Cool your home efficiently with our guide to the best window fans in Canada. We've reviewed top models from Vornado and Air King for powerful airflow, quiet operation, and versatile functionality.
For those months where air conditioning is overkill but the heat is stifling, you may be struggling to keep your house at a comfortable temperature with stand fans scattered around. And even if you have the perfect setup, they can only do so much. Luckily, there’s a better way. And we’re going to tell you what it is!
Window fans, folks. Window fans. They can fit a variety of window types and have a dramatic effect on your indoor air quality. Most of them can vent cool air in as well as hot air out, and they offer multiple fan speeds to match your needs. Some even allow you to set a target temperature! They’re pretty easy to install and will also usually come with a remote for convenience.
If a window fan sounds like the solution you’ve been searching for, we’re happy you’ve found it! And we’re here to help you find the perfect one for your home. Window fans will vary in all kinds of features — price, width range, speeds, modes, and more will all have an impact on how useful your fan is, and that’s why we encourage you to think about each one.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best window fans in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Window Fans Right Now
Top Pick: Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan
Upgrade Pick: Vornado Transom Window Fan
Budget Pick: Holmes Manual Window Fan
Three-Season Pick: Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fan
Also Great: Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan
Our Top Pick for The Best Window Fan
Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan Review
What We Think of the Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan
We strongly believe that the Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan will make an amazing addition to any home. It can easily be installed in most vertical and horizontal sliding windows, but it also comes with feet for use as a freestanding fan when a window just won’t work. And since it has a carry handle, you can move it from room to room without needing both hands.
You’re able to set a target temperature with this one, and LED indicators will keep you up to date with the progress over time. Convenient, huh? Plus, since each fan can be set to its own speed and airflow direction (that’s right, they’re reversible!) you can have both fans working together to bring in cool air, or working together to vent hot air out, or one fan performing each job!
There are only a couple of things that fall a little short of perfect with this one. First, it can be pretty noisy even on the low-speed setting. This is mostly due to the extra power behind the turbo airflow, but it’s still disruptive and not ideal if the fan has to be right next to you. Also, this one doesn’t come with a remote, so you’ll have to get those steps in every time you need to change a setting.
Overall, the Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan was an easy choice for our top pick this year. With precise temperature control, highly versatile window or freestanding installation options, and a long-lasting design, this fan is perfect for use in every home.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan
Reviewers have a great opinion of the Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan. They love that they can control each fan independently and can also select a target temperature to be maintained. They had no trouble installing it in their windows and have had success using it as a freestanding fan in workspaces, too. They would like it a bit better if it was quieter and had a remote, though.
Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’d love the option of setting a target temperature
An independent dual-fan design is ideal for your space
You need a portable and freestanding fan occasionally
You’d like to check on the temperature from a distance
Don’t Buy If…
You don’t want to get up every time you need to change settings
You prefer a quiet space at home
Genesis Twin Fan High-Velocity Reversible AirFlow Fan Specifications
Dimensions: 12” x 4” x 24-37”
Weight: 8.4 lbs
Number of Fans: 2
Speeds: 3
Modes: 3
Remote Control: No
Warranty: 1 year
Our Upgrade Pick
Vornado Transom Window Fan Review
What We Think of the Vornado Transom Window Fan
The Vornado Transom Window Fan is honestly epic. As far as window fans go, it doesn’t really get better than this. You can set a target temperature for your indoor space and let the machine do the rest for you — with a seamless digital display panel to boot. Plus, you don’t even need to be near the machine to do it. That’s what the remote is for!
Its high-powered airflow means it can effectively circulate air through the entire room, and you have the option of pulling cool air in or reversing the blades to vent hot air out. Pretty sweet, right? This thing has waterproof housing to keep it safe and functional in rainy weather, and its overall build quality just can’t be beaten. Its five-year warranty proves it. You’ll be able to enjoy this one for years without issues.
This option is essentially flawless, but there are a couple of things that we think you should be aware of before you buy. Unlike many other window fans that can be installed vertically or horizontally, it isn’t as versatile — horizontal is the only way to go with this one. Also, it’s pretty expensive, and it might not feel worth it for some of you. And that’s okay.
