during a hot summer, while a bad one can leave you cursing your decision to buy it. By testing these fans side by side, we hope that our comparative analysis helps you find the one that melts your sweat away and keeps you cool.
The 14 Best Fans, According to Our Tests
For more information on how we tested fans, check out our testing process below.
To find the best fans, we put popular models to the test, evaluating each product's cooling power , design , noise levels , and features like remotes, timers, and oscillation.
&#;Different types of fans serve different functions, but they all can help reduce your heating and cooling bills ,&#; he says. &#;Where it&#;s not possible or practical to put fans in windows, portable fans can be placed on the floor near windows or doorways and can help circulate air within a room or between rooms.&#;
Instead of tossing and turning at night or spending your day sweaty and miserable, consider buying a high-powered fan to improve airflow and keep you cool . Lowe&#;s store manager Brian Shaunfield says investing in a portable fan can save money on energy bills and make a huge difference in the comfort of your home.
There are few things more uncomfortable than living in a home that's stuffy, hot, and lacking airflow. Even if you have an air conditioner unit installed, it may not be powerful enough to contend with summer's stickiest weather.
Best Overall
Dreo Nomad One Tower Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$63 at Amazon
View on Dreo.com
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This oscillating fan provides a powerful breeze that fits four versatile modes and speeds.
Keep in Mind
The height and tilt cannot be adjusted.
The Dreo Tower Fan impressed us the most out of all the fans we tested. With four different speeds and modes, this fan is able to cool an entire room efficiently while being quiet enough to not interrupt television or conversation. During testing, we found that there was a significant difference in the four speeds.
The lowest setting still had significant power to cause a decent breeze, and the highest setting was able to fully cool the room and the breeze was felt from 6 feet away. If you're looking for an oscillating fan, this one has a wide oscillating setting.
We found it had an excellent range of motion and cooled the room down equally and thoroughly with its 90-degree turn. The eco mode, which is designed to save energy, fluctuated between the low and high setting, and the night mode turned the screen lights off so it doesn&#;t interfere with sleep.
The fan has a timer setting for up to eight hours, which we found convenient for nighttime use, and a remote control that is easy to use and works up to 20 feet away. The design is sleek and modern enough it would fit into any room without standing out. It&#;s bladeless, but that doesn&#;t interfere with its execution.
It was easy to clean by wiping down between the vent with a rag; though the vent is completely removable for cleaning, we didn't think it was necessary all the time. The only downside was that we could not adjust the height or the tilt of the fan, which we noted may be an issue if your bed is on the taller side.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Four | Modes: Four | Timer: Eight hour timer | Dimensions: 11.81x11.81x36.22 inches
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
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Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
Key Terms
- Pedestal vs. Tower: Both are standing fans, but pedestal fans are typically topped with a mounted head that rotates (some even offer adjustable heights), whereas tower fans feature a single moving base.
- Air circulators vs. oscillating: Two types of fan that support multidirectional airflow, albeit in different ways. A circulator keeps a room cool by sucking in air and projecting it in a steady, spiral stream. Oscillating fans, however, rotate up and down to distribute air.
Best Budget
Hampton Bay Personal High Velocity Table Fan
PHOTO: Home Depot
$17 at Home Depot
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This fan is very small and easy to maneuver while also providing a consistently powerful breeze.
Keep in Mind
Cleaning the fan can be challenging as the cover is not removable.
The Hampton Bay tabletop fan is our pick for a budget option. We love how portable it is&#;it was easy to move around during testing and wasn&#;t heavy or cumbersome. The fan has three speed settings with one mode. During testing, it was relatively quiet on the first two settings; however, the highest setting does have a slight whirring noise.
While testing the fan at home, we found we could have conversations and watch television without any issues. When the fan was directly on us, the breeze was powerful but comfortable, even at varying distances. It's also durable&#;while testing the fan at home, we accidentally dropped it twice and there was no damage to be found.
