Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan (2026): 5 Quiet Picks to Stop Mold
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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Every hot shower releases moisture into a small room. Without good ventilation, it settles on walls and ceilings, causing peeling paint, musty smells and mold, which the EPA warns can trigger allergies and asthma. A strong, quiet exhaust fan pulls that moist air outside. The best bathroom exhaust fan moves enough air for your bathroom, runs quietly enough that people actually use it, and uses little electricity.
We compared the most popular bathroom fans on airflow, noise, energy efficiency, humidity and motion sensors, installation and price. Here are our picks for 2026.
Our top picks
| Exhaust fan | Airflow and noise (approx.) | Score | Buy link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic WhisperCeiling DC (FV-0511VQ1)Best overall | 50/80/110 CFM, under 0.3 sones | 9 | Check price |
| Broan-NuTone AE80BBest value quiet fan | 80 CFM, 0.7 sones | 8.6 | Check price |
| Delta BreezSignature SIG80-110H with Humidity SensorBest automatic fan | 80/110 CFM, humidity sensor | 8.5 | Check price |
| Panasonic WhisperGreen Select (FV-0511VKS3)Most customizable | 30 to 110 CFM, add-on modules | 8.4 | Check price |
| Broan-NuTone 688ESBest budget replacement | 50 CFM, 2 sones | 8 | Check price |
The best bathroom exhaust fans, reviewed
Panasonic WhisperCeiling DC (FV-0511VQ1)
- AirflowSelectable 50, 80 or 110 CFM (Pick-A-Flow switch)
- NoiseUnder 0.3 sones at the 0.1 in. static pressure rating
- EfficiencyENERGY STAR certified, DC motor with SmartFlow
- PowerAbout 4 to 16 W depending on setting
- Install4- or 6-inch duct, 13-inch grille
Panasonic’s WhisperCeiling DC lets you set the airflow to 50, 80 or 110 CFM with a switch. Its SmartFlow motor speeds up when it senses duct resistance, to keep the airflow steady.
It is nearly silent, rated under 0.3 sones, and ENERGY STAR certified. It uses only about 4 to 16 watts, depending on the setting.
It fits a 4- or 6-inch duct. It costs more than basic fans, and an older, smaller ceiling hole may need to be enlarged. Panasonic does not sell it directly, so check retailers.
What we like
- Nearly silent
- Choose 50, 80 or 110 CFM
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Keeps airflow steady
Watch out for
- Costs more than basic fans
- May need a bigger ceiling hole
- No sensors on this model
Best for: Most bathrooms where quiet and reliability matter.
Skip it if: You need a quick, cheap drop-in swap.
Check price on Amazon Price range: See retailers
Broan-NuTone AE80B
- Airflow80 CFM
- Noise0.7 sones
- EfficiencyENERGY STAR certified
- InstallRoom-side install with fold-out ears and EzDuct connector
- Warranty5 years
Broan-NuTone’s AE80B is a quiet, ENERGY STAR certified fan for less money than Panasonic. It moves 80 CFM, which suits a typical bathroom.
You can install it from inside the room, so you do not need attic access. A new damper seals tighter to cut back drafts.
It runs at 0.7 sones and has a 5-year warranty. It costs $79 on Broan-NuTone’s site.
What we like
- Quiet at 0.7 sones
- ENERGY STAR certified
- No attic access needed
- 5-year warranty
Watch out for
- Single speed
- Louder than the Panasonic
- No sensors
Best for: Budget upgrades in standard bathrooms.
Skip it if: Your bathroom is large and needs more than 80 CFM.
Check price on Amazon Price range: $79
Delta BreezSignature SIG80-110H with Humidity Sensor
- AirflowSelectable 80 or 110 CFM
- NoiseUnder 0.3 sones (0.1 in. static pressure, HVI)
- EfficiencyENERGY STAR qualified, 8.2 W, 12.9 CFM/W
- SensorsBuilt-in humidity sensor, set from about 50% to 90% RH
- InstallIncludes a 6-inch to 4-inch duct reducer
A fan only helps if it runs long enough, and many people turn it off too soon. Delta’s SIG80-110H has a built-in humidity sensor that runs the fan when the air gets steamy.
You can set the humidity trigger from about 50 to 90 percent, or switch it to full-speed mode. Blue and amber lights show which mode it is in.
It is rated under 0.3 sones and uses 8.2 watts at 110 CFM. Delta rates the motor for at least 70,000 hours of continuous use.
What we like
- Built-in humidity sensor
- Under 0.3 sones
- Very efficient
- Choose 80 or 110 CFM
Watch out for
- No light
- Sensor may need adjusting by season
- Sold through retailers
Best for: Households that forget to run the fan.
Skip it if: You want a light or night light built in.
Check price on Amazon Price range: See retailers
Panasonic WhisperGreen Select (FV-0511VKS3)
- AirflowMulti-speed, 30 to 110 CFM
- EfficiencyENERGY STAR certified
- ModulesOptional plug-in motion sensor, condensation sensor or Wi-Fi
- Install4- or 6-inch duct (reducer built in)
WhisperGreen Select lets you snap in modules for a condensation sensor, a motion sensor or Wi-Fi control, so you can build the fan you need.
This FV-0511VKS3 version has a multi-speed selector built in, from 30 to 110 CFM. It can run quietly at a low level and then boost when needed.
