When you need to keep your home chilly in the summer, a central air conditioner is typically the best choice. When you just need to cool an area instead of your entire home, the best tower fans can give you a cooling breeze on even the hottest summer days.
20-Second Breakdown
A hot house can make you drowsy and even cause your brain to slow to a crawl. If you are drained from the heat and need a fan quickly, here are a few areas you will want to keep in mind.
If you want power, look for a tower fan with a high CFM rating above all else and don’t be fooled by speeds. Being able to fine tune your artificial breeze is handy, but most consumers are happy with 3 to 4 settings.
You’ll also have to consider bladed or bladeless fans although the latter are usually more expensive. They can even be less effective depending on the design, Dyson fans aside.
Noise levels are another thing to keep in mind, especially with bedroom tower fans, along with the timer and its interval length. If lights bother you at night, check into a fan with Night Mode and you will thank us for it later.
Best Tower Fan Buying Guide Tips
Tower fans are only surpassed in popularity by ceiling fans in residential homes. As they are portable, these fans allow you to cool any room, and you will never need to install hardware or alter your abode. You simply need to unplug the cord when it’s time to store or cool another room.
While there are more powerful options available if you are dealing with extreme heat, a good tower fan is an economical way to put a breeze into any warm room.
Pedestal fan vs. Tower Fan
Each style of fan has distinct characteristics, but pedestal and tower fans share several common traits. The easiest way to tell them apart; however is the style as pedestal fans have a more industrial look whereas a tower fan is designed to blend in with your décor.
Hybrid designs aside, a pedestal fan is larger than a tower fan and has traditional fan blades covered by a large cage. Think of it as a large desk fan on a stand. They produce more airflow and give you more control over things as well. Pedestal fans are highly adjustable and a good option when you need to direct your airflow or have a large, hot room to cool off.
Tower fans aren’t quite as powerful, but top models also aren’t far behind. They don’t take up much space due to their slim design and are much safer than pedestal fans. Covers and smaller vents keep little fingers and tails out of harm’s way, and while some are quite tall, they are designed with a wide base to prevent it from tipping over.
Another huge advantage of tower fans are the features. You’ll get more of them, including ionizers, thermostats, and some even allow you to control them with your smartphone. As they come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, you can find a model that fits your style, and they are considerably quieter as well.
Why do you need a Tower Fan?
Before you can begin to look at tower fans, you need to think about the main reason you’re buying a fan in the first place, so you’re not overwhelmed by features or find yourself stuck on a stylish design.
Obviously, you want to cool a room or area, but how large is it?
One of the biggest mistakes consumers make when buying a tower fan is simply picking one that’s too underpowered for their needs. It’s easy to fall for a fan that has 8-speeds, but that won’t tell you how powerful the fan actually is or how much area it can effectively cover.
Do you need a fan to keep your bedroom cool while you sleep or suffer from allergies? Well, you can find tower fans that are designed to be quieter than most or ones with built-in filters. It all depends on your needs in the end although there are a few areas that are a bit more important than others…
Bladed or Bladeless?
There may be dozens of styles when it comes to tower fans, but there are only two basic types with bladed fans and ones deemed “bladeless” although it’s not quite that clear cut. A bladeless fan like the popular models from Dyson still has blades; they are just hidden inside a ring around its center.
This makes a bladeless fan easier to clean as you don’t have to dig into the vents or louvers. They are also quieter (most of the time) thanks to their design, and as there are no blades in the open, buffeting will never be an issue.
Even the best tower fan is usually considerably cheaper than a bladeless one. You can also find models with a higher CFM rating in this class, and the top models can give you a better range of circulation as well. Features are a toss-up between the two styles although you generally get more bang for your buck with a standard tower fan.
Cooling & Coverage
Whether you need a timer or just need something to supplement your existing cooling system, the first area you need to consider is power. This is measured in CFM, which stands for cubic feet per minute. The measurement lets you know how much air a tower fan can move in one minute, and is tied to the size and design of a tower fan to a degree.
