Buzz
Image: Mytour / Rachel MarekTower fans are an excellent solution for enhancing air circulation and cooling rooms without relying on air conditioning, particularly in warmer seasons. These energy-efficient devices consume less power compared to conventional AC units, making them ideal for maintaining airflow while reducing the load on your HVAC system. Their sleek, vertical design allows them to fit seamlessly into compact apartments or confined spaces. Additionally, their quieter operation makes them perfect for those who prefer running a fan during sleep.
We rigorously tested multiple tower fans from leading brands, assessing them on criteria such as airflow performance, aesthetic appeal, ease of movement, cooling efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The top contenders were further evaluated in real-world home environments to gauge their long-term performance. For expert insights on selecting the best tower fan, we consulted Carl Prouty, a sales expert at Abt, a renowned retailer of electronics and appliances.
Top Pick
Dreo Nomad One Tower Fan
IMAGE: AmazonIt provides powerful airflow while maintaining a low noise level.
At lower settings, the airflow is noticeable only when standing close to the fan.
This tower fan impressed us with its exceptional performance in all categories. Its modern design and versatile features, such as four speed options and four distinct modes—standard, natural, sleep, and automatic—enhance airflow and adjust noise levels. Regardless of the mode, the fan operates quietly enough to allow for clear conversations or TV listening. For an even quieter operation, it includes a “no sound” feature that silences the button-press noises.
On high settings, the fan delivered a robust breeze that could reach up to six feet. At lower settings, it offered a gentle airflow effective within two feet but diminished beyond that. We were particularly impressed by its 90-degree oscillation, ensuring wide coverage, and the remote control’s reliable functionality from 20 feet away.
In our safety tests, a pencil could fit through the vent slits, though it required some effort, and it seemed unlikely for fingers to get stuck. While the fan is bladeless and includes built-in circuit protection, households with children should still exercise caution to prevent accidents. Despite this, it achieved a high safety rating overall.
Dimensions: 11.81 x 11.81 x 36.22 inches | Weight: 9.9 pounds | CFM: 1408 | Speed Settings: 4 | Oscillation: Yes
IMAGE: Mytour / Eric Brockob
IMAGE: Mytour / Eric Brockob
IMAGE: Mytour / Eric Brockob
IMAGE: Mytour / Dera Burreson
IMAGE: Mytour / Eric BrockobTop Smart Choice
Holmes SmartConnect WI-FI Digital Tower Fan
IMAGE: AmazonIts Bluetooth functionality allows for seamless hands-free operation.
Incorporating a handle would enhance the ease of moving this sizable tower fan.
Tech-savvy users will appreciate this Wi-Fi-enabled digital tower fan from Holmes. It can be managed via a dedicated smartphone app, the provided remote, or voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. These features made it convenient to adjust settings from bed without needing to get up. We also appreciated the LCD screen’s auto-off feature, which prevents light disturbance during nighttime use.
In our tests, the Holmes SmartConnect delivered a powerful, refreshing breeze even at medium settings, making it ideal for those seeking an air-conditioning-like experience from a fan. It operated quietly, with the highest setting (level five) producing minimal noise, ensuring it won’t disrupt your environment.
This fan is relatively large for a tower fan, which might not suit those who favor a more compact design or have space constraints. While it lacks a handle, making it slightly less portable, we found it lightweight enough to move around without much difficulty.
Dimensions: 10.23 x 10.23 x 41.54 inches | Weight: 8.8 lbs
IMAGE: Mytour / Kacey Davis
IMAGE: Mytour / Kacey Davis
IMAGE: Mytour / Kacey Davis
IMAGE: Mytour / Kacey Davis
IMAGE: Mytour / Kacey DavisIdeal for Bedrooms
Honeywell Tower Fan
IMAGE: AmazonThis fan operates almost silently on its sleep mode.
The fan’s stand can be somewhat unstable, leading to wobbling.
The Honeywell Quiet Set Tower Fan provides five speed options, ranging from ultra-quiet settings perfect for sleep to more robust cooling modes for warmer days. True to its name, the fan impressed us with its near-silent operation on the sleep setting. It also includes “calm” and “white noise” modes, ideal for those who prefer soothing sounds while falling asleep. Additionally, its auto-dimming feature turns off all lights after 15 seconds, making it ideal for bedroom use at night.
Our thoughts on the fan’s design were mixed. While it is lightweight and features a handle for easy portability, the assembly process was tricky, and the base lacked the sturdiness we expected. The stand tends to wobble and doesn’t firmly attach to the base, making it prone to instability or tipping if nudged.
We also noted that the remote felt small and somewhat flimsy. Despite these minor issues, this fan is a budget-friendly option that excels in quiet operation. However, for its price, we would have preferred a sturdier build and a higher-quality remote.
Dimensions: 9.75 x 10.5 x 40 inches | Weight: 8 lbs | CFM: Not specified | Speed Settings: 5 | Oscillation: Yes
IMAGE: Mytour / Courtney Thompson
IMAGE: Mytour / Courtney Thompson
IMAGE: Mytour / Courtney Thompson
IMAGE: Mytour / Courtney Thompson
IMAGE: Mytour / Courtney Thompson
IMAGE: Mytour / Courtney ThompsonTop Choice for Large Spaces
Dreo The Cruiser Pro T2 Fan
IMAGE: AmazonThis fan runs remarkably quietly, even at higher speeds.
Its heavier weight and wide base make it less portable.
