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As you've probably noticed when shopping for a high-quality, quiet space heater, most manufacturers don't release the decibel levels of their heaters. For this reason, it can take a little bit of legwork to determine if a "quiet" space heater actually is low in the noise department. But, don't feel discouraged. I've done a little digging to sort the loud, obnoxious heaters from the true, whisper-quiet models.
A few things to know up front: You'll want a space heater with multiple heat settings for the quietest overall experience, and so you can customize the level of heat to your needs. Space heaters with one heat setting will always prioritize warming your room over quiet operation, and by opting for a model with multiple power levels (high, low, etc.), you're more likely to find a heater that actually runs silently — or close to it.
You’ll also want to consider the style of heating. Ceramic heaters — which are the most common types of space heaters — use a fan to circulate air to warm up a space, but this process tends to result in some noise (although there are some that operate at a low decibel level). The quietest heaters are infrared or radiant heaters, and instead of using airflow, they directly warm objects and people nearby, much like the sun does. It takes longer for these models to heat up, and the space immediately in front can get hot — so you’ll want to be cautious if you have kids or pets around.
Lastly, as you shop, consider both the size of your space and your budget. While space heaters often go up in price as the amount of space they heat increases, this isn't always the case. And, if you're looking for an office space heater or one you can fit underneath a desk or table, opt for shorter models over tower heaters. Keep scrolling to see the best quiet space heaters you can buy.
1
The Overall Best
- Coverage: 600 square feet (according to reviewers)
There's so much to love about this Vornado ceramic space heater. It has two quiet heat modes, as well as a thermostat dial, so you can adjust the level of warmth to a low or high power setting. Safety features like cool-touch housing and an auto-off mode that kicks in when the heater gets jostled or tipped over make this a worry-free option. This quiet space heater also has a relatively small footprint, especially considering that Amazon reviewers report it can heat up to 600 square feet. This pick is pricier than others on this list, but when tested by Consumer Reports, it earned an "excellent" noise rating for its quietness. Best of all, this model comes with a five-year warranty should you run into any issues.
This space heater is expert-tested, whisper quiet, and has heaps of safety features
Rave review: "This put my old heater to shame. Very quiet, and surprisingly strong. It literally sounds like when the heat or a/c kicks on in a quiet room. Barely audible. I picked this one because of other online reviews confirming how quiet it is. There's no hum, no fan sound. Just the sound of air.”
2
The Best Ceramic Heater On A Budget
- Coverage: 300 square feet
If you’re looking to stay within a specific budget range, this Lasko portable heater is a great (and quiet!) personal space heater you can use in your office or home without disturbing anyone. This model has three quiet settings (fan only, low, and high heat), as well as a thermostat dial, so you can achieve the perfect balance of heat and noise for your space. Like the above option, it has tip-over protection, so it’ll automatically shut off if it gets knocked. According to reviewers, it creates a bit of white noise, but overall they’re pleased with how quiet the operation is for the price.
For under $40, this is a quiet space heater for offices or single-person use
Rave review: "I have been using this product in my semi-open home office to warm my legs and it does a great job. I'm running it on the lower power setting and have the thermostat set pretty low, but it's plenty warm. [...] It sounds a bit like a white noise machine. It is not as loud as other things in the office environment, so I can ignore it. This device could be helpful if you're in an office environment where people are battling over the temperature. Those who want it warmer could use one and have the heat they want without being too noisy.”
3
The Best Infrared Heater
- Coverage: 1,000 square feet, but reviewers say closer to 500 square feet
This wood-paneled space heater is a pricier pick on this list, but for a good reason. Not only do manufacturers claim this can handle spaces up to 1,000 square feet, but it also uses an infrared heating process, which is much quieter than ceramic. This radiant-style heat silently warms objects much as the sun does, and the housing stays cool to the touch, with the exception of the top grate (so you’ll want to be wary if you have pets or kids). It also has handy features that are key to safely heating your home, like a 12-hour automatic shut-off feature. And, this manufacturer is one of a few to actually disclose the noise level of this appliance, which is 34 decibels (considered very quiet by experts — quieter than a library, in fact). The panel lets you toggle between low, high, and an automatic setting that will fluctuate between low and high heat depending on your room's temperature. For even more customization, you can set you preferred temperature on the LCD display. A remote control is included, which. means you can control this heater without even getting up from the couch.
