9 Best Fans of 2023 to Beat the Summer Heat

We updated this guide to the best fans in March 2023 to ensure our top picks were in stock and reflected current pricing. We also included information on models we tested but don't recommend.

The struggle to stay cool in summertime heat is a riddle that's been handed down for millennia. Whereas our ancestors may not have had access to powerful HVAC technology, we've got it good. That said, while some people have central air or the space and construction to accommodate a portable air conditioner or window AC in their home, many turn to a simple, timeless cooling method: electric fans. Compared with air-conditioning units, they are cost-effective, can typically be set up in minutes and are easy to pick up, move and place wherever you're in need of a breeze. But the simplicity of fans can be deceiving: Small design variations can have a big effect on their ability to manipulate air. To complicate things even further, today's fans are available in a variety of formats with a wide range of features, from tower fans with smart home integration to compact desk fans that are USB-powered.

What fan is the best for most people? Our top-tested model is the Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole Room Air Circulator Fan. It wowed our engineers during airspeed testing, and we loved its easy-to-pivot head. Additionally, we found that the grill removed easily for cleaning, and the fan passed our safety inspection. For those on a tighter budget who are willing to compromise slightly on airspeed or those who want a quieter fan, we recommend the Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we conduct regular evaluations of a wide range of fans on the market, using quantitative metrics on fan performance, loudness and stability to cut through marketing claims and find the best picks available. We also consider the safety, ease of use and additional functions offered by each fan to hone our selections and suggest a range of fans for different applications. In our latest iteration of testing, we assessed 18 of the top fans on the market to make the following recommendations.

Our top picks:

For more information on how we test fans, what to look for when buying a fan and the contenders that didn't make our list (and why), keep reading after our picks. Making additional warm-weather preparations? Check out our guides to the best outdoor furniture and the best cooling comforters.