A good bathroom exhaust fan should match your room size, connect to your existing ductwork, and move moisture without making more noise than you can tolerate. The options below range from a compact 50 CFM fan for a small bathroom to quieter 80 CFM models with lighting. One important note: these are fan products, not complete ducting kits, and some listings specify that ductwork is not included. Check your duct diameter and ceiling opening before you buy.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Airflow | Noise | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone 50 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan | 50 CFM | 2.0 sones | Smaller bathrooms and powder rooms |
| Broan-NuTone Roomside Fan with Light | 110 CFM | 1.0 sone | Retrofits that need a fan and adjustable LED light |
| Amico 80 CFM Fan with Dimmable Light | 80 CFM | 0.9 sones | Bathrooms up to 80 sq. ft. where adjustable lighting matters |
| Amico 80 CFM Retrofit Exhaust Fan | 80 CFM | 1.0 sone | Quiet ventilation without a built-in light |
| Amico 80 CFM Fan with LED Light | 80 CFM | 0.9 sones | Bathrooms with a standard 8.8-inch ceiling opening |
Our Picks: Best Bathroom Fan Exhaust Kit reviews
Broan-NuTone 50 CFM Fan for a Small Bathroom
This Broan-NuTone model is a straightforward choice for a smaller powder room or bathroom. Its 50 CFM airflow is intended for spaces up to 45 square feet, and the fan uses a 3-inch duct connection. The modern white grille is designed to blend with common ceiling finishes.
The compact housing and foldable mounting brackets are meant to make installation easier, including in some situations without attic access. Broan-NuTone also describes the installation as a 10-minute job, but actual time will depend on the existing opening, wiring, and duct setup. At 2.0 sones, it is not the quietest option here; its main appeal is simple ventilation for a small room.
This is an Energy Star-certified fan and is described as being made in the USA. Make sure the smaller airflow rating suits your bathroom rather than choosing it just because the housing looks convenient. It is not a complete ducting kit, so check whether your project needs additional ductwork or fittings.
Pros:
- Designed for bathrooms up to 45 square feet
- Energy Star certified
- Compact housing with foldable mounting brackets
- Modern grille designed to suit common ceiling colors
Cons:
- 50 CFM is less airflow than the other picks
- 2.0 sones is louder than the listed Amico options
Verdict: Choose this fan for a small bathroom where compact installation and basic ventilation matter more than maximum airflow or the quietest operation.
Broan-NuTone Roomside Retrofit Fan with Adjustable LED Light
This Broan-NuTone fan combines 110 CFM ventilation with an LED light, making it a higher-airflow option for bathrooms up to 105 square feet. Its roomside retrofit design is intended to replace an existing fan without requiring attic access, which may help when the ceiling above the bathroom is difficult to reach.
The LED offers four selectable color temperatures, from warm white to daylight, and is designed to remember the selected setting. The CleanCover grille has a full-perimeter air intake. The housing measures 9¼ by 10 by 5¾ inches, while the grille measures 12¼ by 12¼ inches, so compare those dimensions with your ceiling and existing installation before ordering.
The product information lists the fan at 1.0 sone, a lower noise rating than the compact Broan-NuTone model above. The supplied availability information indicates that this item may not be available, so check its listing before planning a project around it. It is also a larger fan-and-light unit, not a standalone duct kit.
Pros:
- 110 CFM airflow for bathrooms up to 105 square feet
- Roomside retrofit design does not require attic access
- Four selectable LED color temperatures
- Listed at 1.0 sone
Cons:
- Large grille and housing require careful fit checks
- Availability may be limited; verify the listing before purchase
Verdict: Consider this model if you need higher airflow, an integrated adjustable light, and a roomside replacement design, provided the dimensions and current availability work for your project.
Amico 80 CFM Fan with Quiet Operation and Dimmable Light
This Amico fan pairs 80 CFM ventilation with a 1,000-lumen light for bathrooms up to 80 square feet. Its stated noise level is 0.9 sones, and the light is dimmable from 0 to 100 percent. You can select from five color temperatures, ranging from 2700K to 5000K, to suit a warmer or cooler look.