Overall, the Vornado Transom Window Fan is our top recommendation for folks who are willing to pay a little extra to get a little extra. It functions flawlessly and has one of the widest width ranges to suit every window size. This thing will last you for years, too.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Vornado Transom Window Fan
Reviewers have great things to say about the Vornado Transom Window Fan. They appreciate that it doesn’t take up as much space in the window as other window fans, and it’s really effective at keeping the indoor temperature comfortable. The remote is very reliable and they enjoy being able to set a temperature and then forget about the fan entirely.
Vornado Transom Window Fan Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’d like to use the fan safely in rainy weather
You want the option of setting a target temperature
You need a fan that can reach every corner of the room
Durability is important to you
Don’t Buy If…
You need a fan that installs vertically instead of horizontally
You’re in search of something budget-friendly
Vornado Transom Window Fan Specifications
Dimensions: 7.2” x 5.7” x 26-40”
Weight: 8.8 lbs
Number of Fans: 1
Speeds: 4
Modes: 2
Remote Control: Yes
Warranty: 5 years
Our Budget Pick
Holmes Manual Window Fan Review
What We Think of the Holmes Manual Window Fan
The Holmes Manual Window Fan is a very reliable option, and you can’t help but love the price. It doesn’t come with a remote, but since all you need to do is flip the power switch to one of the two fan speeds, you don’t really need one! It’s easy to switch between air-in mode and air-out mode, too, so usability will not be an issue with this one. Perfect for all of you non-techy people out there.
One of our favourite things about this one is that you’ll be able to use it in the rain. It has a water-resistant motor so it won’t get damaged — you’ll be able to vent out any leftover hot air and take advantage of the cool air brought with the rain. We’re also pleased with the noise output — it’s minimal at best. You’ll be able to read, watch TV, and even sleep while it’s running.
Of course, no budget option can be perfect, and this one is no exception. You should be prepared that it isn’t very versatile — you only get two fan speeds, and the fans cannot be controlled independently like most other dual options. Also, the extenders won’t be able to accommodate extra-wide windows, and it’s simply not powerful enough for extra-large rooms. Just some limitations to be aware of!
All in all, the Holmes Manual Window Fan is our favourite choice for budget-conscious shoppers this year. It isn’t quite as versatile as other options, or powerful enough for large spaces, but it does a great job (quietly!) for the average room. You really can’t beat the quality for the price, either.
Performance: 4/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Holmes Manual Window Fan
Reviewers have mostly good things to say about the Holmes Manual Window Fan. Not a single person had trouble installing it in their window, and they’re all happy with how quiet it is while it's running, even on the higher setting. The smaller fan size isn’t as effective in large spaces, but people with average rooms find it cools effectively and saves them on AC during the summer.
Holmes Manual Window Fan Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You want to use it on clear and rainy days
Affordability is your main priority
You’re looking for something easy to use and install
You’re set on a very quiet fan
Don’t Buy If…
You have a wider-than-normal window
It needs to manage a large space
You’re looking for versatile settings
Holmes Manual Window Fan Specifications
Dimensions: 10.4” x 4.1” x 21.75-33.25”
Weight: 5.5
Number of Fans: 2
Speeds: 2
Modes: 2
Remote Control: No
Warranty: 3 years
Our Three-Season Pick
Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fan Review
What We Think of the Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fan
We are big fans of the Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fan. It can be used in three different modes to make sure you get what you need depending on the temperature — it can bring cool air in, vent hot air out, or do both at the same time to provide exceptional circulation in your space. While it's running, you can put the mesh screen on to keep bugs out, and the more solid cover can help prevent air exchange when your indoor temperature is just right.
The noise produced by this fan is very low compared to some other options, and you’ll be able to sleep easily or enjoy your family time and quiet relaxation without any annoyances. We also enjoy how portable this fan is. It weighs less than six pounds, has a small handle, and can be set up on its feet to follow you around the house if you want it to.
