A great hair dryer can cut drying time, tame frizz and flyaways, style your hair with curls or a bouncy blowout, and even reduce heat damage. To find the best hair dryer for your specific hair type and budget, we asked CNET‘s team of tech experts to share the dryers that have stood out to them over the years. We tested these models on six different hair types — from 2A wavy to kinky coily — and evaluated drying time, attachments, special features, weight, and durability over months and even years of use.
The Best Hair Dryers of 2026 Compared
The table below compares the key specifications of our top picks. For current prices and availability, always check the official website or authorized retailers.
| Hair Dryer | Full Price | Weight | Wattage | Attachments | Special Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Ionic SpeedStyle | $230 | 1.69 lbs | 1700 | 3 | IQ SpeedStyler attachments, cooling function | All hair types, especially difficult-to-style |
| Dyson Supersonic | $520 | 1.8 lbs | 1600 | 5 | Intelligent heat control, diffuser | Curly hair |
| Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x | $750 | 0.9 lbs | 1700 | 5 | RFID attachments, 2x air pressure, intelligent heat sensors | Thick hair that needs multi-styling |
| Shark FlexStyle | $350 | 1.54 lbs | 1600 | 4 | Coanda auto-wrap curlers, cool setting | Styling (blowouts and curls) |
| Twin Turbo 2600 | $320 | 1.3 lbs | 1700 | 2 | Extra-long 9-foot cord, professional airflow | Salon-quality blowouts on thick hair |
| Shark Glam | $450 | 1.63 lbs | 1500 | 5 | Silki straightener, Glossi glosser, Coanda curlers | Frizzy, wavy, or curly hair |
| Dyson Supersonic r | $650 | 0.7 lbs | 1700 | 5 | 30% smaller, 20% lighter, smart heat control | Long or thick hair needing reduced arm fatigue |
| Dyson Supersonic Travel | $300 | 0.7 lbs | 1000-1220 | 1 | Universal voltage (100-240V), 32% smaller | Frequent travelers |
| Shark Flex Pro | $250 | 1.63 lbs | 1750 | 4 | Scalp shield, IQ styling, foldable handle | Travel, curly hair, heat damage prevention |
| Conair Ion Shine 1875 | $30 | 2.05 lbs | 1875 | 2 | Thermal and ionic technology | Budget shoppers, occasional users |
Best Hair Dryer Overall: Shark Ionic SpeedStyle
Why we like it: I love the Shark Ionic’s IQ SpeedStyler accessories and have been testing them for several months. With thick, wavy hair, I use the diffuser attachment with expandable arms to enhance curls. For straight styles, the brush roller attachment delivers a straight finish with a slight curl at the ends. The rapid gloss finisher minimizes flyaways in just a few strokes. The cooling function sets your style and minimizes heat damage, and it’s quieter than other dryers I’ve owned.
Who it’s best for: The Shark Ionic SpeedStyle works for all hair types, but particularly for those that are difficult to style. I tested it on my sister-in-law’s very kinky, coily hair. She says only a hot flat iron has been able to tame it, but we used the straightening brush attachment and a soft-softening balm with impressive results — less direct heat than a flat iron.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| 3 IQ SpeedStyler attachments for difficult-to-style hair | On the pricey side ($230 full price) compared with budget dryers |
| More affordable than Dyson hair dryers | |
| Cooling function to minimize heat damage | |
| Not as loud as other hair dryers |
Best Professional Hair Dryer: Twin Turbo 2600
Why we like it: This hair dryer means business. Whenever I want my hair to look professionally done, I grab my Twin Turbo 2600 because its power is on another level. It has the salon-quality airflow you expect from a professional dryer. No other dryer gives my hair the same movement. It‘s also incredibly durable — I’ve had mine for over 10 years, and it has survived multiple cross-country moves and falls.
Who it’s best for: This dryer is for people who want a true salon-quality blowout and have thick or dense hair that needs serious power to style smoothly. Getting the most out of this dryer requires some technique — knowing how to section your hair, using a round brush, and directing airflow properly.
Who shouldn‘t buy it: If you’re a casual user who wants a tool to simply dry your hair quickly, the Turbo 2600 might be too much dryer for your needs.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Extra-long cord at 9 feet | Requires proper blowout techniques to get the best results |
| Built to last (10+ years) | Lacks smart tech like Shark and Dyson |
| Professional-level results |
Best Hair Dryer for Styling: Shark FlexStyle
Why we like it: You can use the Shark FlexStyle for many different things. Not only can you dry your hair, but you can also use the same air technology to give yourself a blowout and curls. It has various heat settings to prevent heat damage, plus a cool setting to lock hair in. I‘ve been testing it on my 2A wavy hair for several months and love it.
Who it’s best for: The FlexStyle is for anyone who wants a hair dryer specifically for styling. It comes with four attachments, including auto-wrap curlers that curl your hair using air technology — not heat — minimizing damage. It also includes a styling concentrator for drying, a paddle brush, and an oval brush.
