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4 best tower fans to keep you cool year-round, tested by experts
These are the quietest, most powerful and most energy-efficient buys
Tested by Marcus Strong, Gemma Dawson and Reshma Akhter
For those who run hot, a good tower fan is a year-round essential. But if you’re looking to combat hot summer nights, it can be a desperate scramble to find relief when a heatwave comes around, so it pays to shop early.
The best tower fans are a good choice for the bedroom as they're quiet, made for tight spaces, and have powerful air streams for their size.
However, they can vary wildly in price thanks to extra features like smart connectivity and a larger range of speeds. So, we’ve been on a hunt to find the very best tower fans on the market, looking for options to suit different needs and budgets. We’ve tested a huge range in the lab to ensure we’ve got the right model to keep you cool this summer and beyond.
We’ve tested and reviewed 73 fans, but during hot periods, the best tower fans sell out fast. We’ll always suggest alternative retailers where possible, but we recommend buying them while you still can!
Best tower fans to buy in 2026
If you're not sure which type of fan you need, head to our best fans buying guide to discover the benefits of each, but if it's a tower fan you want, these are guaranteed to blow you away.
How we test tower fans
To find the best tower fans, we use a mixture of expert tests and feedback from readers who’ve tried them out at home. These are the key factors we consider as part of our scoring process.
Air strength: We use an anenometer to measure the air strength of each tower fan in feet per minute. We note the air strength from 75cm away on both the highest and lowest settings. The wider the range of air strengths, the more you can tailor the tower fan’s settings to your needs. Those with the biggest ranges are awarded extra marks.
Noise level: We also record the noise level of both the highest and lowest settings, measuring it from the same distance every time. Quieter fans are good for staying cool overnight, so our independent readings show us how disruptive each fan might be in a normal room environment (not just in a controlled lab).
Energy consumption: We take meter readings to track the energy usage of each tower fan on its highest and lowest settings. We run each fan for three hours and take a note of how much energy it consumes in that time. We use this to calculate how much it costs to run per hour based on the current energy price cap of 26.11 pence per hour.
Design and features: We assess the range of oscillation available and judge how well each fan distributes air around a room. Those that are stable, well-built, and are easy to position in your space are scored highly.
Panel comfort test: We heat a room to 30 degrees and ask our panellists to sit in there with the tower fan on for a set period. We write down all their feedback when they come out, from how easy it is to use to how effective it was at cooling them down.
Instructions and ease of use: Finally, every tower fan is marked on how easy it is to use and how useful its instruction manual is, looking for detailed advice on cleaning, maintenance and set-up.
All the above data is then calculated and calibrated to award a final score out of 100.
Pros
- Has a sleep mode, timer, and 90-degree oscillation
- Noise level on low was only 37.2dB (ideal for sleep)
- Sits nicely on a desk
- Has a warm nightlight that glows from the base of the fan
Cons
- Remote sometimes didn’t respond to the first press of the button
Score: 94/100
This mini tower fan is smaller than most and it’s cordless, but this didn’t hinder its performance in any way. There are five speeds to cycle through, and its maximum speed impressed, registering at 3m/s from 75cm away, to keep us cool on a muggy day. It’s not that noisy either, registering less than 50dB (a similar sound level as moderate rainfall), so it’s ideal for using while working, reading or watching TV.
Its rechargeable battery lasted over 9 hours while we played around with the different speeds and settings, and it should last up to 20 hours if you only use it on the lowest setting. A full charge did take over seven-and-a-half hours, which isn’t ideal, but that’s a small compromise for a powerful fan you can easily move around your home. The lightweight design and handle made this a dream too.
There’s no connected app like some of the more premium models, but this helps keep its overall price tag down. You’ll be hard pushed to find another tower fan this good under £100…
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 5 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | H34 x W12.5 x D12.5cm |
| Weight | 1.4kg |
| WiFi connectivity | No |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Noise level on highest speed | 49.8dB |
| Energy consumption on high for one hour | N/A - cordless |
Beldray 2-in-1 Bladeless Fan & Heater
Beldray 2-in-1 Bladeless Fan & Heater
Pros
- Very quiet
- Lots of options to tailor the airflow
- Wipe-clean bladeless design
Cons
- Can't adjust the height or tilt
- Oscillation is only 80°
Score: 88/100
A relatively affordable version of a bladeless upright fan, this Beldray model impressed testers with its steady airflow. It has nine speeds and three modes, including one that mimics a natural breeze, and a sleep mode that reduces power gradually – a welcome relief on hot nights. It also has a remote control and built-in ambient light, which makes a great nightlight.
