Excess moisture can leave mirrors fogged, surfaces damp, and the bathroom feeling stuffy. The right exhaust fan can help move humid air out, but the best fit depends on your room, duct setup, noise preferences, and whether you want a humidity sensor to switch the fan on automatically. These five options range from a basic compact fan to models with automatic humidity control.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Airflow | Humidity control | Notable detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone 50 CFM Energy Star Fan | 50 CFM | No sensor listed | For bathrooms up to 45 sq. ft.; 2.0 sones |
| Delta Breez 80 CFM Fan with Humidity Sensor | 80 CFM | Adjustable sensor; selectable low-speed operation | Listed at less than 0.8 sones |
| Orsong 10-Inch Panel Exhaust Fan | Listing states 100 CFM capacity and 110 CFM speed | No sensor listed | 1.0 sone; 4-inch duct |
| Delta BreezSlim SLM70H | 70 CFM | Automatic sensor starts above 60% humidity | Compact housing; ceiling or wall mount |
| AUPU 50/80/110 CFM Fan with Humidity Sensor | Selectable 50, 80, or 110 CFM | Adjustable sensor and run-on timer | 4-inch duct adapter; duct not included |
Our Picks: Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans For Humidity Control reviews
1. Broan-NuTone 50 CFM: A Compact Choice for Smaller Bathrooms
This Broan-NuTone fan is a straightforward option for a smaller bathroom or powder room. It moves 50 CFM and is listed for rooms up to 45 square feet. Its Energy Star certification and 2.0-sone noise rating make it a practical pick if you want basic ventilation without adding a humidity sensor or extra controls.
The compact housing measures 7.25 by 7.5 by 3.63 inches, and the cover is designed to blend with common white ceiling finishes. Foldable mounting brackets and a 3-inch duct connection may help with some retrofit jobs. The listed no-cut installation design is useful, but check your ceiling opening, wiring, and duct setup before assuming it will fit your project.
The main trade-off is that this fan does not offer automatic humidity sensing. You will need to switch it on and leave it running as needed after a shower. Its 50 CFM capacity is also aimed at smaller spaces, so it may not be the right match for a larger or particularly damp bathroom.
Pros:
- Listed for bathrooms up to 45 square feet
- Energy Star certified
- Compact housing with foldable mounting brackets
- Simple design with a clean white grille
Cons:
- No humidity sensor or automatic run-on feature is listed
- 50 CFM may be insufficient for larger bathrooms
Verdict: Choose this Broan-NuTone if you need basic ventilation for a smaller bathroom and are comfortable controlling the fan yourself.
2. Delta Breez 80 CFM: Quiet Ventilation with an Adjustable Humidity Sensor
This Delta Breez model pairs an 80 CFM fan with an adjustable humidity sensor. When humidity rises, the sensor can trigger full-speed operation to clear moist air. The fan also offers a selectable low-speed setting of 0 or 50 CFM, giving you the option of no continuous airflow or a lower background setting.
It is listed at less than 0.8 sones, which makes it one of the quieter options in this group on paper. Blue and amber indicator lights show humidity-control and full-speed modes. The product information also lists ceiling and wall mounting, along with use in wet areas when connected to a GFCI-protected branch circuit.
Automatic operation can be helpful if you do not want to remember to switch the fan on and off. Still, the listing does not specify a room-size recommendation or a run-on timer, so check airflow needs and the control setup carefully. Its low-speed setting is adjustable, but it does not offer the three airflow selections listed for the AUPU model.
Pros:
- Adjustable humidity sensor can trigger full-speed ventilation
- 80 CFM airflow
- Listed at less than 0.8 sones
- LED indicators show operating modes
Cons:
- No room-size recommendation is provided in the supplied product details
- Does not list a timed run-on feature
Verdict: This is a strong option if you want sensor-based moisture control, quiet operation, and a choice of low-speed settings.
3. Orsong 10-Inch Panel Fan: Higher Airflow Without a Listed Humidity Sensor
This ceiling exhaust fan is presented as a higher-airflow option for bathrooms up to 100 square feet. Its product description lists a 1.0-sone noise level and a 4-inch duct connection. It is designed to replace some standard bathroom fans, with a quick-mount bracket intended to help with installation between or directly onto joists.