The Dreo Cruiser Pro T2 offers nine speed settings, more than most tower fans, and we could clearly distinguish between each level. A standout feature is its 90-degree oscillation, which effectively covers a larger area. Additionally, at higher settings, it delivers powerful airflow, making it ideal for cooling larger spaces.
While the fan’s wide base enhances stability, it reduces portability. If you need a fan that’s easy to move between rooms, this might not be the best option due to its size. However, its sturdy design makes it less likely to tip over if bumped by children or pets. The bladeless design and protective caging also earned it high safety ratings in our tests.
While this fan is on the pricier side, it delivers excellent value with its features. It includes a convenient remote, an impressive range of speed settings, and operates with minimal noise. Even at its highest setting, the sound remains low, resembling that of a white noise machine.
Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 42 inches | Weight: 9.66 lbs | CFM: 1076 | Speed Settings: 9 | Oscillation: Yes
IMAGE: Mytour / Nicole Lund
IMAGE: Mytour / Nicole Lund
IMAGE: Mytour / Nicole Lund
IMAGE: Mytour / Nicole LundFinal Recommendation
Our top choice is the Dreo Nomad One Tower Fan, which excelled in all areas, particularly in delivering powerful airflow and operating quietly. It offers four distinct fan modes and generates a strong breeze at higher settings. For larger spaces, we recommend the Dreo Cruiser Pro T2 Tower Fan, as its higher speeds are exceptionally effective at cooling expansive areas.
Our Evaluation Methodology
We performed two rounds of testing in our lab, assessing each model on design, performance, safety, and value. Noise levels were measured using a decibel reader at both the highest and lowest settings.
To gauge effectiveness, we tested airflow at distances of two and six feet on high and low settings, observing whether a noticeable breeze was felt or if it could move papers. For safety, we unplugged each fan and used a pencil to measure cage gaps, noting if the pencil could touch the blades.
For fans equipped with remote controls, we tested their responsiveness by activating them from 10 and 20 feet away. We also assessed each fan’s overall value by considering its features, airflow performance, design quality, and price.
Following lab testing, we took the top-performing tower fans home to evaluate their long-term performance in everyday use. Testers provided regular updates on their durability and noted any issues that arose over time.
Mytour / Eric BrockobExpert Tips for Buying Tower Fans
Airflow (CFM)
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is the standard metric for measuring a fan’s airflow. It quantifies the volume of air passing a fixed point in one minute. Fans with higher CFM ratings deliver stronger breezes and more effective cooling.
For those seeking high-performance cooling fans, speed settings are a key consideration. “Multiple speed options allow you to adjust airflow to your needs,” explains Prouty. Many tower fans feature settings ranging from gentle, quiet modes for nighttime to more powerful outputs for enhanced cooling.
Prouty emphasized that CFM requirements depend on room size. Larger spaces benefit from fans with higher CFM ratings and a broader range of speed settings, such as the Dreo Cruiser Pro T2 Tower Fan.
Dimensions
A major advantage of tower fans is their space-saving design. For those who need portability, lightweight models or fans with handles are ideal. The base size also matters, as a wider base enhances stability but takes up more space. Measuring your intended area can help you select a fan that fits perfectly.
Features
Tower fans often come with advanced features, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. For households with children, safety features like bladeless designs, fingertip protection, or circuit protection are essential.
“For cooling larger spaces, choose a fan with oscillation,” advises Prouty. Many tower fans oscillate up to 90 degrees, spreading airflow more effectively. Prouty also recommends selecting models with remote controls for added convenience.
Mytour / Kacey DavisAdditional Tower Fans Worth Considering
Rowenta Urban Cool Silent Tower Fan: This fan provides three distinct settings, each offering noticeable differences. Despite its larger size, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to move. However, it lacks height adjustability and isn’t as powerful as some other models we tested.
Lasko Aria Smart Tower Fan: We appreciated its compact design, oscillation, and airflow, but it was louder than many competitors. With five speed settings, the top two levels were particularly noisy.
Mytour / Dera BurresonCommon Questions Answered
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a tower fan?
Tower fans are known for their quiet operation, with models like the Dreo Cruiser Pro T2 producing minimal noise, ideal for sleeping or conversations. Their slim design also makes them perfect for small spaces, as they occupy very little room.
The primary drawback of tower fans is their limited cooling capability. While they improve airflow and circulation, they don’t actively lower air temperature like an air conditioner.
Do tower fans cool better than other fans?
The cooling efficiency of tower fans and other fan types varies based on CFM and settings. Tower fans, being taller and often oscillating, can cover a wider area but may lack the raw power of other designs. “Box fans, for instance, can move more air and are better for cooling larger spaces,” Prouty explains.
Is it worth investing in a pricier tower fan?
If you’re unsure about spending more on a tower fan, think about specific features that would benefit you. Smart home users might appreciate app-controlled models, while parents may prioritize stability and safety features for added peace of mind.
“If you value features like remote controls or air purification, the extra cost is justified. For basic cooling needs, a simpler, more affordable option will suffice,” Prouty suggests.
Trust Our Expertise
This piece was authored by Kaylyn McKenna, an appliance expert at Mytour with four years of experience reviewing and curating product guides. To identify the top tower fans, we rigorously tested multiple models in our lab and conducted a two-month in-home trial to evaluate their long-term performance in real-world settings. Kaylyn also consulted Carl Prouty, a sales specialist at Abt, for expert advice on selecting the best home cooling solutions.
