In this age of smartphones and AR, it’s no surprise that the modern home is more connected than ever before.
Features commonly found in a “smart home” include doors that unlock themselves at the press of a virtual button, lights controlled with a simple voice command, and much more.
Products like Google Home and Alexa make our lives easier than ever. Through these, our homes can be controlled by our voices and the technology in our pockets (our smartphones). One addition to your smart home that will aid in its overall efficiency and comfort is a smart ceiling fan.
Smart fans provide energy-efficient, cost-effective cooling for your home. You can activate them without being present, so the room is cooled down by the time you get there physically.
But which one should you buy? We’ve made the job easy for you by selecting and reviewing the best smart ceiling fans.
Also included in this article is a section on how you can convert your existing fan into a smart fan.
Smart Cieling Fan Comparison Table
Our Top Pick
The Symphony Ceiling Fan from Hunter features decent smart home integration, balanced, quiet, and energy efficient fan performance, a remote, easy installation, a fantastic warranty from one of the most renowned makers of ceiling fans, and a simple to use app, all for a nearly unbeatable price point.
For these reasons, the Symphony Ceiling Fan gets our Top Pick for Smart Ceiling Fan.
Best Choice
Hunter Symphony Indoor Wifi Ceiling Fan
Best Smart Ceiling Fan
Smart Fan. Easy Cooling.
Control your comfort from the palm of your hand with Hunter’s SIMPLEconnect Wi-Fi smart fans and app.
Make Your Existing Fan a Smart Fan
So what if you already have ceiling fans in your home that function quite well or that have sentimental value, and you don’t want to replace them, but you do want the added convenience of a smart ceiling fan?
Well, there is definitely a solution for you.
For Ceiling Fans That Have a Remote Control
Great Idea!
BOND Smart Ceiling Fan Conversion Device
Smart Fan conversion
- Control ceiling fans from your smartphone or tablet
- Works with Google home and Alexa
- Control up to six ceiling fans
- No installation needed
- Very affordable
If your ceiling fan is controlled with a remote using either RF (radio frequency) or IR (infrared) signals, then you can use this product from BOND to make your ceiling fan smart.
With this BOND device, all you have to do is plug in the device, download the app on your smartphone, and point your ceiling fan remote at the device. That’s it! From then on, every single function offered by your fan remote (such as light dimmer and fan speed settings) can now be controlled by the app on your phone. A single BOND device can control up to 30 different ceiling fans.
It also works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant if you want to add a voice control function to your ceiling fan. Note that voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant will require a device which is Alexa enabled or Google Assistant enabled.
For Ceiling Fans That Do Not Have a Remote Control
Using the BOND device is one of the simplest methods for adding smart functionality to your existing ceiling fan. But what if your ceiling fan is so old that it doesn’t come with a remote control? What if you have a fan that is controlled by a light switch? Or what if it’s one of those fans that has a pull chain that you need to pull down on in order to turn it on and off?
There is a solution for you too. You can use a product like the Ceiling Fan and Light Controller from Insteon. The installation is slightly more complicated, but the end result is the same—you will be able to control your ceiling fan from your smartphone.
Unfortunately, this Insteon product is not compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant.
So if you are building your smart home with a smart hub utilizing one of those two virtual assistants, you may want to install a simple ceiling fan remote control kit (widely available and manufactured by companies such as EOGIFEE, PECHAM, etc.) to turn your ceiling fan into a remote controlled one. Then you can use the BOND device to turn your newly remote-controlled ceiling fan into a smart ceiling fan.
Whatever solution you decide on, you are sure to enjoy your existing ceiling fans more with their added smart functionality.
Smart Ceiling Fan Reviews
If you aren’t particularly attached to your current ceiling fans and you would like to buy a fully featured automated ceiling fan that has been built to be smart from the ground up, here are detailed reviews of some of the best smart ceiling fans available.
In order to get a quick overview of the most crucial features, check out the comparison table above.
Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Ceiling Fan, 52 inch Black
Key Specifications
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi Enabled
- Smart Home Platform Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (with included Haiku Wi-Fi Module)
- Remote Control Included: yes
- Dimmable Light: yes
- Wall Control: sold separately
- Product Weight: 11 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 52 in x 52 in x 11.4 in
- Motor: features a super efficient Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Motor which is exclusively designed for the Haiku L fan
- Durable: Tested using a thermal chamber to ensure that the fans can function in temperatures between -4 degrees F and 122 degrees F
- Balanced: Factory-balanced in order to ensure that the fan will offer precise performance free from wobbling
- Silent: Sound tested to make sure that each fan will not click or rattle; features exclusive motor and design free of chains for silent operation
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control features
The company Big Ass Fans holds claim to the title of being the maker of the world’s first smart ceiling fan, the Haiku, which it invented in 2012. This particular model from Big Ass Fans, the Haiku L, was the first ceiling fan ever to feature voice control capabilities through the use of the Amazon Echo device.
This Haiku L 52 inch Black is Wi-Fi enabled and works with Amazon Alexa as well as with Google Assistant, thanks to the Haiku Wi-Fi Module, which is included with the model of this fan that is sold on Amazon. Please note that if you purchase this fan directly from the manufacturer, the Wi-Fi module may not be included, so you will need to purchase that separately.
Of course, in order to use the voice control feature, you will need an Amazon Echo or another such smart device that is compatible with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. But, if you are seeking to integrate your ceiling fan into your overall smart home setup, it is likely that you have one of these smart hubs already.
In addition to the voice control feature, the Haiku L 52 in Black comes equipped with a slim line remote control which offers you one touch control of your fan. Since it is a smart fan, it of course also offers connectivity to your smartphone through the Haiku Home mobile app. You can use the app on your phone to set or to adjust all of your fan preferences.
The Haiku L features an LED module integrated into the fan which is exceedingly energy efficient (it will last more than 30 times longer than a conventional incandescent light bulb). This makes it very unlikely that you will have to change the LED bulb anytime soon.
The light itself is also dimmable and includes 16 different settings for brightness. Furthermore, the fan has ten different settings, including seven different fan speeds, a sleep mode, a timer, as well as a “Whoosh mode” that serves simulate a natural breeze.
The Haiku L possesses a highly efficient customized Axial Flux Permanent Magnet DC Motor which is exclusively designed for this fan and which uses only a fraction of the electricity of conventional ceiling fans. Also, the fan is tested for durability within a thermal chamber to make sure that it can function in temperatures between -4 degrees F and 122 degrees F.
The Haiku L is factory-balanced in order to ensure that it will perform precisely and wobble free. It is also sound tested to make sure that it will not click or rattle, and it features a customized motor and a chain-free design for silent operation. This model offers coverage for a space of 15 feet x 15 feet that has sloped or flat ceilings which are between 8 feet and 11 feet tall.
Remember to check that the version of the Haiku L you purchase has the Haiku Wi-Fi module included. Without that Wi-Fi module, this smart ceiling fan becomes a lot less smart.
Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Ceiling Fan is available from Amazon.
Modern Forms Morpheus III Indoor / Outdoor 3-Blade Smart Ceiling Fan 60 inch Gloss White
Key Specifications
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi Cloud Enabled
- Smart Home Platform Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, EcoBee, Control 4 / Josh AI
- Remote Control Included: no; sold separately
- Dimmable Light: yes
- Wall Control: yes
- Product Weight: 14 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 60 in x 12 in x 10 in
- Broad smart hub platform compatibility: works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, EcoBee, and Control 4 / Josh AI
- Integrated App: Use the Modern Forms app on your smartphone to control the fan speed, to utilize smart features such as Adaptive Learning, to create groups, and to lower your energy costs.