CFM is the most important statistic to look for when you want to know the airflow rating, but coverage comes into play with oscillation. While having air blow in your direction at 500 CFM will cool you off, it won’t do much good in a room if the air is not being distributed. While all tower fans will have a degree of oscillation, the number of grates and the height of the fan play a part in coverage as well.
Decibel Level
It’s tempting to pick up the most high-powered tower fan you can find, and it’s certainly not a bad idea if you’re dealing with extreme heat. You may regret the noise; however, as many fans aren’t what we’d consider quiet on their highest setting. A ceiling fan or tower fan can cause quite the ruckus when you crank it up to high.
While many manufacturers will list a decibel level for their tower fans, it’s only a number unless you have something to compare it to. With that in mind, our table below will give you an idea of how loud your new fan will sound. Just keep the distance you’ll be from the machine in mind as the noise level may not be an issue if you won’t be in the room.
| Item | Decibel Level |
|---|---|
| Air Craft Carrier Deck | 140 dBA |
| Loud Rock Concert | 110 dBA |
| Dishwasher | 80 dBA |
| Vacuum Cleaners | 70 dBA |
| A Normal Conversation | 50 dBA |
| Whispering | 20 dBA |
Design
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it’s safe to say nobody wants an ugly fan in the middle of their living room. Thankfully, that’s not a major concern with tower fans as there’s a style for everyone as long as you like Black and Grey.
While there’s not much variance when it comes to hues, some fans have a basic, bland design while others are more modern or even futuristic in some cases. Style aside, the design can dictate how easy a tower fan is to use along with how much space it will take up.
Tower fans are skinny and designed to sit in small areas, but the size of the base may cause issues for some. The same goes for cord length, an overlooked specification that is critical unless you’re a fan of extension cords. Consider where you’ll place your new fan and take a look at the base along with the degree of oscillation.
Features
If you’re not picky about tower fan design or find yourself stuck choosing a model, features are an excellent way to thin the herd. Every machine on our list of the best tower fans will oscillate, and most have a timer. That said, the degree of rotation you get and the length of the timer are two things you’ll want to look for.
Timers – Timers on tower fans can range anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. A few fall below or above that mark, but that’s about the average you can expect. While that’s key, so are the increments as some machines allow you to do 30 minutes while others may have 2-hour tiers.
Oscillation – Oscillation refers to the amount of movement a fan can give you from right to left. There’s no magic number here, but the larger the digits, the more coverage you’ll get. In our experience, most fans offer a range from 70 to 90 degrees, but just like timers, your mileage will vary.
Speeds – As the name implies, a speed setting will adjust your fan from a gentle breeze to a powerful wind if it’s got enough oomph. It’s also a tricky area as common models have 3 to 4 speeds, but you can find high-end tower fans with more than 10. It’s an area that can cause some confusion as well when machines have speeds and setting like Sleep or Calming Breeze.
Touch-sensitive controls are common, but “Night” modes are not. While these vary from one fan to the next, it’s usually a feature that dims the LED lighting on the control panel or decreases the speed and noise from the fan. Remote controls are also frequently found with tower fans although an accessory that’s easily lost more often than not.
Two premium features are filter and ionizers. They are useful if you suffer from allergies or deal with pet dander, but not substitute for a dedicated machine. Bluetooth is something that’s far from standard but found on more fans each year and a great way to get around those lost remotes. It can also allow you to sync up to devices like Alexa and Google Home if you live in a connected home.
Warranty
Traditional tower fans are more expensive than a pedestal or desktop fan. They can see a lot of usage, especially if you live in an area that’s hot all year long. It’s also important to remember what tower fans are made from and their height if you’re looking at larger models.
While generally stable, we’ve seen plenty of tower fans tip over for various reasons. Considering 99% of them are made from plastic, a tip-over on hardwood can do some damage if the build quality is not sound.
That means a good warranty is important, but unfortunately, most only come with a standard 1-year guarantee. As you might suspect, more expensive fans tend to have better warranties although you should consider yourself lucky with anything over 2 years.
The Top Tower Coolers
#1 Lasko Wind Curve Portable Stand Up Tower Fan
The Best All-Around Tower Fan
Lasko is a leader when it comes to machines that produce cool or warm air. They have more fans listed than almost any other manufacturer, and our top option from the company is the Lasko Wind Curve tower fan. It’s our top choice from the company and an excellent all-around fan with a reasonable price tag.
At 42.5 inches, this tower fan is one of the larger models but won’t take up much space as its only 13 inches wide. It’s easy to assemble and simple to use thanks to the control pod on the top, which features only five buttons. There are LED lights for the power level and timer, but things are fairly minimal on this one, and there aren’t any flagship features aside from Nighttime Mode.
When it’s time to turn in, you can enable this mode to which brings the speed down and dims the LEDs. It’s a nice touch, and the remote allows you to control the Lasko T42951 comfortably from your bed or couch. Other features to note include a handle, the Lasko Blue Plug with a safety fuse, and a 7.5-hour timer.
This tower fan only has three speeds and is not as powerful as some of our other picks considering it’s rated at 262 CFM. It still gets the job done; however, in small to medium-sized rooms and comes with a standard 6-foot cord. The warranty is short at 1-year, but it’s a well-built fan with great ratings across the board for a reason.
The Lasko Wind Curve is available in two main styles with the T42954 which has Nighttime Mode and the T42951 which has an ionizer. That feature and the colors are the only real difference between the two models aside from a small price bump if you want the ionizer. It’s a great choice when you need a fan for the summer and a real workhorse that will outlast its warranty by years.
Things We Like
- Nighttime Mode or Ionizer
- Ease of use
- Remote
- 262 CFM
Things We Don’t Like
- Short timer
#2 Dyson Cool AM07 Air Multiplier Tower Fan
The Best Bladeless Tower Fan
It’s only natural that the first company to bring bladeless fans into the mainstream also makes the top option. The Dyson Cool AM07 is a tower fan unlike anything else on the market, and one that should be high on your shopping list if you value style along with performance.
The highlight of this fan is obvious once you take a good look at the machine. Enclosed blades make it easy to clean, and it will blend in seamlessly with modern décor. There’s no “chop” with the AM07 either thanks to Dyson’s Air Multiplier tech provides you with an uninterrupted flow of air and gets rid of the “chop,” and it’s safer than other styles with the blades out of sight.
When it comes to features, the Dyson doesn’t disappoint although it’s missing a few things found on cheaper tower fans. It has a 9-hour timer you can set in 15-minute increments, and there are 10 speeds to choose from. It oscillates, and you can control the unit with a small remote. Thankfully, it’s magnetic and sticks to the machine as it’s very easy to lose.
At around 8 inches wide and 40 inches high, the Cool Tower AM07 has a slim profile that won’t take up much space in your home. It has a 6.6-foot cord, and while we couldn’t get an exact number on the CFM rating, it has plenty of power at over 1,000 CFM on high. It can blow a cheaper tower fan away in that regard, but most consumers consider it to be fairly noisy when running at full speed.
The Dyson Cool Tower Fan is a looker that should have more than enough power for most consumers, and it’s impressive considering the design. The only real drawback is the price, especially when you consider the company’s other tower fans which can purify or heat your air. The AM07 is available with a White & Silver or Black & Nickel with a 2-year warranty on parts and labor.
Things We Like
- Double the power of most tower fans
- Modern design
- 10 speeds
- Easy to clean
Things We Don’t Like
- Can be noisy at higher levels
- Lack of onboard controls
#3 Seville Classics UltraSlimline Tower Fan
The Best Tower Fan for the Money
If you’re drawn to brand names, Seville is one of the few companies on our list that may not ring too many bells. Their UltraSlimline Tower Fan is one you’d be remiss to pass over as it’s one of the more affordable tower fans for its height.
The Seville Classics EHF10127B is a 40-inch machine with a classic tower fan vibe. Grates cover the front from top to bottom with the exception of the base, but the back is a little different on this one. A steel intake grill replaces the standard plastic one which cuts back on the noise while increasing efficiency. At a little over 10 pounds, it’s easy to tote around and comes with a 6.4-foot cord.
