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10 Best Exhaust Fans 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

iLIVING 12" Wall Mounted Shutter Exhaust Fan, Automatic Shutter, with Thermostat and Variable Speed controller, 0.6A, 960 CFM, 1400 SQF Coverage Area Silver (ILG8SF12V-ST)

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,493
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
3363 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Delivers powerful airflow that efficiently clears humidity, odors, and moisture, helping prevent mold and mildew.
Noise Level (Sones)
Operates quietly considering its strong performance, making it suitable for spaces where noise is a concern.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency helps keep utility costs manageable while maintaining excellent ventilation.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward with clear instructions, making setup quick and hassle-free.
Additional Features
Adjustable speed and temperature controls allow precise customization for different environments and needs.

The iLIVING 12" Wall Mounted Shutter Exhaust Fan is designed to move a strong amount of air, with a capacity of 960 cubic feet per minute (CFM), making it suitable for large spaces like garages, workshops, or greenhouses up to 1400 square feet. This means it can effectively clear out stale or humid air quickly. It offers variable speed and temperature controls through its Thermospeed controller, allowing you to adjust airflow and set it to activate within a temperature range from 32 to 130°F, which can help maintain better air quality and comfort.

The fan is built with durable galvanized steel and aluminum parts, and it comes with corrosion-resistant features, so it should hold up well in tougher indoor environments. It mounts on walls and plugs into a standard outlet, making installation straightforward for most users. On the downside, the noise level is about 65 decibels, which is similar to normal conversation volume and might be noticeable if you prefer a quieter environment. While it uses 65 watts of power, its efficiency rate is moderate, moving about 15 cubic feet per minute per watt, so it’s not the most energy-saving option if you run it constantly. It also includes automatic shutters that open and close with the fan, helping prevent outside air or pests from entering when off.

Customer feedback is favorable, with many appreciating its power and controls, though some might find the sound level a bit loud for certain indoor spaces like bedrooms. If you need a strong, wall-mounted exhaust fan with adjustable speeds and temperature settings for a large indoor area where noise is less of a concern, this fan is a solid choice.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,493
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
3363 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Delivers powerful airflow that efficiently clears humidity, odors, and moisture, helping prevent mold and mildew.
Noise Level (Sones)
Operates quietly considering its strong performance, making it suitable for spaces where noise is a concern.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency helps keep utility costs manageable while maintaining excellent ventilation.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward with clear instructions, making setup quick and hassle-free.
Additional Features
Adjustable speed and temperature controls allow precise customization for different environments and needs.
#2

Good Housekeeping (90052 Yorkshire 80 CFM 2.5 Sones Decorative Bathroom Ventilation Exhaust Fan with Light in Satin White

Rating
9.4
Noise Level (Sones)
Installation Type
Additional Features

Most important from
850 reviews

Noise Level (Sones)
The fan operates surprisingly quietly, making it easy to forget it’s even running during use.
Installation Type
Installation can be tricky if your ceiling is thicker than the standard 1/2 inch, requiring adjustments like longer bolts for proper mounting.
Additional Features
The unit features a clean, attractive design that blends well with modern bathroom decor.

The Good Housekeeping Yorkshire (90052) exhaust fan is designed mainly for bathroom use, helping reduce moisture and prevent mold buildup with an airflow capacity of 80 CFM, suitable for small to medium bathrooms. It operates at around 3 sones, which means it is moderately quiet—noticeable but not too loud during operation. This fan includes a built-in light with a satin white finish that blends well with contemporary bathroom decor. Its energy efficiency stands at 0.57 CFM per watt, which is decent but not the most efficient model available.

Installation is versatile, offering flush mount with options for wiring the fan and light together or separately, and it includes all necessary hardware for a straightforward setup. A user-friendly feature is the tool-free access for changing the light bulb and cleaning, making maintenance easier. Safety certifications like ETL listing and HVI certification add confidence for use over showers and bathtubs, and the product comes with a solid warranty—4 years on parts and 5 years on the motor.

The noise level is slightly higher than quieter models that operate closer to 1-2 sones, which might be a consideration if you prefer a very silent bathroom fan. The 140-watt power consumption is somewhat high, meaning it might use more electricity compared to more energy-efficient options. This exhaust fan represents a reliable choice for those seeking a combination of ventilation and lighting with easy installation and maintenance, though those prioritizing very low noise or top-tier energy savings might consider other models.

