We Tested Over 120 Hair Dryers to Find 12 That Are Worth Your Money, From $33 (2024)

Everyone needs a good hair dryer, whether you reach for it daily or on special occasions. The beauty world offers many options, from ionic technology to high-tech infrared air jets and diffusers promising bouncy natural curls—but even a great hair dryer isn't likely to give you the results you want if it's not the right tool for your hair type and texture. And you've probably wondered whether a $600 model is worth the price or if a budget hair dryer will fry your hair. So, which hair dryer is the one for you?

When shopping for the best hair dryer, hairstylist Sky Kim says, "Make sure it has the heat settings and type of technology that works best for your hair." At Byrdie HQ, we test (and re-test) product categories every month, and hair dryers are one that we come back to time and time again. In fact, over the last three years, we tested over 120 hair dryers on various hair types and textures to land on this comprehensive list of the best. Plus, we interviewed professional hairstylists and compared our experiences to shopper reviews and ratings.

Product Reviews

Features: 6 heat and speed settings | Attachments: 2 (more available for purchase)

Why we chose it: Of all the hair tools on the market right now, this is the one to buy. Sure, the rest of the dryers on this list work wonderfully, but none come close to the Shark, thanks to its innovative capabilities and unique attachments. When you order it, you choose between any two attachments you want for no extra cost (though you can buy more for an added price); you can’t go wrong with any of them. There’s a Lift & Stretch Wide-Tooth Comb, a Turbo Concentrator, an Express Touchup Brush, a RapidGloss Finisher (key to a flyaway-free finish), a QuickSmooth Brush (a cross between a round brush and a comb), and the DefrizzFast Diffuser. While the attachments work slightly better than the Dyson Supersonic’s and come at a fraction of the price, the Shark does not come with a storage case. Those who style their hair multiple times a week and want the Dyson's versatility without the price tag will enjoy this one.

Features: 3 speed settings, 3 heat settings, cold shot | Attachments: 6

Why we chose it: This should come as no surprise. Dyson has become king in the hair care category due to the brand’s sleek designs and innovative technology. A standout among professional hair dryers, this dryer comes with six different attachments for all hair types—a flyaway attachment, a styling concentrator, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, and a wide-tooth comb—and offers three heat and speed settings, and a cold shot so you can tailor the experience to your hair’s unique needs. Because the attachments are magnetic, they pop on and off quickly without much effort.So, is a $430 hair dryer a worthwhile buy? It's an excellent investment for someone who dries and styles their hair often, but not so much if you're a novice who wants to get your wet hair dry.

What the expert says:"The real value in the Dyson Supersonic is in all the cool attachments for different hair types and styles. If you know what you're doing, you can get salon results," hairstylist D'Xenia Clark notes.

Features: 5 heat settings, 3 speed settings, cold shot, volume boost switch, ionic switch | Attachments: 2 (others sold separately)

Why we chose it: A smooth blowout is minutes away when you use this best ionic hair dryer from T3. It’s automatically ionic, so the saturated airflow delivers 10 million negative ions per second, mitigating frizz and promoting shine. (It has a button to turn it off, though, if you want to focus more on building volume and body.) The settings are equally impressive; the tool has five temperature settings and three airflow speeds for a total of 15 combinations that you can play around with for a customized drying experience. That said, there’s a learning curve if you’re used to a hair dryer with standard low, medium, and high settings. Though it does come with two different-sized concentrators for targeted airflow, the attachment variety that comes with the tool could be better. You can technically buy a diffuser and a wide-tooth comb separately, but we wish they came with the tool.

What the expert says:“I say ‘Yes!’ to the price because of the unique features, versatility, and fast drying time. I just wish it came with an assortment of slimmer nozzles and a longer cord for maneuverability,” Clark muses.

Features: 3 heat settings, 3 speed settings, cold shot | Attachments: 1

Why we chose it: While it doesn’t boast futuristic technology or sleek designs like the Shark or the Dyson, this salon-quality dryer is simple, easy, and efficient. With three heat and three speed settings, it’s a tried-and-true dryer that you can reach for it repeatedly without getting confused or tripped up by complicated features. It's equipped with an ion generator and 2000 watts of power, making it a heavy-duty option that dries hair fast. It's admittedly not the lightest dryer on the list, but it's a powerhouse that proves to be one of the best affordable hair dryers on the market.

