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Best tower fan 2024: compact, quiet fans to cool your home this summer
As temperatures are set to soar this summer, it’s worth investing in a tower fan to help keep your home cool so that you and your family can get a restful night’s sleep. We’ve rounded up the best tower fans on the market, including quiet, compact and budget buys.
By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Jul 18, 2024
With 2024 set to be another recording-breakingly hot year, the past few years have shown us that sometimes the summer heat can get a bit too much, particularly in the midst of a heatwave. Luckily, tower fans can provide the refreshing cool breeze you crave when you're feeling rather hot and bothered.
The best tower fan for cooling will look great and create powerful airflow without drowning out the TV. In addition, most are more compact and affordable than the best portable air conditioner or air cooler, and they will make life on hot days much more comfortable. And, while it may seem like summer has only just started, we suggest snapping up a tower fan now before everyone else has the same idea and demand goes through the roof - we're already seeing some models flying off the (virtual) shelves.
To help you pick the best tower fan, we spent hours investigating Mumsnet users' independent and honest recommendations. If anyone knows how to sniff out the most valuable products, it's our trusty army of discerning Mumsnetters – after all, they've given their wisdom on everything from the best cooling boxes to the most effective cooling pillows to help you beat the heat this summer. We then also analysed the suggestions of domestic technology experts, and scrutinised verified consumer reviews on retailer sites to make sure every product we feature is top-notch.
Plus, if you're not sure which type of fan is right for you yet, we also have guides to the best handheld fan, neck fan, desk fan and pedestal fan so you can see which one is the right pick to keep you nice and cool this summer.
Just 20dB
Slim design
12 speed settings
Space to keep remote control
Awkward to pick up
Only oscillates side to side
Price: £86 | Air speeds: 12 | Night mode: Yes | Dimensions: 16.5D x 16.5W x 92Hcm | Weight: 5.5kg | Cord length: 1.8m | Wi-Fi connectivity: No | Remote control: Yes | Oscillation angle: 90 degrees | Power: 5.5-26W
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Levoit Classic LTF-F362-WUK Tower Fan review
Quiet, slim and lightweight, the Levoit Classic LTF-F362-WUK Tower Fan is ideal to sit in the corner of your room, cooling the space up to 7m with its powerful VortexAir duct system.
At just 20dB on its lowest setting, this is a seriously quiet fan. It oscillates from side to side silently, too. As with all tower fans, it has a tall, slim design that takes up no more space on the floor than a small dinnerplate. Pop it in the corner of your study, living room or bedroom and it'll discreetly blast cooling air around the room.
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Two-hour timer
Two-year guarantee
Carry handle
Auto shut-off
No remote control
Basic design
Quite noisy
Price: £33 | Air speeds: 3 | Night mode: No | Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 76cm | Weight: 2.66kg | Cord length: 1.8m | Wi-Fi connectivity: No | Remote control: No | Oscillation angle: 80 degrees | Power: 45W
If you’re searching for the best budget fan, the Igenix DF0030 is a fantastic option. At less than £40, this compact tower fan may not offer Dyson-esque technology, but it does work brilliantly in smaller spaces, albeit noisily.
It’s compact, lightweight, and has a sturdy carry handle, so it's easy to carry from room to room. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a remote control which is a shame, but its ability to effectively cool all corners of a small space is impressive.
This affordable fan comes with a two-year guarantee and automatic overheating protection. In addition, it has a two-hour timer, so it can easily be set to come on and cool your bedroom as you’re getting ready for sleep.
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Quiet
Stylish
Impressive number of speed settings
Works as a fan, heater and air purifier
Expensive
Price: £595 | Air speeds: 10 | Night mode: Yes | Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 76cm | Weight: 5.5kg | Cord length: 1.8m | Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Remote control: Yes | Oscillation angle: 40-350
Tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth Dyson Hot+Cool Purifier review
Dyson is an iconic home appliance brand that many Mumsnet users rate highly. The Hot + Cool Purifier has a futuristic yet minimal look and is super quiet, even on higher settings. But it doesn’t just look good, it works as a cooling fan, a fan heater and an air purifier in one. Its bladeless fan technology means it’s safe if you have curious toddlers crawling around the house as there are no moving blades for fingers to get caught in. The app and remote control let you set schedules and even see what kinds of impurities its filtering out of the air in your home.
With no blades, the fan is very quiet, and its high-tech design spreads cool air around the room quickly and effectively. What's more, Mumsnetters say it works even better as a heater, warming you and your room up in seconds on a chilly day.
A Dyson appliance is an investment; however, the high-tech features, two-year guarantee and ability to reach the corners of large rooms make it worth the extra cost. What's more, its effective heating function means it's useful all year round.
