My roomate had a serious issue with the fan I used to have because it was a bit too loud. I need a fan blowing on me when I sleep so I was in a bit of a predicament. I purchased this fan to remedy the situation.The slowest speed of the fan is nearly silent but is a big step down in airflow from the next speed up. All in all, though, it is a very nice fan that did the job I needed it for.