Another reason we like this model is the remote. It’s simple but has some size and an LCD display which is rare. It has four speeds with Low, Medium, High, and “Eco” to go along with three modes. Those modes are geared towards specific circumstances with Sleep, Calming, and Natural. At full speed, the Seville Classics UltraSlimline produces 275 CFM, and the decibel level is listed at 60 dBA.
The timer on this tower fan gives you 7.5 hours and allows you to set time in half-hour intervals. At 40 inches high and 11 inches in diameter, it’s of average size for a tower fan. Rotation is set to 75 degrees, and the fan has a fused safety plug for additional protection. While you can’t dim the control panel, the lights aren’t bright enough to keep you from nodding off.
Like most tower fans, the Seville Classics UltraSlimline comes with a 1-year warranty. It’s a durable machine even without the steel intake grill, and we’re big fans of the price point as well. If you like the style of this fan and are looking for a smaller companion, you may want to give the combo pack which adds a 17-inch tower fan to the mix without breaking the bank.
Things We Like
- 4 speeds & 3 modes
- 275 CFM
- LCD remote
- The price tag
Things We Don’t Like
- Louder than some models
- No dimming
#4 Ozeri 3x Tower Fan
A Powerful Triple Blade Tower Fan
It’s rare to find a tower fan with a rating over 500 CFM, and if it manages to break 1000, it’s going to be expensive. Ozeri may not be a name you’re familiar with, but one to watch if you appreciate high tech gear for your home like the aptly named Ozeri 3X tower fan.
We’re always on the lookout for something different, and the Ozeri 3X is one of the most unique fans we’ve ever come across. It defies conventional designs by using three canted fan blades in a vertical row. It’s a bizarre cross of a pedestal and tower fan, but one capable of moving air to the tune of 5,000 CFM – just let that sink in for a minute.
This fan is over five times more powerful than other tower fans, and you can control each section independently. It oscillates 90 degrees and has three preprogrammed airflow patterns. That gives you a total of 9 configurations across the three fans even if you only get three speeds with High, Medium and Low. Despite using traditional fan blades, most consumers weren’t bothered by the noise at reasonable speeds thanks to passive noise reduction.
Ozeri included the usual features on the 3X but threw in one important extra in the form of Bluetooth. This allows you to connect to a mobile app and control your fan remotely from your smartphone or slate. It also comes with an extended range remote and a touch-sensitive control panel across the top. The 3X is heavy at around 16 pounds and one of the taller fans at 44 inches, but still slim considering its only 3 inches deep.
This is another tower fan people might pass up based on looks alone, but it would be a mistake to dismiss the Ozeri 3X on those grounds. It can definitely blow your hair back, and it’s difficult to find Bluetooth on a fan at this price point as well. With that in mind, if you want to save a few bucks, the OZF3 may be an option as it’s essentially the same fan sans Bluetooth.
Things We Like
- 5,000 CFM!
- Passive noise reduction
- Bluetooth
- 7.5-hour timer
Things We Don’t Like
- No dimming feature
- Only three speeds
#5 Honeywell Fresh Breeze Tower Fan HYF048
The Best Adjustable Tower Fan
Tower fans typically range from around 30 to 40 inches aside from a handful of specialty models. The Honeywell Fresh Breeze HYF048 falls into that category, and it happens to be the only fan on our list that gives you a choice when it comes to the height.
If you’re not sure which size tower fan will best suit your needs, this one gives you a choice. At full height, its 40 inches, but you can remove an insert that drops it down to 32 inches in a matter of minutes. This fan also has a digital thermostat and an LED display on the front that gives you all the important statistics on your machine.
Two things that make the HYF048 easy to use are the buttons surrounding that display and an auto shut-off feature with 2, 4, and 8-hour intervals. While we don’t have any hard tech specs for this one, it does oscillate and has three speeds and the ability to set the temperature is the star of the show considering it’s something you generally don’t see on fans in this class.
