Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
When your bathroom exhaust fan starts grinding, humming, or stops spinning entirely, the fix is usually a lot smaller than you think. The motor inside that ceiling housing is a standard part, and swapping in the right replacement restores airflow for a fraction of the cost and effort of installing a brand-new unit. This guide breaks down the motors that actually match the most common Broan and Nutone housings, so you can get your ventilation running again without a costly remodel.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Find the right bath fan motor for your ceiling housing, compare speed, noise, and fit, and pick the replacement that matches your existing mount.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Bath Fan Motor
The single most common mistake is ordering a motor without measuring the mounting holes on your existing bracket. If the new motor’s studs don’t line up with your housing, no amount of wiring skill will make it fit. Before you shop, pull the cover and grille off your fan and measure the distance between the two mounting screws on the motor bracket — that center-to-center measurement is your non-negotiable number.
Match the rotation and speed
Feel the airflow direction your old fan moved — did it push air up into the duct or down into the room? The motor’s rotation is marked as clockwise (CW) or counter-clockwise (CCW), and getting it backwards means your fan will spin but move no air. The speed, measured in RPM (rotations per minute), also matters; a 3000 RPM motor clears a steamy bathroom noticeably faster than a 1550 RPM unit.
Know your housing brand and model
Most replacement kits list the exact Broan, Nutone, or Nautilus fan models they work with. If you can read the model number inside the housing, cross-check it against the compatibility list before adding to cart. For vintage fans that have lost their labels, measuring the motor’s shaft diameter and the fan blade’s diameter is the most reliable fallback.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Speed | Compatibility | Blade Included | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOOTO S97012038★ Best Overall | Direct Broan swap | 3000 RPM | Broan 659-688 | Yes, 4.5 in | Amazon |
| BOJACK 0.60A 686Top Performer | Strong air movement | 3500 RPM | Broan 686, 687, 8870, M686 | Yes, 6.6 in | Amazon |
| BOJACK 1A 668Legacy Fit | Older wired fans | 3000 RPM | Nutone Broan 662, 668, 688 | Yes, 4 5/8 in | Amazon |
| Frienda Universal | Budget universal fit | 3000 RPM | Broan Nutone 686, M686, 687, 8870 | Yes, 6.6 in | Amazon |
| PANDEELS 2-Pack SM550 | Two bathrooms at once | 3000 RPM | Nu-tone B-roan, Sears 569, Dayton | Yes, 4 1/2 in | Amazon |
| Motoasis C350BN | Nutone 696N upgrade | 1450 RPM | Nutone 696N, 695, C-350 | Yes, 8 x 7 1/8 in | Amazon |
| Broan-NuTone RE70BN | Genuine OEM part | 3000 RPM | Broan 670-689, NuTone 693-696 | Yes, included | Amazon |
| Endurance Pro 40933 | 3.3-inch motor wells | 1550 RPM | Nutone 86933, JA2B104N | No, motor only | Amazon |
| Packard 40933 | Vintage Nutone repair | 1550 RPM | Nutone 40933, Broan | No, motor only | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. NOOTO S97012038 Bathroom Vent Exhaust Fan Motor
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 150+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The direct-fit champion that buyers describe as an exact swap for the original Broan motor.
If you own a Broan fan between models 659 and 688, this is the motor that owners repeatedly call a perfect replacement. It spins at 3000 RPM on standard 120-volt power, drawing just 0.29A, and ships with both the motor and the blower wheel so you replace the whole spinning assembly at once. The copper windings resist corrosion and heat better than aluminum, so this motor is built to last.
Installation is genuinely beginner-friendly because the bracket holes line up with the original mounting points. Buyers report the job takes only about 10 minutes, and several note it’s easier than removing the entire fan case from the ceiling. The included blower wheel measures 4.5 inches in diameter with a 1.06-inch height, so it fits the same space your old wheel occupied.
The common thread across owner experiences is how closely it matches the original’s noise level and airflow — it doesn’t sound like a jet engine and it moves the same amount of air as the factory part. The line length of 6.37 inches with a 2-claw plug means your existing wiring connects without splicing.