Who shouldn’t buy it: It’s expensive at a full price of $350, but well worth it for all the different styles it allows you to create.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Four attachments, including auto-wrap curlers | Pricey at a full price of $350 |
| Cool setting to lock hair in | |
| Two brush attachments great for blowouts |
Best Hair Dryer for Curly Hair: Dyson Supersonic
Why we like it: As someone with high-maintenance curly hair, I‘m always looking for ways to spend less time styling it. Air-drying isn’t an option, so a good diffuser is non-negotiable. My hairstylist told me to buy this dryer for years, but I ignored him until my old diffuser died. I literally can‘t imagine doing my hair without it now and have used it devotedly for 2 years. I bring it with me on every trip.
**Who it’s best for: The Dyson Supersonic comes with five attachments: a flyaway attachment, a styling concentrator, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, and a wide-tooth comb attachment. To prevent heat damage, it uses intelligent heat control that measures air temperature at least 40 times per second. I especially recommend it for curly hair types.
Who shouldn’t buy it: I hate traveling without it, but it takes up quite a bit of suitcase space. For that reason, I wouldn‘t recommend it to someone specifically looking for a travel hair dryer.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Love its diffuser attachment for curly hair | Not the best for travel because of its size |
| Comes with five attachments | Pricey at a regular price of $520 |
| Uses intelligent heat control to prevent hair damage |
Best Hair Dryer for Thick Hair: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x
Why we like it: This is the hair dryer I keep coming back to for a great blowout without heat damage. After using this tool exclusively for a few weeks, I can really feel how much stronger and healthier my hair is. The device uses controlled airflow rather than extreme heat, and its built-in sensors regulate temperature to minimize damage. Similar to the Airwrap i.d., the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x is significantly gentler than traditional dryers, but it offers better airflow and pressure.
Who it‘s best for: This tool is great for anyone who wants a multi-styler but hasn’t found one that works for thick hair without sacrificing hair health. It can dry, curl, smooth, and volumize, working great for wavy to curly hair types.
Who shouldn’t buy it: This is probably the priciest hair tool I’ve ever tested at $750. It only makes sense if you have thick hair and would use a multi-styler frequently. There’s also a learning curve with some attachments, so if you’re lower-maintenance, you might not get full value.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Intelligent heat sensors adjust temperature | Really expensive at $750 |
| Significantly more powerful than previous models | Attachments from previous models are not compatible |
| RFID chips in attachments detect and remember your preferred settings |
Best Hair Dryer for Frizzy Hair: Shark Glam
Why we like it: My hair has a wavy/curly texture and is high porosity, soaking up moisture like a sponge. That mix typically equates to frizz, so when a hair dryer can tame it, I take notice. The Shark Glam is a multi-styler that smooths my hair in a way I wasn’t expecting. I’ve tried plenty of hot hair brushes that fail to straighten my roots the way a traditional blow dryer would, but the Shark Glam delivers.
Who it’s best for: This tool is great for anyone with wavy or frizzy hair who wants a tool that can do it all — smooth, curl, and diffuse. If you like to experiment with different hair styling techniques, this is just the tool for that.
Who shouldn’t buy it: If you’re looking for a tool just to dry your hair, the extra cost for the attachments probably isn’t worth it for you.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Versatile all-in-one tool | The plug is quite large |
| Heat Sense Technology monitors temperature to prevent heat damage | Some attachments may be unnecessary depending on your hair type |
| More affordable ($450) than comparable multi-stylers |
Best Lightweight Hair Dryer: Dyson Supersonic r
Why we like it: As someone with really long, thick, dense, wavy hair, I’ve truly put this hair dryer through the trenches. What I like most is the drying time — it reduced my average drying time from 1 hour to about 40 minutes. That’s 40 minutes of carrying and lifting the dryer, so I truly appreciate how lightweight the Dyson Supersonic r is. Holding a traditional dryer over a full head of thick hair can be a workout, and this dryer helps minimize arm fatigue.
Who it’s best for: This is a dream tool for anyone with thick or long hair who dries their hair frequently and wants to cut down on drying time. I also recommend it to anyone who frequently has to dry multiple heads of hair, like salon owners or moms.
Who shouldn’t buy it: If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to justify the $650 price tag. I also don’t think it’s worth it if you don’t blow-dry your hair often enough that weight is an issue.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Lightweight (0.7 lbs) | Steep price tag of $650 |
| Smart heat control | Control placement in the back makes it easy to accidentally press while styling |
| Low noise | The shape can take some time getting used to |
Best Hair Dryer for Travel: Dyson Supersonic Travel
Why we like it: I absolutely love the look and feel of Dyson‘s new Supersonic Travel hair dryer. As a frequent traveler, this tool is a game changer thanks to its voltage-adaptive features (100-240V) and its compact, lightweight design. Every pound counts when I’m traveling, and it’s super helpful to have a reliable hair dryer, unlike some hotel models. For most of my life, I used a handy $33 Revlon Turbo, but after using the Supersonic Travel, my thick hair felt healthier and silkier.
