Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light – Reviews and Buying Guide

What is the bathroom feature you didn’t know you need this year? It’s most certainly a bathroom exhaust fan with a light because you’ll solve multiple problems at once. And best of all, a fan does the longevity of your home a favor.

Let’s prove it to you with our reviews on the best bathroom exhaust fan options around.

What is a Bathroom Exhaust Fan?

With a bathroom fan, you can extract moisture that’s trapped in the air, so it no longer affects the people or the building in the form of bacteria or mold. The same feature can benefit a work area that tends to be humid, such as the basement, or if your home isn’t ideally insulated. By circulating the air with a fan, you create a more comfortable and healthier environment.

Why are Exhaust Fans with Lights Wise Investments?

A fan in the bathroom should actually be a given in any house. You can imagine the risk that comes with humid air: there are health and safety issues because mold can grow. This can affect your breathing and if not tended to, moisture can cause damage to your building.

What you need is a moisture extraction method and an exhaust fan with light solves that problem at once without you needing to create more cavities in your wall or bathroom ceiling. Simply install the fan with light features included where your current light is. A bathroom exhaust fan can also be placed in other damp rooms where more light will be helpful, such as a laundry area, an attic, or your basement.

Bathroom exhaust fans become investments, boosting the value of your home as well as air quality in the home. You’ll have less bacteria and mold in rooms when you have bathroom fans, so pick yours from our exhaust fan reviews.

10 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans with Lights you can buy in 2022:

This fan will work with almost any décor thanks to the minimalistic design. When it comes to bathroom fans you don’t always want a lot of detail and this one’s sleek lines make it easy to keep clean. The low price of the bathroom fan makes it a winner for many households.

The exhaust fan is mostly suited to smaller bathroom spaces because of the 50 CFM rating. The brand advises using this exhaust fan in units of 45ft² or smaller. The 100W light is also a plus because the exhaust fan is designed in such a way that nothing blocks the light; the fan’s light will disperse the light across the room, turning your bathroom into a welcome space. The cover actually diffuses the light and it’s shatter-resistant, making for a durable investment in your bathroom.

This best bathroom exhaust fan model is also known to be easy to install so you can consider a DIY bathroom fan installation, especially if you have existing ducts.

You’re able to use this close to your bath or shower since the fan features the necessary safety certification: it’s UL listed. When it comes to the fan you’ll get some of the best results on the bathroom exhaust fan market, thanks to the polymeric fan impeller.

You probably want to know about noise: this one’s rating is just under 3 sones and one of the benefits is that the design prevents metal components from causing a din.

Most users mention the welcome balance between price and quality with these bathroom fans, even if it’s not a 0 sones unit. For many, it’s a budget upgrade to their existing lights. Consumers do prefer adding some of their own insulation to bring the sound levels down even more. Also, note that you’ll need access to the roof above for proper installation.

For this bathroom fan from Broan-Nutone you’ll pay a little more than the first fan we showcased, but it’s one of the best fans available thanks to looks, functionality, and size!

This 100 CFM rating means you can happily use the exhaust fan in a bathroom as big as 90ft². It also makes the exhaust fan a practical option not only for a bathroom but for your attic or basement of such a size.

The exhaust fan will effectively remove moisture from the area through the exhaust system’s efficient fan. The fan model is designed with two blower wheels and the motor stays permanently lubricated which means less noise for you. Broan-Nutone even added a damper to the bathroom fan so you don’t have to worry about a backdraft and metal parts’ clanking sounds bothering you while relaxing in the bath.

The brand ensures you have the best installation experience with brackets that can extend up to 24”. This fan has a 4” duct and it’s tapered which makes for an easier DIY experience when upgrading your bathroom.

The exact dimensions of the bathroom exhaust unit are 16.75” x 10.63”x 7.88”, so make sure the fan will suit your bathroom layout before buying. Users appreciate the power they get without having to deal with much fan noise. Many homeowners do wish for better instructions in the installation guide.

For those homeowners looking for a more modern approach to bathroom styling, this is the best bathroom fan to consider. The exhaust fan simply looks like a normal light and the square design looks sleek. The galvanized steel is long-lasting so you know this is a valuable buy for your bathroom. Also, designed to run 70 000 hours, this is buying a quality bathroom exhaust fan for your home.

Delta Electronics offers a 100 CFM bathroom fan with light which makes it practical for a larger bathroom too. The light also has dimmable features, so you have exact control over the kind of atmosphere you want to create in the room. When you need to unwind in a luxurious bath without too much light, dim the lights, but make sure the humidity still gets taken care of.

