ConsFirst / Hair dryers
Hair dryers: the downsides, first
Expert tests only tell part of the story with hair dryers, so we weigh owner complaints too. Here are the most popular hair dryers and hot-air brushes in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared13 sources readUpdated October 2026
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
All 8 hair dryers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Rusk
$$Hair dryerScore 4.1/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's top pick: a 1-pound dryer that dries about as fast as dryers costing hundreds more. It has no diffuser, and some owners say the switches are easy to bump.
Top complaints
- No diffuser includedMentioned often
Wirecutter's only listed flaw: it ships with just a concentrator nozzle, so curly-haired users have to buy a diffuser separately.
- Switches easy to hit by accidentMentioned often
Wirecutter calls the switches hard to press by accident. Several readers in its comments disagree: they say the cool-shot or low/off/high switch sits right where they grip and they keep shutting it off. One also says the concentrator falls off with a bump.
- Mixed durability, can run too hotMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls durability mixed: some owners say it lasts many years, while others say it broke after 8 months. Heat feedback is also mixed, with some finding it too hot.
What owners love
- Fast, hot and light
Wirecutter measured 1 pound, 55 mph and over 245°F. It says it dries hair in about the same time as dryers costing hundreds of dollars.
- Cuts drying time, salon-like results
Amazon owners say it cuts drying time in half and gives salon-quality results. They also praise its quiet operation and frizz control.
- Long cord, wide cool-shot button
Wirecutter likes the 8-foot cord and the wide cool-shot button, which is comfortable to hold down.
Skip it if…- You diffuse curls and want a diffuser in the box
- You grip the dryer high on the handle
- You want a long warranty
Good for- Fast drying without paying Dyson prices
- Anyone whose arm tires holding a dryer
- Outlets far from the mirror (8-foot cord)
Scores (tap for why)
- Drying speed4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter: dries as fast as dryers costing hundreds more (55 mph). Amazon owners say it halves drying time. - Smooth results4.0
Why 4.0?
Amazon owners praise salon-quality results and frizz control. Wirecutter testers found the concentrator helpful for straightening. - Weight & comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
1 pound with an ergonomic handle (Wirecutter). Some readers say the switch placement causes accidental presses. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
Quiet operation is a praised point in Amazon's review summary. There is no expert measurement. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon durability feedback is mixed (some last many years, some failed at 8 months), and the warranty is 1 year (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick out of 42 dryers (updated 2026-10-02): one of the lightest, fastest and hottest it tried. The flaw is the missing diffuser; the warranty is 1 year.
#2
BaBylissPRO
$$Hair dryerScore 3.7/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The same 8,096-rating pool appears on at least two ASINs (B091KB6H1F and B0CZY5DRMW), so the listing may combine variants or bundles.Reviewed's best overall dryer, light and good for sleek blowouts. But Wirecutter says its whine was the worst of any dryer it tested, and some owners say it died within a year.
Top complaints
- Whining soundMentioned often
Wirecutter says it produced a whining sound worse than any competitor's in its testing.
- Some units stop working within a yearMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls reliability and durability mixed. Some owners say it is built to last, while others say it stopped working after a year or broke within 8 months.
- Value questioned by someOccasional
Amazon's review summary calls value for money mixed: some owners find it worth the price, while others don't.
What owners love
- Sleek blowout
Reviewed's best overall pick: it gave a sleek blowout, aced the airflow test, dried roots in about 3 minutes and went from wet to styled in about 20 minutes.
- Light and comfortable
Reviewed weighed it at 0.9 lb and found it comfortable to hold. Amazon owners praise the light design and strong power.
- Frizz control
Amazon owners mention its effectiveness at reducing frizz.
Skip it if…- High-pitched noise bothers you
- You want proven multi-year reliability
Good for- Sleek, straight blowouts
- A light, comfortable dryer
- Mid-range budgets
Scores (tap for why)
- Drying speed4.0
Why 4.0?
Reviewed: roots dry in about 3 minutes, about 20 minutes wet to styled, and it aced the airflow test. Drying speed is a top Amazon mention. - Smooth results4.5
Why 4.5?
Sleekest blowout in Reviewed's test; Amazon owners praise frizz control. - Weight & comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
0.9 lb and comfortable per Reviewed; Amazon owners like the light design. - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
Wirecutter: the worst whine of any dryer it tested. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon reliability is mixed (some failures at 8-12 months), though the 1-2 star share is a low 7%.
What experts say
- Reviewed: Best overall (updated 2025-08-08): a sleek blowout and comfortable to hold, with no cons found.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: its whine was worse than any competitor's.
#3
Dyson
$$$Hair dryerScore 4.1/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
The most pleasant dryer to use per Wirecutter, with very fast drying and among the lowest measured noise. But it costs several times more than dryers that dry just as fast, and its buttons and weight balance are divisive.
