A good bathroom extractor fan should remove steam and odors without adding too much noise or making installation harder than it needs to be. The right choice depends on your bathroom’s size, existing ductwork, ceiling opening, and whether you want extras such as a built-in light or speaker. The five options below range from a simple fan for a small room to higher-airflow models with lighting and other features.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Airflow | Noise | Notable features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone 50 CFM Modern Grille Fan | 50 CFM; up to 45 sq. ft. | 2.0 sones | Energy Star certified; 3-inch duct | Smaller bathrooms and powder rooms |
| Orsong 110 CFM Fan Without Light | 110 CFM; up to 100 sq. ft. | 1.0 sone | 4-inch duct; no light | Those seeking higher airflow and quiet operation |
| Amico 80 CFM Fan with Light | 80 CFM; up to 80 sq. ft. | 0.9 sones | Dimmable 1,000-lumen light with five color temperatures | Bathrooms that need both ventilation and lighting |
| Broan-NuTone Roomside Fan with Light | 110 CFM; up to 105 sq. ft. | 1.0 sone | Room-side retrofit design; adjustable LED color | Replacing a fan where attic access is difficult |
| Broan-NuTone ChromaComfort Fan | 110 CFM; up to 110 sq. ft. | 1.5 sones | Bluetooth speaker and multicolor LED | Those who want music and lighting features |
Our Picks: Best Extractor Fans For Bathroom reviews
Broan-NuTone 50 CFM: A Straightforward Pick for Smaller Bathrooms
This Broan-NuTone fan is the simplest option in this group. Its 50 CFM airflow is specified for bathrooms up to 45 square feet, making it a better fit for a small bathroom or powder room than a large, steamy space. It uses a 3-inch duct and has a compact housing, so it may suit some replacement jobs where a larger unit would be difficult to fit.
The fan is Energy Star certified and rated at 2.0 sones. That is louder than the other listed models, so it may be more noticeable during a quiet shower or early-morning routine. Its modern white grille is designed to blend with common ceiling finishes, and foldable mounting brackets are intended to make installation more flexible. Still, check the opening, duct, and wiring before buying; an advertised quick installation does not guarantee a quick fit in every bathroom.
This is a practical choice if you want basic ventilation without paying for a light, speaker, or other built-in feature. If your bathroom is larger or you prioritize quieter operation, one of the higher-airflow options may be a better match.
Pros:
- Airflow is specified for bathrooms up to 45 square feet.
- Energy Star certified.
- Compact housing with foldable mounting brackets.
- Uses a 3-inch duct, which may suit existing smaller ductwork.
Cons:
- Lower airflow than the other models in this guide.
- At 2.0 sones, it is not the quietest option here.
Verdict: Choose this Broan-NuTone for a small bathroom where basic, compact ventilation matters more than extra airflow or the lowest noise level.
Orsong 110 CFM: High Airflow Without a Built-In Light
The Orsong is a no-light ceiling fan with 110 CFM of airflow, specified for bathrooms up to 100 square feet. Its listed noise level is 1.0 sone, which makes it a quieter-on-paper alternative to the 50 CFM Broan-NuTone. The plain design keeps the focus on ventilation rather than adding lighting or connected features.
Fit is the key consideration. The product is designed for an 8-by-8-by-7-inch ceiling opening and a 4-inch duct. Those measurements may not match an existing fan, even if the airflow looks right for your room. Check the opening and duct size before ordering, and confirm that the installation arrangement works with your ceiling and wiring.
The listing also describes a quick-mount bracket and two-year support. These details may be useful if you are planning a replacement, but they do not remove the need to check the installation requirements for your particular setup. This model is a good fit if you want strong airflow and do not need a fan light.
Pros:
- 110 CFM airflow, specified for rooms up to 100 square feet.
- Listed at 1.0 sone.
- No built-in light if you prefer a simpler ceiling fixture.
- Includes a quick-mount bracket according to the product description.
Cons:
- Requires a 4-inch duct and a specific ceiling opening.
- Does not provide built-in lighting.
Verdict: Consider the Orsong if your bathroom needs higher airflow, your duct and ceiling opening match, and a light-free fan suits your layout.
