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These are the best fans to buy when it's 30°C and you can't sleep
Our top 7 cooling buys, from £45
Tested by Marcus StrongHomes Operations Manager
Beating the heat isn’t easy and our summers are getting hotter (we're already on our 57th heatwave). During those humid days and sticky nights, it can often feel like you’ll never be cool and comfortable again (you’re not alone in the tossing and turning), but with the best fan by your side, it can be a little bit more bearable.
We know how difficult it can be – and how much the heat can affect your sleep – so we’ve been busy testing cooling fans since February, heating rooms at the Institute to a balmy 30°C (a big shock to the outside temperature at the time) to see which fans kept us comfortable. After months of testing the latest models, we’ve ranked each fan on its effectiveness, judging shape, size, cost to run and more.
Below, we’ve broken down the difference between the main types: tower, pedestal, desk and handheld fans, detailing the benefits and potential drawbacks of each, as well as bringing you the best tested options to buy from each category.
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How we test fans
We’ve tested 66 fans in total across a range of brands, budgets, shapes and sizes to find a great fan for every home. We look at the following key factors during testing.
- Air strength: We use an anemometer to measure the air speed from each fan. We take readings on both the fan’s highest and lowest settings at 75cm away to assess how powerful the breeze is. As you’re likely to have handheld fans and desk fans closer to you, we measure the air strength for these from just 50cm away.
- Noise level: We use a decibel meter to record the noise level of each fan at its highest and lowest settings, to make sure they won’t keep you awake (if used in the bedroom) or disturb your fellow commuters.
- Energy consumption: We use an energy meter to take consumption readings on each fan’s highest and lowest settings over a three-hour period.
- Comfort test: We ask our in-house panel to sit in a 30°C room for 30 minutes with the fan running. We collect a lot of information from this test, including whether the fans create a good cooling effect, whether they’re disruptively noisy and annoying, and whether the controls are easy to adjust.
Finally, we rate the design, ease of use and clarity of instructions before awarding an overall score out of 100. These are the fans that blew us away…(note, fans are selling fast right now – we'll be keeping an eye on this article to update stock levels as quickly as possible!).
Pros
- Lightweight at 1.4kg
- Has a night mode
- Lowest setting registered at 37.2dB (ideal for sleep)
- Small enough to sit on a desk
Cons
- Remote sometimes didn’t respond to the first press of the button
- A full charge takes 7.5 hours
Score: 94/100
Despite being smaller than most, this fan certainly isn’t limited by its size. It wowed our panel in the lab, reaching up to 3m/s on its highest setting while still registering less than 50dB noise-wise (like the noise of a moderate rainfall), making it ideal for everyday use while working or lounging.
Unlike others, it’s also cordless and rechargeable, and its lightweight design makes it easy to move around your home. The battery lasted over nine hours while we played around with the different speeds and settings, but it should last up to 20 hours if you use it on low and without oscillation.
While there aren’t premium features, such as a connected app, and the oscillation is limited to 90 degrees, it does come with the nice extra of a nightlight in the base. For under £100, you can’t go far wrong with this fan.
Key specifications
| Style | Tower |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H34 x W12.5 x D12.5cm |
| Number of speeds | 5 |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Noise on highest setting in test | 49.8dB |
| Energy consumption on highest setting in test | N/A - cordless |
| Air speed on highest setting from 75cm away in testing | 3m/s |
| Features | 90-degree oscillation, timer, nightlight, carry handle |
JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan
JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan
Pros
- Distributes air well
- Well built
- Powerful
Cons
- No quiet mode
- Expensive for a handheld fan
Score: 92/100
Boasting 100 speeds and a battery that lasted three hours on its highest setting, this handheld fan is our winner for power and portability. It easily fits in your handbag and comes with a lanyard so you don’t forget it on the go (as if you would!).
While pricier than others, it’s worth the investment for the speed range alone, but it’s also well-built, lightweight, and it charged from empty in under two hours.
The only downside to note is that it’s louder than average, measuring 65db on its lowest setting (imagine the noise levels of a busy cafe) and almost 80db on high (similar to a vacuum), which isn’t ideal if you’re sat on a train. In the very height of summer though, cooling comfort wins every time.
Key specifications
| Style | Handheld |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H5.9 x W6.1 x D15.7cm |
| Number of speeds | 100 |
| Remote control | No |
| Noise on highest setting in test | 79.6dB |
| Energy consumption on highest setting in test | N/A - cordless |
| Air speed on highest setting from 50cm away in testing | 3.8m/s |
| Features | Digital display, battery life of up to 3.5 hours |
SwitchBot Standing Circulator Fan
SwitchBot Standing Circulator Fan
Pros
- Can be used plugged in or cordless
- Powerful
- Very versatile
Cons
- Controls are at the base of the fan, which can be hard to reach
Score: 91/100
This clever pedestal fan can be adjusted in a myriad of ways to provide the perfect amount of air flow – transforming it from a gentle cordless desk fan with a small range of oscillation, to a tall pedestal fan that blows a powerful breeze around the whole room.
