Mar. 07, 2024
Home Appliances
It can be a overwhelming to shop for the best bathroom exhaust fan, so we’ve put together a list of options for all kinds of bathrooms and preferences, whether you’re looking for something no-frills and budget-friendly or you want to spend a little more to get some additional bells and whistles.
“For example, a small bathroom [with limited ceiling space] may be better suited for a wall-mounted fan, while a larger bathroom with a high ceiling may require a ceiling-mounted fan with a higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating to adequately circulate air .”
“When choosing an exhaust fan, it is important to consider the ease of installation as well as the specific needs of the bathroom,” shares Walter E Bennett , a Dallas-based handyman and IAQ expert for homes and multi-storied buildings at Great Leaf Air.
A bathroom exhaust fan might not be the first thing that comes to mind when conjuring up ways to improve your bathroom or powder room—but ensuring you have a functional exhaust fan will help ensure you don’t end up dealing with mold or odors down the road.
Best Overall
Broan-NuTone Single-Speed Ventilation Fan
Amazon
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$89
View On Wayfair
$113
View On Walmart
$114
Why You Should Get It
This option is energy efficient but offers a high enough cubic feet per minute (CFM) for most bathroom sizes.
Keep in Mind
It only has one speed, which can be inconvenient and unnecessarily loud.
The Broan-NuTone AE110 Invent Flex Single-Speed Ventilation Fan ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a top-quality bathroom exhaust fan that won’t necessarily break the bank but will still provide enough power and longevity to make it worth the effort of installation.
The Energy Star-certified exhaust fan moves air at a rate of 110 cubic feet per minute (CFM), which is enough to quickly and efficiently clear steam and unwanted odors from most bathrooms in the home. This fan might only have one single CFM speed (meaning it’s not adjustable), but it’ll work for most average-sized bathrooms.
It’s also an excellent option for installing over tubs or showers since it sucks up steam before it starts to circulate. It’s designed to reduce the risk of air leakage by up to 50% compared to similar brands and models, cutting down on uncomfortable cold backdrafts.
If you’re nervous to install the fan on your own, Broan-NuTone offers comprehensive installation guidelines in the box, and there are plenty of tutorial videos available on YouTube.
Product Details: CFM: 110 | Features: Powerful ventilation | Mounting Type: Ceiling
Best Budget
Broan-NuTone Ceiling and Wall Ventilation Fan
Amazon
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$21
View On Wayfair
$30
View On Walmart
$31
Why You Should Get It
This fan features a paintable matte white finish that allows you to change the color to blend in with your bathroom.
Keep in Mind
The slow (50 CFM) speed might not be adequate for larger bathrooms.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money in order for a long-lasting and reliable bathroom exhaust fan. The Broan-NuTone 688 Ventilation Fan offers the same brand recognition and customer service as more expensive models, but the no-frills design is much more budget-friendly.
Keep in mind that it’s much more bare-bones than many of the other best bathroom exhaust fans. It caps out at 50 CFM, which is a slower speed that might not be enough for larger rooms, and isn’t adjustable. But it should be enough power for a small or mid-sized bathroom.
We also really like that it comes in a decorative coil-like design with a matte white finish. It’s super subtle when installed in the ceiling or wall and doesn’t draw as much attention as some of the clunkier bathroom exhaust fans do.
The best part? The coil design is made using a paintable polymeric material that allows you to paint over the white and customize the colorway to best suit your existing decor.
CFM: 50 | Features: Decorative design, paintable | Mounting Type: Ceiling and wall
Best with Light
OREiN Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Amazon
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$130
Why You Should Get It
This exhaust fan includes a powerful LED light to illuminate your entire bathroom.
Keep in Mind
The installation process can be a little tricky and might require some patchwork.
If you’re working with limited ceiling space or you just want a simple solution to your dimly lit bathroom, a bathroom exhaust fan with a built-in light will be a smart option for your home project.
The Orein Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light costs about the same as an average bathroom exhaust fan, but it includes a built-in LED bulb that’s bright enough to use as your main light. This option is also dimmable with a compatible switch, allowing you to adjust the mood of your bathroom as needed.
Note that the light is designed to last for about five years before needing to be replaced and comes with a five-year warranty in case anything happens within its expected lifespan.
The ceiling-mounted exhaust fan offers a powerful 100 CFM blower that promises to clear any fog, moisture, and odors quickly and efficiently. It’s also designed to be whisper-quiet, which means you can leave it running while hopping into the bath without having to tune it out during your self-care time.
