A well-ventilated bathroom is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment. Excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors, while poor lighting can make your daily routine a challenge. The ideal solution combines powerful air extraction with effective illumination, all in one convenient unit.
To help you find the perfect match for your space, we’ve compiled a list of the top-performing bathroom exhaust fans with integrated lighting. From basic models for powder rooms to feature-packed units for master suites, this roundup covers a range of options to suit different needs, budgets, and installation requirements.
Our Top Picks for Bathroom Exhaust Fans with Lights
- Fitop Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light, 110 CFM
- Broan-NuTone 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combo, 50 CFM
- Panasonic WhisperFit Exhaust Fan with Dimmable LED Light
- Hawkrown Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Bluetooth Speaker
- OFANKU 2-in-1 Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light, 130 CFM
- Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan with LED light
- Delta Breez RAD80L Radiance Series Exhaust Fan
- Panasonic FV-08VKS3 WhisperWarm Fan/Heater/Light
Fitop Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light, 110 CFM
The Fitop exhaust fan offers a strong balance of power and quiet operation, making it a solid choice for bathrooms up to 110 square feet. With an airflow of 110 CFM and a noise level of just 1.0 sones, it efficiently clears moisture and odors without being disruptive. The integrated 1200-lumen LED light provides bright, even illumination for the entire room.
This model stands out with its customizable lighting, offering three color temperatures—3000K, 4000K, and 5000K—that you can cycle through with a simple flip of the switch. The unit remembers your last setting, adding a touch of convenience to your routine. Its straightforward, no-cut installation process is also a major benefit for DIY enthusiasts.
Broan-NuTone 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combo
As a classic and reliable option, the Broan-NuTone 678 provides essential ventilation and lighting for smaller bathrooms up to 45 square feet. Its 50 CFM airflow is sufficient for reducing humidity and odors in powder rooms or half-baths. The unit features a shatter-resistant lens that diffuses light evenly from a 100-watt bulb, which is sold separately.
This model is designed with the DIYer in mind, featuring a plug-in, permanently lubricated motor and polymeric duct connectors for a simple installation or replacement. It’s a no-fuss, functional solution from a trusted brand in home ventilation, perfect for those who need a basic, effective fan and light combo without extra features.
Panasonic WhisperFit Exhaust Fan with Dimmable LED Light
Panasonic is renowned for its quiet and efficient ventilation, and the WhisperFit model lives up to that reputation. Its revolutionary ECM motor and SmartFlow technology ensure optimal performance. A unique feature is the built-in Pick-A-Flow selector, which allows you to set the airflow to 50, 80, or 110 CFM to perfectly match your room’s size and requirements.
Beyond its versatile ventilation, this fan includes a 10W dimmable LED panel and a less than 1W LED night light, offering both primary task lighting and subtle guidance during nighttime hours. The separate wiring for the fan and light provides greater control. This is a high-performance unit for those who value adjustable, energy-efficient operation.
Hawkrown Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Bluetooth Speaker
The Hawkrown model is a true all-in-one unit that goes beyond basic ventilation and lighting. It integrates a powerful 230 CFM fan, an advanced lighting system, a Bluetooth speaker, and a digital temperature display into a single, sleek fixture. This makes it an excellent space-saving solution for a modern bathroom, capable of handling areas up to 230 square feet.
You can enjoy stepless dimming across three color temperatures and a dedicated nightlight for a fully customizable ambiance. The ability to stream music or podcasts wirelessly from your phone adds a layer of entertainment and convenience. If you’re looking for a feature-rich centerpiece for your bathroom, this fan delivers exceptional versatility.
OFANKU 2-in-1 Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light, 130 CFM
The OFANKU fan provides robust performance with a 130 CFM airflow, making it suitable for bathrooms up to 160 square feet. It operates at a quiet 1.5 sones, effectively removing steam and moisture to keep your mirrors clear and your air fresh. The 16W upgraded LED light delivers a bright 1200-lumen output, ensuring your space is well-lit.
This model features a user-friendly design with three selectable color temperatures (3000K, 4000K, 5000K) to match your preferred atmosphere. Its installation is straightforward, with quick brackets designed for a secure fit between standard ceiling joists. It’s a reliable and efficient choice for those seeking a balance of power and modern lighting options.
Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan with LED light
This Broan-NuTone model is an ENERGY STAR certified unit, consuming about 50% less energy than standard bath fans. Its 80 CFM airflow is ideal for rooms up to 75 square feet, and it operates at a quiet 1.5 sones. The integrated, long-lasting LED light is rated for 50,000 hours, providing a 3500K color temperature that is both functional and pleasant.
The standout feature of this fan is its revolutionary installation system. It’s designed for no-cut roomside retrofitting, meaning you can replace an old fan in a bathroom with no attic access without cutting into the drywall. This is a game-changer for quick and easy upgrades, saving significant time and effort.
Delta Breez RAD80L Radiance Series Exhaust Fan
The Delta Breez RAD80L combines efficient ventilation with a modern, low-profile design that complements any bathroom decor. As part of the Radiance series, it offers reliable performance with a focus on energy efficiency and user comfort. The integrated LED lighting provides bright, long-lasting illumination while the fan works to keep the air fresh and dry.
