Best Bladeless Fans

Buying guide for best bladeless fans

Written by Melissa Nott

Updated March 2024

A fan can help you stay cool during the summer months, but what type of fan should you get? Bladeless fans are a popular choice these days for many good reasons. If you’re considering a bladeless fan, you may have some questions about what they are and how they work.

Bladeless fans are designed differently than traditional fans. They’re cheaper to use than air conditioning, and they spread cool air around your home in an efficient manner. Many owners agree that bladeless fans are safer to use than their bladed counterparts, too.

The BestReviews team has demystified bladeless fans based on hours of research and synthesized it into our shopping guide. Or you can consult our shortlist of bladeless fans and buy now.

Dyson was the first company to pioneer bladeless fan technology.

Bladeless fan advantages

You might choose to buy a bladeless fan instead of a traditional fan for any of the following reasons.

• Energy efficiency: While bladeless fans are just as powerful as regular fans, they use less energy. This results in lower electricity costs over the long run.

• Quiet: Bladeless fans tend to be much quieter than regular fans. If you’re looking for a fan for a bedroom or TV area, bladeless could be the way to go.

• Safety: Bladeless fans don’t have exposed, fast-spinning blades. As a result, they’re safer for use in kids’ bedrooms and homes with little ones.

• Aesthetics: Traditional fans don’t exactly blend with modern décor, but bladeless fans are much sleeker. The slim, unobtrusive design is easy to hide in a corner.

• Easy maintenance: Bladeless fans require less upkeep than other types of fans. Because they don’t have exposed blades, they’re less likely to collect dust and dirt. Most can be wiped down easily and quickly.

• Smooth airflow. Unlike bladed fans, bladeless fans provide uninterrupted air circulation.
   

Indeed, bladeless fans have a lot to offer. However, this type of fan has a few downsides, too.

• Pricey: Bladeless fans can be expensive to buy upfront. However, you may notice lower energy costs over time due to the higher efficiency of your bladeless fan.

• Average cooling ability: Cooling performance for most bladeless fans is about the same as it is for regular fans. In other words, you’re not getting more cool air for your money.

How bladeless fans work

Bladeless fans aren’t truly bladeless. You just can’t see the moving parts. Hidden inside these products are little fans that suck in air. The air flows around the unit and gets pushed out through tiny openings in the curved circumference of the fan.

The bottom of a bladeless fan has all of the essential parts to produce a strong, consistent gust of wind. One of the advantages of a bladeless fan is that the output isn’t “choppy” as it is with some traditional fans.

Some tower fans marketed as “bladeless” have well-encased blades hidden by sturdy grilles to keep little fingers from getting hurt. A true bladeless design features a circular or oval-shaped ring atop a base.

Questions to ask before buying a bladeless fan

Before you buy a bladeless fan, it helps to know the answers to the following questions about the product you’re considering.

• Is the bladeless fan energy efficient?

Most bladeless fans consume very little energy, but some require more power to run than others. If energy efficiency is high on your list of priorities, check the wattage requirements for the fan you’re considering.

• How big is the bladeless fan, and how much does it weigh?

Bladeless fans tend to be tall and slim. This is perfect for space-starved homeowners, but you’ll still need to find a spot to put it. If you’re low on floor space, consider a tabletop model. Weight matters if you plan to move the fan around a lot; it should be light enough that you can comfortably transport it without help.

• Is the base stable?

The base of your bladeless fan should be substantial enough that it won’t fall over if accidentally nudged.

• Does the bladeless fan make much noise?

Bladeless fans are generally very quiet. Indeed, this is a selling point for some consumers. Even so, you should consider the decibel rating of any product you’re considering, as some bladeless fans – particularly the larger ones – make more noise than others.

• Does the bladeless fan offer any additional functions?

Some bladeless fans do more than circulate air. You may encounter fans that serve as air filters, air purifiers, heaters, and lighting fixtures. It also helps to pay attention to the number of speed settings a bladeless fan has. Some run at just one speed, but others offer as many as 12 speeds. If you choose a fan with multiple speeds, you may prefer to buy one with a remote control for added convenience.

• Does the bladeless fan oscillate?

Some bladeless fans oscillate as they run. This encourages greater airflow. If you’re hoping to cool down a large area, such as a great room or big kitchen, you may appreciate this feature.

• How easy (or difficult) is it to clean the fan?

Dust will no doubt settle onto your bladeless fan. If your fan has a grille, it may be harder to clean than some other fans. That said, your bladeless fan will likely not require rigorous maintenance. Fans that also purify or filter the air have filters that need to be cleaned and likely replaced on a regular basis.

• Does the bladeless fan have any other special features?

Premium features like voice control and WiFi connectivity are available in select bladeless fans. Some fans also allow users to adjust the height and direction of airflow manually.

Bladeless fan prices

Under $50

Budget bladeless fans tend to be small desktop models. They usually have a single speed setting and aren’t as powerful as pricier bladeless fans.

Between $50 and $150

Fans in this price range come in tabletop, tower, and pedestal forms. Airflow is typically adjustable, and most fans at this price point offer multiple speed settings. Some may also double as air purifiers or filters.

Over $150

The more you’re willing to pay for a bladeless fan, the more features you are likely to enjoy. Fans get sleeker and quieter as the price goes up, too. If you spend over $150, you may get a bladeless fan that doubles as a heater. Premium bladeless fans are powerful, easy to assemble, and usually very easy to clean.

Bladeless fans are a safe alternative to bladed units and are perfect for households with children. If you purchase a model that also works as a heater, make sure it doesn't get too hot to the touch when in heating mode.

FAQ

Q. Where should I put my bladeless fan for the best results?

A. You may need to adjust the position of your fan a few times before you achieve optimum airflow. Corner placement helps provide even cooling, but if you prefer a directed airstream, point the fan toward the desired area (bed, desk, etc.). We advise owners to place the fan in a spot where it won’t pose a tripping hazard or get knocked over.

Q. Would an air conditioner be a better investment than a bladeless fan?

A. The upfront cost of a high-quality bladeless fan may seem steep, but over the long run, the energy costs will be less than that of an air conditioner. Bladeless fans are easy to set up; little to no technical know-how is required. Furthermore, it’s much easier to transport a bladeless fan from room to room than it is an air conditioner.