The fan does not come with an oscillation option, so in order to effectively direct the breeze we had to position the fan exactly where we wanted the breeze to go. It doesn&#;t come with a remote control or adjustable height, but it is easy to position the fan up and down.
Keep in mind that cleaning the fan wasn't as easy as with other options we tested. The cover can't be removed to access the blades, so we weren't able to wipe them down when dust began to accumulate during our long-term testing.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: One | Timer: No timer | Dimensions: 5.83x11.43x10.75 inches
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Best Tower
Lasko Wind Curve Oscillating Tower Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$80 at Amazon
$69 at Wayfair
$80 at Walmart
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The sleek design and powerful fan speeds make this tower fan great for cooling small rooms.
Keep in Mind
We weren't able to feel a breeze when standing further than 10 feet from the fan.
Tower fans are the ideal fans for cooling an entire room without sacrificing a ton of space or making lots of noise. The Lasko Wind Curve Tower Fan is a great example&#;it offers three fan speeds, quiet operation, and a space-saving design that makes it easy to tuck into a corner.
During testing, we were shocked by how easily the different fan speeds circulated cool air throughout the room, giving the fan a perfect score in this category. We liked the variance between each fan speed, allowing you to choose between a soft breeze and a powerful, cooling blast, depending on how warm the room is.
When in nighttime mode, the Lasko portable fan slowly decreases the fan speed over time, allowing you to drift off comfortably without racking up your energy bill all night long. There's also a timer setting, which allows you to designate how long you'd like it to run before shutting off.
"This fan is honestly saving my life right now in the New York City heat. I use it on the highest setting every single day while I work...It is a really powerful fan, easy to switch between modes, and it's very quiet. In fact, sometimes I forget to turn it off because it's not loud at all." -Better Homes & Gardens Tester
Each mode provides a comfortable breeze with minimal noise, and the fan has an oscillating setting to help circulate the cool air. We also loved the modern yet unobtrusive design of the Lasko portable fan, which has a matte gray finish, a user-friendly control panel, and a slim frame that won't take up too much space.
When it comes to cleaning, the front panel is removable for easier access to the blades. However, the clips that secure the panel were difficult to open and close. We recommend using this fan in small-to medium-size rooms, as we couldn't feel the breeze when standing more than 10 feet away from the fan.
After testing the fan long-term at home, we also noted that the base was very bulky, making it difficult to move from room to room. That won't be a problem if you're planning to keep it in one place, but does make it less portable.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: Default and Sleep | Timer: Up to 7.5 hours | Dimensions: 13x13x42.5 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Box Fan
Pelonis Box Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$43 at Amazon
$45 at Walmart
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This fan works to cool the entire room, not just the space directly in front of it.
Keep in Mind
It's a bit louder than other fans on this list.
If you're trying to circulate cool air in a large or particularly stuffy room, the gentle breeze from even the best portable fan isn't going to be enough. Instead, you'll need a high-powered box fan&#;like the Pelonis Three-Speed Box Fan&#;to move stagnant air out of the room and keep the space cool.
During testing, the Pelonis box fan was one of the most powerful in terms of airflow. The fan is nothing fancy; there's no LED display, special settings, or auto-shutoff features&#;you simply change speeds by turning a knob. But it's incredibly effective at circulating air throughout the entire room, and you'll be able to feel a cool breeze from even 20 feet away.
We also found the fan to be surprisingly portable and lightweight, making it super easy to move from room to room as needed. There are convenient carrying handles in two corners of the fan, and we were able to transport it one-handed without issue.
Because of its powerful airflow, it does make a bit of noise, which could be bothersome to light sleepers who want to run the fan overnight. If you're intending to use this fan while sleeping, you may want to place it on the opposite side of the room so the fan doesn't disturb you.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: None | Timer: None | Dimensions: 20x6x21 inches
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Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
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Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
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Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Table
SNOOZ Breez 2-in-1 Smart Table Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$200 at Amazon
View on Getsnooz.com
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This smart fan has 10 different fan settings and doubles as a white noise machine.