- Wall Control: comes with an RF wall switch that allows local control of the fan.
- Silent, balanced, and energy efficient: Features a highly efficient and totally silent DC motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than conventional fans. Each fan is sound tested and factory-balanced in order to ensure that it will never rattle, wobble, or click.
- Indoors or Outdoors Use and Lighting Controls: The fan is Wet Location rated for both exterior as well as interior use. The integrated LED light features continuous and smooth brightness control. Also, it includes an optional cover which can be used to conceal the luminaire.
This Morpheus III Smart Ceiling Fan from Modern Forms Smart Fans is a smart fan which features a staggering range of compatibility with smart home platforms. It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, EcoBee, and Control 4 / Josh AI. In fact, the only notable smart home platform it does not work with is the Apple HomeKit.
The Morpheus III is Wi-Fi cloud enabled, meaning that you can access and control the fan from any distance, as long as you are connected to the internet, and comes with an exclusive compatible smartphone app from which you can access various customized fan settings and energy saving features.
The extensive smart home integration means that as long as you have a smart hub, you will be able to control the fan using voice controls. There is also a traditional wall control available (so that you aren’t out of luck if you don’t have a smart hub and your smartphone battery happens to die).
If you would like the comfort of a traditional remote control as well, you can purchase a compatible one separately from the manufacturer. You can also purchase more wall switches for three or four way setup or digital touch wall control switches.
The fan features a highly efficient and totally silent 6 speed DC motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than conventional fans. It is sound tested and factory-balanced in order to ensure that it will never rattle, wobble, or click.
You can use this fan both indoors and outdoors, because the fan is durable and wet location rated for both exterior as well as interior use. The integrated LED light features continuous and smooth brightness control. Also, it includes an optional cover which can be used to conceal the luminaire.
Modern Forms Morpheus III is available from Amazon.
Hunter Symphony 59222 Indoor Wifi Ceiling Fan 54 inch White
Key Specifications
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi Enabled
- Smart Home Platform Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- Remote Control Included: yes
- Dimmable Light: yes
- Wall Control: sold separately
- Product Weight: 15 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 54 in x 54 in x 14.6 in
- Smart Home Integration: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- WhisperWind reversible motor offers extra-powerful air movement with performance as quiet as a whisper in order to achieve the desired cooling power without the noise; motor can change the fan direction from updraft mode for the winter to downdraft mode for the summer
- Includes three Fresh White Plastic blades with a 13 degree blade pitch that is optimized to ensure peak performance and optimal air movement
- Can be used for ceilings with a height of 8 feet or more
- Includes Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty which is backed by the only company with more than 125 years in the fan business
This Symphony Ceiling Fan from Hunter features decent smart home integration, balanced, quiet, and energy efficient fan performance, a remote, easy installation, a fantastic warranty from one of the most renowned makers of ceiling fans, and a simple to use app, all for a nearly unbeatable price point. For these reasons, the Symphony Ceiling Fan gets our Top Pick for Smart Ceiling Fan.
Our favorite thing about this Hunter Symphony is that it includes not just Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration, but that it works with Apple HomeKit as well. So for all you Apple fans, this is probably the smart fan to get.
Of course, it also features an easy to use smartphone app if you don’t have a smart hub for the aforementioned smart home platforms. It is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can control your smart fan from anywhere (as long as your phone is connected to the internet. And it includes a remote as well, so you won’t be left out in the cold if your phone battery dies.
The fan itself functions flawlessly, with balanced, quiet, and energy efficient performance, including specially designed fan blades. And the lifetime limited warranty from Hunter, one of the most reputable names in the fan making business, doesn’t hurt either.
The fan itself is also reasonably easy to install, since the smart home features are already integrated into the fan itself and don’t include a separate module or unit.
The fantastic price of this unit, coupled with all the above features, make this our top pick for smart ceiling fan.
Hunter Symphony 59222 Indoor Wifi Ceiling Fan is available from Amazon.
