We researched dozens of the best table fans on the market before purchasing ten popular models for in-house testing. Our side-by-side analysis looks at important features like power, perceived noise, sturdiness, and of course, measuring each table fan for size. We recognize that there are a lot of products on the market and that many look the same. Our round-up of the best table fans is designed to make your selection process a bit more breezy so that you can easily see which of these fans blew the competition away.
Designed on a solid base, the Honeywell HT-904 has a hemisphere casing that houses the fan and motor on a U-shaped harness. The airflow produced by the motor has three settings that push out a range of 4.3 to 6.4 mph wind, all on a head that will tilt vertically up to 90º. You can incrementally adjust the speed to suit your preference. Changing the settings is simple, and it can work well on most desktops due to the cord's 6-foot length. This model can also be wall-mounted.
Though the Honeywell HT-904 offers solid airflow, it lacks an oscillate setting. And, with a noise level of 51 dBa on high, it makes more of a racket than most others in our review. For desktop use, the head's pivot is a decent range, but if you plan on using it mounted on the wall, it is hard to reverse the airflow because you have to un-mount it, flip it 180º, and re-mount it. Regardless, considering the small stature of this model, the airflow is impressive, and the noise it produces is pretty quiet in comparison to table fans with the same power.
Product Update — January 2023
Woozoo released an updated model of this fan since our testing. This new version has slightly larger dimensions and Woozoo states it can cover more area than the model we tested. We've yet to test the updated version, but our affiliate links are now pointing to the newest model, which is pictured above.
For such a compact model, the Woozoo Non-Oscillating has a high mode that moves a large amount of wind — up to 8mph at three feet. Considering the amount of force this fan puts out, it is impressive how quiet it is when set on low; the noise didn't even register on our sound meter at three feet. This table fan sports a broad base and feels well-balanced.
A downside of the Woozoo is that it cannot oscillate, and its vertical pivot is somewhat limited to roughly 100º. Additionally, the base lacks a wall mount or clip option. That said, the 6-foot cord, simple dial, and easy to clean head make this an excellent option for creating a personalized airflow at a workspace. Those that are on the hunt for an oscillating fan might want to check out a similar model with that option from the same brand.
The Genesis 6-inch Clip is compact, lightweight, and quiet across all settings. The clip mode is great for a headboard or the side of the desk. It's a good choice for tight spaces with its relatively low airflow — 1.7mph on low, 3 on high. Additionally, the rubber feet on the clip are grippy and insulating, so the fan won't take itself for a walk or vibrate your keyboard off the desk. This fan is also simple to clean; just remove the screen with the turn of a screw and get to work.
While we like the clip configuration on this unit, we found the tabletop stand option slightly flimsy and relatively easy to knock off balance. This issue is exacerbated by the 5-foot-long cord that can pull at the unit. The head pivot is also limited to 130º due to the clip configuration. However, oscillation and pivot are possible when using the stand, and we think this model is a great inexpensive option.
Keeping cool with the fan in its traditional stand configuration.
This 360º pivoting Vornado PivotC clip fan is a preferred deskspace air stimulator. This model gives off a pleasant breeze while going virtually unnoticed due to its extremely compact size and moderate noise output. Moreover, the clip is small but effective and won't eat up precious desk space, and the long cord provides more options for placement.
The caveat to this personal space fan is that the clip is neither deep nor wide, so this fan won't work on thick or beveled surfaces. Additionally, this model does not oscillate, and the airflow coming off the fan is only noticeable within 10 feet. That said, this unit is inexpensive and effective when it's within close proximity to you.
The Honeywell HT-908 Turbo Force can move some air. We recorded a steady breeze of 10 mph at 3 feet when on its highest setting. Don't mistake this model for a personal air agitator — its powerful motor rendered a significant air movement at 20 feet. The HT-908 is a proper fan designed to circulate air in small to medium-sized spaces.
Although the Honeywell HT-908 punches above its weight in the airflow department, it makes a lot of noise while doing so. Also, the unit does not swivel, and its pivot motion is limited between 0º and 90º. As an added limitation, it can be annoying to clean due to the five screws securing the fan cage. The machine offers three settings and a 6-foot power cord, so you likely won't have an issue finding a comfortable setting and location for this fan.
Powerful in comparison to its peers, but it's bigger, too.