Installation win: This is the most-praised aspect, with owners finding the bolt holes align perfectly with existing Broan brackets for a true drop-in replacement. Replacement quality earns the second-most praise, confirming it performs like the OEM part it mimics.
Reach for this if: Your fan is a Broan model 659, 662, 663, 668, 678, or 688 and you want the closest thing to a factory-fresh motor without paying dealer prices.
Look elsewhere if: Your housing uses a different mounting pattern, since the 1.73-inch center mounting bolt spacing is specific to these Broan models.
2. BOJACK Bathroom Vent Fan Motor 120V 60Hz 0.60A 30W
The high-speed workhorse that pulls noticeably more air than its 0.60 amp rating suggests.
This BOJACK motor is the fastest spinner in the lineup at 3500 RPM, which is 500 RPM quicker than the standard 3000 RPM replacements. That extra speed translates to stronger air movement — buyers replacing old 2.3 amp motors with this 0.60 amp unit report airflow that easily keeps up with the original. At 1.7 pounds, it’s also the heaviest of the comparable universal kits, which owners read as a sign of solid metal construction.
The kit is UL/CSA certified (meaning it passed independent safety testing for electrical components) and includes a 6.6-inch flat paddle-style fan blade that moves substantial air for its modest power draw. It’s built for the Broan 686, 687, 8870, and M686 housings, with mounting studs spaced 1.882 inches on center. One caveat: owners note the blade runs wider than some older vent pipes, and a few trimmed the blade edge to fit narrow ducts.
Functionality is the top praise point by a wide margin, with owners calling it well-made and strong. The noise level is where opinions split — some find it quieter than the aging motor it replaces, while others describe it as loud, even calling one unit “a jet engine” while acknowledging it gets the job done.
What wins owners over
- Strong airflow pulls more air than expected for a 0.60 amp motor
- Easy installation with screws aligning to standard Broan brackets
- Quieter than many of the old motors it replaces
Know before you buy
- Fan blade is wider than some older vent pipes and may need trimming
- Noise gets mixed reviews, so it’s not the pick for whisper-quiet spaces
- A few owners mention blade breakage over time, so handle the wheel carefully
Choose this for: A bathroom where stale air lingers and you want the strongest possible airflow from a drop-in replacement motor.
Think twice if: You’re installing into a narrow original duct that can’t accommodate a wider blade without modification.
3. BOJACK Bathroom Vent Fan Motor 120V 60Hz 1A
The 1-amp motor that breathes new life into wired fans from the 1970s and earlier.
This BOJACK motor stands apart because it’s built for the older generation of hardwired Nutone and Broan fans — the kind owners successfully matched to units from 1976, 1989, and even a 39-year-old Nutone 57N2. Drawing a full 1 amp at 3000 RPM with 50 CFM of airflow (cubic feet per minute, the standard measure of ventilation power), it has the muscle to push air through decades-old ductwork. The kit includes a 4 5/8-inch fan blade and a shaft that measures 3/16 by 1.5 inches with splines for a secure blade grip.
Owners praise the functionality above all else, with replacement quality and installation close behind. The plug-in design means no wiring is required, though a few buyers with hardwired vintage fans needed a small tweak to connect it to their old setup. The UL certification (independent safety testing) adds confidence for a motor that will run unattended in a humid space.
Two honest trade-offs emerge from owner experience. First, some customers note it doesn’t move as much air as the advertised 50 CFM suggests. Second, the noise level is moderate at best, with one owner describing a rumbling sound — not silent, but a fair trade for reviving a fan that would otherwise need full replacement.
Why owners stick with it
- Fits older wired Nutone and Broan models that newer kits are too bulky for
- Easy installation that some complete in under 10 minutes
- Good airflow with low noise level on the popular 1976-era install
Where it falls short
- Airflow sometimes falls short of the 50 CFM advertised
- Noise gets mixed feedback, with a rumbling character on some units
- Polarized plug may require adjustment for very old non-polarized wiring
Best for: Owners of pre-1990 wired Nutone and Broan fans who want to keep their vintage housing rather than cut drywall for a new unit.
Not for: Anyone who needs whisper-quiet operation, since the moderate running sound is a recurring owner note.
