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10 Best Exhaust Fans 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Broan-NuTone® BEL8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w/LED Light, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 1.5 Sones

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,287
Noise Level (Sones)
Installation Type
Additional Features

Most important from
66 reviews

Noise Level (Sones)
The fan operates quietly and clears moisture quickly, keeping the bathroom fresh and dry after hot showers.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward with components that align well, making the upgrade process smooth and hassle-free.
Additional Features
The exhaust fan is a quieter and more powerful alternative compared to many others, delivering bright integrated lighting.

The Broan-NuTone BEL8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan offers solid performance for small to medium bathrooms up to 75 square feet. It provides an airflow capacity of 80 CFM, which efficiently removes moisture and odors without overworking. One of its notable strengths is its quiet operation at just 1.5 sones, making it barely noticeable when running, which helps maintain a peaceful bathroom environment. Being ENERGY STAR certified, it cuts energy use by about 50% compared to standard fans, which helps reduce electricity bills and environmental impact.

Installation is user-friendly with a patent-pending SlideClip system allowing fast grille attachment without complicated tools or attic access. This is particularly helpful for retrofit projects or tight spaces. The fan also features an integrated LED light, adding functionality without needing extra fixtures. Its clean, modern design with a floating grille look ensures it blends into the ceiling without drawing attention.

The Broan-NuTone BEL8 operates at a single speed, so airflow and noise levels cannot be adjusted to personal preference. The 80 CFM rating is ideal for bathrooms up to around 75 sq. ft., so larger spaces may require a more powerful model. Also, while the LED light is convenient, it might not be bright enough to serve as primary lighting for some users. This fan is a quiet, energy-efficient option with easy installation and a sleek design, well-suited for typical bathrooms where efficient ventilation and low noise are priorities. It is ideal for those seeking a straightforward, reliable fan with integrated lighting rather than advanced adjustable features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,287
Noise Level (Sones)
Installation Type
Additional Features

Most important from
66 reviews

Noise Level (Sones)
The fan operates quietly and clears moisture quickly, keeping the bathroom fresh and dry after hot showers.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward with components that align well, making the upgrade process smooth and hassle-free.
Additional Features
The exhaust fan is a quieter and more powerful alternative compared to many others, delivering bright integrated lighting.
#2

Panasonic FV-0511VF1 WhisperFit DC Fan 50-80-110 CFM Retrofit Bathroom Exhaust Fan - Quiet Energy Star-Certified Energy-Saving Bathroom Ceiling Fan

Rating
10.0
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
1232 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The fan's adjustable CFM settings allow for customization, and it operates smoothly without noise when set properly.
Noise Level (Sones)
This Panasonic bath fan is known for its ease of installation, clean look, quiet operation, reliability, and effective ventilation.
Energy Efficiency
The DC motor takes a minute to reach full speed but ensures the fan remains quiet and efficient once running.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward, making it an excellent retrofit option even with limited access to ceiling space.

The Panasonic FV-0511VF1 WhisperFit is an excellent bathroom exhaust fan known for its quiet operation and energy efficiency. It features a unique ECM motor and SmartFlow Technology, which allows it to provide optimal airflow with minimal noise at just 25 dB. This makes it a great choice for those looking to ventilate spaces like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or garages without the disruptive noise associated with many other models.

One of its standout features is the built-in Pick-A-Flow airflow selector, enabling you to easily switch between airflow capacities of 50, 80, or 110 CFM. This flexibility is particularly useful for different room sizes and ventilation needs. Additionally, its low-profile design ensures it can fit into most ceiling spaces, making installation straightforward with the included Flex-Z Fast bracket.

In terms of energy efficiency, the FV-0511VF1 is Energy Star-certified, which means it consumes only 15 watts of power while delivering powerful performance. This not only saves on electricity bills but is also beneficial for environmentally conscious users.

Rating
10.0
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
1232 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The fan's adjustable CFM settings allow for customization, and it operates smoothly without noise when set properly.
Noise Level (Sones)
This Panasonic bath fan is known for its ease of installation, clean look, quiet operation, reliability, and effective ventilation.
Energy Efficiency
The DC motor takes a minute to reach full speed but ensures the fan remains quiet and efficient once running.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward, making it an excellent retrofit option even with limited access to ceiling space.
#3

Broan-NuTone BHFLED110 PowerHeat Bathroom Exhaust Fan, Heater, and LED Light Combination, 110 CFM

Rating
9.9
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)
Installation Type

Most important from
483 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The fan is stronger than previous models, with significant airflow suction.
Noise Level (Sones)
The exhaust fan works great, significantly quieter and more powerful than previous models, effectively reducing moisture and minimizing mold risk.
Installation Type
While installation can be challenging, proper planning can mitigate difficulties.
Additional Features
The LED light is very bright, often eliminating the need for additional bathroom lighting.

The Broan-NuTone BHFLED110 PowerHeat is a versatile bathroom exhaust fan that not only ventilates but also provides heating and LED lighting. With an airflow capacity of 110 Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM), it's effective at removing moisture and minimizing mold risk in most full bathrooms. Operating at 2 sones, it's reasonably quiet, making it a good choice for those sensitive to noise. The 1500-watt heater offers powerful and instant heat, enhancing comfort during colder months.

Additionally, the integrated LED light is dimmable and offers adjustable color temperatures, allowing you to customize your bathroom lighting to your preference. The modern white grille design should complement most bathroom decors seamlessly. Installation is made easier with its compact size and rugged galvanized steel housing that fits standard ceiling constructions. However, assembly is required, which may pose a challenge for those not handy with tools.

While energy-efficient, its reliance on a 120-volt household electrical outlet means it might not be suitable for all setups. The inclusion of an app control method is a modern touch, but might be unnecessary for those preferring straightforward manual controls. At a weight of 12.73 pounds, the fan is relatively manageable to handle during installation. The one-year warranty offers some peace of mind, though some may desire a longer coverage period. This exhaust fan is ideal for individuals seeking a multi-functional device to improve air quality, provide warmth, and enhance lighting in their bathrooms.

Rating
9.9
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)
Installation Type

Most important from
483 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The fan is stronger than previous models, with significant airflow suction.
Noise Level (Sones)
The exhaust fan works great, significantly quieter and more powerful than previous models, effectively reducing moisture and minimizing mold risk.
Installation Type
While installation can be challenging, proper planning can mitigate difficulties.
Additional Features
The LED light is very bright, often eliminating the need for additional bathroom lighting.

Buying Guide for the Best Exhaust Fans

Choosing the right exhaust fan is crucial for maintaining good air quality and proper ventilation in your home or workspace. Exhaust fans help remove stale air, moisture, and odors, which can prevent mold growth and improve overall comfort. To find the best exhaust fan for your needs, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your specific requirements.
Airflow Capacity (CFM)Airflow capacity, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), indicates how much air the fan can move. This spec is important because it determines the fan's effectiveness in ventilating a space. For small rooms like bathrooms, a lower CFM (50-80) is usually sufficient. For larger areas like kitchens or workshops, you may need a higher CFM (100-300 or more). To pick the right CFM, consider the size of the room and the level of ventilation required. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 CFM per square foot of room area.
Noise Level (Sones)Noise level, measured in sones, indicates how loud the fan will be when operating. This spec is important for maintaining a comfortable environment, especially in areas where you spend a lot of time. Fans with a noise level of 1.5 sones or lower are considered very quiet, while those above 4 sones can be quite loud. If you prefer a quieter fan, look for models with lower sone ratings. Consider where the fan will be installed and how much noise you are willing to tolerate.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency refers to how much power the fan consumes relative to its performance. This spec is important for reducing energy costs and minimizing environmental impact. Energy-efficient fans often have an ENERGY STAR rating, indicating they meet specific energy-saving criteria. To pick an energy-efficient fan, look for the ENERGY STAR label and compare the wattage of different models. If you are concerned about energy consumption, prioritize fans with lower wattage and higher efficiency ratings.
Installation TypeInstallation type refers to how and where the fan can be installed. Common types include ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, and inline fans. This spec is important because it affects the ease of installation and the fan's effectiveness in your specific space. Ceiling-mounted fans are ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, wall-mounted fans are suitable for garages and workshops, and inline fans are great for larger ventilation systems. To pick the right installation type, consider the layout of your space and where the fan will be most effective.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like built-in lights, humidity sensors, and timers. These specs are important for added convenience and functionality. Built-in lights can provide extra illumination, humidity sensors can automatically adjust the fan's operation based on moisture levels, and timers can help you control how long the fan runs. To pick the right additional features, think about what extra functionalities would be beneficial for your specific needs and preferences.

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