Product Details: CFM: 100 | Features: Light | Mounting Type: Ceiling
Best with Humidity Sensor
Delta Breez GreenBuilder GBR80H 80 CFM Exhaust Bath Fan with Humidity Sensor
Amazon
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$90
Why You Should Get It
The exhaust fan automatically turns on or off based on the humidity levels in the room, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting when you get in the shower.
Keep in Mind
The grilled design is a bit clunky compared to other options.
There’s nothing worse than hopping into the shower only to realize you’ve forgotten to turn on the exhaust fan; the foggy mist that descends comes fast and furious during a hot shower and can quickly damage your decor or cause odors, mold, or mildew if it’s not dealt with swiftly.
That’s why the best bathroom exhaust fan with a built-in humidity sensor, the Delta Breez GreenBuilder, might be worth the investment—especially if you tend to get a lot of humidity in your bathroom or basement.
It automatically switches on or off depending on the humidity level in your bathroom. It basically doubles as a dehumidifier while helping ensure you’re not faced with a moldy bathroom or powder room.
The heavy-hitting 80 CFM ensures your fan quickly and efficiently gets rid of any moisture in the air—even in a larger bathroom space. It’s also very quiet (less than 1 sone), which means your household won’t be disturbed if the fan turns on automatically at night.
CFM: 80 | Features: Humidity Sensor | Mounting Type: Ceiling
Best with Heater
Delta Breez Radiance Series Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Heater
Lowes
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$99
View On Walmart
$120
View On Lowe's
$109
Why You Should Get It
This fan includes a heater to ward off that post-shower chill.
Keep in Mind
Installation is difficult and may require access from above.
Think of the Delta BreezRadiance RAD80 80 CFM Exhaust Bath Fan as your very own luxury hotel amenity wrapped into one of the best bathroom exhaust fans. The relatively budget-friendly fan is a triple threat: aside from its moisture-busting abilities, it’s also a ceiling light and a heater. Say goodbye to post-shower chills.
The Delta BreezRadiance isn’t just packed with features, though—it’s also well-constructed and made to last thanks to the galvanized steel material and metal duct adapter that resists corrosion.
The DC brushless motor only runs at 80 CFM which might not be strong enough for larger bathrooms but should be more than adequate for mid-sized bathrooms and powder rooms. It’s also relatively quiet and runs at a noise rating of just 1.5 sones which means it won’t be irritating to you or your household while in use.
As far as downsides go, this exhaust fan is difficult to install from below, meaning you may need access from above to set it up properly.
Product Details: CFM: 80 | Features: Heater | Mounting Type: Ceiling
Best Bluetooth
OREiN OL005 Bathroom Fan with Bluetooth Speaker
Amazon
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$300
Why You Should Get It
Ideal for shower singers, this contender for the best bathroom exhaust fan has a color-changing LED light to set the mood.
Keep in Mind
Fancy features make it more expensive than the average bathroom exhaust fan.
We love the Orein OL005 Bathroom Fan with Bluetooth Speaker, but it’s definitely designed for a very specific bathroom vision. This is the best bathroom exhaust fan that goes above and beyond when it comes to bells and whistles.
Built-in Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair the fan with your iPhone or Android. This gives you the option to play music through the fan’s speaker or adjust the lighting from your smartphone.
It includes a fun color-changing LED light with seven different color options to choose from, all while ensuring that you don’t have odor or humidity buildup in your bathroom. Fast brackets make it easy to install—mount the fan between ceiling brackets and you’re good to go.
The fan boasts a powerful 110-160 CFM and runs at just 1 sones (the lower the sone, the quieter the fan), so you won’t have to worry about having your fan interrupt your playlist while in the bath or shower.
CFM: 110-160 | Features: Bluetooth, light | Mounting Type: Ceiling
Best Quiet
Panasonic WhisperValue Ventilation Fan
Amazon
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$95
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$162
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Why You Should Get It
This is the quietest bathroom exhaust fan on our list.
Keep in Mind
It’s more difficult to install if it’s a replacement for an existing fan.
Noisy bathroom exhaust fans can ruin the atmosphere of a bath or steamy shower. That’s why seeking out an extra-quiet bathroom exhaust fan might make the most sense for those who like to enjoy a lingering bathtime or who live in a smaller house or apartment with roommates or family members.
We particularly like the Panasonic FV-0510VS1 WhisperValue DC Bathroom Ventilation Fan because not only is it super quiet (it sits at just 0.3 scones on the lowest level), but it also can also be adjusted to run between 50 to 100 CFM, depending on how much power you need at a given time.
The flexibility means you can keep the fan running slowly and quietly for longer or you can up the power with the flip of a switch.