Our testers loved how quiet it was, even on Boost mode, but some panellists did wish it had slightly more power for larger spaces. The non-adjustable height and tilt also limit how much you can direct the airflow. But overall, this sleek fan provides a comfortable breeze and feels premium – and it’s a also heater, so you can get year-round use.
We also tested the Beldray 2-in-1 Bladeless Fan as a heater, where it scored 86/100. Read the review in our best electric heaters roundup.
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 9 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | 84 x 22.5 x 22.5cm |
| Weight | 4.1kg |
| WiFi connectivity | No |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Noise level on highest speed | 53.4dB |
| Energy consumption on high for one hour | 0.014kWh = 0.4p an hour |
PureMate 2-in-1 Bladeless Tower Fan & Air Purifier
PureMate 2-in-1 Bladeless Tower Fan & Air Purifier
Pros
- Clear instructions
- Low energy consumption and noise level
- Controls are responsive and intuitive to use
Cons
- The AI mode – meant to adjust the fan speed based on the room temperature – didn’t work well
- Cord is quite short (1m), limiting where you can put it
Score: 84/100
With both fan and air purifying functions, alongside 10 speed settings, this bladeless tower fan was a reliable performer in our tests. There’s a good range of air strengths between the settings, and it provided welcome relief to our tester when they sat with it in a room heated to 30 degrees. Our panel did flag that the max speed might not keep everyone cool in an intense heatwave, but it should be adequate for warm summer days.
It's easy to control, either using the LED panel or remote control, and the programmable 12-hour timer adds flexibility. Its tall design helps to distribute the air evenly throughout the room, but it does make it tricky to move around. Pop it in your most-used space though, and you’ll quickly feel the benefits.
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 10 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | 105.6 x 25.5 x 25.5cm |
| Weight | 5.8kg |
| WiFi connectivity | No |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Noise level on highest speed | 53.3dB |
| Energy consumption on high for one hour | 0.02kWh = 0.5p an hour |
Pros
- High quality design
- Affordable
- Comes with a remote with batteries included
- Clear instructions and set-up information
Cons
- Trickier to clean due to the grills
- Limited oscillation
Score: 78/100
With a good range of air strengths, from 2.2m/s to 4.2m/s, this slim tower fan is a heatwave superhero. It’s lightweight and easy to move, and we love that it can be controlled via the fan, remote, or app. It was responsive when we changed the settings too.
Our main bugbear is that it’s not overly quiet on the highest airflow options, with settings seven and eight proving disruptive to our panellists – not surprising seeing as it reached 75.1dB (similar to the noise of a vacuum). On low, it only measured 44.4dB (like the quiet hum of a fridge), which is much more reasonable and shouldn’t disrupt your day-to-day activities.
The oscillation angle is quite limited at 90-degrees, but the movement was smooth and helped serve a wider area of the room. For under £80, this is an excellent choice.
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 8 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | H92 x W30 x D30cm |
| Weight | 3.8kg |
| WiFi connectivity | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Noise level on highest speed | 75.1dB |
| Energy consumption on high for one hour | 0.023kWh = 0.7p an hour |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We’ve been reviewing products for 100 years at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and are experts at creating testing protocols that measure products against their claims. Fans are no exception. Our homes testing manager Blossom Boothroyd looks after this category, making sure we thoroughly analyse and review each model just as you would use them at home to find the ones you can rely on when you need to cool down, fast.
Megan Geall, our senior homes & lifestyle writer, is always on the lookout for new fans for us to test and makes sure that the reviews are written in a way that will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. She also looks after all our fan buying guides so knows exactly what to look for in a top model.
How to choose a tower fan
The best cooling tower fan works by blowing air over your skin, making living, working and sleeping more comfortable when the thermometer rises (for when switching to the best cooling bedding is not enough).
Here’s everything worth considering before you part with your cash.
Settings
The more settings, the greater control you’ll have over the fan’s air flow. Look for a minimum of three – any more and our tester found the differences between them negligible.
Modes
Many tower fans offer different breeze styles, allowing you to adjust the feel of the air. For example, some have different modes on top of its air settings, including day and night modes. The latter is a key one to look out for as it sets the fan to operate at a quieter volume, and sometimes dims the display, limiting any disruption to your sleep.
Oscillation
All the fans on our list rotate to some extent, but an oscillating tower fan with greater ranges of motion can help improve the comfort of several people at once.
Weight
Keep this in mind if you’re after a tower fan you can easily move around the house. If it’s going to stay in one place, a heavier one should be fine, but opt for a lightweight model if you’ll be carrying it between rooms every day.
