Ready for our best-kept secret for saving money this summer? It’s simple — a cooling fan.
With warmer weather upon us, it’s time to chill out. Luckily for you, sweltering temperatures don’t mean the AC bills need to jump. Grabbing one of the best cooling fans (tested by yours truly) is a great alternative for cooling down the house without turning up the air conditioning.
Our shopping list is stocked with sunscreen, bathing suits, outdoor furniture, and coolers filled with your favorite beach-friendly beverages. We just need a , , or something portable like the thrown into the mix.
- Best Overall:
- Best Cooling Fan:
- Best Budget-Friendly:
- Best Pedestal fan:
- Best Handheld:
- Best Desk Fan:
- Best Oscillating:
In an effort to help you stay cool all spring and summer, the New York Post shopping team rounded up the best fans the Internet has to offer — rangi✅ng from tower fans, desk options, pedestal fans and personal fans (like this nifty ) – many of which have earned thousands of raving reviews.
Some of the brands we tested firsthand include , , and more. The best part? Many of these picks are available on , making your shopping experience even easier. Hello, two-🐻day Prime shipping!
While preparing for a sweaty summer, consider checking out our other expert shopping guides to find the best air conditioning units, pool floats and beach umbrellas.
Best Cooling Fans
Best Overall:
Pros:
- Exceptionally strong airflow (over 77 gallons of air a second)
- Voice, app, and remote-controlled
- Reviewers say the purifying technology has helped with allergies and asthma
- Very sleek, modern design
Cons:
- More expensive
- A bit large for tighter spaces
Behold the best air conditioning you’ve ever experienced, brought to you by the . The machine projects over 77 gallons of air a second for cooling airflow while also purifying the air around you, standing in front of it truly feels like a spa-like experience. The tower comes in two different colors and is truly the prettiest piece of decor in my living room. According to the brand, the 360-degree HEPA filtration removes gases and 99.97% of allergens and pollutants. Reviewers have gone far as to say that this fan helped reduce their asthma attacks during the night.
New York Post Review: “I had some reservations about spending so much money on a fan — until I tried the Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan. This fan is easily worth every penny. also love that this fan can be controlled by voice or app, for the ultimate hands-free experience. There is even a night mode, where the fan switches to the quietest settings and a dimmed display to accommodate light sleepers. For the smartest, splurge-worthy fan on the market, go with Dyson.
Size: 4.7 x 8.7 x 41 inches, 10.7 pounds | Number of speeds: 10 | Oscillation: Yes | Noise: Low | Special features: Voice-control, night mode, purifies air
Best Budget-Friendly Fan:
Pros:
- Budget-friendly and high-powered
- 100% copper motor ensures lasting durability
- 360° adjustable tilt
- Easy-carry handle for portability
Cons:
- Does requires some assembly
- Some customers may feel the design is less attractive than some of the more expensive, stylish fans
It’s hard to find a better deal on a high-powered floor fan with a 360° tilt range. Hope Depot offers the Commercial Electric High Velocity Floor Fan for just $52, and it’s designed to make life easier and breezier. The 100% cooper motor ensures long-lasting durability, no matter where you place it. It even comes with an easy-carry handle for portability.
New York Post Review: “The setup was quite simple, but it is important to attach the legs properly so you can enjoy the adjustability feature,” shared Commerce Writer, Miska Salemann. “After that, you have a fully functioning floor fan. The metal material is exceptionally durable, sturdy, and it’s powder-coated (which means rust-resistant!). I also appreciate that there is a handle on top of this fan for easy carrying. There are only three speed choices, but I was impressed with how each mode delivered a noticeably different amount of airflow. This fan is ideal for someone who wants a straightforward fan that lasts for years.
