Vornado 533 Vs. 633: A Comparison Of Two Air Circulators

I’ve spent countless summers battling stuffy rooms, searching for the perfect fan to keep my space cool and comfortable.

 Recently, I decided to compare the Vornado 533 and 633 air circulators to see which one suits my needs—and yours—best.

 In this article, I’ll share my experience testing these two models, breaking down their key features, pros, and cons in a detailed yet conversational way.

 Whether you’re cooling a small bedroom or a larger living area, my goal is to help you decide which Vornado fan is the right fit for your home.

Comparison Table: Vornado 533 Vs. Vornado 633

My Journey With Vornado Fans

When I first moved into my apartment, I quickly realized that my space needed more than a standard fan to keep the air fresh and cool.

 My bedroom felt stuffy, and my living room wasn’t much better. After some research, I stumbled upon Vornado’s air circulators, which promised to move air differently, creating a vortex that circulates air throughout the entire room rather than just blowing it in one direction.

 Intrigued, I decided to test the Vornado 533 and 633 to see how they’d perform in my home.

Vornado’s Vortex Technology is what sets these fans apart. Unlike traditional fans that oscillate or blast air directly at you, these air circulators push air in a focused stream that bounces off walls, creating a cooling effect across the room.

I was skeptical at first—could a fan really make my entire room feel fresher without pointing it directly at me? But after using both models, I was impressed by how well they delivered on this promise.

Key Features of the Vornado 533

Let’s start with the Vornado 533, the smaller of the two models. I placed it in my 12×12-foot bedroom to see how it would perform in a compact space. At 9 x 9.7 x 11.3 inches and just 3.92 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to move around. I could set it on my nightstand or the floor without it taking up much space, which is a big plus for my cozy apartment.

The 533 has three speed settings—high, medium, and low—controlled by a simple knob on the back. I found the knob intuitive, though I had to reach around the fan to adjust it, which wasn’t always convenient. On the highest setting, it boasts an impressive 2000 RPM, which is surprising for such a small unit. It can push air up to 70 feet, making it ideal for small rooms like bedrooms, offices, or studies.

One thing I noticed right away was the 533’s energy efficiency. It consumes up to 63 watts on high, but I rarely needed the highest setting to feel comfortable. On medium or low, it used even less power, which is great for keeping my electricity bill in check. The fan also comes with a 6-foot power cord, giving me flexibility in where I placed it.

The 533’s design is sleek, available in matte black or polar white, and it blends well with my modern decor. Its base is sturdy, so I didn’t worry about it tipping over, even when my cat bumped into it. The grill is removable for cleaning, though I found the clips a bit tricky to release without feeling like I might break them.

Key Features of the Vornado 633

Next, I tested the Vornado 633 in my 15×20-foot living room, which is a bit larger and has furniture that can obstruct airflow. The 633 is slightly bigger than the 533, measuring 9.38 x 13.75 x 8.65 inches and weighing 6.61 pounds. It’s still compact enough to fit on a table or floor, but it feels more substantial than the 533.

Like the 533, the 633 has three speed settings controlled by a knob. However, its maximum RPM is lower at 1570, which I initially thought might make it less powerful. To my surprise, it still moved air effectively up to 75 feet, making it better suited for medium-sized rooms like living areas or home theaters. The slightly longer airflow range is a key difference, and I could feel the breeze circulating even in the far corners of my living room.

The 633 consumes up to 60 watts on high, which is comparable to the 533 but impressive given its ability to cool larger spaces. Its noise level ranges from 30 to 58 decibels, slightly quieter than the 533’s 32 to 60 decibels. I found the 633’s hum to be less intrusive, especially on the medium setting, which was perfect for watching TV without distraction.

The 633 comes in matte black, and while it lacks the polar white option of the 533, its design is just as sleek. The base is stable, and the 6-foot cord length matched the 533’s, giving me plenty of placement options. Cleaning the 633 was similar to the 533—removable grill, but those pesky clips were still a minor hassle.

