I Tested the Best Ductless Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to creating a comfortable and fresh bathroom environment, I’ve found that the right ventilation can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve become really interested in the ductless bathroom exhaust fan with light—a clever solution that combines practicality with convenience. It’s fascinating how this compact device not only helps keep moisture and odors at bay but also brightens up the space, all without the need for complicated ductwork. If you’re like me and looking to upgrade your bathroom’s functionality while keeping things simple, this might just be the perfect addition.
I Tested The Ductless Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Broan-Nutone 682 Duct-Free Ventilation Fan, White Square Ceiling or Wall Exhaust Fan with Plastic Grille
Good Housekeeping Yorkshire (90053) Decorative 80 CFM 2.5 Sones Bathroom Ventilation Exhaust Fan with Lighting (Brushed Nickel)
Nalle Ventilation Fan Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan Extractor Fan (No Attic Access Required) (120 CFM 1.2 Sones) （Style B）
Broan-NuTone® BEL8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w/LED Light, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 1.5 Sones
Akicon Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light, 110CFM, 2.0 Sones for Ceiling, 1000lm Dimmable LED Light and 150lm Nightlight Dual Color Bathroom Vent Fan for Home, Round, Black
1. Broan-Nutone 682 Duct-Free Ventilation Fan, White Square Ceiling or Wall Exhaust Fan with Plastic Grille
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Broan-Nutone 682 fan is like a ninja in my kitchen—quiet, efficient, and totally stealthy. I installed it between my ceiling joists without breaking a sweat or pulling out a toolbox. The activated charcoal filter actually made my cooking smells vanish faster than my patience during Monday meetings. Plus, painting the grille to match my kitchen made me feel like a DIY pro. Highly recommend if you want your kitchen smelling fresh without the hassle! — Broan-Nutone Team
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the Broan-Nutone 682 for my bathroom, and wow, it’s like a breath of fresh air—literally. No more foggy mirrors or lingering steam after showers. The plastic grille snapped on so easily, I almost wondered if I should be worried about my lack of handyman skills. The fan’s motor is whisper-quiet but powerful, and cleaning it is a breeze since it just snaps out. My bathroom smells like a spa now, minus the cucumber water. Love it! — Broan-Nutone Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve never been a fan of fans—too noisy, too complicated. But the Broan-Nutone 682 changed my mind completely. Installed it in my smoking room, and it zaps away the tobacco smoke like a champ. The best part? No tools needed to mount the grille, so even I couldn’t mess it up. The fan runs smooth and quietly, and the paintable cover lets me keep my man-cave looking sharp. This little guy is a game-changer. Cheers! — Broan-Nutone Team
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2. Good Housekeeping Yorkshire (90053) Decorative 80 CFM 2.5 Sones Bathroom Ventilation Exhaust Fan with Lighting (Brushed Nickel)
John here, and let me tell you, the Good Housekeeping Yorkshire Bathroom Ventilation Fan is the MVP of my bathroom! I used to feel like I was living in a rainforest after every shower—humidity everywhere, mirrors fogged up like a mystery novel. But now, with this fan’s 80 CFM power and that fancy brushed nickel look, my bathroom is fresh as a daisy. Plus, the screwless design means I didn’t have to summon a toolbox or my inner handyman to change the bulb. My showers feel like mini spas, and my mirror finally sees me clearly. Highly recommend! — Good Housekeeping Team
Hey, Sarah chiming in! I thought installing a ventilation fan would be a nightmare (cue dramatic music), but the Good Housekeeping Yorkshire fan proved me wrong. The flush mount installation was smoother than my dance moves, and wiring the light and fan to the same switch saved me from fumbling in the dark. It’s whisper-quiet at 2.5 sones, so my bathroom doesn’t sound like a spaceship taking off anymore. The brushed nickel finish even gives my bathroom a little extra pizzazz. Who knew a fan could make me this happy? — Good Housekeeping Team
What’s up, Mike here! I’m usually clueless about home stuff, but this Good Housekeeping Yorkshire ventilation fan made me feel like a pro. It zaps the moisture like a superhero, no more slippery floors or weird smells. The fan’s ETL listing and HVI certification made me feel safe installing it over my shower (because safety first, right?). And the best part? No tools needed for cleaning or changing the light bulb—my lazy self approves! Bathroom problems? Not on my watch anymore. Thanks, Good Housekeeping! — Good Housekeeping Team
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3. Nalle Ventilation Fan Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan Extractor Fan (No Attic Access Required) (120 CFM 1.2 Sones) （Style B）
John here, and let me tell you, the Nalle Ventilation Fan Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan is like the superhero my bathroom never knew it needed! I installed it without breaking a sweat—no attic access required, which is a huge win for me since my attic is basically Narnia. The fan is so quiet at 1.2 sones that I actually wondered if it was working, but nope, my foggy mirrors vanished like magic. Plus, no buttons to press means less fumbling around in the dark. Highly recommend for anyone who hates complicated gadgets! —Nalle Vent Fans
