The Best Window Fans To Ventilate And Cool Your Space

When it comes to keeping your home a comfortable temperature during the warmer months, you have a few options in terms of cooling device: tower fans, portable air conditioners and window units, to name a few. And then, there are window fans, which efficiently chill spaces by pulling in fresh air from outside and expelling warm, stale indoor air. Out of the best window fans on the market, we believe the Vornado Transom is the most promising option overall, thanks to its notably sleek design and wide speed range, though that's not the only model we’d trust to keep us cool this summer.

Thanks to its sleek design, the Vornado Transom—our favorite window fan—isn't a total eyesore.

While anyone can benefit from a window fan, they make the most sense for those who don't have a HVAC system and live in a milder, drier climate. "Window fans can be an excellent option for people who don't have central air conditioning," says Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi. "They are a great way to circulate air and cool down homes in mild to moderately warm climates." If you’ve decided you want to ventilate and cool your space with a window fan, your next step is to measure the dimensions of your preferred window—you don't want to get something that doesn't fit in the frame. Then, you can scan what we believe to be the best options on the market, considering each device's design, speed range, cord length and additional features.

Amazon

Dimensions: 5.7 x 26 x 7.2 inches | Weight: 8.8 pounds | Speeds: 4 | Cord length: 8 feet

For its sleek look and savvy features, the Vornado Transom stands out from the competition. Designed to fit horizontal windows between 26 and 40 inches wide, the 7-inch tall device is relatively petite for a window fan—its slender design won't be a total eyesore in your room. Weighing in just under 9 pounds, it's also relatively lightweight, making it a breeze to lift to install. To ensure the best possible fit, the fan relies on weather-resistant foam blocks that add to its overall ease of installation. But the best part? You can easily switch the fan's airflow from intake to exhaust with the press of a button.

To operate the device, use the LCD control panel or the included remote control to adjust the speed settings, temperature or airflow direction. Reviewers swear by the fan's quiet operation, making it a solid option for bedrooms. An 8-foot power cord provides additional convenience.

Amazon

Dimensions: 5.4 x 23.4 x 12.6 inches | Weight: 5.7 pounds | Speeds: 2 | Cord length: Unspecified

If you’d prefer a no-frills option with a lower price tag, look no further than the Amazon Basics Window Fan. For windows between 25 and 32 inches wide, this affordable fan—which has expanding side panels—can create a breeze in your room using two different speeds. Not only is it easy to lift and install, thanks to its compact design, but it also has a carrying handle and removable feet in the event you want to use the device as a standalone fan. Just note that if you want the fan to exhaust warm air from your space, you need to manually reverse the entire device in your window.

The Home Depot

Dimensions: 5.5 x 22.8 x 11.9 inches | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Speeds: 2 | Cord length: 6 feet

Featuring twin fans with 7-inch blades, this window fan from Optimus can generate plenty of breeze to cool smaller rooms like bedrooms and home offices. The fan fits windows from 22 to 34 inches and, better yet, it comes fully assembled. Just pop it into your frame, secure it and enjoy—no tools required. While the fan doesn't have a switch to easily toggle between exhaust and intake, physically flipping the fan is a breeze, thanks to its lightweight build. Adding to its versatility, snap-on feet allow you to prop this fan on your floor.

Best Buy

Dimensions: 22 x 26.5 x 8.3 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Speeds: 3 | Cord Length: 6 feet

For those who need something that can tackle spacious rooms, your best bet is this model from Lasko. Featuring large blades, a reversible motor and three speeds each for both intake and exhaust settings, this mighty model is powerful enough to cool the largest of spaces. Boosting its star power, the fan's powder-coated grills are rust-resistant while; it also comes with a storm guard feature that allows you to close the window behind the fan when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Thanks to expandable side panels, the fan can fit windows between 26.5 and 34.5 inches wide.

Amazon

Dimensions: 6 x 25.7 x 13.3 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Speeds: 3 | Cord length: Unspecified

Customers rave about the Holmes's fan quiet operation—even when running on high speeds. And that's not all this water-resistant device has to offer. For one, the two three-speed fans have electronically reversible motors that can be controlled independently, meaning you can set both to the same setting (intake or exhaust) or set them to exchange the air. Additionally, the fan's manual thermostat allows you to set your desired temperature so it can maintain the right speed to help keep you comfortable. While the fan is designed to fit most slider and double-hung windows, it comes with an adjustable accordion extender and a 5-inch panel to help secure it in larger frames.

Amazon

Dimensions: 5.7 x 26 x 7.2 inches | Weight: 8.8 pounds | Speeds: 4 | Cord length: 8 feet

In the market for something high-tech? Luckily, our top choice overall, the Vornado Transom, also comes in an upgraded version with smart features. With the Transom AE, adjusting the speed or airflow setting it as easy as telling Amazon Alexa to "turn up the fan" or tapping a few buttons on your smartphone. Like the Transom, Vornado's SE model offers four speeds and is electronically reversible, meaning you don't have to physically flip the device to switch from fan to exhaust. With the help of soft foam blocks, this fan fits in windows from 26 to 40 inches wide.

Amazon

Dimensions: 14.1 x 25.5 x 6 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Speeds: 3 | Cord length: 6 feet

With a digital thermostat, you can set your preferred temperature, prompting your window fan to achieve and maintain that exact degree. Cruising between one of three speeds to help reach the temperature of your choosing, the fan will then adjust the speed accordingly (and even shut itself off) as needed. Enhancing its usability, the Bionaire allows you to flip between exhaust and fan options with the push of a button. The fan (which comes with a remote) is designed to fit windows between 24 and 37 inches wide.

To determine the absolute best window fans, we started by consulting with two home experts: Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi, and Aaron Wilson, a home appliance expert for JustAnswer. After they shared their input on what to look for in these cooling devices, we dove into the market, looking closely at all the top-rated and bestselling window fans. Then, we assessed whether the promising models met our list of criteria, factoring in customer reviews along the way.