Keep in Mind
It doesn&#;t have a timer.
The Snooz Breez two-in-one table fan showed impressive range in power settings and versatility during our testing. Not only is this a tabletop fan, but it&#;s also a white noise machine, making it a perfect addition to your bedroom. With 10 adjustable airflow settings, it offers several breeze options so you can pick the perfect level of comfort for your needs.
When testing, we found the lowest setting gave off a very soft breeze&#;so soft it didn&#;t blow any papers and could not be felt from far away. The highest setting, however, was very powerful and blew away all the papers on the table. The noise levels for both the fan and white noise machine are loud, though the noise is soothing, not disruptive.
The fan would work great for someone who tends to get hot at night or needs a relaxing noise to fall asleep. During our long-term testing, we slept with the fan on almost every night for two months, and we didn't notice any change in quality or performance with consistent use.
We loved the chic and contemporary design of this fan, and it was easy to tilt, revolving almost 360 degrees around. However, it doesn&#;t have a timer like other fans on our list have, like the Dreo Tower Fan. There is an optional app you can download to set a schedule, use a remote, and more.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: 10 | Modes: Four | Timer: No timer | Dimensions: 7x11.25x11.75 inches
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Best Industrial
XPOWER Industrial High Velocity Air Mover
PHOTO: Amazon
$144 at Walmart
$144 at Home Depot
$160 at Tractor Supply Co.
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
We appreciated the wide range of breezes this fan produced, and it was easy to move around.
Keep in Mind
It&#;s one of the loudest fans we tested.
For those looking for an industrial fan, the Xpower FC-200 impressed us during our testing. There are four separate settings offered on the fan, and it also has a timer that goes up to three hours. We noted the lowest setting provided a powerful yet soothing breeze without being too loud.
The highest setting, however, was very loud, and the papers used during testing blew away immediately on the highest setting, making it all the way to the 20-foot marker. The wide range of power was definitely a plus for us. While the fan does not have an oscillating option or the ability to alter its height, it's lightweight and easy to move.
When it comes to cleaning, we had a hard time reaching the blades. However, even after regular use for two months, there wasn't any dust that accumulated on the blades, likely because of the high power. While it was one of the loudest fans we tested, we liked how powerful it was, making it perfect for industrial settings.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Four | Modes: One | Timer: Three hour timer | Dimensions: 15.4x17.3x8.9 inches
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Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
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Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Best Desk Fan
Vornado Large Air Circulator
PHOTO: Amazon
$100 at Amazon
$100 at Target
$100 at Walmart
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The fan circulates air in several directions at once for better air flow and cooling power.
Keep in Mind
It's quite large for a desk fan, so it may take up too much space on small desks.
Productive work days don't have to be ruined by hot weather. If your home office tends to get stuffy and warm during the summertime, we recommend the Vornado 660 Whole Room Air Circulator, which sits conveniently on your desk but can keep the whole room cool.
It offers four different speeds to choose from, so you can keep the breeze low if you have a lot of papers on your desk or blast the cold air when you're moving around the room. It doesn't oscillate, but you can tilt the fan up and down to control where the breeze is concentrated.
According to the manufacturer, the fan circulates air throughout the entire room by creating airflow in multiple directions at once&#;and we certainly found in our tests that it's extremely powerful. We were still able to feel a light breeze from 20 feet away on the highest setting, so you'll stay cool no matter where you are in the room.
While testing the fan at home, all areas of our large room felt cooler when the fan was running. Keep in mind that this fan is a little bulky, measuring 13 inches wide by 15 inches tall. If you have a small desk or limited space, it may take up too much room.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Four | Modes: None | Timer: None | Dimensions: 11.8x13.5x15 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Standing
Pelonis Pedestal Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$80 at Amazon
$109 at Walmart
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The sturdy, high-quality design and digital features made this standing fan worth the money.
Keep in Mind
The carrying handle is quite close to the fan blades, so it's difficult to move from room to room.