Keep in mind that even on the highest level, this bathroom exhaust fan caps out at 0.9 scones, which is still much quieter than the other fans on the list. Installation can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to using this fan as a replacement for an existing model, since you need attic access.
Product Details: CFM: 50–100 | Features: Speed selector | Mounting Type: Ceiling
Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
The bathroom tends to soak up a lot of moisture which can create unpleasant smells from damp bath towels, mold, and other issues. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there on the market for helpful exhaust fans to eliminate that extra moisture.
Next time you’re at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or browsing online, look for a few things when choosing an exhaust fan for your bathroom. You’ll want one that’s easy to set up, has great reviews, and ideally, looks good. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right bathroom exhaust fan for your household.
When you’re choosing the right bathroom fan, there are a few things to consider.
Bathroom size is a big one. The size of your bathroom determines what cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating—the fan’s air movement capacity—is needed. For example, a bathroom on the small or medium size might be good with a CFM in the 80s or 90s, where a much larger bathroom, you’d want to get a CFM over 100. The general rule for bathrooms under 100 ft.² is one CFM to every square foot. For bathrooms over 100 ft.², additional CFMs will be needed. (More on this later.)
If you don’t want your exhaust fan waking you up or causing an annoying rattling noise, keep an eye on the sound level, a.k.a. the sone level, which ranges from less than 0.3 to 6. When it comes to the sone rating, the higher the rating, the louder the fan is. The reviews are a great place to start for feedback about a particular product, and how noisy it is.
Think about what features are useful to you. Some exhaust fans come with an attached speaker or a heater, and those extra features can add value to an otherwise basic household item.
You’ll want to keep in mind any building codes that might prevent you from getting certain exhaust fans. According to Home Depot, “If your local building codes require an exhaust fan in bathrooms, then they also likely require that the fan vents air directly outside, rather than into other parts of your home.”
Just like you’ll want to look for safety certifications, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Edison Testing Laboratories (ETL), when shopping for the best electric fireplaces, make sure you pick an exhaust fan that is certified by the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI). An HVI-certified product has been third-party tested to ensure it meets industry standards.
If you’re looking for a good budget bathroom exhaust fan, the Broan-NuTone 671 Ventilation Fan is a fantastic choice at just $27.98. It’s ideal for a smaller bathroom with a 70 CFM, and blends in easily with the existing look of the bathroom.
The Broan-NuTone 671 Ventilation Fan is a great budget option for someone looking to spend less, but still enjoy a high-quality, useful exhaust fan.
Best budget bathroom exhaust fan
The Home Depot
$35.00
buy on amazon
If a quiet exhaust fan is important, go for the Panasonic FV-1115VQ1 WhisperCeiling. At under 1 sone, you can sleep soundly if your bathroom is near your bedroom. The ventilation is also excellent. With its Pick-A-Flow feature, you have the ability to select from three flow speeds ranging from 110 to 150 CFM, which is high enough to work in larger bathrooms.
If you’re looking for something quiet and high-quality, the Panasonic FV-1115VQ1 WhisperCeiling is one of the quietest options on the market.
Best quiet performance bathroom exhaust fan
The Home Depot
$235.99
amazon
$296.00
$194.75
If you have a larger bathroom, go for the KAZE APPLIANCE SEP120. It's extremely quiet and has a 120 CFM rating, so this could work in a bathroom that’s 120 ft.² or less. There’s also a three-year warranty if you run into any issues with the fan.
If you’re looking for a quiet, reliable fan that will cover your larger bathroom, the KAZE APPLIANCE SEP120 is a great option.
Best exhaust fan for large bathrooms
amazon
$134.50
When shopping for bathroom exhaust fans, if you need a fan for four-inch ducts, the VIVOSUN 4-Inch Inline Duct Fan 100 CFM is a solid choice. It's durable and covers 100 CFM with wide application options. It not only works for bathrooms, but other areas of the home, like the basements, attics, workshops, plant grow rooms, and kitchens.
The VIVOSUN 4-Inch Inline Duct Fan 100 CFM is the ideal option for four-inch ducts.
Best bathroom exhaust fan for 4-inch ducts
The Home Depot
$24.99
amazon
$32.99
$22.49
A bit similar to the four-inch, if you’re looking for something specific like a three-inch exhaust fan, the Hon&Guan high efficiency inline is the pick. The exhaust fan is quiet, but works at a high speed. It’s easy to install and to keep clean, and is ideal for smaller bathrooms or utility rooms at a 76 CFM.
If you’re looking for something easy to install for a three-inch duct that’s quiet and reliable, the Hon&Guan 3-Inch Duct Fan is ideal.