What the expert says: Hairstylist Krysta N. Rojas applauds this dryer for its lightweight, no-frills design. "It's easy on the wrist, which is helpful for continuous styling," she explains. "It's a great choice for beginners or seasoned pros, regardless of hair type."

Features: 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings, cold shot | Attachments: 1

Why we chose it: This classic hair dryer is unbeatable. It’s not super slim or sleek, but it’s lightweight and feels most similar to traditional hair dryers. The buttons were right where we traditionally expected them to be. While it works on all hair types, we especially love it for thick hair. The concentrator attachment helps direct airflow and encourages faster styling (a welcome attribute for those who have impossible-to-dry long, thick hair), though it would be ideal if it came with more options. If you're someone who appreciates the classics and doesn't want to mess around with newer technology (aka if your approach is 'don't fix what isn't broken'), you'll love this one.

What the expert says: Hairstylist Shanys Rodriguez explains that despite the bulkier shape, it's not too cumbersome. "I don't feel like it slows me down, and my arm doesn't get tired while using it," she explains. "It's easy to maneuver, twist, and turn whichever way I need it to. It takes me about 16 minutes to achieve a smooth finish with some volume, which is what it usually takes me at the salon with my own hair dryer."

Features: 3 heat, 3 speed settings, cold shot | Attachments: 5

Why we chose it: The Nural took an already fantastic blow dryer (the Dyson Supersonic Origin) and made it even better with features that work automatically, such as pause detection (it lowers airflow, heat, and noise when you set it down), auto-adjust heat to protect your scalp from burning when it gets too close, and attachment learning—the tool remembers what heat and airflow setting you used last with that attachment (be it the concentrator nozzle or diffuser) and starts it there when you use it next time. The dryer also comes with six attachments: wave + curl diffuser, concentrator nozzle, wide-tooth comb, bowl diffuser, gentle air diffuser, flyaway attachment, plus a storage case.

What the expert says: "For the everyday styler, someone who mainly rough-dries wavy, curly, or coily hair that diffuses, or anyone with a sensitive scalp—the Nural is the best option," says Matthew Collins, hairstylist, and Dyson Global Ambassador. "The original Supersonic may still be the best option for the die-hard round brush expert as the heat sensor isn’t needed as much.”

Read the Full Review: Surprise! Dyson Dropped a New Hair Dryer, and Yes, It’s Better Than the Original

Features: 8 heat and speed settings, cold shot | Attachments: 2

Why we chose it: Complete with eight speed and heat settings, this small but mighty hair dryer for fine hair works wonders. The compact, ergonomic design makes it easy to manage thin hair, all while toggling between ionic and non-ionic technology. Opt for ions when you want a sleek style, or flip it off when you want something with more volume—or switch between the two for a look that’s smooth on the bottom and voluminous on the top. The highest speed admittedly can be too much for some. If you find that’s the case, the middle-speed option strikes the perfect balance between fast and gentle styling.

What experts say: "With this dryer, you get 1875 watts and 125 volts that will blow hair 80+ mph to cut drying time in half," Kim explains. "Plus, the ion functionality allows for a customized look."

Features: 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings, cold shot, folding handle | Attachments: 1

Why we chose it: Looking for the best travel hair dryers to pack on your next trip? It doesn’t get better than the T3 Afar for a great blowout on the go. (It has auto dual-voltage, so just be sure to buy a compatible plug adaptor before you go.) It’s 25% lighter than the full-sized T3 dryer and it has a foldable handle, so it won’t add weight or bulk to your bag. Plus, it works as efficiently as a full-size dryer, thanks to ion-infused airflow. This tool can get very hot on the highest setting, so we recommend starting on the lowest heat to avoid singeing your hair while you get to know the tool.

What the expert says: "The Afar gets hot, but not to the point of burning the scalp. The airflow is even, so it dries and smooths the hair at once. It even works fast on extensions, which usually take longer to dry," says Rodriguez.