Like modes? The Fresh Breeze has two of them courtesy of a breeze button, and there’s another cool perk on the back of this fan as well. You can remove a panel to access a small washable filter, and while it can’t measure up to a HEPA, it’s a nice touch. Last but not least, is a remote control which gives you access to all the features but adds a flashlight in the middle for good measure.
Honeywell has always been a brand you can trust when with cooling tower fans and thermostats. The Honeywell Fresh Breeze Digital Tower Fan may not be as fancy as some of the premium models, but it performs admirably and has a few features you won’t find elsewhere. It’s also one of the best tower fans for bedrooms as you can adjust the height.
Things We Like
- Digital thermostat
- Adjustable height
- 12-hour timer
- Nice price point
Things We Don’t Like
- Power is a bit underwhelming
#6 Vornado OSCR37 Tower Fan and Air Circulator
The Best Tower Fan for Extended Usage
When a Honeywell or Lasko is not quite powerful enough, Vornado has always been a brand you could turn to for more power in the tower fan world. The Vornado OSCR37 is our top pick from the company, and a fan designed for larger rooms where you need to circulate a large volume of air quickly.
The OSCR37 is an interesting tower fan with slanted venting across the front and one side. It has a slick, modern design with chrome accents and will look amazing in any room. The unusual design can push air up to 75 feet across a room in stationary mode or while oscillating, and while dual airflow options are nice, they are standard.
Power is what sets this one apart as it has 335 CFM which puts it’s towards the top of the pack for bladed tower fans. It’s not necessarily a quiet tower fan at full power, but far from annoying. We’re fans of the minimalistic control scheme which features only three function buttons and one for power. All are touch-sensitive, and you will get a remote for added convenience as well.
If you work long days and need to keep your house cool, you will appreciate the 12-hour timer on the OSCR37. That’s longer than you will find on other fans, and will definitely take you through a full night’s sleep during the summer. The fan tips the scales at around 10 pounds and comes with a 6-foot cord. It also has a night dimming feature along with an outstanding 5-year warranty.
This beauty has several features that make it stand out in our eyes, and while it’s a bit expensive, it is well worth the price if you need to move some air. Quality control appears to be an issue in some cases, but it’s really the only common issue with found with the Vornado OSCR37.
Things We Like
- 335 CFM
- 12-hour timer
- 80-degree oscillation
- 5-year warranty
Things We Don’t Like
- Quality control
- Can be noisy
#7 Lasko Bladeless Tower Fan AC615
A Bladeless Beauty from Lasko
When you are in the market for a bladeless fan, your choices are limited. Lasko is one of the few companies to use a similar design in the AC615, a bladeless tower fan with a classic style and budget-friendly price tag.
From a design standpoint, the Lasko AC615 is about as different as you can get from the Dyson’s Air Multiplier. While it’s still hollow in the middle, it’s shaped more like a pyramid with forward-facing vents on each side. It’s a different approach to “bladeless” fan design, and despite its odd appearance, it can oscillate up to 90 degrees.
You will get four speed settings on this fan and an auto shut-off mode, but NightTime mode is by far our favorite feature. This setting dims the LEDs to a more acceptable level and drops the power by one level every hour until you interact with the fan. Unfortunately, the airflow is around 180 CFM, which is weak compared to some of our other choices.
While that’s a negative, the 8-hour timer is a plus as is the remote which you can store in the back when not in use. It’s of average size at 37 inches tall but a little heavier than other fans at 13 pounds. It’s harder to tip over; however, thanks to the wide base and narrow top. The Lasko AC615 has a 6-foot cord, the company’s Blue Plug, and is one of the more kid-friendly models on our list.
This fan is interesting as it’s a variant of the AW300 Air Logic Bladeless Heater, a popular tower heater with a similar style. The AC615 is ideal if you don’t require a lot of power, and are looking for a bladeless fan for your home that’s considerably cheaper than the Dyson. This tower fan comes with a standard 1-year warranty from Lasko.
