Thanks to their tall, slim design, the best tower fans can bring a powerful breeze into any room, all while taking up minimal floor space. After challenging 10 top-rated fans to keep my humid Florida home cool over the course of six months, I believe the Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 Tower Fan is the best option for most people. Featuring a modern design with an LED screen and remote control, this sleek six-speed fan efficiently cooled my living space without being too loud or distracting.
The best tower fans can help keep you cool while taking up little floor space.
Here are all the winners from my testing process:
While all types of fans have their own strengths—window fans yield the freshest breeze, while box fans are prized for their power and energy efficiency—tower models might just be the coolest. Design ecologist Lindsay Tan compares tower fans to sports cars: They’re fun to use and show off. “A tower fan is generally going to be smaller, quieter and sexier than any of its cousins,” says Tan. And while these slender devices are especially great for cooling spaces when you don’t want to run your window air conditioner, they can also work alongside any AC system in rooms that could use a little extra help. When shopping, look for multispeed models that are oscillating, unobtrusive (design-wise and noise-wise) and come with actually useful features like timers and accessories like remote controls. Beyond that, the right model for your space depends on your home layout, cooling needs, personal preferences and budget. If you’re ready to start shopping, start by considering these eight winning models.
For its excellent airflow, actually useful features and quiet operation, the Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 Tower Fan is the model I’d recommend first to people in want of one of these sleek devices. Housed in a slender black form with an LED display screen, this six-speed fan blew me away during testing, producing a powerful breeze that reached at least 15 feet away. When using the fan in everyday scenarios around my living room and home office, it delivered quiet, steady airflow, which I credit to its bladeless design. (Read my full review of this model here.)
While tower fans aren’t known to be overly complicated, I found the Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 especially easy to use. To adjust the fan’s speed, mode and timer, simply press one of the five clearly marked buttons on the device’s body or use the included remote control. I also appreciated the features on this tower fan. The natural setting, for example, alternates the device’s speed to imitate a breeze you’d feel outside. Another attractive feature is the sleep mode, which dims the display after 15 seconds and mutes the beeping associated with making changes to the fan’s operation, making this a great option for use in the bedroom.
What really makes this fan exceptional, though, is that it goes above and beyond the basic tower fan—but it doesn’t come with a steep price tag. It’s worth noting that the fan is available in a smart version with Wi-Fi connectivity (which I tested), though I believe the less expensive standard model to be the best option for most people. And if your model falters or proves defective, all Dreo fans are backed by a one-year warranty.
Long-Term Testing Notes
Six months into using the Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 Tower Fan, its operation is just as smooth and quiet as when I first set it up. It hasn’t started to wheeze or rattle (a common issue with tower fans), which speaks to the quality and mechanics of its bladeless design. The only thing I’ve noticed over time is the black base of the fan shows dust very easily, as do the grilles in the housing. Fortunately, the majority of the fan is easy to wipe off with a duster; the only tricky parts to clean are the horizontal louvers on three sides of the fan.
One more thing worth reporting: I’m pleased to say that I haven’t lost the remote over the last six months, as the body of the tower fan has a slot to hold it. (I can’t say the same for another tower fan that was separated from its remote for weeks before I found it at the bottom of a closet).
The LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifying Fan is one mighty device. Similar to the Dreo Cruiser Pro T1, this sophisticated fan created a strong breeze during testing, so much so that I could easily feel it 15 feet away. And whereas the average tower fan offers three or four speeds, the AeroTower has 10, plus three different airflow settings: direct, diffusion and wide. What really sets it apart, though, is its air-purifying capabilities. Equipped with a HEPA-grade filter, this smart device cleans the air that it circulates around the room.
This multifunctionality is not for nothing. When fans of all kinds circulate air, they can also stir up irritants like dust, dander and mold, which aggravates allergies. The AeroTower, however, captures those irritants, rather than blowing them around the room. Along with a HEPA-grade filter, the device has an internal UV light that kills bacteria on the blades at the base of the fans. And if you want to keep tabs on your air quality, you can check the integrated LCD display at the bottom of the fan (just make sure the fan is connected to Wi-Fi) or check the LG ThinQ app. You can also control the fan through that same app or with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
You can also control the LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifying Fan using the included remote, which ... [+]
Now, this tower fan won’t make sense for everyone. If you have a dedicated air purifier you run in your home, you can probably get away with a less expensive, standard fan. It’s also not ideal for small living spaces: Weighing 28 pounds and standing 44 inches tall, it’s both the heaviest and tallest model I tested. But if you want a do-it-all device that can trap allergens while keeping you cool, you’ll find none better than this stylish, versatile tower fan. Just keep in mind that you need to buy replacement HEPA filters every 12 months or so, depending on use. (For more details, here’s my full review of the fan.)
