The Best Hair Dryers to Leave You Looking (and Feeling) Smart
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Most hair dryers suck. No judgment, but the best hair dryer shouldn't leave you with frizz, static, or a singed scalp; it might be time for an upgrade. The problem is that finding the right one for your hair is a nightmare. There are tons of options, ranging from cheap drugstore models that barely last a year to smart dryers that cost as much as a month’s rent. And somehow, the middle ground, which is the sweet spot of affordability and performance, feels impossible to find.
I’ve owned my fair share of duds: dryers that promise salon-worthy blowouts but underdeliver, models that sound like jet engines, and others that leave my wavy hair feeling crispy. But I’ve also found some true standouts—dryers that work fast, keep heat damage to a minimum, and make hair styling easy for the average civilian.
I put the latest and greatest to the test, and these are the ones worth your money. Be sure to read our other hair care guides, including the Best Hair Straighteners, Best Curling Irons, and Best Blow-Dry Brushes.
Updated August 2025: We've overhauled this guide, added helpful hair-care information and a product comparison chart, and updated prices and links.
Terms to Understand
- Concentrator nozzle: This attachment narrows airflow for precise styling, making it ideal for straightening or sleek blowouts. It's also useful when sectioning hair, working with a round brush, or drying bangs. For best results, dry hair partially before using to minimize the risk of heat damage.
- Diffuser: A diffuser disperses airflow to enhance natural texture without disrupting curl patterns or causing frizz. While it's most effective for curls, it can help tame frizz-prone hair of any type.
- Cool shot button: Many dryers feature a cool shot button that blasts cold air to set your style and smooth any flyaways. It's a small touch that makes a big difference in the longevity and finish of your hairstyle.
- Ionic hair dryers: Ionic dryers release negative ions that break down water droplets, speeding up evaporation and drying time. This also helps control frizz and boost shine. But as Abra McField, founder of Abra Kadabra Hair and Healing, notes, if you have fine hair and want more volume, you may not like ionic dryers.
- Tourmaline: This gemstone is used in some hair tools to emit negative ions and infrared heat, as seen in models like the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus. The infrared heat is a popular choice for people shopping for fast but gentle-ish dryers.
- Ceramic: Ceramic hair dryers are designed to evenly distribute heat and prevent hot spots. These tools are often seen as gentler options.
- Motor type: There are three main types of motors in hair dryers: AC (alternating current), DC (direct current), and brushless. AC motors are more powerful and last longer, while DC motors are quieter and lighter. Brushless motors are newer and more expensive, but they also offer long-term reliability and energy efficiency.
Best Overall
The Dyson Supersonic Nural is one of the best hair dryers on the market, but it’s also one of the priciest. It has three speed settings, three heat settings, and Dyson’s signature Air Multiplier technology, which triples airflow for quick drying without sacrificing hair health.
Best of all, the dryer is packed with useful intelligent features I didn’t know I needed in a dryer until I used it. The Scalp Protect Mode features a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor and infrared beam to detect when the dryer is too close to your scalp, automatically dropping the temperature to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s a Pause Detect feature, designed with a motion-sensing accelerometer that knows when you set the dryer down, reducing airflow and noise. It also features Attachment Learning—a first for Dyson—using magnetic IDs to recognize which of the five attachments you’re using; it then tweaks the settings for optimal performance. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano particularly loves the reengineered diffuser, which now has a removable prong system to create a vortex of air around curls, speeding up drying without sacrificing definition. The Supersonic Nural is also available in many colorways. If you’re after a splurge, this one’s a no-brainer.
Specs Weight 1.8 pounds Wattage 1,600 watts Material Nylon casing, reinforced with fiberglass Number of Settings 4 heat; 3 speed Attachments Wave + curl diffuser, styling concentrator, gentle air attachment, wide tooth comb, flyaway attachment Cord Length 8.6 feet Cool Shot Button Yes Warranty 2 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Scalp protect mode measures the distance from your scalp and adjusts settings to match
- Five magnetic attachments that auto-adjust to your preferred settings
- Pause detect mode deactivates the heater and decreases airflow when the dryer is put down
TIRED- Not dual voltage
- Takes up a lot of storage space
- Cord length is shorter than 9 feet
Best Affordable
I used the InfinitiPro by Conair SmoothWrap dryer for two years before upgrading to the AirLight Pro. It’s the best budget dryer I’ve owned. In college and grad school, I burned through more cheap Amazon bestsellers than I’d like to admit—most barely lasted a year before fizzling out. But my Conair hair dryer is still kicking.