Thanks to a brushless motor design the fan only has a sound rating of 1.5 sones, so noise won’t bother your relaxation time. Some users actually doubt whether the fan is actually switched on the first time they use it because it barely makes a noise when it’s installed correctly. Once it runs users often comment on how well it moves the humid air through the vent.

It measures 11.8” x 11.8” x 7.2” and weighs 7.95lb, making it relatively easy to manage for DIY enthusiasts.

The unit uses LEDs that provide ample light with the much-loved white light, but some consumers do prefer a warmer yellow.

Now let’s kick it up a notch because for some homeowners it requires a 200 CFM exhaust fan to keep their bathroom dry and their air healthy to breathe. That’s what you get from the KAZE brand!

You get a bright bathroom thanks to the 11W LED lighting and there’s also a 2W option to use at night when you don’t want to have that bright light in your eyes during your bathroom visit. You’ll get 2700K from the LED lights when using the regular settings.

This unit features a 6” duct and when it comes to installation, it’s fairly easy thanks to the mounting bars.

The company wants to please all its customers, so it’s your prerogative whether you want to connect all features together or have your fan, LED, and night light connected to separate switches.

Thanks to a 2.0 sones noise level your fan won’t disturb you too much and there’s also a back-draft damper that helps keep it quiet.

Users appreciate how quiet the fans run but comment that the brand can improve the manual to help those not used to DIY projects. Once it’s installed, both the fan and the light live up to users’ expectations with only some users criticizing the fan in terms of air movement. Perhaps the installation or bathroom layout determines its performance.

Broan-Nutone also caters for the mid-range market when it comes to CFM ratings. This fan has specs that mention 80 CFM so you’ll have good results in a bathroom or other space measuring up to 75ft². Similar to the other best bathroom fans from this brand the simplistic design will suit most décor styles. The brand manufactures cream AND white fans so pick according to your current bathroom look.

You’ll benefit from a 100W light that won’t easily shatter, so your bathroom will be a safe zone. There’s also the circuit that’s GFCI-protected and the AMCA licensing that provides peace of mind.

For most homeowners, it’s a simple DIY project thanks to the sleeves of the duct being tapered. It measures 8.2” x 5.8” x 8” so it’s a compact exhaust fan that will give a surprising amount of light.

This is not the quietest fan on our list, with a rating of 2.5 sones, but the sound is soothing to some users. It can block out other house noises, so your time in the bathroom will be a welcome escape. Consumers find the fan easy enough to install if there’s access to interior roof spaces.

This is a long-term investment because Broan even put effort into ensuring the durability of small components such as the motor bearings. You can also upgrade its functioning by connecting it to a dimmer switch. if you prefer low light during a relaxing bath or if you don’t want the light of the fan bothering others at night.

Here’s a fun approach to an exhaust fan installation: why not go circular? The original round design can add some flair to a bathroom and the brushed nickel finish is stylish now & will be for years to come. Extra design features in the frosted glass include a marble effect so you can upgrade the look of your bathroom from ordinary to posh in one fan purchase.

This fan will operate with a noise level of just under 3 sones which isn’t too bad and the 80 CFM rating means you can use it in medium-sized bathrooms with great outcomes. The housing measures 7.78” x 8.35” x 6.45” and the light has dimensions of 14.76” x 14.76” x 9.33”. Make sure that it will look good in proportion to other fittings in your bathroom and ensure the 4” duct will work with your current setup.

You’ll use a 140W CFL bulb and that will provide you with bright light in your bathroom. Many users appreciate the brightness of the light but be prepared for a more complicated installation than with some other fans. Clients report better results in smaller spaces when it comes to dealing with moisture. Also, note that you need to position it 3ft away from a shower so make sure your bathroom layout allows this.

Of course, everyone loves the look!

The market certainly caters for everyone: if you’re tired of feeling cold in the bathroom, let this fan heat it up for you. Apart from the exhaust fan, that deals with moisture and the 100W light, you get a heater that will create a more comfortable environment in a bathroom if it’s 65ft² or smaller. The fan also works for that sized room, effectively circulating air with its 70 CFM rating. Part of its efficiency is thanks to the centrifugal blower that is electronically balanced. The bathroom heater features a 1500W element.