Smart capabilities
Want a tower fan that ties in with the rest of your smart tech? Look for a WiFi- and voice control-enabled model that can be operated remotely or from another room in the house. Our tester found app control particularly helpful – no more struggling to get the remote to connect if you're not sitting right next to the fan.
Air purification
Not all cooling tower fans do this, but some also work as an air purifier. Some have filters that trap pollutants, while the Dimplex Ion Fresh Cooling Tower Fan (currently out of stock) freshens air around it by emitting neutralising ions.
Are tower fans better than regular fans?
Typically, tower fans can provide a cool, comfortable breeze but are slightly lacking in air strength when compared to pedestal fans. While the latter can move a higher volume of air in one go, tower fans offer widespread coverage because of their tall designs and extra features like wind settings, breeze modes, and customisable functions.
Neither model actually ‘cools’ the air inside the room, though, so if you want something that will reduce the temperature, read our roundup of the best air coolers instead.
What makes a tower fan 'quiet'?
Tower fans are usually quiet as they don’t have propeller-like blades whizzing around like pedestal and desk fans do. Instead, they use bladeless designs or vertical fins to push air out, keeping noise to a minimum.
Aerodynamic builds and brushless motors also reduce any friction and vibrations, keeping that annoying humming noise to a minimum.
Are tower fans better than bladeless fans?
Bladeless fans are a type of tower fan that – you guessed it – don’t have any vertical blades. Instead, they use a motor to pull air in and then push it out into the room again, creating that cooling breeze.
Bladeless tower fans are a much safer option for households with children or pets, because there’s minimal risk of fingers getting caught in the mechanism. They’re also much easier to clean.
However, over the time we’ve been testing tower fans, we haven’t noticed much difference in the performance of bladeless tower fans versus regular tower fans. Factors like range of air speeds, modes, and oscillation are much more important here.
Are tower fans good for sleeping?
As tower fans are relatively quiet, they’re an excellent choice for keeping you cool at night. Most also have night modes, which typically turn off any LED displays and set the tower fan to a low-speed mode so you can enjoy a slight breeze while you sleep.
Their builds are also slim and compact, making them ideal for popping in the corner of a bedroom.
How do I clean a tower fan?
Tower fans are slightly trickier to clean than other types of fans, but it’s an important job that’s worth taking the time to do. To clean, use a duster to remove surface-level dirt on the slats or blades and then use the nozzle attachment on your vacuum to suck out any dust that’s lurking inside.
Head to our page on how to clean your fan for more details.
The verdict: What is the best tower fan?
Many of our top tower fans sell out fast in summer, so we suggest buying ahead, and if you tend to run hot at night, our winners will serve you well year-round.
Our winning tower fan is the small but powerful Levoit Windi Mini Pro Tower Fan. It's cordless, quiet and has a night mode.
More Tried & Tested fans
- Best pedestal fans for serious cooling power
- Best handheld fans for keeping cool on the go
- Best desk fans for work, lounging, and sleeping
- Best air coolers for when a fan just won’t cut it
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Marcus Strong is the Homes Operations Manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, overseeing product testing programmes and helping ensure readers receive trusted, evidence-based buying advice. With experience at leading retailers including Marks & Spencer Home and IKEA, he brings extensive expertise in home products, quality assessment and consumer needs.
Marcus works closely with testing and editorial teams to deliver rigorous evaluations across a wide range of household categories, combining operational excellence with a passion for helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
Gemma brings a unique blend of skills to the Good Housekeeping Institute's homes testing team, with a degree in physical product design and experience working in UX research and product management at NBCUniversal’s Hayu. She played a key role in platform projects, including supporting the launch of The Real Housewives of London (the streaming platform's first original show), so she knows a thing or two about efficiency and detail.
Passionate about making shopping smoother and more intuitive, she's on a mission to help consumers feel confident in their purchases, because let’s be honest, no one has time to scroll forever!
Reshma is the Junior Commercial Testing Manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the commercial testing team, working with partners across a wide range of categories, including household cleaning products, home appliances, sports apparel, skincare, and travel experiences. With a master’s degree in chemistry from UCL, Reshma has a sharp eye for detail and product research, ensuring her market knowledge remains up to date.
Reshma has also appeared on the BBC’s ‘Inside the Factory’ feature representing the Good Housekeeping Institute on their Carpet Stain Removal Segment. While she enjoys dealing with numbers and the more technical aspects of testing, Reshma is also an enthusiastic foodie – and loves to explore London’s newest hot spot cafes and restaurants. She is also a whiz in the kitchen, keeping her team’s collective sweet tooth consistently at bay!
