There are many good products out there. Do some web searching and figure the needed CFM for your bath size before you shop. A sound level of 2 sones is nice and quiet. We needed a big fan (200 CFM) and settled on a non-light model from AirKing out of Canada.

Do a search here -- The Panasonic gets fabulous reviews for it's quiet performance.

When DH and I were setting tile in our new bath, I asked him several times to be quiet because I thought I heard water running somewhere else in the house. But it was just the vent fan of the Panasonic - it's that subtle! We hooked ours up on the same switch as the shower light with a timer operating both.

LOVE that vent!

Panasonic definitely makes the best and quietest fans/

Greg

I agree that Panasonic is really quiet. I make a point of noticing the hotel bathroom fans when we travel (we're building next year and I'm always on the look out for good products). I have been really impressed with the Panasonic. It was news to me when I checked their website that a combination heater/fan was even available. You don't need it in SoCal but I sure do in Montana!

Another vote for the Panasonic fans. I installed one in our main bathroom last year and just placed an order for two more. A small powder room will likely be served well with a 50 CFM fan. A regular bathroom with a shower would need 80 CFM or more. The Panasonic fans are great for their efficiency and quiet operation. They are generally rated at .3 Sones, which is very quiet. If installed as directed they will be barely audible.

I installed timers for each of our fans so that the fan can be left on after a shower without worrying about it running all day long.

Look at Panasonic's web site. They offer a number of models. eBay was a good place to find them for reasonable prices.