Need to know
- Our 'bedroom score' rates how well a ceiling fan moves air at the lowest setting without disrupting your sleep
- Ceiling fans using a DC motor tend to be quieter and have more settings, so they can be better for bedrooms
- You can also use your ceiling fan in winter to recirculate heat and help keep you warm
Looking into the best cooling options for your bedroom?
Ceiling fans can be a stylish, cost-effective alternative to air conditioning – and they can also help keep you warm in winter by moving the warm air from your heater around the room.
But a noisy fan whirring above your head while you try to sleep isn't ideal, so it's important to choose a quiet one with a range of speed settings.
We test more than 90 models in our CHOICE labs, giving each one a 'bedroom score' for its ability to move enough air on the lowest setting to keep you cool, but without disrupting your sleep.
We also measure each fan's noise level on the medium setting. Anything below 35dB should allow you to sleep soundly.
To help you get a good night's sleep, you could consider features such as a timer, remote control or dimmable integrated lighting.
CHOICE tip: One question we're often asked is 'Can you install a ceiling fan with a DC motor in a standard home?'
The answer is absolutely: The DC motor has an internal rectifier so it's compatible with normal AC electrical systems. But always use a licensed electrician to carry out the installation.
Some newer ceiling fan models come with smart functionality.
While it might seem like a gimmick, it can actually be quite handy: you can tell Google, Siri or Alexa to dim the light or turn down the fan without having to get out of bed.
Here are four ceiling fans that tick a few boxes when it comes to creating an ideal sleeping environment.
They're not the only bedroom-friendly fans, though, so for the full results of our tests and to find out which ones our experts recommend, head to our ceiling fan reviews.
The Mercator Instinct has six speed settings.
Mercator Instinct
- Cost: $449
- Bedroom score: 90%
- Features: Plastic blades, integrated 18W LED dimmable light, remote control.
The Instinct has six speed settings and delivers excellent performance at both lower and higher fan speeds.
So while it's ideal for a bedroom, it would also be a good option for the living room where you might need more air movement.
The three curved blades offer a point of difference over the standard four-flat-blade models. Running costs of around $20 are a bit more than some fans we tested but still substantially lower than any other cooling option available.
We tested the 54-inch model with integrated light, but there are also models available without a light (however, you can't add a light to these ones later).
While some fans can be installed on a raked (angled) ceiling, unfortunately it isn't possible with the Mercator Instinct – it needs to be installed on a completely flat ceiling.
Read the full Mercator Instinct review.
The Fanco Horizon DC fan.
Fanco Horizon DC
- Cost: $459
- Bedroom score: 90%
- Features: Plastic blades, integrated 18W LED dimmable light, remote control, reverse mode on remote or via app.
This Fanco has six speed settings and gives excellent air movement performance at both lower and higher fan speeds. It's also one of the quietest fans we've tested with a noise level of only 31dB on the medium setting.
The Horizon is tropically rated, which means fewer issues over time when used in a humid environment, and running costs of around $14 a year make it a good cost saver.
We tested the 52-inch model without the integrated light, but it's also available with a light, and in larger sizes and different colours. As with many of the latest ceiling fans, you need to choose a model with or without an integrated light – you can't add a light later on.
While a wall switch comes standard for the older fans with an AC motor, a remote is the standard controlling device supplied with the latest DC motor fans.
However, if you prefer not to use the remote you can add a wall switch that gives you the same control over the six speeds. But you'll still need a remote or a smart app to control the light and reverse mode.
Several of the latest Fanco ceiling fans use a smart app called Tuya, which is available on Google Play or Apple app store.
Read the full Fanco Horizon DC review.
Aeratron AE3+: noiseless movement.
Aeratron AE3+
- Cost: $899
- Bedroom score: 90%
- Features: Stylish, quiet design; energy efficient, remote control, reverse mode.
With a design inspired by bird wings to create noiseless movement, this stylish fan is also efficient, using far less energy than an ordinary AC ceiling fan and only costing around $11 a year to run.
The AE3+ has six speed settings and gives excellent air movement performance at all fan speeds, including the lower settings required for a good night's sleep. It's also one of the quietest fans in our test at all speeds, including the medium setting (32dB), making it an ideal choice for the bedroom.
This model has a reverse mode so you can use it in conjunction with a reverse-cycle air conditioner in winter to circulate warmth from a heater and cozy up your bedroom.
If you already own this fan and want to add a light, you're in luck: the Aeratron AE3+ is one of the few models currently sold where you can buy a light kit and retrofit it to your existing fan if it didn't already include a light. However, it will set you back a few hundred dollars extra, whether you add the light later or select it at time of purchase.
This is an attractive, high-performing fan with a premium price to match. While designed to be installed on a flat ceiling, a kit is available (added cost) to allow this fan to be installed on a raked (angled) ceiling.
A wall switch is also available (at added cost) providing control over the six speeds as well as light control and dimming if a light is installed.
Read more about the Aeratron AE3+.
Claro Summer DC fan.
Claro Summer DC
- Cost: $339
- Bedroom score: 90%
- Features: Timber blades (model with ABS plastic blades available), integrated 18W LED dimmable light, remote control, reverse mode.
The Summer DC has six speed settings and gives excellent air movement performance at lower fan speeds. It's very quiet at the medium setting (33dB), making it a good choice for a peaceful night's sleep.
It's rated for use outdoors when used with the plastic fan blades, which means fewer issues when used in a humid environment. (The model we tested with timber blades is for indoor use only).
Running costs of around $15 make it a good money saver.
You can change the integrated light to suit your preferences, with Natural (4200K), Daylight (5000K) or the more subdued Warm White (3000K), which might be the best option for the bedroom.
There is a version of the Summer DC without a light, but as with many modern ceiling fans, you can't add a light to this model later on, so if you want lighting in the room, make sure you decide before you purchase.
Read the full Claro Summer CD review.
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