When it comes to sound, this bathroom fan has a 3.5 sones rating which isn’t the best, but acceptable. What you WILL love is the 7W night light, making this a multi-dimensional solution to bathroom woes. You’ll get a four-switch control panel so you can manage all these features from one point on the wall.

For the design, the brand chose black housing but after the bathroom fan installation, you’ll only see the white enamel cover around the light. This is easily matched with bathroom fittings in most homes and the circular design is unique & easy to keep clean.

Users do complain about it being louder than some other fan models, but they appreciate how quickly the bathroom can turn from icy cold to snug and warm in under 10 minutes! Consumers also enjoy the aesthetics that serve as an instant bathroom upgrade.

Here’s even more style for you! And that’s why we picked it as our ‘Design Option’. The bronze casing has gorgeous detail on so you can create a stylish bathroom interior simply by installing a new exhaust fan.

This is one of the more powerful fan options on our list of reviews which you can see from the 110 CFM rating. Use the fans in larger bathrooms and enjoy an effective fan system as many consumers report they do.

The one aspect the brand can work on is the light because some feel it’s too dim, especially for such a big light measuring 16.7” x 16.5” x 15”. In part it’s because of the thickly frosted glass that looks beautiful but blocks much of the light. You can consider trying out LED and CFL lights to see which ones suit you best. Also, try out the 7W night light option but note that you’ll have to wire this to its own switch and the brand doesn’t include the bulb in the purchase.

When you get to fan installation, the regular light and fan can be connected on one switch if you want to keep it simple. It’s relatively easy to install overall, but make sure all the parts are there. Some users report the absence of important components such as the strain relief which is an important safety feature.

This fan carries a 5-year warranty so you can have peace of mind that you’re buying quality.

If a classic look isn’t what you’re going for, Hunter also offers their contemporary bathroom exhaust fan with light options. This one has a chrome finish which we think is super stylish. The one drawback is that the gap between the chrome and the light cover can make the fan more difficult to keep clean than some other bathrooms fans. But we do adore the glass’ swirled pattern—the small detail has a huge impact on how impressive your bathroom will look.

This light is rated as 90 CFM and the noise level you can expect is 2.5 sones. Compared to others on the market it’s on par even though the fan doesn’t run completely quiet.

For this one the housing measures 7.78” x 8.35” x 6.45” and ideally your existing bathroom exhaust fan—if you’re replacing one—should also have a 4” duct if you want an easy installation. The whole unit with fan and glass included covers an area of 17” x 17” x 13.5”, making it another large product on this list of fans. But because it’s not a bulky design, consumers find it suits almost any shape and size bathroom without the space seeming cluttered.

Users appreciate this bathroom exhaust fan for its easy installation. The brand designed the plugs differently, so you can’t mix them up. But there is the possibility of it starting to show rust spots, so you may have to dry it regularly if you want it to look like new long term. It does carry a 5-year warranty, but there are limitations to this.

Brands get creative about bathroom exhaust fans with light components because there are actually many conditions you need to manage in a humid environment: bacteria is one of them. If that’s YOUR concern then you can opt for this fixture from Broan-Nutone that has an ultraviolet light. It’s the combination of a strong fan system—this one earning a rating of 110 CFM—and SurfaceShield technology that does the job. The unique light helps against the formation of fungi, bacteria and other organisms often found in a bathroom.

The high tech 110 CFM unit looks modern and the white outer casing should blend in easily with most decor. But it’s not as decorative as some others, so if aesthetics matter to you this may not be your ideal buy. It measures 12.2” x 12.2” x 5.8”, making it suitable for most sized rooms in terms of dimensions and proportions. Some consumers do find the design unobtrusive so if you’re going for a minimalist approach, this works.

One huge plus with this fan is that you can manage installation simply from the room’s side, in part thanks to the EzDuct connectors and the foldable mounting ears. If you can’t get into the roof section or attic it shouldn’t be a problem.

You also get a 3-year warranty and users appreciate that even though it’s a unique light, the glow still creates an inviting ambiance in a bathroom. Parents love that they can protect their kids against unwanted germs, making it a smart gift for many households.

The fact that this fan features 1.0 sone noise rating is a winning feature too.

Buying Guide When Shopping for a Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light

CFM Rating

CFM is one of the most important factors when it comes to picking the best bathroom exhaust fans. This refers to how much air your new fan will move around the bathroom. It’s measured in cubic feet per minute and written as 50 CFM, 70 CFM, etc.

