Ditch the AC and Embrace the Breeze With These Top Ceiling Fans (2024)

The Honeywell Carmel 48-inch Ceiling Fan is a top option if you want an effective and affordable ceiling fan for your home. After testing this indoor fan in our home for six months, we were impressed with its quiet operation, substantial airflow, and user-friendly features. The five-blade model comes with a wall-mounted remote control and an automatic shutoff for the integrated LED light.

We installed this indoor ceiling fan in an open-concept space that measures 13 x 13 feet (within the recommended room size of 12 x 12 feet to 18 x 18 feet), and the fan’s ability to circulate the air in the space is a testament to its effectiveness. With three speeds to choose from, this fan kept the area feeling well-ventilated and cool, clearing smells from the dining room or giving us a quick chill after a workout. Best of all, the ceiling fan didn’t produce any disruptive noise or vibrations that were a distraction during work-related video calls.

Although there aren’t many color or finish selections for this fan, you have your choice of a satin nickel or espresso hardware finish, and the dual-finish blades are reversible, so you can change the appearance of the blades. Don’t let the relatively few finish options deter you too much from considering this ceiling fan. Tan points out that a fan’s hardware finish is likely to be noticed less than you think. “Remember that fans are almost always above your head, outside of your cone of vision.”

It’s worth noting that there is no pull chain to control the fan’s operation. Instead, you control functions like the fan speed and light with the included remote control. Our favorite feature of the remote was the delayed shutoff for the light. When leaving the house very early in the morning, this feature made it possible to have sufficient light for slipping on our shoes and grabbing the keys, but the light turns off 1-minute later, so there’s no chance of leaving the light on.

Unfortunately, we've found that occasionally turning off the unit requires two presses of the remote. Beyond that, we are completely content with the fan. All in all, the Honeywell Carmel Ceiling Fan exceeded our expectations in terms of performance and price. It earned perfect ratings for set-up, design, effectiveness, quality, and value. We’d recommend it for any small living space or as a quiet, efficient option for a bedroom or home office.

_{Diameter: 48 inches | Material: MDF | Lighting: LED bulbs included | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: ‎5,202 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod}

Even on a small budget, you can outfit any room in your home with a quality ceiling fan. For proof, consider the performance and value of this model from Portage Bay. During testing, we were wowed by this ceiling fan’s easy installation, quiet operation, and substantial air movement. With an integrated LED light, it’s an even better value for homeowners who want a ceiling fan with a light.

The Portage Bay West Hill Ceiling Fan has a 52-inch diameter and is recommended for rooms up to 18 x 18 feet. After a straightforward installation process (which took about 1 hour and 15 minutes), we’ve been using this fan in a home office for about 8 hours a day. We noticed an immediate difference in airflow and perceived temperature, thanks to the five-blade design and three-speed motor that delivers up to 3,256 cubic feet per minute. For reference, the space is 11 x 11 feet; results may not be as dramatic in rooms nearing the maximum square footage recommended for this fan.

Contributing to the fan’s low-profile design is a hugger style mount that keeps the fan close to the ceiling, rather than using a 4- or 8-inch downrod. In our testing space with 8-foot ceilings, the hugger ceiling fan was a great choice because it doesn’t encroach on the clearance needed to move about the room. Keep in mind that a pull chain dangles from the bowl of the ceiling fan. It’s used to control the fan’s functions and glides smoothly, unlike some ceiling fan chains that offer a lot of resistance.

In exchange for a super affordable price, you’ll have to make a few concessions. For one thing, this fan doesn't come with a remote control. The only way to turn the fan on or off is by using a wall switch or pull chain or purchasing a separate universal remote control.

Another tradeoff is the quality of materials. While the components were installed easily and fit together well, the materials felt lightweight and less substantial when compared to other ceiling fans. With a hugger fan type, this is less of an issue since there is very little vibration, causing components to shake loose or wear quickly. But for a budget ceiling fan, these are small compromises for a fan that gets the job done and does so with minimal noise on all three fan speeds.

