Top Rated Bathroom Exhaust Fans With Light Options For Optimum Ventilation
Updated: Mar. 23, 2024
Keep air circulating, humidity down and mold at bay with these bathroom fans.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Exhaust fans are critical in rooms with small or no windows at all.( Learn more about bathroom exhaust fans.) Ironically, these window-challenged rooms, like laundry rooms and bathrooms, are most often the ones that have excessive amounts of moisture. The best bathroom fan will suck moist, humid air out of a room and exchange it with fresh, dry air from the outside.
A well-made bathroom fan will not only refresh stale air but will prevent condensation, eliminate odors and stop mold from forming. “I highly recommend automated exhaust fans in all bathrooms,” says Gregg Cantor, the President and CEO of home building company Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel. “The cost of a quality fan is a small price to pay considering how important it is to ventilate bathrooms properly so that mold and fungus do not grow,” confirms Cantor. Here are our picks for the best bathroom fans to dry your damp lavatory.
via merchant
Best Bathroom Fan with Ultraviolet Light
Broan NuTone SurfaceShield Bathroom Fan
Indoor air quality is more important than ever, which is why we chose the Broan-NuTone SurfaceShield as one of our top performers. It uses patented antimicrobial violet light-emitting diode (LED) light technology and powerful ventilation to protect against bacteria, mold, mildew and fungal growth. DIYers will especially appreciate the Ezduct connector for easy room-side installation—no attic access is required.
Pros
- Two lighting modes
- TrueSeal damper reduces air leakage
- Comes with SnapFit Flange Kit
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Faceplate can come loose
via merchant
Most Decorative Bathroom Fan
Hunter Halcyon Bathroom Fan
Cast in contemporary chrome with a swirled marble glass cover, the Hunter Halcyon Bathroom Fan is designed to look good while removing excess moisture from your bathroom. Aesthetically, the fan mounts flush to the ceiling to maintain a sleek profile. On the practical side, the Halcyon boasts an airflow of 90 CFM and can be installed so that the fan and light work together or independently.
Pros
- Stylish appearance
- Light is included
- Built-in damper
- Heat- and water-resistant
Cons
- Not fitting for large bathrooms
via merchant
Best Overall Bathroom Fan
Panasonic WhisperChoice
Of all the fans on this list, the Panasonic WhisperChoice is best suited for large bathrooms. Besides removing unhealthy air at a rate that exceeds industry standards, the versatile ceiling fan provides the proper airflow based on the size of the bathroom or the amount of moisture.
Toggle between 130 cubic feet per minute (just what you need for standard-sized bathrooms) and the more powerful 150 CFM (ideal for large and en suite bathrooms). It’s also UL Listed, so it can safely be placed above a shower enclosure. Plus, it comes with a Flex-Z Fast bracket for fast installation.
Pros
- Made of durable galvanized steel
- Can handle larger bathrooms
- Low-profile housing
- 6-year motor warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t have a built-in heater
via merchant
Most Quiet Bathroom Fan
Panasonic WhisperCeiling Bathroom Fan
A noisy fan can discourage people from using it, rendering it ineffective. That won’t be a reality with the Panasonic WhisperCeiling bathroom fan. Noiseless and powerful, its SmartFlow technology senses static pressure and adjusts the speed accordingly for optimal output. Additionally, the fan has a Flex-Z Fast bracket and a 4- or 6-inch duct adapter for simple installation.
Pros
- Noiseless
- Airflow selector has low, medium and high speeds
- Energy Star certified
- Compliant with most building codes and standards
Cons
- Doesn’t have a light
via merchant
Best Bathroom Fan with Heater
Delta Electronics BreezRadiance Fan with Heater
Wouldn’t it be nice to get out of the tub or shower in a warm, toasty environment? With the BreezRadiance bathroom fan, you can. The best bathroom fan for chilly and under-insulated bathrooms, the BreezRadiance comes with a built-in thermostat to regulate temperature. And the heating element does more than add comfort. Keeping your bathroom warm also inhibits vapors from condensing on floors, walls, ceilings and furniture.
Pros
- Heating element with built-in thermostat
- Energy-efficient
- Galvanized steel construction
- DC brushless motor for longevity
Cons
- Air heats in one direction only
via merchant
Best Budget Bathroom Fan
Broan-NuTone Ceiling and Wall Ventilation Fan
Plug-in ready, the Broan-NuTone Ceiling and Wall Ventilation Fan is a steal at less than $25. Fitting for half baths and small powder rooms, the compact fan with torsion-spring grille mounting installs easily between ceiling joists and wall studs without tools.