Known for its quality construction and dependable operation, this fan is a great choice for those who prefer a brand with a strong reputation in the ventilation space. It’s designed for a clean look and effective moisture control, making it a practical and stylish addition to your home.
Panasonic FV-08VKS3 WhisperWarm Fan/Heater/Light
For the ultimate in bathroom comfort, the Panasonic WhisperWarm is a premium three-in-one solution. It provides powerful ventilation, bright LED lighting, and a quiet, efficient heater to take the chill out of your bathroom on cold mornings. This unit is engineered for near-silent operation, ensuring a peaceful environment.
This model is ideal for a master bathroom or any space where extra warmth is desired. By combining three essential functions into one sleek, ceiling-mounted unit, it saves space and simplifies your ceiling design. The WhisperWarm represents a top-tier investment in year-round bathroom comfort and convenience.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light
When I was looking for a new bathroom fan, I quickly realized it’s not just about picking the first one I saw. There are a few key things to consider to make sure you get a model that actually works for your space and needs. Getting this right means saying goodbye to lingering moisture, foggy mirrors, and that musty smell for good.
The first and most critical number to look at is the fan’s airflow, measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). This tells you how much air the fan can move. A general rule I use is to find your bathroom’s square footage and multiply it by 1.1. So, for a 100-square-foot bathroom, you’d want a fan rated for at least 110 CFM. If you have a larger bathroom with a high ceiling or a steam shower, you’ll need an even more powerful model. Don’t cheap out here; an underpowered fan is basically just a noisy light.
Speaking of noise, pay close attention to the sone rating. This measures how loud the fan is. A lower sone rating means a quieter fan. For a peaceful bathroom experience, especially in a master bath, I aim for something under 2.0 sones. Many modern fans are as quiet as 0.3 or 0.5 sones, which is barely a whisper. You’ll thank yourself for this later.
Since we’re talking about models with integrated lighting, you need to decide what kind of light you want. The standard is a simple built-in light bulb socket, which is functional and lets you choose your own bulb. A step up are units with integrated LED panels. These are often slimmer, more energy-efficient, and provide a very clean, modern look. Some high-end models even offer features like color-changing lights or built-in nightlights, which can be surprisingly useful.
Finally, think about the installation and extra features. Is it a simple replacement, or are you cutting a new hole in the ceiling? This will determine if you need a “new construction” or “remodel” fan housing. Also, look for an Energy Star certification to save on your electricity bill. For the ultimate in convenience, consider a fan with a humidity sensor that turns on and off automatically, or one with a built-in heater to take the chill out of your bathroom on cold mornings. Taking the time to think about these factors will help you find one of the best bathroom exhaust fans for ventilation and integrated lighting that truly fits your home.
FAQ
Can I install a bathroom exhaust fan with a light myself?
If you’re simply replacing an existing unit and are comfortable with basic electrical work, it’s a manageable DIY project. Always, and I mean always, turn off the power at the circuit breaker before you start. However, if you need to run new ductwork, cut a new hole in your ceiling, or aren’t confident working with wiring, I highly recommend hiring a professional electrician. Safety first.
How often should I clean my bathroom exhaust fan?
You should give it a good cleaning at least once a year. You’ll be shocked at how much dust and gunk can build up on the grille and inside the housing, which makes the fan work harder and less effectively. It’s a simple job—just vacuum out the dust and wipe down the cover with a damp cloth.
What is the difference between a sone rating and decibels (dB)?
This is a common point of confusion. Decibels (dB) are a logarithmic measure of sound pressure, while sones are a linear measure of perceived loudness. For practical purposes, just know that sones are a bit more intuitive. A 1.0 sone rating is about as loud as a quiet refrigerator humming, and each doubling of the sone rating roughly doubles the perceived loudness. So, a 4.0 sone fan will sound about twice as loud as a 2.0 sone fan.
Why is proper ventilation so important in a bathroom?
Good ventilation is crucial for protecting your home. Without it, excess moisture from showers and baths gets trapped. This leads to peeling paint, warped wood, and the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage your walls and ceiling and potentially affect your air quality. A good fan pulls all that damp air outside where it belongs.
Are combination exhaust fan and light units more energy-efficient?
They can be, especially if you choose a model with an Energy Star certification and an integrated LED light. These modern units are designed to move air effectively while using less electricity for both the motor and the light. By replacing an old, inefficient fan and a separate vanity light, you can often see a nice reduction in your energy use.
What size fan do I need for a large master bathroom?
For a larger bathroom, you’ll need to calculate the required CFM more carefully. Start with the standard calculation (bathroom sq. footage x 1.1). If your bathroom has a jetted tub or a high-ceiling steam shower, you’ll need to increase that CFM requirement significantly. It’s better to have a slightly overpowered fan on a variable speed control than an underpowered one that can’t keep up. When selecting from the list of the best bathroom exhaust fans for ventilation and integrated lighting, make sure to check the CFM ratings for the larger spaces.