Honorable Mentions
Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Oscillating Tower Fan for $70: This fan, boasting eight speeds, is quite impressive given its price point. It includes a remote that conveniently fits into the back of the unit, and the base is surprisingly sturdy, even on carpets. However, it doesn’t operate significantly quieter than other fans at low speeds, which is one of its key features. Additionally, while its lightweight design may feel a bit flimsy compared to similar models, this may not deter you considering the affordable price.
Pelonis 40-Inch Oscillating Tower Fan for $70: This fan tends to wobble on carpets and features a remote that feels cheap and requires accurate alignment with the fan’s sensor for operation. Nonetheless, it generates one of the strongest breezes available in a tower fan and has reliably functioned quietly in the backdrop of my home office for several months. Moreover, the remote is preloaded with batteries, which is a nice touch unlike other fans in this price range.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Vornado Strata for $130: While most Vornado fans enjoy a well-deserved reputation, the Strata has attracted a mix of opinions from online users. Having utilized it in my husband’s office through an entire summer, I find the design rather perplexing. Resembling a boxy, high-tech hair dryer, the 18-inch Strata pulls air and directs it upward through an approximately 1-by-14-inch slot at the front, a method intended to replicate the effect of a traditional tower fan. This focused, narrow jet of air can feel somewhat abrupt if you’re in its direct path; however, as an air circulator, it is designed to stay on the floor and not necessarily blow air directly at anyone. For a more direct breeze experience, a tower fan would likely be a better choice.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Dyson Cool AM07 Tower Fan for $350: Previously our top choice for the best tower fan before being surpassed by Dreo’s MC706, Dyson’s stylish ellipse design remains an option worth considering. This aesthetically pleasing fan enhances any decor while taking up minimal space at approximately 8 inches wide. Its blade-free design simplifies the cleaning process and ensures safety for both children and pets, and the assembly guidelines are refreshingly straightforward. However, it ranks among the loudest fans tested at maximum speed, and its remote-controlled operation—limited to a small remote that is easy to misplace—can be inconvenient. While it’s a commendable tower fan, there are alternatives that perform better for a lower price.
Not Recommended
Dreo Smart Air Circulator PolyFan 704S for $150: Although this visually appealing smart pedestal fan has received enthusiastic reviews, my initial order malfunctioned while updating firmware to connect to the Dreo app. The required replacement involved submitting video evidence of the fan’s failure, along with packaging and returning the defective unit to Dreo via FedEx. Consequently, I received numerous incorrect tracking numbers for the new device and was urged to leave an Amazon review featuring specific keywords. This fan does come with impressive features for the price, but given its limited one-year warranty (extendable to two and a half years upon Dreo account creation) and the inconvenience of returning a faulty unit—assuming you were able to keep its cumbersome, 3-foot-long box—it’s not worth the trouble. The replacement has proven dependable, albeit cumbersome.
Comlife Rechargeable Camping Fan for $36: This fan has gained popularity on Amazon, and I had high expectations for using it while traveling and camping. I appreciated the built-in light and rechargeable feature, along with its flexible octopus legs for securing to a tent pole, hanging, or tripoding on a bedside table. Sadly, they broke off after a few months, and subsequently, the fan’s ability to maintain a charge diminished to just a few hours. It has ended up in the trash.
Allen + Roth Valdosta Outdoor Ceiling Fan for $141: Aimed at enhancing airflow in my backyard’s metal-roof gazebo, this 20-inch ceiling fan, which boasts a stylish retro design, did not meet expectations. Although it ideally complements the gazebo’s oil-rubbed bronze décor, it fails to provide a noticeable increase in airflow, especially when compared to the Shark FlexBreeze. Additionally, the fan’s cord is so short that it necessitates the use of a permanent extension cord, compromising its overall appearance.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Lasko Duo Comfort High-Velocity Fan and Ceramic Space Heater for $98: This modern dual tower features a ceramic heater on the left and a fan with four speed options on the right. Regrettably, the fan’s output is subpar, with wind speed barely reaching 450 ft/m. It’s also one of the loudest tower fans, measuring around 70 dB on high. Upon unpacking, we noticed significant off-gassing, as our test unit emitted a strong plastic odor for almost a month, even when not in use. Furthermore, it lacks tip-over protection for the heater; during a test, I accidentally knocked it over, and it continued to run for 30 seconds face-down on the carpet before I intervened.
