The Best Air Fan Cooler Options: Finding the Perfect Fit for You

Are you tired of sweltering through hot summer days? Look no further! We have curated a list of the best air fan coolers on the market that are guaranteed to keep you cool, comfortable, and refreshed. Whether you're in need of a CPU cooler or an evaporative cooler, we have got you covered. From innovative designs to cutting-edge technology, these coolers are here to revolutionize your cooling experience. Say goodbye to the heat and hello to the best air fan cooler options out there. Get ready to beat the heat with our top picks!

Best CPU Coolers For You

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware

Our team of expert reviewers dedicates hours to testing and comparing different products and services to provide you with the best options available. If you want to learn more about our testing process, you can find additional information here.

If you're unsure about whether to choose an air cooling solution (a large heatsink with fans) or a liquid-cooled AIO (a pump connected to a radiator and fans), there are several factors to consider. Air coolers take up more interior space in your PC case and require more vertical clearance from your motherboard, potentially limiting your case options. Additionally, air coolers can be noisier and less efficient at dissipating heat from your CPU and out of the chassis. However, advancements in technology have made this decision less cut and dry. Fanless air cooling options, such as Noctua's Colossal NH-P1, offer extreme cooling with silent operation, although case fans are still required to remove heated air from the case.

Air coolers generally have a lower price range compared to AIO coolers. Affordable options like the Amazon Basics CPU cooler cost less than $30. However, AIO coolers have also become more affordable (and sometimes more expensive) over time. High-end air coolers can reach and even surpass $100. On the extreme end, you have options like the Ice Giant Prosiphon Elite with an MSRP of $170, which competes with many large AIO coolers. However, there are good performing air coolers available for less than $30.

If silent operation and low temperatures are more important to you than cost, you might consider a custom cooling loop. However, it's essential to note that custom loops are significantly more expensive than other cooling options and can complicate future component upgrades.

Below, you'll find our tested recommendations for both air and liquid cooling options. But first, we'll provide some quick shopping tips to help you make the best choice for your CPU cooler.

When selecting a CPU cooler, keep the following factors in mind:

• Own a recent Ryzen CPU? You may not need to buy a cooler, but it depends on the model. Most Ryzen 2000 and 3000-series processors, as well as some older Ryzen models, come with coolers that can handle moderate overclocking. However, Ryzen 5000 CPUs in the Ryzen 7/9 range do not include coolers. Previous-generation AMD coolers are compatible with the upcoming Ryzen 7000 series. If you aim for the highest possible CPU clock speed, it's usually best to invest in an aftermarket cooler. However, if you don't plan to push your Ryzen to the limit, the included cooler or an existing one from a previous build may suffice.
• If you opt for a large air cooler, check for clearance before purchasing. Certain coolers, especially those with low-profile designs, can interfere with tall RAM sticks or VRM heatsinks. Additionally, tall coolers may cause issues with case doors or windows. It's crucial to check the dimensions and clearances of any cooler you're considering, as well as the dimensions of your case.
• Keep in mind that, generally, more fans provide better cooling performance but also generate more noise. The coolers that excel in thermal dissipation are often the loudest. If noise is a concern, look for a cooler that strikes a balance between noise and cooling performance. Adjusting fan speeds based on temperature in your motherboard's BIOS can also help manage noise levels.

For a more detailed guide on choosing the right cooler based on type and other variables, refer to our 2022 CPU cooler buying guide.

Saving on the Best CPU Coolers

If you're interested in the CPU coolers featured on our recommended list or even those that didn't make the cut, you may find savings by reviewing our selection of Newegg promo codes or Corsair coupon codes.

MORE: Best Liquid CPU Cooling

MORE: How To Choose A CPU Cooler

MORE: CPU Benchmark Hierarchy

What to think about when shopping for an evaporative cooler

✔?? Geographical location: Evaporative coolers function best in specific climates, so it's crucial to consider if they will be effective in your area. These coolers work exceptionally well in dry climates where humidity remains below 50%, typically found in the western and southernmost states. Those living in other weather conditions, particularly in the Midwest or areas east of Kansas, may find portable AC units or window units more suitable.

✔?? Location in the home: Evaporative coolers don't require exhaust ventilation like portable AC units, but it's advisable to use them in well-ventilated parts of your home or outdoors, such as on a patio or porch, to minimize any potential musty odors. Regular cleaning is also important to prevent unpleasant smells.

✔?? Cooling capacity: The size of the area you want to cool will determine the appropriate cooling capacity required from the cooler. Consider the square footage of the room or space you want to cool and select a unit with a matching cooling capacity. Additionally, take note of the physical dimensions of the cooler to ensure it fits in your desired location. Smaller units can be easily stored in closets when not in use.

✔?? Water connection: Evaporative coolers utilize a water tank to cool hot air. It's important to have access to a safe and sanitary water supply, regardless of whether you manually fill a tank or connect the cooler to a continuous water supply. For coolers with continuous-fill tanks, consulting an HVAC professional can ensure proper setup.

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Do evaporative coolers need to be vented out of a window?

Evaporative coolers typically don't require venting with a hose, distinguishing them from portable AC units. However, since the hot air generated needs an outlet, it's advisable to place the cooler near an open door or window to allow for efficient circulation and optimal performance.

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How do I know if an evaporative cooler is right for me?

"Evaporative coolers are ideal in hot, dry climates where the relative humidity stays well below 50%," says DiClerico. They are less effective when humidity levels are high.

Because evaporative coolers have lower cooling capacities compared to traditional air conditioners or portable AC units, they are better suited for areas with warm temperatures that don't consistently reach high levels. However, in the right conditions, evaporative coolers can enhance comfort.

If you reside in a humid and warm region, it may be more suitable to opt for an AC window unit or a portable air conditioner. DiClerico suggests, "The cooling power of an evaporative cooler is closer to that of a fan than a traditional room air conditioner, but they can improve comfort in the right conditions."

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How does an evaporative cooler work?

Evaporative coolers, also referred to as swamp coolers, utilize water or ice to cool the air. With the help of a water reservoir and pads inside the cooler, air is drawn into the machine, passing over the wet pads and evaporating the water. This process cools the air, which is then circulated back out of the cooler using a fan.

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SKONYON Evaporative Air Cooler

2

Best Value Evaporative Air Cooler

Evapolar Personal Evaporative Air Cooler and Humidifier Fan

5

Best Portable Evaporative Cooler

HESSAIRE MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler

3

Best Evaporative Cooler for Small Rooms

Other CPU Coolers We Tested

We have extensively tested a variety of CPU coolers, including large air coolers, low-profile coolers for small form factor systems, as well as AIO and open-loop setups of different sizes. While many of these coolers offer excellent cooling performance, silent operation, or attractive RGB lighting, not all of them make it onto our best list.

Below are some air coolers and AIOs we have tested recently that didn't make the cut but might still be suitable for your needs. Keep in mind that the best options for most users are listed in our Best Air Coolers section or the Best AIO Coolers page.

Cooler Master PL360 Flux (9/11/2022)

Cooler Master's PL360 Flux is a quiet cooler that effectively cools Alder Lake Core i9 CPUs up to 200W. It features ARGB lighting and software for adjusting fan speeds and colors. The slim radiator allows for easier integration in various cases. However, its main downside is the relatively high price compared to other 360mm AIO coolers in the market.

Read: Cooler Master's PL360 Flux review

Corsair H100i Elite (9/9/2022)

The Corsair H1000i Elite delivers exceptional quiet operation and includes the iCue suite for RGB and fan customization, as well as system monitoring. It effectively cools Alder Lake Core i9 CPUs up to 200W during testing. However, at around $140, it faces tough competition from DeepCool's LS520, which offers better cooling performance at a lower price.

Read: Corsair H100i Elite review

Cougar Forza 85 (8/28/2022)

The Cougar Forza 85 is a great tower air cooler that operates quietly and effectively cools Alder Lake Core i9 CPUs up to 200W. It comes with a fan splitter and clips for adding a second fan to improve performance. Priced around , it would be a strong contender for our Best Coolers list if it weren't for DeepCool's AK500, which offers better performance at a slightly lower price.

Read: Cougar Forza 85 review

Vornado Swan Oscillating Table Fan

Most Retro

Dreo Tower Fan 42 Inch, Cruiser Pro T1

1

best overall cooling fan

Tower and Floor Fans

1. Lasko Portable Electric 42″ Oscillating Tower Fan, , original price:

AmazonThis Lasko tower fan features three quiet sounds, and a nighttime setting automatically decreases fan speed and dims control lights.

2. Honeywell HYF260 Quiet Set Whole Room Tower Fan,

AmazonConsider this Honeywell Quiet Set Tower Fan for an inexpensive, quality option. It has more than 28,000 positive reviews.

3. Dreo Tower 90° Oscillating Fan,

AmazonThis Dreo tower fan is another great find as it has six speeds, zero blades, four different modes and an LED display.

4. Dyson Pure Cool™ TP01 Purifying Fan, $280, original price: $420

DysonIf you’re looking to splurge, you can’t go wrong with the Dyson tower fan that also purifies the air around you. It comes in three different colors, and according to the brand, the 360-degree HEPA filtration removes gases and 99.97% of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns.

