Fan review: top picks for 2026 cooling

The Story

A review of 16 fans from The Guardian tested models for cooling, noise, and power use, naming the AirCraft Lume as best overall. The article states fans use significantly less energy than air conditioning, with a typical portable air conditioner using 1,000W compared to fans using between 8W and 60W. Testing included measurements of air speed, noise, and power consumption, along with evaporative coolers.

Key Facts

• The AirCraft Lume was named best quiet fan for the bedroom and best overall, using 18W on its top setting.
• The Dreo TurboCool misting fan 765S was named best fan for cooling; it was tested on a 31°C day and uses a 6-litre water tank for indoor misting, costing 2p per hour at 85W.
• The Devola desk fan was named best budget fan and best desk fan; stock expected at end of May. It produces an air speed of 4m/s, peak noise 50dB, and power use 16W.
• The Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist FA300UK was named best misting fan; it can convert from pedestal to desk, run cordless (2–24 hours battery), and mist only outdoors. Peak noise 55dB, top air speed 4.7m/s.
• The Dreo Cruiser TF518 was named best tower fan; features include 90-degree oscillation, a 0-12 hour timer, sleep mode, and auto mode.
• The Morphy Richards Air Flex USB fan was named best travel fan.
• The Swan Nordic air cooler was named best evaporative cooler.
• The energy price cap for 1 April to 30 June 2026 is 24.67p per kWh.
• All fans not returned were donated to the charity Furnishing Futures.

Conflicting Reports

No conflicting reports identified in the source article.

Still Unclear

No open questions identified in the source article.

Misconceptions

No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.

Key Figures

• The author, described as an award-winning consumer tech journalist with decades of experience and an engineering degree (name not provided in text).
• Products tested include: AirCraft Lume, Dreo TurboCool misting fan 765S, Devola desk fan, Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist FA300UK, Dreo Cruiser TF518, Morphy Richards Air Flex USB fan, Swan Nordic air cooler.

Sources: The Guardian