Amico 80 CFM: Quiet Ventilation with Dimmable Lighting
The Amico combines an 80 CFM exhaust fan with a 1,000-lumen light. It is specified for bathrooms up to 80 square feet, putting it between the smaller Broan-NuTone and the 110 CFM models in airflow. Its listed sound level is 0.9 sones, the lowest among the products compared here.
The light offers five color-temperature settings, from warm to daylight tones, and can be dimmed from 0 to 100 percent. That gives you more control over the room’s lighting than a basic fan provides. The fan is designed for a 4-inch duct; the product description says to contact Amico for a reducer if your existing duct is 3 inches. Confirm the ceiling opening and installation requirements as well, particularly when replacing an older unit.
This model makes sense when you want ventilation and useful overhead lighting in one ceiling fixture. Its 80 CFM capacity is not as high as the 110 CFM options, so match it to the bathroom size and ventilation needs rather than choosing it only for its lighting controls.
Pros:
- Listed at 0.9 sones.
- 80 CFM airflow for bathrooms up to 80 square feet.
- Includes a 1,000-lumen light with five color-temperature settings.
- Light brightness is dimmable from 0 to 100 percent.
Cons:
- Designed for a 4-inch duct; a reducer may be needed for 3-inch ductwork.
- Lower airflow than the 110 CFM options.
Verdict: Pick the Amico if you want a quiet fan and adjustable built-in lighting for a bathroom within its stated size range.
Broan-NuTone Roomside Fan: A Retrofit Option with Adjustable Light
This Broan-NuTone model is designed for installation from inside the room, which can help when attic access is not available. It provides 110 CFM of airflow and is specified for spaces up to 105 square feet. The listed sound level is 1.0 sone, and the included LED light offers four color-temperature settings, from warm white to daylight.
The room-side design is a useful feature, but it does not make this a universal drop-in replacement. The listing gives a housing size of 9¼ by 10 by 5¾ inches and a cover size of 12¼ by 12¼ inches. Compare these dimensions with your existing opening and ceiling space before you buy. Installation still depends on the existing duct, wiring, and mounting conditions.
The product data supplied for this guide lists this model as unavailable. Availability can change, so check the product listing before making plans around it. If it is available and its dimensions match your setup, it offers a strong combination of airflow, low listed noise, and lighting without requiring attic access.
Pros:
- Room-side retrofit design for installations without attic access.
- 110 CFM airflow for spaces up to 105 square feet.
- Listed at 1.0 sone.
- LED light has four selectable color temperatures.
Cons:
- Housing and cover dimensions need to match your ceiling and existing opening.
- Availability may be limited; check the listing before choosing it.
Verdict: If you need a room-side replacement and can confirm the fit, this Broan-NuTone is a strong option for a medium or larger bathroom.
Broan-NuTone ChromaComfort: Ventilation with a Bluetooth Speaker
The ChromaComfort combines 110 CFM ventilation with a Bluetooth speaker and a 24-color LED light. Its airflow is specified for bathrooms up to 110 square feet, and its listed sound level is 1.5 sones. That is quieter on paper than the 50 CFM Broan-NuTone, though not as quiet as the Orsong, Amico, or room-side Broan-NuTone in this comparison.
This is the most feature-heavy option here. It is designed for room-side installation and includes an EZDUCT connector. The product description says the unit is controlled through its included wireless, battery-powered wall control or the mobile app, rather than a standard control arrangement. Check that setup and the app’s compatibility with your devices before buying. The housing measures 10 by 9¼ by 5¾ inches, so also confirm that the space above the ceiling can accommodate it.
The speaker and multicolor lighting are appealing if you want your fan to do more than remove moisture and odors. They also add complexity, making this a less direct choice if you only need reliable ventilation. If you want a simple fan-light combo, the Amico or room-side Broan-NuTone may be easier to compare.
Pros:
- 110 CFM airflow for bathrooms up to 110 square feet.
- Includes a Bluetooth speaker and 24-color LED light.
- Listed at 1.5 sones.
- Room-side installation design with an EZDUCT connector.
Cons:
- Controls rely on the included wireless wall control or mobile app.
- More features and setup considerations than a basic ventilation fan.
Verdict: Choose the ChromaComfort if you want a speaker and customizable lighting as well as 110 CFM ventilation, and are comfortable with its control setup.
