Head-to-head · Best Window Fans

Amazon Basics Twin Window Fan (9-inch) vs Vornado Transom Window Fan

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Amazon Basics Twin Window Fan (9-inch) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.9 vs 3.7). Amazon Basics Twin Window Fan (9-inch) is best for: Budget buyers who want a simple, quiet twin fan for a small or medium room and do not need a thermostat or remote. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Window Fans

Amazon Basics Twin Window Fan (9-inch)

3.9

2 sources$34.36as of Oct 16

A basic 9-inch twin window fan with two speeds and manual controls. Bob Vila tested it, rated it 4.3 out of 5 and named it Best Bang for the Buck; TechGearLab tested it, scored it 66 out of 100 and named it Best Window Fan on a Budget, measuring 755 CFM of airflow. Both found the same main drawback: to switch between intake and exhaust you have to take the fan out and turn it around.

Strengths

— Bob Vila rated it 4.3 out of 5 (Best Bang for the Buck); TechGearLab scored it 66/100 (Best Window Fan on a Budget)
— TechGearLab measured 755 CFM, tied for second-highest in its test, and 1.27 newtons of thrust
— Bob Vila found installation takes minutes; TechGearLab gave it its highest installation sub-score (9.0)

Watch-outs

— No thermostat or temperature-based shut-off
— TechGearLab says it cannot stand vertically, and its CFM readings reflect lackluster air movement for larger spaces

$34.36 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Window Fans

Vornado Transom Window Fan

3.7

2 sources$99.94as of Oct 16

The Vornado Transom swaps the usual twin blades for one long fan in a low, 8-inch-tall case that fits windows 26 to 40 inches wide. Wirecutter calls it the best window fan it has tested, measuring about 10 to 11 mph of air speed at about half the power draw of other models; TechGearLab found it the quietest fan in its test but measured relatively poor air movement in CFM. Both outlets note it is hard to clean.

Strengths

— Quietest fan in TechGearLab's noise test at 48.4 dBA; Wirecutter measured about 49 decibels on high
— Low-profile case fits windows up to 40 inches wide, with foam pads to improve the seal, per Wirecutter
— Remote control, and the fan closes when off to stop air exchange, per TechGearLab

Watch-outs

— TechGearLab's CFM readings showed relatively poor air movement

$99.94 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Amazon Basics Twin Window Fan (9-inch)

TechGearLab measured it at 755 CFM, tied with the Bionaire BWF0910AR and above the Genesis A1WINDOWFAN's 669 CFM, but the Bionaire adds a remote and electric reversing. Bob Vila gave it the same 4.3 out of 5 as the Vornado Transom, which costs more and adds a remote, a digital touch panel and push-button reversing. Unlike the Genesis and Holmes HAWF2043, it has no thermostat.

Vornado Transom Window Fan

It uses a single long fan instead of the twin blades of the Bionaire BWF0910AR, Genesis A1WINDOWFAN, Comfort Zone CZ319WT and Holmes HAWF2043. Wirecutter measured nearly twice the air speed of the Genesis and Holmes fans it tested, while TechGearLab's CFM readings put its air movement below the other window fans it tested.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Amazon Basics Twin Window Fan (9-inch)	Vornado Transom Window Fan
Fan Size	9-inch twin	—
Speeds	2	—
Controls	Manual	—
Reversible	Yes, by flipping the fan	—
Window Width	25 to 32 inches (expandable side panels)	—
Dimensions	23.43" L x 12.6" H x 5.35" D (Bob Vila)	5.73"D x 26"W x 7.16"H
Measured Airflow	755 CFM (TechGearLab)	—
Remote	No	Yes
Thermostat	No	—
Width Range	—	26 to 40 inches
Height	—	8 inches (TechGearLab)
Fan Design	—	Single long fan
Power Draw	—	26 W low, 29 W high (Wirecutter measurement)
Noise	—	48.4 dBA (TechGearLab)
Warranty	—	5 years (per Wirecutter)

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