We've tested this fan in our home for six months and are still quite pleased with the fan's performance; we have been using it for some time now in our bedroom, which doubles as our office. Its ability to function as a light source apart from the fan is one of its most appealing features, as we need lighting to work. However, we do wish that the light could be a little brighter, which we believe is because the cover is opaque rather than transparent. On the other hand, the fan is quiet and does not cause disruptions, which is ideal for our office atmosphere.

_{Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Metal | Lighting: LED bulb included | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 3,256 CFM | Mounting Type: Hugger}

If you need a fan for a small indoor or outdoor area, we recommend the Home Decorators Collection Natural Iron Ceiling Fan. We installed this fan in a three-season porch with a peaked ceiling that measures roughly 12 x 12 feet. Even though our room was a little bigger than the recommended space for installing this fan (10 x 10 feet), the fan still managed to provide a strong wind that reached every part of the room.

Because of its small size, we discovered that the highest setting was the most effective. Even when standing or sitting within a six-foot radius of the fan's center, we were able to feel the airflow. Keep in mind the blades on this fan are only 25 inches (almost half the size of our best overall pick), so the ventilation isn't as strong. If your room is bigger than the suggested room space, you might want to consider purchasing two of these fans to be able to enjoy the breeze.

The fan comes with a remote control you can use to control your fan. It features a power-off button, three fan speeds, an on/off switch, a light-dimming function, and an option for a gentle breeze. You can also use the remote to set the timer, which allows you to automatically shut off the fan in increments of 2, 4, or 8 hours.

While we installed the fan on a flat ceiling, it comes with an angle mount for sloped ceilings. We also like that the fan has an integrated LED light. It can't be swapped, but the soft white light provides the perfect illumination for most spaces.

_{Diameter:25 inches |Material:Metal |Lighting:LED light |Control Type:Remote |Airflow:1941 CFM |Mounting Type: Angle mount and downrod}

A favorite option that we've also tested in the past, the Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan is well worth its higher-than-average price tag. After installing and testing this three-blade ceiling fan, we would describe it as art for your ceiling and recommend it for mid-size rooms, like a primary bedroom or bonus room.

There’s more to appreciate than the sleek, modern style of this ceiling fan—it’s also well-built, quiet, and effective. On medium and high, the Light Wave ceiling fan produced noticeable airflow in a bedroom measuring 12.5 x 17 feet. We are happy to report that there was only audible wind noise on high, with the medium and low-speed settings producing practically no noise. Although the fan produces a whirling sound when operating at high speed, we found that it doubles as white noise and drowns out noises that would normally wake us up.

We credit the quiet, smooth operation of this fan to its high-quality construction and components. Although the fan blades are plastic, their fit and finish are impeccable, making the fan lightweight (a major benefit when self-installing this ceiling fan).

One of the most helpful features is the ability to control the fan from the comfort of your bed. The remote proved helpful when we were unwell and didn't feel like getting out of bed to operate the fan. We did find that when the light is set to its highest setting, it can be a little too bright for our taste, but since it is dimmable, it's not really an issue and could even be beneficial depending on where the fan is utilized.

The only other point of improvement for the Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Wave would be a button to reverse the fan blades on the included remote control. If you want to change the direction of the fan blades, a switch on the motor housing is the only option. Since we installed the fan in a room with 10-foot ceilings, we need a ladder to make the switch (and we suspect this will be the case for many other homeowners). Other fans offer this functionality on the remote control, and we wish Minka-Aire included this option for this otherwise well-designed and highly functional ceiling fan.

_{Diameter: 52 inches |Material:Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |Lighting:LED light |Control Type:Remote |Airflow:4453 CFM |Mounting Type: Downrod}

Not every ceiling fan is outfitted with a light, but picking a model that has this feature can greatly improve the functionality of your fan. You have many options for this type of ceiling fan, but we recommend the Hampton Bay Mena 54-inch Ceiling Fan with Light Kit.This ceiling fan with a light is great for rooms that you frequently spend a lot of time in, like a living room or dining room.

You might think that the assembly and installation of a ceiling fan with a light would be complicated or advanced, but we had this fan ready to go in less than an hour. Clever design features, like a magnetic LED light kit and snap-in blades, were a big help in quickly and easily completing the installation.

