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While at work, whether in an office or at home, it can be difficult to get the atmosphere just right, without it also being distracting. You have no control over the temperature if at an office or want a bit of air without a large fan at home– either way, it helps to have something that can add just a little bit more climate controllability.
On top of that, when working at a desk, you often make plenty of small noises on your own whether from typing away at a keyboard or fiddling with some item or another. In this instance, a small desk fan can help keep you cool without having to change the entire climate control but it can also add distracting noise.
That is why we put together a list of the 5 best quiet desk fan reviews of 2020, highlighting what each one does best. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide and answer some of the most pressing questions, so you can figure out which fan provides enough airflow at a low enough volume for your needs.
Best Quiet Desk Fan Reviews
Best Seller: OPOLAR USB Desk Fan, Small but Mighty, Quiet Portable Fan for Desktop Office Table, 40° Adjustment for Better Cooling, 3 Speeds, 4.9 ft Cord
OPOLAR is one of the few companies on our list that has both a legitimate reputation and has been around longer than most of its competitors. It is also worth noting that this company specializes in airflow products and also makes high-end products, something none of the other companies we reviewed do.
For our purposes, the OPOLAR desk fan is a decent option as it does not generate any more than 50 dB of noise at its highest setting. At lower settings, this desk fan generates less than 50 dB of noise, but it also produces less cooling airflow as well– so you have to pick your poison.
That said, the OPOLAR desk fan shows its high-performance chops by providing one of the most powerful options that we encountered with a motor that runs at 2 ½ watts. While this is not the most powerful motor that we encountered, it is still able to achieve the fastest blade speeds on our list from 1800 to 2400 rpms.
For positional versatility, the OPOLAR desk fan is a bit of a mixed bag considering that it is one of the lightest options on our list at only 8 oz. However, this desk fan is also surprisingly large, all things considered, measuring in at 6 ¾” x 5 1/10” x 3 ¾” which can make it a bit trickier to position for those with smaller or cluttered desks.
On the other hand, the OPOLAR desk fan also boasts the longest USB power cable on our list, able to stretch out to 5’ in length to take advantage of additional power outlets. Of course, this mixed bag situation continues as this desk fan has one of the smaller ranges of rotation from 0 to 40°.
Features
- Blows air while generating less than 50 dB of noise
- Creates plenty of airflow with speeds of 1800 to 2400 rpms
- Allows for a wide range of positions with 0 to 40° rotation
- Is easy to position with a long 5’ USB power cord
- Has a powerful motor that operates at 2 ½ watts
Verdict
The OPOLAR desk fan is easily one of the more powerful models that we reviewed at 2400 rpms which also manages to keep its noise low at under 50 dB. While it is a fairly inexpensive desk fan that offers some positional versatility, you also need to be careful as it may not last as long as you want.
Pros
- Generates less than 50 dB
- Spins at 1800 to 2400 rpms
- Pushes 2 ½ watts
- Is less expensive
Cons
- A louder high speed
- Not the most durable
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SmartDevil is arguably the only other company on our list with a solid reputation and is definitively the most experienced company we included with a decade of experience. However, SmartDevil focuses primarily on smartphone and other smart device accessories as opposed to airflow products.
Thankfully, that does not seem to have impacted the company when it made the SmartDevil desk fan which produces no more than 50 dB of noise. Like other high-quality desk fans, this entry will generate significantly less noise when you run it at lower speeds, but then you get less airflow.
In terms of its raw performance, the SmartDevil desk fan is the second most powerful entry on our list with a blade speed that ranges from 366 to 554 rpms. This might seem like a sharp decline from the most powerful option we reviewed, but it is more than enough for most close-range desk fan situations.
It is also worth noting that the SmartDevil desk fan might be the most positionally versatile model that we encountered. For starters, this desk fan is the lightest entry on our list, tipping the scales at a lightweight 6 oz without having to give up any of its stability thanks to a base with 4 rubber feet on the underside.
Beyond the lightweight design, the SmartDevil desk fan also boasts one of the more compact builds which only occupies 4 ⅔” x 4 ⅕” x 1 ⅔” of space. Finally, this desk fan also comes with one of the longer USB power cables at 4’ long, though the power cable is a bit more selective with USB port compatibility than most of the competition.
Features
- Blows air while generating less than 50 dB of noise
- Creates plenty of airflow with speeds of 366 to 554 rpms
- Allows for a wide range of positions with 360° rotation
- Is extremely portable with a compact, lightweight build
- Is easy to position with a long 4’ USB power cord
Verdict
The SmartDevil desk fan is one of the more powerful options we encountered that generates more or less noise depending on its setting with high getting somewhat noisy. It is easily one of the more versatile desk fans we found with a lightweight design, longer than average power cable, and a small build.
