Credit:
Reviewed / Timothy Renzi
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Credit:
Reviewed / Timothy Renzi
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
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The Vornado Transom AE can produce high wind speeds, its interface is easy to use, we love its foam block gap-sealers, and it works with Alexa. Read More
The Bionaire BW2300-N isn't capable of high wind speeds, but it performs appropriately for its cost. We like its built-in thermostat and interface. Read More
The Air King 9155's large size circulates air throughout an entire room, and its all-metal construction is more durable than most other window fans. Read More
This is a powerful window fan can cool down a room quickly and has sturdy foam block sealers to keep air from seeping out. Read More
The Holmes HAWF2041-N offers a lot of performance for its purchase price. We like its built-in thermostat, though its interface isn't the best. Read More
If you want to stay cool during the year's hottest months, your first line of defense should be a fan. Air conditioners are optimal for temperatures above 90°F but for temperatures below that, a window fan is an efficient and cost-effective way to get relief.
Window fans are not just for cooling. They're versatile tools, ready to clear out smoke from a cooking mishap, ventilate the room after unboxing a new mattress, or disperse any lingering VOCs. Their multidirectional airflow not only circulates air but also helps maintain a fresh and clean indoor environment, giving you control over your space.
After rigorous testing, which included measuring wind speeds, evaluating user-friendliness, and assessing innovative features, we found the Vornado Transom AE (available at Amazon for $111.63) to be our top pick for the best window fan. Its impressive wind speeds, user-friendly interface, innovative foam block sealing method, and Alexa integration set it apart. For those on a budget, we recommend the Bionaire BW2300-N (available at Amazon). It offers a good balance of performance and usability at a wallet-friendly price. Our list includes many other high-performing window fans for all kinds of needs.
The Vornado Transom AE is our pick for the best window fan because it has high wind speeds, a simple user interface, and a rock-solid window seal.
High wind speed
Alexa integration
Innovative foam block sealant
Foam blocks only come in three sizes
The Bionaire BW2300-N offers a lot of performance for a low price.
Intuitive interface
Built-in thermostat
Included remote
Not capable of high wind speeds
The the Air King 9155 features a robust metal build and moves enough air to circulate throughout an entire room.
Relatively high wind speeds
Foam block gap-sealers are effective
Not a good value for its cost
Good value
High wind speeds for its cost
Built-in thermostat
Thermostat interface is unintuitive
Remote control via companion app
Not capable of high wind speeds
Capable of high wind speeds at a distance
Built-in thermostat
Thermostat interface is cumbersome
Built-in thermostat
Low wind speed
Unintuitive thermostat controls
Not a good value
Remote control via app
Poor build quality
Not capable of high wind speeds
We tested each fan using the same standardized setup in a controlled environment, using a hot-wire anemometer.
We test fans, and window fans follow a similar testing procedure.
We constructed a sealed room with a built-in, standard-sized window. This setup removes any external airflow from affecting our test results.
To test wind speed, we set the fan to its highest speed setting, then tested its output at a distance of two feet and six feet away from the fan. We measured wind speeds with a hot wire anemometer that takes readings every second for 30 seconds, after which we averaged the results.
In addition to these objective measurements, we also moved about the testing chamber to gauge how well the fan was circulating air throughout the entire space.
We tested the noise output for each fan at its highest setting with a sound level meter.
Lastly, we thoroughly examined each fan, testing its build quality and the ease with which we could set it up and remove it from the window.
When shopping for window fans, especially those with built-in thermostats, check out its interface first—if it looks cumbersome to use, it probably is.
Wind speed is one of the most important factors when researching window fans. Higher wind speeds often mean more effective air circulation throughout your room, improving overall performance.
Most fans are capable of both intake and exhaust settings. We recommend picking a fan that does both unless you're sure you won't use the exhaust function. The exhaust feature is ideal for clearing out smoke, volatile organic compounds, or odors.
Many fans come with built-in thermostats. We recommend checking out the fan's interface first if you're interested in that feature. Some fans let you pick the exact temperature you want the fan to activate, which is the superior interface. Other fans feature a dial with small-to-large dots along it. This interface is much harder to use, as you'll need to trial-and-error your way into figuring out which sized dots correspond to different temperatures.
Many window fans feature a plastic construction, and the quality of those materials can significantly affect the product's durability—especially regarding its pull-out wings. Many fans we tested had wings that were either difficult to pull out or were poorly constructed and fell apart as we attempted to pull them out.
As a general rule, it's best to use a fan for cooling unless temperatures are above 90°F.
At temperatures above that threshold, the fan will exacerbate the effects of the heat. Using an air conditioner for temperatures under 90°F is overkill: A fan will offer similar cooling at 1% of the energy cost.
Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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