Pros and Cons of the Vornado 533

Pros

• Compact and Lightweight: At under 4 pounds, the 533 is easy to move and fits perfectly in small spaces like my bedroom or a desk in my home office.
• Powerful for Its Size: The 2000 RPM on high delivers a surprising amount of airflow for such a small fan, making it great for small rooms.
• Energy Efficient: Using up to 63 watts, it’s budget-friendly, especially on lower settings.
• Sturdy Design: The base keeps it stable, and the modern design looks great in any room.
• Two Color Options: Matte black or polar white gives you a bit more style flexibility.

Cons

• Noisy on High: At 60 decibels on the highest setting, it’s noticeable, especially if you’re sensitive to noise while sleeping.
• Tricky Grill Clips: Cleaning the fan is a bit of a chore due to the stiff clips on the grill.
• No Remote Control: Adjusting the speed requires reaching behind the fan, which can be inconvenient.
• Limited Range: The 70-foot airflow is great for small rooms but falls short in larger spaces.

Pros and Cons of the Vornado 633

Pros

• Great for Medium Rooms: The 75-foot airflow range makes it ideal for larger spaces like living rooms or home theaters.
• Slightly Quieter: With a noise range of 30–58 decibels, it’s less intrusive than the 533, especially on medium settings.
• Energy Efficient: Consumes up to 60 watts, which is impressive for its performance in larger spaces.
• Sleek Design: The matte black finish looks modern and fits well in most decor styles.
• Stable Base: Like the 533, it’s sturdy and won’t tip over easily.

Cons

• Heavier and Bulkier: At 6.61 pounds, it’s less portable than the 533, which might matter if you move it frequently.
• Tricky Grill Clips: Cleaning is just as fiddly as with the 533 due to the grill’s clips.
• No Remote Control: Like the 533, you have to manually adjust the speed, which can be a hassle.
• Single Color Option: Only available in matte black, limiting aesthetic choices.

My Experience Using the Vornado 533

I started with the Vornado 533 in my bedroom, aiming it toward a wall to test its Vortex Technology. Within 20 minutes, the room felt noticeably fresher, with a consistent breeze that didn’t require me to sit directly in front of the fan. On the medium setting, it was quiet enough for daytime use, but on high, the 60-decibel hum was a bit much for sleeping. I ended up using the low setting at night, which provided enough circulation without disturbing my rest.

One thing I loved was how little space it took up. I placed it on my nightstand, and it didn’t clutter the area. The 6-foot cord let me position it near my bed without needing an extension cord. However, adjusting the speed was a minor annoyance since the knob is on the back, and I had to lean over to tweak it.

Cleaning the 533 was straightforward once I got the hang of the grill clips. I used a damp cloth to wipe down the blades and grill, which had collected some dust after a few weeks. The fan’s high RPM made it feel powerful for its size, and I could feel the air moving even when I was across the room.

My Experience Using the Vornado 633

In my living room, the Vornado 633 was a game-changer. I set it on a side table, angled it toward a wall, and let it run on medium. The air circulation was impressive, reaching the far side of the room despite furniture obstacles. The 633’s slightly longer 75-foot range made a noticeable difference compared to the 533, especially in a larger space.

The noise level was a pleasant surprise. On medium, the 633’s 30–58 decibel range was quiet enough that I could watch TV or hold a conversation without raising my voice. On high, it was audible but not overwhelming, unlike some pedestal fans I’ve used in the past.

Moving the 633 was less convenient due to its weight. At 6.61 pounds, it’s not heavy, but it’s less portable than the 533. I also wished for a remote control, as reaching behind the fan to adjust the speed felt clunky, especially when I was settled on the couch. Cleaning was similar to the 533, with the same finicky grill clips.

