11 Best Window Fans To Ward Off The Heat | Reviews + Guide

Window fans offer a cheap and efficient solution to cool your rooms during the summer heat. Options in this segment are aplenty, but not every fan is suitable for everyone’s needs. And I, for one, believe in being thorough before buying anything that plays a crucial role in comfort.

That’s why I’ve reviewed 11 of the best window fans on the market today. Make sure you go through all the reviews and the attached buyer’s guide to make a wise decision.

Listed below are the 5 best window fans from our list:

• Bionaire Window Fan: This fan stands out for its twin 8-inch reversible blades, adjustable thermostat, three-speed settings, quiet operation, and remote control, although it lacks a freestanding option.
• Genesis Window Fan: Known for its portability, this fan features a dual-motor system with 9-inch copper-motor fan heads, reversible airflow, three-speed settings, and easy installation; despite being made of cheap plastic material, it still earns points for durability.
• Comfort Zone Window Fan: This fan excels in providing comfort in terms of control and functionality, featuring a remote control, multiple functions, an easy-to-control panel, simple installation, and the ability to also function as a standalone fan; however, its power is not its strong suit.
• Vornado Transom Window Fan: Distinguished for its low noise level, this fan provides powerful airflow, automatic temperature control, a remote control, and a 5-year warranty; although the installation can be tricky, its sleek look and rich features make up for it.
• Air King 9166F Window Fan: Recognized for its powerful air circulation, this fan offers three-speed settings, simple fan control, and a unique Storm Guard feature that allows the window to be closed behind the fan; however, its screw-in installation might be complicated for some, and it's quite noisy compared to the other fans.

Here's the list of the 11 best window fans to ward off the heat, featuring a range of options to suit your cooling needs and preferences.

1. Bionaire Window Fan - Best for Remote Control

This window fan from Bionaire has twin 8-inch reversible blades that draw in cold air and expel hot air outside. The thermostat is adjustable, so the fan will draw in or expel air according to your set temperature settings. The user interface is easy to read and makes it very easy to control the three fan speed settings. 

The window fan can produce airspeeds as high as 11 mph, which feels like a decent breeze even if you’re standing 20 feet away. The fan is also pretty quiet, having a noise level of only 30 dB.

There are just a few things to keep in mind. This window fan fits best in double-hung windows, with the optimum width being between 24 and 37 inches. I also found that the working range of the remote control provided is just around 15 feet. 

2. Genesis Window Fan - Best for Portability

The Genesis A1 window fan is one of the best window fans on this list. It has a built-in thermostat with a temperature range of 60 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The fan works on a dual motor system, with two 9-inch fan heads with copper motors. The copper ensures durability and resistance. 

The airflow is reversible as well, designed to intake or expel air simultaneously. The fan also features three speed settings: low, medium, and high. 

The fan is also easily portable since it has an easy-to-carry handle built into the back of the unit. It can also be used as a freestanding model by attaching the two removable legs that come with the product. 

Additionally, the fan is easy to install. It comes with expandable side panels that can pull out up to 6.5 inches on both sides and lock into place perfectly on a window frame of any size. It is also less noisy compared to the Bionaire window fan. 

3. Comfort Zone Window Fan - Best for Easy Control

This Comfort Zone window fan provides you, as is apparent from the name, comfort in terms of control and functionality. The product includes a remote control to change the temperature settings and fan speeds from a distance. 

This window fan also comes with multiple functions, like the cooling function to cool a room, the exhaust function to refresh a room, and the circulating function to move the blades on each fan in opposing directions. 

This fan is one of the easiest to control because of the simple control panel. You also get a remote control to change the fan settings, but the control panel makes the usage of the remote pretty obsolete. Unless you wish to control the fan from a distance, the control panel is pretty good. 

The fan is also easy to install in any window frame, as the Accordion adjusters can fit in any window between 23 ½ and 37 inches in size. It also comes with removable feet, so it can act as a standalone fan on any window sill. 

4. Vornado Transom Window Fan - Best for Low Noise Level

The Vornado Transom window fan is a pretty low-profile and quiet window fan that is perfect to be installed in any room in your house. It uses its powerful airflow to expel stale indoor air and bring in fresh air from the outside. It also operates on a very low noise level, about 46 dB. 

Additionally, the fan comes with 4 fan speed settings, automatic temperature control, and a handy remote control. It’s also electronically reversible, meaning just a touch of a button can quickly transition the mode from fan to exhaust. 

The fan uses the patented Soft-fit foam system for installation. It is designed to fit perfectly in any single-hung or double-hung window, measuring between 26 - 40 inches in width and having a minimum opening of at least 8 inches. 

Talking about the installation process, I found that the weather-tight extension blocks made the installation quite tricky. But the digital display and 5-year warranty more than make up for it. Just make sure you have extra help while installing the fan.

5. Air King 9166F Window Fan - Best for Powerful Air Circulation

The Air King 9166F window fan is powerful, moving enough air to freshen up any room. The window fan is equipped with 3-speed settings, a single-phase motor and sleeve bearing, permanent split capacitor. The fan control settings are pretty simple, with intake/exhaust functions and high, medium, and low-speed levels. 