There is an important specification difference to check before buying: the listing states 100 CFM for air capacity, but also describes the fan as operating at 110 CFM. Confirm the current product specifications and make sure the airflow fits your room and duct setup. The supplied information does not list a humidity sensor, so automatic moisture-triggered operation should not be assumed.
This model may appeal if you want a larger panel and higher listed airflow than the basic 50 CFM option. The trade-off is that you will need to manage the fan yourself, and its listed 141-watt power draw is substantially higher than the figures provided for the Delta sensor models. Compare the installation dimensions with your existing opening before choosing it as a replacement.
Pros:
- Higher airflow is listed than on the 50 and 70 CFM options
- Listed 1.0-sone noise level
- Designed around a 4-inch duct connection
- Quick-mount bracket is included according to the product details
Cons:
- Airflow details differ between the listing’s capacity and speed figures
- No humidity sensor is listed
Verdict: Consider the Orsong if you want a higher-airflow fan and are willing to verify its specifications and control it manually.
4. Delta BreezSlim SLM70H: A Compact Fan with Automatic Humidity Sensing
The BreezSlim SLM70H offers 70 CFM airflow in a compact housing measuring about 7.2 by 7.5 by 3.9 inches. Its humidity sensor is set to start the fan when humidity rises above 60% and stop when it falls below 60%. That automatic cycle can help reduce the need to remember to run the fan after bathing.
The model uses a brushless DC motor and is Energy Star qualified. It is listed for ceiling or wall mounting, and blue and amber indicator lights show the sensor and full-speed modes. The compact size may make it worth considering for a retrofit, but you should still compare the housing and mounting requirements with your existing space.
At 70 CFM, it sits between the 50 CFM Broan-NuTone and the 80 CFM Delta Breez. The supplied product details give conflicting noise figures: one section says 2.0 sones, while another lists 1 sone. If noise is a deciding factor, confirm the specification before purchase. The listed humidity threshold is also fixed in the product details, unlike the adjustable sensor described for the 80 CFM Delta.
Pros:
- Automatic operation based on a listed 60% humidity threshold
- Compact housing for retrofit consideration
- Energy Star qualified with a brushless DC motor
- Listed for ceiling or wall mounting
Cons:
- Noise figures differ within the supplied product details
- Humidity threshold is not described as adjustable
Verdict: Choose the SLM70H if compact dimensions and automatic humidity sensing matter more to you than adjustable sensor settings or the higher airflow of the 80 CFM model.
5. AUPU 50/80/110 CFM: Adjustable Airflow, Sensor Control, and a Run-On Timer
The AUPU fan combines an integrated humidity sensor with three selectable airflow levels: 50, 80, or 110 CFM. The 50 CFM setting is the factory default, and the sensor’s default trigger is 80% relative humidity. The product description says you can adjust the humidity setting, giving you more control over when the fan starts than a model with a fixed threshold.
A run-on timer can keep the fan operating for a selected period after humidity drops below the set level. The listed choices are 5, 10, 20, 40, or 60 minutes. HVI, Energy Star, UL, and FCC certifications are stated in the product details. The housing is listed as 10.67 by 5.12 by 10.39 inches, with a 13-by-13-inch light cover; compare these measurements with your ceiling space before ordering.
This model offers the most airflow choices among these five picks and includes a duct adapter for a 4-inch duct, but the duct itself is not included. The larger cover and housing may also make fit checks especially important. The supplied details do not state a noise rating, so you cannot compare its sound level directly with the Delta or Orsong options from this information alone.
Pros:
- Three selectable airflow levels: 50, 80, and 110 CFM
- Adjustable humidity sensor with a selectable run-on timer
- Certifications listed for HVI, Energy Star, UL, and FCC
- 4-inch duct adapter is included according to the product details
Cons:
- Duct is not included
- Noise level is not provided in the supplied details
Verdict: The AUPU is a flexible choice if you want to adjust both airflow and automatic run time, provided its housing fits your ceiling and duct layout.
How to Choose a Bathroom Exhaust Fan for Humidity Control
Match airflow to your bathroom
Airflow is measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. A higher CFM figure is not automatically better for every room; the fan should suit the size and ventilation needs of your bathroom. Among these picks, the Broan-NuTone is listed for rooms up to 45 square feet, and the Orsong description gives a recommendation of up to 100 square feet. For the other models, check the manufacturer’s room-size guidance and your local requirements before deciding.