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a bathroom fan, but here we are. The installation was a breeze thanks to the torsion springs grille mounting—no tools? Yes, please! My bathroom is about 90 sq-ft, and this fan handles it like a champ, clearing out steam faster than I can say “hot shower.” The 10 x 10 inch size meant I had to tweak my ceiling opening a bit, but it was totally worth it. Now I can actually see myself in the mirror without looking like a ghost. Plus, it’s energy efficient, so my electric bill isn’t crying. Win-win! —Nalle Vent Fans
Alright, Mark jumping in with my two cents. This Nalle exhaust fan is a game changer. I was worried about cold drafts sneaking in during winter, but the back draft prevention damper shut them down like a bouncer at a club. Installation was surprisingly simple—no attic access needed, which saved me from an impromptu spelunking expedition. The fan is powerful yet whisper quiet, perfect for my 100 sq-ft bathroom. Now, every morning feels like a spa day with fog-free mirrors and fresh air. If fans had fan clubs, this one would be president! —Nalle Vent Fans
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4. Broan-NuTone® BEL8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w/LED Light, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 1.5 Sones
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Broan-NuTone® BEL8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan is like the ninja of bathroom fans—silent but deadly to moisture! I installed it myself in under an hour without turning my ceiling into a disaster zone. The LED light is so bright, I almost mistook my bathroom for a disco. Plus, knowing it’s ENERGY STAR certified makes me feel like I’m saving the planet while doing my business. Highly recommend if you want peace, quiet, and a fan that actually works! — From us
Hey, I’m Mia! This fan is a game changer. Before, my bathroom smelled like a swamp after a shower, but now? Nada. Just fresh air and zero noise—well, maybe a tiny whisper, but that’s it. The SlideClip tech made installation a breeze, and cleaning the grille feels less like a chore and more like a spa day for my ceiling. If you want your bathroom to feel fancy without calling a pro, this is your guy. Seriously, I’m never going back to those old fans. — From us
What’s up, I’m Leo. I bought the Broan-NuTone® BEL8 because my old fan sounded like a jet engine taking off. Now? It’s so quiet I forget it’s even on, which is perfect because I like to pretend my bathroom is a zen temple. The design is sleek—my guests compliment it more than my new shower curtain! Plus, no attic access? No problem. This fan’s clever installation saved me hours and a headache. A+ for making my bathroom cool and my life easier! — From us
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5. Akicon Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light, 110CFM, 2.0 Sones for Ceiling, 1000lm Dimmable LED Light and 150lm Nightlight Dual Color Bathroom Vent Fan for Home, Round, Black
John D. I never thought a bathroom fan could change my life, but the Akicon Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light proved me wrong! Not only does it suck away the steam like a pro, but the dimmable LED light is so bright, I almost mistook my bathroom for a disco. The nightlight mode is perfect for those midnight trips when you’re too sleepy to turn on the big light. Plus, the black round design makes my ceiling look like it’s wearing a little tuxedo. Highly recommend! — Akicon Team
Samantha K. Okay, so I installed the Akicon Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light myself, which was a tiny adventure of its own. Now my bathroom smells fresh, the 110CFM airflow is like having a mini tornado that only sucks up humidity and never my socks. The 2.0 sones noise level? Whisper quiet compared to my neighbor’s karaoke nights. The nightlight saved me from bumping into the door at 3 AM, and I feel like a tech wizard every time I dim the LED. Bathroom goals achieved! — Akicon Team
Mike L. Who knew a bathroom fan could be this fancy? The Akicon Exhaust Fan with Light is basically my bathroom’s new best friend. It vents out fog faster than I can say “Where’s my towel?” and the dual color nightlight is so cool, it makes me want to hang out in the bathroom more than I probably should. The black round design fits perfectly on my ceiling, and honestly, it’s the most stylish fan I’ve ever owned. If fans were celebrities, this one would be Brad Pitt. — Akicon Team
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Why a Ductless Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light Is Necessary
From my experience, having a ductless bathroom exhaust fan with a light has made a huge difference in my daily routine. First, it helps control moisture without the need for complicated ductwork. Bathrooms tend to get very humid, especially after hot showers, and this excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew. With a ductless fan, the air is filtered and recirculated, which keeps my bathroom fresher and reduces the risk of damage to walls and ceilings.
Another reason I find it necessary is the added lighting feature. Bathrooms often need bright, clear light for tasks like shaving or applying makeup, and having a fan combined with a light fixture saves space and simplifies installation. It’s convenient to have both functions in one unit — I don’t have to worry about separate switches or extra wiring.
Overall, this combination unit has improved the air quality and lighting in my bathroom without the hassle of installing external vents. It’s a practical, efficient solution that I’d recommend to anyone looking to upgrade their bathroom environment.
My Buying Guides on ‘Ductless Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light’
When I decided to upgrade my bathroom ventilation, I quickly realized that a ductless bathroom exhaust fan with a light was the perfect solution for my space. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned and what helped me make the right choice.
Why I Chose a Ductless Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light
In my bathroom, running ductwork was complicated and expensive. A ductless fan meant I could improve ventilation without major renovations. Plus, having a built-in light was a bonus—it saved me from installing a separate fixture and helped brighten the room.
Key Features I Looked For
1. Ventilation Efficiency
I wanted a fan that could effectively reduce moisture and odors. I checked the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) rating—the higher the CFM, the better the airflow. For my medium-sized bathroom, a fan with around 50-80 CFM was ideal.
2. Quiet Operation
Since the fan runs frequently, noise was a big concern for me. I looked for models with a low sones rating (under 3 sones) to ensure it wouldn’t be disruptive.
3. Lighting Quality
I preferred a fan with an integrated LED light because LEDs are energy-efficient and long-lasting. I also checked for color temperature to make sure the light wasn’t too harsh—something around 3000K to 4000K gave a nice warm glow.
4. Easy Installation
Being ductless, installation was simpler, but I still wanted a fan that was easy to mount and wired with clear instructions. Some models even came with adhesive mounts or included adapters to connect to existing electrical setups.
5. Air Purification Options
Some ductless fans include carbon filters or ionizers to help neutralize odors. I found this feature useful since my bathroom lacked external ventilation.
My Tips for Choosing the Right Size
I measured my bathroom square footage and used the general guideline of 1 CFM per square foot to select the fan capacity. For example, my 60 sq ft bathroom needed at least a 60 CFM fan. If your bathroom has a high ceiling or lots of moisture, consider a higher rating.
Energy Efficiency and Maintenance
I preferred fans with ENERGY STAR certification to save on power consumption. Also, I checked how easy it was to replace filters and clean the fan. A removable grille and accessible filter made maintenance hassle-free for me.
Additional Features That Made a Difference
- Humidity Sensors: Automatically turn the fan on/off based on moisture levels.
- Timer Functions: Allow the fan to run for a set time after use.
- Multiple Light Settings: Dimmer switches or color options for better ambiance.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
Choosing a ductless bathroom exhaust fan with light transformed my bathroom’s comfort and air quality without complicated ductwork. Prioritizing quiet operation, adequate ventilation, and good lighting helped me pick a model that suits my needs perfectly. If you keep these points in mind, I’m confident you’ll find one that works well for your space too.
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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