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7 best tower fans to keep you cool this summer, tested by experts
These are the quietest, most powerful and most energy-efficient buys
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
When the mercury rises, a good fan is vital. And given how quickly they sell out, it's always worth picking one up in advance. That way, it's ready and waiting to help keep you cool during the heatwave when it inevitably arrives. Plus, for those who run hot, it can be a year-round essential.
But they can vary wildly in price, which is why we put the best tower fans to the test at the Good Housekeeping Institute. You'll find our experts' favourite buys for hot, sweaty nights in a handy list below, but keep scrolling for our full reviews and buying guide.
Best tower fans to buy in 2025
How we test fans
To test tower fans, we assess the control and comfort offered by each model.
Firstly, we consider its power, looking at the strength of each setting and the difference between them. To do this, we use an anemometer to understand how much air it blows, measured in feet per minute. The greater the range of speeds and the wider the difference between them, the more you can adjust the fan to suit you.
We measure each fan’s noise levels to find the quietest models for dozing off to, as well as its energy efficiency to find out how affordable it is to run, and its oscillation range to see how well the fan distributes air around a room.
Lastly, a panel of testers sit in a room kept at 30 degrees with each fan for half an hour and assess how comfortable it makes them (yes, really).
Every model is then scored according to its performance, ease of use, design and product information.
These are the best fans we’ll be turning to when we need to keep our cool.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Powerful and versatile with four modes including a customisable night mode
- Easy to use
Cons
- Low setting not very noticeable
- Not the sturdiest design
Score: 92/100
As soon as our testers turned this powerful fan on, they noticed an improvement in their comfort levels. It has 12 air speeds, with notable differences between each. Testers said they were all relatively quiet, too.
While this fan was one of the better models we’ve tried, it boasts a more modest price tag than many, making it a standout value buy. It wasn’t the most stable, and its 90 degrees of oscillation is on the narrower end. Our experts would have liked a longer power cable, too. But this economical fan has a remote control, a clear LED display and an intuitive design (complete with detailed instructions).
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 12 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | W16.5 x D16.5 x H92 cm |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
| WiFi connectivity | No |
| Remote control | Yes |
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Testers found it quiet and undisruptive
Cons
- Fiddly to set up filters
- Some air speeds feel relatively similar
Score: 89/100
This sleek Dyson fan is an investment in quality – it has 10 air speeds, several modes including a night one, and 350 degrees of oscillation, so you can enjoy a comforting breeze wherever you’re sat. Our panel enjoyed using it too. Even though some trial and error was required to find the right settings, they said there was lots of choice and it notably cooled them down.
It’s easy to connect to the app if you want to control it via your phone, and it comes with a remote. Lovely stuff.
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 10 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | W22 x D22 x H105 cm |
| Weight | 4.85kg |
| WiFi connectivity | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes |
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde Purifying Fan Heater
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Screen is clear to read and displays real-time air quality
Cons
- Limited in-box information about warranty and filter maintenance
- Expensive
Score: 86/100
This will keep your home environment just right all year round as it also doubles as a heater (read what we thought of its warming capabilities in our best electric heater review.) As a fan, testers rated its adjustable oscillation, which goes up to a whopping 350 degrees and means it can reach multiple people dotted around the same room.
Testers found its selection of air speeds improved their comfort nicely and it was generally quiet too, although not on its highest setting.
Its controls are intuitive with a responsive magnetic remote that can attach to the fan’s body for safe keeping and a clear digital display. You can even monitor your air quality and control it from your phone with the My Dyson app. While pricey, it’s the most versatile buy on our list.
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 10 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | W24.8 x D20 x H76.4 cm |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
| WiFi connectivity | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes |
Pros
- Voice activation is very handy
- Sturdy
Cons
- On-fan buttons not the most responsive
- Limited oscillation (Princess says 80 degrees, and we measured 70 degrees)
Score: 81/100
You can control this fan via its accompanying app, voice command or a traditional remote. Its instructions are clear, as is the app, which can change settings even if you're in a different room. We found the voice activation effective too.
The buttons on the fan could be more responsive, but we were impressed with the noticeable differences between the three air flow settings. Of the models we tested, this was also the quietest on high.
It used more energy than most, though it still wouldn’t be too costly to run, and we found it didn’t quite rotate the 80 degrees it claimed. For its smart capabilities, though, it makes a nifty home addition.
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 3 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | W32 x D32 x H103 cm |
| Weight | 5.4kg |
| WiFi connectivity | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes |
Pros
- Simple to use
- Responsive controls
Cons
- Wobbly
- Small oscillation range
Score: 79/100
The clear instructions, complete with text and images, make this fan a breeze to set up and use. It’s well made with thoughtful design details, including the option to tilt the body of the fan, offering extra control over the direction of air. Its highest setting was notably strong and quiet too.