Pros
- Generates less than 50 dB
- Spins at 366 to 554 rpms
- Is lightweight and compact
- Is less expensive
Cons
- A louder high speed
- Has iffy USB compatibility
Best Value: Aluan Desk Fan Small Table Fan with Strong Airflow Quiet Operation Portable Fan Speed Adjustable Head 360°Rotatable Mini Personal Fan for Home Office Bedroom Table and Desktop 5.1 Inch
- 【Strong Wind】The inbuilt first- new copper made brushless motor is stronger and have longer lifespan than regular motor, which can...
- 【Compact Size & Exquisite Design】The 6inch portable fan is compact and designed in unique modern look, lightweight and space-saving....
- 【Speed Adjustable】The portable fan with 2 adjustable speed is adequate for your various cooling demand, just press the power button to...
Aluan begins our list of companies that do not have any real online presence and has only been around for a couple of years. On the other hand, Aluan at least specializes exclusively not only in airflow products but compact airflow products designed for smaller spaces or to be taken on the go.
With this in mind, it makes sense that the Aluan desk fan is one of the quieter models that we encountered, generating no more than 40 dB of noise. Of course, the reason that this desk fan produces so little noise comes down to its power which is a bit lower than the other models on our list.
Thankfully, this reduced power does not seem to impact its actual performance, as the blade speed of the Aluan desk fan sits between 300 to 338 rpms and is more than enough for most people. Even more surprising is the fact that this desk fan comes with a motor that pushes 2 ½ watts– though this is where things get dicey.
For starters, the Aluan desk fan is not the most durable product that we encountered with many of its complaints coming due to defects after only a few months’ use. What is even odder is that this desk fan’s motor is arguably too powerful for the build and has been known to blow the fan off of the desk.
This is a bit odd as the Aluan desk fan is not anywhere near the lightest entry on our list coming in at a decent 11 oz. On top of that, this desk fan is not the most compact either at 5 ½” x 5 ½” x 5” which is not especially large, but these dimensions combined with rubber feet on the base should make it more stable.
That said, you should not have to worry about the Aluan desk fan breaking if it does fall off of the desk given its ABS and polypropylene plastic build. On the positive side, this is another desk fan that offers some positional versatility as it boasts a 360° rotation, though its power cable is comparatively short.
Features
- Blows air while generating less than 40 dB of noise
- Creates plenty of airflow with speeds of 300 to 338 rpms
- Allows for a wide range of positions with 360° rotation
- Is easy to use with a 3-position switch control
- Has a powerful motor that operates at 2 ½ watts
Verdict
The Aluan desk fan is one of the quietest entries on our list, generating a paltry 40 dB while still managing to spin its blade at upwards of 338 rpms. While it is one of the easiest desk fans on our list to use, its lightweight design and iffy base make it a bit less stable or durable than some of its competitors.
Pros
- Generates less than 40 dB
- Spins at 300 to 338 rpms
- Pushes 2 ½ watts
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most durable
- Not the most stable
Runner Up: Fancii Small Personal Desk USB Fan, Portable Mini Table Fan with Twin Turbo Blades, Whisper Quiet Cyclone Air Technology – for Home, Office, Outdoor Travel (Black)
- Twin turbo Cyclone-Blade technology provides maximum airflow to keep you cool anywhere, anytime
- 25% quieter and 40% more powerful than similar models | Max. airflow up to 4.2m/s
- Small, portable and lightweight personal fan perfect for use in home, office, desktop, camping, or travel
All things considered, Fancii is not a wholly unknown company that has an excellent reputation, extensive online presence, and over half a decade of experience. However, Fancii started as a beauty accessory company and has only just recently expanded their product line to include a smattering of electric peripherals.
Still, the Facii desk fan sits atop our list in one important respect: volume, as the desk fan generates the least amount of noise we encountered at only 30 dB. That said, like all desk fans that are exceedingly quiet, this comes with some tradeoffs, but this particular model mitigates those somewhat.
In terms of raw power, the Fancii desk fan sits squarely in the middle with a blade speed of 394 rpms that is roughly the average for our list. Granted, part of the reason this desk fan can maintain such a low volume is the fact that it only operates at 2 speeds, but it still produces more airflow than you might expect.
The main way that the Fancii desk fan accomplishes this is by utilizing a tube design with dual fan blades. The dual fan blades allow this desk fan to generate more airflow despite a less powerful motor while the tubular design focuses the airflow in a narrow line as opposed to a wider cone.