Features: 3 heat settings | Attachments: 4

Why we chose it: Traditional dryers use high heat to dry hair, which can overdry the hair and scalp, causing breakage and long-term damage. Zuvi’s one-of-a-kind hair dryer uses light (yep, just light) to dry only the water droplets on the surface of each hair. Doing so takes a bit longer, but it protects the hair from being stripped of its internal moisture (also known as the foundation of healthy hair). With this in mind, don’t be surprised if you find it hard to use at first. It dries hair a bit slower than you might be used to, but don't question if it's working. Still, the airflow is very light, so if you have thick, dense, or type 4 hair, there is a better dryer for you.

What the expert says:"The airflow is very light, and even on the highest heat setting, the dryer doesn't get that hot. But the payoff is that it locks moisture into the hair well. It does everything I need; the process just takes a bit longer. If you used a flat iron or heat tool to finish, you'd have the sleekest, smoothest hair," says hairstylist Geneva Clark.

Read the Full Review: Meet Zuvi: The Sustainable, High Tech Hair Dryer You’ll Actually Enjoy Using

Features: 3 heat, 3 speed settings, cold shot | Attachments: 6

Why we chose it: We’ll say it: The hype around this best hot air brush is justified. There’s a lot to love between the quality, design, and functionality. In addition to the blow dryer attachment, it comes with barrels to create bouncy curls, a round brush attachment for a sleek blowout, and two different paddle brush attachments. It’s no more difficult to hold than a traditional curling iron or flat iron, but the technique requires some practice since it requires an air vacuum to keep hair in place. Just don’t expect it to cut down on drying time—your hair needs to be 60% dry before you use the Airwrap to style it.

What the expert says:"Because of the way it wraps the hair, the curls it produces aren't always uniform. But once you figure it out, it's pretty easy to use. It works great to keep baby hairs and flyaways smoothed down," says hairstylist Dawn Brocco.

Read the Full Review: The Dyson Airwrap Is Really Worth It—See My Results

Features: 5 heat, 3 speed settings, cold shot | Attachments: 4

Why we chose it: When shopping for a blow dryer for natural hair, you can stop right here. First of all, as the name suggests, the tool really is light, so you won't have to worry about that wash day arm workout. Secondly, it goes through the hair so effortlessly that you can dry your entire head without taking a break. Sometimes, comb attachments just don't serve those with curly and coily hair, but the T3 comb attachment locks into place and slides its way through strands, leaving behind nothing but a soft blowout. The most impressive feature, though, is it's versatility. You can set it for fine, medium, or coarse hair, and take your pick between five heat settings (which, honestly, get pretty hot). This makes it a no-brainer for so many textures and even protective styles.

Features: 3 heat settings, 3 speed settings, cold shot | Attachments: 4

Why we chose it: This hair dryer for curly hair comes with four attachments—a brush to elongate, a wide tooth comb to lift and detangle, a diffuser to shape and set, and a concentrator nozzle—that add a lot of value to the purchase price. Settings-wise, the dryer relies on ionic technology to mitigate flyaways and dial up the shine. It's an excellent one-and-done dryer for those with looser curls, but those with tight coils or dense z-shaped strands may have to use other hot tools to smooth out your ends and finish the job. It's great for setting curls, fluffing out your afro, or drying your twists, but it's not a replacement for a silk press.

What the expert says:"The Pattern dryer is for people who, like [Pattern founder] Tracee Ellis Ross, prefer to wear their hair in natural curls. If that's the look you're going for, it offers the perfect temperature settings, and the attachments work great for versatility, whether stretching, diffusing, or picking," says hairstylist Geneva Clark.

How to Choose the Best Hair Dryer for You

Hair Type

To find the best hair dryer for you, start with your hair type. While thehair typing system is controversial, knowing your type, texture,thickness, and densitywill help you find the right tools and techniques.

Similar to that of a light bulb, a hair dryer’s wattage measures how powerful it is. As a rule of thumb, the higher the wattage, the faster the hair will dry. “Look for a blow dryer that has at least 1,400 watts,” explains Kim. A higher wattage can be especially helpful for those with thick, coarse, or long hair that takes a while to dry. A lower wattage is better for those with thin or fine hair, as it prevents the blow dryer from over-drying (and, therefore, damaging) the hair. Once you know your hair type, texture, and density, look for these features when you're shopping for your next hair dryer:

• Fine or Thin Hair:Low wattage, low heat, high airflow
• Thick or Coarse Hair:High wattage, concentrator nozzle to focus airflow
• Curly Hair:Moderate wattage, diffuser attachment

Design, Technology, and Features

Let's start with the basics—look for a lightweight dryer with a sturdy grip that you can hold comfortably in either hand and a long cord to give you freedom of movement as you dry the back, front, and side sections of your head. A blow dryer with multiple heat and speed settings or attachments is only a good investment if you'll use them.

