Choose a tower fan for a bedroom or living room where floor space is tight, a pedestal fan when you want to aim airflow at a seat or a bed, and a rechargeable or neck fan when there is no power point nearby. Then check three things: the height range, how far it swings, and what the timer offers. This guide uses the specifications in our own listings.
Tower, pedestal or portable
Tower fan. A tower is tall and slim, so it takes up less of the floor. The Devanti tower fan, 93cm is rated at 50W and swings through 85 degrees. It has three speeds and three wind modes: Normal, Natural and Sleep. The 91cm tower in the same range is rated at 40W, has a carry handle and the same 85-degree swing.
Pedestal fan. A pedestal fan sits on a round base and its height can be changed. The Devanti pedestal fan adjusts from 43cm to 80cm, so it works as a small desk fan or as a full-size fan. It tilts 45 degrees vertically and swings 90 degrees horizontally, and it has three speeds and four swing modes.
Rechargeable fan. The Devanti 16 inch 5-in-1 fan has a battery, so it can sit on a stand, a table or the floor, or hang on a wall. Its listing describes use at home, in the garage and when camping.
Personal fans. The neck fan is worn around the neck, charges by USB-C and has six speeds. The USB desktop fan is 20cm across, weighs 370g and has three speeds.
Height and swing
Height decides where the air lands. The towers are listed at 91cm and 93cm tall. The pedestal can be lowered to 43cm to sit on a desk or raised to 80cm to stand on the floor. The rechargeable fan adjusts from 79.3cm to 114.9cm, so it can be set higher than either.
Swing decides how much of the room it covers. A wider swing spreads air across a room, and a fixed fan points at one spot. The tower swings 85 degrees, the rechargeable fan 60 degrees with 24 degrees of manual vertical adjustment, and the pedestal 90 degrees across.
Timers, modes and controls
A timer matters for a bedroom, because you can switch the fan on and leave it. The tower's timer runs from 0.5 to 7.5 hours. The pedestal's runs from zero to 12 hours, and its panel dims after three minutes without use, which the listing describes as ideal for sleep. The rechargeable fan's timer runs up to 8 hours.
The towers, the pedestal and the 16 inch fan all come with a remote control, so you can change speed from bed. The tower and pedestal also have a touch panel on the fan.
Battery runtime
Only the rechargeable models rely on a battery, so check the figures. The 16 inch fan lists up to 40 hours on Low and approximately 2.5 hours on High, with 4 to 6 hours to recharge. It also has a USB output, so it can charge a phone. The neck fan lists a 6000mAh battery and the desktop fan runs from a USB source such as a laptop or a power bank.
Compared
| Fan | Type | Height | Speeds | Timer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devanti tower, 93cm | Tower, mains | 93cm | 3 | Up to 7.5 hours |
| Devanti tower, 91cm | Tower, mains | 91cm | 3 | Up to 7.5 hours |
| Devanti pedestal | Pedestal, mains | 43cm to 80cm | 3 | Up to 12 hours |
| Devanti 16 inch 5-in-1 | Rechargeable | 79.3cm to 114.9cm | 5 | Up to 8 hours |
| Neck fan | Wearable, USB-C | 24cm tall | 6 | None listed |
| USB desktop fan | Desktop, USB | 20cm | 3 | None listed |
Which fan for which place
Bedroom. Choose a tower or the pedestal, for the timer and the remote. The tower lists a Sleep mode, and the pedestal's listing calls its dimming panel ideal for sleep.
Living room. Choose the pedestal, because the height can be changed for sitting or standing.
Garage, shed or campsite. Choose the rechargeable 5-in-1 fan, which does not need a power point and can be hung on a wall.
Desk or travel. Choose the USB desktop fan or the neck fan. Both are small and use USB.
Before you buy
- Measure the height of the spot where the fan will stand, so a tower or pedestal clears furniture.
- Count the speeds and check there is a timer if it will run overnight.
- For a battery fan, read the runtime on the speed you plan to use.
- Check that assembly is needed. The towers and the 16 inch fan are listed as needing assembly.
- Browse the full fans page for the rest of the range.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tower fan or a pedestal fan better for a bedroom?
Both suit a bedroom, and the choice depends on space. A tower takes less floor and has a Sleep mode. The pedestal has a longer timer, a height that can be changed and a panel that dims after three minutes.
What does oscillation mean on a fan?
Oscillation is the fan head or body swinging from side to side so the air covers more of the room. The tower swings 85 degrees, the pedestal 90 degrees and the 16 inch fan 60 degrees.
How long does a rechargeable fan run on one charge?
The 16 inch 5-in-1 fan lists up to 40 hours on Low and approximately 2.5 hours on High. Charging takes approximately 4 to 6 hours.
Can I use a fan with a timer overnight?
Yes. The tower has a timer from 0.5 to 7.5 hours, the pedestal from zero to 12 hours and the rechargeable fan up to 8 hours. Set the length to suit how long you want it running.