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10 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans of 2022 - Buying Guide (UPDATED)
Do you struggle with high humidity levels in your bathroom and unwanted moisture in your home?
High humidity poses a health risk to you and your family as it degrades indoor air quality. Mold, mildew, and other allergens thrive in moist environments. These air pollutants can severely impact your immune system and the resale value of your home.
Therefore, getting the best bathroom fans is a serious matter, not to be taken lightly.
A bathroom fan enhances airflow and maintains the right humidity levels. This hinders bacterial and fungal growth.
But, with so many brands to choose from—and so many grandiose claims by their manufacturers—how do you choose the right fan for you?
Our team of experts spent over 50 hours reviewing the best bathroom fans in the market today. Read on to find out more.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Chart
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PROS
SPECS
Panasonic FV-11VHL2 WhisperWarm Lite Fan
PROS
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Enhances quality of bathroom air
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High energy efficiency
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Easy to install and use
SPECS
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CFM: 110
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Weight: 16 lbs.
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Sone Rating: 0.7
Broan-Nutone 665RP
PROS
-
Beautiful white grilles compatible with any interior décor
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A compact design for small-sized bathrooms
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Easy to control and use
SPECS
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CFM: 70
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Weight: 10 lbs.
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Sone Rating: 4.0
BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM, 0.8 Sone
PROS
-
Durability
-
Silent clever technology that makes it very quiet
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A heavy-duty motor for guaranteed performance
SPECS
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CFM:90
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Weight: 10.7 lbs.
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Sone Rating: 8
Panasonic FV-0511VQCL1 WhisperSense
PROS
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Trouble-free installation
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Durable, with superb performance
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Enhanced moisture and odor control
SPECS
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CFM: 110
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Weight: 10.14 lbs.
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Sone Rating: 3
Broan Very Quiet Ventilation Fan and Light Combo
PROS
-
Superb motor performance
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Hushed fans
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Less overheating or motor failure
SPECS
-
CFM: 110
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Weight: 10.14 lbs.
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Sone Rating: 0.7
10 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan Reviews
1. Panasonic FV-11VHL2 WhisperWarm Lite Fan – Best Choice
PROS
- Enhances quality of bathroom air
- High energy efficiency
- Easy to install and use
CONS
- Not fit for small bathrooms
Key Features
- CFM: 110
- Weight: 16 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 0.7
Are you looking for a fan that will serve you well over a long period? The Panasonic WhisperWarm Lite should be your first choice.
It has a stainless-steel construction that enhances durability and comes with features that not only ventilate your bathroom but also deal with bad odors.
It has four ducts and two fans to ensure the right humidity levels and an even distribution of heat in your bathroom. The ducts’ design makes it easy to install as it does not need any additional hardware.
Additionally, it is very efficient while moving high volumes of air in your bathroom. You can be sure of zero motor failure and overheating issues with this fan.
2. Broan-Nutone 665RP Heater, Fan, and Light Combo for Bathroom – Best Value
PROS
- Beautiful white grilles compatible with any interior décor
- A compact design for small-sized bathrooms
- Easy to control and use
CONS
- The noise may be louder than expected
Key Features
- CFM: 70
- Weight: 10 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 4.0
The Broan-Nutone 665RP is the best choice when it comes to style. It has white polymeric grilles that complement any interior space.
It combines a heater, fan, and light, all in one unit. Each of these elements can work together or separately, enabling you to control your bathroom environment. This fan comes with two blower wheels and a well-lubricated plug-in motor that enhances performance.
3. BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM, 0.8 Sone Bathroom Ventilation & Exhaust Fan – Most durable
PROS
- Durability
- Silent clever technology that makes it very quiet
- A heavy-duty motor for guaranteed performance
CONS
- Grills do not fit with large holes.
Key Features
- CFM:90
- Weight: 10.7 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 8
A noisy bathroom fan can be a disaster.
The BV Ultra-Quiet features a “silent clever technology” with a 0.8 sone rating that offers super quiet performance while driving large volumes of air in 90 square feet of bathroom space.
The unit is durable thanks to its stainless-steel ducts and internal plastic parts, and it’s easy to mount and install. It has a heavy-duty motor for continuous performance, and its thermal protection enhances energy savings.
4. Panasonic FV-0511VQCL1 WhisperSense Ventilation Fan – Most Quiet
PROS
- Trouble-free installation
- Durable, with superb performance
- Enhanced moisture and odor control
CONS
- Poor mounting hardware design
Key Features
- CFM: 110
- Weight: 10.14 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 3
Is quiet operation your highest priority? The Panasonic FV-0511VQCL1 WhisperSense is the right pick with its 0.3 sone rating.
The unit has a speed selector—that enables you to choose your preferred airflow speed—and precision ventilation for optimal extraction.
For enhanced flexibility, this unit comes with a Flex-Z Fast bracket that makes for easy installation. It also has a less than 1W LED nightlight suitable for energy-saving illumination. Its elegant grille design complements any interior design giving your bathroom a streamlined appearance.
5. Broan Very Quiet Ventilation Fan and Light Combo – Most Powerful
PROS
- Superb motor performance
- Hushed fans
- Less overheating or motor failure
CONS
- Only suitable for large rooms
Key Features
- CFM: 110
- Weight: 10.14 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 0.7
The Broan Very Quiet stands out as the most powerful fan in this list.
The unit has a powerful 110 CFM fan that can serve a large bathroom of up to 150 square feet. It is extremely quiet and handles moisture, mildew, or odors
The well-balanced centrifugal blower wheel delivers superb performance, and the galvanized rugged stainless-steel construction makes it very durable. It also has a polymeric duct connector that features tapered sleeves with no metallic clatter. This makes it both sturdy and easy to install.
6. Panasonic WhisperLine Remote Mount in-Line Spot Bathroom Fan – Easiest to Install
PROS
- Steel construction that makes it sturdy and durable
- High energy-saving and efficiency
- Easy to connect and use
CONS
- Does not offer a light feature
Key Features
- CFM: 472
- Weight: 33.2 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 2.1
This giant Panasonic WhisperLine unit effectively eliminates mildew, moisture, and odor in your bathroom.
It has a quiet operation, is energy efficient, and delivers reliable results. The Energy Star qualification is an assurance that this fan will serve you well while saving you energy. The adjustable airflow allows you to achieve a multiple inlet balance, and the thermal fuse protection guarantees continuous performance without motor failure or overheating.
For a secure connection, the fan comes with a tapered duct adapter and an insulated house that prevents condensation issues.
7. Hauslane BF200 Electric Bathroom Fan – Most Efficient
PROS
- Suitable for busy or shared bathrooms
- Double hanger system for easy installation
- Quiet and efficient operation
CONS
- Does not come with the heater option
Key Features
- CFM: 120
- Weight: 10 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 1.2
Do you live in a shared house? This Hauslane Electric Bathroom Fan is the right choice.
It is ultra-quiet with a 1007 RPM fan speed that ensures quiet operation. It also has a compact extractor unit that uses suction to deal with odors and smells in bathroom spaces measuring up to 120 square feet.
An integrated light provides convenient lighting and illumination. Its 6W LED light panel makes it ideal for nights or bathrooms without windows. This unit also comes with a double hanger bar system for easy installation and positioning. Its extractor has a 4-inch vent connector and separable elements, making it one of the best bathroom fans on the market.
8. Delta BreezSignature VFB25AEH 130 CFM Exhaust Bath Fan with Humidity Sensor – Best Eco-friendly
PROS
- Maximum energy savings
- Durable and reliable performance
- Eco-friendly; it reduces greenhouse gas emissions
CONS
- The fan blades have balance issues
Key Features
- CFM: 130
- Weight: 9.81 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 2.0
Are you struggling with high humidity levels? The Delta BreezSignature is designed to solve such problems.
It features a humidity sensor for enhanced moisture control, and it comes with an easy-to-use switch that turns the humidity sensor on or off.
It has a superb design, which ensures low noise output and minimal power consumption. The unit also offers two DC brushless motors for reliable performance and durability.
