Choosing a quiet blower fan for use around the home is a good idea if you need something with more direct airflow than a standard fan.
In this article, I review my top picks for best quiet blower fan. After this, I’ll go over the essential features of blower fans and why you’d choose one over a shop fan.
What kind of noise level should you expect from blower fans? As you’ll often use them in garages and workshops, anything below 70dB is fine. Ambient work sounds mean blowers don’t need to be as low noise as a house fan.
Our Top 7
When reviewing blower fans, I select a range of models, including portable and budget-friendly options. Of course, I only choose ones I think are quiet enough.
1. Top Pick: Lasko U15617 Pivoting Air Blower
- Airflow: 375 CFM
- Vertical Tilt: 360°
- Speed Settings: 3
- Noise Level: NC
This Lasko fan is my top pick for a few reasons. First, its maximum noise emissions are 59dB, making it worthy of the title of quiet blower fan.
Second, its CFM rating ranges from 290 to 375. While this might not be as powerful as an industrial shop fan, it has the benefit of producing a direct stream of air. This makes it suitable for drying applications (such as carpet or paint) or cooling a single location.
Some reviewers state they use it when exercising on a treadmill or bike machine. Apparently, it’s ideal for these applications.
It has a fully pivoting head, meaning you can direct the air wherever you want. The fan has a 10ft. power cord, a carry handle, and is well built. This means it’s suitable for construction uses because it can take a beating thanks to its superior design.
Perhaps my favorite feature is that it includes 2 distinct 120V power outlets. You can use it to power other devices, such as tools. While this might sound minor, it saves you running extension cables around a worksite.
Some reviews critiqued its air power, claiming it isn’t strong enough. It’s ideal for cooling a single, static location in a room. But, if you need full room circulation, opt for a normal fan.
- Operates at 59dB – low noise for a blower fan.
- Head pivots 360 degrees.
- Includes extra 120V power outlets and long power cord.
- Airflow isn’t that strong.
2. Best Portable Pick: Stanley ST-310A-120 Blower Fan
- Airflow: 350 CFM
- Vertical Tilt: 90°
- Speed Settings: 3
- Noise Level: 65 dB max
Stanley is a well-known company in the construction world, so it’s no surprise it offers a quiet blower fan for workshops. At 12.5 x 10 x 12”, this is a highly compact model. As a result, it’s ideal for carrying to job sites.
It has 3 speed settings, and the fastest operates at 65dB. While this is louder than the Lasko fan above, it’s still well below the threshold of quiet blower fan. Plus, when you factor in shop noise, it’s not a problem at all.
This fan has a maximum CFM rating of 350, which is slightly lower than the Lasko. But, it has quite a wide vent, meaning you get a decent area of cooling from it.
You can pivot the blower head to direct the airflow, which is helpful considering it’s such a small model. Also, it includes a single 120V power outlet, which should be fine for most shop applications.
Its main flaw (as highlighted by many reviews) is that it lacks the build quality associated with a company like Stanley. The body is plastic, which isn’t ideal for a portable blower fan. If you’re concerned about it taking a beating, sacrifice some portability and go for the Lasko instead.
- Highly compact model.
- Operates at 65dB.
- 3 speed settings and pivoting head.
- Fan’s housing is a bit flimsy.
3. Best Budget Pick: Air King 9550 Pivoting Utility Blower
- Airflow: 310 CFM
- Vertical Tilt: ~360°
- Speed Settings: 3
- Noise Level: 60 dB max
This Air King blower fan is friendly to your pocket and your ears. It’s a slightly lower price than the Stanley fan but does sacrifice some functionality. Perhaps most importantly, its maximum CFM is only 310.
But, its noise level is 60dB on the highest setting, and you have 3 to choose from. Although you lose some air power, it’s still a quiet fan. If you’re on a budget, a slight loss of airflow isn’t a big deal.
It has a 360-degree pivoting head, a carry handle, and 7ft. power cord. Overall, it’s a good model for cooling smaller rooms but will be noticeably weaker in larger open spaces.
Like the Lasko blower fan, the Air King has 2 distinct 120V power outlets. Again, it’s not a massive difference over the Stanley, but it does provide greater flexibility for plugging in tools when working.
While the odd review comments on its weaker CFM, many stated that it’s not powerful enough. Better yet, they said you must stand directly in front of it to feel anything.
This is how blower fans work compared to normal fans, though, so it’s not a massive issue. If you want something with better room circulation, choose a normal fan.
- Acceptable budget-friendly option.
- Maximum noise output of 60dB – quiet enough for home use.
- Includes 2 power outlets.
- Slightly lower CFM rating than others in this list.
4. Shop-Vac 1032000 Shop-Air Blower Fan
- Airflow: 500 CFM
- Vertical Tilt: 45°
- Speed Settings: 3
- Noise Level: 77 dB max
The Shop-Air has a surprisingly high CFM rating for its size: 500 on its highest setting. It’s far more powerful than the others on this list and amazingly doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of noise emissions.
