Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans With Light for Every Home
A bathroom vent with a built-in light combines moisture control with practical illumination, saving space and reducing humidity that can cause foggy mirrors and mold. When choosing, consider CFM relative to room size, noise level in sones, LED brightness, color temperature, dimming capabilities, and installation options. The five models below balance airflow, lighting, energy efficiency, and installer-friendly design for American homes. Look for units that memory last settings and offer multiple color temperatures to suit different times of day and tasks.
| Product | Brand | CFM | Sones | LED Light | Color Temps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitop 110 CFM Light Exhaust Fan | Fitop | 110 | 1.0 | 1200 lm | 3000K/4000K/5000K |
| Akicon 110 CFM Light Exhaust Fan | Akicon | 110 | 2.0 | 1000 lm | 2700K/4000K/5500K |
| Fitop 130 CFM Light Exhaust Fan | Fitop | 130 | 1.5 | 1100 lm | 3000K/4000K/5000K |
| Broan-NuTone 750 Round Fan and Light | Broan-NuTone | 100 | 5.0 | Integrated light | Not specified |
| Broan-NuTone 80 CFM LED Light | Broan-NuTone | 80 | 1.5 | LED | 3500K |
Note: The table highlights a mix of compact and higher-capacity models, with varying noise levels, lighting brightness, and color temperature options to fit different bathroom sizes and aesthetic preferences.
Fitop 110 CFM Light Exhaust Fan
This Fitop model delivers 110 CFM and operates at about 1.0 sone, making it a quiet option for most bathrooms up to 110 square feet. The built-in 1200-lumen LED light provides bright, even illumination with three color temperatures: 3000K soft white, 4000K bright white, or 5000K daylight. Installation is ceiling-based and designed for straightforward mounting without major ducting changes. A 4-inch duct and a 7.75 by 7.5-inch ceiling opening make it a flexible choice for many retrofit projects. The unit includes a memory function to restore the last color temperature when re-powered.
Akicon 110 CFM Light Exhaust Fan
Akicon offers 110 CFM with a quieter 2.0-sone operation, suitable for rooms up to about 100 square feet. The 15W dimmable LED light supports 2700K, 4000K, and 5500K color temperatures, enabling versatile mood and task lighting. A built-in night light provides optional color choices (yellow or blue) for nighttime use. The unit uses a durable metal housing and allows the light panel to be disassembled for installation or service flexibility. Ceiling mounting and a 4-inch duct work with an efficient design make this model a solid, adaptable choice for modern baths.
Fitop 130 CFM Light Exhaust Fan
This higher-capacity Fitop unit provides 130 CFM with a quiet 1.5-sone operation, making it suitable for larger bathrooms up to about 130 square feet. The LED output is around 1100 lumens, with color temperatures at 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K. The design emphasizes easy installation with ceiling openings around 9.25 inches square and a 4-inch duct. The housing supports ceiling mounting and includes a wide opening for simple wiring and maintenance. The memory feature saves the last color temperature setting for convenience.
Broan-NuTone 750 Round Fan and Light
Broan-NuTone’s round fan and light combo features a 100 CFM airflow with a light integrated into the round white grille featuring a glass lens. The unit operates at a higher noise level, rated around 5.0 sones in the listed specification, and uses a 4-inch duct for venting. The compact modular design and plug-in motor emphasize straightforward installation and dependable performance. This model is well-suited for bathrooms where style cues—such as a glass lens and clean round grille—complement the decor while delivering reliable ventilation.
Broan-NuTone 80 CFM LED Light
This model delivers 80 CFM at about 1.5 sones with an integrated LED light designed for energy-efficient operation. It is Energy Star certified, helping to reduce electricity usage compared with standard bath fans. The unit is designed for easy installation with no-cut options in certain configurations, and the LED light is rated for long life (approximately 50,000 hours) with a 3500K color temperature offering pleasant, soft daylight. It’s a practical choice for smaller baths or powder rooms that still require reliable ventilation and lighting.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations help match a bathroom vent with light to your space and needs. The following factors guide a balanced choice among airflow, noise, lighting, and installation.
- Bathroom size and airflow (CFM): Larger bathrooms need higher CFM to clear moisture quickly. For bathrooms under 100 square feet, models in the 70–110 CFM range are common; rooms around 110–130 square feet often benefit from 130 CFM or more. Avoid undersizing, which can lead to persistent humidity and fogged mirrors.
- Noise level (Sones): Quiet baths aim for 1.0–2.0 sones; higher sone ratings (3–5) are louder and more noticeable. If the bathroom doubles as a small laundry or utility space, a higher-sone unit may still be acceptable depending on tolerance for sound.
- Integrated lighting and color temperature: LED brightness is measured in lumens; higher lumens provide brighter illumination. Color temperatures range from warm 2700–3000K to cool 5000–6500K. Dimmable lights and presets for different times of day improve comfort and usability.
- Energy efficiency: ENERGY STAR certified models typically deliver efficient operation and long LED life, reducing energy costs over time.
- Installation and ducting: Ceiling-mounted, no-cut, or retrofit designs ease installation. Check duct size (commonly 4 inches) and space for the housing. Some units require attic access or specific ceiling openings; ensure compatibility with your existing setup.
- Durability and materials: Metal housings and corrosion-resistant components extend life in humid environments. Look for units with simple service access and durable motors.
- Extra features: Night lights, memory settings for color temperature, and built-in humidity sensors or timers add convenience and reduce energy waste.
- Maintenance and warranty: Easy-access panels and reasonable warranty terms minimize long-term costs and downtime.
- Budget and aesthetics: Aesthetic considerations matter in visible spaces. A tasteful grille and lens can complement bathroom decor while providing needed function.
Choosing among these options depends on your bathroom size, how much sound you’re willing to tolerate, and how you want the lighting to function. For smaller spaces, models like the Fitop 110 CFM or Broan-NuTone 80 CFM with LED lighting offer a compact, energy-efficient blend. For larger bathrooms or spaces with higher moisture, the Fitop 130 CFM or Akicon 110 CFM with additional features provides stronger ventilation and flexible lighting settings. Always verify compatibility with your ceiling opening, duct size, and electrical wiring before installation.