4. Frienda Universal Bathroom Vent Fan Motor Kit
The lightest universal kit at 1.5 pounds, sized for Nutone 686-series housings.
For the budget shopper with a Nutone or Broan 686, M686, 687, or 8870 fan, this Frienda kit delivers a functional 3000 RPM motor at 0.6 amps with a surprisingly strong reputation for fitting old housings. It comes complete with a 6.6-inch plastic fan blade and a 1 3/4-inch splined shaft, so you have everything needed for the swap in one box.
The assembly weighs just 1.5 pounds — a full 0.2 pounds lighter than the comparable BOJACK 686 motor — and reviewers point out it fits vintage Aubrey and older housing styles just as cleanly as the originals. The 6 1/2-inch wire with a 2-prong plug keeps installation simple, and owners describe completing the swap in about 10 minutes even without printed instructions.
Where this kit saves you money, it also asks for a little care. The shaft fits the fan blade very tightly, and with no included guidance on attaching the blade, there’s risk of cracking the plastic wheel if you force it. Buyers also note the spin is fast but the noise is moderate — an expected sound level rather than a silent operation.
Despite those notes, the value story is strong: the fan runs quietly enough for most and does the job at a price that undercuts a full fan unit replacement.
Value read: For the money, this is a dependable way to revive a 686-series housing, with the main caution being to fit the blade gently onto that tight shaft. Bring patience to the blade install and this budget pick performs well beyond its price tier.
Grab it if: You want the cheapest reliable fix for a Nutone 686-series fan and you’re comfortable figuring out the blade attachment yourself.
Pass it by: If you’d rather have printed setup guidance and a looser blade fit, since the lack of instructions is a real friction point.
5. PANDEELS 2 Pack Bathroom Fan Motor SM550
Two compact SM550 motors that slip into old NuTone housings where bulkier kits won’t fit.
If two of your bath fans have died, or you want a spare ready, this PANDEELS two-pack covers both. Each motor is the compact SM550 type (a slim, standard-size replacement motor) spinning at 3000 RPM and moving 50 CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) on standard 120-volt household power. Shoppers say the slim profile is the real lifesaver — several owners say newer repair kits are too bulky for older-style NuTone housings, but this one bolts right in without forcing.
The kit is built for Nu-tone B-roan fans and replaces a broad list of part numbers including 65100, C65878, VFM100, E498-1, K111, EM550, and EM750. Each motor includes a 4 1/2-inch flat paddle-style fan blade with a 3/16 by 1 3/4-inch shaft and a 6-inch wire with a 2-prong plug. Buyers report the swap takes under 10 minutes and that quiet operation is the standout trait — many say the new motor is noticeably quieter than the aging fan it replaces.
The recurring praise is split between noise level and installation ease, with a huge number of owners highlighting how quietly these run. Its continuous-duty rating means it can run for hours without overheating, ideal for white-noise use. The honest caveat: compatibility is called “universal” but isn’t truly universal, so double-check your housing’s mounting pattern before ordering.
The standout strengths
- Noise level is the top praise point — owners call it much quieter than old fans
- Compact profile fits old NuTone housings that reject bulkier motors
- Two motors in one box covers two bathrooms at once
Keep in mind
- Compatibility is broad but not universal, so verify your mounting bracket
- Rotating direction may need reversing on some installations with no printed guide
- Durability is still unproven for owners who just installed theirs
Best suited for: Multi-bathroom homes with older NuTone fans where quiet operation and a compact fit matter more than brand-name parts.
Reconsider if: Your fan housing has an uncommon mounting pattern, since the “universal” label has limits in practice.
6. Motoasis C350BN B Unit 50CFM Fan
The pure-copper upgrade that runs quieter while a 3-year warranty backs the swap.
This Motoasis unit targets Nutone’s popular B-unit fans — the 696N(695), C-350BN, and VC305 series — and upgrades the original motor’s aluminum-plated copper with a pure copper winding that the maker says lasts significantly longer. The noise rating of 2.0 sones (a sone is the unit of perceived loudness; lower is quieter) makes this one of the gentler-running picks, and owners confirm the sound level drops versus their old fans.
