We're in the season when a good cooling fan is very much needed. Whether you're struggling with night sweats and hot flushes or just looking for a way to make your inside space feel breezy and cool, you're in good hands.
At woman&home, you won't be surprised to know we've had our fair share of fan chat. From handheld fans to save you from hot flushes in the office, to sleek fans that we can have around our pets and children, to elegant fans that help our beauty team when they're testing makeup. However you plan to use yours, rest assured, we've got the fan tricks and hacks as well as the honest reviews that will help you find your perfect fit.
From big name brands, such as Dyson and Shark through to Levoit and Meaco, there are tower fans, hot and cool fans, as well as misting and air purifying fans too. And then, when you ned help with how to clean your fan, we've got you covered there too.
The Quick List
If you want to breeze through the headlines of our favourite cooling fans for helping you sleep in the heat, here's a quick summary of why these are the six fans that our team recommends. If there's one that you like the look of, I recommend clicking on 'read more below' where you'll get detailed information about our experience with the fans.
Best overall
A real all-rounder, this covers all bases. It's powerful, smooth, and quiet, with an 'organic' feeling breeze mode integrated too. We couldn't give it anything except top marks.
Best all year round
This isn't just an expert at keeping you cool, this purifies your air and can warm up a room come winter. It's expensive, but an investment that's surprisingly easy to justify.
Best misting fan
This can be completely cordless, taken outside, and positioned however you like it. The biggest win is the misting function, which dramatically cools you down and fast.
Best for sleep
Compact, elegant, and really efficient, this is not an impulse buy. It's an investment in keeping your room cooler. And, with its almost silent function, is perfect for the bedroom.
Best budget
This is incredible value, speedy, and silent. It's up there with Dyson and Shark for speed, just is a little tricky to store when you don't need to be kept cool.
Best handheld
This is an everyday essential if you struggle with hot flushes. It's sold on Amazon so you can enjoy next day delivery and the cooling capacity is even speedier.
The best cooling fans 2025, tested by our team of experts
Best cooling fan overall
When you live in a house where the pets outnumber the humans (two cats and one dog, thank you), you quickly learn that some fans just push fur around like a tumbleweed scene from a Western. Not the Shark TurboBlade. This fan actually helps with the fluffocalypse; it circulates air without blowing the contents of the pet bed across the room. Your vacuum will be very grateful.
Tamara, our Head of Lifestyle and proud owner of a beautiful whippet, fell in love with this fan almost instantly. She gushed over how quiet it is. So much so, she had to check twice to make sure it was on. Even in “boost” mode, it hums softly like a spa soundtrack, perfect for sneaky afternoon naps or pretending you're focused during a Zoom meeting. And with fully adjustable tilt and a smooth, sweeping oscillation, you can direct the breeze exactly where I want it. It’s like the fan equivalent of someone brushing your hair just the way you like it.
There are lots of features to love: you can choose for the fan to blow air in a wide line or a slim, direct stream, but the best bit is the organic, breeze function. This cleverly adjusts the strength and evenness of the air flow to mimic having the windows open and your curtains blowing in the breeze. Clever stuff.
I’ll admit that it’s not the cheapest fan on the block. But with the sleek remote control (no more hopping off the couch mid-movie), whisper-quiet performance, and pet-hair-friendly airflow, it feels more like a lifestyle upgrade than a summer splurge. Would I recommend it to a friend? Let's just say our other fans are officially on probation.
You can find out more in Tamara's full review.
Best heating and cooling fan
I like my appliances like I like my wardrobe: versatile, stylish, and quietly doing the most. The Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde fits right in. It keeps me toasty in winter, breezy in summer, and filters out all the invisible nasties in the air year-round, including formaldehyde, which I didn’t even know I was breathing in until Dyson politely informed me. It's a real multitasker that boasts both brains and beauty. And that's exactly how I found myself shelling out £600 and feeling like I was getting value for money.
It doesn’t just look good (although with that sculptural loop and sleek finish, it absolutely does), it feels good to use too. The air purification runs quietly in the background, cleaning the air as it cools the room without sounding like a wind tunnel. Even at full blast, it barely makes a whisper, ideal for working, sleeping, or binge-watching shows where dramatic silences matter. In the heat waves we've been having, this has been runninh near-constantly in my home and I feel that I haven't ever wished for any noise to stop or for it to move. It's made it a breeze to sleep in the heat. The addition to my furniture has been welcomed with open arms by my all members of the family.
