The 13 Best Fans to Buy Before It Gets Hot Again (2026)

This article from WIRED, updated in May 2026, highlights the latest advancements in fan technology, noting that modern fans are now smarter, quieter, and more versatile than older models. It features examples like the Dreo TurboPoly 707S, which uses radar to track and redirect airflow toward a person, and the 508S, which offers over 1,000 color shades for mood lighting. The piece also serves as a buyer's guide, recommending top models from brands like Vornado, Dyson, and Levoit to help readers prepare for warmer weather.

If you think you don't need a new fan this year, you might want to think again. Even if the dusty old pedestal fan you've been carting around for 25 years is still kicking, fans these days can do a lot more than just blow air. They're smarter, quieter, and far more versatile than they've ever been, with new tech features that would have seemed like science fiction even five years ago. The Dreo TurboPoly 707S, for instance, has radar that can track where someone is in the room and redirect airflow as they move about, while the company's 508S model can provide mood lighting in more than 1,000 color shades. There are bladeless fans, fans just for fitness purposes, and ones that can mist or cool your skin with a cryo-inspired metal plate. I've been covering fans at WIRED for almost two years, and I'm always on the lookout for the latest and most interesting fan technology. If you know of a cool fan you want me to check out, let me know in the comments. If you're looking to take your fan on the go, be sure to check out WIRED's companion guide to the Best Handheld and Wearable Fans. For more ways to keep your indoor air quality cool and under control, check out our guides to the Best Indoor Air Quality Monitors, Best Air Purifiers, Best Humidifiers, Best Dehumidifiers, and Best Window ACs. Updated May 2026: I've added new models from Vornado, Dyson, Zafro, and Levoit, and ensured that links and prices are up-to-date.