A window fan may not seem like an essential purchase – until you are stuck in a situation without one. A hot summer’s day can make a window fan absolutely necessary.
But there are also an overwhelming amount of models out there – and the last thing you want to do is waste your money. So we did the research, tested a wide variety of fans, and aggregated tens of thousands of online reviews.
After extensive testing, we were able to find the best window fan. Here are our top choices.
Top Picks
- DUAL SPEED SELECTION: Enjoy the flexibility of choosing between two air output options on this twin speed window fan. Select the low setting for a gentle and soothing airflow, perfect for creating a calm and relaxing environment. Alternatively, opt for the high setting to experience a brisk and invigorating breeze that helps cool down your space quickly. With this dual speed control, you have the power to customize the airflow to your preference, ensuring maximum comfort and satisfaction.
- SECURE AUTO-LOCKING EXPANDERS: Experience a secure and snug fit with the auto-locking accordion expanders featured in this twin airflow window fan. Designed for convenience, these expanders effortlessly adjust to fit window openings ranging from 22-1/4" to 33". Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your fan is securely installed and properly sealed. This plug-in fan ensures hassle-free operation without the need for batteries. Enhance your airflow control with the reliable and practical features of this window fan.
- VERSATILE REVERSIBLE FUNCTION: Take advantage of the manual reverse option provided by this twin blade window fan. With this feature, you can switch between two modes of operation. Draw cool and refreshing air into your home by using the intake function, ensuring a comfortable and rejuvenating atmosphere. Alternatively, use the exhaust function to effectively push hot and stale air out of the room, promoting better ventilation and air circulation. Embrace the versatility and control offered by this fan.
- EASY-TO-REMOVE PROTECTIVE COVER: Enjoy the convenience of a removable fabric cover on this fan. Designed to provide protection against bugs and debris, the cover keeps unwanted elements out. When the fan is not in use, the cover acts as a barrier, preventing hot and humid air from entering your home. This feature helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment even when the fan is not actively circulating air. With the easy-to-remove cover, you can effortlessly clean and maintain your fan, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
- VERSATILE AND PORTABLE DESIGN: Experience the convenience of this twin blade window fan's versatile design. Equipped with two sturdy feet, it can be easily placed on a tabletop or any flat surface, providing optimal airflow wherever you need it within your home. The fan features a convenient carrying handle, allowing for effortless portability and the flexibility to move it from room to room. Enjoy the convenience and versatility of this fan's design, ensuring cool and refreshing air throughout your living space, wherever you may need it.
- MULTI-SPEED - Simply plug into a standard outlet and set a temperature the two speed settings and dual blade operation keep air flow at the perfect rate
- OPTIMAL AIRFLOW - Programmable thermostat lets you maintain the set temperature and keeps air flow at a comfortable level
- DESIGNED TO FIT - Fits into most double-hung and slider type windows. Expandable side panels and adjustable extender help secure fan into larger windows
- BUILT TO LAST - Water-resistant motors allow use of the fan in rainy conditions. The white finish offers a clean timeless look
- WARRANTY - 3-year limited warranty
- Powerful Performance, High-Efficiency Ventilation：With 2800 RPM high speed and 988CFM airflow, it rapidly circulates air, effectively eliminating kitchen smoke, bathroom humidity, or basement stuffiness for strong, uninterrupted ventilation.
- Durable Motor, Quiet & Energy-Saving：Equipped with a dual ball-bearing brushless motor for smooth, low-noise operation, reduced friction, extended lifespan, and energy-efficient performance.
- Metal Construction, Anti-Corrosion & Dustproof：Premium metal frame + 7 aluminum blades, rust and scratch-resistant; built-in auto-close damper prevents dust and pests from entering, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.
- Plug & Play, Easy Installation：Includes a 1.5m power cord and mechanical switch—no complex setup required. Wall or ceiling-mountable, ready for instant use in garages, warehouses, or temporary ventilation needs.
- Versatile for Multiple Applications：Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, offices, and garages—handles both heavy-duty exhaust and daily air refreshment, improving indoor air quality effortlessly.
Best Window Fan
Air King 9166F
With over 650 raving customer reviews – this fan from Air King is the one to get. It offers great cooling, 3 speeds, and a great price point. If we had to only buy one window fan for the rest of our life – this would be it.