Decide whether you want automatic humidity sensing
A basic fan needs to be switched on and off manually. A humidity-sensing model can turn on when the room gets damp, which is useful if you often forget to run ventilation after a shower. Check how the sensor works: the Delta SLM70H lists a 60% start-and-stop threshold, while the 80 CFM Delta has an adjustable sensor and the AUPU lists an adjustable setting with an 80% factory default.
Look for a timer or continuous low-speed option
Humidity can linger after the mirror clears, so a fan that keeps running for a set period may be useful. The AUPU lists selectable run-on times from 5 to 60 minutes. The 80 CFM Delta offers a low-speed setting of either 0 or 50 CFM. Check whether the control features match how you want to use the fan rather than focusing on airflow alone.
Compare noise information carefully
Sones are used to describe fan noise, and a lower listed number generally indicates quieter operation. The 80 CFM Delta is listed at less than 0.8 sones, the Orsong at 1.0 sone, and the Broan-NuTone at 2.0 sones. The SLM70H listing gives two different noise figures, and the supplied AUPU details do not include one. Confirm unclear specifications if sound is important in your home.
Check the duct, opening, and mounting space
Before choosing a replacement, compare the fan’s housing dimensions, ceiling opening, duct size, and mounting style with your current setup. These models list different requirements: the Broan-NuTone uses a 3-inch duct, while the Orsong and AUPU are described for 4-inch duct connections. The AUPU listing says its duct is not included. Check whether your installation is ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted and whether the fan can be installed from the room side.
Review electrical and installation requirements
Fan replacement can involve wiring and duct work, so do not rely on a quick-install claim alone. Read the installation instructions and confirm that the product is suitable for your wiring and mounting location. The Delta 80 CFM model specifies GFCI-protected branch circuit wiring for use in wet areas. If you are unsure about the electrical work or local requirements, consult a qualified installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every fan in this list have a humidity sensor?
No. The Delta Breez 80 CFM, Delta BreezSlim SLM70H, and AUPU models list humidity-sensing features. The Broan-NuTone and Orsong product details do not list a humidity sensor, so plan to control those fans manually unless the current product information says otherwise.
What does CFM mean for a bathroom fan?
CFM means cubic feet per minute and describes how much air the fan moves. Compare the fan’s airflow with your bathroom size and ventilation needs. A higher CFM rating may be useful for a larger space, but it should also suit your duct and installation setup.
Which option has adjustable airflow?
The AUPU model lists three selectable settings: 50, 80, and 110 CFM. The 80 CFM Delta offers a low-speed setting of 0 or 50 CFM, while the other listed models have one stated airflow level.
Which fan is listed as the quietest?
The Delta Breez 80 CFM model is listed at less than 0.8 sones, the lowest clear noise figure among the supplied details. The SLM70H listing provides conflicting figures, and the AUPU listing does not provide a noise rating, so verify those specifications if sound is a priority.
Can I use the Broan-NuTone in a large bathroom?
The product details recommend the 50 CFM Broan-NuTone for bathrooms up to 45 square feet. For a larger bathroom, compare higher-airflow options and confirm the manufacturer’s room-size guidance before buying.
Do these fans include ducting?
The supplied details specify duct connections or adapters, not that ducting is included. In particular, the AUPU listing says the duct is not included. Check the product contents and your existing duct size before ordering.
Which fan is the best fit if I want automatic operation?
The AUPU offers adjustable airflow, an adjustable humidity sensor, and a selectable run-on timer. The 80 CFM Delta also provides an adjustable humidity sensor and selectable low-speed operation. Choose between them based on your preferred airflow, installation fit, and control features.
Final Recommendation
For a small bathroom where simple, manual ventilation is enough, the Broan-NuTone is a compact option with a stated room-size recommendation. If quiet, sensor-based operation is your priority, consider the 80 CFM Delta Breez. The AUPU stands out for its selectable airflow and timer, while the Delta BreezSlim offers a compact format with a defined automatic humidity threshold. Before buying, confirm the fan’s specifications, duct size, ceiling clearance, and installation requirements for your bathroom.