Interesting point: if the connection running to the fan has quite a few kinks and turns, your CFM rating may have to be more than for a simple straight ducted area.

Noise Levels

You don’t want your new fan disturbing the peace in the house, so look at specs to determine the noise level, measured in sones.

The higher the CFM the more likely it becomes that your fan will be noisy. To identify the best bathroom exhaust fans, you want it as close to 0 sones as possible and preferably not much higher than 3.0 sones because this is similar to the hum you’ll experience in a busy office environment.

Exhaust Duct: Size & Type

The matter of your exhaust duct is especially important if you’re replacing an existing fan. It’s best to pick a new bathroom fan that will fit the current ductwork. Luckily the market does have adapters to make installation a bit easier.

In most cases, the exhaust size will be 4” or 6”.

You have a choice between flexible and rigid ducts for your new fan. A flexible duct will allow you to easily work in a layout where many turns are necessary. But you’re sacrificing efficiency because the air will flow much easier through a rigid system because there are fewer bends and nooks where air can get trapped.

Where to Install and How to Install

Before you purchase, make sure the fan matches the reason you’re purchasing it. A workshop may need more light from your exhaust fan than a bathroom. And perhaps you want additional features such as heating if you want a comfortable work environment.

When it comes to mounting your new fan, think of safety, practicality, and aesthetics. Ceiling mounting is customary but it can look impressive on the wall. Just make sure the bathroom exhaust fan is at least 8ft above the floor.

Wall mounting is also handy if your ceiling has a lot of insulation that can create a fire risk.

Light Output

You need to make sure the light will be bright enough for the space it’s installed in. Do you want a very bright bathroom? Make sure the type of glass and design doesn’t prevent the light from optimally lighting up the room. And if you can use different types of bulbs it’s a plus—pick white or yellow bulbs according to your preference.

Some people want less light or even a dimmer option so the glow won’t hurt their eyes when they go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. This is when a night light feature on your bathroom exhaust fan becomes valuable.

Heating Option

A heating feature is welcome if you use your new fan in a workroom or the bathroom. Only some bathroom exhaust fans have these features.

You may think the heating mode will use too much power, but overall you may actually save. On cold days your fan’s heater will warm up the bathroom quickly and make for comfort, without you using the home’s central heating system.

Motion Sensor

A motion sensor in your bathroom exhaust fan isn’t a necessity, but it makes for a luxurious lifestyle. The moment you enter the fan will turn on and in the absence of movement it will turn off again. This is also an ideal investment if you install fans in Airbnb rooms or a home you rent out: even if the occupants don’t turn on the fan manually you prevent moisture from ruining your building.

Violet Light

You won’t find violet light in all exhaust fan designs because they do push up the price. But this is a nifty extra to invest in if you’re particularly concerned about bacteria. UV light along with lower moisture levels will combat mold and fungal growth.

Maintenance

Pick a light that’s easy to keep clean—smooth lines without many details simply require a wipe down. Unless you’re more concerned about aesthetics and want fancy details, but then you must be prepared for some grime that can collect in nooks and crannies if you don’t clean the casing regularly.

Features such as motors that stay permanently lubricated also help to keep noise levels closer to 0 sones, without you doing much maintenance on your bathroom exhaust fan.

FAQ

What is the Quietest Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light?

Your exhaust fan options will usually note the noise level in the specs list. Look for a fan with a light that has a rating—expressed in sones—as close to 0 as possible. You may find fans that have a rating lower than 0.5 sones but you’ll pay much more for them than other fans.

How Many CFM do I Need for my Bathroom Fan?

A rule of thumb is to look for 1 CFM for every ft² of your bathroom. Although, for bathrooms that are much larger than 100ft² your calculation should include 50 CFM for each installation such as a bath, shower, or toilet. And if you have a jetted tub you may need an additional 100 CFM. When you work out the appropriate rating, always round up to the nearest 10—not down. Example: for a 65ft² bathroom you’ll need a 70 CFM exhaust fan.

Final Words

There are many reasons to upgrade your bathroom by installing one of the best exhaust fans with light in your home. You can enjoy a brighter environment and even benefit you and your family’s health by ensuring cleaner air with fewer odors. And with the quiet operation found with many of our best bathroom exhaust fans, your bathroom exhaust fan won’t disturb the peace

Or perhaps it’s your basement that needs one of these best fans on today’s market? Share with us how a new installation made life better for you. Combined with our top fan reviews, other homeowners can see what an investment these bathroom fans are.