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Sturdy
Great value
Small footprint
No remote control
Simple design
Price: £28 | Air speeds: 3 | Night mode: No | Dimensions: 26 x 81 x 26cm | Weight: Not specified | Cord length: 1.5m | Wi-Fi connectivity: No | Remote control: No | Oscillation angle: 85 degrees | Power: 45W
Available exclusively from Wickes, the Fine Elements Tower Fan may be basic, but it's a terrific value appliance with three speed settings and a 45-watt motor that can provide a powerful blast of air. This affordable fan feels sturdy, and the glossy black exterior and slim, sleek lines are attractive. It also takes up minimal floor space.
We're disappointed that there's no remote control; however, it is lightweight, so it’s easy to move close to where you’re sitting. It also has an optional one-hour timer, which will switch off when the room has been cooled, a valuable feature for use at night.
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App and voice control
Stylish
Easy-to-use digital display
Tricky to clean
Heavier than other models
Price: £114 | Air speeds: 3 | Night mode: Yes | Dimensions: 81.3 x 31 x 103cm | Weight: 5.86kg | Cord length: Not specified | Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Remote control: Yes | Oscillation angle: 80 degrees | Power: 50W
The Princess Smart Tower Fan is designed to be seen. It is tall and combines classic, glossy black with a satin finish silver. The power from the 50-watt motor packs a punch, and we love the smart features. You can control this clever machine from an app on your phone or a smart speaker such as Alexa, super convenient for those times when the heat has you feeling lethargic.
It oscillates 80 degrees so the airflow will reach most parts of a large room, and it also has a brilliant climate control function that switches the fan on when the environment gets too warm and off when it gets too cold. There’s a sleep timer and a nighttime-friendly quiet mode too. The downside is that it can be tricky to clean, but we think it’s worth the effort for this many features at a reasonable price point.
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Carrying handle
Affordable
Eight-hour timer
Energy efficient
Not powerful enough for a large room
Lower oscillation angle than some
No remote control
Price: £49 | Air speeds: 3 | Night mode: No | Dimensions: 80.2 x 21.2 x 17.6cm | Weight: 3.7kg | Cord length: 1.8m | Wi-Fi connectivity: No | Remote control: No | Oscillation angle: 55 degrees | Power: 36W
Sometimes you want a high-tech gadget with all the bells and whistles, other times you just simply want a basic but hardworking model at a decent price. Enter the Honeywell Comfort Control Tower Fan. It's fairly simple, but if you’re on a budget, it’s worth considering as it is affordable to buy and, at 36 watts, it’s cheap to run. What’s more, at the current energy price cap rate of 34p per kWh, it will cost around 12p for 10 hours of use (depending on the setting and your energy provider). Granted, it's not the most powerful fan out there, but it does offer great value for the initial cost.
This basic machine will efficiently cool a small to medium-sized room, and while it would be a bit noisy to sleep alongside, the background hum isn’t too distracting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a remote control, but it does have a timer, three speed settings and a sturdy carrying handle.
Energy efficient
Powerful
Seven-and-a-half-hour timer
Noisy at high speed
Price: £70 | Air speeds: 3 | Night mode: Yes | Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 81.5cm | Weight: 4.6kg | Cord length: Not specified | Wi-Fi connectivity: No | Remote control: Yes | Oscillation angle: 70 degrees | Power: 60W
One of the most powerful tower fans on our list, the Pro Breeze boasts 60 watts, three speeds and three wind modes from standard to natural, then sleep. It is ideal for cooling large rooms, but you will need it on sleep mode during the night as it can be noisy on the higher setting.
This robust fan also has a wireless remote control that allows you to adjust the settings from the comfort of your sofa or bed, even if you’re several metres away. Reviewers were delighted with how easy this tower fan is to set up and use; they also loved the elegant yet modern design.
Powerful
Five-year warranty
Will reach the edge of large rooms
Expensive
Noisy on high settings
Price: £173 | Air speeds: 4 | Night mode: No | Dimensions: 27.94 x 27.94 x 81.28cm | Weight: 3.82kg | Cord length: Not specified | Wi-Fi connectivity: No | Remote control: Yes | Oscillation angle: Not specified | Power: 72W
The Vornado 154 Tower Fan is an innovative cooling appliance that continuously circulates the air and pushes it 80 feet away, so you feel the breeze constantly wherever you are in the room. In addition, despite having lots of power, it is still remarkably quiet on the lowest settings.
We love the modern look of this brilliant fan and are impressed with the four speed settings, energy-efficient LED displays and generous five-year warranty. The handy remote control is great too; when you’re not using it, it magically attaches to the top of the fan, so it is always within easy reach. Setting you back over £350, it is very pricey though, especially when compared to the Vornado's retail price in the US, which is significantly lower.
Do tower fans cool a room?
A tower fan won’t cool the air in a room like an air conditioning unit will. However, it is one of the most effective ways of creating a powerful breeze to circulate the air around a room, so they can definitely help to make you feel cooler.
Do fans use a lot of electricity?
The wattage is the primary indicator of how much a tower fan will cost to run. It also depends on how often and how long you will use it.