Now, let’s talk price. It’s definitely a “treat yourself” moment, but when one device replaces a heater, fan, and purifier (and looks like a piece of modern art while doing it), it’s easier to justify. Honestly, it’s the only thing in my living room that’s pulling its weight in all four seasons.
You can find out more in my full review.
Best misting fan
The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is the fan everyone has been talking about. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this has stolen the show in very serious woman&home meetings. If you can get your hands on one (good luck), you'll be the envy of just about everyone.
Kate, our Senior Manager eCommerce Analytics, did get one for her home in the US and has nothing but good things to say about it. She emphasises how special the misting function is explaining "a light layer of mist takes the edge off a sticky heatwave in seconds, especially when I’m melting on the patio with a book in one hand and an iced coffee in the other. It's like having a tiny personal cloud that actually likes me." And the water doesn't go overboard. You won't suddenly find your surfaces soaked, it's far too clever for that.
I really love that it can run on battery or plugged in. This can play the portable for park picnics, but is still ready to go full power when lounging at home. It’s super lightweight too, which means you can move it from garden to kitchen to bedroom without pulling a muscle or needing assistance. The design is simple, unfussy, and totally gets the job done: no complicated buttons or clunky bits.
Honestly, for the price, it’s a bit of a steal. The only catch is that it’s always going out of stock. I had to stalk the website like it was Glastonbury tickets. But if you manage to grab one, you’ll never go back to a regular fan again, especially when the heat is on and your makeup is threatening to slide off your face.
You can find out more in our full review.
Best fan for sleep
If cooling fans sit on a spectrum of 'impulse' to 'investment', this is certainly on the side where you want to think about the money you're spending. Having had one in my home for a month, I can promise that the Dyson CF1 Cool Fan is the kind of appliance that quietly earns its place on your bedside table. And I mean quietly. I had it running on a hot, still night and genuinely had to check if it was on. It delivers that gentle, steady breeze you didn’t know you needed, without sounding like a hairdryer in a wind tunnel.
Don’t let the compact size fool you. It packs a surprisingly powerful punch. It cooled down my room faster than I expected, all while looking like something from a Scandinavian design catalogue. Sleek, subtle, and just the right level of futuristic, it fits in whether your vibe is minimalist, modern, or “I bought everything off Pinterest.”
It’s not exactly a casual add-to-basket kind of buy, though. The price tag puts it firmly in the ‘considered purchase’ category, but that’s how I think of it: an investment in comfort, sleep, and style. If you’re going to splurge, it may as well be on something that works beautifully and doesn’t scream for attention while doing it.
You can find out more in my full review.
Best budget fan
The Levoit Classic Tower Fan is an underdog, but in the best way. Shark and Dyson get a lot of press for their fans, but Levoit is right up there. When Georgia, our expert tester, took this to her room to test it for night sweats, it sealed the deal and secured a spot on this guide.
The big appeal of Levoit's tower fan is its simplicity. This does enough work to serve as a suitable alternative to air conditioning, but the Levoit is really straightforward to use. The five fan speeds cover all you'd need and they work quickly too.
One of Georgia's favourite features is that it adjusts its own speed depending on the temperature. So when the sun starts beaming through the office window mid-afternoon, it kindly picks up the pace without me lifting a finger. Assembly took all of five minutes (and no screwdriver-induced rage), which is always a plus when you're not exactly DIY-inclined.
That said, it’s a bit of a unit: tall, sleek, and not something you’ll be sliding under the bed when summer ends. But honestly, with how well it works and how quietly it does its job, you wouldn't want to put it away. It’s like having your own personal breeze concierge on standby.
You can find out more in our full review.
Best handheld fan
If you're looking for a small, hands-free fan that makes a big difference on stuffy public transport, Kerrie says this clip-on model has been a "game-changer" for her daily commute. “Travelling to London regularly, I often find myself on a packed train, with nowhere to sit and feeling like I'm stuck in an oven for 90 minutes,” she explains. “And this budget device works wonders for keeping me cool.”
