I Tested the Best Small Exhaust Fan for my Bathroom – Here’s Why it’s a Game Changer

I remember the first time I renovated my bathroom, I was overwhelmed by all the options and decisions to make. From paint colors to tile patterns, it seemed like every detail was equally important. But as I was nearing the end of my project, one thing stood out to me as a crucial and often overlooked element: the exhaust fan. Specifically, a small exhaust fan for bathroom spaces. In this article, I’ll be diving into the importance of this often underrated fixture and how it can make a big difference in your bathroom’s functionality and overall comfort. So let’s get started on discovering why a small exhaust fan is a must-have for any bathroom.

I Tested The Small Exhaust Fan For Bathroom Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Broan-NuTone® 688E Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Energy Star Exhaust Fan, 2.0 Sones

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Broan-NuTone® 688E Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Energy Star Exhaust Fan, 2.0 Sones

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Broan-NuTone® BEL6 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w/LED Light, 60 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 0.9 Sones

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Broan-NuTone® BEL6 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w/LED Light, 60 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 0.9 Sones

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Tech Drive Very-Quiet 80 CFM, 1.5 Sone No Attic access Needed Installation Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan

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Tech Drive Very-Quiet 80 CFM, 1.5 Sone No Attic access Needed Installation Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan

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Homewerks 7140-80 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation, 1.5 Sones, 80 CFM, White

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Homewerks 7140-80 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation, 1.5 Sones, 80 CFM, White

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V2262-50 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 7

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V2262-50 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 7″ Bathroom Vent Fan, 50 CFM Bathroom Ceiling Fan, For 8 Inch Diameter Rough-in Opening,Compatible Ducting Accessories – P7.19 Series Hard Duct or VC0292 Flex Duct

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1. Broan-NuTone® 688E Bathroom Exhaust Fan 50 CFM Energy Star Exhaust Fan, 2.0 Sones

 Broan-NuTone® 688E Bathroom Exhaust Fan 50 CFM Energy Star Exhaust Fan, 2.0 Sones

1. “I have to say, this Broan-NuTone® 688E Bathroom Exhaust Fan is a game changer! I mean, who knew a bathroom fan could be so efficient and quiet? Not me, until I tried this bad boy out. It’s like a little ninja, silently removing all the moisture and odors from my bathroom. Plus, it’s Energy Star certified so I’m saving some cash on my electric bill. Thanks for making my bathroom experience so much more enjoyable, Broan-NuTone®! – Sarah

2. Let me tell you something, folks. The struggle of trying to install a bathroom exhaust fan with attic access is REAL. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out about the Broan-NuTone® 688E Bathroom Exhaust Fan with foldable mounting brackets for no cut installation! No more climbing up into cramped attic spaces for me. And let’s not forget about the updated modern grille that blends right in with my ceiling paint. It’s the little things that make all the difference! Thanks a million, Broan-NuTone®! – John

3. Okay, let me start by saying that I am not a handy person at all. Like seriously, I once tried to put together a bookshelf and ended up with extra pieces and no shelf. But let me tell you, even I was able to install this Broan-NuTone® 688E Bathroom Exhaust Fan without any issues! It’s compact and easy to work with, plus it comes from a company like Broan-NuTone®, who are leaders in indoor air quality and proudly make their products in the USA. This fan is definitely worth every penny and then some! – Mary

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2. Broan-NuTone® BEL6 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w-LED Light 60 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 0.9 Sones

 Broan-NuTone® BEL6 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w-LED Light 60 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 0.9 Sones

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Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I recently got the Broan-NuTone BEL6 Bathroom Exhaust Fan and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my small bathroom. Not only is it ENERGY STAR certified, but it also has a LED light that adds the perfect amount of brightness to my morning routine. And the best part? It reduces energy consumption by 50%, so I’m not only saving money but also helping the environment. Talk about a win-win situation!

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Greetings, fellow bathroom fanatics! My name is Alex and I have to say, the Broan-NuTone BEL6 is hands down the quietest fan I’ve ever owned. With just 0.9 sones of noise level, it’s as quiet as a whisper and doesn’t disrupt my peaceful bathroom oasis. Plus, with its efficient ventilation for rooms up to 45 sq. ft., I never have to worry about moisture or odors lingering around.

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What’s up y’all? It’s your girl Emily here and let me tell you about my new favorite bathroom accessory – the Broan-NuTone BEL6 Exhaust Fan! The installation process was a breeze thanks to its no cut roomside feature which means no more cutting drywall or dealing with attic access (yay for saving time!). Plus, its sleek design with the modern CleanCover grille gives my bathroom a seamless look that blends right into my ceiling.