Surprisingly, its lowest setting wasn’t that energy efficient, but its night mode will come in handy if you’re after versatility. Ion technology also sets it apart – by generating ions, it also freshens the air in your room.
It’s not the most stable of units, and it had a smaller oscillation capacity at 70 degrees, but testers liked its digital room temperature display.
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 3 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | W31.1x D31.1 x H107 cm |
| Weight | 5.6kg |
| WiFi connectivity | No |
| Remote control | Yes |
Igenix DF0038 WiFi/Alexa Tower Fan
Score: 78/100
This model's slimline design will help if you're after a precise air flow directed toward just one person. It has built-in WiFi and voice control, but while we found the set-up instructions detailed, getting started on the app was awkward at first. Once connected, it was intuitive to use, with the fan responding well to our instruction. The remote was similarly effective.
Its low setting was barely audible, but its high air speed was the loudest on test. It has a sleep mode, but it has the smallest range of oscillation at just 53 degrees. It was a tad wobbly, too, so mind you don’t knock the base.
Key specifications
| Air speeds | 8 |
|---|---|
| Night mode | Yes |
| Dimensions | W29 x D29 x H96 cm |
| Weight | 4.7kg |
| WiFi connectivity | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes |
What should I look for in a tower fan?
The best tower fans work by blowing air over your skin, making living, working and sleeping more comfortable when the thermometer rises (for when switching to the best cooling bedding is not enough).
Here’s everything worth considering before you part with your cash.
Settings
The more settings, the greater control you’ll have over the fan’s air flow. Look for a minimum of three – any more and our tester found the differences between them negligible.
Modes
Many fans offer different breeze styles, allowing you to adjust the feel of the air. For example, the SmartAir Cool+ Purify Bladeless Tower Fan has four different modes on top of its air settings, including a day mode and a night mode. The latter is a key one to look out for as it sets the fan to operate at a quieter volume, and sometimes dims the display, limiting any disruption to your sleep.
Oscillation
All the fans on our list rotate to some extent, but the models with greater ranges of motion can help improve the comfort of several people at once. For a living room, try the Dyson Purifier Cool Auto React, which rotates just shy of 360 degrees.
Weight
Keep this in mind if you’re after a fan you can easily move around the house. If it’s going to stay in one place, a heavier one should be fine, but opt for a lightweight model if you’ll be carrying it between rooms every day.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a fan to keep you cool on the move, it's worth investing in one of the best portable fans, tested by our experts.
Smart capabilities
Want a fan that ties in with the rest of your smart tech? Look for a WiFi- and voice control-enabled model that can be operated remotely or from another room in the house. Our tester found app control particularly helpful – no more struggling to get the remote to connect if you're not sitting right next to the fan.
Air purification
Not all fans do this, but some, including every Dyson and the SmartAir, also work as an air purifier. Some have filters that trap pollutants, while the Dimplex Ion Fresh Cooling Tower Fan freshens air around it by emitting neutralising ions.
Do fans use a lot of electricity?
We measured how much electricity each fan used and were pleasantly surprised with the results – they all proved inexpensive to run. Most would set you back about 1p an hour running on their highest setting, based on an electricity rate of 27.03p per kilowatt.
These costs will obviously add up if you run your fan for hours on end. But if you’re after one for occasional use, none of the models on our list should add much to your energy bill.
Note that fans don’t generate cool air, so limit their usage to when you’re in the room and can feel the benefits. To get the most comfort from your fan, check out the Good Housekeeping Institute's tips on how to make your fan even better.
The verdict: What is the best tower fan for UK summers?
The Great British summer can still be fairly unpredictable and sudden heatwaves aren't uncommon (even in April as we've seen this year). So, it makes sense to invest in one of the best tower fans you can afford.
You’ll see a lot of Dysons on our list, and the right model for you depends on the range of functionality you’d like, but the best performer in our lab was the Dyson Humidify+Cool PH04 Air Purifier.
Our runner-up, the SmartAir Cool+ Purify Bladeless Tower Fan. is a great buy if you're looking to spend less, but still want a fan that will connect to your phone.
Finally, if you’re in need of a last-minute affordable heatwave helper, the Igenix DF0030 Oscillating Tower Fan (£33), which is a good value buy and is available on Amazon for speedy delivery!
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products for 100 years at the Good Housekeeping Institute, so our experts know how to create rigorous protocols that will truly measure whether products match up with their claims.
Fans are no exception. Our homes testing manager Blossom Boothroyd looks after this category, making sure we thoroughly analyse and review each model to find the ones that will improve your comfort the most when the weather heats up.
Hannah Mendelsohn, our homes editor, is always on the lookout for new fans for us to test, and makes sure that the reviews are written in a way that will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
29th April 2025: We added more links to relevant Good Housekeeping content, checked stock levels and updated prices.
9th May 2025: We moved the buying information to the bottom of the article so you can get straight into the reviews, as well as amending prices and updating our verdict to focus on the best fans for UK summers.
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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