The fan is designed for a 4-inch duct and an 8.8-by-8.8-inch ceiling opening. If your existing duct is 3 inches, Amico says you can contact the company about a reducer. Confirm the opening and duct measurements before installation, since a reducer does not resolve differences in ceiling cutout or housing size.
This is a useful fit if you want ventilation and a flexible light in one unit, especially for a bathroom that falls within the stated room-size range. Compared with the Amico retrofit model without a light, it adds lighting controls but also requires you to check the larger ceiling opening. Ductwork is not specified as included, so check the package details if you need a full exhaust run.
Pros:
- 80 CFM airflow for bathrooms up to 80 square feet
- Quiet 0.9-sone rating
- Five selectable light color temperatures
- Dimmable light with a broad brightness range
Cons:
- Designed for a relatively large 8.8-inch ceiling opening
- 3-inch duct users may need to request a reducer
Verdict: Pick this model if you want quiet 80 CFM ventilation and a highly adjustable light, and your ceiling opening and duct setup are compatible.
Amico 80 CFM Retrofit Fan for Quiet, No-Light Ventilation
This Amico model focuses on ventilation rather than adding a light. It provides 80 CFM of airflow, is recommended for bathrooms up to 80 square feet, and is rated at 1.0 sone. That makes it a practical middle ground for shoppers who want more airflow than the small Broan-NuTone pick without choosing a fan-light combination.
The housing measures 7.5 by 7.2 by 4 inches, and the grille measures 9.4 by 8.6 inches. It is designed for a 4-inch duct and a ceiling cutout of about 7.6 by 7.3 inches. The supplied description says it can be mounted between ceiling joists with brackets or secured directly to a joist. Measure the existing opening carefully, particularly when replacing a different fan.
The listing describes this as a retrofit option that does not need attic access, but the product dimensions and mounting method still need to suit your ceiling. If your duct is 3 inches, Amico says to contact it about a reducer. Unlike the other Amico options here, this model has no integrated light, which can be an advantage if you already have separate bathroom lighting.
Pros:
- 80 CFM airflow for bathrooms up to 80 square feet
- 1.0-sone operation
- Includes brackets for mounting options
- No built-in light if you prefer a simple exhaust fan
Cons:
- Requires a 4-inch duct unless a reducer is arranged
- Ceiling cutout dimensions may not match every existing fan
Verdict: Choose this Amico if you want quiet, light-free ventilation and its housing, cutout, and duct dimensions match your installation.
Amico 80 CFM LED Fan with High-Color-Rendering Light
This Amico fan is designed for bathrooms around 70 to 80 square feet. It combines 80 CFM airflow with a 1,000-lumen LED light rated at 90 CRI, a measure related to how naturally colors appear under the light. The fan is listed at 0.9 sone, and its light dims from 10 to 100 percent.
The light has five fixed color-temperature choices, from 2700K to 5000K. The choices are set before installation, so this is a better fit if you want to select a lighting tone once rather than switch between settings regularly. The grille measures 12.1 by 12.1 inches, the ceiling cutout is 8.8 by 8.8 inches, and the product is designed for a 4-inch duct.
The listing says no attic access is required for replacement and notes that ductwork is not included. That makes it especially important to check your existing duct and confirm what additional materials your project needs. Compared with the other 80 CFM fan-light option, this model emphasizes high color rendering and gives a defined 10-percent minimum dimming level.
Pros:
- 80 CFM airflow for bathrooms around 70 to 80 square feet
- Quiet 0.9-sone rating
- 90 CRI light with five color-temperature choices
- Dimmable LED with a 10-to-100-percent range
Cons:
- Ductwork is not included
- Large grille and ceiling opening may not suit every retrofit
Verdict: This is a strong match if you want an 80 CFM fan with a quiet motor and adjustable, high-CRI lighting, and your ceiling opening is the right size.