Adjusting the height is quick and easy, while the intuitive app allows you to switch modes, adjust oscillation, set schedules, or activate features like the child lock. We’d recommend using the app too, as the touch controls in the base can be a little awkward to reach, and the remote control needs to be pointed at the base.
The battery life was excellent in testing – it lasts four hours on high with oscillation turned on, or a whopping 28 hours on the lowest setting. Perfect for taking from room to room without worrying about power. It’s a smart pedestal fan that can be tailored to your needs, and it looks great, too.
Key specifications
| Style | Pedestal |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H 44-107cm X W 19.5cm X D 44.5cm |
| Number of speeds | 9 |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Noise on highest setting in test | 51.8dB |
| Energy consumption on highest setting in test | 0.018kWh (0.5p) per hour |
| Air strength range | 1.6-4.9m/s |
| Features | Rechargeable battery power, remote control, app control, Alexa or Google Assistant voice command, 90° oscillation, 100° adjustable tilt, adjustable height |
Philips 2000 Series Desk Fan
Philips 2000 Series Desk Fan
Pros
- Quiet
- Responsive touch controls
- Has a timer
- Compact design
Cons
- Only has three speeds
- Doesn't oscillate
Score: 89/100
This Philips desk fan impressed us with its powerful wind strength, despite only having three speed settings. The second speed was definitely the Goldilocks option, winning us over with its steady breeze, but the strongest setting would provide a welcome blast when it’s particularly hot. It’s not that noisy either, staying below 56dB (the noise level of a fridge) throughout testing.
Sadly, it doesn’t oscillate (despite the manual claiming it does), but you can manually tilt it up to 180 degrees, so you can change the direction of the airflow somewhat. At under £60, this is an affordable, compact buy that won’t let you down.
Key specifications
| Style | Desk |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H38 x W26 x D26cm |
| Number of speeds | 3 |
| Remote control | No |
| Noise on highest setting in test | 55.4dB |
| Energy consumption on highest setting in test | 0.023kWh = 0.5p an hour |
| Air speed on highest setting from 75cm away in testing | 3.6m/s |
| Features | 180-degree tilt, sleep and natural breeze mode, 12-hour timer |
Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo
Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo
Pros
- Cooling mist
- Very powerful
- Comes in a range of pastel colourways
Cons
- No oscillation or timer
- Only tilts up to 45 degrees
Score: 88/100
If you find regular fans just don’t cut it in a heatwave, try this misting option from Shark, which sprays you with fine water droplets as it blows air to create an extra cooling effect. Let’s just say, our testers were big fans.
Weighing just 1.77kg, it’s lightweight and portable, yet still impressively strong, with its highest setting reaching up to four metres per second (4m/s). It doesn’t oscillate and you’re told to clean the water tank regularly with vinegar, which we found quite fiddly, but it’s still a smart (and stylish) buy for hot days.
Key specifications
| Style | Desk |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H29 x W21 x D22cm |
| Number of speeds | 5 |
| Remote control | No |
| Noise on highest setting in test | 61.3dB |
| Energy consumption on highest setting in test | N/A - cordless |
| Air speed on highest setting from 75cm away in testing | 4m/s |
| Features | 45-degree tilt, misting function |
JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan
Pros
- Easy to wipe clean
- One-button operation
- No external blades, so hair and fingers won’t get caught
- Great for commuting
Cons
- Not very discreet
- Not as powerful as other fans
Score: 87/100
Neck fans are an excellent hands-free option for the commute, and this one was a hit with our testers, who loved the three different wind speeds. While it wasn’t overly powerful, the 78 air outlets circulate plenty of cooling air around the front of your neck. We’d have liked some extra outlets round the back though.
It sits securely around your neck without slipping and the noise levels aren’t an issue either – we tried it with open-ear headphones on, and we could still hear the music over the top of the fan. A great buy for hot journeys.
Key specifications
| Style | Neck |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H5.8 x W19.6 x D19.6cm |
| Number of speeds | 3 |
| Remote control | No |
| Noise on highest setting in test | 51.3dB |
| Energy consumption on highest setting in test | N/A - cordless |
| Air speed on highest setting from 50cm away in testing | 1.6m/s |
| Features | Hands-free, lightweight design |
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
For over 100 years, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing household products to help shoppers get the best value for money. Over this time, we’ve been constantly fine-tuning our testing protocols to ensure we test products robustly and fairly against their claims and the competition.
Our quality assurance and protocols manager, Blossom Boothroyd, has five years’ experience testing homes products in the lab and creates all our protocols, ensuring we review products exactly as you use them at home. So, yes, during fan testing, that means sitting in a hot room for 30 minutes with every fan to see how effective it is!