It won’t revolutionize your routine, but it’s lightweight, reliable, and gets the job done. The high-torque DC motor is powerful, and the three heat and two speed settings are just enough control. There’s also a removable filter to help extend its lifespan. If you need an affordable workhorse—or just something to rough-dry before hair styling—this is a decent dryer that won’t let you down.
Side Note: Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano has tested the InfinitiPro by Conair Hair Dryer for $40, which is another affordable pick. According to her, its lowest setting worked great on her frizz-prone curls.
Specs Weight 2.12 pounds Wattage 1,875 watts Number of Settings 3 heat; 2 speed Attachments Diffuser and concentrator Cord Length 6 feet Cool Shot Button Yes Warranty 2 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Usually on sale for under $50
- No learning curve
- Removable filter for easy cleaning
TIRED- Short cord
- Noisy
- Fewer attachments than higher-end models
Best for Fast Drying
The Supersonic r is Dyson's most significant design since the original debuted in 2016. At just 0.7 pound, it's 30 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than its predecessors. The curved design also improves weight distribution and reduces strain during prolonged styling sessions.
It comes with five RFID-enabled attachments that auto-adjust airflow and heat settings to your last presets. This not only speeds up styling but eliminates fiddling with settings mid-session. At $570, it's somehow more expensive than the Nural and lacks the Scalp Protect mode we adore from the former, but if you want the most precise, fastest drying experience available, the Supersonic r stands at the top of the market.
Specs Weight 0.7 pound Wattage 1,700 watts Number of Settings 4 heat (including cool shot); 3 speed Attachments Diffuser, pro concentrator, powerful air attachment, wide-tooth comb, flyaway attachment Cord Length 6 feet Cool Shot Button Yes Warranty 2 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Ergonomic design
- Weighs under 1 pound
- Five Dyson-quality attachments
- Decent noise level at 75 decibels
TIRED- More expensive than the Supersonic Nural
- No scalp-protect mode
- Not dual voltage
- No storage case
Best for Frizz
If you've been eyeing the Dyson Airwrap but are not so keen on the price tag, let me point you toward the Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex, which is an excellent and more affordable dupe. Unlike the Airwrap, it’s a hair dryer and styling tool with four versatile attachments: a styling concentrator, a quick-smooth brush, a frizz-fighter tool, and a defrizz fast diffuser.
Shark claims it’s dermatologist-approved for scalp protection due to the Scalp Shield feature, which automatically adjusts the heat to protect sensitive skin. The temperature regulation system measures heat 1,000 times per second to ensure it never exceeds 230 degrees Fahrenheit. Paired with its high-velocity airflow (0–100 mph in under a second), the Shark SpeedStyle makes for a quick and gentle drying experience for all hair types. It’s also practical, with a folding handle that makes it easy to stash in a drawer or bag for travel.
The one downside is that Shark Beauty doesn’t include a storage bag, but the brand sells a soft neoprene one for $42 if you’re willing to spend extra.
Specs Weight 1.57 pounds Wattage 1,750 watts Number of Settings 3 heat; 3 airflow settings Attachments QuickSmooth brush, DefrizzFast diffuser, FrizzFighter finishing tool, styling concentrator Cord Length 8 feet Cool Shot Button Yes Warranty 2 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Scalp Shield feature.
- Weighs under 2 pounds.
- Four frizz-fighting attachments.
TIRED- Doesn't include storage case.
- Noisy.
Best for Professionals
The L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro is the fastest hair dryer I’ve tested that doesn’t rely on scorching heat to get the best results. Instead, it uses near-infrared light, powerful airflow, and controlled heat to dry the hair while retaining its moisture. L’Oréal claims this keeps hair 33 percent more hydrated and 59 percent smoother than traditional dryers. I have type 2A hair and I get a frizz-free blowout in about 10 minutes.
It’s only $45 more than the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer ($430) and cheaper than the Nural ($500)—but it’s also quieter, faster, and more customizable, with settings that work for all hair types. The 11.5-foot cord outstretches any Dyson, Shark Speedstyle, and GHD Helios Professional.
The AirLight Pro is also built to last. L’Oréal Professionnel rates it for a 10-year lifespan of professional use, assuming two hours of daily use, five days a week. It’s repairable and features a filter-cleaning alert and auto-shutoff function, so you’ll know when it needs to be cleaned. Bonus: It consumes 31 percent less energy than a standard dryer, which is great for the planet and your electricity bill.
Specs Weight 1.7 pounds Wattage 1,875 watts Number of Settings Access 3 heat and 3 airflow settings on the handle. With the app, adjust in increments of 5 percent for airflow and 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Attachments Diffuser and concentrator Cord Length 11.5 feet Cool Shot Button Yes Warranty 2 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Ultra-fast drying
- Magnetic attachments
- Suitable for all hair types
- Better for hair and the planet
- Long cord length
TIRED- App features are basic (as of yet)
- Fewer attachments than its competitors
Best for Curly Hair
The Pattern Blow Dryer comes from a company owned by Tracee Ellis Ross, and the entire focus is all about curls, curls, curls. There are a few curl-specific features that make this dryer so darn great. Even at its highest setting, it doesn’t get quite as hot as other dryers, which helps prevent damage (something all curly-haired people should strive for). The four included attachments—a diffuser, a wide-tooth comb, a brush, and a concentrator nozzle—can be locked in place either vertically or horizontally, which makes it easy to target different areas of your hair for specific styling needs. As one example, I like to use the concentrator nozzle to target my roots without messing with my curls at my mid-lengths and ends.
The buttons are foolproof—choose from three heat levels, two airflow levels, ions on or off, and a cold shot button. And finally, I love the diffuser, as mentioned in our guide to the Best Diffusers for Curly Hair. All in all, this dryer is easy to use and gentle on your mane, and it’s easy enough to hold that your biceps won’t give out if you’re spending a long time getting your hairstyle just right. —Louryn Strampe
Specs Weight 1.12 pounds Wattage 1,875 watts Number of Settings 2 heat; 3 speed Attachments Brush, wide tooth comb, concentrator nozzle, diffuser Cord Length 7 feet Cool Shot Button Yes Warranty 2 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Curl-conscious
- Four attachments
- Weighs under 1.5 pounds
TIRED- Short cord
Best for Thick Hair
The RevAir has legitimately changed my life. It's the only thing to dramatically cut down on drying and styling time (and damage) when I want to wear my curls straight. I've been obsessed with the RevAir since trying it in 2021, and the 2022 version is smaller and lighter than the original, but it's more expensive and still a large device you'll need to store.
After sectioning your damp hair, you feed each piece into the wand, like a vacuum, and the device dries and straightens in one step. Tiny openings at the tip of the wand direct air out to dry your scalp, while the rest of your hair is dried with air going down, so you don't get frizzy. Crazy, I know, but it works. Wet curls went in, and dry straight hair came out in around 30 seconds. I still had to use a flat iron to smooth my hair afterwards, but I used the RevAir on a friend whose curls are softer, finer, and she didn't have to use a hair straightener at all. If I could splurge on one product for the rest of my life, it would be this. —Medea Giordano
Specs Weight 8 pounds Wattage 800 watts Number of Settings 2 heat; 7 tension settings Attachments N/A Cord Length 6.5 feet. Hose length is 5.5 feet. Cool Shot Button Yes Warranty 1 year WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Works on extensions, twist outs, braids, locs, and wigs
- Gentle enough for kids
- No brush required
TIRED- Short cord
- Quite large and heavy
- Not great for frizz
Compare Top 7 Hair Dryers
| Product | Weight | Wattage | Settings | Attachments | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson Supersonic Nural | 1.8 pounds | 1600 watts | 4 heat; 3 speed | Wave + curl diffuser, styling concentrator, gentle air attachment, wide tooth comb, and flyaway attachment | $500 |
| Conair SmoothWrap InfinitiPro | 2.12 pounds | 1,875 watts | 3 heat; 2 speed | Diffuser and concentrator | $71 |
| Dyson Supersonic r | 0.7 pounds | 1,700 watts | 4 heat; 3 speed | Diffuser, wide-tooth comb, professional concentrator, airflow attachment, and flyaway smoother | $570 |
| Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex | 1.57 pounds | 1,750 watts | 3 heat; 3 airflow settings | QuickSmooth brush, DefrizzFast diffuser, FrizzFighter finishing tool, and styling concentrator | $250 |
| L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro | 1.7 pounds | 1,875 watts | 3 heat; 3 airflow (more customizable through the app) | Diffuser and concentrator | $475 |
| Pattern Blow Dryer | 1.12 pounds | 1,875 watts | 2 heat; 3 speed | Brush, wide tooth comb, concentrator nozzle, and diffuser | $189 |
| RevAir Hair Dryer | 8 pounds | 800 watts | 2 heat; 7 tension settings | N/A | $459 |
More Hair Dryers to Consider
Hot Tools Pro Artist Quietair for $61: The Hot Tools Pro Artist Quietair is certified by Quiet Mark, an independent organization that assesses how much noise pollution household products produce. While the price is technically $120, it's almost always discounted to around $60 on Amazon, so you don't have to splurge. The reduction of sound isn't a reduction of capability. The high-speed setting will blow the dryer right off your counter if you set it down. It has three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot button.
Hairitage Comin' Hot Dryer for $40: Hairitage’s Comin’ in Hot Hair Dryer is compact at 1.6 pounds and costs just $40. The basics are covered: two speeds, three heat settings, and a cool shot button. It only comes with an air concentrator nozzle, but you can purchase a separate diffuser for curls and a comb attachment. The add-ons are frequently out of stock, though, sometimes for months at a time.
Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer for $135: This dryer comes with a concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachment in addition to its removable oscillating head that mimics the back-and-forth motion you make with your hand. There are three heat settings and two speed settings, which is the minimum standard. Panasonic also claims the dryer uses electrostatic shock to disperse water molecules into tinier nano-sized particles, which might reduce hair damage. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested the compact version for $100, which she says makes for a great travel hair dryer.
Gama iQ2 Perfetto for $330: The iQ2 includes an auto-clean function to automatically turn off should it overheat (it did not do this in testing, thankfully). There's a setting lock so you can dry your hair without accidentally changing the speed or heat. Plus, it comes with a silicone thermal mat that puts the dryer into standby mode when you place it down, turning it back on when you pick it up. This is helpful if you're sectioning off strands and frequently have to put the dryer down. But it's expensive, and the microperforated magnetic mesh filter cover tends to fall off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Ionic Hair Dryer Better Than a Ceramic One?
Ionic hair dryers release ions that break down water molecules, which expedites drying time and reduces frizz. They're suitable for all hair types, but they're especially better for thick and/or curly hair. Ceramic dryers are meant to distribute heat evenly, which is supposed to reduce heat damage. Again, suitable for all hair types, but especially those with fine hair.
What Features Should I Look for in a High-Quality Hair Dryer?
Wattage: The power of a dryer is mainly dictated by its wattage, typically ranging from 800 to 2,000 watts. Higher wattage means faster drying times and more heat, but it can also mean a heavier dryer and higher energy consumption.
Weight: A lightweight dryer can make a big difference, especially if you're styling your hair daily. It reduces hand strain and provides better maneuverability, making the drying process more comfortable.
Heat and speed settings: These settings determine both the temperature and airflow of your dryer. More adjustable options allow you to personalize your experience and exercise greater control over your hair. I find a cool shot button or setting a must for locking in my hairdo because I rarely use hairspray.
Attachments: Choose one that comes with useful attachments, such as concentrator nozzles or diffusers, depending on your hair type and texture.
How to Fix Heat-Damaged Hair?
Disclaimer: You may need to speak to a hairstylist, especially if your hair was chemically treated.
A hair mask or deep-conditioning treatment may be the first step to restore your hair's natural proteins and seal in moisture. Your hairstylist may also recommend a haircut to trim the broken ends.
Finally, protect your hair from further damage. Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying. The Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer is our favorite, but we also love the R+Co Hot Spell Thermotech Blow Out Balm for curly or thick hair. For more recommendations, check out our guide to the Best Heat Protectant Sprays. Get a quality hair towel to avoid frizz and breakage. A regular body towel is too rough on hair, especially fragile curls. A plain old cotton T-shirt works great for drying, and you likely have one in your closet that you no longer wear. You'll find specific hair towels anywhere you shop for hair products, but former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano recommends TO112's Bamboo Wrap ($39).
How We Test Hair Dryers
We test on a variety of hair types, lengths, and textures. This includes but isn't limited to fine, straight, thick, curly, and color-treated hair. Our testers live in different climates—sticky cities like New York, temperature swings in Chicago, wet conditions in Portland—so we're also able to evaluate how these hair dryers handle frizz, static, and shine.
We assess weight, cord length, and dual-voltage compatibility for frequent travelers. Each model is timed on freshly washed hair, evaluated for drying time, heat output, and airflow strength. We also test attachments and accessories for ease of use, durability, and styling results.
Lastly, we conduct long-term testing, using each dryer for months to check for motor wear, filter maintenance, and any overall performance loss.
What Are We Testing Next?
I’ll be testing the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Professional High-Speed Dual Ionic Dryer for $225, the Laifen SE for $130, Paul Mitchell Neuro Dry+ Folding High-Velocity Hair Dryer for $250, and T3's Aire IQ, an intelligent hair dryer for $400.
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