A ceiling fan can help you keep your home cool and comfortable when you want a more natural breeze than air conditioning provides. It also can make your home’s heating more efficient by dispersing warm air through a room. With a wide range of styles and features, there’s probably a ceiling fan that will look great in your home while keeping the air moving.
We searched dozens of ceiling fans to find the top options. Because there are so many kinds of ceiling fans to choose from, we narrowed them down by specific features, like low-profile design for low ceilings and outdoor ceiling fans for outside living spaces. We also considered features that are beneficial to most homeowners, including energy efficiency, design, and lighting, to condense the options into our best of the best list.
Our clear winner is the Hunter Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan. This fan has a classic style that can mesh with almost any home decor. LED lighting makes it more efficient for your home, and you can dim them to have control over the lighting in each room. With 52′ blades, it’s perfect for mid-size to large rooms.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Ceiling Fans
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Ceiling Fan Overall | Hunter Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan | 4.5 |
| Best Low-Profile Ceiling Fan | Hunter Low Profile Ceiling Fan | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Ceiling Fan | Prominence Home Alvina Ceiling Fan | 4.6 |
| Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan | Honeywell Palm Island Tropical Outdoor Ceiling Fan | 4.4 |
| Best Ceiling Fan with Remote | Rivet Remote Controlled Ceiling Fan | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Ceiling Fans Overall: Hunter Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan
We chose the Hunter Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan as our top option because it encompasses many of the overall features we look for in ceiling fans. First, this fan has a classic and versatile style that homeowners can make work with many different home interior designs. Whether you have a vintage style or went with a more modern look, this fan can easily fit into the space and look like it belongs there.
Although the Hunter Builder Deluxe fan is relatively affordable, it comes with a lot of important features. The blade direction reverses to let you change modes for winter heating, and there are different speeds to allow control over how much airflow the fan offers. This fan is also height-adjustable with your choice of a 2″ or 3″ rod so that you can choose the height that fits your ceiling best.
Hunter Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan Thermometer Key Features:
- LED dimmable lights
- 52″ blades
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Quiet operation
- 120V, 60 Watts
Best Low-Profile Ceiling Fan: Hunter Low Profile Ceiling Fan
Having a low ceiling doesn’t exclude you from being able to enjoy a ceiling fan, and the Hunter Low Profile Ceiling Fan proves it. This fan has a flush housing design so that it sits as close to the ceiling as possible without getting in the way of your space and walking area. With 42-inch blades, consider this fan for smaller rooms up to 175 square feet for proper airflow capability.
This indoor ceiling fan has a reversible motor to draw cooler air upwards and force warmer air downwards in the winter to keep your room toasty. You can control the direction of the motor with the flick of a switch. And, change the fan speed or turn it on and off with the easy-to-reach pull cords.
Hunter Low Profile Ceiling Fan Key Features:
- Light-free
- Blades sit less than 9″ from the ceiling
- Designed for rooms with ceilings lower than 9 feet
- Limited lifetime warranty for the motor
- Three speeds
Best Budget Ceiling Fan: Rubbermaid Instant Read Thermometer
The Prominence Home Alvina Ceiling Fan is proof that you don’t have to pay a bunch of money to install a ceiling fan in your rooms. This ceiling fan has just about all of the features you can expect in higher-priced fans but for a fraction of the cost. With this fan, you’ll get a frosted globe light, easy-to-use pull-chain controls, a low profile design, and a reversible motor to cater to your home’s needs in summer and winter.
This fan is a good choice for small-sized rooms up to about 100 square feet with its 42″ blade span. It comes in three different color options – all of which are priced affordably – so you can match the style in your home. Several customers note that the installation of this fan is very straightforward and simple.
Prominence Home Alvina Ceiling Fan Key Features:
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Modern design
- Easy installation
- Efficient circulation
- Flush hugger mount system
Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan: Honeywell Palm Island Tropical Outdoor Ceiling Fan
The Honeywell Palm Island Tropical Outdoor Ceiling Fan is an excellent option for outdoor spaces, especially if you’re trying to achieve a tropical style. The fan’s blades resemble palm leaves to create an eye-catching look for a covered outdoor space. With a 5 ETL damp rating, this fan can withstand regular humidity and weather that breeze through your outside area.
A 52″ blade span is just right for medium to large spaces, so it will move air effectively in many indoor/outdoor porches. You can also mount the fan in three ways, including angled to make sure air gets to the most-used areas of your outdoor space. A reversible four-speed motor lets you further customize the fan’s operation to your needs.
