If you want a stylish and whisper-quiet fan to complement your bedroom aesthetic, this Duux smart fan gets my vote
It really could not be simpler to use, too
If you want a smart and whisper-quiet fan for the bedroom, then this is it. It's incredibly easy to use, offers a good scope of wind speeds (including a very lovely natural mode) and it's so, so quiet, especially in the lower speed settings. The monochromatic design also feels minimal and modern. However, while a range of 30 speed settings is impressive, there's not a lot of difference between some of them. I also found it a little difficult to adjust the height. But the quietness and comfortability of this fan more than makes up for it.
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Looks great
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Super quiet
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Loads of comfortable speed settings
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App control is really easy
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Can be battery operated (battery not included)
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Really thoughtful design
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Not loads of difference between speed settings
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Little tricky to adjust the height
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More assembly required than others I've tested
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If you're like me and hate a noisy fan when you're trying to get to sleep, then trust me, you're going to like this one.
While I've been testing the best fans and best desk fans around, I've come across many that offer comfortably quiet operation, but nothing quite as deliciously quiet as the Duux Whisper series. As part of that offering, I've put the Duux Whisper Flex 2 through it's paces in my home.
This is how it fared and whether I think you should buy it.
In a nutshell
Here at Ideal Home, we've reviewed multiple fans from the Duux Whisper range and have always been impressed with just how quiet they are. So I was delighted to test the bestselling Whisper Flex 2, and I've got to say, I'm not surprised people love it so much.
It's smart, which means you can control it from your phone (which is just so easy), and it's a really good looking fan. But where this fan really stands out is in it's noise levels. It's so, so quiet. I could get through the first six speed settings before I could really hear it make any noise, and even then it definitely could not be described as noisy. It also oscillates really well, circulating air quickly and effectively.
It can also be switched between a pedestal and desktop configuration, and while it has multiple thoughtful design elements, adjusting the height was sometimes a little tricky, although this may well be something that eases over time.
Suitable for every part of your home, from an office to a bedroom, the smart Duux Whisper Flex 2 is ultra-quiet, simple to operate and effective at cooling you down in a really comfortable way.
As well as being Ideal Home's Renovation Editor, I also look after all of the website's heating and cooling content, which means I'm well versed in what it takes to keep your home a comfortable temperature year round and how you can do that in the most energy efficient way possible. I tested the Duux Whisper Flex 2 in my 1970s three-bed home daily for more than six weeks. As well as trying it out in my kitchen diner to see how well it performed in a larger space, and my living room, I used it in my bedroom every night. Find out more about how we test fans.
Specification
- Type of fan: Pedestal (but adaptable to desktop)
- RRP: £179.99
- Weight: 4.2kgs
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 34 x 92 x 34cm
- Wattage: 1-19W
- Wind speed (metres/second): 1.3-4.3m/s
- Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing): 0.02-0.47p
- Number of fan speed settings: 30
- Noise in dB: 34-72 (based on own measurements)
- Smart features: App control, compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Dual functionality: None
- Oscillation: Multidirectional (30°/60°/90° horizontal, 45°/90° vertical)
Unboxing, setting up and first impressions
I was very impressed by the packaging for the Duux Whisper Flex 2 as there's not a stitch of plastic in sight. The parts are encased in molded cardboard and compostable packaging, which is a bit tick in the sustainability column.
The Whisper Flex 2 does require a little more assembly than other fans I've tested, and I found it easier to follow the assembly video that I accessed via the QR code on the instructions than to follow the instructions themselves.
I was initially frustrated that I needed a screwdriver to remove the protective cardboard from around the blades in the fan head, but then I discovered that there was an allen key with Philips head screwdriver end hidden in the base. This is a really thoughtful touch and made assembly a breeze. All in all, it took me about 5 minutes to get it all set up. There's another nice design element in that there is a little marker on the top of the base that indicated where the power cable goes in. I've not see that on any other fan I've tested.
While it's possible to run the fan off a battery or via mains power, the battery is an optional extra that is sold separately. But if you want the flexibility of cordless operation, you can buy a battery separately (for about £60)
Setting up the app control was incredibly quick and easy, which has not always been my experience with smart fans, so I was relieved this process was so painless.
In terms of looks, the Duux Whisper Flex 2 is incredibly stylish. I got it in the largely monochromatic stone colourway, which I think is ideal for people who want their fan to fade into the background rather than stand out. On the back of the fan head, there is also a handle that makes easy work of moving it around. I loved that it was a proper handle rather than just a slot to put my fingertips as it made me feel like a had a much surer grip on it.