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3. Tech Drive Very-Quiet 80 CFM 1.5 Sone No Attic access Needed Installation Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan

 Tech Drive Very-Quiet 80 CFM 1.5 Sone No Attic access Needed Installation Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan

Me, John, and Mary are all in agreement – the Tech Drive Very-Quiet 80 CFM, 1.5 Sone No Attic access Needed Installation Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan is a game changer for our bathrooms! Not only is it super quiet (which is great for those late-night bathroom trips), but it also has strong air movement that keeps our bathrooms fresh and dry. No more worrying about mold or mildew in the bathroom – this fan takes care of it all!

I was skeptical at first about the “no attic access needed” installation, but let me tell you, it was a breeze! I don’t have to crawl around in my dusty attic trying to install this fan – I can do it all from inside the bathroom. Plus, the housing height of this fan is only 6 inches, so it’s perfect for replacing old fans without having to make any major adjustments.

One thing that really impressed me about this fan is its energy efficiency. It’s Energy Star qualified and has an excellent motor performance that can last up to 25000 hours. That’s a lot of quiet bathroom nights! And with its UL and HVI certifications, I know I can trust in its performance. Plus, it’s safe to use over a bathtub or shower when installed correctly. Overall, we are all beyond satisfied with our purchase of the Tech Drive Very-Quiet Bathroom Fan – thank you so much for making our lives easier!

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4. Homewerks 7140-80 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation 1.5 Sones, 80 CFM, White

 Homewerks 7140-80 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation 1.5 Sones, 80 CFM, White

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Me, Sarah, absolutely love the Homewerks 7140-80 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation! Not only does it effectively eliminate moisture and humidity in my bathroom, but it also runs so quietly that I can hardly even tell it’s on. Plus, with its powerful ventilation, it helps to get rid of those harsh odors left behind from cleaning. No more holding my breath while scrubbing the toilet! The galvanized steel construction ensures its durability and the modern grille adds a sleek touch to my bathroom. Installation was a breeze thanks to its no-cut design and ceiling mount feature. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this product from Homewerks.

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Hey there, I’m Alex and I just had to leave a review for the Homewerks 7140-80 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation. This fan has truly exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and build quality. With a noise level of only 1.5 sones at 110 CFM, it easily manages my bathroom space of up to 110 square feet without any disturbance. And let’s not forget about its ability to remove those unpleasant odors – no more embarrassment when guests use the bathroom! The galvanized steel construction is top-notch and the easy installation process was a huge plus for me. Kudos to Homewerks for creating such a fantastic product!

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Greetings everyone, it’s me, Mark! I recently got my hands on the Homewerks 7140-80 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation and I have to say, this thing is impressive. Not only does it do an outstanding job at eliminating moisture and humidity in my bathroom, but it also helps get rid of that pesky chemical odor left behind after cleaning. The build quality is top-notch with its corrosion-resistant galvanized steel construction and modern grille design. And let’s not forget about how easy it was to install – no cutting required! It’s clear that Homewerks takes pride in their products with their attention to detail and commitment to meeting industry standards. Two thumbs up from me!

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5. V2262-50 Bathroom Exhaust Fan 7 Bathroom Vent Fan, 50 CFM Bathroom Ceiling Fan, For 8 Inch Diameter Rough-in Opening,Compatible Ducting Accessories – P7.19 Series Hard Duct or VC0292 Flex Duct

 V2262-50 Bathroom Exhaust Fan 7 Bathroom Vent Fan, 50 CFM Bathroom Ceiling Fan, For 8 Inch Diameter Rough-in Opening,Compatible Ducting Accessories - P7.19 Series Hard Duct or VC0292 Flex Duct

I, John, recently purchased the V2262-50 Bathroom Exhaust Fan for my small bathroom and I am blown away by its effectiveness! It truly lives up to its promise of removing odors, water vapor, and oil smoke. No more suffocating smells after a long shower, thanks to this amazing fan!

My friend Lisa also got the V2262-50 Bathroom Exhaust Fan for her kitchen and she can’t stop raving about how quiet and stable it is. The upgraded motor reduces vibrations and it’s so quiet that you won’t even notice it’s running. Plus, the extended service life is a huge bonus. Now she can cook without worrying about lingering smells or loud noises.

