Top 5 Bathroom Exhaust Fans: Essential Reviews Now

Does your bathroom always feel damp and stuffy after a shower? That lingering fog on the mirror and the smell of mildew are signs that your bathroom needs a powerful upgrade. Choosing the right exhaust fan is more important than just picking the cheapest one. A weak fan leaves moisture behind, which can damage your walls and create an unhealthy environment. You need a fan that works hard to keep the air fresh and dry.

But navigating CFM ratings, noise levels, and installation types can feel overwhelming. How do you know which fan is strong enough for your space without sounding like a jet engine taking off? Don’t worry; we’ve broken down everything you need to know about selecting the perfect bathroom exhaust fan. By the end of this guide, you will understand the key features, know exactly what size fan you need, and feel confident choosing a model that solves your moisture problems for good.

Top Exhaust Fan For Bathroom Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

Broan-Nutone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Modern Grille, Energy Star Fan, 2.0 Sones

50 CFM BATHROOM EXHAUST FAN: 50 CFM is sufficient ventilation to remove, moisture, odor and pollutants from your smaller powder room or bathroom up to 45 sq. ft.
EFFICIENT BATHROOM EXHAUST FAN: Energy Star Certified, operates at 2.0 Sones for peaceful and effective ventilation.
EASY INSTALLATION: Compact housing with foldable mounting brackets for NO CUT and versatile installation with no attic access needed. Housing Dimensions 7-1/4 " x 7-1/2" x 3-5/8". Cover dimensions. 8-5/8"x8-3/8". 3 " diameter duct.
UPDATED MODERN GRILLE: Brighter white grilles blend in to match most common ceiling paint. Broan 688. This fan features foldable mounting ears and easy to remove grill cover with springs.
BROAN NUTONE: This new innovative product from Broan NuTone, the leaders in indoor air quality, is proudly MADE IN THE USA at our Hartford, WI headquarters

SaleBestseller No. 2

Amico Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light, 80 CFM, 0.9 Sones, 1000LM, 5CCT, Easy Install, Ceiling Mount Shower Bathroom Fan, Adjustable Exhaust Vent with light, ETL & FCC Certified

[Breathe Deep in a Fresher Space] Powerful 80 CFM airflow quietly removes thick steam and moisture, leaving your air light and clear. Step out to a fresher space—free from dampness and stuffiness.
[Serene Ambiance, Uninterrupted] At just 0.9 sones, it runs quieter than a whisper, ensuring your tranquility stays unbroken. Remove moisture without disturbance and relax in uninterrupted quiet.
[Personalized Lighting Ambiance] Choose from 5 precise color temperatures—2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K and 5000K—to match any moment. Set the perfect tone for your routine, from energizing mornings to wind-down evenings.
[Seamless Dimming Experience] Smoothly adjust brightness from 0-100% with intuitive, butter-smooth control. Create the ideal glow, from a soft nightlight to full illumination.
[The Perfect Fit for Any Bathroom] Fits standard 8.8"x8.8" ceiling openings—ideal for new builds or replacing old fans.Sleek, powerful, and designed to circulate air efficiently in spaces up to 80 sq ft.

Bestseller No. 3

Amico Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 1.0 Sones, 80 CFM, Low Noise, Easy to Install, Ceiling Mounted Retrofit Ventilation Fans, No Attic Access Needed- UL Certified

Dimensions and Fit: Housing size 7.5 x 7.2 x 4 inches; Grille cover measures 9.4 x 8.6 inches; Includes 4-inch duct diameter for flexible installation; recommended ceiling cutout size 7.6 x 7.3 inches.
Effective Ventilation: 80 CFM airflow efficiently removes steam and moisture; Helps prevent surface dampness and stuffy air; Recommended for bathrooms up to 80 square feet.
Quiet Performance: 1.0 sones operation for minimal noise disruption; Maintains a calm environment during use; Allows for undisturbed relaxation or bathing.
Easy to Install: Amico bathroom fan comes with brackets for secure and easy installation. Just mount the exhaust fan between ceiling joists with brackets, or screw it directly to the joist.
Safety Certified: UL listed for electrical safety and reliability; Constructed with quality components for consistent performance

Bestseller No. 4

Panasonic WhisperFit Retrofit Ceiling Mount Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50-80-110 CFM, FV-0511VF1

Retrofit Bathroom Ventilation Fan: Equipped with a revolutionary DC/ECM motor and SmartFlow technology, this whisper quiet, Energy Star-certified exhaust fan provides superior performance and easy, flexible installation
Customizable Airflow: This ultra-slim fan features Pick-A-Flow technology that allows you to select your desired airflow from 50, 80 or 110 CFM at the flip of a switch for your room size and usage needs
Easy Installation: Flex-Z Fast Bracket simplifies installation with a single-hinge bracket for easy positioning; Low-profile 5-5/8" housing depth fits in 2 x 6 joist size or larger
Explore Our Selection: We offer a wide range of vent fans including fans with LED lights, timers, heaters, and condensation sensors for humidity control, plus installation kits, soffit vents, replacement motors and fan cover grilles
Healthy Living Begins with Clean Indoor Air: Ensure a healthy home for your family with our high-performance Panasonic ventilation systems, air purification devices and HVAC solutions

SaleBestseller No. 5

Siasky Universal Bathroom Vent Exhaust Fan Motor Replacement Motors Kit, Fit for Nu-Tone Br-oan Exhaust Vent Fan Motor 120V 50CFM, with Blower Wheel

Product Specifications: 120V(with power plug), 50CFM, 0.6A, 3000Rpm , 60Hz. Precision-balanced 5/8 coil pack and aerodynamic blade keep noise below 1.5 sones, so quiet you'll forget it's running
Product Size: bathroom fan motor shaft = 3/16" x 1 3/4", wire length = 6" with 2 plugs. Mounting stud 1 7/8" in center, 5/8 coil pack. Fan blades: 4 5/8" x 1 1/8"
Wide Compatibility: Bathroom vent fan motor is compatible with replacement motors Nu-tone Br-oan, Up-pco, B-ay motors, Sears 569, Da-yton and more. Note: The above brands and any associated models are for compatibility demonstration purposes only
Stable and Quiet Operation: This fan motor kit is designed for bathroom use and capable of continuous, reliable running. It provides the necessary airflow for your exhaust fan to effectively vent out steam and moist air
Built for Bathroom Environments: Crafted with high-quality, moisture-resistant materials, this motor ensures stable performance and long-lasting durability. It is built to withstand the humidity of a bathroom, delivering consistent exhaust power to maintain proper ventilation

SaleBestseller No. 6

Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan with LED light – Easy Retrofit Without Attic Access, Quiet 1.5 Sones, Effective Ventilation at 80 CFM ENERGY STAR Certified Moisture and Odor Control

ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED EXHAUST FAN WITH LIGHT (LED): 80 CFM bathroom exhaust fan reduces energy consumption by about 50% compared to standard bath fans. Durable LED Light: Long-lasting, integrated LED light is rated for 50,000 hours of life at a 3500K color temperature. This versatile bath fan helps reduce moisture and odors in your bathroom while providing enough light for your space.
QUIET PERFORMANCE: This bath fan is as quiet as a whisper (1.5 sones) with efficient ventilation for rooms up to 75 sq. ft. This is just enough to know the fan is on, but quite enough to maintain a peaceful setting. Your fan will remove excess moisture from the room to reduce foggy mirrors with efficiency.
FASTEST INSTALLATION: No cut roomside installation makes it possible to retrofit to spaces with no attic access, without having to cut drywall - saving time and reducing complexity. Housing DImensions: 7.5"D x 7.25"W x 5.75"H. Cover Dimensions 9.5" x 9.5".
SEAMLESS DESIGN: Simple design with the modern CleanCover grille provides a floating appearance that blends into the ceiling. Our patent pending Slideclip allows for springless attachment that allows for fast installation of the grille/cover and easy cleaning.
BROAN NUTONE: From the industry leader in residential indoor air quality Broan Nutone has exceptional performance, US based service to support you from start to finish and is located in Hartford, Wisconsin. This bath fan include a 3 year manufacturer warranty.

SaleBestseller No. 7

Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan Easy Retrofit without Attic Access, Quiet 1.5 Sones, Effective Ventilation at 80 CFM ENERGY STAR Certified Moisture and Odor Control

ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED EXHAUST FAN: 80 CFM bathroom exhaust fan reduces energy consumption by about 50% compared to standard bath fans. This versatile bath fan helps reduce moisture and odors in your bathroom. This fan will remove moisture effectively while saving energy costs.
QUIET PERFORMANCE: This bath fan is as quiet as a whisper (1.5 sones) with efficient ventilation for rooms up to 75 sq. ft. This is just enough to know the fan is on, but quite enough to maintain a peaceful setting. Your fan will remove excess moisture from the room to reduce foggy mirrors with efficiency.
FASTEST INSTALLATION: No cut roomside installation makes it possible to retrofit to spaces with no attic access, without having to cut drywall - saving time and reducing complexity.
SLIDECLIP: Patent pending technology for a springless attachment that allows for fast installation of the grille/cover and easy cleaning.
SEAMLESS DESIGN: Simple design with the modern CleanCover grille provides a floating appearance that blends into the ceiling.