Bionaire Window Fan
With over 4,000 positive online reviews, this fan from Bionaire is a great option. Offering a programmable thermostat, great performance – and an unbeatable price point – it is a winner. The air exchange is great, and you will not be able to find a better fan at this price.
More: Best Portable Desk Fans | Best Cooling Fans | Best Rechargeable Fan | Best Floor Fans | How To Shop For A Ceiling Fan
Genesis Twin Window Fan
The Genesis twin is a great model – and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. With an amazing price point, durable quality, and perfect cooling – it’s hard to beat. The exhaust mode is great, and we were truly impressed at the performance, coming out of a model this affordable. Our office loved it.
Holmes Dual 8″ Blade Twin Window Fan
With over 2,900 glowing customer reviews online – this twin window fan from Holmes is a perfect pick. While you can spend more and get some extra features – it is a perfect budget pick, and left our office feeling cool and refreshed. Some reviewers have noted that some situations may require a few extender panels to install this fan, but your mileage may vary (we didn’t need any for our tests).
Comfort Zone CZ310R
With over 300 positive online reviews, this fan from Comfort Zone is a great budget choice. It doesn’t offer the high-end features found in more expensive model, but if you are only looking to stay cool – it’s a perfect choice. Many reviewers have noted how quiet the fan is, and we found this to be true in our testing, as well.
Lasko Twin Electric Reverse Window Fan
With over 200 positive online reviews, this fan from Lasko offers great performance, and a low price point. It lasts forever, and the only caveat is that there are definitely more powerful models available (if you want to spend more money, that is). Definitely recommended for small cooling needs, tight budgets, and small spaces.
BOVADO USA Twin Window Cooling Fan
With over 200 positive online reviews, this fan from Bovado offers good performance, durable design, and a quiet cooling experience. We did note that more expensive and deluxe models provided some other features – but other than that, it’s hard to say a bad word about this fan. Recommended.
EcoBreeze 2
The EcoBreeze 2 is very unique, in that it offers automatic air cooling, works with your air conditioning – and removes pollen and dust. It has built-in humidity and temperature sensors – meaning it knows what to do for the best air temperature and quality – even when you’re sleeping. If we’ve ever heard of a feature worth the money – this is it.
Air King 9155
With 200 glowing online reviews, this fan from Air King is a true delight. It cooled our writers down, was quiet, and performed perfectly. We had cooler and better air in minutes. Some reviewers online even mention hooking it up to a sensor, so it automatically cools when appropriate – but we did not test it in this capacity.
Optimus PTROPSF7345BK
This model from Optimus was perfect in our testing. We loved the lower price point, and about the only caveat, is that it could be slightly more powerful. If you have small cooling needs, or don’t need a lot of power – this may be the fan for you.
What Is A Window Fan?
Window fans are a nifty appliance that is installed and kept within your window frame and plugged in with the given power cord. They are an efficient and affordable way to circulate air through your home and cool down your environment.Â
Window fans have been used for decades to keep homes at a comfortable temperature. The majority of window fans are made out of plastic, yet some high-quality, more expensive brands can be made out of metal.Â
How Do Window Fans Work?
Window fans, which typically have either one large fan or two smaller ones, are installed within your window frame. Window fans draw fresh, outdoor air into your home, unlike ceiling fans or standing fans which continuously circulate the existing air in a room.Â
Window fans come with a power cord that usually requires a 120AC outlet. In general, you will need 1 CFM (cubic feet per minute) or how much air a fan moves. Once the window fan is installed in your window, plug in the cord, and you’re ready to go!
In general, you need 1 CFM per square foot of space plus an extra 50 CFM. Remote Operation. Window fans generally have a control panel on the front to turn it on and off, switch between intake/exhaust modes, and adjust airspeed and temperature.
Why Are Window Fans A Good Appliance?
Window fans are first and foremost, less costly than an air conditioning unit. You’ll have the opportunity to cool down your home and lower your summertime utility bills.Â
Window fans are great, especially if creating a consistent breeze is on your agenda. For larger homes, two window fans are recommended. As mentioned, they are very affordable and two is usually a good number to land on in order to fully cool your space, if you have two separate windows.Â
Window fans do not reduce humidity.Â
Who Should Get A Window Fan?
Window fans are great for any space. Especially if you are concerned about energy consumption, these fans are a great economically and environmentally friendly source of air to keep your home cool and comfortable.Â
If you live in an area with moderate Summer temperatures or a city with cool nights, window fans are an affordable blessing and can easily replace expensive air conditioners. If there is little ventilation in your kitchen, you can also utilize window fans to tackle this task as well.Â
How Do You Install A Window Fan?