Size: 22.9 x 25 x 11.2 inches, 10.7 pounds | Number of speeds: 3 | Oscillation: Yes | Noise: Medium | Special features: Top handle for carrying
Best Cooling Fan:
Pros:
- Automatically dimming lights
- Convenient, slim design to fit in tight corners
- Reviewers are generally very pleased with the noise level and strength of airflow
- Remote-controlled
Cons:
- Can be a bit difficult to disassemble for cleaning (multiple parts)
Honeywell has earned its reputation in the heating and cooling space for great reasons. The brand offers high-quality products at a reasonable price. The Honeywell Quiet Set Tower Fan is no exception. With more than 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, customers love the slim design and near noiselessness. The fan is one of the quietest we’ve tested at this price point. It may not have as many power levels as the more expensive options, but the highest setting did provide enough air to cool down an entire living room in five to ten minutes. For anyone who wants something reliable and durable, we suggest starting with Honeywell.
New York Post Review: “This Honeywell tower fan has been such a proven winner in my house that I’m on my second one,” shared Commerce Writer, Angela Tricarico. “My first, which I bought for my first year of college, lasted me nine great years, and I had to immediately repurchase it because I can’t sleep without this fan. I use it year-round for temperature control: no matter what, even if my AC kicks in, my room gets hot in the mornings. This fan cools my medium-sized bedroom perfectly, and the included remote is so handy for changing the settings from bed. As a bonus, it also works as a great white noise machine.”
Size: 10.4 x 9.8 x 40 inches, 10 pounds | Number of speeds: 5 | Oscillation: Yes | Noise: Low | Special features: Atuo-off time, auto-off lights
Best Pedestal Fan:
Pros:
- Movable tilt head and adjustable base so you can position the airflow
- Cool, retro-inspired design
- Powerful blades create a spiral diffusion, so air travels further across a room
Cons:
- Not remote-controlled, requires a button to change settings
- A bit on the heavier side for moving
Ready for a retro fan with a super user-friendly design? The Vornado’s movable tilt head allows you to direct the air where you need it, which is very refreshing when you need that extra hit of airflow in the middle of a hot summer. The base is adjustable as well, so you can make it taller or shorter, depending on what you need.
New York Post Review: “This was the only ‘cool’ fan that didn’t break the strict aesthetic of my college apartment, which was communally decorated by five 22-year-old girls. The retro-inspired pedestal fan not only looks fantastic but also has an impressive 8,300+ reviews and an impressive 4.6-star rating. Personally, my favorite part of this device is that it is adjustable. My only gripe with this timeless Vornado fan is that it’s not remote-controlled (guess that is part of being vintage, though),” shared Salemann.
Size: 15.5 x 18.1 x 55 inches, 24 pounds | Number of speeds: 3 | Oscillation: Yes | Noise: Low | Special features: Adjustable base
Best Handheld Fan:
Pros:
- Small and portable for travel
- Battery-operated (requires no plugs)
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- Not powerful enough to cool down a bigger space
While this isn’t the fan to cool down your entire room, it’s always a good idea to keep a portable, hand-held misting fan by your side. This one is battery-operated, comes with two flexible blades, and is available in a variety of cool shades like bright pink. It’s also one of the best misting fans, which makes it a great option for helping cool down your body. The blades are soft, so you won’t need to worry about chopping your fingers off, either. With concert season and summer sporting events around the corner, this handy device is a wonderful investment.
Size: 3.8 x 3.8 x 11 inches, 200 grams | Number of speeds: 1 | Oscillation: No | Noise: Medium | Special features: Water mist
Best for Outdoors:
Pros:
- 180 degrees of side-to-side oscillation
- 55-degree up-and-down tilt
- Plug in for more power or go cordless for outside use
- UV resistance and a water-resistant design
Cons:
- Some shoppers may consider this fan slightly less attractive than some other stylish indoor fans
There is nothing more disappointing than being forced to stay inside on a summer day when the heat is unbearable. With the FlexBreeze Fan, you can enjoy outdoor weather while staying refreshed — it works with or without a cord. While plugged in, the fan works in full blast, reducing temperatures to feel up to 10 degrees cooler. It may not be quite as powerful when swit♓ched to battery 🌠power, but the 20-hour runtime makes up for that — you can enjoy a prolonged cool from the comfort of your patio. It even comes with a misting attachment so you can hook your fan up to a hose for an ultimate breeze boost.
Size: 13.8 x 13.8 x 37 inches, 12.2 pounds | Number of speeds: 5 | Oscillation: Yes | Noise: Medium | Special features: Coordless option, outdoor-friendly
Best for Sleeping:
Pros:
- More than 18,000 ratings on Amazon
- Quiet
- Multi-directional airflow
- Full 90-degree tilt
Cons:
- The floor fan doesn’t have a remote, so prepare to have to get up to change settings
It’s amazing how such a small fan could do such a mighty job at cooling down a hot room. However, it’s possible, and this fan proves it. Capable of pushing air up 100 feet, the Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator Fan is one of our favorites for NYC apartments, as well as home offices or, if you’re lucky enough, in-office cubicle. It has push button controls, which means there are no fancy apps or smart tech to deal with before cooling down. The fan moves along a chrome slide to achieve multi-directional airflow, so even if you’re not sitting directly in front of it, you’ll get a nice breeze.
Size: 11.75 D x 13.5 W x 15 H, 7.32 pounds | Number of speeds: 4 | Oscillation: No (tilts) | Noise: Low | Special features: N/A
Best Oscillating Fan:
Pros:
- 60-degree oscillation
- Adjustable base
- Auto-off timer to save energy
- Remote-controlled
Cons:
- Some assembly required
- Some reviewers expressed that the motor slowed down after consecutive use
If you’re looking for a whisker-quiet, sturdy, blade-free option that is also a bit heavier (ie, more difficult to tip over) — the Lasko is a smart selection. It’s a nice hybrid between a tower and pedestal fan that offers oscillation, as well as a large adjustable base that keeps the important technology off the ground and away from curious, tiny hands. Reviewers say it takes about 15 minutes to assemble, and you can feel the air movement from roughly 12 feet away. Being able to adjust the speed, timer, oscillation, and sleep mode right from the remote is also a huge plus. The bottom line: it’s a convenient fan for a busy household, especially those with kids and pets.
Size: 14 x 14 x 52 inches, 12 pounds | Number of speeds: 3 | Oscillation: Yes | Noise: Medium | Special features: Auto-off timer, adjustable base
Best Portable Fan:
Pros:
- Oscillating
- Comes with a remote control
- 5 speed setting
- More than 14,000 ratings on Amazon
Cons:
- Some customers who reviewed the fan on Amazon found the fan’s light annoying, especially at night
- The Remote doesn’t come with a battery
- Needs to be assembled
We love the portability of the Rowenta Pedestal Fan. Bring it into your home office during the work day, and then transfer it to the living room or bedroom when evening comes. It offers five different speed settings, including Turbo Boost for when things are extra hot. It also operates via remote control, so you don’t have to get off the couch to switch modes, because that can also work up a sweat! A timer is built in as well, making it energy efficient for when it’s on at night. Although some customers are not pleased with the light on the fan, most are happy with its overall look and performance. Note that you’ll need to have a battery handy for the remote and put the fan together. However, it’s relatively simple, and once you’re through, you can sit back and enjoy the cool breeze.
Size: 7.2 D x 24 W x 20 H, 19.6 pounds | Number of speeds: 5 | Oscillation: Yes | Noise: Medium | Special features: Built-in timer
Best Desk Fan:
Pros:
- Vertical tilt up to 90° to direct the airflow
- Lightweight and compact design — very easy to move around
- No assembly required
Cons:
- Not quite as strong as some other tower and floor fans
If you’re looking for the perfect compact fan for your desk space, I would opt for this Hampton Bay model. This budget-friendly find is a great size for just about any table setting and features sturdy, slip-resistant feet so it stays in place. My favorite part about this desk fan is that it requires no tools and comes right out of the box fully assembled. For someone who hates reading directions, this is certainly the fan to go with. While it only offers three speeds, the tilt-back head allows you to direct the airflow where you like, for an optimal breeze. It’s not the quietest fan on the market, but the sound is rather smooth and disruptive. It’s easy to work alongside.