This design has some disadvantages as well, though, since it reduces its positional versatility as the 180° rotation is limited by a less stable base. Thankfully, you should still be able to find a spot for it on even a cluttered desk as it only weighs 8 oz and measures 4 ¾” x 4 ⅖” 4”– even if it is a bit expensive.
Features
- Blows air while generating less than 30 dB of noise
- Creates plenty of airflow with speeds of up to 394 rpms
- Allows for a wide range of positions with 180° rotation
- Is extremely portable with a compact, lightweight build
- Generates more consistent airflow with a dual blade design
Verdict
The Fancii desk fan surprises with a powerful blade speed of 394 rpms that is also the quietest entry we found, generating a measly 30 dB. This desk fan also has one of the most durable builds we came across, but it is somewhat expensive and not the easiest to position– despite its lightweight design.
Pros
- Generates less than 30 dB
- Is lightweight and compact
- Spins at 394 rpms
- Is more durable
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Not the most stable
Also Consider: CONBOLA Desk Fan, 11.8 Inch Bladeless Fan Small Table Fan Air Cooler, Portable Rechargeable Breeze Quiet Fan with Touch Control 5-Colors Decorative LED Light for Office Bedroom（White)
- DESK BLADELESS FAN - Innovative bladeless, safe air inlet grille, reference fluid dynamic design that increases air volume while blowing out...
- MINIMALIST DESIGN - Simple elegant shape, ABS PC material, durable surface, safe and healthy. Easy to clean, just simply use a damp cloth to...
- MUTE DESIGN - Large-slope turbine silent air duct, lower noise than traditional fan, only 30-50 decibel, after inhaling air, generates...
Our last company is another entry that does not have any serious online presence and has only been around for a couple of years which calls into question its reputation. To make matters trickier, CONBOLA does not specialize in airflow products, offering a wide range of general consumer goods.
While it comes to the CONBOLA desk fan, however, it at least is reasonably quiet with its low speed generating 30 dB and its high speed maxing out at 50 dB. Of course, this desk fan can mitigate that somewhat thanks to its bladeless design which is a bit of a misnomer but still important.
Instead of pointing the fan’s blades directly at you, the CONBOLA situates the blades in the fan’s chassis and distributes the air through slots in its ovular toroidal opening. Despite what it might seem, this design generates plenty of airflow, though CONBOLA does not release any specific statistics.
Still, this is by far the most powerful desk fan that we encountered with a motor that pushes 4 watts– almost twice as much as the next closest competitor. It is also worth noting that this is the only option on our list that can run without being directly connected to a port or outlet thanks to a 2500 mAh battery.
While the battery is not the most impressive available, it can still operate the CONBOLA desk fan for between 3 to 6 hours and only requires 2- 3 hours to recharge. This desk fan is also the only model on our list that comes with a pleasant LED light that shines in 5 different colors, though it is also an expensive option.
Features
- Blows air while generating between 30 and 50 dB of noise
- Is safe for children with the blades fully enclosed in the chassis
- Can be used without a bord thanks to the 2500 mAh battery
- Is a perfect night light with a built-in 5-color LED light
- Has a powerful motor that operates at 4 watts
Verdict
The CONBOLA desk fan is the only option on our list that features a “bladeless” design and is also able to keep pace with the competition in terms of noise generation. While this fan is perfect for young children to protect their fingers and serve as a nightlight, it is also an exceedingly expensive model for what you get.
Pros
- Generates between 30 to 50 dB
- Has a battery pack
- Pushes 4 watts
- Is a bladeless fan
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Has a shorter cable
Best Quiet Desk Fan Buying Guide
Volume
This is by far the most important factor for our list’s purposes, but it does not come with an easy answer. This is because a desk fan produces more noise depending on its design, its motor’s power, and its blade’s speed, meaning you have to balance the performance with the noise.
The more airflow you want or the more durable the motor, the more noise the desk fan is liable to generate. While the design can aid in reducing the noise generated a bit, it will not account for an especially powerful motor or quick fan blades, so make sure you understand how much airflow you need ahead of time.
Type
There are two main types of desk fans, the standard bladed model and the bladeless model, that ultimately perform about as well as the other. The standard bladed model is the kind of fan you are used to with the blades visible and often protected by some kind of grill to prevent injury.
The bladeless desk fan, also known as the air multiplier, technically has blades, but they are encased within a chassis. The blades pull in air from vents in the base and funnel it upwards into a toroid with either slits or holes which can produce a surprising amount of airflow given its odd appearance.
Speed
The speed of a desk fan refers to the blade speed and is measured either in meters per second or rotations per minute, though the meters per second is often a way to disguise slower speeds. While this is not the ultimate factor in determining the amount of airflow a desk fan produces, it is one of the more important.