The package suits any fan using the same 8-inch by 7 1/8-inch blade. Owners describe the fit as tight but true, with installation taking about 10 minutes through the existing bracket and no special tools needed. Its airflow clears shower moisture effectively, doing the job these units were built for.
The 3-year manufacturer defect replacement warranty is rare in this category and signals quality. Both fit and quality earn top praise from owners, with installation close behind. The recurring split is noise: many find it quieter than the original while a smaller group calls it a little loud, so it’s not guaranteed silent.
The upgrade argument: If you own a Nutone B-unit fan and want better materials plus a real warranty, this copper-wound motor delivers a quieter, stronger performance than the decade-old original it replaces.
Pick this if: You own a Nutone 696N or 695 B-unit fan and want a quieter motor with pure-copper windings (better heat resistance) plus a 3-year warranty for confidence.
skip it if: Your fan housing uses a different blade size than the 8-inch by 7 1/8-inch standard this kit is built around.
7. Broan-NuTone RE70BN Replacement Motor Kit
The genuine factory kit that can boost a 50 CFM fan by up to 40 percent more power.
This is the real deal — genuine Broan-NuTone parts, not a compatible imitation. It’s a direct replacement for select Broan 70 CFM fans and, notably, delivers up to 40% more power when installed in compatible 50 CFM fans, making it an easy upgrade path. The kit bundles the motor, blower wheel, two motor mounting plates, and all hardware, so you’re not hunting for extra pieces.
Compatibility is broad but specific: it works with Broan models 670, 671, 688, 689, and the EC50/EC70 series, plus NuTone models 693, 695, 696N, and Nautilus N671 and N688. The key exclusion to note is that it does not fit 8-inch by 8 1/4-inch housings. Owners with older Broan 688-K units and even a 1976 Nutone report it bolts in perfectly, with installation taking under 15 to 20 minutes using the included plates and straightforward instructions.
Owners praise the quality and fit, calling it a perfect match for decades-old units with an easy unplug-and-swap install. The honest trade-off is the noise: this kit runs at 6.0 sones, which is loud. Buyers describe it as “very very loud” and one called it “loud as hell” — though a few noted the sound works as useful white noise.
The factory advantage
- Genuine Broan-NuTone parts guaranteed to fit listed models
- Delivers up to 40% more power for select 50 CFM fans
- Comes with two mounting plates and all hardware for flexible installation
The honest noise check
- 6.0 sones makes this the loudest pick in the lineup
- Not for small bathrooms where a startlingly loud fan is unwelcome
- Does not fit 8-inch by 8 1/4-inch housings
Worth it for: Owners who want guaranteed factory fit and a power upgrade for their Broan 670-689 or NuTone 693-696 fans, and don’t mind the noise.
Not for: Anyone who needs a quiet fan — the 6.0 sone rating is a deal-breaker for small, echo-prone bathrooms.
8. Endurance Pro 3.3 Inch Vent Fan Motor
The motor-only specialist for 3.3-inch wells, saving 60-year-old vent fans from retirement.
If your vintage fan only needs a motor — not the whole blower assembly — this Endurance Pro drops in without any adaptation. It replaces the Nutone 86933, 8693000, and JA2B104N motors, with a 3.3-inch diameter body, a 1550 RPM speed, and a 1.2 amp draw (the electrical current it pulls). The 2-prong plug and a 1 1/4-inch long, 1/4-inch diameter shaft match the original mounting, so you skip the guesswork.
Owners have successfully matched this motor to 46-year-old Emerson units, 40-year-old Nutone wall fans, and even a 60-year-old bathroom vent fan. Owners overwhelmingly praise its direct fit, smooth operation, and quiet running. The 1550 RPM speed is slower than the 3000 RPM originals, but owners mention the warmer air still clears the mirror in the same time — just more quietly.
The motor carries UL/CSA approval and a 2-year no-questions-asked warranty, a strong safety net. The main caveats from owners: the cord can run slightly short, no printed instructions are included, and one reviewer noted the motor runs hot at around 150°F after 15 minutes of operation. Several also mention needing extra rubber washers to dampen vibration noise.