Long-Term Testing Notes
Over the last six months of cooler weather, I’ve mainly used this fan’s diffusion and wide settings, which have been great for air circulation. I’ve also really come to appreciate that this model monitors your air quality: I like looking back on the average temperature, humidity and PM levels in my home for the last day, week and month. When I see periods of low humidity, I then understand why my houseplants have been looking less than perky.
Another thing that’s impressed me is the fan’s filter life, which was a big concern for me during testing. After six months, the apps shows a remaining filter life of 89 percent. According to brand, the filter should be replaced every 12 months—so I’m thrilled with my filter’s status. (I should note, however, that I’ve been running the fan less frequently during the winter.)
If you want a tower fan that’s frills-free, look no further than the Lasko Wind Curve Oscillating Tower Fan. Featuring an LED display screen and three fan speeds, this oscillating model provided cooling up to 15 feet away during testing, though its wind speed was on the lower side (at a distance of 3 feet away, the wind registered at 4.9 mph on high). While this device’s design and power aren’t especially noteworthy, it’s nonetheless a sturdy, reliable model that covers the basics.
Thanks to its intuitive, streamlined design, the Lasko is a breeze to operate. To adjust the fan’s speed or set a timer (up to 7.5 hours), you can either press the buttons located at the top of the device or use the included remote if you’re across the room. Using the buttons or the remote, you can also activate the fan’s night setting, which dims the LED controls and decreases the speed to be less noticeable. (During normal operation, I found the fan to be slightly whiny.) And when the cooler months roll around, this model is a cinch to pick up and move into a storage closet, thanks to its lightweight build, under 16 pounds.
True to its name, the Honeywell QuietSet 5 Whole Room Tower Fan is an unobtrusive device that makes very little noise during operation. During testing, the fan produced 44 decibels of noise on its high setting and just 33 decibels on low—that’s about as loud as a faraway birdcall and a person whispering, respectively. But what makes this low sound output so impressive is that the machine remains whisper-quiet while whooshing out air at 4.5 mph and causing a breeze that reaches at least 15 feet away.
The Honeywell QuietSet 5 Whole Room Tower Fan's control panel.
The Honeywell QuietSet’s only real downside is that its white plastic housing looks and feels budget. Because of this, you might not want to run the fan in a living space where you entertain. Instead, this tower fan belongs in the bedroom. Along with its quiet operation, the fan’s modes (which are distinct from its five speed settings) are geared toward improving your sleep environment; they have names like sleep, calm, white noise and refresh, which translate into progressively louder levels of fan operation. The white noise setting, for example, can help drown out low-level ambient noise from another room. Another thoughtful touch: The included remote control fits flush in the back of the tower fan so it’s easier to keep track of.
If you’re in the market for a device that could fit in with the best smart home appliances, the Dreo Pilot Max Tower Fan is a winning option. Out of all the models I tested, this high-tech one clocked the highest air speeds: At a distance of 3 feet, the breeze registered 9.6 mph. It also boasts a whopping 12 fan speeds and four oscillation settings, plus convenient features like a Sleep mode and timer. Its biggest selling point, though, is its smart connectivity.
While you can control the fan by pointing the included remote at the sophisticated LED display at the top of the fan, I preferred using the Dreo app on my phone. There, you’re able to turn the fan on or off, adjust its oscillation (options include 30, 60, 90 and 120 degrees) and change the speed. You can also make these same adjustments via voice command through Google Home or Amazon Alexa. And while the Pilot Max wasn’t the quietest fan I tested, it emits no unpleasant rattling or whining, thanks to its bladeless design.