Keep in mind, the faster a desk fan’s blades spin the more noise those blades generate, though this can be mitigated by the blades’ or the fan’s chassis design.
Rotation
Although a desk fan’s blades rotate, rotation in this context refers to positional rotation of the desk fan’s head. Basically, you are likely not sitting in the same position the entire time that you sit at your desk and may need to adjust the desk fan’s position to accommodate your different postures.
Some desk fans include a design that allows the head to rotate 360° which provides the most positional versatility. Other designs may have a fixed head that limits the positional versatility while still others may not be able to rotate the head at all, requiring you to sit in one position or move the entire fan.
Watts
When combined with the blade speed, this is a good way to gauge how much airflow a desk fan generates. However, the motor is the primary source of noise generated by a desk fan, even if the blade speed and head design are ultimately more important in determining the total airflow produced.
Keep in mind, two different desk fans with motors that push the same number of watts can vary widely in terms of how much airflow they provide. However, motors that push more watts also tend to be a bit bigger which generally translates to heartier components that can last longer as well.
Size
While a desk fan should ostensibly fit on a desk, there are so many different arrangements to desks that the size may very well be an important factor. In terms of the size, the most important aspect is the dimensions as smaller or cluttered desks likely place a premium on the space occupied.
It is also worth remembering that smaller desk fans are easier to transport and less likely to get in the way of a monitor if you use one while working. The weight is another component to the size, but it is not the most important factor unless you find yourself taking the fan with you from one location to another.
FAQ’s
What makes a Quiet Desk Fan?
There are a couple of factors that go into how much noise a desk fan generates but the two most important are the power of the motor and the speed of the fan’s blades. Keep in mind, even a “bladeless” desk fan must account for both of these factors, though it does have some advantages in this regard.
As it pertains to the motor, a more powerful motor will last longer and likely generate more airflow, but it will also make more noise. The same can be said for the blades with regards to the size of the blades, the number of blades, and the speed of blades, so you have to balance the amount of noise you want with the desired airflow.
Bladeless fans are a bit different given that the blades sit within an enclosed chassis to prevent fingers or other body parts from coming in contact with them. The chassis itself offers a bit of noise-dampening effect, but it can also serve as an echo chamber if the desk fan is not otherwise quiet.
What Kind of Desk Fan is Right for You?
When it comes to desk fans there are two basic types, but the more common style can come in a multitude of different forms. This can make choosing the right desk fan a bit trickier than it at first seems as your desk’s arrangement and your personal needs will influence which type or form is right for you.
In terms of the different types, you can choose between a standard bladed desk fan or a “bladeless desk fan, keeping in mind that the bladeless model still technically has blades– they are just encased in the chassis. It is also worth noting that a bladed fan may include multiple sets of blades that allow it to generate more airflow.
In terms of form, the bladed fans are either upright or tubular with the upright models being easier to position and the tubular models generating better-directed airflow. As far as the bladeless desk fan is concerned, they do not always generate the best airflow but are safer for small children and pets.
What to Look For?
Outside of the volume, the most important factor is the airflow, but as has been noted prior, the more airflow a provides generally the more noise it produces. As such, you should accept the fact that if you need a desk fan that offers plenty of airflow, it will inherently generate more noise than a less powerful, quieter fan.
Another thing to consider is the positional versatility as not all desk setups are equal with numerous amounts of space and positions. For the latter aspect, getting a fan that can easily change its position is key as the ability to rotate the fan’s head and better direct the airflow will work for any seated position.
As it relates to space, those with a more cluttered desk will likely prefer a smaller, more compact desk fan, so they do not have to worry about finding the best spot. Outside of these considerations, the length of the power cord can also be important, especially if you do not have many ports or outlets nearby.
Conclusion
In the end, you generally have to choose between the amount of airflow you need with the amount of noise you are willing to put up with. If you need plenty of airflow in a stuffy office, the OPOLAR desk fan spins at significantly faster speeds than any of the competitors while maintaining a low volume.
On the other hand, if you do not need quite so much airflow but still want more than most desk fans can provide, the SmartDevil is powerful and quiet enough– as well as durable. On the other hand, sometimes you simply need a relatively quiet desk fan at the lowest price you can find which is where the Aluan comes in handy.
Of course, our list focuses explicitly on quiet desk fans, and none of the options we reviewed are quieter than the Fancii desk fan which only generates a whisper-quiet 30 dB. Finally, if you have small children or inquisitive pets, the CONBOLA bladeless fan safely runs at fairly quiet speeds.