SwitchBot Smart Desk Fan Review: A Cordless Smart Fan with Two-Axis Oscillation
SwitchBot's Smart Desk Fan runs corded or on a 3600mAh battery, oscillates 90 degrees on two axes and works with an app, a remote and voice assistants.
The SwitchBot Smart Desk Fan is a small 11 inch air circulator that runs corded or on a built-in 3600mAh battery, with nine speeds, two-axis oscillation, a remote and app control. For more models, see our Personal & Desk Fans page.
Our Verdict
This is the most capable desk fan in our personal fan guides. It is quiet enough for a nursery, it oscillates both side to side and up and down, and it can be scheduled from the SwitchBot app or a remote. The battery means you can carry it to a patio or keep it running in a power cut.
It costs several times a basic desk fan, and voice control through Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home needs a SwitchBot Hub sold separately. If you only want a breeze at your desk, a simple USB fan does that for much less.
SwitchBot Smart Desk Fan
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | SwitchBot |
| Model | Smart Desk Fan |
| Size | 11 inch air circulator |
| Power | Corded or 3600mAh battery |
| Speeds | 9 |
| Noise | As low as 22 dB |
| Oscillation | 90 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical |
| Controls | Touch panel, remote, app, 9 hour timer |
| Voice | Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home with SwitchBot Hub |
Design
The fan is an 11 inch air circulator in a compact 6.8 by 13.1 by 15 inch body. A DC brushless motor keeps it quiet, and SwitchBot lists it as low as 22dB on the lowest setting, which suits a bedside or a baby’s room.
The head oscillates 90 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically, so it can sweep air across a room as well as up and down, and SwitchBot rates the airflow at up to 39 ft. A built-in 3600mAh battery lets you unplug it and move it, and it can circulate warm air in winter as well as cool air in summer.
Controls
You can control it three ways: the touch panel on the fan, the included remote, or the SwitchBot app. The app sets the nine speeds, the 9 hour timer and schedules, so the fan can turn on before you get home or slow down at bedtime.
With a SwitchBot Hub, the fan also works with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home. Paired with a SwitchBot Meter, it can switch on automatically based on temperature or humidity, which is handy in a nursery or a home office that heats up in the afternoon.
Placement Tips
Put a personal fan close to you, within a few feet, and aim it at your face, neck or upper body. Moving air cools you by speeding up evaporation from your skin, so the breeze has to reach you to work. On a desk, angle it slightly upward; on a nightstand, aim it across the pillow rather than straight at your face.
A fan does not lower the room temperature, so switch it off when you leave. In a warm room, pairing a desk fan with your air conditioner lets you set the thermostat a little higher and still feel comfortable.
Running Costs and Care
Personal fans use very little power. A USB or rechargeable fan draws only a few watts, and even a plug-in table fan uses a small fraction of what an air conditioner needs, so running costs are minimal.
Wipe dust from the grille and blades every few weeks, since a dusty fan moves less air and makes more noise. For battery fans, avoid leaving them fully drained for long periods, and charge them before storing them for the winter.
How It Compares
Against the Honeywell QuietSet 5 HTF337B, the SwitchBot adds a battery, a remote, app control and two-axis oscillation, while the Honeywell is a simpler plug-in fan with five quiet-tuned settings and a 1 to 8 hour timer.
Against the Warmco D3, the SwitchBot oscillates and has smart controls, while the Warmco has a much larger 10,000mAh battery and a slim body that is easier to pack for travel.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Corded or cordless use | Costs much more than basic desk fans |
| 22dB on the lowest setting | Voice control needs a separate hub |
| 90 degree two-axis oscillation | Battery runtime depends on speed |
| Remote, app and 9 hour timer | Larger than a mini USB fan |
| Works with smart home systems | App setup takes a few minutes |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Smart home users | Buyers on a tight budget |
| Nurseries and bedrooms | People who want a tiny USB fan |
| Home offices | Anyone who dislikes apps |
| Anyone who wants one fan for indoors and the patio | Travelers who need a flat, packable fan |
For more options, see our picks for the best rechargeable desk fans and the best desk fans.
Final Verdict
The SwitchBot Smart Desk Fan is the smart, cordless desk fan to buy if you want quiet operation, oscillation on two axes and app or voice control. You can check the current price and details for the SwitchBot Smart Desk Fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SwitchBot Smart Desk Fan work without being plugged in?
Yes. It has a built-in 3600mAh battery for cordless use and can also run plugged in.
How quiet is it?
SwitchBot lists it as low as 22dB on the lowest setting.
Does it work with Alexa?
Yes, with a SwitchBot Hub it works with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home.
Does it oscillate?
Yes, 90 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically.
How many speeds does it have?
Nine, plus a 9 hour timer and schedules in the app.