Lcaoful 52 Inch Wi-Fi Smart Ceiling Fan
Key Specifications
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi Enabled
- Smart Home Platform Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (with included smart controller)
- Remote Control Included: yes
- Dimmable Light: no; light is not dimmable
- Wall Control: no
- Product Weight: 17 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 52 in x 52 in x 16.5 in
- Smart Home Integration: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- WhisperWind reversible motor offers extra-powerful air movement with performance as quiet as a whisper in order to achieve the desired cooling power without the noise
- Reversible motor can change the fan direction from updraft mode for the winter to downdraft mode for the summer
This smart ceiling fan from Lcaoful is the most budget friendly of all the fans on this list. Also, it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (not a proprietary smart hub software), so you can still get premium features like voice control for a budget price.
In addition to the voice control functions available through Alexa or Google Assistant (which of course require a smart device compatible with those platforms), it also includes a smartphone app so you can control the fan from anywhere. Furthermore, a simple remote is included so you can still control the fan when your phone dies.
Unfortunately, the light on this fan is not dimmable. But if you can live with that, then this is a fairly good smart ceiling fan option for an unbeatable price.
Lcaoful 52 Inch Wi-Fi Smart Ceiling Fan is available from Amazon.
Hunter Romulus 59480 Indoor Wifi Ceiling Fan 54 inch Matte Silver
Key Specifications
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi Enabled
- Smart Home Platform Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- Remote Control Included: yes
- Dimmable Light: yes
- Wall Control: sold separately
- Product Weight: 21 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 54 in x 54 in x 15.8 in
- Smart Home Integration: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Reversible motor can change the fan direction from updraft mode for the winter to downdraft mode for the summer
- Offers a 3 position mounting system which enables the installer to choose from standard, angled, or low mounting
- Includes Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty which is backed by the only company with more than 125 years in the fan business
This Romulus Ceiling Fan from Hunter features decent smart home integration, balanced, quiet, and energy efficient fan performance, a remote, easy installation, a fantastic warranty from one of the most renowned makers of ceiling fans, and an easy to use app, all for a fairly reasonable price point.
Our favorite thing about this Hunter Romulus is that it includes not just Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration, but that it works with HomeKit as well. So for everyone whose home runs on Siri and Apple products, this may be the smart fan to get.
Of course, it also features an easy to use smartphone app if you don’t have a smart hub for the aforementioned smart home platforms. It is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can control your smart fan from anywhere if you have cellular data. And it includes a remote as well, so if your phone battery dies, you can still make adjustments to the fan settings.
The fan itself functions flawlessly, with balanced, quiet, and energy efficient performance. And the fan includes a lifetime limited warranty from Hunter, one of the most reputable names in the fan business.
The fan itself is also reasonably easy to install, since the smart home features are already integrated into the fan itself and do not require a separate module or unit.
The Romulus is similar in terms of its features to the Hunter Symphony, but the Symphony has a slight edge over this unit due to its lower price point. But you may like the wooden blades and the more premium look of the Romulus better than the white plastic blades of the Symphony, coupled with the fact that the Romulus also works with Apple HomeKit (in addition to Alexa and Google Assistant).
Hunter Romulus 59480 Indoor Wifi Ceiling Fan is available from Amazon.
Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Ceiling Fan, 52 inch White
Key Specifications
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi Enabled
- Smart Home Platform Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (with included Haiku Wi-Fi Module)
- Remote Control Included: yes
- Dimmable Light: yes
- Wall Control: sold separately
- Product Weight: 11 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 52 in x 52 in x 11.4 in
- Motor: features a super efficient Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Motor which is exclusively designed for the Haiku L fan
- Durable: Tested using a thermal chamber to ensure that the fans can function in temperatures between -4 degrees F and 122 degrees F
- Balanced: Factory-balanced in order to ensure that the fan will offer precise performance free from wobbling
- Silent: Sound tested to make sure that each fan will not click or rattle; features exclusive motor and design free of chains for silent operation
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control features
The Haiku L from Big Ass Fans was the first ceiling fan ever to feature voice control capabilities through the use of the Amazon Echo device. This model is identical to the Haiku L above, except for the fact that it is white instead of black.
This Haiku L 52 inch White is Wi-Fi enabled and works with Amazon Alexa as well as with Google Assistant, thanks to the Haiku Wi-Fi Module, which is included with the model of this fan that is sold on Amazon. Please note that if you purchase this fan directly from the manufacturer, the Wi-Fi module may not be included, so you may need to purchase that separately.
Of course, in order to use the voice control feature, you will need an Amazon Echo or another such smart device that is compatible with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. But, if you are seeking to integrate your ceiling fan into your overall smart home setup, it is likely that you have one of these smart hubs already.
In addition to the voice control feature, the Haiku L 52 in White comes equipped with a slim line remote control which offers you one touch control of your fan. Since it is a smart fan, it of course also offers connectivity to your smartphone through the Haiku Home mobile app. You can use the app on your phone to set or to adjust all of your fan preferences.
The Haiku L features an LED module integrated into the fan which is exceedingly energy efficient (it will last more than 30 times longer than a conventional incandescent light bulb). This makes it very unlikely that you will have to change the LED bulb anytime soon.
The light itself is also dimmable and includes 16 different settings for brightness. Furthermore, the fan has ten different settings, including seven different fan speeds, a sleep mode, a timer, as well as a “Whoosh mode” that serves simulate a natural breeze.
The Haiku L possesses a highly efficient customized Axial Flux Permanent Magnet DC Motor which is exclusively designed for this fan and which uses only a fraction of the electricity of conventional ceiling fans. Also, the fan is tested for durability within a thermal chamber to make sure that it can function in temperatures between -4 degrees F and 122 degrees F.
The Haiku L is factory-balanced in order to ensure that it will perform precisely and wobble free. It is also sound tested to make sure that it will not click or rattle, and it features a customized motor and a chain-free design for silent operation. This model offers coverage for a space of 15 feet x 15 feet that has sloped or flat ceilings which are between 8 feet and 11 feet tall.
Remember to check that the version of the Haiku L you purchase has the Haiku Wi-Fi module included. Without that Wi-Fi module, this smart ceiling fan becomes a lot less smart.
Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Ceiling Fan is available from Amazon.
Modern Forms Nautilus Indoor / Outdoor 4-Blade Smart Ceiling Fan 56 inch Graphite
Key Specifications
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi Cloud Enabled
- Smart Home Platform Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, EcoBee, Control 4 / Josh AI
- Remote Control Included: no; sold separately
- Dimmable Light: yes
- Wall Control: yes
- Product Weight: 19 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 56 in x 15 in x 10 in
- Broad smart hub platform compatibility: works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, EcoBee, and Control 4 / Josh AI
- Integrated App: Use the Modern Forms app on your smartphone to control the fan speed, to utilize smart features such as Adaptive Learning, to create groups, and to lower your energy costs.
- Wall Control: comes with an RF wall switch that allows local control of the fan.
- Silent, balanced, and energy efficient: Features a highly efficient and totally silent DC motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than conventional fans. Each fan is sound tested and factory-balanced in order to ensure that it will never rattle, wobble, or click.
- Indoors or Outdoors Use and Lighting Controls: The fan is Wet Location rated for both exterior as well as interior use. The integrated LED light features continuous and smooth brightness control. Also, it includes an optional cover which can be used to conceal the luminaire.
This Nautilus Smart Ceiling Fan from Modern Forms Smart Fans is a smart fan which features a staggering range of compatibility with smart home platforms. It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, EcoBee, and Control 4 / Josh AI. In fact, the only notable smart home platform it does not work with is Apple HomeKit.
The Nautilus is Wi-Fi cloud enabled, so you can access and control the fan from anywhere, as long as you are connected to the internet, and it comes with an exclusive compatible smartphone app from which you can access various energy saving features and customized fan settings.
The smart home integration means that as long as you have a compatible smart hub, you will be able to control the fan using voice controls. It also includes a traditional wall control (so that if your smartphone battery happens to die, you can still control the fan).
If you would like a traditional remote control as well, you can purchase a compatible one separately from the manufacturer. You can also purchase more wall switches for three or four way setup or digital touch wall control switches.
The fan features a highly efficient and silent 6 speed DC motor which is up to 70 percent more efficient than traditional ceiling fans. It is sound tested and factory-balanced in order to ensure that it will never rattle, wobble, or click.
You can use this fan both indoors and outdoors, because the fan is durable and wet location rated for both exterior as well as interior use. The integrated LED light features continuous and smooth brightness control. Also, it includes an optional cover which can be used to conceal the luminaire.
The Nautilus is fairly similar to the Morpheus III, aside from the fact that it is slightly smaller and has a more traditional nautical-inspired design and natural looking wood finish, as opposed to the glossy white futuristic finish of the Morpheus III. Choose whichever one best suits your home and/or outdoor space.
Modern Forms Nautilus Indoor / Outdoor 4-Blade Smart Ceiling Fan is available from Amazon.
Smart Fan Buying Guide
Connectivity
Not every smart ceiling fan on the market will be Wi-Fi enabled. Some may be controlled using Bluetooth.
Also, the compatibility with smart home platforms varies between fans. Some may be compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, or all of the above. If you are adding your smart ceiling fan to an existing smart home system, make sure the fan you choose is compatible with your smart home platform.
Some ceiling fans may use technology such as Insteon, ZigBee, Z-Wave, etc. These may require additional equipment or be proprietary smart hub platforms, so research this accordingly.
Below are a few guides on some of those smart home technologies to get you started.
Compatibility With Smart Home Devices
If you have an Amazon Echo that controls all the other smart devices in your smart home, it is a pretty reasonable conclusion that your smart ceiling fan should also be compatible with Amazon Alexa.
If you are an Apple fan who controls everything with Siri and your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, HomePod, and/or MacBook, make sure that your fan works with Apple HomeKit.
The same goes for Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, or whatever smart home platform or smart hub you use. Make sure that all of your smart devices are compatible with the same platform and able to be controlled by your smart hub.
Air Flow Requirements
When buying a fan, you can also consider the ceiling fan air flow. Air flow is defined as the amount of air which is delivered by a ceiling fan; this metric is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute).
The air flow or CFM is then divided by the electricity use, or the amount of wattage which is used by the fan. The resulting number is the air flow efficiency, which is measured in cubic feet per minute per watt, or CFM per watt.
The higher the airflow efficiency in cubic feet per minute per watt is, the more energy efficient the ceiling fan is. In order for a ceiling fan to be considered to be efficient according to Energy Star standards, it must have a CFM per watt of 75 or more.
For a fan which is running at the highest speed, a CFM of 4,000 to 5,000 is good, a CFM between 5,000 and 6,000 is better, and a CFM of over 6,000 is the best. Divide that number by the wattage used in order to get the airflow efficiency, and make sure the number you get is 75 CFM per watt or higher.
Related Article: How Heavy Is a Ceiling Fan?
Installation
Many smart ceiling fans will require installation by a professional, although for certain fans, the installation is simple enough to do it by yourself, if you feel comfortable doing so. But for maximum security and peace of mind, hire a professional to install your smart ceiling fan.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has opened your eyes to the possibilities for smart ceiling fans. They can be used to cool down sections of your home much more efficiently than conventional fans.
Remember to consider which smart hub or which smart home platform you use for the rest of your devices before deciding on a smart ceiling fan, and make sure that it is compatible with all of your needs!