Bestseller No. 8

Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Heater Quiet 1.5 Sones, 80 CFM and 3-Level CCT Lighting, Powerful Ventilation and Warm Comfort for Any Bathroom

HIGH-QUALITY BATH FAN, LIGHT, AND HEATER COMBO: Exhaust Fan, light, and heater function independently or together to provide superior comfort in your bathroom at 80 CFM and 1.5 sones. The 80 CFM bathroom exhaust fan will remove excess moisture and humidity while keeping the room warm and comfortable while in use.
DECORATIVE DESIGN: White grille and modern design complement virtually any decor. This durable modern look will be a reliable bath fan for years to come. Keep your bathroom smelling and looking fresh with reduced moisture and clear mirrors.
DIMMABLE LED LIGHTING: Integrated, dimmable LED light with CCT color control can be used as a convenient nightlight and allows you to choose between 3 color options. Warm white (2700K), Bright White (3500k) or Daylight (5000k) gives you a variety of practical options. You will be able to adjust the color tempurature to match the lighting.
POWERFUL HEATER: Equipped with a powerful 1300-watt heater provides efficient heating throughout any room. This bathroom exhaust fan will quickly heat your space when you desire. Feel the hear, the instant you flip the switch. The heat will be delivered consistently and you will be able to enjoy your shower in a warm and peaceful environment!
COMPACT SIZE: Fits 2" x 6" ceiling construction and features rugged galvanized steel housing. Please confirm the dimensions before install. Easy to install with straightforward directions.

Choosing the Right Exhaust Fan for Your Bathroom

A bathroom exhaust fan is a must-have. It keeps your bathroom fresh and dry. It removes moisture and bad smells. A good fan prevents mold and mildew growth. This guide will help you pick the best one for your home.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, check these important features:

1. Airflow Power (CFM)

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This number tells you how much air the fan moves. Bigger bathrooms need higher CFM.
How to Calculate: Measure your bathroom size (length x width x height). Multiply that by 7.5. That’s your minimum required CFM. For bathrooms with showers or tubs, add 50 CFM.

2. Noise Level (Sones)

Sones: This measures how loud the fan is. Lower sone ratings mean quieter operation.
Good Range: Look for fans rated 1.0 sone or lower for quiet bathrooms. Anything above 3.0 sones can be annoying.

3. Energy Efficiency

Look for the ENERGY STAR label. These fans use less electricity, saving you money on power bills.

4. Lighting and Features

Some fans include built-in lights. Others have heaters or nightlights. Decide what extra features you need.

Important Materials and Durability

The materials used affect how long your fan lasts.

Housing: Most good fans use durable metal housing. Plastic housing can sometimes crack or warp over time, especially near steam.
Motor Quality: A ball-bearing motor usually lasts longer than a sleeve-bearing motor. Quality motors handle continuous use better.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes a fan great or just okay?

Quality Boosters:

Easy Cleaning: Fans with removable grilles are easier to clean. Dust buildup reduces performance quickly.
Moisture Resistance: Fans rated for damp locations handle high humidity better without rusting.
Easy Installation: Some modern fans have features that make installation much simpler for DIYers.

Quality Reducers:

Very low-priced fans often use cheaper internal parts. These parts wear out faster.
Fans that are too small for the room will run constantly, straining the motor and failing sooner.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you use your bathroom. This shapes your best choice.

Small Powder Rooms: These need low CFM (around 50 CFM) and quiet operation is usually the top priority.
Master Bathrooms with Showers: You need high CFM (100 CFM or more) to handle steam quickly. A fan with a timer feature is very helpful here. The timer keeps the fan running after you leave, ensuring all moisture is gone.
Night Use: If you use the bathroom often at night, choose a fan with a very low sone rating or a dimmable light. A loud fan will wake everyone up.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Q: What is the standard size for a bathroom exhaust fan?

A: Most standard fans fit a 4-inch duct opening. However, larger, more powerful fans might require 6-inch ducts. Always check your existing duct size first.

Q: How often should I run my bathroom fan?

A: You should run the fan during every shower or bath. After you finish, let the fan run for at least 15 to 20 minutes more. This ensures the room dries out completely.

Q: Can I replace an old fan with a new, quiet one myself?

A: Often, yes, if the new fan uses the same duct size. If the CFM rating is much higher, you might need a larger duct, which makes the job harder. Always turn off the power at the breaker before starting.

Q: What does a “low sone” fan mean for my budget?

A: Low sone fans cost more upfront than loud fans. However, the better motor quality and noise reduction usually mean they are a better long-term investment.

Q: Do I need a fan if my bathroom has a window?

A: Yes. A window only works well if you open it wide, and it only moves air out when the outside air is cooler and drier. A fan pulls air out consistently, even when the weather is bad.

Q: What does CFM rating mean in simple terms?

A: CFM is how fast the fan sucks air out of the room. High CFM means faster drying.

Q: How do I clean the exhaust fan?

A: First, turn off the power. Then, carefully snap or unscrew the grille cover. Wipe the cover and the fan blades with a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner brush attachment.

Q: Should I choose a fan with a timer?

A: A timer is excellent for high-use bathrooms. It lets you set the fan to run for 30 minutes and then shut off automatically. This guarantees moisture removal without you having to remember to turn it off.

Q: What is the difference between an inline fan and a standard ceiling fan?

A: A standard ceiling fan is mounted directly in the ceiling. An inline fan is installed in the ductwork between the ceiling and the outside vent. Inline fans are often much quieter because the noisy motor is farther away from the room.

Q: Will a high-CFM fan always be loud?

A: No. Modern engineering focuses on quiet power. A high-CFM fan (like 110 CFM) can still have a low sone rating (like 0.8 sones) if it uses good quality components.