Things We Like
- Nighttime Mode
- 8-hour timer
- Sturdy design
- 4 speeds
Things We Don’t Like
- Low powered
- Design won’t be for everyone
#8 Honeywell QuietSet Mini Tower Fan
The Tower Fan for Desktops
One of the perks of tower fans is the fact they don’t take up much space. While all are narrow, some are tall, which can cramp your style in compact areas. There are a few minis on the market, but the Honeywell QuietSet Mini Tower Fan is a fan favorite.
Every tower fan on our list can easily slide into a corner, but only this one can sit on a desk. The QuietSet Mini measures 12.9 inches tall by 4.72 inches wide with a weight of only 1.8 pounds, which makes it less obtrusive than anything aside from a low profile ceiling fan. That makes it extremely portable, and while we don’t know the CFM rating, it has an energy-efficient DC motor under the hood.
Whether you want to cool off quickly or prefer a gentle breeze while you sleep, the QuietSet has you covered. There are four power levels with Power Cool, Refresh, White Noise, and Sleep. The tower fan has an automatic shut-off timer and range of 2 to 8 hours if you want to set it and walk away. It also oscillates, but that’s the only other feature to note with this one.
Obviously, this fan won’t be for everyone due to its diminutive stature. It’s not going to be nearly as powerful as a big fan, but you don’t need something strong if it’s going on a nightstand – you’ll want something gentle. The Honeywell QuietSet Mini doesn’t come with a 1-year warranty.
Things We Like
- Only 13 inches tall
- Four power levels
- Oscillation
- Efficient DC motor
Things We Don’t Like
- Not much power
#9 Geek Aire Fan
A Smart Tower Fan with a Unique Design
Dyson made waves when they introduced their first bladeless fan, but they are far from the only company with interesting designs. If you are in the mood for something different, the Geek Aire Bladeless Tower Fan should be on your radar, and it’s the smartest fan on our list.
At first glance, the Geek Aire looks more like a high-tech electric broom than a tower fan. The fan is 40 inches high, but only 9 inches wide which makes it one of the smallest tower fans of this size. The tube that produces the air is even thinner with vertical slots that rise from the base. As for that base, it has a tiny capacitive touchscreen.
The design of this fan keeps it from getting dusty like circular bladeless fans, and you can remove the tube for easy cleaning as well. What really got our attention is the connectivity which allows you to connect to gadgets like Alexa and Google Home. This smart fan also has an ambient night light built into the base and an 8-hour timer.
The ability to control the action from the unit, a smartphone app or a home assistant is a huge bonus, but not the only feature of note on the Geek Aire Bladeless Air Tube. It also has 90 degrees of oscillation, nine speeds, and three breeze patterns with Natural, Strong and Wind. A traditional remote is included as well although we doubt it will get much use given the wealth of control options available on this tower fan.
There aren’t many reviews for this interesting tower fan, but the company has a half-dozen other models with solid ratings across the board. Geek Aire’s Tube Tower Fan is one of the safer fans from a design standpoint, and the only negatives is the price tag considering it’s only slightly less than a Dyson.
Things We Like
- Brushless motor
- Alexa & Google Home compatibility
- Unique design
- Ambient night light
Things We Don’t Like
- The price tag
FAQ
Q: Will my tower fan cool the air in a room?
A: No, but it will send cool air in your direction if the room is already cool. If you are looking to bring the temperature down in a room, you will want to look into an AC unit or evaporative cooler. Think of a tower fan as a supplement to your existing air conditioner, not a replacement.
Q: Are tower fans easy to clean?
A: That depends on the model. Machines with removable fronts and large vents are easier to deal with than fans with a hundred slots. Bladeless tower fans are easier, but the vents in the tube can still become blocked without a regular dusting.
Q: Should I open my tower fan to clean it?
A: Only if your owner’s manual suggests you do so. Some are made to open with a simple latch, while other fans may void your warranty if you crack them open. Always refer to the manual before attempting to clean or service your fan.
Conclusion
We hope you found some useful tips in our tower fan buying guide. Whether you need the best tower fan for bedrooms or something stylish that can handle a large room, we tried to pick a style and price point for everyone. If you need something with a bit more power that cools the air it blows, be sure to check out our list of the best window air conditioning units and top portable ac units on the market.
