ConsFirst / Hair straighteners
Hair straighteners: the downsides, first
In expert tests, budget flat irons often hold their own against $200+ models. Here are the most popular straighteners in the US, with owner complaints about heat, frizz and reliability up front.
8 models compared17 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 hair straighteners, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Remington
$Flat ironScore 4.0/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's top pick: in price-hidden testing, panelists preferred this roughly $30 iron over models costing hundreds more. The plastic body feels cheap, and the heat lock is confusing.
Top complaints
- Feels cheapMentioned often
Wirecutter testers say the plastic housing 'feels a bit rinky-dink'. One said that although it is light, it feels cheap in the hand.
- Confusing heat lock, clamp can pinchMentioned often
To lock the temperature you hold minus for two seconds, and to unlock it you hold plus. None of Wirecutter's testers found this intuitive. Some panelists also found the clamp pinched their palms until they had more practice.
- Frizz control not for everyoneMentioned often
In Amazon's review summary, frizz control is the most mixed topic: 76 of 328 owners who mention it are negative. Mentions of effectiveness are mostly positive (1,050 positive, 177 negative).
What owners love
- Straightens curls in a few passes
A Wirecutter tester with thick 3C curls said it took only a few passes at 425°F to make each section completely straight, while another iron at 450°F needed more passes for a less satiny result.
- Pricier features at a budget price
It has nine heat settings (300-450°F), a large backlit display, an on/off chime, a 9-foot swivel cord, auto-off and dual voltage (Wirecutter).
- Fast heating, lasting results
Amazon owners praise its heating speed (981 positive mentions vs 114 negative). They say it halves straightening time and keeps hair straight for days, shiny and without damage.
Skip it if…- You want a tool that feels solid and premium
- You change settings mid-style (the lock is fiddly)
Good for- Sleek results on a tight budget
- Curly and coily hair (goes up to 450°F)
- Edges and the nape (narrow 1-inch plates)
Scores (tap for why)
- Straightening results4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter panelists overwhelmingly preferred it, and it straightened 3C curls in a few passes. Amazon owners say hair stays straight for days. - Hair-friendly heat3.5
Why 3.5?
Range starts at 300°F, so fine hair can use lower heat. Amazon owners say it leaves hair shiny without damage. There is no expert damage test. - Heat-up & temperature control4.5
Why 4.5?
Nine settings with a clear backlit readout and a ready chime (Wirecutter). Heating speed is a top Amazon praise (981 positive vs 114 negative). - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Light, nimble and intuitive per Wirecutter, but the heat lock confused every tester, and the clamp pinched some palms. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
The housing feels cheap (Wirecutter), but the 1-2 star share is a low 5% across about 30,000 ratings.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-09-02; 19 irons tested, 21 testers with hair types 1C-4B). It won price-hidden testing, and its only flaws are the cheap-feeling body and the awkward heat lock.
#2
Bio Ionic
$$$Flat ironScore 4.3/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (350 ratings). A second listing (B0G4S8SFTS) shows the same 350-rating pool.Wirecutter's upgrade pick: comfortable to hold, with tapered plates that straighten precisely in fewer passes. Testers weren't sure the extras justify paying about $200 more than the Remington.
Top complaints
- Expensive for what it addsVery common
Once testers learned the price, many weren't sure the contoured handle and vibration mode justified spending $200 more than the Remington (Wirecutter). Value for money is the most negative Amazon topic (13 of 23 mentions negative).
- Matte finish gets grimyMentioned often
The matte casing got 'schmutzy' after repeated use with heat protectants and products, and it picked up greasy fingerprints (Wirecutter).
- Vibration mode is puzzling at firstOccasional
Panel testers were initially confused by the vibration option. Without the instructions printed above the buttons, it 'would be an utter mystery' (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- Precise, tapered plates
The 1 x 4.5-inch plates taper like fingertips, so they reach roots and small sections. A quarter-inch buffer keeps fingers away from the hot plate (Wirecutter).
- Fewer passes, no snagging
Several testers got a satisfying finish in far fewer passes than most rivals, including the GHD Chronos. Vibration mode helped it glide without snagging (Wirecutter).
- Owners like it on fine hair
Amazon owners praise fast heating, the temperature settings and vibration. They say it is great on fine hair and stays smooth for hours without frizz.
Skip it if…- You're on a budget (the Remington tested nearly as well)
- You want a finish that stays clean-looking
Good for- Precise work at roots and hairlines
- Fewer passes over each section
- Comfort during long sessions
Scores (tap for why)
- Straightening results4.5
Why 4.5?
It took far fewer passes than most rivals for a satisfying finish (Wirecutter), and owners report smooth, frizz-free hair for hours. - Hair-friendly heat4.0
Why 4.0?
The lowest start (280°F) of the picks, fewer passes and no snagging (Wirecutter). Amazon hair-condition mentions are mostly positive (13 of 15). - Heat-up & temperature control4.0
Why 4.0?
10 settings from 280 to 450°F (Wirecutter). Amazon owners praise fast heating (14 of 15 mentions positive). - Ease of use4.5
Why 4.5?
Thin barrel and contoured handle 'feels great in the hand', and the casing stays cooler than rivals. The vibration mode needs the printed instructions (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick (updated 2026-09-02): the most comfortable and precise iron tested, with 10 settings from 280 to 450°F, auto-off and dual voltage. Its weak points are price and a finish that smudges.
#3
Hot Tools
$$Flat ironScore 3.9/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The 8,869-rating pool is shared with the 1¼-inch version (B07KSQZ4MR).Reviewed's best overall flat iron: the fastest heat-up it measured, fine temperature control and a ready chime, at about $70. Some Amazon owners report it dying within months.
Top complaints
- Some units fail earlyMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners' irons are still going strong, while others broke within two months. Durability is its most negative topic (66 negative vs 50 positive mentions).
- Heating complaints from a minorityOccasional
Heating speed is mostly praised, but 121 of 660 Amazon mentions are negative.
- Value questioned by someOccasional
56 of 375 Amazon value-for-money mentions are negative. Reviewed found no cons.
What owners love
- Fastest heat-up, fine control
Reviewed measured about 14 seconds to heat, with a quick reheat. It runs 205-455°F in 10° steps on a wheel with a digital screen, and chimes when ready.
- Smooth on curly hair
Reviewed says it smoothed curly hair with no tugging or grittiness. The rounded edges also curl. It comes with a glove and a 9-foot cord.
- Owners call it their best
Amazon owners call it the best flat iron they've owned, praising its performance (981 positive vs 77 negative mentions), smooth glide and professional-looking results.
Skip it if…- You want proven long-term reliability
- You want the lowest price
Good for- Fast heat-up (about 14 s)
- