TechGearLab

Are you in search of a floor fan with a tiny footprint that's simple to use, works well, and is affordable? Meet the Amazon Basics 3-Speed Air Circulator. This little 11-inch fan is one of the least expensive models we tested and is small enough to hide in the corner of a bedroom or even on the edge of a table. With marked differences between all three settings, this straightforward model does a pretty good job in smaller rooms around your home. The control knob is on the top of the unit, so it's easy to adjust and clicks into place to direct air confidently around the room. 
However, it only locks into five available angles, each 22.5° apart to cover its 90° arch. Though adequate in smaller spaces, it's also less powerful than most other floor fans we tested. This fan can only be cleaned by vacuuming it or wiping the outside with a cloth. Without any visible screws to remove the front grill, there is no reasonable way to get to the blades inside. For what it is, though, this simple unit is a solid value to help keep you comfortable in the bedroom or your home office.
Features: None

amazon.com

Did you come here in search of a fan that packs a powerful punch into the compact shape of a tower fan? If so, then you'll be interested in the Lasko Oscillating High Velocity. Even among all the many types of fans we've tested, this one sets itself apart with exceptionally intense power and high airspeeds. It also stands out from the crowd with its ability to angle airflow up or down via a small lever on the side &mdash; something most tower fans aren't equipped with. Its low center of gravity makes it quite stable, and its shape is fairly unique too. Conveniently, this fan remembers your last-used speed setting, emits no obnoxious beeps, and offers timer options up to 7 hours. 
As you might expect, all this power comes at the expense of some pretty intense noise, both in the wind and mechanical noises. Ours emitted a faint rattling sound as well. The Lasko has no truly low speeds, as all three settings are much higher than any other fan &mdash; subtlety is not in its lexicon. It's a singular type of use fan, with no additional modes, but we love it for a home gym or non-air-conditioned workshop. For anyone with Power &#40;with a capital "P"&#41; at the top of their list of required attributes, we solidly recommend this fan. 
Modes & Features: 1 mode &#40;Normal&#41;, ability to angle airflow up and down, hanging remote storage, carry handle

walmart

bazaarvoice

We weren't totally sure what to expect from a battery-powered floor fan like the Geek Aire 16" Rechargeable Outdoor, but we like it. In a sea of relatively simple fans, the added features the Geek Aire brings to the table take it up a notch. Once charged, this fan is slightly smaller than others, adding to its convenience. It is easy to move around with you wherever you go &mdash; even out onto the patio! Prominent indicator lights quickly and easily tell you how much battery life is left, and since the battery is removable, you can get more than one and swap them out for seamless use. Unique among contenders, speed is controlled by a completely variable knob with no marked settings, allowing you to choose exactly the amount of airflow you desire. Not enough? It also has a USB charging port to keep your devices juiced up.
However, even on its highest setting, this 21-inch wide fan isn't nearly as powerful as we expected it to be. It is pleasantly quiet, but we're glad it doesn't have a limiting power cord, as you need to be right next to this fan to feel its cooling breeze. It's also by far the most expensive fan we tested, requiring a pretty serious financial commitment. Yet, for the tech-lover in your life, this feature-filled fan may be a dream come true.
Features: Battery powered, USB charging port, side angle-tightening knobs

expert-review

This Exorbitant Cordless Geek Aire Fan Is Worth Every Penny

If you're here looking for a floor fan that does its job without costing an arm and a leg, the Lasko 3300 Wind Machine is the fan for you. From across a room, even on its lowest setting, this large plastic unit can be easily felt. Though the protruding handle on top stops it from pivoting a full 360 degrees, it does come very close to achieving that goal. It also has knobs on each side to tighten the unit to that perfect angle once you've found it. Though loud, the more even, lower-pitched hum the Wind Machine emits fades into the background far better than the higher prop-plane-like thrum of many others we tested. 
Though we think the quality of sound coming from the Lasko 3300 Wind Machine is more pleasant than many others, in terms of sheer decibels, it's one of the loudest fans we tested. Its control knob is also located directly in the middle of the back. As one of the largest fans, this makes it one of the least convenient controls to use. And despite being a relatively large fan, the plastic base has no added pieces to stop it from easily sliding across the floor with a simple push. However, at the end of the day, the Wind Machine is a solid choice to keep you cool on the couch and on a budget &mdash; though you may need to turn up the TV volume.
Features: Side angle-tightening knobs

Floor Fan Comparison