Smart Fan Duux Whisper Flex 2: Peaceful Performance with some Concessions Made
New Take on the Quiet Fan:
Sleeping with a fan on might not be the best idea according to some, but I can't help myself, especially during those hot summer nights. So, I'm always on the hunt for a fan that's not only powerful but nearly silent, and my latest find is the Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan.
Introduced in April alongside the Duux Whisper 2, this bad boy caught the industry's attention as a significant upgrade from the previous model and it didn't disappoint when I put it to the test.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at £179.99 (around $250) and available on Amazon and Duux's online store, this fan has been known to go on sale here and there. So, keep your eyes peeled for the best deal.
Unboxing and Setup
Assembly was a breeze, even though the fan isn't fully pre-assembled—you'll just need to secure some parts with a small screw (which can be slightly fiddly for some users). I managed to finish the entire setup in about 15 minutes, so it's not a major inconvenience.
Design and Features
The Duux Whisper Flex 2 is flexible and well-designed, with a range of thoughtful features that make it an attractive choice. It effortlessly switches between a 54cm tabletop fan and an 92cm pedestal fan by attaching or removing the extension pole—perfect for users who need both options.
The touchscreen LCD controller located on the base handles on-device operation, but a colour-matched remote control and smart connectivity are also available (more on that later).
Despite its main selling point being quiet operation, this fan operates at a mere 13 dB on its lowest setting, making it a great pick for bedrooms or other tranquil environments.
It offers 30 speed settings and multiple modes, including a Natural Breeze mode that mimics natural breezes by varying airflow and a Night Mode that dims the display after 10 seconds and reduces noise even further, ensuring peaceful sleep.
Vertical oscillation can be set at 45° and 90°, and horizontal oscillation can switch between 30°, 60° or 90°. This places it among the top fans in terms of air circulation and room coverage.
Performance
The Duux Whisper Flex 2 met my expectations, and it's one of the quietest fans I've ever tested, ensuring a peaceful sleep every time. While I mainly stuck with the lowest speed setting, it still performed without fail.
One minor annoyance I noticed was that the controls are situated at the base of the fan, which becomes irritating when using it in pedestal mode. If the remote control isn't pointing directly at the base, it won't function properly. However, a smartphone app is available for controlling the fan remotely, but it had some issues with Alexa connectivity (more on that later).
Regarding smart control, the official Duux app worked without a hitch, allowing me to manage the fan via my phone without any problems. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to play nicely with Amazon Alexa, despite being advertised as compatible. After several attempts, Alexa still couldn't find the device, so Duux may need to address this issue.
For the price, I expected a bit more premium feel from theDuux Whisper Flex 2, but it make up for it with its variety of fan speeds and dependable performance during the testing period.
The Verdict:
The Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan is a solid choice, especially when quiet operation is a priority. Although it falls short on smart integration and build quality, its core function and versatile design make it a worthwhile investment. If Duux can fix the Alexa connectivity issue and tweak the design a bit, they'd have a near-perfect product on their hands.
Alternatives to Consider
If you're after a fan with top-tier smart functionality and full Alexa integration, you might want to look into the Dreo Air Circulator, which is a tabletop-only model but offers fantastic smart integration, complete with Alexa compatibility.
Another great option is the MeacoFan Sefte 10" Air Circulator, which is our top pick due to its versatility. It can be used at three different heights—desktop, waist-height, and full standing—simply by adding or removing one of its modular columns.
These fans offer various levels of smart functionality and Alexa integration, though they may differ in terms of energy efficiency and quiet operation compared to theDuux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan.
- The Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan's quiet operation makes it an ideal addition to a serene lifestyle, fitting well in bedrooms or tranquil spaces.
- For those seeking a smart home device with natural airflow and quiet operation, consider the Dreo Air Circulator, which boasts top-tier smart functionality and full Alexa integration.
- The home and garden section would benefit from the MeacoFan Sefte 10" Air Circulator, offering versatility in height adjustment and Alexa compatibility, making it a great gadget for the modern home.