The fan’s construction, too, is smart. Namely, cleaning the inside of the fan isn’t a hassle, thanks to its removable rear grille that makes it possible to clear out dust that accumulates inside its body. To attack that hard-to-reach area, all you have to do is remove one screw on the back of the fan’s housing; while that process might sound tedious, just know that in many models, it’s nearly impossible to clean the fan’s interior.
With its all-black housing and chrome handle, the Vornado OSCR37 Oscillating Tower Circulator looks like your standard model. Beneath that simple design, though, is a whole lot of power. In testing, I was particularly impressed by how effectively and broadly the fan circulated cool air. While I didn’t test Vornado’s claim that the fan can move air up to 75 feet, this model filled my 400-square-foot living area with a mighty breeze, making it a top pick for large rooms.
As thrilled as I was with the Vornado’s power, it does come with a few weaknesses. To start, the fan was the loudest model I tested, though the noise wasn’t too disruptive—at its highest speed, it registered at 55.5 decibels, which is as loud as a soft conversation between two people. I also wish that the remote had a magnet or hook to attach to the back of the fan, and I found the actual buttons on the fan to be slow to respond. Also worth noting: While not overly time-consuming or complicated, this fan does require assembly (it comes with eight screws, and you have to supply a screwdriver). But overall, I see these downsides as relatively minor, especially if you’re looking for one of the most powerful models out there to circulate air in spacious areas.
Despite being the cheapest full-size model I tested, the Pelonis 40-Inch Tower Fan proved itself to be effective and easy to use. In testing, it had no problem moving air up to 15 feet away, though it offers the best performance at shorter distances—up to 9 feet or so. If you’re looking for an inexpensive model to increase air circulation in a small or medium room, this tower fan is a worthy budget-friendly pick.
The Pelonis 40-Inch Tower Fan's control panel.
Housed in a simple dark gray plastic body, the three-speed fan includes all the settings you’d expect on a budget tower fan, including a timer and a remote control. (It also has a breeze setting that’s designed to mimic natural wind, though I wasn’t overly impressed with this feature during testing, as it essentially just caused the fan to randomly turn its speed up and down.) I should also note that the fan is somewhat difficult to clean, as you can’t easily access its internal components; therefore, to clean accumulated dust, your best bet is to use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice or dusting tool. For just $70, though, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more capable tower fan.
If you shrink down Honeywell’s popular QuietSet 5 Whole Room Tower Fan into a compact size that can sit on a nightstand or desk, you have the QuietSet Mini Tower Table Fan, my pick for the best mini tower fan. Despite measuring just 13 inches tall, this pint-sized model offers four fan speeds, on top of quiet operation. And thanks to its petite build, it’s highly portable—I could also see myself packing it in a suitcase for my next trip as a convenient source of white noise and a light breeze.
While it’s unfair to compare the performance of a full-size tower fan with a model made with personal cooling in mind, I put this fan through the same challenges to test its limits. At its highest speed setting, the QuietSet Mini projected air up to 12 feet; from a distance of 3 feet away, it moved air at speeds up to 3.1 mph. Boosting the device’s overall appeal, it has a timer feature that includes 2-, 4- and 8-hour options, which can come in handy if you have a bad habit of forgetting to turn the fan off once you’re done using it. And while this is the rare tower fan without a remote, it isn’t really necessary, as you’ll likely be within arm’s reach of the fan when it’s running.
Other Tower Fans I Tested
Along with the eight winning tower fans, I also tested two more versions that didn’t have the attributes or performance to land in the rankings.
Dyson TP07 Purifier Cool Purifying Fan: A close competitor to the LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifying Fan, this Dyson model also purifies the air that it circulates. It has a bladeless design with a modern aesthetic, and compared to the LG model, it has a smaller footprint. Unfortunately, I found the airflow to be slightly too diffuse; you couldn’t really feel the air movement at a distance of more than 6 feet away.
Sharper Image Axis 16 Desktop Airbar Tower Fan: This pint-sized tower fan is designed for use on a desk or a table, and it can be tilted to blow air vertically or horizontally. While this mini fan produced impressive airflow for such a petite device, it emitted noisy, buzzy sounds during operation. It also doesn’t have an oscillation feature like the quieter Honeywell QuietSet Mini Tower Table Fan.
How I Tested The Best Tower Fans
To determine the best tower fans currently available, I started by identifying and researching the most popular, top-rated models on the market based on features, capabilities and customer reviews. Then, I designed a series of tests to measure the airflow and effectiveness of what I identified to be the 10 most promising models.
The Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 Tower Fan during the streamers test.
To evaluate performance, I created a two-part test in my living room. At distances of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 feet away from the tower fan, I hung streamers to see how far each fan was able to project air at the lowest and highest settings; I also hung a single streamer behind the fan, situated about 10 feet away, to observe each model’s oscillation. Then, I measured each fan’s wind speed using an anemometer to check the mph of the airflow at each marked distance (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 feet). For fans that included a remote control, I also verified that the accessory worked from a distance of 20 feet. During these tests, to measure each fan’s noise level, I used a decibel meter from a distance of 3 feet and recorded the average noise at the fan’s highest and lowest speed.
Following these measured tests, I used each fan for at least 2 hours while doing routine activities at home like working at my desk, sitting on the sofa, cooking in the kitchen and sleeping at night. These informal tests gave me a chance to evaluate what it’s like to live with each fan, as well as the usefulness of their features. For instance, I rotated through their various fan speed settings and modes and tested other available features like timer functions. With the smart tower fans, I connected each to my home Wi-Fi network, downloaded the corresponding app and tried out the available features to determine how reliably the app functions.
Long-Term Testing
In the six months after the initial testing period, I’ve continued to test the Dreo Cruiser Pro T1 Tower Fan and the LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifying Fan to see how they stand up to regular use over time.
How To Pick A Tower Fan
While many tower fans pretty much look the same, what’s inside those tall sleek bodies varies greatly—some offer smart features, while others boast ample speed settings, and so on. Therefore, it makes sense to start your search by identifying the factors that are most important to you. Carl Prouty, tech expert at Abt Electronics, suggests you evaluate any model you’re eyeing by asking yourself the following questions: “Does it fit well into the room? Do the features match up with your needs? Does the cost fit your budget?” With those tips in mind, here’s everything else worth considering while shopping.
Settings
While some fans are fixed and feature only one speed, it’s best to get a model that allows you to adjust the intensity. Most models offer three or four fan speeds, while some souped-up options have as many as 10 or 12 speeds. The more speeds a fan boasts, the more control you have over the intensity of the airflow. Just keep in mind that a fan with a higher number of speeds isn’t necessarily more powerful than a model with fewer—the former simply offers more steps between the lowest and highest speed.
In addition to speed settings, some tower fans also have modes of operation for specific uses. For example, some tower fans come equipped with a breeze mode, which alternates the fan speed to imitate the natural flow of wind. Another popular option is a Sleep mode, which looks different on every machine. In some models with this function, the fan will turn off after a specific interval of time, while others lower the noise of the fan and dim the display or noises.
Noise Output
Just like any electronic device, all tower fans make some amount of noise. That said, some are far quieter than others, which is worth keeping in mind while shopping—especially if you want a model you can run in the bedroom. In general, tower fans that feature a bladeless design produce the least amount of noise, thanks to fewer moving pieces. Sturdy, quality housing can also help to eliminate the noise output of the fan by minimizing rattles and vibrations.
While tower fans are characteristically tall and sleek, they come in all different sizes.
Size
One of the biggest strengths of tower fans is their small footprint. Even larger models are typically compact enough to fit in just about any room. Most full-size tower fans have a height between 40 and 42 inches, while smaller portable or personal-use fans are around 12 to 13 inches tall. If you want a tower fan to sit on a bookshelf, desk or table, stick with the smaller size. But for whole-room cooling, opt for a taller model for better airflow.
Weight is also something to consider if you plan to frequently move the fan around your home. While most tower fans tend to weigh between 8 and 10 pounds—in other words, light enough to pick up with one hand—some models with added functionality weigh 20 pounds or more. A lightweight tower fan with a recessed handle is much easier to carry than a fan that’s heavy and lacks a handle.
Smart Functions
While smart features certainly aren’t essential to the operation of a tower fan, they can make using the device a more seamless experience. With most Wi-Fi-enabled fans, you’re able to control the device using an app on your smartphone, which can come in handy if you’re sitting across the room and want to adjust the fan’s airflow. It’s true that most tower fans include a remote control that can perform these functions just as well, but using the app means that you don’t have to keep the remote by your side as you go about your daily tasks.