It has a built-in 6-inch to 4-inch duct reducer. The modules cost extra, which raises the total price.
What we like
- 30 to 110 CFM range
- Add sensors or Wi-Fi later
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Duct reducer built in
Watch out for
- Modules cost extra
- Pricier than basic fans
- Sold through retailers
Best for: Remodels where you want sensors or smart control.
Skip it if: You just want a simple on/off fan.
Check price on Amazon Price range: See retailers
Broan-NuTone 688ES
- Airflow50 CFM
- Noise2 sones
- EfficiencyENERGY STAR certified
- Duct3-inch
- InstallReplacement for the classic 688 housing size
The 688ES is Broan-NuTone’s current version of the classic 688 builder-grade fan, which Broan lists as discontinued. It costs $28 on Broan-NuTone’s site.
It is quieter than the old 688, at 2 sones versus 4, and it is ENERGY STAR certified.
It moves only 50 CFM, which suits a small bathroom. If your old fan has died, it is the quickest fix. A quieter, stronger fan is worth it if your budget allows.
What we like
- Very low price
- Easy replacement
- Quieter than the old 688
- Widely available
Watch out for
- Still louder than premium fans
- Low airflow
- Not ENERGY STAR
Best for: Quick replacement of an old builder-grade fan.
Skip it if: You want a quiet, efficient upgrade.
Check price on Amazon Price range: $28
Side-by-side comparison
| Panasonic WhisperCeiling DC (FV-0511VQ1) | Broan-NuTone AE80B | Delta BreezSignature SIG80-110H with Humidity Sensor | Panasonic WhisperGreen Select (FV-0511VKS3) | Broan-NuTone 688ES | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best overall | Best value quiet fan | Best automatic fan | Most customizable | Best budget replacement |
| Airflow | 50/80/110 CFM | 80 CFM | 80/110 CFM | 30 to 110 CFM | 50 CFM |
| Noise | Under 0.3 sones | 0.7 sones | Under 0.3 sones | See Panasonic | 2 sones |
| Humidity sensor | No | No | Built in | Optional module | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | See retailers | $79 | See retailers | See retailers | $28 |
| Our score | 9 | 8.6 | 8.5 | 8.4 | 8 |
How to choose a bathroom exhaust fan
1. Size it by CFM
HVI suggests about 1 CFM per square foot for bathrooms up to 100 square feet, with a minimum of 50 CFM. Larger bathrooms need more, based on fixtures like showers, tubs and toilets.
2. Choose a quiet fan
Fan noise is measured in sones. Look for 1.0 sone or less; quiet fans get used more.
3. Look for ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR certified fans use far less electricity and often have better motors.
4. Consider a humidity sensor
A humidity sensor turns the fan on automatically and keeps it running until the room dries, which is the best defense against mold.
5. Vent it outside
Always duct the fan to the outdoors through a roof or wall cap, never into an attic or wall cavity, where moisture causes mold and rot.
How to stop bathroom mold
The EPA says the key to mold control is moisture control. Along with a good fan:
- Run the fan during showers and for at least 20 minutes after.
- Wipe down shower walls and doors, or use a squeegee.
- Keep indoor humidity below about 50%, and use a dehumidifier in damp homes.
- Fix leaks quickly and clean small areas of mold with soap and water.
- Wash bath mats and towels often and let them dry fully.
Frequently asked questions
What size bathroom fan do I need?
About 1 CFM per square foot of floor area for bathrooms up to 100 square feet, with at least 50 CFM. A 70-square-foot bathroom needs at least 70 CFM.
What is a quiet bathroom fan?
Look for 1.0 sone or less. For comparison, 4 sones sounds like a normal TV, while 1 sone is like a quiet refrigerator.
How long should I run my bathroom fan?
During your shower and for at least 20 minutes afterward. A humidity sensor or timer switch makes this automatic.
Can a bathroom fan vent into the attic?
No. Venting into the attic causes moisture, mold and rot. Duct it to an exterior roof or wall cap.
Can I replace a bathroom fan myself?
Swapping a fan of the same size is a manageable DIY job with the power off. Upsizing the housing, adding ductwork or new wiring may need a pro.
Do bathroom fans use much electricity?
ENERGY STAR fans use very little power, typically less than a light bulb, so running them longer is inexpensive.
The bottom line
For most bathrooms, the Panasonic WhisperCeiling DC is the best bathroom exhaust fan, with nearly silent, efficient and adjustable airflow. Choose the Broan-NuTone AE80B for value, the Delta BreezSignature SIG80-110H for automatic operation, the Panasonic WhisperGreen Select for custom features, or the Broan-NuTone 688ES as a quick budget swap.
More for healthier air: see the best dehumidifier for a basement, the best indoor air quality monitor, or browse all Air Quality guides.
Sources
- U.S. EPA: a brief guide to mold, moisture and your home
- ENERGY STAR: ventilation fans
- Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)
- Panasonic: WhisperCeiling DC FV-0511VQ1
- Broan-NuTone: AE80B
- Delta Breez: SIG80-110H
- Panasonic: WhisperGreen Select FV-0511VKS3
- Broan-NuTone: 688ES
Featured photo: ‘Bathroom exhaust fan’ by Antonio Mette, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
