The Best Standing Fan

Updated on 13 April 2023

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

In addition to its eye-catching modern design, the Rowenta Silence Extreme + stands out for its great modularity. Equipped with no less than five speed levels and three operating modes (Normal, Natural and Decrescendo), it efficiently meets all types of expectations and desires. Moreover, it comes with a timer function, which is particularly useful when used at night. During our tests, we were particularly impressed by its almost inaudible operation in Silent Night mode. Finally, the settings can be operated via a remote control, which makes it very comfortable to use. Although the price is higher, it ticks all the boxes and is therefore an ideal model for a regular use.  

The fan is an efficient and inexpensive alternative to air conditioning.

Pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the base: this will affect the stability of the device.

Some models have a night mode: perfect if you plan to sleep with your fan on.

The higher the fan power, the louder your device will be.

Models with a remote control are very practical.

There are many different designs, which will suit any type of decoration.

Among the basic models tested, the Black + Decker was convincing thanks to its simple but effective operation. With three speed levels, it offers a good range of intensities, thus efficiently meeting different types of needs or preferences. It is also rather quiet in operation, making only a slight fan noise (without motor noise or parasitic friction). For the price, you can’t expect an extraordinary quality equipment, but it’s still perfectly functional. In short, if you want to enjoy the benefits of your fan just occasionally or if you are on a budget, this model should do the trick. 

With a rather sober and discreet design, this model is equipped with no less than five speed levels, oscillating from a soft and discreet breeze to a powerful and perfectly refreshing blast of air. Its timer with automatic shut-off is also very practical, especially for a night-time use. Moreover, our tests highlight a rather quiet operation on the first speed levels. The remote control, simple but practical, makes it easy to adjust the fan. In short, this is an efficient model for basic needs, convincing thanks to its modularity, its practicality and its material quality, which is more finished than the basic models.

With three speeds and two operating modes, this fan has some very interesting features. Although we didn’t notice any significant differences between the two modes, the intensity and noise levels during the operation were very convincing, even at night. Slightly more compact, this model is the only one in our selection that cannot be adjusted in height. On the other hand, it is also the only connected fan that can be configured via a smartphone or even a voice assistant. In short, if you are a fan of connected devices, you might like this fan.

Our selection

Our choice, Best high-end	Best budget	Best mid-range	Mid-range alternative
Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme +	Black+Decker BXEFP41E	Honeywell QuietSet HSF600BE	Xiaomi Mi Smart 1C
Its modern, high-quality design already makes a good impression, but it is above all its quiet operation, its various modes and its multiple speed levels that make this fan a must-have.	Simple but effective, this affordable fan is attractive because of its multiple speed levels, a pleasant automatic oscillation and an operation that manages to be rather discreet for a basic device.	The QuietSet may not be the most advanced model on the market, but its effectiveness is still impressive. Equipped with several speed levels, a timer and a remote control, it is very practical for everyday use.	Equipped with a high number of blades for more power, with multiple operating modes and speeds, and with a timer, this model stands out from the competition for its ultra-modern connected side.
See the price on Amazon	£ 58.17 on Amazon	See the price on Amazon	£ 69.98 on Amazon

How did we do the tests?

First of all, we compared the overall design (concept, quality of materials) of each machine, as well as its ease of assembly. We tested their ergonomics and the practicality of the design (dimensions, stability, number of blades, usefulness of buttons, functions, remote control, etc.), as well as the design of the base (adjustable height, types of adjustment, stability, etc.).

We then tested the different speeds and modes available on each fan, the efficiency of the timer and the automatic stop function. Finally, we compared and analysed the performance of the automatic oscillation in a larger room.

How to choose your standing fan? 

The fan remains the most common solution to cool off at home during the warmer months. Typically less expensive, less cumbersome and more mobile than air conditioning, the standing fan already offers a lot of modularity.

However, it is difficult to make a choice: the abundance of models available on the market often makes it difficult to find the most suitable device for your own needs. Here are the key elements to pay attention to when shopping:

• Dimensions: these will of course vary according to the model chosen, but most fans have a head of about 40 cm in diameter. Pay particular attention to the size and weight of the base, which may take up more space on the floor but is essential for the stability of the fan. Lastly, check the height adjustment of the stand, which often varies by about 20 cm on each model, between about 100 and 130 cm. 

• Power and speed: the most common fans typically have between three and five power levels. The more levels, the more precise the speed setting can be. But beware, the number of levels is not necessarily demonstrative: some models are more powerful than others at low speed.
• Noise: although the absolutely silent fan has not yet been invented, some models are able to reduce the noise to 35 dB in “Night” mode. However, the higher the fan speed, the louder the fan will be (up to 60 dB). The essential is that the ventilation noise is not interfered with (squeaking, snoring, etc.). 

• Oscillation: most fans have an automatic oscillation function, covering a greater or lesser range. It can be horizontal (most common) or vertical, to adjust to the area being ventilated. In most cases, a fixed use is also possible (either via a rod system placed on the back of the device or via a button or a remote control). 
• Modes and functions: in addition to the automatic oscillation and adjustable speed functions, more and more models offer additional options. If you are forgetful or want to use your fan at night, a timer with an automatic shut-off can be useful. Many fans come with a more powerful Turbo mode or a softer, quieter Night mode. You just have to decide which is best for your needs. 

• Control panel: choose a simple and intuitive control panel – fortunately this is often the case. Some newer models have a digital control panel. Beware of bright, LED models: their lighting can be surprisingly bright and annoying if you use them at night. Models with remote control can also be very useful.
• Design: in addition to size, the design of the fan you choose can influence whether or not it will blend in with your interior. It is important not to neglect the quality of the materials, the ease of maintenance or the length of the power cord. And while most models have three blades, some more powerful models have more.

Other fans we recommend

Tristar VE5893 (£25.59 upon publication): a low-priced model that is functional, but nothing more. Equipped with three speed levels and an automatic oscillation, this basic fan is effective for you to cool off very easily. The first speed is very gentle, but the third speed offers more power. The noise during operation is rather low (at least at first speeds). However, its design and its material quality are not very impressive. It could be a good choice if you are looking for a low-priced standing fan. 

Klarstein Summerjam (£39.99 upon publication): a mid-range option with an interesting feature-price ratio. With three speed levels, a timer with automatic shut-off and a remote control, the Summerjam is quite practical to use. While we think it could do with some improvements (especially in terms of finish and power selection), it is still attractive thanks to its many features at an affordable price. Note that this is a fan that will appeal more to users who are looking for a certain amount of power, from the first speed.

Pro Breeze PB-F08 (£84.99 upon publication): perfect for those on the fence. With 26 speeds, three modes, a timer and a remote control, this is, without doubt, the most complete model in our comparison. That said, we were undecided about some of the settings. What did we like best? It’s modular breathing and unobtrusive operation.

Another fan put to the test

Ardes Penny 40P (£32.00 upon publication): Overall, we were disappointed with the performance of this model. Its noisier-than-average operation and the inability to opt for a milder breeze deterred us to a large extent from using it. However, the price is quite attractive and after all, it does the job.

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje