A bathroom without a working exhaust fan is a mold farm waiting to happen. If yours is loud, weak, or just gave up entirely, this guide will help you pick a replacement. We pulled together our top fan picks for 2020 and broke down the CFM rules so you know exactly what size to buy.
How Much CFM Do You Actually Need?
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute — it’s the measure of how much air the fan moves. The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) recommends 1 CFM per square foot for bathrooms up to 100 sq ft. So a 60 sq ft bathroom needs at least a 60 CFM fan. For larger bathrooms, add CFM for specific fixtures:
- Toilet in a separate compartment: add 50 CFM
- Shower: add 50 CFM
- Jetted tub: add 100 CFM
Our Top Bathroom Exhaust Fan Picks for 2020
1. Panasonic FV-08-11VF5 WhisperFit EZ (80/110 CFM)
This is our top overall pick. Panasonic’s WhisperFit line has been the go-to for contractors and DIYers for years. The FV-08-11VF5 is a retrofit-friendly design that fits into existing 3″ or 4″ duct, runs at 0.3 sones (almost silent), and is Energy Star certified. At around $115 on Amazon as of early 2020, it’s the best value in its class. Pick 80 CFM for smaller bathrooms, 110 for larger ones.
2. Broan-NuTone 688 (50 CFM)
If you’re on a tight budget and replacing a fan in a small bathroom (under 50 sq ft), the Broan 688 gets the job done for about $15–$18. It’s louder than premium models (4 sones) but it moves air and it’s been around forever, so parts and replacements are easy to find. Not for master baths.
3. Delta Electronics BreezSlim SLM70 (70 CFM)
Delta’s BreezSlim line is ideal for bathrooms with shallow ceiling joists where a standard fan won’t fit. The SLM70 is only 3.5″ deep, runs at 1.5 sones, and is Energy Star rated. Retails for about $65–$75 at most home improvement stores in 2020.
4. Broan-NuTone SPK110 Bluetooth Speaker Fan (110 CFM)
If you want a fan and a Bluetooth speaker in one, the SPK110 is a solid choice. It uses the A2DP Bluetooth 3.0 profile and pairs with any phone. Sound quality isn’t going to replace your living room speaker, but it’s fine for music in the shower. Runs about $135 as of 2020.
5. Aero Pure AP90-S W (90 CFM, Humidity-Sensing)
Humidity-sensing fans turn on automatically when moisture levels rise and shut off when the air clears — great for households where people forget to run the fan. The Aero Pure AP90-S runs quietly at 0.9 sones and is compatible with most standard electrical boxes. Around $110 in 2020.
Ducted vs. Ductless Fans
Always go ducted if you can. A ductless fan recirculates air through a charcoal filter — it reduces odors but does almost nothing for moisture. Building codes in most jurisdictions require ducted exhaust that vents outside the building envelope. The 2015 IRC (International Residential Code) is what most U.S. jurisdictions had adopted by 2020, and it’s clear on this point.
Installation Tips
- Vent to the outside — never into the attic. Attic moisture damage is expensive and slow to show up.
- Use rigid metal duct or semi-rigid aluminum flex. Cheap plastic flex duct sags and traps moisture.
- Keep duct runs as short and straight as possible. Every 90° elbow costs you roughly 10 CFM.
- Seal duct joints with foil tape, not regular duct tape, which dries out and fails.
Bottom Line
For most bathrooms, the Panasonic WhisperFit EZ is the right answer. It’s quiet, efficient, and easy to install. If budget is the main concern, the Broan 688 will do the job in a pinch. Whatever you pick, make sure the CFM matches your bathroom size — an undersized fan just recirculates humid air without actually clearing it.