Best Tower Fan for 2024 - CNET

A tower fan is a great way to cool down during warmer days and make your home feel less stuffy with improved circulation. Tower fans are not as expensive as air conditioning setups and generally consume less power -- which may help you save on your electricity bill. You can also use tower fans in apartments and other homes where an AC unit may not be practical. These fans have a much smaller footprint than box fans, which make it easier to stick one in an out-of-the-way corner. The best tower fans usually oscillate from side to side, being upright and vertical, so a well-positioned one can quickly cast a comfy temperature across an entire room with its cooling breeze all while taking up less space. You can also get these tower fans in a variety of designs, and a bunch of features like a programmable timer, quiet operation, oscillation or even an air purifier.

After testing many models out at my home here in often-sweltering Louisville, Kentucky, I found several tower fans to recommend for those warm and sunny days. Here's what I learned about airflow management, starting with my top picks for the best tower fan.