How to Choose a Bathroom Extractor Fan
Match airflow to your bathroom
Airflow is measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. The product descriptions list a recommended room size for each fan, so use those ranges as a starting point. A 50 CFM fan is intended for a smaller room, while the 110 CFM models are specified for larger spaces. If your bathroom is near a model’s stated limit, consider the room layout and how much steam it tends to produce before deciding.
Consider the sound level
Fan noise is listed in sones. Lower numbers indicate quieter operation, so the 0.9-sone Amico is the quietest option on paper in this group. Sound in your home can also depend on installation and ductwork, so a product’s listed rating is a useful comparison point, not a promise of identical sound in every bathroom.
Check duct size and ceiling fit
Before ordering, measure the existing ceiling opening and identify the duct diameter. These products have different requirements: the smaller Broan-NuTone uses a 3-inch duct, while the Orsong and Amico are designed for 4-inch ductwork. The Broan-NuTone room-side and ChromaComfort models also list specific housing dimensions. A fan with suitable airflow may still be the wrong choice if it does not fit the opening or connect to the existing duct.
Decide whether you want a built-in light
A fan without a light may be a better match when your bathroom already has enough lighting or you want a simpler fixture. The Amico adds a dimmable light with five color temperatures, while the room-side Broan-NuTone has four selectable settings. The ChromaComfort adds multicolor LED lighting. Check how each light is controlled and whether it fits your everyday needs.
Weigh installation access and complexity
Some models are designed to install from the room side, which can be helpful when you cannot reach the fan from an attic. Other products have compact housings or mounting features intended to make fitting easier. Still, installation depends on the existing opening, duct route, wiring, and mounting surface. If you are uncertain about electrical work or venting, consult a qualified professional and follow local requirements.
Choose extras you will actually use
A speaker, app controls, color-changing lights, and adjustable brightness can add convenience, but they also bring more setup and compatibility questions. The ChromaComfort is the most feature-rich pick, while the 50 CFM Broan-NuTone focuses on basic ventilation. Think about whether the added functions justify choosing a more complex fan over a simpler model that better matches your room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bathroom is each fan suited for?
The listed room-size guidance ranges from up to 45 square feet for the 50 CFM Broan-NuTone to up to 110 square feet for the ChromaComfort. The Orsong is specified for up to 100 square feet, the Amico for up to 80 square feet, and the room-side Broan-NuTone for up to 105 square feet. Use these figures as product-specific guidance and make sure the fan also fits your duct and ceiling opening.
Which fan is the quietest in this comparison?
The Amico has the lowest listed noise level at 0.9 sones. The Orsong and room-side Broan-NuTone are listed at 1.0 sone, the ChromaComfort at 1.5 sones, and the 50 CFM Broan-NuTone at 2.0 sones. Actual sound can vary with installation and duct conditions.
Can I replace my existing fan without attic access?
The room-side Broan-NuTone and ChromaComfort are described as room-side installation options. The 50 CFM Broan-NuTone also lists foldable mounting brackets and installation without attic access. Even with these designs, check the instructions and dimensions against your existing setup before buying.
Do all of these fans include a light?
No. The Orsong is specifically a fan without a light. The Amico, room-side Broan-NuTone, and ChromaComfort include lighting. The 50 CFM Broan-NuTone listing describes a fan with a grille, not a built-in light.
How important is duct size when replacing a fan?
It is important because the duct connection needs to match your existing ventilation system. The 50 CFM Broan-NuTone uses a 3-inch duct, while the Orsong and Amico are designed for 4-inch ductwork. Check the product requirements and your existing duct before ordering; do not assume a fan will connect just because its ceiling opening fits.
Which option is best if I want music in the bathroom?
The Broan-NuTone ChromaComfort is the only model in this group with a Bluetooth speaker. Its product description says it is controlled by the included wireless wall control or mobile app, so check the control and device requirements before choosing it.
Final Recommendation
For a small bathroom, the 50 CFM Broan-NuTone offers a compact, straightforward option. If you want the quietest listed operation with built-in lighting, consider the Amico, provided its 80 CFM capacity and 4-inch duct requirement suit your room. For higher airflow without a light, the Orsong is worth considering when its opening and duct dimensions match. The room-side Broan-NuTone is a strong retrofit candidate if you need installation without attic access and can confirm availability. Choose the ChromaComfort when its speaker and lighting features are a priority. In every case, check airflow, duct size, ceiling measurements, and installation needs before making your decision.
