We researched dozens of ceiling fans and sent several to testers to install in their own homes. We then evaluated them based on installation, range of features, effectiveness, value, and noise level. Our top pick is the Hunter Channing LED Indoor Noble Bronze Ceiling Fan. It’s affordable and packed with features including reversible blades, dimmable LED lights, and a remote control. Here are the best ceiling fans to keep the air circulating and cool in your home. For a ceiling fan that looks great and has a lot of extra features without costing a fortune, the Hunter Channing ceiling fan is our top recommended option. It comes in three different colors to suit your decor and includes LED lightbulbs. It also has a remote to control the fan speed and dim the lights. The fan blades can reverse, so you can customize the direction of your airflow based on the season. You need to install this ceiling fan yourself or pay for a professional, which may add to the cost. It is designed for indoor use and deteriorates faster in rooms that are particularly humid or exposed to the elements. The fan comes with two LED bulbs, although some testers noted they were dimmer than desired, and changed them out for higher-wattage bulbs. Price at time of publish: $149 This ceiling fan comes with some good extras, including LED lightbulbs. The rotating blades operate on a reversible motor, and the light is dimmable. It is operated by a pull chain, so just be ready to reach to adjust the fan speed or light. Price at time of publish: $58 All this tech comes at a cost, however, and this is one of the most expensive options on our list. If controlling your fan from your smart home device is especially important and it works with your overall style, this is money well spent on a ceiling fan that looks and performs great and should last for years. Price at time of publish: $360 You operate this ceiling fan using a pull chair, which some people may not like. It provides great adjustable lighting for a bedroom but lacks the remote control that would make it an even better option. With a smaller diameter, it’s best suited for smaller rooms. Price at time of publish: $109 It comes with 5-inch and 3-inch downrods, so you can base the location on the height of your room. If you need something longer, you can purchase it from Hunter, but that adds to the overall cost. This ceiling fan isn’t terribly expensive, however, so any extra parts you need should keep the price within parameters. Price at time of publish: $130 You need to supply your own lightbulbs if you opt for this choice. While not a huge expense, it does add to the overall cost. Because this is a larger fan, you may find some issues when installing it and might even need to cut a larger hole in your ceiling to accommodate. Price at time of publish: $150 Unless you are really strong, you almost certainly need help installing this ceiling fan; you may even want to consult a professional. The fan blades are reversible, but we recommend choosing which finish you want to showcase before you install this giant ceiling fan. You can use an included 4-inch downrod or an angled ceiling install kit, which you need to purchase separately. Price at time of publish: $227 It lacks a remote and can’t be configured to work with one, which may be a deal breaker if you intend this fan for a bedroom. For most users, this wasn’t an issue, especially considering the small size and value. Price at time of publish: $77 “Many homeowners are now installing fans outdoors,” says design expert and interior designer Rachel Miller. “Just make sure that you are choosing a ceiling fan that can withstand the elements, especially damp weather.”
Room Size
Ceiling fans come in a variety of sizes, with blade spans ranging from 29 to 56 inches or even greater. When choosing the best fan size, consider the size of the room you plan to place it in. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended fan size for rooms based on square footage:
Less than 80 square feet: 36 inches or less80 to 150 square feet: 36 to 42 inches150 to 250 square feet: 42 to 52 inches250 square feet or more: 52 inches or more
If your space is on the cusp or you prefer stronger airflow, you can opt for a larger fan size.
Ceiling Height
The ceiling height is another important consideration when choosing a ceiling fan, as it dictates the optimal downrod length. A downrod is the piece of metal that connects your fan to the ceiling mount. Using a shorter or longer downrod raises or lowers the fan, respectively. In general, seven feet should separate the fan and the floor.
Mounting
As you’re shopping, consider how you plan to mount your new ceiling fan because you may need a special mounting kit. If you have low ceilings, you probably need to mount your fan flush with the ceiling (flush-mounting), so make sure the product you buy is compatible with this mounting style. Similarly, if you have higher ceilings, you need a downrod of the appropriate length. If you plan to mount the fan on a sloped ceiling, you need a special angled ceiling adapter, which attaches to the outlet box to ensure that the fan hangs properly.
Motor Type
Several types of motors power ceiling fans. Alternating current, or AC, motors, which have been used in ceiling fans for decades, are the popular option. This style of motor is affordable and reliable, and modern AC motors are relatively quiet, as well. However, direct current, or DC, motors have gained popularity in recent years, as more homeowners switch to energy-efficient appliances. While more expensive, ceiling fans with DC motors use up to 70 percent less electricity and are incredibly quiet. Further, these motors are lighter weight, which makes for easier installation.
Controls
Finally, think about how you want to control your ceiling fan; the three common options include a remote control, wall switch, or pull-chain. Arguably, remote controls are the most convenient option, as they let you control your fan from anywhere in the room. However, some people don’t want another remote to keep track of, in which case a wall switch may be better. If you have low-profile ceilings, you can opt for a pull chain. While these can be confusing to operate, they’re a simple option that may minimize installation costs.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. After remodeling a late 1800s farmhouse, Katie learned how important it is to have adequate airflow, especially in bedrooms and living spaces. For this article, she looked for ceiling fans that would work with a variety of budgets and consulted with home design expert Rachel Miller to learn which finishes and styles appealed most to today’s homeowners.