The fan easily clips onto clothes, keeping your hands free while offering a steady breeze. “It's not the most discreet of items,” Kerrie admits, “but it's lightweight and only has the slightest pull on my clothes if I place it at my neckline. On the waistband of any bottoms, it securely fixes without pulling.” Despite its compact size, it often draws attention: “I regularly get asked by overheating passengers on the train where it is from.”
There are three speed settings to choose from. Kerrie found the middle and highest options most effective. “It does get louder with every power increase, but only marginally,” she notes. Battery life is around six hours on the mid setting, and it recharges in just 90 minutes via USB-C. “I really like that this is compatible with my iPhone charger,” she adds, “as it means I don't need extra charging stations or more wires around the house.”
You can read more (and shop alternatives) in our buying guide for the best handheld fans.
How we test cooling fans
We don’t just plug a fan in and hope for the best. We live with them. Each cooling fan on our list has been tested in real homes, during real heat (and yes, a few hot flushes too). We look at how powerful the airflow is, how noisy it gets on each setting, and how easy it is to use day to day, because no one wants to wrestle with a clunky remote or a confusing control panel when they’re already too warm.
We also pay attention to the little things, like how simple it is to assemble, whether it’s light enough to move between rooms, and how discreet it looks in your space. If a fan claims to be “whisper-quiet,” we put that to the test during sleep and TV time. And if it’s portable, we’ll take it on the train, to the garden, or around the house to see how it really performs on the go.
We also factor in price and features, because value matters. Whether it’s a sleek investment fan with smart tech or a budget-friendly clip-on that fits in your handbag, we test everything with comfort and practicality in mind, especially for women navigating hot summers, hormonal changes, or just trying to get a good night’s sleep.
How to choose the right cooling fan for you
Choosing the right cooling fan isn’t just about beating the heat, it’s about finding the one that fits your life. Are you after a quiet breeze to help you sleep through those stuffy summer nights? Or something powerful enough to cool the whole family room while you’re cooking dinner and dodging hot flashes? Think about where you’ll use it most, how much space you have, and whether noise is a dealbreaker (spoiler: it usually is).
If you want something sleek and stylish for the bedroom, go for a tower fan: they look good, take up hardly any floor space, and often come with timers or remote controls (ideal when you don’t want to leave the bed). For portability, handheld or clip-on fans are brilliant, especially if you’re commuting or travelling. And if you’ve got allergies or pets, consider a fan that also purifies the air. Your sinuses will thank you.
It's also worth thinking about your budget and the extras that you want. Pricier models tend to be quieter, more powerful, and packed with clever features like app controls or automatic temperature adjustment. But there are some fantastic affordable options that get the job done without fuss. The key is choosing one that keeps you cool and fits effortlessly into your routine.
FAQs
What type of fan is best for managing hot flushes or night sweats?
A bladeless or tower fan with a quiet, continuous airflow is ideal, especially for bedrooms. Models with sleep modes or automatic temperature adjustments can help keep you cool without interrupting rest. Look for remote control or smart features so you don’t have to get up to adjust settings during the night.
Are there quiet fans powerful enough for large rooms?
Yes, many modern tower and pedestal fans are designed to be whisper-quiet while still circulating air effectively in larger spaces. Brands like Dyson and Levoit offer models with multiple speed settings and wide oscillation to cool evenly. Investing in a fan with strong airflow doesn’t mean sacrificing peace and quiet.
Which fan features are worth paying more for?
Auto temperature sensing, remote control, and air purification are all useful for long-term comfort, especially during menopause or allergy season. If you use a fan regularly, quieter operation and energy efficiency also become key. While these features come at a higher price, they’re often worth it for better sleep and ease of use.
Are portable fans effective for commuting or travel?
Clip-on or handheld fans can be surprisingly powerful and discreet for on-the-go cooling. They’re especially helpful in crowded trains, stuffy offices, or when navigating summer days in the city. Look for USB-C charging and at least two speed settings for flexibility.
How much does it cost to run an electric fan?
The answer largely depends on the model that you choose. We've dived deep into the details of how much it costs to run an electric fan. If you're savvy, it shouldn't be too eye-watering.