Moreover, the galvanized steel housing stands up to corrosion, and the polymeric damper prevents cold backdrafts. This best bathroom fan pick is UL Listed, so it’s approved for use directly in tub or shower enclosures.
Pros
- Less than $25
- Doesn’t require professional installation
- Made in the USA
- Can continuously run to constantly remove contaminants
Cons
- Not ideal for large bathrooms
via merchant
Best Bathroom Fan with Humidity Detector
Delta Electronics BreezGreenBuilder Exhaust Fan
Another standout from Delta Electronics, the dual-speed BreezGreenBuilder Exhaust Fan has a sensor that automatically kicks on the fan when the humidity level reaches a certain threshold. Available in either 80 or 100 CFM (and with or without an LED light), the fan is engineered with a direct-current brushless motor to ensure optimal reliability.
Pros
- On-board humidity sensor
- Impeller stops if obstructed for safety
- Hanger bars included
- Remote-controlled
Cons
- Intended for new construction only
via merchant
Best Smart Bathroom Fan
Broan-NuTone Sensonic Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Equipped with dual, high-fidelity Sensonic speakers with Bluetooth functionality, the Broan-NuTone Sensonic lets you play your favorite tunes, listen to the news or catch up on your daily podcasts while bathing or getting ready for the day. The best bathroom fan for music lovers pairs with Bluetooth-enabled devices in seconds, leaving electrical outlets free for your getting-ready necessities.
Pros
- Connects to Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Quiet ventilation
- Covers rooms up to 105 square feet
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Ceiling mount only
Types of Bathroom Fans
There are three different types of bathroom fans to choose from:
- Ceiling-mounted: The optimal position to draw moisture from the bathroom (since warm, moist air rises) is venting through the roof. However, if a problem arises that requires fixing, accessing ceiling-mounted bathroom fans can be more challenging.
- Wall-mounted: Since these fans may be mounted and vented through an exterior wall, there’s often no need for ducting. They tend to be easier to repair, but back drafting can be an issue.
- Inline: This type of bathroom fan can be installed within the home’s existing ductwork (often in the attic). The advantage to an inline fan is that it can exhaust more than one area of the house at the same time. The downside? They’re more complicated to install.
What to Look for When Buying a Bathroom Fan
- Airflow: Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is a measure of the fan’s airflow capacity. “Choose a fan model based on room size and the recommended air changes per hour (ACH), which determines the CFM,” explains Cantor. To do this, take your area (length x width) x height x ACH/60—or use a CFM calculator. “For most bathrooms, the recommended air exchanges per hour (ACH) is 8,” he says.
- Noise level: The noise level of the fan is measured in sones. Lower sone ratings indicate quieter operation. Consider a fan with a lower sone rating if noise is a concern, especially if the bathroom is located near bedrooms.
- Duct size and length: Ensure that the fan’s duct size matches your existing ductwork. Also, consider the length and layout of the ductwork to maintain optimal performance. Shorter, straighter ducts generally provide better airflow.
- Humidity sensing: Some fans come with built-in humidity sensors that automatically activate the fan when moisture levels rise. “In California, fans must have a built-in humidistat to automatically activate ventilation when moisture levels are above normal,” says Cantor.
- Energy efficiency: Look for an Energy Star-certified fan, as these models are designed to be more energy-efficient, saving you money on electricity bills.
- Lighting and heating options: Some bathroom fans come with integrated lighting or heating elements, notes Cantor. If you need additional features, consider a fan that combines these functions for added convenience.
- Building codes and regulations: Check local regulations to ensure compliance with ventilation requirements. Some areas may have specific guidelines for bathroom fans. “In most municipalities, fans are required in the building codes even if there is a window for ventilation,” notes Cantor.
- Installation: Consider the ease of installation, especially if you plan to install the fan yourself. Some models come with user-friendly installation features.
How We Found the Best Bathroom Fans
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What are bathroom fans for?
The best bathroom fans get rid of excess moisture, odors and pollutants. “Bathroom fans are always recommended to mitigate odors and move air to reduce moisture that can cause mold growth,” says Cantor. They also remove vapor that fogs up mirrors and shower doors. In addition to providing proper ventilation in the bathroom, you’ll breathe easier and be much more comfortable.
How do bathroom fans work?
Simply put, a bathroom fan sucks the air out of a room, sending it outside through ductwork. For optimal performance, ensure your chosen bathroom fan is powerful enough for the space and properly installed.
Can bathroom fans run continuously?
Although continuously running the fan can remove excess humidity and contaminants in the air, it could cause the motor to wear out, and increase fire risk from dust and lint collecting in the grate. Clean exhaust fans of debris periodically.
Originally Published: September 24, 2021