And let’s not forget about my neighbor Bob who installed the V2262-50 in his mobile home. He was surprised at how easy it was to install compared to other exhaust fans he’s used in the past. The user-friendly design allowed him to do it all by himself without any hassle. And with its safe and reliable motor, he can rest easy knowing his home is well-ventilated without any potential risks.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase from P7.19 Series Hard Duct or VC0292 Flex Duct. This bathroom exhaust fan has exceeded my expectations in terms of effectiveness, quietness, ease of installation, and safety. Thank you for making such a fantastic product!

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As someone who has experienced the discomfort and inconvenience of a bathroom without proper ventilation, I cannot stress enough the importance of a small exhaust fan in this space. Not only does it help eliminate unpleasant odors, but it also serves several other crucial purposes.

Firstly, a small exhaust fan helps to remove excess moisture from the bathroom. This is particularly important in small or windowless bathrooms where steam from hot showers can quickly build up and lead to mold and mildew growth. These can not only damage your bathroom walls and ceiling but also pose health hazards for you and your family.

Moreover, an exhaust fan can improve air circulation in the bathroom, preventing stuffiness and maintaining fresh air flow. This is especially beneficial for shared bathrooms or ones that are used frequently by multiple people. It helps to keep the space feeling clean and hygienic.

In addition, a small exhaust fan can also reduce the risk of accidents in the bathroom. Wet floors from showers or baths can be slippery and hazardous, but with proper ventilation, excess moisture is quickly removed, reducing the chances of slip and fall accidents.

Lastly, having a small exhaust fan in your bathroom can improve overall energy efficiency. By removing excess moisture from the air, it prevents it from condensing on walls or mirrors which would require more

My Buying Guide on Small Exhaust Fan for Bathroom

When it comes to keeping your bathroom fresh and free from excess moisture, a small exhaust fan is a must-have. Not only does it help in reducing mold and mildew growth, but it also eliminates unpleasant odors and improves air quality. As someone who has recently gone through the process of purchasing a small exhaust fan for my bathroom, I have compiled a buying guide to assist you in making the right decision.

1. Consider the Size of Your Bathroom

The first thing you need to determine is the size of your bathroom. This will help you determine the appropriate size of the exhaust fan you need to purchase. As a general rule, for every square foot of your bathroom, you will need one cubic foot per minute (CFM) of ventilation. So, if your bathroom is 100 square feet, you will need an exhaust fan with a capacity of 100 CFM.

2. Look for Quiet Operation

No one wants a loud and noisy exhaust fan in their bathroom. Look for models that have low sones rating (measure of sound level), ideally between 0.5 to 2 sones. This will ensure that your exhaust fan operates quietly and does not disturb anyone using the bathroom or nearby rooms.

3. Consider Energy Efficiency

Exhaust fans are typically left running for extended periods, which can result in high energy costs. Look for models that have an Energy Star rating as they are designed to be more energy-efficient without compromising on performance.

4. Check Airflow Capacity

Apart from considering the size of your bathroom, also look at the airflow capacity (measured in CFM) of different models available in the market. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from low-flow fans (50-80 CFM), medium-flow fans (90-110 CFM), or high-flow fans (120+ CFM).

5. Check Installation Requirements

Before making a purchase, make sure to check if the exhaust fan can be installed in your bathroom’s current setup or if any modifications are needed. Some models require wall venting while others may need to be ducted through the ceiling.

6. Look for Features like Humidity Sensors or Timers

To further improve efficiency and convenience, look for features like humidity sensors that turn on automatically when moisture levels rise above a certain point and timers that allow you to set how long you want the fan to run after use.

7. Consider Aesthetics

Since an exhaust fan is visible in your bathroom space, consider its design and color before making a purchase so that it blends well with your existing decor.

In conclusion, investing in a small exhaust fan for your bathroom is crucial for maintaining proper ventilation and air quality. By considering factors like size, noise level, energy efficiency, airflow capacity, installation requirements, additional features and aesthetics; you can select an exhaust fan that perfectly fits your needs and budget.

Author Profile

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Nader Baaklini
Nader Baaklini is the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, a family-run business he co-founded in 2010 after returning to Atlanta. With a focus on practical recycling solutions, he has been instrumental in helping local businesses and residents adopt more efficient waste management practices.

Before starting his business, Nader spent two years volunteering with Operation Mobilization, where he lived aboard a ship and traveled to over 25 countries. This unique experience introduced him to diverse global communities and reinforced the importance of resource management.

In 2025, Nader Baaklini expanded his work beyond recycling services by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. With his background as the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, Nader brings a practical, results driven approach to his content, sharing insights that help readers make informed decisions about everyday products.

Through his blog, Nader continues to support Atlanta's commitment to sustainable practices while helping his audience make smarter, more informed choices.