These Top-Rated Cooling Fans Will Keep You Sane During the Hottest Months

In the middle of a heat wave, the inside of your home can feel impossible to cool down. Sure, you could crank up the AC (if you have it), but doing so will also crank up your energy bill (no thanks!).

To the rescue: Cooling fans, which consume a lot less energy than air conditioners but can keep you just as cool. Plus, they won’t put as big of a dent in your wallet.

If you’re used to old-fashioned box fans, you’re in for a treat. Modern cooling fans are sleek and thoughtfully-designed while still having enough power to cool down your space quickly (and quietly).

When it comes to choosing a cooling fan, consider your personal needs. Worried about safety? Go for a blade-less version, which is safer for kids and pets. Those with big spaces to cool down may want to purchase an oscillating tower, which has far-reaching air flow capabilities. And if you’re still living that WFH lifestyle, look for a compact fan that fits neatly on your desk.

The bottom line: Cooling fans are a cost-effective way to lower the temperature in your home with zero effort and a smaller investment than an AC unit. Basically, they make high temperatures much more bearable.

We’ve rounded up a number of affordable, high-quality fans on the market to keep your room (and mood) cool. With various speed and height settings, quiet features, and add-ons like remote controls, these affordable fans will help you find instant relief during the hottest days and nights.

Lasko

amazon.com

$62.72

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This powerful (yet quiet) tower fan is strong enough to cool an entire apartment with no air conditioning, even when the air gets humid. It stands tall at 43 inches, so you can enjoy circulation as you lay in bed. With three settings, a multi-function remote, and simple assembly, it’s a no-brainer. “This is the fan I’ve been dreaming of for years,” one reviewer says. “It is whisper-quiet and unobtrusive, while pushing out a lot of airflow.”

Dyson

bestbuy.com

$399.99

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If you prefer a sleek design and incredible power, look no further. This tower fan from Dyson has it all: strong airflow, a family-safe design, a sleep timer, and minimal sound. This fan lowers the temp in rooms up to 800 square feet and even comes with a built-in HEPA air purifier.

Honeywell

amazon.com

$15.99

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With tens of thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, you can be sure this tiny but mighty fan will keep you cool. Available in black or white, it’s compact, lightweight, and mountable, so you can position it however you please. Reviewers also love how quiet this cooling fan is, even when powering at full speed.

Rowenta

amazon.com

$199.99

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If you like a subtle pop of color, then you’ll appreciate this standing floor fan. Its vibrant cobalt blades can be set to blast cool air at three different speeds and oscillation settings. You can control the fan and adjust its tilt and height with a portable remote control. Bonus: It’s pleasantly quiet, easy to clean, and painless to put together.

Amazon Basics

amazon.com

$42.49

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If you’re looking for a standard floor fan at a reasonable price, this option should check all of your boxes. With three power settings and three breeze modes, plus a remote and an adjustable base, it’s a great option for home cooling on a budget.

Hurricane

amazon.com

$29.95

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At 20 inches wide and three different speeds, this box fan is as powerful as it gets. The simple, sturdy design can cool an entire room, whether you put it in the window sill or on the floor. It’s louder than its smaller counterparts, but if you’re someone who needs a bit of white noise to drown out your environment while sleeping, this is the fan for you.

Lasko

amazon.com

$75.96

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Trying to cool down a large space? Go with this powerful option from Lasko, which isn’t quiet, but does the job exceptionally well and boasts thousands of rave reviews on Amazon. “This is the workhorse you want on a miserable hot day,” one says. “I have never paid quite this much for a fan, but I would make this purchase again in a heartbeat.”

Dyson

amazon.com

$272.00

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This bladeless tabletop fan is great for hot sleepers who want a quieter option. It provides constant cooling from 10 airflow settings, making this bestselling Dyson worth the investment. The 10-inch design takes up little space, is easy to clean, and has an easy-to-use remote control.

HOLMES

amazon.com

$39.99

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This window fan installs just like an air conditioner and uses two blades to keep you cool. It even works when it’s raining. “I run this little monster almost 24/7 and all of its features work like brand new,” says one Amazon reviewer, who bought the fan two years ago. “I would buy again in a heartbeat if it ever stopped working.”

Vornado

amazon.com

$59.99

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Most electric fans aren’t winners in the looks department, but this stunner from Vornado is practically designed to be Instagrammed. Reviewers report that beyond its aesthetic appeal, this fan is also powerful for its size and surprisingly quiet.

OPOLAR

amazon.com

$14.99

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If you’re looking for a powerful fan for your WFH setup, this two-speed model is the perfect option. It’s not too big, provides a gentle breeze, and won’t shake your table or desk. “On its low setting, I can feel the breeze hitting my face from about two feet away,” one Amazon buyer writes. “On its high setting, it blows a ton of air, and while it does make some noise, it is extremely minimal.”

VersionTECH.

amazon.com

$13.99

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This handheld fan is perfect for days when you’re on-the-go. It’s small enough to fit in your purse, had three blade speeds, and charges with batteries or a USB port. “Powerful, rechargeable, compact. What’s not to love?” one Amazon reviewer raves.