Although the manufacturer doesn’t offer a decibel rating, a reviewer found it peaked at 77dB but generally operated at 66dB on its highest setting. Higher CFM ratings mean louder operation, but not by much.
As a compact model, it’s ideal for drying applications around the home. For example, you could use it for drying carpet, paint, or damp areas. Its size means it’s much easier to position in small areas, something it does almost as well as the Stanley fan.
It has 2 power outlets, allowing you to link several fans in sequence or plug in power tools. The power cord is 10ft. long, meaning you shouldn’t be restricted on plugging it in.
Despite its higher CFM rating, the occasional review claims it doesn’t move as much air as larger models. This might be due to its smaller fan grilles. So, if you need a model with better airflow, opt for the Air King or Lasko.
- Compact model is suitable for small spaces.
- Long power cord and carry handle provide flexibility.
- Operates at 66dB – quieter than some household fans.
- Small grille makes airflow seem more directed.
5. Air King 9555 Pivoting Air Blower
- Airflow: 350 CFM
- Vertical Tilt: 90°
- Speed Settings: 3
- Noise Level: 77 dB max
This model is the upgrade of the Air King above. It didn’t win the budget pick because its more powerful air flow means it’s at a higher price point.
Its maximum CFM is 350, which is still slightly lower than the Lasko and Stanley blower fans. Also, its noise level is 77dB, which is considerably louder. Its lowest dB rating is 69, so it’s even fairly loud at its slowest speed.
But, it makes up for this with its overall design. It’s a very sturdy fan and would be ideal for use in workshops and garages. In these settings, the higher dB rating won’t even be that noticeable.
It has the usual features you need from a blower fan: pivoting head, 2 power outlets, and a carry handle. The power cord is 7ft. long, so you should have enough flexibility for using it in larger rooms.
Some users didn’t like its squirrel cage fan design, as it collects dust and debris easily. Obviously, this isn’t great when using it in a shop. Luckily, it’s easy to take the fan apart to clean, but you must do this regularly.
- Decent build quality.
- Higher CFM rating than the budget Air King model.
- Suitable for workshops and garages.
- Requires regular cleaning.
6. Lasko X12905 X-Blower
- Airflow: 370 CFM
- Vertical Tilt: 6 positions across 360°
- Speed Settings: 3
- Noise Level: 72 dB max
This Lasko fan has many features similar to the Lasko above but with a few extras thrown in. It didn’t make the top spot simply because it’s louder. Its maximum noise level is 72dB, which is quite loud for a quiet blower fan.
Its CFM ratings are almost identical: 300-370. It also has a pivoting head but has 6 positions rather than it being free pivoting. Overall, this doesn’t make a massive difference, although you’re slightly more restricted in where you direct the airflow.
Unlike all other blower fans on this list, it uses a touchscreen to control settings. But, this isn’t a massively helpful feature, as the usual dial setting is fine, particularly in shop applications where it’s not uncommon to find yourself wearing gloves.
Along with the usual power outlets, this blower fan includes 2 USB ports. Again, it’s a minor feature but does mean you have more options for powering and charging devices.
While most users appreciate the design and build quality, they critique its noise output. The extra features may benefit some people, but if you need a quieter blower fan for use around the home, the Lasko U15617 is a better option.
- Includes 2 USB ports.
- Decent build quality.
- Maximum CFM of 370.
- 72dB is loud for a quiet fan.
7. Aain Utility Air Blower Fan
- Airflow: 300 CFM
- Vertical Tilt: No
- Speed Settings: 3
- Noise Level: NC
At 10lbs., this is quite a portable blower fan. Its CFM rating is only 300, but this is still enough for purposes such as drying carpets.
Unlike other fans, it’s got quite a wide outlet grille. This means it blows air over a larger area. So, although it’s less powerful, it’s ideal for things like drying paint.
It has 3 speed settings and can be chained with other fans to increase the drying area. To make it safer, it has overload protection, meaning it’ll shut off if power consumption gets too high.
Perhaps the main drawback is that it lacks a decibel rating. However, users state it’s fairly quiet, making it suitable for use around the home or in workplace settings.
Users critique its lack of pivoting head. This isn’t a massive issue if you’re using it for blowing air at your desk, but is an issue if you need to adjust the airflow. Luckily every other model on this list pivots, so you’re not short of options.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Easy to use.
- Wide outlet grille means a larger area of coverage.
- No decibel rating – apparently fairly quiet.
- Doesn’t have a pivoting fan head.
Why Choose a Blower Over a Fan?
If you’re looking for something to circulate air, you might be wondering about the difference between a blower and a fan. Well, here’s your answer:
An air blower provides a direct, powerful airflow, whereas a fan generally circulates air around a room. A blower therefore targets a smaller, static area while a fan cools a room by moving air around.
I explain more about circulating air around a room in my article on quiet outdoor fans. If you want more information about high-velocity fans, check out my article on shop fans. A high-velocity fan pushes air over a greater distance than a standard fan.