Additionally, some smart tower fans also include the ability to integrate with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. If you like to use voice commands to control the appliances in your house, then opt for a model with smart home compatibility.
Safety
Tower fans were designed with safety in mind, as they typically feature a tight grille that prevents easy access to the fan blades or air mechanism inside. On the subject of choosing a fan with safety in mind, Tan says: “Do you have small children or pets with no sense of self-preservation? Consider how the body of the fan—especially the housing of the blades—might protect tiny fingers and prevent hair or fur snags.”
My Expertise
I’m a product reviewer and writer with 6 years’ experience, and I specialize in researching and testing home products and appliances. As a Florida resident, I often cover topics that relate to improving your home’s comfort and air quality, and I have firsthand experience testing air conditioners, air purifiers and fans. Most recently for Forbes Vetted, I tested and reviewed the best portable air conditioners. My work has also appeared on The Spruce, MyDomaine and U.S. News & World Report.
Along with conducting hours of research into tower fans and cooling devices at large, I consulted three experts to get their input on what to look for in a tower fan. Lindsay Tan, a design ecologist and the design director at West Second Street LLC, went into detail about aesthetics and the best way to incorporate a tower fan into your living space. Then, Carl Prouty, a tech expert at appliance retailer Abt Electronics, outlined the most important features that tower fans offer. Lastly, Dr. William McCann, the chief medical officer of Allergy Partners, explained why it’s so important to regularly clean these devices, plus offered insight into fans that double as air purifiers.
Can Tower Fans Lower The Temperature Of The Room?
Technically, a tower fan has no impact on the temperature of a room. What a powerful device can do is help increase air circulation. “Fans make you feel cool by moving air across your skin, to create a cooling effect without lowering the air temperature of the room,” says Tan. And when used alongside an air conditioner, a tower fan can facilitate the flow of chilled air.
How Many Degrees Of Oscillation Are Ideal For A Tower Fan?
Many tower fans are designed with an oscillation function that causes the tower to rotate from the base. The degree that these devices can oscillate varies: Whereas some can move 60 degrees, others can swing 350 degrees. If you’re planning on putting your tower fan in a corner, Prouty recommends looking for an oscillating model that covers around 90 degrees. “If placing the fan in a more central location, look for something that offers as wide of an oscillation option as possible,” he adds.
How Do You Clean A Tower Fan?
Like anything else in your house, a tower fan will collect dust, dirt, allergens and debris over time. In particular, dust tends to build up along the grille of a tower fan. Therefore, it’s important to regularly inspect your device so you know when it’s time for a cleaning. As a rule of thumb, “You should clean your tower fan thoroughly every 3 to 4 weeks if you’re using it on a daily basis, especially if you are prone to allergies, asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever),” says Dr. McCann. To get the job done, you might consider using your vacuum cleaner with a dusting tool to suck up the dust and allergens along the front and back of the fan housing. For dust or dirt that’s accumulated on the interior of the fan grille, use compressed air to blow it loose. Then, run the fan on high afterward to expel any of the dust or dirt that you dislodged during the cleaning process.
Are Tower Fans Worth The Money?
Tower fans typically cost anywhere from $30 to $150, depending on the model’s size, number of speeds and additional features. If you opt for a miniature tower fan to sit atop your desk or a no-frills fan that simply covers the basics, you shouldn’t spend more than $50 or so. In the $60 to $80 range, you find the most popular tower fans, which offer three or four fan speeds but no smart features. If you want a smart model with a modern design and sleek digital display, those fans tend to cost $100 or more. And for those seeking a multifunctional fan that doubles as an air purifier, expect to spend even more. In general, these models cost upward of $300 and have a recurring cost for air filters.
Are Tower Fans Better Than Pedestal Fans?
While pedestal fans might be more powerful than their tower counterparts, the latter come with their own set of strengths. For example, though tower fans don’t cover as much space, they “have a more focused airflow,” says Prouty. In other words, if you’re using a tower fan in a confined area or a smaller room, you get more direct airflow. Another perk you can’t overlook: Tower fans have a sleeker, more attractive design. And because most tower fans have tight grilles, they’re one of the safest choices for households with small children or pets. With pedestal fans, it’s easier for tiny fingers or paws to come in contact with rapidly moving blades.