Size: 14 x 15.3 x 7.7 inches, 5.3 pounds | Number of speeds: 3 | Oscillation: No (tilts) | Noise: Medium | Special features: N/A
Best 3-In-1 Fan:
Pros:
- Operates as a fan, purifier, and humidifier
- Detects and removes formaldehyde
- 90 degrees oscillation
Cons:
- At $700, this floor fan is expensive — However, we love that it comes with a 2-year warranty, and the quality of Dyson is exceptional
Okay, we know this is a pricey cooling fan. It’s also a Dyson. And when you think about its 3-in-1 design, it sort of pays for itself. Part humidifier, part fan, part air purifier, you’ll save on space and money in the long run. There’s an auto mode to set and forget the humidifier portion, plus the LCD screen alerts you when the airflow needs to be increased. The device also used a HEPA filter, which can capture 99.97% of particles — even ones that are only 0.3 microns small. While the fan won’t make you feel as cool as an AC, the circulation from the Dyson Purifier Humdify + Cool Formaldehyde-PH04 will make the heat feel less cumbersome and stagnant.
Size: 2.3 D x 12.3 W x 36.3 H, 18 pounds | Number of speeds: 1 | Oscillation: Yes | Noise: Low | Special features: Detects and removes formaldehyde
How We Tested
For thi💦s cooling fan review, I was focused on evaluating a few main points: the strength of the airflow, style and design, as well as any additional technological features. I also took note of how long it took to assemble each of the fans and whether there were any quality issues. It is worthwhile to note that the fans were tested in my apartment living roomꦿ, which is not a very large space. Shoppers looking to cool down larger areas may need to test the fans in a space that requires more diffusion.
Airflow: While most shoppers are looking for fans with the strongest airflow, I also looked for the differences in the airflow settings — to d🎉etermine whether each fan had distinct options for different cooling needsඣ. I stood at various distances away from the fan to measure the strength and consistency of the airflow.
Design: ༺When it comes to design and style, every shopper has their own preferences. Some prefer larger and heavier floor fans, while others look for lighter and taller tower fans. Some of the fans I have tested have a more sleek, modern design while others have a vintage, retro look to them. I took note o♈f all of these differences, as well as the color options.
Technology: Each of the fans I tested featured very different technology. Some of the more advanced options, like the Dyson, feature voice control. Many offered a remote control. Some had automatic settings to turn off, or flip to a quieter ‘night mode.’ I’ve made note of all the unique features in my review.
What type of fan is best for cooling?
The best type of fan for cooling is a floor fan. Here’s why: they’re designed to circulate airflow throughout the room, which is exactly what you want when the temperature rises.
A floor fan can also:
- Make air feel less stagnant
- Help evaporate moisture from your skin
- Cool surfaces
They’re also typically more energy-efficient and budget-friendly than AC units, making them a great, portable option when the weather is hot.
One of our favorites — okay, our favorite cooling floor fan that we reviewed is the . Along with having five speeds, it has dimmable features and touch control, so it’s breezy (pun intended) to control.
Additionally, tower fans, in general, are slim, so they don’t take up a lot of space.
If you’re looking for something a bit lower to the ground, we also recommend the . It’s less than 15 pounds, so it’s easy to move from room to room. More importantly, it can move air up to 100 feet, which means it can cool a bedroom, living room or office space without issue.
Does putting ice in front of a fan work?
Yes, putting ice in front of a fan works. It acts as a coolant. The air moves over th🌱e ice, making it more chill — literally.
However, there are some safety things to consider, mainly that water and electricity don’t mix. It’s important to keep ice far enough away from the fan (use a bucket or bowl) to avoid accidents.
If that’s too much of a hassle, try placing your cooling fan in front of a large piece of furniture. No, really. The position will force air to circulate and move over the piece. This will also balance the overall room temperature, making it feel more comfortable.
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