As Energy Star qualified, this fan offers maximum cost-saving operations. This aspect also makes it environmentally friendly as it reduces carbon emissions. So, you will be helping to preserve the environment while lowering your utility bills with this pick.
9. Broan-Nutone AE80B InVent Series Single-Speed Fan – Most Compact
PROS
- Duct connector eliminates metallic clatter
- Ensures minimal air leakage
- Compact design for easy installation in small bathrooms
CONS
- Noisy when compared to others on this list
Key Features
- CFM: 80
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 1.5
Getting the perfect fan for a compact bathroom can be a challenge. The Broan-Nutone InVent fan features foldable mounting ears that boost airtightness, allowing you to enjoy a fresh environment in your bathroom.
It has a galvanized steel construction for superb durability and comes with a 4-inch duct connector for metallic clatter prevention. The inVent fan has a design to prevent air leakage and ensure your bathroom has the perfect cold/warmth balance.
Despite the compact design, the fan is powerful. It can easily eliminate humidity in any small or mid-sized bathroom.
It also has a GFCI circuit that captures steam, thus eliminating foggy mirrors. This way, you always have optimal visibility in your bathroom space of up to 75 square feet.
10. Air King BFQ 90 Bath Fan – Best Budget Pick
PROS
- Durable and rust-resistant
- Suitable for high humid areas
- Affordably priced
CONS
- It does not come with light and heater options
Key Features
- CFM: 90
- Weight: 4.9 lbs.
- Sone Rating: 2.0
The Air-King BFQ 90 Bath Fan is a reliable fan with an attractive price.
This fan is affordable for people on a shoestring budget. Nonetheless, the low price does not mean reduced performance. It features a 4-inch plastic duct collar and a backdraft dumper, making it quiet and efficient. The duct collects any steam in your bathroom for a healthier environment.
The plastic construction also makes it rust-resistant and durable. So, it is the perfect choice for regions with high moisture and salty water.
With a polymeric grille, the fan complements any bathroom décor. A snap-in installation system ensures easy set-up, and the 90-CFM, 2.0 sones ratings mean it is both powerful and quiet.
Final Verdict
All of the fans featured in our best bathroom fans review offer reliable and superb performance. They help you to maintain healthy humidity levels while keeping your bathroom warm and well-illuminated.
Nonetheless, the Panasonic FV-11VHL2 Whisper Warm Lite Fan emerged as our top pick.
This bathroom fan is durable, easy to install, and ultra-quiet. It features a sturdy and durable stainless-steel construction that is corrosion-proof, and it has two fans to enhance airflow and heat distribution.
Finally, it has an efficient motor that isn’t susceptible to failure and overheating issues. These great features guarantee you real value for your money and ensure that you will enjoy a warm, healthy, and drier bathroom environment.
Related article:
How to Pick the Best Bathroom Fan
Noise Levels
Different fans have varying noise levels.
You should consider a bathroom fan that has low noise levels, preferably between 36dB and 60dB. Each fan has a “sone rating.” This is a measure of the fan’s sound output. Always look for the sone rating on the fan’s package or the manufacturer’s website—the lower the sone rating, the quieter the fan.
Size
Size is the next aspect to consider when choosing a bathroom fan.
Different units come in different sizes. Consider the size of your bathroom. A compact room will need a small-sized fan. Similarly, a large and spacious bathroom will call for a massive fan.
This consideration is essential to ensure the efficient circulation of airflow and maintenance of the right humidity levels.
Night Light Inclusion
You may, at times, need to take a shower at night. Some bathroom fans come with night-time lighting, and this feature allows you to use the bathroom without turning on other lights.
The lights typically operate on lower wattage, saving you energy and money. It is also vital to consider the type of light kit included. Choose from compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LED lights; the latter offers brighter illumination than the former.
CFM Ratings
The ultimate purpose of a bathroom fan is to ensure airflow efficiency and proper humidity levels. CFM ratings indicate a fan’s airflow capability: The higher the rating, the more powerful the fan. The best bathroom fans have a CFM rating of 50 or higher for optimal airflow.