Who it’s best for: This hair dryer is absolutely great for people who travel, those who often shower at the gym, and those coming from an older Dyson hair dryer who may not want to dish out money for newer models. It’s also perfect for someone who has never used or owned a Dyson before but always wanted to.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Voltage adaption from 100-240V | Expensive at $300 |
| Compact and lightweight at 0.7 lbs | Only available in one color |
| Works with other Dyson hair dryer attachments | No cold shot button |
| Intelligent heat control | |
| Ceramic pink/rose gold |
Another Great Travel Option: Shark Flex Pro
Why we like it: I love the Shark Flex Pro because when I want my curls to be amazing and voluminous, it cuts down the time needed to dry them. I also notice it doesn’t damage my hair as much, so when I air-dry after blow-drying, my curls are still super strong. If I want to do a blowout, a rough dry is also quick.
Who it’s best for: I’d recommend the Flex Pro to anyone looking to cut down on the time it takes to do their curly hair routine. With scalp shield and IQ styling — both of which adjust speed and heat based on the attachment or how close the dryer is to your scalp — this dryer is also great for anyone looking to avoid heat damage. At a lightweight 1.63 pounds and with a foldable handle, the Flex Pro is perfect for travel.
Who shouldn’t buy it: I got the Pro version, so normal hair dryer attachments don’t work with it, which is annoying. The cord organization can also be difficult to manage.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Cuts down on drying time | Long cord can be tough to manage |
| Scalp shield and IQ styling reduce heat damage | Doesn’t work with normal hair dryer attachments |
| Foldable handle cuts size in half | |
| 2-year limited warranty |
Best Budget Hair Dryer: Conair Ion Shine 1875
Why we like it: My 2C hair is very long, very wavy, and very difficult to tame. Conair‘s Ion Shine 1875 has been my trusted hair dryer for seven years, and its reliability is unmatched. I’m not a needy person who needs an eight-part kit — I just need something that works and works well. Conair is that for me. It’s not anything fancy, but I love it.
Who it’s best for: This dryer is great for anyone who doesn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars and wants to learn how to do a blowout themselves with a round brush. It’s the most powerful dryer on this list at 1,875 watts. It also comes with two attachments: a diffuser and a concentrator.
Who shouldn’t buy it: The newer versions of the Conair Ion Shine 1875 aren‘t as powerful, but they still work fine.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Affordable at under $30 | Newer models aren’t as powerful |
| Comes with 2 attachments | |
| Simple and easy to use |
What To Consider When Shopping For A Hair Dryer
Wattage: Higher wattage means more power, which can correlate to higher heat intensity and faster drying times. The lowest wattage here is the Shark Glam at 1,500 watts; the highest is the Conair at 1,875 watts.
Attachments: For blowouts at home, look for a brush or concentrator attachment. For curly hair, a diffuser is necessary. For curling straight hair, curlers that come with the Shark Glam or FlexStyle are handy.
Weight and Size: If your hair takes longer to dry, you may not want to hold a heavy, bulky dryer for that long. The lightest is the Dyson Supersonic r at 0.7 pounds; the heaviest is the Conair at 2.05 pounds. For travel, the Shark Flex Pro folds to half its size, and the Dyson Supersonic Travel is 32% smaller.
Special Features: Some dryers have a “scalp protect” feature that reduces temperature and airflow when close to the scalp. Others adjust heat and airflow based on the attachment being used (called “attachment learning” or “IQ styling”). Ionic dryers release negative ions that reduce frizz.
Heat and Speed Settings: Most dryers offer 3-4 heat and 2-3 speed settings. If you have damaged hair, consider a dryer with a lower heat setting.
Other Hair Dryers We’ve Tested
Drybar Buttercup: “I had the $199 Drybar Buttercup for over 10 years with the curly hair diffuser, and I did love it,” says Alexandra Able. “But now, compared to the Shark, it’s very heavy and took a long time.”
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer: Wellness Editor Anna Gragert has been testing this dryer for over a year. While it does its job, it didn‘t stand out enough to make this list, especially at its $115 full price.
Andis 80750: Former News Editor Gael Cooper and her teenage daughter loved this dryer for its affordability and handfeel, but it was recently discontinued. The Andis 80280 Fold-N-Go dryer is still available and has similar features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best hair dryer for thick, frizzy hair?
For thick hair, we recommend the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x. It uses controlled airflow and built-in sensors to minimize heat damage and reduce frizz, and its various attachments are great for styling thick hair.
What is the best hair dryer for curly hair?
For curly hair, we recommend the Dyson Supersonic, which has an amazing diffuser attachment and cuts down on the time it takes to go through a curly hair routine.
What is the best hair dryer for damaged hair?
The best hair dryer for damaged hair is one that uses heat sensors to regulate temperature for different attachments and based on how close the dryer is to your scalp — like the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x or Shark Flex Pro. If you use attachments like curlers, consider a dryer that uses air technology instead of heat, like the Shark FlexStyle.