The air movement at the highest setting is claimed by the manufacturer to be 3560 cubic feet per minute. You’ll have to control all this with a switch mounted on the front of the fan since no remote control is included. 

The best feature of this window fan is its Storm Guard feature, which enables the window to be closed behind the fan during bad weather, or when locking the entire house. This means you can leave the fan in place whether the window is opened or closed.

However, this feature requires the fan to be carefully screwed into its place, which can complicate the installation process unless you’re skilled in DIY.  

Being such a powerful fan, it has comparatively high noise levels. It is also quite expensive compared to the other window fans on this list. But that should be worth it if fast cooling and circulation are your top priority.  

6. Sharper Image Portal Window Fan

The Sharper Image portal window fan also has powerful air circulation and strong airflow, pulling in cool fresh air from the outside and exhausting hot stale air. Its reversible exhaust helps change airflow from fan to exhaust and vice versa with just one touch of a button. 

It comes with a weather and UV-resistant case, meaning it can serve you with cool air irrespective of the weather. Additionally, the fan uses button controls, giving you easy access to the 3 fan speeds and the reversible functions. 

The installation process is made super simple by the innovative modular block system, so it seamlessly fits into your window. On top of that, its sleek appearance completely blends in with the room. The window view is not blocked either since the fan’s height is only 6.58 inches. 

Just keep in mind that the required width of the window frame is between 24 and 38 inches, while the minimum window height is 8 inches. Also, the noise level is pretty low, going only as high as 52 dB. 

7. Air King 9155 Window Fan

The Air King 9155 window fan has powerful 16-inch blades, providing effective air circulation and airflow. This helps with bringing in the outside fresh air, leaving your room’s air cleaner and more breathable.

This fan features convenient manual controls, which are mounted on the front of the fan. You can use these buttons to easily switch between the 3 fan speed settings and the intake/exhaust mode. The blades are durable, as they are covered and protected by a high-impact styrene housing and metal front grill. Despite this, the fan is relatively compact. 

Similar to the other Air King models on this list, this window fan also has a Storm Guard feature, allowing you to leave your fan installed irrespective of the weather. But the air movement on the high mode is significantly less than the other Air King model, reading at 2470 cubic feet per minute. This, however, does mean lesser noise and disturbance.   

The installation is pretty simple since the fan comes pre-assembled. Plus, all the hardware you need is already included in the product box itself.

8. Amazon Basics Digital Window Fan

The Amazon Basics Digital window fan is a standard window fan with two fan heads measuring 9 inches in length. It has powerful copper motors that offer optimal air circulation in small to midsize rooms. 

It also has an adjustable thermostat with 3 fan speeds, enabling you to have the cooling you want. Apart from that, the reversible airflow blades enable both exhaust and fan modes. So, the fresh air is brought in from the outside, while the stale inside air is expelled out. 

The window fan also has removable feet so that the fan can function as a standalone fan as well. 

The installation is pretty simple. The fan has expandable side panels that can fit into most standard windows, the required width being between 25 and 32 inches. There is also a carrying handle in the back to enable portability. 

9. Lasko Window Fan

The Lasko W09560 is a reversible twin-window fan unit with three separate speed settings, intake/exhaust settings, and air circulation systems. Each of the 9-inch blades can be programmed independently to either push hot indoor air outside or to intake the cold outside air. 

A unique feature of this window fan is that it is Bluetooth-enabled. So, even though a remote control is included with the fan, you can just control the fan using your phone. The app is available on both Android and iOS and can be used by following simple instructions. 

Installation is straightforward, as the fan comes fully assembled and ready to use. The extension panels slide in and can fit in both horizontal and vertical window openings. The fan also features an electronic 8-hour timer, which makes the fan pretty energy efficient.  

However, the digital controls were a bit challenging to use, even with the adjustable brightness. But if you have Bluetooth control enabled, this issue will hardly matter. Apart from that, the fan is less powerful than some other options on this list.

10. Shinic Twin Window Fan

The Shinic Twin is a reversible window fan with three modes of fan blades. The Cool mode helps keep the room cool with the blades facing inwards. The Exhaust mode helps to exhaust stale air. The Circulate mode helps with adequate air circulation. 

The speed of the twin fan has three different settings: low, medium, and high. Additionally, the fan also comes with a remote control. So you can easily control the fan from a distance. 

The installation is pretty simple as well. The fan has an expandable panel that can be attached to any window. The supported window width is between 23.5 and 37 inches. Besides, the fan comes with handles and removable feet, which make it easy and convenient to move the fan around. 

11. Joey’z Twin Window Fan - Best For Portability

The Joey’z twin fan is reversible, having a manual reverse option. The twin blades can remove hot air from inside the room and draw cool air from the outside. It also has removable legs so that it can be used as a floor or a desk fan as well. 

Additionally, the fan is pretty easy to install. The auto-locking accordion expanders can fit in most standard windows, and the built-in handle makes it convenient to carry the fan from one room to another. 