With an attractive wood design, this infrared heater can tackle large spaces and boasts near-silent operation
Rave review: "I waited a couple months to review this product to see how well it worked. We use it in a basement where there is not currently any heat and it keeps it at a nice comfortable temperature without having to worry about the unit overheating. The unit itself is very quiet and easy to use. I'm actually amazed how well this unit heats. We have about a 900 sq ft basement.”
4
The Best Tower Heater
- Coverage: 300 square feet
An oscillating tower heater like this one is a great pick if you're looking to heat multiple rooms quickly and quietly. Simply place this ceramic heater in the doorway and it'll blow hot air into each room as it rotates. Plus, this one boasts a 4.6-star overall rating after 4,100 reviews, making it a fan favorite. Designed with a remote control for easy use, this space heater has two heat settings (high and low), a one- to eight-hour timer, and an adjustable thermostat that is displayed on an easy-to-read screen. Standing at 23 inches, this is a taller option, so keep this in mind if you're planning to place it underneath a desk or table. But, on the plus side, its narrow frame will free up more space on your floor.
This sleek tower heater is a middle-of-the-road option with a small floor footprint that oscillates to cover more space
Rave review: "Quiet and effective. Warms our entire living room with accurate temperature readings for consistent comfort."
5
The Best Design
- Coverage: 250 — 500 square feet
If you want a space heater that looks like it came from the pages of Architectural Digest, the Gaiatop is your best bet. Drawing inspiration from the mid-century modern aesthetic, the simple white body sits atop angled wooden legs. But it’s not all about looks — the ceramic heater operates at 45 decibels (louder than a library, but quieter than rainfall), and features two heating modes and a fan setting. It has tip-over protection that automatically turns the machine off, but there’s no thermostat dial, remote control, or timers. That being said, it rings up at a wallet-friendly price, and the design can’t be beat.
Compact and design-savvy, this simple pick is quieter than rainfall and won’t break the bank
Rave review: “really happy with this purchase. It's smaller than I expected from the photos, but it's a great size for my studio space. It works so so so great. And it's quiet & stylish. doesn't look like a big clunky heater.”
6
The Best Smart Space Heater
- Coverage: 750 square feet
A true 21st century option, this Wi-Fi-enabled smart space heater gives you lots of functionality. With the compatible smartphone app, you can adjust the temperature, toggle between high and low modes, set timers and schedules, and turn oscillation on or off. (Being able to control the heater remotely also offers peace of mind since you can be absolutely sure it’s turned off after you’ve left the house.) It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Home devices if you prefer to use voice commands, but you can also use the integrated display right on the machine to make adjustments. As far as noise goes, this ceramic heater runs at about 45 decibels, making it just slightly louder than a quiet library. However, at 25 inches tall, it’s not a good option for under-desk use.
Wi-Fi-enabled for voice- and smartphone app-control, this smart heater is great if you’re looking for high-tech features
Rave review: “I never thought a space heater could be so fun. From the app to the Alexa controls to the touch controls. So quiet, barely hear it turn on. Heats a whole room in seconds.”
7
The Best Budget Radiant Heater
As mentioned, radiant-style heaters operate more quietly than ceramic options, and this pick does it at a budget-friendly price. The small heater warms up objects — instead of using forced air — so it’ll feel a bit more like the warmth you get from the sun. This one features two heat settings and a thermostat dial, so you can easily adjust the heat output and temperature. Tip-over protection enhances safety, but note that the space directly in front of the heater can get quite hot, so it may not be best for households with kids or curious pets. And while it might heat more slowly than ceramic machines, this silent space heater is perfect if you’re looking for noiseless operation.
At a wallet-friendly price point, this radiant heater offers sun-like warmth to objects in the room and it’s super quiet — but the machine itself can heat up
Rave review: “I got this to keep my feet warm while working from home. I previously purchased a ceramic oscillating space heater but the fan was too loud to have it on during conference calls. This radiant heater is much more quiet and in fact heats better. [...] I am very pleased with this space heater.”
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