The Pelonis Pedestal Fan is a quiet yet powerful fan is a versatile and modern option to help you cool even large rooms in your home. We were quite impressed by its sleek design, which includes a metal build and thoughtful features like its LED display, adjustable height, and wide range of airspeed settings.
In the lab, we found that the Pelonis standing fan created breezes strong enough to be felt from distances up to 20 feet on its highest setting (though it was most effective between 6 and 15 feet). With 12 speeds to choose from, you'll can adjust the airflow and tilt the fan head up and down to provide the perfect amount of cooling.
"This is a heavy fan that feels very sturdy and high-end. The fan also comes with a remote control. Since I use it while I sleep, I love that I can control the speed, timer, side-to-side movement, and on/off buttons, without getting out of bed. Even on its higher speed settings the fan is very quiet, which I love." -Better Homes & Gardens Tester
It's easy to change settings from the LED display, including the fan speed, timer settings, and oscillation feature. You can also adjust the height so the airflow doesn't get blocked by furniture or other large obstructions. There's even a remote control that allows you to change settings from across the room.
We recommend using the fan in a room where you won't have to move it around often, as it's quite bulky and difficult to carry. While it does have a carrying handle, it's right next to the fan blades, making it awkward to lift and move from one place to another.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: 12 | Modes: None | Timer: Up to 12 hours | Dimensions: 15.75x15.75x51.18 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best for Sleeping
Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$180 at Amazon
$180 at Wayfair
$141 at Walmart
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This fan has an adjustable stand, so you can raise and lower its height to match the height of your bed.
Keep in Mind
It's quite heavy, making it less portable than other options on this list.
If your typical sleep routine involves tossing and turning at night in a room that's too warm, the Rowenta Turbo Silence Fan could be just the solution you need. At just 35 decibels (barely louder than a whisper) on its lowest setting and 60 decibels at its highest, even light sleepers should have no trouble dozing off when it's running.
During testing, the fan received perfect scores for effectiveness at circulating air. We were still able to feel a faint breeze while standing 20 feet away from it, meaning it's powerful enough to provide cool air to all corners of the room. The Rowenta fan also oscillates 120 degrees, helping to cool the entire room as you sleep.
We liked the easy-to-use LED display and the detachable remote, which allows you to change fan settings without having to crawl out of bed. You can choose between five different fan speeds and set it to natural mode or decrescendo mode, which is an energy-saving setting that rotates between high and low fan speeds.
The Rowenta fan also scored highly in testing because of its adjustable stand, which allows you to change its height to match the height of your bed. This lets you get the perfect amount of airflow as you snooze without having to prop your fan up on something to make it taller.
Our only complaint with the Rowenta fan is its weight distribution&#;even though it's only 10.18 pounds, we found it to be rather cumbersome to move around, and its large base makes it difficult to store when not in use.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Five | Modes: Three | Timer: Up to eight hours | Dimensions: 18x17x53 inches
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Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
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Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
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Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Window
Genesis A1 Window Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$49 at Amazon
$60 at Walmart
$49 at Home Depot
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The dual-fan design draws in fresh air from outdoors while simultaneously pushing stale air out.
Keep in Mind
The feet on this device aren't the easiest to put on or take off, making it tricky to switch it from a window fan to a standalone fan.
One of the most effective and cost-effective ways to cool your home without an air conditioner is to install a window fan. The Genesis Window Fan performed exceptionally well in our tests, receiving near-perfect scores for its air speed, design, and effectiveness.
The dual-fan design draws fresh air from outside into your home while venting stuffy, warm air back out. You can change the speed and direction of each fan individually, giving you flexibility with how much air you want to draw in. We appreciated that we could adjust the direction of each fan and felt like it helped increase airflow.
We liked that it has three fan speeds and a built-in thermostat to help you more accurately decide what fan speed you'll need for a comfortable room. We found that its airflow isn't particularly strong compared to the portable fans we tested, but it was still effective at removing stale air and keeping the overall room cool.