What makes the Treva 10-Inch Desktop Battery Fan stand out in the class of table fans is its slender profile and ability to run on 6 D-cell batteries if needed. Both features make it a go-to for those desiring a table fan for travel. The machine also produces a high wind speed of 4.5 mph at 3 feet, which is gentle but still detectable at 20 feet.
This fan's flat design makes it easy to pack. Unfortunately, this same feature limits it from oscillating and pivoting. Also, while the unit is compact, if it's loaded up with batteries, that adds about 2.5 pounds to its weight. Despite these limitations, you can't do better than this portable desktop air circulator if you need a fan for your on-the-go lifestyle.
Compact, but the base is narrow and less stable than others in the class.
The Comfort Zone Oscillating 3 Speed is the big kid in the class, assuming a more mature look. The traditional design enables the fan to both pivot and oscillate. The unit has three speeds, and the airflow produced is above average and can be felt across a moderate-sized room. Moreover, the rubber feet under the base provide ample grip on smooth and firm surfaces.
On the other hand, some assembly is required with this unit, and the final construction feels kind of flimsy. As an additional critique, we found the black-on-black labeling of the speed setting buttons hard to read. Despite these shortcomings, we think that the ease of taking apart the screen and blade for periodic cleaning more than compensated for the drawbacks.
This big boy is nice for open spaces but a little too big for the average desk.
The Vornado Flippi V6 is a pint-size desktop fan that is best suited to circulating air in a personal space. The footprint of this little tyke is among the smallest in the class, and the purr of the rotor and motor is soft enough to go unnoticed. Additionally, the 6.5-foot cord will accommodate most outlet locations without the need for an extension cord, and the ~130º pivoting head provides sufficient airflow options.
Unfortunately, the Vornado Flippi V6 does not oscillate, perhaps because the unit is too light to remain stable with side-to-side movement. To prevent a tip-over, we had to use two hands when turning the control dial. This fan's small size also makes cleaning difficult — enough so that the user manual recommends using a vacuum with the brush attachment. Still, the fan is great for tight spaces, and it folds up when unneeded, adding to its minimalist appeal.
The Holmes Lil' Blizzard isn't just a clever name; this machine can really push air. This oscillating fan has three settings, of which the highest can produce noticeable airflow up to 20 feet away. The fan is also easy to clean — simply turn a screw, and the cover releases to expose the rotor. Easy breezy.
On the downside, this fan's lowest setting is pretty high compared to other models in the class. A slight rattling noise is produced while in operation. The flimsy plastics used for its construction also cause us to worry about its long-term durability. That said, it is powerful for its size and competitively priced.
Never miss a setting with this big three-speed control knob. The oscillation toggle is on top.
A wise man once said, looks aren't everything, but they ain't nothin' either. The Vornado VFAN proves this point because it maintained its visual appeal despite its lackluster performance in our testing. The metal head and domed motor cover present a circa 1960s vibe that ensures this unit will look good on a bookshelf or wooden desk for years to come.
Unfortunately, in terms of performance and maintenance, the Vornado VFAN has several marks against it. It is noisy in comparison to its competitors. It does not oscillate, and it will only produce perceptible air movement within 15 feet. Additionally, the signature "V" head design does not come apart easily, making the interior hard to clean. Yet, the fan can pivot up to 180º and maintains a sleek look.
A classic look in miniature.
Credit: Laura Casner
Why You Should Trust Us
Using our test team's background and experimental knowledge, we began by defining the perfect table fan. We then broke up the aspects of this imagined product into multiple avenues of investigation. Namely, these were power, noise, size, and stability. The ideal tabletop fan would be a small, quiet, sturdy machine that can produce a wide range of revolutions per minute. Simply put, we want the air to move, but we don't want to notice what's moving it.
Senior research analyst Austin Palmer has been testing electronics, and home appliances specifically, for several years. His previous employment operating oil derricks produced a callused-hands perspective on product testing. Supplementing this approach is Senior Review Editor Nick Miley, who has earned his daily bread as a custom finish carpenter, shipwright, and wind turbine technician. His understanding of rotating machines — be they hand tools, boat props, or turbines — was paramount for evaluating table fans.
Our research revealed that having a cordless option is nice but expensive and heavy.
The Honeywell HT-904 is a solid tabletop option that fits smaller spaces and budgets.
Anemometer and a tape measure proved accurate information about a fan's windspeed output.
Analysis and Test Results
To test the quality of these machines, we ran several tests assessing their power, perceived noise, dimensions, and sturdiness. The details of this analysis and the products that performed the best in each are discussed below.
Power
For our purposes, power is simply how much air a fan can move on its highest setting. There is no doubt that the Honeywell HT-908 blew the competition away with the 10-mph gale it kicked out. Following this performance was the Woozoo and the Holmes Lil' Blizzard with blustery 8 and 7.5 mph airflows, respectively.
Wind speed at three feet is the primary way we assessed a fan's power. Here the anemometer takes a reading.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Some folks might not be looking for a stiff breeze across their desk, in which case the Vornado models offer a softer touch with a top speed near 2 mph. Alternatively, if airflow at a distance is what you require, consider the Honeywell HT-908 or HT-904, the Comfort Zone, or the Woozoo. All these models generate noticeable air movement at 20 feet.
One tester getting blown away by this powerful fan.
Credit: Austin Palmer
To standardize this evaluation, we used an anemometer (i.e., a wind speed meter) at 3 feet in a direct line from the fan. This distance was selected because it's the minimal range needed to cover a typical table with air movement. To give the experiment a more real-world feel, we also turned our cheek to the machine at 20 feet to see if we could detect any air movement. If we did not, we moved closer to the fan until we felt a breeze.
Perceived Noise
Similar to the power tests, our noise analysis evaluated the sound (measured in decibels) put out by each machine at three feet. The Genesis, Vornado Flippi V6, and Treva were the quietest of the bunch, issuing little more than a whisper from the blades and motor. However, the noise emanating from the Treva was higher pitched and thus more noticeable despite the low reading on our sound level meter.
Decibels (dBa) at three feet away is one way we measured perceived noise. The pitch was another.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Generally speaking, there is a strong correlation between the noise level produced by the fan and the amount of air it can move. However, because more powerful fans are necessarily set further away from the user, they may be perceived as quieter. The opposite is true for quieter fans. As we discuss below, the quietest and least powerful are almost always the smallest fans.
In general, smaller equals quieter. This pivot head machine just whispers.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Size
Fan size matters when they're taking up precious desk or tabletop real estate to supply airflow. The manufacturers address this issue with a few different designs. Perhaps the most effective at minimizing the footprint are the clip and clamp models like the Vornado PivotC and the Genesis. However, some tables can't accommodate a clamp because they're too deep, or the edge is beveled. In that case, the Vornado Flippi V6 and the Treva are the best bets.
Regardless of the table size you have in mind, there's a fan that will fit your needs.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Of course, height is an aspect worth considering as well. The Vornado Flippi V6 is the shortest of the group at just 6.5 inches. The Vornado PivotC is also small in stature at 8.75 inches. On the other end of the spectrum, the Comfort Zone is an 18-inch monster, while the Honeywell HT-904 is a rangy 14.25 inches.
The broad base and squat center of gravity make this machine a winner.
Credit: Laura Casner
Sturdiness
Sturdiness refers to how well-balanced or secured a fan is, as well as our assessment of the quality of the design and manufacturing. No one wants a fan that is, for example, top-heavy or wobbly. Similarly, no one wants a rattly or squeaky unit — not only because this is annoying, but because it can be indicative of problems to come. The Honeywell HT-904 and HT-908 as well as the Woozoo and the Genesis set the standard in comparison to their peers. At their highest speeds, these machines are reasonably quiet, steady on their stands, and (in the case of the Genesis) secure when clipped.
This hollow base and lengthy cord creates some possible problems with tipping.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Conversely, the Treva issued an unusual electrical whirring sound that we found alarming and a bit worrisome. Similarly, the Comfort Zone had an annoying rattle right out of the box that gave us pause and caused us to speculate about the quality of the manufacturing. As for balance issues, the Genesis in its free-standing configurations is top-heavy and prone to vibrating on hard surfaces.
There were some fans that issued less than ideal high pitched noises, particularly when set to high.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Conclusion
There's a fair amount to consider when shopping for a table fan. However, we tried to structure this review to make it easy to compare all aspects of fan performance. These are power, sturdiness, noise output, and last but not least, size. With these metrics to guide you, we hope it's a breeze to take the measure of a fan no matter your needs and budget.
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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