Honeywell Palm Island Tropical Outdoor Ceiling Fan Key Features:
- 14.3″ drop from the ceiling
- 13 degree blade pitch
- Compatible with Honeywell remotes
- Stainless hardware
- Limited lifetime warranty
Best Ceiling Fan with Remote: MEATER Plus Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer
If you have a high ceiling in which a pull-chain fan would be out of reach, a remote-controlled fan is a good solution. The Rivet Remote Controlled Ceiling Fan comes with a remote and a remote wall mount to keep it handy for switching the fan’s speed and motor direction without needing to climb a ladder to reach it or connect it to a wall switch.
The design of this fan is one that customers love. It’s sleek and modern with a little bit of classic vibes, allowing it to work in a multitude of spaces. The 18-watt integrated LED light sheds warm light into a space for a natural glow.
Rivet Remote Controlled Ceiling Fan Key Features:
- Brushed nickel housing
- LED light
- Lightweight
- 18″ drop from the ceiling
- Quiet operation
Who Should Buy a Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is more than just a decorative way to move air within a home. Ceiling fans can help circulate air efficiently to save you on air conditioning costs throughout warmer months. Ceiling fans are much cheaper to operate than air conditioners, on average, and they help move the air from your air conditioner to other parts of your home. So, you may not need to have your AC running as frequently with ceiling fans installed. When you’re not living in the dead heat of summer, ceiling fans could stand alone without the AC to help cool your home.
Ceiling fans can also move air outside on a porch or patio to keep your outdoor living space from feeling stuffy. Outdoor ceiling fans are designed to withstand water and weather damage to remain outdoors at all times while keeping you, your family, and your guests cool and comfortable.
Important Features to Consider
Ceiling fans should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when choosing a ceiling fan for your home:
- Size. Ceiling fans come in all different sizes to cater to various ceiling heights and room sizes. First, consider the pole length. Shorter ceilings need a low-profile fan that sits higher off the ground. Then, consider the blade size. Generally, the longer the blade, the more air the fan moves. Small bedrooms can use a 24-inch fan, while large family rooms might need a 52-inch fan.
- Reversibility. Many modern ceiling fans allow for reversible airflow, meaning that the blades will reverse their movement to blow air in a different direction. This feature comes in handy during the winter months when you want to move warm air down to disperse throughout a room and save on energy costs.
- Style and color. You can find ceiling fans in numerous styles and colors to match the spaces in which you want to install them. You might choose to have matching fans throughout your home or buy different styles to suit the unique look of each room.
- Efficiency. The most efficient fans tend to be those marked as ENERGY STAR Certified, which denotes their energy efficiency. You can also check how much electricity the fan needs to use to run. On average, they use about 75 watts, but fans with 52-inch blades or larger could use more. If you have a small ceiling fan that uses 75 watts or more, it may not be as efficient as other models.
- Cubic feet per minute (CFM). The CFM of a ceiling fan indicates how much air it moves. A higher CFM equals more air movement, which could be good for large spaces where people gather in your home. A small CFM fan is best for small spaces, like a bathroom or bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ceiling fans really cool a room?
A ceiling fan doesn’t bring coolness to a room like an air conditioner would on a hot summer day. Instead, it helps provide airflow to a room, much like a window fan would, making the air feel a bit cooler and more comfortable to people. It’s possible for a ceiling fan to drop the overall temperature in a room by a few degrees, which could feel like a significant difference to you when you’re in the room.
Are 3 or 4 blade ceiling fans better?
Both 3 and 4 blade ceiling fans can be excellent choices for your home, but they do have subtle differences that could affect your choice. Fans with 4 blades are usually more balanced than 3-blade fans, which makes them quieter while operating. However, they’re also more expensive than 3-blade fans. A fan with 3 blades can be more efficient at moving air than a 4-blade ceiling fan, so they often move air faster at lower costs.
How do I choose a ceiling fan?
First and foremost, consider the size of the ceiling fan you need before deciding on a style and features. Then, look for a few designs you like in that size and choose one that you think will match the style of your space best. Finally, consider the features you want. Do you need your fan to have lights? Do you want to control it with a remote? Does it need to be reversible? Refer to the list of ceiling fan features above to help you decide what to look for in a ceiling fan.
What size ceiling fan do I need?
Measure the area of your room by calculating the length times the width to get your square footage. For rooms up to 100 square feet, find a fan with blades between 24 inches and 36 inches in length. Fans with 42″ to 48″ blades are good for spaces up to 175 square feet. For an area of 200 to 350 square feet, look for a fan with 52″ to 56″ blades. Larger fans are best for any space larger than 350 square feet.
Other Ceiling Fans We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other ceiling fans. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best ceiling fans list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for any room in your home. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Casa Vieja Predator Outdoor Ceiling Fan
This beast of an outdoor fan includes six different speeds, long blades, 197 CFM, and a UL rating for dampness to ensure its durability in humid or damp conditions.