The integrated LED light gives you three color temperatures to pick from: 2700K warm white, 3000K soft white, or 5000K daylight. Keep in mind that you can’t use this ceiling fan with a separate dimmer switch, so those are your only dimming options. We wish that we had a little more control over the light levels, but it’s not a dealbreaker. There is plenty of light in the brightest setting, but it projects more or less straight down because of the design of the globe. That works well if your ceiling fan is over a dining table or in a small living room.

The fan moves air exceptionally well, and best of all, there is barely any movement from the fan housing, even at top speed—which produces airflow movement of 5,246 CFM. It’s very quiet, with the highest speed setting sounding like a small desk fan. Because of the durable ABS plastic blades and the sturdy housing, you can install this fan inside or in a covered outdoor location. It’s damp-rated, so it’s a good pick if you need a ceiling fan with a light for your porch or other outdoor living area.

_{Diameter: 54 inches | Material: ABS plastic | Lighting: Integrated LED light | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 5,246 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod or angled}

If you’re not interested in downloading an app or chasing around a remote to control your ceiling fan, pick a basic version with a pull chain to control the fan’s speed and light function. That’s what you’ll get with the Hunter Builder Deluxe 52-inch Ceiling Fan. It features two pull chains (one for the light and another for the fan) hanging from the center of the frosted light globe.

When testing this fan, we found the pull chains to be within reach, even when mounted from a 9-foot-tall ceiling. That being said, if your ceilings are taller or you don’t have height on your side, then you might want to consider adding pull chain extenders. The fan is also equipped with dual wiring if you want to control the light function and fan function from two different wall switches.

When considering other aspects of this Hunter ceiling fan, we would describe it as having high-quality construction with a classy look and a design that minimizes vibration. In fact, we were thrilled that the installation only took 1.5 hours and required no adjustments afterward. Because we installed this fan in a large 17 x 14-foot room, we frequently operate this fan on high to meet our preference for strong airflow.

At top speed, the fan does sway slightly, but the mount's design isolates it from vibrating anything else by suspending the fan in a cradle of sorts. The only perceptible noise is from wind speed, not from the fan vibrating.

For the price, we feel that this pick is a good value for shoppers who want a well-built ceiling fan with pull chains. The only drawbacks to consider relate to the fan blades. Although they’re reversible, the finish is very similar in color on both sides, with a variation in wood grain being the only differentiator. A greater variety in the color of the finishes would make the fan more versatile.

We also wish that the blades were slightly longer to move air in a larger room at slower speeds more effectively. But we can’t fault this fan too much for these features since the overall design and quality of the ceiling make it a good choice for most people.

_{Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Metal | Lighting: LED light | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 5,110 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod}

To effectively circulate the air in a large space, you’ll need a ceiling fan that is designed for the job. Skip over smaller 44- and 55-inch versions and pick a large ceiling fan, like the Honeywell Xerxes 62-inch Ceiling Fan. We installed and tested it in a 700-square-foot space and were pleased with the size, design, and effectiveness of this option.

We’d describe this ceiling fan as very aesthetically pleasing, but the most impressive part is the 8-blade design. The number of blades and their length mean that this fan is designed to maximize airflow in spaces larger than 400 square feet, like an open-concept living area or a large primary suite. A 4-inch downrod is included for flat ceiling installation, but if you need to install it on an angled ceiling, the required mounting hardware is sold separately. The fan is available in multiple finishes, with reversible blades to give you more design choices.

The Honeywell Xerxes ceiling fan includes an LED light, but that was our biggest disappointment of the fan’s feature set. The light has a downward focus that results in more of a spotlight-effect rather than a wider distribution of illumination. We wish it did a better job of lighting up the room as a whole, but we do like the fact that the light and fan functions are controlled by an included remote control with self-explanatory buttons for the many functions. You can turn the fan speed up or down, choose to have the light turn off 60 seconds after you push the button, or activate a schedule for the light. In addition, the fan is smart home compatible and integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, although you’ll have to purchase a separate hub to take advantage of that functionality.