5. B-Air FIRTANA-20X High-Velocity Electric Industrial and Home Floor Fan, , original price:

AmazonThis B-Air industrial fan is excellent for those looking for a simple option. It comes in under 2 feet, features 360-degree rotation, costs less than $100, and gets the job done.

Pedestal Fans

1. Amazon Basics Oscillating Dual Blade Standing Pedestal Fan with Remote, $47

AmazonWhen in doubt, go with the basics. This Amazon Basics Pedestal Fan comes with a remote and will stand the test of time. It has three power settings and is engineered for whisper-quiet operation. Plus, the high-quality silent motor keeps the noise level low.

2. Honeywell Double Blade 16 Pedestal Fan White with Remote Control,

AmazonThe Honeywell Pedestal Fan is remotely operated and features a double blade configuration with three-speed settings and oscillation for wide area cooling in medium to large rooms.

3. Everdure 49.4 Inch Pedestal Fan, $299

AmazonFor a back-in-time pedestal-looking fan, go with Everdure. It’s currently on sale and comes in four different colors.

4. Vornado VFAN Sr. Pedestal Vintage Air Circulator Fan, $270

AmazonThis retro-inspired pedestal fan not only looks fantastic but also has an impressive 8,300 reviews and an impressive 4.6-star rating. Snag it in white or green.

5. Lasko 2535 52″ Oscillating Pedestal Fan, $52, original price:

AmazonThis Lasko option is a nice hybrid between a tower and pedestal fan that offers oscillation and a remote for ultra convenience. Plus, it’s currently on sale!

Vornado 783 Full-Size Whole Room Air Circulator Fan

4

best adjustable fan

U ULTTY Bladeless Tower Fan and Air Purifier

5

best fan and air purifier

Vornado VFAN Jr. Vintage Air Circulator Fan, Vintage White

6

best table fan

Dyson Pure Cool TP01 Air Purifier and Fan - White/Silver

2

best splurge fan

Misby Portable Bladeless Fan

7

best small bladeless fan

GreenTech Environmental pureFlow QT7

8

the best round desk fan

Amazon Basics Oscillating Dual Blade Standing Pedestal Fan with Remote

9

best pedestal fan

West Elm Wood Tripod Floor Fan

Click here to view the West Elm Wood Tripod Floor Fan on West Elm's website.

Pros:

• Available in multiple colors
• Three speed settings

Cons:

• Expensive

Leave it to West Elm to release a beautiful standing fan on a midcentury-inspired tripod frame. Though the walnut base comes in only one finish, the fan part is available in the darker color pictured or a pale chrome. With three speed settings, it will keep you cool all day long. "I would never have seen this fan if I didn't catch a glimpse (and proceed to use it) at a friend's beach house, and I'm pretty impressed with how well it works. It's definitely not prioritizing fashion over function," Cherner says. "That said, it doesn't oscillate, so if you want the benefits of the breeze, you'll have to sit in its path."

Power Source: Electrical outlet

Coverage Size: 250 square feet

Type: Standing

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Most Reliable

Iris USA, Inc. Oscillating Fan

Click here to view the Iris USA, Inc. Oscillating Fan on Amazon.

Best Colors

Good Housekeeping Retro Table Fan

Best Colors

CONBOLA Desk Fan

12

Best desk fan

ALAGOON Battery Operated Misting Fan with Clip

17

Best misting fan

GUSGU Portable Fan

16

Best travel-friendly fan

JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan

15

Best personal fan

PELONIS 3-Speed Box Fan

14

Best box fan

FrSara Neck Fan

11

Best neck fan

esemoil Portable Foldable Fan

10

Best 2-in-1 fan

Personal Fans

1. Gulaki Hands-Free Portable Neck Fan, $24, original price: $30

For an effortless and budget-friendly way to stay cool this summer, consider this ultra-convenient hands-free, portable neck fan that’s on sale for less than $30. It has more than 25,000 Amazon reviews and an impressive 4.5-star review.

2. O2COOL Elite Battery Powered Handheld Water Misting Fan, $15

Keep yourself even cooler with this portable, hand-held misting fan. It’s battery operated, comes with two flexible blades and is currently available in this fun, hot-pink shade.

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In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best air fan cooler for your needs, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a portable and compact evaporative cooler or a powerful and efficient CPU cooler, the choices are endless. From the SKONYON Evaporative Air Cooler to the Dyson Pure Cool TP01 Air Purifier and Fan, there is a cooler out there that will suit your preferences and keep you comfortable during those hot summer months. So, don't sweat it - invest in the best air fan cooler and enjoy a cool and refreshing atmosphere wherever you go.