How to Choose a Bathroom Fan Exhaust Kit
Match airflow to your bathroom size
Airflow is measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. The products here range from 50 to 110 CFM, and their supplied room-size guidance ranges from up to 45 square feet to up to 105 square feet. Start with your bathroom’s size and the manufacturer’s recommended coverage. A fan that is too small may not move enough damp air for the room, while choosing a larger model means checking that its duct and installation requirements also suit your space.
Check the duct diameter and whether ductwork is included
Compare the fan’s duct connection with the duct already in your ceiling or wall. The Broan-NuTone 50 CFM model uses a 3-inch duct, while the listed Amico fans are designed for 4-inch ductwork. Some Amico product descriptions say a reducer may be available by contacting the manufacturer if you have a 3-inch duct. The Amico LED model explicitly says ductwork is not included, so check the package details and budget for any needed duct, fittings, or exterior vent parts.
Measure the ceiling opening, housing, and grille
A fan may have enough airflow but still fail to fit your opening. Compare the stated ceiling cutout and housing dimensions with the existing fan and available ceiling space. Also check the grille size, since a wider cover may not hide an older opening. For a replacement, measure before ordering rather than relying only on the product title or airflow rating.
Decide whether you need an integrated light
A fan with a light can combine two ceiling fixtures, and some models offer color-temperature choices and dimming. Consider whether you want the light to change settings after installation or whether a one-time selection is enough. If you already have suitable bathroom lighting, a fan without an integrated light may be the simpler choice.
Compare noise ratings in sones
Sones indicate how loud a fan is perceived to be; a lower listed number generally means quieter operation. The options here range from 0.9 to 2.0 sones. Noise is only one part of the decision: make sure the airflow, dimensions, and duct compatibility work first, then use the rating to compare models that fit your project.
Consider how the fan will be installed
Some models are described as roomside or retrofit designs that do not require attic access. That can be useful when working from the bathroom, but it does not remove the need to check wiring, mounting points, duct routing, and opening dimensions. If your installation involves electrical work or changes to the exhaust path, consult the product instructions and use a qualified professional when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bathroom can an 80 CFM fan serve?
The 80 CFM options in this guide are described for bathrooms up to 80 square feet, or around 70 to 80 square feet for one model. Follow the specific product’s room-size guidance and consider your duct layout when choosing.
Are these products complete bathroom exhaust kits?
They are bathroom exhaust fans, not all-in-one ducting kits. Duct and related vent parts are not listed as included for every model; the Amico LED fan explicitly states that ductwork is not included. Check each listing and your installation needs before ordering.
Can I use a 3-inch duct with an Amico fan designed for 4-inch ductwork?
The Amico descriptions say to contact the manufacturer about a 4-inch-to-3-inch reducer for certain models. Confirm the correct part and fit before buying, and remember that a reducer does not change the fan’s ceiling-opening requirements.
Which fan is the quietest in this comparison?
The two Amico fan-light models are listed at 0.9 sones. The Amico fan without a light is listed at 1.0 sone, as is the Broan-NuTone roomside fan with light. The Broan-NuTone 50 CFM model is listed at 2.0 sones.
Do any of these options work without attic access?
The Broan-NuTone 50 CFM fan is described with foldable mounting brackets for installation without attic access in some setups. The Broan-NuTone roomside model and the Amico LED fan are also described as retrofit options that do not require attic access. Check the installation instructions and confirm your opening and mounting conditions.
Should I choose a fan with a built-in light?
Choose one if you want a combined fixture and value its dimming or color-temperature settings. If you already have enough bathroom lighting, a fan-only model may better suit your needs. Compare the grille and cutout sizes either way, since fan-light models can require a larger ceiling opening.
Final Recommendation
For a small bathroom, the Broan-NuTone 50 CFM fan is the simplest fit in this group, while the Amico 80 CFM retrofit fan is a sensible option if you want quieter ventilation without an integrated light. If lighting matters, consider one of the Amico fan-light models and compare its opening, duct, and dimming details with your installation. For larger bathrooms, the Broan-NuTone roomside fan offers the highest listed airflow, but verify availability and fit before planning around it. In every case, measure first and confirm whether you need to buy ductwork or fittings separately.