Our most energy-efficient fan, the Honeywell Comfort Control Tower Fan, runs at 36 watts per hour (0.036 kWh). Multiply the kWh it uses by the capped cost of electricity (as of 1st April 2024) of 24.5p per unit, and you’ll discover that it will cost 0.88p per hour to run - that’s around 9p per 10 hours. This can vary depending on factors like the time you're using it, your energy provider and the setting you use it on.
What are the different kinds of fans?
Tower fans: Tower fans are tall and thin, and their compact footprint means they can easily be tucked into the corner of a room. They tend to have a sleek and modern design because the blades are hidden within the tower. Tower fans are lightweight, and most have a carry handle, so they are easy to move, thus creating airflow where it is most needed.
Pedestal fans: Pedestal fans have a circular fan atop a narrow pole with a broader base at the bottom. The blades can be seen but are tucked behind a plastic or metal mesh for safety. Tall pedestal fans are ideal if you want air blasted across a room or at height.
Desk fans: A desk fan will be small enough to sit on an office desk, bookcase or bedside table. They are usually shaped like a pedestal fan, but some compact tower designs are available.
Do tower fans cool better than regular fans?
If you have limited space, a tower fan is a good option as they are compact and have a smaller footprint. They are usually more expensive than pedestals and desk fans but have more high-tech features. In addition, their bladeless design makes them quieter, making them perfect for bedrooms. If you’re looking for a modern, minimalist or futuristic look, a tower fan is the type you need.
Where should a tower fan be placed in a room?
Ideally you should place a tower fan by a window so you can blow the hot air out of the room and cold air in. Placing it near a doorway with a draft is also effective. As much ventilation as possible is beneficial to the cooling process.
How to choose the best tower fan for you
Here’s what to consider as you shop for the perfect tower fan for your home.
Speed settings: Most tower fans will have three speed settings, from gentle and quiet for nighttime to fast, powerful and suitable for hot weather.
Oscillation: This describes a tower fan's range of motion. An 85-degree oscillation will blast air into most parts of the room, allowing a person on the sofa to be cooled at the same time as someone sitting at a desk in the corner.
Weight: If you plan on buying one fan and carrying it from room to room, a lightweight model with a carry handle is a good idea.
Remote control: A remote control lets you switch your fan on and off and alter the settings from the comfort of your armchair or bed. Some tower fan remotes are magnetic so that they can be stored safely and conveniently on the exterior of the fan.
Smart technology: A Wi-Fi or voice-controlled tower fan is an excellent option if you want to turn on your bedroom fan while putting the dogs to bed or settling the kids. Most smart fans will require you to download an app or connect to Alexa or Google Assist.
Size: Tower fans can be as tall as 1.5 metres, which is fantastic if you have a large room but not if you want a fan that will sit neatly and discreetly in the corner of a room. Most tower fans have a small footprint so they won’t take up a lot of floor space.
Timers: A timer is helpful if you want your tower fan to switch on half an hour before you get home from work or switch off an hour after you have drifted off to sleep.
Automatic mode: Some high-spec fans can be programmed to switch on when the room reaches a particular temperature.
How much do tower fans cost?
Tower fans can cost anywhere between £30 and £400. More expensive fans will have higher spec features such as intelligent tech and automatic switch-on; they will be made from metal rather than plastic and look more stylish. Brands such as Dyson and Vornado are top of the range and will combine powerful air flow and quiet operation.
What is the best low-noise tower fan?
Our quietest tower fan is the Dreo Tower Fan; it reaches 34 decibels in sleep mode, just above the noise created by people whispering. Therefore, it is an excellent option for a bedroom or office where you make many calls. With their innovative air multiplier technology, Dyson fans are also very quiet on the lower settings, and the Dyson AM07 Cool Tower Fan has a coveted Quiet Mark award.
How to clean a tower fan
Unless you choose a ‘bladeless’ model like a Dyson, the interior of a tower fan can be tricky to clean. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions, but the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove most of the collected dust and debris. The exterior can be wiped clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth (just make sure you unplug it first though!).
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know there’s nothing like a genuine recommendation from a real parent, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which tower fans discerning Mumsnet users had bought. Next, we compiled a list of fans they recommended, noting how effective they found them and whether they were particularly good for specific needs.
We then researched the wider web, looking at which tower fans had won accolades or been featured in ‘best buy’ lists across websites and print media and what customer reviews said about them. Then, having collated all that information, we picked the tower fans we thought would make the best buys in several interest categories.
About the author
Gemma Lumley writes consumer product round-ups and reviews for Mumsnet with a focus on home and lifestyle buying guides. She has been a content writer for various websites and online magazines and specialises in travel, parenting, fitness and the outdoors.
As someone interested in creating an efficient and comfortable home with functional appliances for her family, Gemma was determined to provide honest and independent advice on the best tower fans available in the UK.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.
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