There are five hair-drying technologies:

• Traditional: Uses use metal coils that get hot quickly but lack temperature control.
• Ceramic: Distributes heat evenly,preventing hot spots and minimizing damage.
• Infrared: Heatpenetrates hair from within to dry it faster.
• Tourmaline: Similar to ceramic,tourmaline emits negative ions and infrared heat,promoting shine and reducing frizz.
• Ionic: Technology that relies on negative ions to dry the hair. These emit negative ions to neutralize the positive ions in water droplets,speeding up drying and potentially reducing frizz.
  

Price

The price of a quality hair dryer varies widely—depending on the features, drying technology, and brand name—but ranges from around $40 for a basic dyer to $600 for the latest Dyson tool. If you wake up at 4 am to give yourself a salon-quality blowout before work, look for a dryer (orhot air brush) that combines drying and styling and expect to pay $200 and up. If you want to dry your hair before you walk out the door, you need a basic, reliable dryer with good airflow, which you can find for around $60. Just don't buy the cheapest hair dryer you can find. There are affordable hair dryers that will get the job done without causing heat damage.

How We Tested Hair Dryers

Other Good Hair Dryers

These blow dryers didn't make our list of the very best, but still have standout technology, attachments, or value.

Meet Our Experts

We consulted with seven hairstylists to learn more about what to know when shopping for a hair dryer and evaluate the dryers we tested.

• Sky Kim is a New York-based hairstylist with over a decade of professional experience. She is also a member of Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Review Board.
• Geneva Clark is a professional hairstylist with over 12 years of experience. She currently works at the Amoy Couture Hair Salon located in Manhattan, where she specializes in hair care, blow drying, braiding, silk press, and extensions/weave installation.
• Matthew Collins is a professional hairstylist and a Dyson Global Ambassador.
• Hairstylists D'Xenia Clark, Dawn Brocco, and Shanys Rodriguez were our in-Lab experts, guiding testers through the use of each blow dryer and trying them out themselves to give us their professional perspective.
• Krysta N. Rojas is a hairstylist based in Chicago. She specializes in curly and textured hair.

Add to Cart

Before you check out, here are some other blow-drying essentials for a silky, salon-quality blowout.

• ColorWow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment: Frizz and flyaways are no match for this multipurpose heat protectant. The spray acts like a mini raincoat, sealing in the style and protecting it from humidity.
• Living Proof Hair Oil: Heat styling can be damaging, so to prevent breakage, we recommend enlisting the help of a hair oil. This one keeps hair shiny, soft, and nourished—before, during, and after blow-drying.
• It’s a 10 Miracle Round Brush: To ensure the bounciest blowout, you’ll need a round brush to twist and twirl the hair. This one comes in five sizes and has holes throughout the barrel to keep it airy. Plus, we love that the core is made of tourmaline metal, so it heats up and acts almost like a hot iron to lock in the style.

Why Trust Byrdie

For this story, associate commerce editor Caitlyn Martyn relied on her experience as a beauty writer and product reviewer. Caitlyn has wavy, fine hair and has tested dozens of hair dryers over the last two years working on Team Byrdie. She uses both Dyson blow dryers (Supersonic and Airwrap) interchangeably in her daily routine (yes, they’re worth the hype, just remember to clean the filters!). Caitlyn compiled her insights and those of her Team Byrdie colleagues to crown the best after collectively testing more than 120 hair dryers in total thus far.We're not stopping here either—you can count on us to continue testing hair dryers regularly to ensure our list is up to date with the best offerings on the market.

Bronwyn Barnes has over 20 years of experience reviewing beauty products. For this story, she tested the Shark HyperAir hair dryer, which she still uses several times a week to dry and style her shoulder-length fine hair. She loves the rotatable IQ styling brush attachment to smooth flyaways and frizz. Although the HyperAir is compact, Bronwyn keeps the T3 Afar travel hair dryer in her suitcase to get a quick, sleek blowout while she's on the road.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough hair dryers from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.