Once testing has been completed and the data analysed by our testers, all the results are then passed to senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall. She’s written hundreds of product reviews and considers everything you need to know when you’re shopping to help you make the best choice.
Megan looks after all our fan and cooling content and speaks to industry experts and brands about the latest innovations in the market to keep our guides up to date.
How to choose the best fan
There are a few things to consider before buying a fan, so to help you pick the best model for your needs, we’ve outlined the key criteria below.
Type: There are four main types of fan, including tower, pedestal, desk and handheld. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, but we’ve found that tower fans are the most popular, thanks to their slim designs and powerful air flow. You’ll find more on the best type of fan below.
Air speeds: In general, more air speeds or settings allow you to have greater control over your fan’s cooling abilities. However, some fans provide plenty of power from just three speeds, so it’s worth checking the measurements we recorded in the lab (you’ll find these in the key specifications for each product above). A speed below 1.5m/s usually feels like a gentle breeze, and up to 3m/s should be enough for everyday cooling. Fans with air speeds over 4m/s are a good option if you’re looking for powerful airflow on particularly hot days.
Noise levels: Depending on where you want to use your fan, noise levels can be important. If you want to use it in an office or bedroom, opt for a fan that doesn’t register above 40dB. If you want a fan for general living spaces, anything below 60dB shouldn’t disturb a normal conversation.
Oscillation: The oscillation range is important if you want the fan’s airflow to reach across a wide area or an entire room. Most fans oscillate by 80 degrees or more, but some reach up to 350 degrees and others don’t oscillate at all (eg Shark’s FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Fan), making them a better choice for personal cooling.
Extra features: It’s worth considering extras such as timers and sleep modes, as well as whether you want the option to control your fan with a remote control or app. These aren’t essentials but can make a big difference to how you use your fan day-to-day.
What type of fan is best?
To make sure your fan suits your needs, it’s important to pick the right type. We’ve outlined the different options below, including the pros and cons of each.
Tower fans
The best tower fans are designed to maximise air flow. They use a motor to draw hot air in through the back and sides and then push it out again at a consistent pressure. This powerful stream of air is what helps cool you down when you’re feeling hot and bothered.
Pros: They’re tall and slim, making them easy to store or use in small spaces. Many come with remote controls or app connectivity, so you can turn them on without leaving your bed or sofa.
Take note: They’re slightly less stable due to their height and they’re often less powerful than pedestal fans.
Good for: Anyone tight on space as they take up minimal floorspace. They’re great for cooling single rooms like bedrooms or studies.
Pedestal fans
The best pedestal fans use a motor to turn curved blades inside the main body. These blades shift large amounts of air, creating that refreshing breeze-like sensation.
Pros: They’re typically more powerful than tower fans and many come with height-adjustable poles, so you can convert them into a desk fan if needed.
Take note: They’re typically louder than a tower fan and less sleek.
Good for: Cooling larger rooms and offering more versatility.
Desk fans
Essentially a mini pedestal fan, the best desk fans are small enough to sit on your desk or bedside table but still powerful enough to keep you cool. They work in the same way as pedestal fans, using spinning blades that push the air out and around the room.
Pros: They’re small, compact and usually very quiet.
Take note: They usually have lower oscillation ranges, and some can be more basic, with fewer features, functions and air speed options.
Good for: Personal cooling in small spaces.
Portable, neck or handheld fans
Keeping cool at home is one thing, but maintaining a comfortable temperature on the go is an entirely different challenge. Whether you’re tackling sweaty trains or buildings with no air conditioning, the best handheld fans can save the day.
Pros: In general, they use less energy and the upfront cost is usually more affordable.
Take note: They’re normally less powerful and are cordless, so you’re limited on battery life.
Good for: Keeping cool on the go.
Can fans cool a room?
Fans won’t actually cool the temperature of the room – for this, you’ll need one of the best air coolers or best portable air conditioners. Instead, they make you ‘feel’ cooler by blowing air across the skin, which speeds up the evaporation of sweat.
However, you can lower the temperature of the room using your fan and this useful hack. Just freeze a bottle of water, place it in a bowl and pop it in front of your fan, then you’ve made a DIY air conditioner.
What’s a fan’s sleep mode?
Sleep modes generally work by reducing both noise and airflow over time, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep on hot nights. Some will also dim or switch off LED displays to make your room darker, as well as turning off any beeps or sounds.
They can also switch to low power or a natural breeze setting, which is typically the quietest mode of all.
The verdict: What is the best fan to buy?
Our best fan overall is Levoit’s Windi Mini Pro, an affordable small tower fan that’s cordless, effective and quiet.
This won't cool your whole body though due to its small stature, so for more cooling coverage and adjustability, choose our best pedestal fan: the Switchbot Standing Circulator Fan.
For cooling on the go, opt for the JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan, which boasts an impressive 100 speeds and was surprisingly strong for a handheld device.
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.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
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.