Best bathroom exhaust fan for three-inch ducts
amazon
$59.99
$44.99
When you’re choosing the best bathroom exhaust fan, you’ll notice some come with extra features. If you’re looking for an exhaust fan with a heater, go with the Broan-NuTone PowerHeat 80 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan. It has a 1300 W heater, a fan, and a dimmable light.
For a powerful heater and a built-in light, go with the Broan-NuTone PowerHeat Bathroom Exhaust Fan.
Best bathroom exhaust fan with heater
The Home Depot
$169.00
amazon
$180.00
$157.94
The Broan-NuTone SPK110 Bluetooth Speaker Ventilation Fan has a built-in Bluetooth speaker, a quiet motor, and works in larger bathrooms up to 105 ft.² with a 110 CFM. The built-in wireless stereo lets you listen to music while showering or getting ready.
If you’re looking to turn a boring household purchase of a bathroom exhaust fan into something fun, the Broan-NuTone SPK110 Bluetooth Speaker Ventilation Fan is the move.
Best bluetooth bathroom exhaust fan
amazon
$169.00
$160.20
If you’re looking for some nice lighting in your bathroom, go with the Homewerks 7141-110-G4 Bathroom Fan. At 110 CFM, it’s built to suck out the humidity and moisture from a room that’s 110 ft.² or less. It also features a quiet motor and built-in lighting.
For a bathroom exhaust fan that also incorporates nice lighting, the Homewerks 7141-110-G4 Bathroom Fan Integrated LED Light is a good choice.
Best bathroom exhaust fan with light
buy on Amazon
This fan has 160 CFM speed and is extremely quiet when operating. There’s also a bright LED light with a toggle to dim when needed. The built-in humidity sensor kicks on when the humidity reaches 60%, which can keep your bathroom free of potentially harmful moisture.
For a product with a humidity sensor, the OREiN OL003 Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light is great.
Best bathroom exhaust fan with humidity sensor
amazon
$199.99
For a quiet, high-quality fan that also looks a little fancy, go with the Hunter Garden District Decorative Rubbed Bronze Bathroom Exhaust Fan. It’s a wonderful choice for something that not only looks nice, but is quiet and reduces potentially harmful humidity and moisture in your bathroom (after all, your best bath towels deserve to be mildew- or mold-free).
If you’re looking for more than just a bathroom exhaust fan, and a product that actually looks nice with a more decorative design, go with the Hunter Garden District Decorative Rubbed Bronze Bathroom Exhaust Fan.
Best decorative bathroom exhaust fan
buy on Home depot
amazon
$141.99
The Broan-Nutone QT9093WH Heater, Fan, and Light Combo has a nice look that fits with most decor and with 110 CFM, it’s ideal for bathrooms up to 100 square feet. The 100 W light with the powerful 1500 W heater adds a lot to this bathroom exhaust fan.
The Broan-Nutone QT9093WH comes with a built-in heater and lighting to give your exhaust fan some useful extra features.
Best bathroom exhaust fan with light and heat
amazon
$478.50
$351.42
“Sizing” a bathroom exhaust fan has to do with the CFM rating. For regular-sized bathrooms, it’s generally one CFM to every square foot. So if you have a bathroom that’s 100 ft.², then a CFM rating of 100 or more would work. For large bathrooms over 100 ft.², you’ll need an extra 50 CFM for each of the following fixtures: bathtub, shower, and toilet. If you have a jacuzzi tub, add another 100 CFM.
Bathroom exhaust fans run a motor that works to pull out moisture and humidity through the fan and into the duct. Ideally, if the exhaust fan is installed correctly, the air is pushed outside of the house.
After researching personal reviews, ratings, and features to look for, I compiled a list of the best bathroom exhaust fans for each category. Two important areas that I focused on were sone levels and CFM—since no one wants a bathroom exhaust fan that sounds like a plane getting ready for takeoff, and since bathroom sizes vary, CFM is a crucial data point for knowing if an exhaust fan will be effective.
Many bathroom exhaust fans claim to be easy to install but ideally an electrician would do it. It's always better to call a licensed electrician to make sure that everything is properly put together, or if you need any repairs done.
For bathrooms 100 ft.² or smaller, the proper CFM for your bathroom depends on the square footage of the room. You’ll want to choose a fan that can ventilate at least 1 CFM for every square foot of the room, according to Home Depot. For bathrooms larger than 100 ft.², additional fans will be needed depending on what fixtures are in the bathroom.
Most bathroom exhaust fans have a 10-year lifespan, but sometimes you’ll notice changes in your bathroom, such as moisture on the walls, steam not clearing as quickly, or even potentially dangerous dots of mold, which are indicators that it needs to be replaced.
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