Your new window fan will come with a manual within its box, but installation is fairly simple! Open your window, place the fan horizontally into the frame, close the window against the fan with the bottom lying flush on the base of your window. Then pull the extenders on each side so it reaches the edge of the frame.Â
To install, face the window fan inward in a window that draws from a cool, shaded outdoor area. This will help with bringing in the coolest air. If you can note which direction is the prevailing wind, face it in that direction for the coolest air.Â
Try to avoid placing the window fan on sides of the home that face things like garbage cans and parking lots. You’ll want to keep the air you bring into your home to be as clean as possible.Â
What Type Of Windows Are Window Fans Good For?
Window fans actually fit in the majority of standard, modern windows. They come with expanders and side panels that allow you to fit the window fan into the frame securely. They have been designed to fit nearly every type of window!Â
When looking for your best window fan, it is always a good idea to measure your window prior to purchasing. Each window fan will let you know the size it can be adjusted to.Â
Do Window Fans Work Well?
Window fans work very well. Air conditioners and window fans differ in their temperature, cost, and quality of air. You will not get the same frigid airflow you’d get from an air conditioner, but you will get a great fresh breeze.Â
Many modern homes will also have insulation that will keep your cool air locked in as best as possible. Window fans are quiet, many are powerful, and many often have intuitive controls that enable you to set a desired internal temperature. Plus, they take up very minimal space so they are wonderful for small spaces as well.Â
What Is The Airflow Like From A Window Fan?
Power and airflow vary from model to model. You do not need to break the bank to get a quality window fan that works. Most window fans produce a strong airflow that will move air at least 15 feet, allowing for a good range of circulation. More expensive models will offer different features, such as flow control, temperature control, speed, and more.Â
Some models will even work alongside an air conditioner to monitor your airflow, temperature, and humidity. These are great if you live in an especially hot and humid environment.Â
Do Window Fans Have Multiple Speeds? What Are Some Other Features?
Quiet, discreet, and easy to install, window fans are a very simple appliance. They are one of the few appliances that offer minimal features because only a few are necessary to create a cool home!Â
Window fans usually have a three-speed comfort setting when plugged into 120AC outlets. Many come with a convenient remote control so you do not need to walk over to your fan to change a setting or turn it on/off. Window fans also have storm guards or bug nets as well as extenders to fit into larger windows. The screens keep any outdoor critters (like flies or mosquitos) away from entering your home through the fan. Water-resistant motors offer safe usability during rain and inclement weather.Â
Some window fans also have an “exhaust” and “reversible airflow” feature. The exhaust feature removes stuffy air from the room while the reverse flow manually reverses the fan for cool air intake and exhaust hot air.Â
How Do You Clean A Window Fan?
Because window fans are designed to drag outside air, it’s a good idea to be on top of cleaning your window fan. This will allow the cleanest air possible and make sure that there is no pollen or mold buildup.Â
Many fans are easy to disassemble and easy to clean. Start by unplugging your window fan, then take the fan out of the window. Remove the grill that is attached with screws (some newer models have a “release” button to unlock the grill), then you can use the dust attachment on a vacuum and use the vacuum to suck up the dust. You can also make a mild solution with soap or detergent and water to use and clean with a cloth. Use the cloth with a small amount of the soap solution to wipe down the fan blades. Make sure to not get water into the inner assembly and motor.Â
Make sure each piece is dry and reassemble by working backward!
How Long Do Window Fans Last?
Window fans should last a fair amount of time, especially if used during warmer weather and not on constant power. Of course, like any fan or appliance, they will not last forever. It’s always a good idea to get a window fan with a warranty, which many come with.Â
The Best Window Fan
There you have it – our picks for the best window fan. Beating the heat in your home is necessary, especially during the warmer seasons.
If you’ve ever lived in a hot climate, you know that staying cool is essential to your physical and mental health. Air conditioners are a blessing, but the bill they rack up each month is not.Â
Window fans are a great way to do this without paying the costly utility bill that air conditioners typically come with. Window fans snag fresh outdoor air, brings it inside, and circulates throughout your space to make a cooler, comfortable temperature throughout.Â
There are a ton of great home accessories besides windows fans though – so be sure to take a look at our other product reviews in the home and kitchen categories.
