The 5 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans

This article will discuss some of the best bathroom exhaust fans for your home. They are great for removing odors from the bathroom, and also add a touch of style to the room. Most people prefer not to have an exhaust fan in their bathroom due to their size and noise level.

The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans

But these fans below are considered some of the best because they are compact and quiet. You will love these for removing odors from your bathroom!

It is great taking a rest while enjoying a steamy hot bath is enjoyable unless you have a noisy bathroom exhaust fan.

So let’s look at it! The sound you hear coming from the bathroom fan is measured in sones. Roughly, 1 sone is equivalent to the hum of the refrigerator while 2 sones are obviously louder and more noticeable. Most of the time, models with 1 sone produce a whisper-silent noise. However, they are more expensive on the market.

Bathroom fan manufacturers have added a variety of features to extend their functionality. Today, they also have light bulbs for extra brightness in the room. Other brands integrate night lights, humidity sensors, and built-in heaters.

Like other electronic appliances, people look for units that are cost and energy-efficient. That’s why manufacturers create bathroom fans that are not only high performing but also energy saving.

An excellent way to keep cool is to purchase a small fan

Although this may seem like a temporary fix, fans are an effective and inexpensive method of cooling. There are various sizes of fans, but the most popular is a small 12-inch fan that can deliver up to 5500 CFM.

This type of cooling system can be placed in any room and produces incredible results without costing a lot. It is important to find the right size for your needs because it will make you more comfortable when you turn it on during those hot days in July or August.

Choosing what size best suits your needs can be done by finding out how many cubic feet per minute (CFM) it needs to produce airflow one foot away from the hood or grill of your stove or oven while cooking.

Fans are an excellent way to keep cool without breaking the bank because they require minimal electricity use while providing tremendous results.

A small 12-inch high-velocity fan with 5500 CFM will cost less than $50 and has been proven time and time again as being an exceptionally powerful appliance that not only helps with air circulation but also helps circulate air throughout entire houses during cooler seasons as well as provide relief from sun exposure such as UV rays when used in outdoor settings such

1. Panasonic FV-11VQ5 WhisperCeiling

The Panasonic FV-11VQ5 WhisperCeiling system is one of the best in its class. The design is sleek and attractive but won’t dominate the décor of a room. Its low profile means it can be installed in corners or on ceilings without causing a visual obstruction.

It has a quiet and powerful fan that circulates air up to 300 square feet. The filter lasts up to 3 years before needing replacement, which will keep your home or office air clean and fresh without disrupting your life with constant maintenance efforts.

Pros

  • Powerfully allows 110 CFM of airflow capacity
  • Produces almost no sound at 0.3 sones, operating very quietly
  • Includes 4-inch and 6-inch duct adapter and expandable double hanger bar
  • Features thermal cutoff fuse to avoid overheating of the motor
  • Certified by ENERGY STAR for energy savings
  • Includes a 3-year limited warranty on parts

Cons

  • Very expensive price tag; almost double the price of a regular bathroom fan
  • Does not include mounting accessories or extras
  • Somehow difficult to install despite the presence of a double hanger bar

Review:

The Panasonic WhisperCeilingis a leading brand of bathroom fans created by a trusted name in the industry. Panasonic is no doubt one of the most reliable manufacturers when it comes to creating innovative products for the home, which makes their FV-11VQ5 Whisper Ceiling no different. With a power requirement of 120 volts and 60 Hz, the AC motor no doubt has the power to keep the bathroom free of odor and humidity.

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Depending on the size of the room, it will allow airflow of 110 CFM. And amazingly, this is the most silent on the market, producing only 0.3 sones. Compared to cheaper brands, this is indeed whisper-silent. The manufacturer’s secret to this kind of performance is the double-tapered blower with an improved fan blade design.

Moreover, the product also features a plain housing and grille that complements any decor. And with the double hanger bar system as well as the 4- or 6-inch adapter, you can install it in the way you want. Not only are the fans efficient in doing their job, but it is also cost-effective.

Energy Star has certified this unit for its energy-saving quality, consuming low electricity. Aside from this, it is guaranteed that it has a long product life.

Since the manufacturer uses less energy, a thermal-cutoff fuse, and an improved blade design, the whole unit is expected to run longer. The product does not come with additional accessories but does have a generous 3-year limited factory warranty on parts. Lastly, this unit UL is listed for the shower enclosure as well as ENERGY STAR certification. With this, rest assured that you are safe while using the bathroom fan.