While we initially tested the ceiling fan in a 700-square-foot space, we ended up moving it to another spot in our home, and we've been enjoying the additional breeze it provides. The only thing we would change is for the light to be somewhat more rounded so that it emanates from all sides of the circle rather than just the one that faces downward. Otherwise, the ceiling fan is still our top recommendation for a large space.

If you are searching for a basic ceiling fan, put this Honeywell model at the top of your list. When testing the Belmar Ceiling Fan, we found it to be a capable and affordable choice for medium-to-large rooms. It has a simple appearance and no smart features, but it moved plenty of air in the 18 x 18-foot room we installed it in.

Some of the things that you should know about this indoor-outdoor ceiling fan include the fact that it features ABS plastic fan blades that won’t warp in the face of moisture or high humidity. The fan itself is damp-rated, meaning that it can be installed in covered outdoor locations, like a porch or patio.

It can be installed with a 4-inch downrod or as a flush-mount fan, which we preferred for our 8-foot ceilings. Pull chains control the fan and light functions, and we didn’t have any trouble using them, but shoppers searching for a ceiling fan with a remote control will want to consider buying a universal remote kit, which is easily installed and relatively inexpensive.

In general, this basic ceiling fan lived up to our expectations and earned satisfactory ratings across all categories. Our biggest quibbles with the functionality are that the fan is very noisy on high, and the included LED bulbs don’t put off as much illumination as expected—although that could be remedied by purchasing higher-wattage replacement bulbs.

For a basic model, we still recommend the Belmar Ceiling Fan. We've been using the ceiling fan in our guest bedroom for the past two months, and it's been working as great as when we first installed it. It does a great job of circulating the air around the room, which we find very beneficial when we use the walking pad.

_{Diameter: 52 inches | Material: ABS plastic | Lighting: LED bulb included | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 5,954 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod, close mount or angled}

It’s hard to outshine the function and style of the Honeywell Carnegie Ceiling Fan, but our favorite feature while using this fan was the remote control. We’d describe it as intuitive and easy to operate, and it’s loaded with features that control nearly every aspect of the fan’s operation—except for the ability to reverse the fan’s rotation. With that in mind, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this as the best ceiling fan with remote control.

The directions to assemble and install the fan were clear and concise; we were able to self-install the ceiling fan in just over two hours. With a 52-inch blade span, the size of this ceiling fan makes it suitable for spaces up to 400 square feet, so we picked a 12 x 12-foot bedroom for testing purposes. We’d describe it as quiet on all three speeds, and it’s powerful—it gets up to the speed you set it at quickly, and you can feel the cooling effect right away. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t list the CFM rating for this fan. Although we were satisfied during testing with the fans' air movement, it’s helpful to know the CFM when comparing two different fans.

This ceiling fan with remote has functions far superior to other fan remotes we’ve used in the past. A push of the button turns the light on or off, and you have individual buttons for the low, medium, and high fan speeds. This contributes to the impression that the fan quickly and efficiently reaches your desired fan speed since there’s no need to toggle through multiple options. There’s also a Variable Breeze mode that is meant to simulate the random breeze in nature.

Other features that really wowed us were the Light Delay Off mode (which gives you 60 seconds of illumination before the light shuts off) and the Home Shield mode. When you press and hold this button, it activates a mode that randomly turns the light on and off between five and 20 times per day. We see it as being useful while you’re away from home for days at a time, but we want to give the impression that someone is home.

After six months of testing, we're still quite pleased with this fan, which we have installed in our guest bedroom. It offers a refreshing and cozy space for our guests to sleep, and we've also discovered an unanticipated perk for our small ones. The whirring motion of the fan blades captivates little babies' attention and provides them with hours of enjoyment.One feature we really liked is that when you turn off the light switch, this fan remembers your light and fan speed settings. This saves us the trouble of constantly adjusting the fan's settings.

_{Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Lighting: LED bulbs included | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: Not listed | Mounting Type: Downrod or angled}

Setting up an outdoor ceiling fan is a great way to enjoy the fresh air while remaining comfortable.With its five composite palm leaf blades, this fan not only provided a welcome breeze on hot and humid days but also gave our outdoor space a lovely tropical vibe. This fan kept us cool, even when the weather was quite humid. On the lowest setting, we were still able to feel the airflow on each corner of our patio.