The fan comes with expandable side panels and removable legs so you can fit it snugly into your window without leaving large gaps open for bugs to get through. During testing, we found that the legs were a bit tricky to take off or put on, making it an ordeal to switch this fan from a window model to a stand-alone fan.
However, aside from this drawback, we found it to be just as effective at home as it was in the lab. We placed it where we work out in the morning, and it was strong enough to keep the room from feeling stuffy on hot days. And when the fan wasn't in use, the slim design made it easy to tuck away.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: None | Timer: None | Dimensions: 24 to 37 x 4 x 12 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Oscillating
Dreo Pedestal Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$140 at Amazon
$140 at Target
$140 at Best Buy
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get it
If you need a powerful fan, this nine-blade unit pumps out air up to 100 feet and turns nearly a full 360 degrees.
Keep in Mind
It may not be the best solution for households with young kids, as we found the cage design potentially wide enough for little fingers to poke through.
For all the fancy features, the Dreo Polyfan 513S Pedestal Fan offers, we expected a higher price tag; calling it a good value would be an understatement. Aside from its smart controls, all of which can be precisely customized through a WiFi-enabled app on your , we were taken with its impressive oscillating abilities.
The unit is capable of distributing air 120 degrees horizontally and up to 105 degrees vertically. With that kind of range, it&#;d be impossible for a room to feel stuffy, especially since the stream can reach 100 feet, all while never exceeding an incredibly quiet 28 decibels (that&#;s about the same noise level as a whisper).
We didn&#;t love that the remote had to be directed precisely at the sensor in the fan to register, though it could be adjusted from a 20-foot distance. For those who&#;d prefer to adjust settings within the app, this isn&#;t a major drawback.
Plus, you can also connect it to Amazon Alexa or Google Home to flip between its six modes (Auto, Turbo, Natural, Sleep, Custom), 8 built-in speeds, or a 12-hour timer via a simple voice command. It combines nine blades.
Another aspect worth noting is the adjustable height, which can be raised up to 5.5 inches. Taking this wide range of options into consideration, we consider it the most versatile fan we&#;ve ever used. Perhaps the only downside is the fact that it comes in just one, dark gray finish.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Eight | Modes: Six | Timer: 12 hour timer | Dimensions: 12.76x14.13x37.6 inches
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Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
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Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
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Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
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Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
Best Portable
Printworks Fantastic Portable Fan
PHOTO: Print Works
View on Printworksmarket.us
$69 at Revolve
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get it
Small but mighty, this desk fan weighs less than a pound, making it a breeze to tout from room to room or bring on the go.
Keep in Mind
For the size and lack of smart features, its price tag may be too steep.
While a number of fans on this list are lightweight enough to move from room to room&#;some even offer the benefit of a built-in handle for easy transportation&#;none of the others are small enough to carry in a tote bag like the Printworks Fantastic Portable Fan.
This miniature desk fan&#;s dimensions are a demure 7.8x7.8 inches and it weighs less than a pound, so you don&#;t have to worry about it weighing you down. Aside from the petite, square frame, that&#;s likely because it&#;s made with lightweight ABS and PP plastic.
Better yet, it&#;s cordless, so you don&#;t have to worry about setting up near an outlet. It comes instead with a rechargeable micro USB cable that can run nonstop for an hour on full blast (or 3.5 hours on a low setting) without needing to be plugged back in.
For such a petite vessel, we were impressed by its 360-degree rotation and nearly silent operation. The decibels were so low that we couldn&#;t get a proper reading. It offers three fan speeds, and at the highest, it blew a stack of papers two feet away. Even when standing six feet away, we could still feel a gentle breeze.
It&#;s available in three fun hues (cerise red, green/pink combo, and cool blue) to add a pleasant pop of color to your shelf or desk. There&#;s not a single thing we would change about this cutesy cooler, other than perhaps the addition of a few fancier features&#;like a charging port for other devices&#;to make it a more worthy splurge.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: None | Timer: None | Dimensions: 7.8x7.8x2.6 inches
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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