2. Broan 678 Ventilation Fan and Light

The Broan ventilation fan with light is a great choice for any home. It circulates air in an efficient manner and also provides illumination with its built-in light. The ventilation fan has two settings: high and low, to provide more airflow or less airflow, depending on the needs of the room. This product is easy to install and comes with instructions for installation and troubleshooting.

Pros

  • Includes a powerful plug-in motor that is permanently lubricated
  • Easy and accurate installation because of the included key-holed mounting brackets, polymeric duct connectors, and backdraft damper
  • Includes a light diffusion lens that is shatter-resistant
  • Housing is made of galvanized steel construction

Cons

  • The light cover may dim the light of the bulb
  • The bulb is not yet included in the purchase
  • Not as silent as the leading brand
  • May produce rattling noise while in operation

Review:

If you want to get the most value for money, you should look for a bathroom fan that can also have a light bulb attached. Because, why not add a little brightness to your room and save more electricity if you can? One of the cheapest options on the market is the Broan 678 Ventilation and Light Combination fan.

This has the power to keep your shower room or any room well-ventilated and bright. It is good for bathrooms and small rooms, allowing 50 CFM of airflow capacity and producing 2.5 sones of noise. While it is not as powerful as the leading brand, people are rating this product high because of its functionalities.

Aside from this, buyers also like that the unit is durable. It has a plug-in motor that is permanently lubricated so you no longer have to disassemble the unit just to lubricate it. This also means that the motor will perform consistently the same over the years to come.

Add to the amazing components of this product is the polymeric fan impeller. UL-listed and HVI certified, this bathroom fan is safe and efficient to install and use in your home. Moreover, this bathroom fan also has a two-function control once it is connected to a GFCI-protected circuit for added convenience.

One thing that you should take note of is that the purchase does not include a light bulb. However, the unit can accommodate a light bulb of your choice of up to 100 watts. It features a built-in and shatter-resistant lens that helps in the even distribution of light in your bathroom. As for the installation process, the manufacturer included key-holed mounting brackets, polymeric duct connectors, and a backdraft damper so it will be easy.


3. Delta Breez SLM70 Slim

The Delta Breez SLM70 Slim 70 CFM Air Purifier is a great choice for small spaces. It has two speeds, one for purifying and another that is purely fan-driven, which is perfect for humid climates. The compact unit features a three-stage filtration system: a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and charcoal filter. This air purifier removes an impressive 99% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air passing through it; this includes allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites plus mold spores, and smoke particles.

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Pros

  • Can be mounted on the ceiling of the wall
  • Weighs only 5 lbs. and is easy to install
  • Features a powerful DC brushless motor that ensures continuous operations
  • Produce low noise at 2 sones
  • The grille is spring mounted to reduce noise
  • Includes an LED indicator that turns green when the unit is running
  • Has a 3-year limited manufacturer’s warranty on defects

Cons

  • Still not extremely quiet as the leading brand
  • The LED indicator sometimes has defects

Review:

Delta Breez is another affordable brand of bathroom fans. This manufacturer is known for creating ventilation fans that suit all budget types and specifications. For the small fan category, their SLM70 Slim 70 CFM Exhaust Fan is one of the best. It is known for being good at keeping your bathroom odorless as well as in preventing mildew buildup. Thanks to the power of a DC brushless motor, the airflow speed is 70 CFM.

While not whisper-quiet, the motor is silent enough for you not to be disturbed. It is operating quietly at 2 sones with the help of a spring-mounted grill that is designed to minimize the noise. To determine whether your exhaust fan is running or not, an LED indicator that turns green is found below the grille.

Unlike other brands on this list, this one is more flexible in terms of installation. UL listed it as both a ceiling and a wall-mounted bathroom fan. In other words, if your ceiling is not in good condition, or you have an attic overhead, you can still mount it on the wall.

The whole installation process is expected to be easy, too. Now the product not only produces low noise but also consumes very little energy. It is approved by ENERGY STAR as an energy-saving bathroom fan. It ensures low utility bills and a low environmental impact; thus, it is indeed cost-effective. These certifications prove that the unit is well-built and has a long product life.


4. BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM

The BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM is a Honeywell air purifier. The air purifier is designed to work with various technologies to improve the quality of your indoor air. This includes a True HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, activated carbon for removing odors and gases, and an ionizer for reducing airborne allergens and other irritants like smoke, dust, pet dander, and hair. These particle removal methods are combined in one easy-to-use device that will help make your home healthier than ever before!