Top complaints
- Very expensive for the resultsVery common
Wirecutter says it doesn't dry faster than its $95 Rusk pick and costs hundreds more. Reviewed says cheaper dryers can give similar or better results.
- Awkward buttons and weight balanceMentioned often
Wirecutter found the speed and heat buttons on the back of the head and the cool-shot button at the top of the handle hard to reach, and one tester found the heavy cord tiring. Reviewed found the motor-in-handle design made it feel unbalanced and heavy.
- High-pitched motorMentioned often
Wirecutter says that despite being comparatively quiet, the motor has a high pitch some testers disliked. TechRadar rates it 'not as quiet as you'd hope'.
What owners love
- Fastest in head-to-head tests
TechRadar timed 3 min 26 s on damp shoulder-length hair, and about 4.5 minutes on thick hair that took the Laifen Swift about 7. Wirecutter measured 88 mph airflow.
- Smooth, shiny finish
TechRadar's flyaway attachment eliminated flyaways, and one Wirecutter tester thought it made her hair shinier.
- No vibration, cool magnetic attachments
Wirecutter says it doesn't vibrate at all. The magnetic attachments don't get burning hot, and the 9-foot cord is long.
Skip it if…- You're on a budget (cheaper dryers dry as fast)
- You change settings often (awkward buttons)
- High-pitched motor tones bother you
Good for- A premium, low-vibration experience
- Switching attachments mid-dry (they stay cool)
- Long hair that tangles in rear filters
Scores (tap for why)
- Drying speed4.5
Why 4.5?
Fastest in TechRadar's head-to-heads (3:26; 4.5 min vs Laifen's ~7). Wirecutter says it is no faster than the Rusk, and Reviewed took 30 min with a round brush. - Smooth results4.0
Why 4.0?
TechRadar got silky results with no flyaways using the attachment, but Reviewed got a poofy finish. - Weight & comfort3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter testers found it balanced and easy to grip (1.8 lb listed), but the cord felt heavy. Reviewed found it unbalanced and heavy. - Quietness4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter calls it 'blissfully quiet' with a high pitch. It was the lowest TechRadar reading among these dryers (74 dB). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
2-year limited warranty (Wirecutter); the Rusk has 1 year and the Conair 4. No owner failure data was checked (not sold new on Amazon US).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick: a pleasure to use and very quiet, but no faster than the Rusk W8less, with hard-to-reach buttons and a high pitch.
- Reviewed: Lost to the Shark HyperAIR: it took about 30 minutes with a round brush, left a poofy finish and felt unbalanced.
- NBC Select: Best overall (updated 2025-12-26), for limiting heat damage, reducing frizz and drying fast; the only con listed is price. This is a roundup, not a lab test.
#4
Laifen
$$Hair dryerScore 4.0/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A very light, Dyson-style high-speed dryer for less than half the price that reviewers found fast and low-frizz. It has no cool-shot button and a short cord, and it was louder than Laifen claims.
Top complaints
- No cool shot, no hanging loopMentioned often
TechRadar notes it has no separate cool-shot button and no hook for hanging.
- Short cordMentioned often
The cord is about 1.8 m (5.9 ft). TechRadar says that may limit professional use, and Tech Advisor lists the cord length as a con.
- Not as quiet as claimed; few speeds and attachmentsMentioned often
Laifen claims 59 dB, but TechRadar measured 79 dB at 6 inches on the fastest setting. Tech Advisor lists only two airflow speeds, and the base model has one attachment (the Swift Special has three).
What owners love
- Very light
About 0.89 lb (407 g) without the cable per TechRadar. Tech Advisor says it is noticeably lighter than a Dyson.
- Fast with minimal frizz
TechRadar dried thick, medium-length hair in just under 7 minutes with minimal frizz. Tech Advisor dried below-shoulder hair in 7-8 minutes, versus its usual 10-12.
- Dyson-like design for less
Tech Advisor says it delivers Dyson Supersonic-style results for much less. TechRadar praises the cool handle, magnetic attachments and magnetic filter cover.
Skip it if…- You rely on a cool-shot button
- Your outlet is far from the mirror
- You want a whisper-quiet dryer
Good for- Light weight and travel
- A Dyson-style dryer for less
- Low-frizz drying
Scores (tap for why)
- Drying speed4.0
Why 4.0?
About 7 minutes on thick hair vs 4.5 for the Dyson (TechRadar); 7-8 minutes on below-shoulder hair (Tech Advisor). - Smooth results4.0
Why 4.0?
TechRadar found frizz kept to a minimum; Tech Advisor calls the results Dyson-style. - Weight & comfort5.0
Why 5.0?
0.89 lb, with a handle that stays cool and little arm strain (TechRadar). - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
79 dB in TechRadar's test (louder than the Dyson's 74 dB), though TechRadar says the sound is less grating than many dryers.
What experts say
- TechRadar: A great Dyson Supersonic alternative at a fraction of the price (updated Feb 2024). It is slower than the Dyson, has no cool shot, has a short cord, and measured 79 dB.
- Tech Advisor: Five stars, 'a terrific hair dryer for the price'. The cons are the cord length, the case sold separately and only two speeds (2022 review).
#5
Shark
$$Hot-air brushScore 3.8/5
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (557 ratings). This listing is the Lychee color (HT302PK); other colors may have separate listings.Wirecutter's favorite of 16 blow-dry brushes: it dries and smooths in one pass, fast. But it is new and costs about three times a Revlon, and Amazon owners report units quitting within weeks.
Top complaints
- Stops working or breaks earlyVery common
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with reports of it breaking after a month of use and stopping unexpectedly.
- Not fully sleek on thick curlsMentioned often
Wirecutter says people with thick curly or coily hair will still need a flat iron for silky results.
- Pricey, with a learning curveMentioned often
Wirecutter notes it costs about $180, roughly triple some other brushes. Amazon owners are split on value, and some report a learning curve.
What owners love
- Fast wet-to-dry
Wirecutter testers went from showered to ready in under 10 minutes (chin-length hair) and in 6 minutes (long hair). Amazon owners say about 10 minutes.
- Smooth, shiny, no snagging
Wirecutter found the mixed bristles gave ideal tension without snagging ends, with no burning-hair smell. Amazon owners praise smoothness, shine and frizz reduction.
- Dry-hair styling mode
Wirecutter testers loved the separate dry mode for refreshing days-old blowouts.
Skip it if…- You want sleek results on thick curls or coils with no flat iron
- You want a proven track record
- You're on a tight budget
Good for- Smooth blowouts without a round brush
- Refreshing day-old styles (dry mode)
- Long hair or bobs
Scores (tap for why)
- Drying speed4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter: dried faster than most brushes, in 6-10 minutes. Amazon: about 10 minutes. - Smooth results4.0
Why 4.0?
Smooth and shiny per Wirecutter and Amazon owners, but thick curls or coils still need a flat iron. - Weight & comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
1.63 lb but one of the most maneuverable brushes Wirecutter tested. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon flags durability and reliability problems (breaking after a month, stopping unexpectedly). The 1-2 star share is 18%, the highest here. Shark offers a 2-year warranty (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best blow-dry brush of 16 tested: it dries and smooths together and is very maneuverable. The flaws are that thick curls still need a flat iron and the price; 2-year warranty.
#6
Shark
$$$Hair dryerScore 3.5/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,457 ratings). A separate Shark HyperAIR listing (B0B2M2VB5R, with the IQ Styling Concentrator) also exists and was not checked.Tests show it drying about as fast as a Dyson for roughly half the price. But it is heavier, can leave hair puffy, and Amazon owners report units failing early.
Top complaints
- Early failuresVery common
Amazon's review summary says reliability is concerning: some owners say it stops working after a minute, and several say it broke after about 30 days.
- Strong airflow can leave hair puffyMentioned often
Reviewed found the airflow intense enough to whip hair around, leaving hair semi-straight but poofy.
- Heavier, bulky attachments, whiny motorMentioned often
Wirecutter says it is heavier and has a shorter cord than the Dyson. TechRadar found the attachments bulky and the filter hard to clean because it doesn't come off. Some Amazon owners complain about a whining motor.
What owners love
- Nearly Dyson speed
TechRadar timed 3 min 56 s on damp shoulder-length hair, versus 3 min 26 s for the Dyson. Wirecutter testers found it just as fast and hot as the Dyson.
- Good for curls
Amazon owners say it dries and styles in 10-12 minutes and keeps curls more intact.
- About half the Dyson's price
Reviewed picked it over the Dyson because it includes a concentrator and brush and costs about half as much, with similar results.
Skip it if…- You want proven reliability
- Fine hair that frizzes in strong airflow
- A whiny motor bothers you
Good for- A Dyson-like dryer for less
- Curly hair (diffuser bundles)
- Fast drying of long hair
Scores (tap for why)
- Drying speed4.5
Why 4.5?
TechRadar: 3:56 vs the Dyson's 3:26. Wirecutter: just as fast as the Dyson. Reviewed: about 20 minutes on medium. - Smooth results3.5
Why 3.5?
TechRadar got silky, shiny hair, but Reviewed got puffy results. - Weight & comfort3.5
Why 3.5?
Reviewed found it comfortable and better balanced than the Dyson; Wirecutter says it is heavier than the Dyson. - Quietness3.5
Why 3.5?