Rating
9.4
Noise Level (Sones)
Installation Type
Additional Features

Most important from
850 reviews

Noise Level (Sones)
The fan operates surprisingly quietly, making it easy to forget it’s even running during use.
Installation Type
Installation can be tricky if your ceiling is thicker than the standard 1/2 inch, requiring adjustments like longer bolts for proper mounting.
Additional Features
The unit features a clean, attractive design that blends well with modern bathroom decor.
#3

Hunter Ellipse 100 CFM Ceiling Exhaust Bath Fan with Light and Night Light - Brushed Nickel

Rating
9.2
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)

Most important from
4 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The fan effectively balances airflow and noise level, making it a practical choice for medium-sized bathrooms.
Noise Level (Sones)
This fan operates exceptionally quietly, maintaining a peaceful bathroom environment even after years of use.

The Hunter Ellipse 100 CFM Ceiling Exhaust Bath Fan is a solid choice for bathrooms up to around 95 square feet. It offers good airflow capacity at 100 CFM, which helps circulate air well and reduce odors, improving bathroom comfort. One of its best features is its quiet operation, running at just 1.5 sones—this means it’s very gentle on the ears, similar to the sound of a refrigerator humming. The design is also a plus, with a brushed nickel finish and frosted glass that can nicely blend into modern bathroom decor.

This fan includes a light and a night light option, adding useful lighting without needing extra fixtures. It's ETL listed and HVI certified, which means it meets safety and performance standards, and it can be safely installed over showers or tubs. Installation does require some assembly and fitting, so having basic DIY skills or professional help might be needed. One downside is that it only has a single power level, so you can't adjust fan speed based on your needs. While it’s reasonably energy efficient, specific detailed energy ratings are not provided, so it might not offer the highest energy savings compared to other models.

The included 5-year motor warranty and 1-year parts warranty offer some peace of mind about durability. This fan is well suited for homeowners wanting a quiet, effective, and stylish bathroom exhaust fan with added lighting features, especially for medium-sized bathrooms.

Rating
9.2
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)

Most important from
4 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The fan effectively balances airflow and noise level, making it a practical choice for medium-sized bathrooms.
Noise Level (Sones)
This fan operates exceptionally quietly, maintaining a peaceful bathroom environment even after years of use.

Buying Guide for the Best Exhaust Fans

Choosing the right exhaust fan is crucial for maintaining good air quality and proper ventilation in your home or workspace. Exhaust fans help remove stale air, moisture, and odors, which can prevent mold growth and improve overall comfort. To find the best exhaust fan for your needs, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your specific requirements.
Airflow Capacity (CFM)Airflow capacity, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), indicates how much air the fan can move. This spec is important because it determines the fan's effectiveness in ventilating a space. For small rooms like bathrooms, a lower CFM (50-80) is usually sufficient. For larger areas like kitchens or workshops, you may need a higher CFM (100-300 or more). To pick the right CFM, consider the size of the room and the level of ventilation required. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 CFM per square foot of room area.
Noise Level (Sones)Noise level, measured in sones, indicates how loud the fan will be when operating. This spec is important for maintaining a comfortable environment, especially in areas where you spend a lot of time. Fans with a noise level of 1.5 sones or lower are considered very quiet, while those above 4 sones can be quite loud. If you prefer a quieter fan, look for models with lower sone ratings. Consider where the fan will be installed and how much noise you are willing to tolerate.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency refers to how much power the fan consumes relative to its performance. This spec is important for reducing energy costs and minimizing environmental impact. Energy-efficient fans often have an ENERGY STAR rating, indicating they meet specific energy-saving criteria. To pick an energy-efficient fan, look for the ENERGY STAR label and compare the wattage of different models. If you are concerned about energy consumption, prioritize fans with lower wattage and higher efficiency ratings.
Installation TypeInstallation type refers to how and where the fan can be installed. Common types include ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, and inline fans. This spec is important because it affects the ease of installation and the fan's effectiveness in your specific space. Ceiling-mounted fans are ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, wall-mounted fans are suitable for garages and workshops, and inline fans are great for larger ventilation systems. To pick the right installation type, consider the layout of your space and where the fan will be most effective.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like built-in lights, humidity sensors, and timers. These specs are important for added convenience and functionality. Built-in lights can provide extra illumination, humidity sensors can automatically adjust the fan's operation based on moisture levels, and timers can help you control how long the fan runs. To pick the right additional features, think about what extra functionalities would be beneficial for your specific needs and preferences.

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