Key Features:
- 72″ blade span
- 32 Watts
- Remote-controlled
Cost: $400
Harbor Breeze Twin Breeze Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Get extra air outside that reaches all your guests with this fan, which has two small outdoor fans in one unit.
Key Features:
- 3 motor speeds
- Best for spaces 400 square feet or larger
- 74″ total length
Cost: $170
Hunter Key Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
This rustic-industrial combination style ceiling fan includes 2″ and 3″ downrods for you to pick the right height for your outdoor space.
Key Features:
- Dimmable LED lights
- Reversible motor
- ETL damp-rated
Cost: $220
Minka-Aire Xtreme H2O Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Modern designs are perfect for this outdoor fan by Minka-Aire, which includes a remote to control speed.
Key Features:
- Voice-activation capable
- Multiple downrod configurations available
- 65″ blade span
Cost: $440
Prominence Home Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
This three-blade fan includes reversible blades so you can choose a color or finish that matches your decor.
Key Features:
- Simple installation
- Includes 6″ downrod
- Damp-rated for covered spaces
Cost: $120
Low-Profile Ceiling Fans
Emerson Low Profile Ceiling Fan
The Emerson Low Profile Ceiling Fan comes in two blade size options, both of which are designed to meet the needs of short-ceiling homes.
Key Features:
- Includes all hardware for quick and simple installation
- Reversible blades with different finishes
- 3 speeds
Cost: $130
Hunter Fan Company Dempsey Ceiling Fan
This low-profile ceiling fan includes a large, bold LED light fixture that’s eye-catching without overpowering a room.
Key Features:
- Includes remote control with wall cradle
- 44″ blades
- Won’t wobble
Cost: $150
Hunter Newsome Low Profile Ceiling Fan
Give a classic look to your space with this all-white ceiling fan from Hunter that’s designed for spaces with lower-than-9′-ceilings.
Key Features:
- Pull chain control
- Quiet operation
- LED light fixture
Cost: $100
If you’re looking for a more modern take on a ceiling fan for your low-ceiling room, this one could be the right choice. It sits right against the ceiling and hangs down just over eight inches.
Key Features:
- 3 light modes
- Remote-controlled
- One to four-hour timer
Cost: $200
Orillon Thin Modern Ceiling Fan
This sleek and modern ceiling fan has three color changing settings to offer warm, romantic, or natural lighting.
Key Features:
- Quiet operation
- 22″ diameter
- Timer up to eight hours
Cost: $150
Minimalist Ceiling Fans
Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan
This 44″ inch ceiling fan has three brushed nickel blades that can fit seamlessly into an industrial or modern design.
Key Features:
- 3 speeds
- Remote-controlled
- 120V
Cost: $110
Hunter Minimus Low Profile Ceiling Fan
The matte black finish of this ceiling fan is unique, and could be perfect for modern living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
Key Features:
- Low-profile design
- Includes remote with beep notifications
- 13-degree blade pitch
Cost: $200
Minka-Aire Simple White Ceiling Fan
Finish off your bright space with this minimal white ceiling fan from Minka-Aire, which has a 52″ blade span to cater to large rooms.
Key Features:
- Can be used outdoors
- 6″ downrod
- High CFM capability
Cost: $320
Minka-Aire also designs this gorgeous fan with curved blades that is compatible with Alexa for simple controls.
Key Features:
- Includes angled ceiling adapter
- Remote-controlled
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $240
Westinghouse Lighting Alta Vista Ceiling Fan
Choose between matte black and brushed nickel styles of this fan, both of which have a clean, simple, minimalistic look.
Key Features:
- 18W dimmable LED light
- Lifetime motor warranty
- Ideal for large spaces
Cost: $250
Ceiling Fans with LED Lights
Casa Vieja Casa Elite Ceiling Fan
This classic, eye-catching fan includes an LED light that you can dim and turn on and off using the handheld remote.
Key Features:
- 12-degree blade pitch
- Remote-controlled
- Matte opal glass
Cost: $300
Try this six-blade 56″ fan in your space for super-efficient air circulation in your larger spaces.
Key Features:
- Reversible blade colors
- Contemporary style
- Dual-mountable with downrod or angled
Cost: $180
This small, low-profile fan has a classic globe light with marbled glass to create a more natural look from the LED light system.
Key Features:
- Pull-chain controls
- Best for ceilings lower than 9′
- 56W
Cost: $100
This fan is available in both black and white finishes. Both include an integrated LED light that’s bright enough to light up medium to large spaces.
Key Features:
- 52″ blade span
- Easy installation
- Remote-controlled
Cost: $200
Westinghouse Lighting Gun Metal Ceiling Fan
Customers love that this fan works well with low-height ceilings and provides excellent lighting for their rooms.
Key Features:
- Three style finishes
- Uses two 8W LED lights
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cost: $110