So, when might you want to use quiet air blower fans? The following are good examples:
- Drying carpet (e.g. after cleaning or water damage)
- Sorting out a plumbing issue under a sink or in a bathroom
- Drying wall paint
- Shop tasks (such as woodworking or keeping your workspace clean)
In short, a blower fan is less about cooling and more about directing a powerful stream of air at a smaller location.
How Does a Blower Fan Work?
Blower fans are essentially reverse windmills. They have an intake on the side, and air is sucked in before passing over the blades at a right angle. The fan then shoots the air out of a small outlet grille to increase its pressure.
You can check out this video for a more visual explanation of how blower fans work.
Is There a Silent Blower Fan?
Obviously, no device that blows air is ever going to be silent. But, in your search for the closest thing to a silent blower fan, consider the following:
Build Quality
Build quality is an essential factor when determining overall noise level. You should look at the fan’s moving parts but also its housing and other features.
A cheap fan can rattle and deteriorate over time. One with better materials and design will last longer and remain as low noise as possible.
Most blower fans have plastic housing, as it’s more impact-resistant. When choosing something for a workshop or garage, you should ensure it’s as durable as possible.
Airflow
When discussing airflow in blower fans, we use something called a CFM rating. It stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and refers to how much air the fan moves. For example, a CFM rating of 375 means it moves 375 cubic feet of air every minute.
How does this relate to noise level? A fan that moves more air makes more noise.
It’s not a direct correlation, though. You must also factor in build quality and overall design. Even so, it’s a good enough rule to work with.
Speed Settings
Much like airflow, speed settings impact how quiet a fan is. Faster speed settings mean greater airflow, which means more noise.
As standard, blower fans have 3 speed settings. It’s enough for shop applications, as you won’t need more flexibility than this.
If possible, buy a blower fan with a higher CFM rating than you think you need. This allows you to run it at a lower speed, meaning less noise.
Decibel Rating
A decibel rating is the most obvious indication of a quiet blower fan. At the beginning of this article, I stated that 70dB is the loudest we’d consider for a quiet fan.
What’s that in real terms? 70dB is roughly equivalent to a washing machine or vacuum cleaner. Overall, it’s not that loud.
A fan with a decibel rating of 60 is the equivalent of normal conversation. That’s pretty quiet and should be suitable for household uses.
I’ve made sure to include blower fans with decibel ratings where possible. If you’ve found one without a rating, look at consumer reviews to see what other people are saying about it. If someone thinks a fan is too loud they’ll definitely tell you about it.
What Features to Consider
Choosing the right blower fan for your needs is about more than noise level and air flow. Of course, these are the most important factors, but you should think about extra features that make it more functional.
My top considerations are:
Ease of Use
Ease of use for a blower fan translates to a compact, fairly lightweight model. For a truly portable model, I recommend choosing one between 8 and 11lbs.
Even if you’re not carrying it to job sites, you’ll often pick it up to move it around the area you’re drying.
Therefore, a carry handle is essential. Almost all blower fans have one, as they’re usually designed to be portable.
Features such as a settings dial are useful too, as it’s easy to choose a speed while wearing gloves (as you might do in a workshop).
You should also consider things like removable grilles so you can get into the fan to clean it. It’s more important for workshop fans, as dust and debris will build up faster.
Pivoting Head
Unlike conventional fans, blowers don’t oscillate. As I mentioned, this is because you direct them at a single location. Instead, they have pivoting heads so you can direct the air flow.
You’ll find models with a freely pivoting head or with predetermined angles. Either is fine, but a free pivot gives you far greater flexibility over where you direct the fan.
Power Cord
A long, safe power cord is essential for any workshop device. Blowers come with 3-prong plugs, as this grounds them and improves safety.
Look for a power cord that’s at least 6ft. long. A longer cord gives you greater flexibility for moving around workshops and means you can keep the plug well away from wet areas.
Power Outlets
Most blower fans have extra power outlets. There are a number of reasons for this.
The first is so you can chain several fans up in sequence. It’s a useful option if you’re drying a large area, such as a carpet or painted wall. It saves you running extension cables around a work site, which isn’t that safe.
Also, you can use the outlets to power tools or other devices. Again, this is a safety feature, as it saves you from running multiple cables. It’s fairly minor but does make a difference to overall workplace safety.
Energy Consumption
You’ll struggle to find a blower fan rated for energy efficiency. Unlike household fans, energy efficiency isn’t seen as an important consideration in workshops.
That said, most manufacturers provide a watt rating. For example, the Lasko U15617 uses 100 watts on its highest setting. If a kilowatt-hour costs 10 cents, this fan would cost 0.1 cents an hour to run.
As you can see, blower fans are fairly efficient. Of course, it depends on the model, but you can use this calculator to get a rough idea.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has given you some useful insights into choosing the best blower fan for your needs.
My top pick is the Lasko U15617 because it’s functional, quieter than most, and does exactly what you need it to.
If you need a smaller or more budget-friendly option, one of my other top picks should do the job.
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to buy a quiet blower fan? Let me know in the comments below.