The product also includes a remote control, but the control panel present on the fan will enable it to function perfectly without the remote as well. 

However, the fan has only two-speed settings. You can either choose a low-speed option for a gentle breeze or a high-speed option for a brisk breeze.

What is the Best Window Fan?

This section presents a direct comparison of top-rated window fans. The table below outlines essential product specifications, including dimensions, weight, price, and type.

Buying Guide for the Best Window Fan

After going through all the above products, you might be a little confused about which fan will suit your needs the best. Hence, this buyer’s guide will help you know what points to look for when buying a window fan. 

Number of Fan Speeds

The number of fan speeds will help you determine the cooling power of your window fan. You can check out the CFM of the fan, which stands for cubic feet per minute. This number tells you how much air is moved by the fan in 60 seconds. Hence, the more the CFM, the better the air circulation. 

Most of the window fans on this list have three-speed settings, which are suitable for mid to big-size rooms. The two-speed window fans are best for small rooms since they move less air. 

Reversibility

Reversibility helps to circulate air throughout your room, expelling warm air and bringing in cold air. Some fans are electronically reversible, so you can move between the intake and exhaust functions using buttons or remotes. Some are also manually reversible, meaning you’ll have to remove the fan, flip it, and reinstall it into the window. 

Obviously, the former is much more convenient. Using electronic reversibility, you can change between the two functions with just a touch of a button. 

Noise Level

Window fans (as well as ceiling fans) produce a noise, which is known as white noise. Many people do prefer to have this white noise. Other people, on the other hand, are not so welcoming. So, if you’re one of those people, be sure to check out the noise level of your fan. 

As expected, the most powerful window fans are also the loudest, with the Air King going as high as 76 dB. For lower noise (and lower power), the best options are the Holmes and the Bionaire window fans. 

Remote and Control Panel

Many of the models mentioned on this list come with a remote, meaning you don’t have to physically get up to change the fan settings. So, if you’re placing the window fan in an area that isn’t easily accessible, a remote control might be the best option for you. 

If the fan is going to be placed on your desk or is in an accessible area, you can make do without the remote control and just use the actual control panel on the fan.

Portability

If your window fan is going to be moving around in between rooms, you might want to think about portability. Look for a fan that is lightweight, compact, and has removable legs. This will help you conveniently move the fan from one place to another. The removable legs will also help you convert your window fan to a desk fan or a floor fan. 

Additionally, in case you move out of your place, it can’t hurt to have a fan that is compact and lightweight to move. 

Installation

No one wants to spend a lot of money on the installation of their window fans. So, look for a model that is easy to install and comes with an instruction manual. Almost all the window fans on this list come with easy installation procedures, making installation a breeze. 

Some of these fans just sit between the sash and sill of the window, while others need to be screwed into place. Other fans are designed so that the window sits on top of them, holding them in place, while some have panels that extend on the side to cover gaps. So, make sure you buy one that suits your needs and your window frame. 

Number of Internal Fans

Window fans can either be a one-fan unit or a twin window fan. One-fan units have a big centralized fan and have a stronger airflow. However, they are bulky and cool the room more slowly than the twin fan units. 

A twin window fan has two small internal fans side-by-side. As expected, they are much more efficient than the one-fan alternatives. Additionally, you can program the individual fans independently to make them perform different functions at the same time, like the intake and exhaust functions. This feature can be seen on the Lasko W09560 window fan. 

How do window fans cool a room?

Window fans cool a room by operating in two modes: the exhaust mode expels warm air from the room, and the intake mode draws in cool, fresh outdoor air, contributing to a more comfortable indoor climate. It's worthwhile noting that window fans don't typically offer the same level of cooling as window air conditioners.

What are the benefits of using a window fan?

Using a window fan offers several benefits beyond merely circulating air in a room. Its exhaust mode helps eliminate stale indoor air, and the intake mode effectively draws in fresh, cooler air from the outside environment, enhancing indoor air quality and comfort.

What is the best way to clean a window fan?

Cleaning a window fan involves unplugging the device, using a vacuum or compressed air to remove dust from the grilles and blades, and for stubborn grime or grease, particularly in kitchen settings, a gentle wipe-down with a solution of dish soap and water. Ensure the fan is completely dry prior to reconnecting it to a power source.

Should the window fan be in the intake or exhaust mode?

The optimal mode for a window fan can vary with external conditions. If it's cold outside, using the intake mode to pull cool air into the room would be beneficial. Conversely, during hotter weather, the exhaust mode is advantageous as it expels hot interior air to the outside.

Do window fans let in bugs?

Window fans could potentially allow entry to insects due to the device's function of drawing in external air. To prevent this issue, ensure your fan is equipped with a removable cover or seal which can act as a barrier to insects.

How do I troubleshoot common issues with my window fan?

If you're experiencing common issues with your window fan such as non-functionality, cloggings, dysfunctional remotes, or unexpected noises, several troubleshooting steps can help. Unplugging and replugging the appliance, changing remote batteries, verifying fan settings, and conducting a thorough cleaning can resolve many issues. If problems persist, reaching out to customer support for specialized assistance is recommended.