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The short answer: Haiku fans excel in energy efficiency, smart home integration, and sleek modern design, while Big Ass Fans are known for massive air movement, durability, and commercial-grade performance. For most residential users seeking a quiet, app-controlled fan with premium aesthetics, Haiku is the better choice. But if you have a large great room, patio, or need to move air in a big space, Big Ass Fans (especially the iSeries) deliver unbeatable airflow. Ultimately, your decision hinges on room size, style preference, and budget.
When you step into a room, the ceiling fan is often a focal point. Haiku fans are designed by a team that has won multiple design awards, featuring a minimalist, sleek look with a slim profile and a choice of finishes like matte white, matte black, and walnut. The blades are made from bamboo or composite materials, giving them a natural, warm appearance that blends well with modern and contemporary interiors.
Big Ass Fans, on the other hand, have a more utilitarian design. Their residential iSeries fans are built for performance, with large, industrial-style blades and a robust motor housing. While they are not as visually refined as Haiku, they offer a certain rugged charm that works in loft-style apartments or homes with an industrial design theme. The iSeries also comes with a variety of blade colors, but the overall look is more function over form.
If aesthetics are a top priority, Haiku wins. But if you want a fan that screams “I mean business,” Big Ass Fans has its own appeal.
Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Here, Big Ass Fans are the undisputed champions. The iSeries 60-inch fan can move up to 6,000 CFM, which is roughly 30% more air than the Haiku 60-inch model, which tops out around 4,250 CFM. This makes a significant difference in large rooms, open floor plans, or spaces with high ceilings.
However, airflow efficiency matters too, especially if you are concerned about energy bills. Haiku fans are incredibly efficient, using as little as 2.5 watts on the lowest speed and around 30 watts on high. They are DC motor fans, which are inherently more efficient than the AC motors used in many Big Ass Fans. In fact, Haiku fans are Energy Star certified and have earned the title of “World’s Most Efficient Ceiling Fan” by achieving the highest CFM per watt ratio.
For typical bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, the airflow from a Haiku is more than sufficient. But for a cavernous great room or a covered outdoor patio, you might need the raw power of a Big Ass Fan.
In the age of smart homes, ceiling fans are no longer just pull-chain operated. Haiku fans come with a sleek remote control and are compatible with Wi-Fi, allowing you to control them via the Haiku Home app from anywhere. You can set schedules, create scenes, and integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. The app also provides energy monitoring, so you can see real-time usage.
Big Ass Fans have also stepped up their smart game. The iSeries includes a remote control and is also Wi-Fi enabled, working with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but not Apple HomeKit. Their app, called SenseME, allows for similar scheduling and control, but it is not as polished as Haiku’s. One unique feature of Big Ass Fans is the optional “SenseME” sensor that can detect temperature and humidity, automatically adjusting fan speed to maintain comfort.
If you are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, Haiku is the clear winner. For other users, both apps work well, but Haiku’s interface is more user-friendly.
A ceiling fan should be seen and not heard, especially in a bedroom or home office. Haiku fans are nearly silent, especially at low speeds. They also have a “Whisper Mode” that reduces blade speed further for ultra-quiet operation, perfect for light sleepers.
Big Ass Fans are not as quiet. The iSeries has a slight hum, especially at higher speeds, which might be noticeable in a quiet room. However, they are still significantly quieter than many budget fans, and the noise is not excessive. If silence is golden to you, Haiku is the better bet.
Both fans are relatively easy to install for a DIYer with some electrical experience. Haiku fans come with a universal mounting bracket and are lighter (around 15 pounds), making them easier to handle. Big Ass Fans are heavier (around 20 pounds) and may require two people to mount safely.
Size matters: Haiku offers 50, 60, and 84-inch models, while Big Ass Fans offers 60, 72, and 84-inch models for residential use. For a room larger than 400 square feet, a 72 or 84-inch fan is recommended, and Big Ass Fans excel in those sizes. For medium rooms up to 250 square feet, a 60-inch fan from either brand works well.
Also, consider the ceiling height. Both offer downrods for high ceilings, but Haiku’s design is more compact, making it easier to install on lower ceilings (9 feet or less) without feeling overpowering.
Price is a major differentiator. Haiku fans are premium priced, while Big Ass Fans are similarly positioned in the premium segment. Both are significant investments, but they come with longer-than-average warranties: Haiku offers a lifetime warranty on the motor and a 5-year warranty on parts, while Big Ass Fans offers a 15-year warranty on the motor and a 2-year warranty on electronics.
When you consider the energy savings over time, the higher upfront cost of these fans can pay off. Haiku’s efficiency can save you up to 80% on fan electricity compared to a traditional fan. For the best value, you might also want to check out other top-rated ceiling fans on the market. Our best ceiling fans buying guide compares these and other models to help you decide.
For a bedroom, the Haiku is the better choice due to its whisper-quiet operation and app scheduling. It also has a night mode that gradually reduces speed.
Yes, some Big Ass Fan models are rated for outdoor use, such as the iSeries Wet rated for damp locations. Haiku also offers outdoor-rated models, but Big Ass Fans are more robust in wet conditions.
Yes, both include a remote control. Haiku’s remote is sleek and can be wall-mounted. Big Ass Fans’ remote is more basic but functional.
In conclusion, both Haiku and Big Ass Fans are top-tier choices. Your decision should be based on your specific needs: if you prioritize efficiency, smart home integration, and elegance, go with Haiku. If you need maximum airflow for a large space and don’t mind a more industrial look, Big Ass Fans is your pick. And for a comprehensive comparison of other brands, check out our buying guide to make an informed choice.
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