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10 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,170
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
1301 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The adjustable CFM settings allow for customization to suit different bathroom sizes, ensuring excellent ventilation without moisture buildup.
Noise Level (Sones)
This fan operates incredibly quietly, even at its highest setting, making it a perfect choice for those who value a peaceful bathroom environment.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a notable feature, with the DC motor contributing to lower energy costs over time.
Additional Features
The build quality is top-notch, giving the impression of a durable product that will last for years.
Installation Type
The Panasonic FV-0511VF1 WhisperFit DC Fan excels in ease of installation, quiet operation, and effective ventilation, even in challenging setups like sloped ceilings.

The Panasonic FV-0511VF1 WhisperFit DC Fan is a solid choice for anyone looking to improve ventilation in their bathroom. One of its standout features is the adjustable airflow selector that lets you choose between 50, 80, or 110 CFM, making it versatile enough for various bathroom sizes. With a noise level of just 25 dB, it operates quietly, which is a significant advantage if you prefer a peaceful environment.

Energy efficiency is another strong point, as this fan is Energy Star-certified, helping you save on electricity costs while maintaining effective ventilation. Its compact design with a depth of only 5.6 inches means it can fit in smaller spaces, and the installation is straightforward thanks to the Flex-Z Fast bracket that simplifies the mounting process.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the manual control for airflow is functional, some users may prefer a more automated system. The absence of additional features like built-in lighting might also be a drawback for those looking for a fan that serves multiple purposes. Additionally, it comes with a corded electric setup, which means it needs to be connected to an outlet, limiting placement options.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,170
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Noise Level (Sones)
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
1301 reviews

Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The adjustable CFM settings allow for customization to suit different bathroom sizes, ensuring excellent ventilation without moisture buildup.
Noise Level (Sones)
This fan operates incredibly quietly, even at its highest setting, making it a perfect choice for those who value a peaceful bathroom environment.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a notable feature, with the DC motor contributing to lower energy costs over time.
Additional Features
The build quality is top-notch, giving the impression of a durable product that will last for years.
Installation Type
The Panasonic FV-0511VF1 WhisperFit DC Fan excels in ease of installation, quiet operation, and effective ventilation, even in challenging setups like sloped ceilings.
#2

Broan-NuTone® BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 1.5 Sones

Rating
9.8
Noise Level (Sones)
Energy Efficiency
Installation Type

Most important from
10083 reviews

Noise Level (Sones)
Super easy to install and operates so quietly you hardly notice it's on.
Energy Efficiency
Highly energy-efficient while maintaining effective air extraction.
Installation Type
Installation was a breeze, even fitting into the existing housing from a 25-year-old model.

The Broan-NuTone BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan is a solid choice for small bathrooms up to 75 square feet. It boasts an airflow capacity of 80 CFM, which effectively helps in reducing moisture and odors. With a noise level of 1.5 sones, it operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful bathroom environment without the distraction of a loud fan. This fan is also ENERGY STAR certified, indicating high energy efficiency and lower energy consumption—about 50% less than standard bath fans, making it environmentally friendly and cost-effective over time.

Installation is straightforward and can be achieved without cutting drywall, thanks to the no cut roomside installation feature. The innovative SlideClip technology allows for easy fitting and cleaning of the grille. The fan’s sleek and modern design with a floating CleanCover grille blends seamlessly with most bathroom ceilings, adding aesthetic appeal. Weighing in at 6.19 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle during installation.

However, for larger bathrooms, this fan may not suffice due to its limited coverage. Additionally, while the fan’s noise level is low, some users may still find it slightly audible. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Broan-NuTone BE8 is an excellent choice for those looking for a quiet, energy-efficient, and easy-to-install bathroom exhaust fan for smaller spaces.

