The 4 best fans we tested in 2021 Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky Summary List Placement Fans are great for in-between weather and shoulder seasons when you''re not quite ready to lug out the air conditioner. Depending on where you live and how your home is situated, they can also serve you well all year long. Even in the dog days of summer, the right fan, or the right system of fans , will eliminate hot spots and help you save on your electricity bill, relatively speaking. We tested several types of fans, measuring everything from average wind speed and electricity consumption to decibels. We also spoke with Duncan Freake, a mechanical engineer at Epam Continuum , to learn what, if anything, has changed about fans in recent years (or decades). Spoiler: They have become quieter, safer, more energy-efficient, and more effective, thanks to overlapping blades and bladeless designs with built-in HEPA air purifiers. Here are the best electric fans in 2021 Best fan overall: Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan Best budget fan: Genesis 20-Inch Max Cool Box Fan Best tower fan: Genesis Powerful 43-Inch Tower Fan Best desktop fan: Genesis 6-inch Clip Convertible Table-Top Fan Updated on 06|25|2021: We recently tested and retested all of the fans in our guide based on our current editorial standards.