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Comparing Performance in Different Scenarios

To really understand how these fans stack up, I tested them in various scenarios. In my bedroom, the 533 was the clear winner. Its compact size and powerful airflow were perfect for a small space. I didn’t need the extra 5 feet of range that the 633 offers, and the 533’s lighter weight made it easy to reposition as needed.

In the living room, the 633 shone. The larger space benefited from its extended airflow range, and I noticed a more consistent cooling effect compared to the 533, which struggled to reach the far corners. If you have a medium-sized room with furniture or obstacles, the 633’s ability to push air further is a big advantage.

I also tried swapping the fans—using the 633 in my bedroom and the 533 in my living room. The 633 was overkill in the bedroom, creating more airflow than necessary and feeling a bit noisy on high. The 533, meanwhile, couldn’t keep up in the living room, leaving some areas stuffy. This confirmed that each fan is best suited to its intended room size.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Considerations

Both fans are energy-efficient, which was a priority for me since I use them daily during the summer. The 533 uses up to 63 watts, while the 633 uses up to 60 watts. In practice, I rarely ran either on high, so my actual power consumption was lower. For context, running the 533 on medium for 8 hours a day at an average electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh costs about $0.05 daily—a small price for comfort.

Price-wise, the 533 is typically $50–$70, while the 633 runs $60–$80. The $10–$20 difference might seem minor, but I couldn’t justify the 633’s higher cost for small rooms where the 533 performs just as well. However, for larger spaces, the 633’s extra range makes it worth the investment.

Both fans come with a 5-year warranty, which gave me peace of mind. I’ve read user reviews claiming Vornado fans last 10 years or more with proper care, so I expect these to be long-term additions to my home.

Noise Levels and Practical Use

Noise was a big factor for me, as I’m sensitive to background sounds, especially at night. The 533’s 32–60 decibel range was fine on low or medium but noticeable on high. In my bedroom, I stuck to the lower settings to avoid disruption. The 633’s 30–58 decibel range felt slightly quieter, especially on medium, making it better for daytime use in shared spaces.

If you’re using these fans with an air conditioner, both excel at circulating cool air. I tested this by running my window AC unit with the 633 in the living room, and it distributed the cool air evenly, reducing the need to crank the AC. The 533 did a similar job in the bedroom but was less effective in larger spaces.

Design and Build Quality

Both fans feel well-built, with durable plastic bodies that resist wear. The 533’s lighter weight and smaller footprint make it ideal for tight spaces, while the 633’s slightly larger size suits open areas. The lack of oscillation didn’t bother me, as the Vortex Technology circulated air effectively without moving parts.

The main design flaw for both is the grill clips. I spent a good 10 minutes wrestling with them the first time I cleaned each fan. Once I got the hang of it, cleaning was quick, but Vornado could improve this aspect. The 6-foot cord on both models was a nice touch, offering flexibility without needing an extension cord.

Which Vornado Should You Choose?

After testing both fans, I can confidently say the choice depends on your room size and preferences. If you’re cooling a small space like a bedroom, office, or study, the Vornado 533 is your best bet. Its compact size, high RPM, and lower price make it a practical choice for smaller rooms. However, if you’re dealing with a larger space like a living room or home theater, the 633’s extended 75-foot range and quieter operation make it worth the extra cost.

For me, the 533 is a staple in my bedroom, while the 633 has become my go-to for the living room. Both are reliable, energy-efficient, and built to last, but they’re tailored to different needs. Consider your room size, noise tolerance, and budget before deciding.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

After spending weeks with the Vornado 533 and 633, I’ve seen firsthand how these air circulators can transform your space. The 533 is perfect for small rooms, offering powerful airflow in a compact package, while the 633 excels in larger spaces with its extended range and quieter operation. Both are energy-efficient and built to last, making them worthy investments for keeping your home cool and comfortable. Think about your room size and needs, and you’ll find the right Vornado to make your summer breeze a reality. Let me know if you need help choosing!