Why it earns its keep
- Exact fit for Nutone 86933 and JA2B104N motors with no modification
- Runs smoother and quieter than the high-speed originals it replaces
- UL/CSA approved with a 2-year low-maintenance warranty
Install realities
- Motor-only kit, so you must reuse your existing fan blade
- Runs hot at the case, and the cord is slightly short
- No instructions included, and some need extra washers to cut noise
Choose it for: A vintage Nutone or Emerson fan with a 3.3-inch motor well where you want to keep the original blade and bracket.
Pass if: You need a complete drop-in kit with a new blower wheel, since this ships motor-only.
9. Packard 40933 3.3 Inch Vent Fan Motor
The motor-only veteran that revived countless 1960s Nutone fans with a 5-minute swap.
When your fan motor dates back to the 1960s, this Packard unit is the replacement owners reach for. It’s a 3.3-inch shaded pole motor (a simple, reliable AC motor design) running at 1550 RPM on 120 volts, drawing 0.95 amps at 1/50 horsepower. The included 2-prong plug and cord make it a straightforward exchange for the original hardwired motor, and the 1/4-inch by 1-inch shaft mounts your existing blade with a secure fit.
The fit is the defining strength here, with owners repeatedly landing it in Nutone housings from the 1960s, including the 8830 model replacing a 1966 4135 motor. Many report the bolt posts align exactly with the original bracket, completing the swap in as little as 5 minutes. Others note the higher blade speed clears air faster than the tired original, and after a brief break-in period the motor runs quieter.
Two installation truths surface consistently. First, the shaft may need cutting to length for some housings, and the rotation direction sometimes requires flipping the stator 180 degrees to match your airflow. Second, this is a motor-only kit with no blade included, so you’ll reuse your existing fan blade — and if the blade’s hole doesn’t match the D-shaped shaft, you’ll need a compatible blower wheel.
The vintage verdict: The fit earns more praise than any other aspect, making this the go-to for owners resurrecting 50-to-60-year-old Nutone fans who don’t mind minor shaft or rotation adjustments.
Best for: DIY owners reviving a 1960s Nutone fan who can handle a bit of fitting work and want a proven, inexpensive motor-only fix.
Not for: Anyone expecting a true drop-in with no adjustments — the shaft length and rotation may need modification on some installs.
Understanding the Specs
RPM and CFM
RPM (rotations per minute) tells you how fast the motor spins, and it directly shapes how quickly a steamy bathroom clears. Higher-speed motors at 3000 to 3500 RPM move air fast, while slower 1550 RPM units run more quietly but need more time. CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures the actual volume of air moved — a 50 CFM motor is standard for small to mid bathrooms, while 70 CFM suits larger spaces.
Mounting and Shaft Fit
Before you order, measure the distance between the two mounting screws on your existing motor bracket. That center-to-center spacing must match the new motor’s studs, or it won’t bolt into your housing. The shaft dimensions also matter — the diameter and length must match your existing fan blade’s hub, and the blade must have the same hole shape, whether round or D-shaped.
FAQ
How do I know if my bathroom fan motor is bad or just the capacitor?
Will any 120V bath fan motor fit my existing Broan or Nutone housing?
Do I need to replace the blower wheel when I replace the motor?
My old fan spins clockwise, but the replacement says CCW. Will it still work?
How long should a bath fan motor last after replacement?
My fan is 50 CFM. Can I install a 70 CFM motor to get more airflow?
Do I need to turn off the power before installing a bath fan motor?
What does the sone rating mean for bathroom fan noise?
Why does my new bath fan motor sound loud or rumbly after installation?
Can I use a bath fan motor replacement to fix a kitchen exhaust fan?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the bath fan motor winner is the NOOTO S97012038 because it combines the highest owner satisfaction with a true drop-in fit for the most common Broan housings. If you want the strongest airflow from a universal kit, the BOJACK 0.60A 3500 RPM pulls noticeably more air, though it asks for tolerance on noise. And if you’re reviving a vintage Nutone B-unit fan with an eye on longevity, the Motoasis copper-wound upgrade brings a 3-year warranty and quieter operation to the job.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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