Pros

  • Includes a permanently lubricated and thermally protected motor that operates quietly within 0.7 sones
  • Powerful airflow capacity which is up to 90 CFM
  • Good super-quiet ventilation system with clever silent technology
  • Complete with all installation and assembly accessories
  • Approved by HVI-2100, CSA, ETL, and Energy Star
  • Includes technical support service

Cons

  • The unit is shipped not fully assembled
  • Assembly and installation could be difficult
  • Manufacturer warranty is only limited to 1 year

Review:

The BV Ultra-Quiet 90 is one of those brands that has set a new standard for bathroom or exhaust fans. It may not be the cheapest option on the market, but its value for money is indeed great. It’s hard to find an affordable bathroom fan that does its job in ventilating the room and at the same time operating quietly. As its name BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM suggests, this unit boasts its quiet operation, producing a sound that is only at 0.7 sones. If you are going to compare it with other standard bathroom fans, it definitely has the upper hand. In fact, it is as extremely quiet as the leading brand on the market. Its motor is no joke because it has a 90 CFM airflow rate. The combination of clever silent technology, as well as a powerful motor, is what makes it popular.

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Looking closely at the unit, you will be convinced that it is professionally built. The housing is solid and durable because it is made of rust-resistant stainless steel. Thus, it is ideal in areas that are always exposed to moisture. Because the motor comes permanently lubricated, consistent performance during long hours of operation can be expected. What’s more, is that it is thermally protected.

Like any good brand, this is also certified by HVI 2100, CSA, as well as ETL-approved. In other words, it is sure to have high-quality materials and is also safe to be installed on a ceiling. Certified ENERGY STAR, this bathroom fan won’t consume much electricity. The 1-year manufacturer warranty might be short, but at least you can ask for help from their technical support if there is a problem.

5. Air King BFQ 90 High-Performance Fan

The Air King BFQ 90 High-Performance Bath Fan 90-CFM is a powerful and durable fan that can be used in the bathroom or in any other area of the house. The Air King BFQ 90 High-Performance Bath Fan features a durable design with ABS plastic housing, 18 cubic feet per minute airflow, and a 3/4 horsepower motor. The Air King BFQ 90 High-Performance Bath Fan is Energy Star certified and has been reviewed highly by consumers. This device features a built-in light that illuminates the room while it is on.

Pros

  • Has a powerful motor that allows 90-115 CMF airflow
  • UL-Listed, Culus-listed, and Home Ventilation Institute certified
  • Great Snap-In Installation System that makes mounting and assembly easy for users
  • Includes durable polymeric grille and plastic housing that helps reduce noise
  • Includes all the things needed for unit assembly and installation even a Romex connector

Cons

  • The slots of the grille are big, making the housing look more visible from below
  • Still not whisper-silent as other brands

Review:

The Air King BFQ 90 High-Performance Bath Fan is not only lauded because of its affordable price, but also because of its effectiveness in keeping their bathroom less humid and odor-free. It has a host of special features that make it more desirable. When it comes to the installation process, this unit has the easiest instructions to follow. You might even figure out how you are going to assemble it without a guide if you are experienced in electronics.

Using the included screws, you can assemble the casing, fan, and all the other parts within an hour all by yourself. Meanwhile, you also receive all the mounting brackets, wire nuts, and even a Romex connector in the box for installation; in other words, you do not have to buy anything separately and install it.

Another commendable thing about this product is its latest technology incorporated into the powerful motor. It allows up to 90-115 CMF of airflow capacity and produces only 2.5 sones of noise. While this is not a whisper-silent type, the noise is bearable and won’t be disturbing to the ears. Instead of using steel, the manufacturer chose plastic materials, which are rust and water-resistant. Aside from that, they are also good at absorbing noise and are not prone to breakage, unlike welded steel. UL, Culus, HVI 2100, and R-40 have certified this product as safe, long-lasting, and effective to use in the house.

If you want to read more, here’s a full review of _ the Air King BFQ 90 Fan



Finding a bathroom exhaust fan is easy, but buying the right one that suits all your requirements is difficult. The best way to determine if the brand would be the best bathroom fan for you is to identify the size of your room to know how much power or CFM will be enough to keep it ventilated.

The bathroom exhaust fans we have reviewed here are good for their own specific applications. Most of them are inexpensive, but all of them are not perfect. So, consider the flaw and see if it is fine with you before purchasing it.

I hope you found the list of the 5 best bathroom exhaust fans has been helpful. 🙂