Rating
9.8
Noise Level (Sones)
Energy Efficiency
Installation Type

Most important from
10083 reviews

Noise Level (Sones)
Super easy to install and operates so quietly you hardly notice it's on.
Energy Efficiency
Highly energy-efficient while maintaining effective air extraction.
Installation Type
Installation was a breeze, even fitting into the existing housing from a 25-year-old model.
#3

Broan-NuTone® BEL8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w/LED Light, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 1.5 Sones

Rating
9.7
Noise Level (Sones)
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
10412 reviews

Noise Level (Sones)
Operates with remarkable quietness, providing just enough sound to confirm it’s running without disturbing your peace.
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Clears moisture quickly and effectively, keeping the bathroom fresh and dry even after hot showers.
Energy Efficiency
Combines ventilation and bright LED lighting in one compact, energy-efficient unit.
Additional Features
Features a sleek, modern design with a clean, unobtrusive grille that blends seamlessly into the ceiling.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, with components that fit perfectly and align smoothly.

The Broan-NuTone BEL8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan is designed to efficiently ventilate bathrooms up to about 75 square feet with an airflow capacity of 80 CFM, which is suitable for most small to moderate-sized bathrooms. Its noise level is very low at 1.5 sones, meaning it operates quietly—just enough sound to confirm it's running without disturbing your peace. The fan is ENERGY STAR certified, so it uses about half the energy of standard models, helping reduce electricity costs and environmental impact. A notable feature is the built-in LED light, adding convenience by combining ventilation and lighting in one unit. Installation is made easier with its patent-pending SlideClip system, allowing for faster and simpler mounting without cutting into drywall, especially helpful if you lack attic access. The clean, seamless grille design blends unobtrusively with your ceiling for a modern look.

This model offers only one power level, so it lacks adjustable speeds which may be a consideration for some users who want more control over ventilation intensity. While 80 CFM is adequate for smaller bathrooms, larger spaces might require a more powerful fan. This exhaust fan is a strong option for those seeking quiet operation, energy efficiency, and easy installation in a compact bathroom setting.

Rating
9.7
Noise Level (Sones)
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
10412 reviews

Noise Level (Sones)
Operates with remarkable quietness, providing just enough sound to confirm it’s running without disturbing your peace.
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Clears moisture quickly and effectively, keeping the bathroom fresh and dry even after hot showers.
Energy Efficiency
Combines ventilation and bright LED lighting in one compact, energy-efficient unit.
Additional Features
Features a sleek, modern design with a clean, unobtrusive grille that blends seamlessly into the ceiling.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, with components that fit perfectly and align smoothly.

Buying Guide for the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Choosing the right bathroom exhaust fan is essential for keeping your bathroom fresh, preventing mold, and protecting fixtures from moisture damage. These fans help remove excess humidity and odors, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment. When selecting a bathroom exhaust fan, pay attention to a few important features that suit the size of your bathroom and your comfort needs.
Airflow (CFM)CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and indicates how much air the exhaust fan can move. This is important because a fan that moves too little air won't properly vent the bathroom, leading to lingering odors and moisture. Small bathrooms generally need a fan rated at around 50-80 CFM, while medium to large bathrooms may require 100 CFM or more. To choose the right CFM, measure your bathroom’s square footage and look for recommendations—often about 1 CFM per square foot as a starting point for standard ceiling heights.
Noise Level (Sones)Noise level for bathroom fans is measured in sones. A lower sone rating means the fan is quieter, which is desirable for a peaceful bathroom experience. Fans typically range from about 0.5 sones (very quiet) up to 4 sones or more (noticeably noisy). If you prefer a tranquil bathroom, look for a model with sones under 2. If noise isn’t a concern, higher sone fans tend to be more affordable.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency refers to how much electricity the fan uses during operation. More efficient fans save energy and money over time, while still providing strong airflow. Look for models with energy-saving certifications if you want to reduce electricity use and environmental impact. If you run the fan often, prioritizing energy efficiency is wise.
Additional Features (Lights, Heaters, Sensors)Many bathroom exhaust fans come with extra features like built-in lights, heaters, or humidity/motion sensors. These additions can improve convenience or comfort. For example, built-in lights save space, heaters add warmth, and sensors can automatically control the fan, helping maintain the right conditions without manual effort. Choose features that match your preferences; for basic moisture removal, simpler models may suffice.
Installation RequirementsInstallation can range from easy to involved, depending on your bathroom’s setup and the fan’s design. Some fans fit into existing ceiling openings, while others may require wiring or ductwork adjustments. If you’re replacing an old fan, check the size and mounting type to ensure compatibility. For new installations, consider ease of installation if you plan to do it yourself, or be prepared to hire a professional for complex setups.

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