TechRadar measured 76 dB (Dyson 74 dB); Amazon noise feedback is mixed, with some complaints of motor whine. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon calls reliability concerning (some units broke after about 30 days), and the 1-2 star share is 13%, the second-highest of this group.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: just as fast and hot as the Dyson for about half the price or less, but heavier with a shorter cord.
- TechRadar: Evenly matched with the Dyson: about 30 s slower, smooth and shiny results, 76 dB vs the Dyson's 74 dB (2022 comparison).
- Reviewed: Beat the Dyson head-to-head on value; comfortable to hold, but the strong airstream left puffy results (2025-03-26).
#7
Conair
$Hair dryerScore 3.2/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A cheap, very popular dryer that Wirecutter found nearly as fast as pricey models. But it is on the heavy side, and Reviewed found it louder with poofy results.
Top complaints
- Heavy for long sessionsVery common
Wirecutter says the 1.3 pounds is noticeable after several minutes overhead. Reviewed also found it heavier. Amazon owners are split on weight.
- LoudMentioned often
Reviewed found it louder than other dryers. Amazon owners disagree on noise, and some say it sounds like a jet engine.
- Poofy or frizzy finish for someMentioned often
Reviewed found the low speed too weak and the high speed too strong, which left hair poofy. Amazon feedback on frizz control and heat is mixed.
What owners love
- Fast for the price
Wirecutter measured 65 mph airflow (faster than its top pick) at about 205°F. One tester dried coily, shoulder-length hair in about 10 minutes.
- Attachments in the box
Includes a diffuser and concentrator and fits universal attachments (Wirecutter). The cool shot works almost immediately.
- Owners like the speed and feel
Amazon owners say it cuts drying time in half, has plenty of power, and looks and feels expensive.
Skip it if…- You want the lightest dryer
- Noise bothers you
- You want a sleek, frizz-free blowout without extra work
Good for- Tight budgets
- Curly or coily hair (diffuser and concentrator included)
- A long warranty
Scores (tap for why)
- Drying speed3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter measured fast 65 mph airflow and about 10 minutes on coily hair. Reviewed found its airflow weak. - Smooth results3.0
Why 3.0?
Reviewed got poofy results, and Amazon frizz-control feedback is mixed. - Weight & comfort3.0
Why 3.0?
1.3 lb, the heaviest of Wirecutter's dryer picks, though the handle is easy to grip. Reviewed called it heavier. - Quietness2.5
Why 2.5?
Reviewed found it louder, and Amazon noise feedback is mixed ('jet engine'). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
4-year warranty (Wirecutter) and a low 5% share of 1-2 star ratings on Amazon.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: just as fast and almost as hot as pricier dryers, with a 4-year warranty. The flaws are its 1.3 lb weight and a 6-foot cord.
- Reviewed: Not a pick (Quick Styling Salon model): heavier and louder, with weak airflow that left hair poofy (updated 2025-08-08).
#8
Revlon
$Hot-air brushScore 2.8/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing pools about 352,800 ratings across color variants (e.g., Pink Fizz B0GY27KQRV shows the same count).Amazon's mega-seller, and owners love its easy, voluminous blowouts. But Wirecutter testers found it loud and very hot without drying hair well, and the big barrel is awkward on short hair.
Top complaints
- Gets very hotVery common
Amazon owners note it gets very hot during use. Wirecutter says it started smoking as soon as it touched one tester's wet hair.
- Loud, struggles to fully dry, leaves frizzMentioned often
Wirecutter testers found it especially loud and said it got hair very hot but not very dry, leaving frizz and flyaways.
- Barrel too bulky for short hairMentioned often
Wirecutter found the 2.8-inch barrel too bulky for chin-length hair or shorter. Revlon's own listing pitches it for mid-length to long hair.
What owners love
- Very easy to use
Ease of use is the top Amazon mention (about 9.8K), with owners saying it is as simple as brushing their hair. NBC Select calls it easy to use.
- Smooth, shiny, voluminous blowouts
Amazon owners say it gives salon-quality, silky, shiny results. NBC Select credits it with adding volume.
- Good value
NBC Select's best affordable blow-dryer brush. Amazon owners find it worth the money.
Skip it if…- You have chin-length or shorter hair
- Your hair is damaged or heat-sensitive
- Noise bothers you
Good for- Volume on mid-length to long hair
- Low-cost one-tool blowouts
- Beginners (as easy as brushing)
Scores (tap for why)
- Drying speed3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners say it halves drying time, but Wirecutter found it struggled to dry hair. - Smooth results3.5
Why 3.5?
Owners report smooth, shiny, voluminous results; Wirecutter saw frizz and flyaways. - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
Wirecutter: especially loud.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: especially loud, and it got hair very hot but not very dry. The barrel is too bulky for short hair.
- NBC Select: Best affordable blow-dryer brush: good value, adds volume, easy to use, with no cons listed (roundup, not lab-tested).