Honorable Mentions
Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Oscillating Tower Fan for $70: This fan, boasting eight speeds, is quite impressive given its price point. It includes a remote that conveniently fits into the back of the unit, and the base is surprisingly sturdy, even on carpets. However, it doesn’t operate significantly quieter than other fans at low speeds, which is one of its key features. Additionally, while its lightweight design may feel a bit flimsy compared to similar models, this may not deter you considering the affordable price.
Pelonis 40-Inch Oscillating Tower Fan for $70: This fan tends to wobble on carpets and features a remote that feels cheap and requires accurate alignment with the fan’s sensor for operation. Nonetheless, it generates one of the strongest breezes available in a tower fan and has reliably functioned quietly in the backdrop of my home office for several months. Moreover, the remote is preloaded with batteries, which is a nice touch unlike other fans in this price range.
Photograph: Kat Merck