TechGearLab

We can't deny that the Air King is a powerful unit, but the trade-off is that the large blades and hardy motor that put out all of that power also produce a lot of noise. When set to high, we measured 76 dBa. And, while we liked that the window it's placed in can open and close while the fan stays in place, this is due to the fact that the fan screws into the window trim —  more of a permanent fixture than some may prefer. That said, if you want to move a significant amount of air, this unit will likely blow you away. 

We can't deny that the Air King is a powerful unit, but the trade-off is that the large blades and hardy motor that put out all of that power also produce a lot of noise. When set to high, we measured 76 dBa. Also, while we like that you can open or close the window while this window fan stays in place, this is because the fan screws into the window trim, meaning it becomes more of a permanent fixture than some may prefer. If you don't mind this factor and want to move a significant amount of air, this unit will likely blow you away. 

amazon.com

walmart

If you're searching for a unit that sits in your window, the Bionaire Reversible Airflow is our favorite option. It features twin blades with three standard speed settings. The airflow can be reversed, either blowing cool air into your home or pushing warm air out. Its user interface controls are simple to operate and easy to read, covering a wide variety of features. Adding additional convenience, the Bionaire can be set to follow a thermostat that will move air until the desired temperature is reached and then automatically shut off. And move air it does, as we clocked speeds of up to 11mph that are easily felt at a distance of 20 feet.
We have only minor complaints about the Bionaire. First, it only fits in windows ranging from 24" to 37". If your window is wider, you can purchase additional extensions, but narrower windows are out of luck. We're also not stoked that its remote seems to only work within a small, 15-foot radius. But at the end of the day, this window model is relatively quiet and impressively handy.
If you know you need an in-window option, read our window fan review.
Modes & Features: 3 modes &#40;Intake, Exhaust, Exchange&#41;

If you're searching for a unit that sits in your window, the Bionaire 8.5-Inch Reversible Airflow is our favorite option. It features twin blades with three standard speed settings. The airflow can be reversed, either blowing cool air into your home or pushing warm air out. Its user interface controls are simple to operate and easy to read, covering a wide variety of features. Adding additional convenience, the Bionaire can be set to follow a thermostat that will move air until the desired temperature is reached and then automatically shut off. And move air it does, as we clocked speeds of up to 11mph that are easily felt at a distance of 20 feet.
We have only minor complaints about the Bionaire. First, it only fits in windows ranging from 24" to 37". If your window is wider, you can purchase additional extensions, but narrower windows are out of luck. We're also not stoked that its remote seems to only work within a small, 15-foot radius. But at the end of the day, this window model is relatively quiet and impressively handy.
If you know you need an in-window option, read our window fan review.
Modes & Features: 3 modes &#40;Intake, Exhaust, Exchange&#41;

Wirecutter

If the Bionaire is sold out and you absolutely need a fan, the Genesis is our second choice. It’s weaker and has worse controls—but is still better than the rest that we tested.

expert-review

The Best Window Fans

powerreviews

If you're here hunting for a pedestal fan that works and won't blow your budget, the Comfort Zone 3-Speed is that fan. It's extremely simple and straightforward in operation and does precisely what you'd expect from a basic fan. Its top-measured speed hit just above average at 10.9 mph on High. Though the base is a whopping 24" wide and deep, it comes in the shape of four legs that can more easily fit over, around, or even under other objects in your home. The legs also fold up quickly, making this lightweight fan surprisingly portable. Their width and the fan's overall low weight also add to its sturdiness. With simple push buttons, it's easy to put this fan on a timer or smart switch, helping to make up for its lack of an internal timer. 
Of course, this level of simplicity may be too simple for some. Offering just three speeds and no remote or other frills, this fan is in no way fancy or modern. It also doesn't blow the competition away when it comes to being particularly powerful or especially quiet, falling about in the middle of the pack on both fronts. Though the Comfort Zone doesn't feel like it's made of the most bombproof materials, we had absolutely no issues with its sturdiness or durability during our testing. At the end of the day, while this fan lacks the bells and whistles of fancier models, it still gets the job done, making it a good value item. 
Modes & Features: Foldable base, indented carry handle on back of blade cage

bazaarvoice

The Bionaire is the most powerful twin fan we tested and also the easiest to use. But even the leader of the window fan pack is not without its shortcomings.

Best Window Fan of 2022

The Comfort Zone CZ319WT is a minimalistic though cost-effective window fan. Installation of this unit is a cinch with the twin sliding panels that fit it to the double-hung window gap, and it comes with a bug screen, effectively sealing the unit. The easy fitting means that, while the fan direction is one-way, you can quickly flip the unit around to exhaust a room as well. Moreover, the directional airflow coming off the twin 6" fans feels like a steady breeze at 20 feet.
While we like the savings that the Comfort Zone offers consumers, it does not come without a few cuts in performance and features. As mentioned above, the fans are unidirectional. In addition to that limitation, the unit only has two settings &mdash; high and low. However, making up for these shortcomings are feet that support the unit as a floor or table fan.   

The Comfort Zone CZ319WT is a minimalistic, cost-effective window fan. Installation of this unit is a cinch with the twin sliding panels that fit it to the double-hung window gap, and it comes with a bug screen, effectively sealing the unit. The easy fitting means that, while the fan direction is one-way, you can quickly flip the unit around to exhaust a room as well. Moreover, the directional airflow coming off the twin 6" fans feels like a steady breeze at 20 feet.
While we like the savings that the Comfort Zone offers consumers, it does not come without a few cuts in performance and features. As mentioned above, the fans are unidirectional. In addition to that limitation, the unit only has two settings &mdash; high and low. However, making up for these shortcomings are feet that support the unit as a floor or table fan.   

The Lasko W09560 is a reversible twin fan unit with three speeds, plus intake, exhaust, and air exchange settings. Other features include temperature control and a unique Bluetooth connection with a smartphone instead of a traditional remote control. The app is user-friendly and effective at controlling the speed and settings. Installation is a breeze, as the extension panels easily slide to fit either horizontally or vertically oriented window openings.
We weren't fans of the less intuitive manual controls and preferred to use the Bluetooth option for controlling the fan. The digital interface does not display what setting you are on until you change it. We also didn't find the fan to have much power. At 13 feet, it gives off just the slightest gust of moving air. If you do not necessarily need a powerful breeze and just want to circulate the air in your room, this fan does exactly that.  

The Lasko W09560 is a reversible twin fan unit with three speeds, plus intake, exhaust, and air exchange settings. Other features include temperature control and a unique Bluetooth connection with a smartphone instead of a traditional remote control. The app is user-friendly and effective at controlling the speed and settings. Installation is a breeze, as the extension panels easily slide to fit either horizontally or vertically oriented window openings.
The manual controls were less intuitive, and we preferred using the Bluetooth option to control the fan. The digital interface does not display what setting you are on until you change it. We also didn't find the window fan to have much power. At 13 feet, it gives off just the slightest gust of moving air. If you do not necessarily need a powerful breeze and want to circulate the air in your room, this fan does precisely that.  

Window Fan Comparison