The only thing we think this option is missing is the ability to set a target temperature and have the fan maintain it for you without any input. This adds a lot of convenience to the whole window fan experience, but you’ll have to do without that if you go with this one. We’re betting you won’t mind that too much, though, considering how much else this one has to offer.
Overall, the Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fan is our favourite for convenience in three seasons. It’ll keep the bugs, cold winter air, and humid summer air out of your home when you need to, but it performs exceptionally well in all three modes. A comfortable home has never been easier to achieve.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fan
Reviewers are getting a lot of use out of their Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fans. The bug mesh screen gives them a lot of peace of mind that only pure air is coming into their home, and the other more solid cover does a great job of keeping humid air out in the summer and colder air out on nippy spring/fall days. They have no complaints about the noise, either.
Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fan Pros and Cons
Buy If…
Bug control is a priority
You’d like to prevent air exchange on extra humid days or extra cold days
You also want to use it as a freestanding fan
You enjoy a quiet home
Don’t Buy If…
You want the convenience of setting a target temperature
Comfort Zone CZ310R Twin Window Fan Specifications
Dimensions: 4.75” x 13.25” x 23.5-37”
Weight: 5.6 lbs
Number of Fans: 2
Speeds: 3
Modes: 3
Remote Control: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Also Great
Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan Review
What We Think of the Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan
We’re incredibly impressed with the build quality of the Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan. It’s got very durable plastic blades and housing pieces, and it has a steel cage to make sure nothing can get through to those blades large enough to do damage. Its motor is also permanently lubricated to eliminate maintenance tasks from your to-do list.
You’ll also be really happy with the power behind this large fan. Although it can’t circulate air as a dual-fan option can, you won’t really need that mode! It does such a great job at pulling out humid air or bringing cool air in that even large spaces will feel comfortable in no time at all. Ready for the best part? The storm guard feature lets you close the window fully without removing the fan.
One of the only complaints we have with this one is the noise level — while it’s very quiet at the low fan speed, the higher two speeds can get a bit disruptive while you sleep or try to find some peace and quiet in your day. Also, this fan is approaching the higher end of the price range for comparable options, so you’ll want to keep that in mind as well while you consider your options.
Overall, the Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan is an amazing choice for an office or large living room. It’ll have no trouble keeping up with the cooling demands, and it can withstand the inevitable wear and tear of a high-traffic environment. It also could not be easier to use. Bonus.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan
Reviewers have a high opinion of the Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan. It was to get installed in their windows and they have no issues with the amount of air it moves — in fact, it’s one of the best. Many of them remarked on how well-made it is, and they are very big fans of the storm guard feature that lets them close the window without removing the fan. Super convenient. They do find it a bit noisy on the higher settings, though.
Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’d love to be able to close the window without removing the fan
Longevity is your biggest priority
You have a sizeable room to keep cool
You don’t ever want to think about maintenance
Don’t Buy If…
You don’t do well with excess noise
You need something budget-friendly
Air King 9155 Storm Guard Window Fan Specifications
Dimensions: 8.25” x 22” x 26.5-34.5”
Weight: 15 lbs
Number of Fans: 1
Speeds: 3
Modes: 2
Remote Control: No
Warranty: 1 year
How to Properly Choose Your Window Fan
Price
Some window fans will cost less than $70, others will approach $250 and higher. In general, more expensive fans will be more durable, more powerful, and will have advanced features like temperature selection.
Speeds
Most window fans will offer three options for speed, but some can have as few as one or as many as four. Different speeds can help the fan adapt to different conditions, so more is always better here.
Modes
Almost every window fan will be capable of two modes — pulling cool air in and pulling hot humid air out. Dual window fans will often have a third mode that allows for both of these effects to occur at once, boosting air circulation.
Remote Control
Remote controls are a very common addition for window fans, but they aren’t guaranteed. They’ll make it a lot easier to adjust the settings, though, so we recommend looking for one unless you’ll generally be close by.
Window Compatibility
Of course, since window fans go in windows, window compatibility is an important thing to think about. Most fans can be installed either vertically or horizontally to match all kinds of windows, but you’ll want to look at the width range as well.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.