Ranked #5 in Best Tower Fans
Honeywell HYF290B QuietSet 84.2
$89The Honeywell HYF290B QuietSet 8 is the budget pick for buyers who specifically want 8 levels of finely-graduated speed control - sleep-mode quiet up through power cool. BestReviews measured 5.1 mph wind speed at 3 ft with usable airflow out to 15 ft, but flagged a recurring oscillation grinding noise that some units exhibit. At sub-$90 with a 1-year warranty, this is the right pick if you specifically want granular speed control on a budget; otherwise the Lasko T42951 is the safer same-price buy.
Strengths
- — 8 distinct speed settings from 'Sleep' to 'Power Cool' - finer low-end control than any other fan here except the Levoit
- — 5-level control panel dimming (100%/75%/50%/25%/off) for true overnight bedroom use
- — BestReviews measured 5.1 mph wind speed at 3 ft and detectable airflow up to 15 ft on max
Watch-outs
- — BestReviews flagged a 'loud, unpleasant grinding noise' on oscillation that is the dealbreaker for some units
- — Only a 1-year warranty - matches the Lasko but is much shorter than Vornado's 5-year
- — Decibel readings during oscillation were 'erratic' per BestReviews testing