We put the fan through its paces in our screened-in patio, where it was exposed to high humidity and scorching heat. The fan has shown remarkable durability despite being subjected to continuous 80-degree temperatures, rain, and even snow. Because of its wet-rated construction, this fan can endure rain and elements with no issues.

In the cooler months, you can reverse the fan's direction to circulate warmer air. We found that changing the direction of the fan blades was simple. There is a slide switch on one side of the fan body, and all you have to do is slide it to the left or right to choose which way you want the fan to spin.

Aside from how effective it was at cooling us in our outdoor space, we also enjoyed how quiet it was. The DC motor makes this fan incredibly silent; even at maximum speed, we could barely hear it.Even though it doesn't include wiring instructions or wall control (sold separately), we managed to connect it to a wall fan switch so that it could be turned on and off in addition to the accompanying remote.

The included pull cord also lets you choose between four different speeds or turn the fan off. We put the fan on an 8-foot ceiling, with the lowest point of the fan blades 6 feet 6 inches above the floor, and we had no trouble reaching the cords.

_{Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Composite | Lighting: None | Control Type: Remote and Pull chain | Airflow: 6,345 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod}

After installing and using the Key Biscayne ceiling fan, we have plenty of praise for the fan’s smooth, quiet operation, LED light function, and stylish design. In short, it does everything that you would need an indoor (or outdoor) fan to do.

We have no complaints about the performance of this ceiling fan. Hunter promises whisper-quiet operation with its motor technology, and we weren’t disappointed. One distinctive feature of this fan is the low-volume "whoosh" sound it makes, which can be described as white noise. Compared to other noisy ceiling fans, this one has helped us relax and get a good night's sleep. The fan is very well balanced, so even at higher speeds, it doesn't vibrate or make noises.

This ceiling fan is damp-rated, so it can be installed in a covered outdoor location. It resists humidity and corrosion but shouldn’t be installed in a spot that receives rain or snow. Wherever you choose to install it, you can expect a simple, fast process. We installed this fan in less than one hour.

The style is rather specific but attractive. It has a farmhouse chic look, with a lantern-look for the frosted light kit. The five blades are reversible, with two different weathered finish options. Our only real gripe about this model is the fact that it doesn’t include a remote control, despite the rather steep price tag. You’ll have to control the fan and light with a pull chain or wire it to a wall switch. However, we don’t find this to be a downside that should keep you from installing this durable, attractive, and quiet option.

_{Diameter: 54 inches | Material: Polycarbonate | Lighting: LED bulbs | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 5,291 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod}

Final Verdict

After testing over a dozen ceiling fans, we recommend the Honeywell Carmel 48-inch Ceiling Fan as the best option for most homes. It wowed us with its performance and value, plus it has a remote to adjust the speed and light. For a more basic fan on a budget, the Portage Bay West Hill Ceiling Fan is similar in function but lacks a remote control. It has a flush-mount design that is compatible with just about any ceiling height and has a simple appearance that blends into most surroundings.

FAQ

• Are three- or five-blade ceiling fans better?

  According to Tan, this is largely a matter of personal preference. “Both three-blade and five-blade ceiling fans can provide efficient cooling and airflow if they are designed well.” This conclusion is validated by our experience testing three-blade and five-blade ceiling fans that moved air to our satisfaction in rooms of varying sizes. So how can you pick the right look for your room? Tan offers this insight into the aesthetic differences between these two types of fans: “Five-blade fans tend toward that classic, timeless look while three-blade fans lean into the sleek and modern aesthetic.”
  

• Which direction should a ceiling fan turn in the summer or winter?

  In the summer, the ceiling fan blades should rotate in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed from below). In the winter, the blades should rotate clockwise. Tan recommends setting the fan to low, which will distribute heat more evenly and make the room feel warmer rather than creating a strong breeze from fast-moving blades at medium or high speeds.

The 10 Best Fans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed