Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan review: quiet excellence with a few compromises

Despite the general advice that we should never sleep with the fan on, I'm still extremely guilty of doing so, especially when the warm nights set in. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for a fan that’s not only powerful but deadly quiet, and the new Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan is my latest discovery.

Launched in April this year alongside the Duux Whisper 2, the Whisper Flex 2 immediately caught the industry’s attention as a strong upgrade from its predecessor. Promising to be one of the quietest fans on the market, I couldn’t resist putting it to the test.

Read on for my full thoughts, and whether it managed to keep both me and my sleep undisturbed.

Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan review: price and availability

The Duux Whisper Flex 2 has an RRP of £179.99 (approximately $250) and is available Amazon and Duux's online store.

I've noticed it's been discounted a few times as well, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal before making a purchase.

Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan review: unboxing and set up

Assembly was relatively straightforward, though it’s worth noting that the fan doesn’t come fully assembled. It requires some setup, including securing parts with a small screw, which might be slightly fiddly for some users. That said, I completed the entire process in about 15 minutes, so it’s not a major inconvenience.

Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan review: design and features

The Duux Whisper Flex 2 is impressively versatile, with a number of thoughtful design features and smart functions that make it a compelling option. As the name suggests, it can easily switch between a 54cm tabletop fan and an 92cm pedestal fan by attaching or removing the extension pole – ideal if you're looking for a fan that can do both.

In terms of controls, it features a a high-resolution touchscreen LCD screen located on the base for on-device operation. There’s also a colour-matched remote control and smart connectivity, but I'll get onto this later on.

One of the standout features is just how quiet it is. It operates at an impressively low 13 dB on the lowest setting, making it ideal for use in bedrooms or other quiet environments.

The fan 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 further reduces noise for undisturbed sleep.

Vertical oscillation can be set at 45° and 90° and horizontal oscillation can switch between 30°, 60° or 90°, placing it among the best fans in terms of air circulation and room coverage.

Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan review: performance

The Duux Whisper Flex 2 lives up to its name, and it's easily one of the quietest fans I’ve ever tested. Since quiet operation is its main selling point, that’s a huge win, and I slept comfortably every night with it running. Okay. I didn’t venture far beyond the lowest speed setting, but it still did the job perfectly.

One thing I noticed right away was that the controls are placed on the base of the fan. This becomes a bit annoying when using it in pedestal mode, which I’ve done most of the time. The obvious workaround is to use the remote control, but this only works when it’s pointed directly at the base, so you’ll need to keep the base visible when in use.

In terms of smart control, the official Duux app worked well, allowing me to control the fan through my phone without issues. However, I was disappointed to discover that it doesn’t integrate properly with Amazon Alexa, despite being advertised as compatible. The app includes a Connect to Alexa option, but after multiple attempts, Alexa still couldn’t find the device. A quick online search confirmed that many users have experienced the same issue, so it's clearly something Duux needs to fix.

For the price, I expected the fan to feel a bit more premium. The materials and finish didn’t quite live up to my expectations, although it does come packed with features. I appreciated the wide range of fan speeds, and the unit was extremely reliable throughout the testing period as well.

Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan review: verdict

The Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan is a solid performer, especially if a quiet night’s sleep is your top priority. Whilst it falls short on smart integration and build quality, its core function and versatile design is top-notch. If Duux can iron out the Alexa connectivity and tweak the design a bit, it'll have a nearly perfect product on its hands.

Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan review: alternatives to consider

If you’re drawn to the smart features of the Whisper Flex 2, you might also want to consider the Dreo Air Circulator. Although it’s a tabletop-only model, its smart functionality is top-tier – and actually includes full Alexa integration this time!

Another excellent option is the MeacoFan Sefte 10” Air Circulator. This fan is our top pick in the our buying guide thanks to its versatility. It can be used at three different heights – desktop, waist-height and full standing – by simply adding or removing one of its modular columns.