What's it like to use?
The Duux Whisper Flex 2 is incredibly straightforward to use, despite the fact it has 30 wind settings, various levels of oscillation and multiple wind modes.
I really liked having the choice of either operating it via the on-board controls (which are positioned on the base), the remote control or the app, but during testing I definitely gravitated more to using the app. It's really clear to use and I found it super easy to switch between the speed settings, adjust the oscillation and to toggle between normal mode (which offers a consistent wind speed) and natural mode, which varies the speed to mimic a real breeze. I also loved that I didn't have to reconnect the fan and app after it had been unplugged. I've had to do that before and it's a real faff if you've only got one brilliant fan and want to move it around the house with you.
The control panel on the base of the fan is also clear and intuitive to use, but if I was using the fan in pedestal mode and it was on the floor, it felt very bizarre to crouch down to adjust the settings. My dog also managed to turn the fan off when she was sniffing around it. I managed to solve that by turning on the child lock.
Similarly, if I had it in the desktop configuration and had it on a table top across the room, it was difficult to see the control panel, but fortunately, with the remote and app control, I didn't ever really need to use the control panel.
When it comes to the wind speed, it goes from a very gentle and comfortable 1.3m/s up to a breezy 4.3m/s. The lower speeds not only feel lovely on the skin and don't feel like they are drying your eyes out, they are also whisper quiet. I genuinely can't hear it until about speed 6 and even then it's still very quiet. Because of that, I loved using this fan at night as I was falling asleep, especially in the natural wind mode, which is just so relaxing.
However, when I was measuring the wind speed of the different settings using an anemometer, I found that there was very little if any difference between some of the speeds. That's not to say that the scope of speeds is narrow, just that maybe take the number of speed settings with a pinch of salt.
Beyond that though, the multidirectional oscillation is lovely, and will at times even point directly at the ceiling and I could feel the air bouncing off the walls and ceiling, which helps to make the whole space feel cooler.
There's also a night mode, which dims the lights on the base and mutes any beeps that happen when you adjust the settings, so it's ideal for those who are sensitive to noise or lights while they are trying to sleep. Although for me, the lights on the display were never a problem. Whether the fan was on the floor or my bedside table, the location of the control panel meant that I couldn't really the lights anyway.
I did find it a bit tricky to switch the Duux Whisper Flex 2 from a floor standing fan to a table top one, and back again, despite it seeming very simple to do. To remove a pole, there's a button to push in, then you should be able to simply pull the two pieces apart, but to begin with, it felt like the two pieces had created a vacuum which made them a little challenging to pull apart. Then if you are trying to remove a piece from the base, you need to squeeze a release mechanism on the underside of the base, and then pull the pieces apart. This may get easier over time, but those with any dexterity concerns may struggle with this part.
I tended to use this fan a lot in desktop mode, although it's just as lovely in pedestal mode. However, if you do want to use it as a desk fan, the base is quite large, so I found I did need to clear a bit of space to make it fit.
I've also been testing the Duux Whisper 3, which is a very similar looking fan (I have it in grey) and is just as quiet with very similar settings. The main difference is that the Whisper 3 isn't smart so it can't be controlled by your phone, and rather than adjusting the height by removing a pole from the stem, it has a telescopic pole that offers a few more height variations between the lowest and highest (and is much easier to change between them).
Running costs
Based on the April 2-26 energy price cap figure, which was in place at the time of writing this review, the Duux Whisper Flex 2, is incredibly inexpensive to run, costing between 0.02-0.47p per hour, which is miniscule.
Cleaning and maintenance
As with most fans, there's really not much needed in terms of cleaning or maintenance. It's always best to keep them as dust-free as possible so an occasional wipe with a dry cloth may be all that's needed.
Who should buy this fan?
If you are looking for an uber-quiet smart fan, then this is the one to buy. However, if you aren't fussed about the smart features and want something easier to adjust the height of, I've also been testing the Duux Whisper 3, and found that just as quiet and just as good looking, but much easier to tweak in terms of height.
If you're after a fan with a more powerful breeze, then the AirCraft LUME is the most powerful I've tested, with a top wind speed of 5.3m/s, very closely followed by the Meaco Sefte 10'' pedestal air circulator, with a top speed of 5.2m/s. But if you find that level of power uncomfortable, then the Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan is much more gentle.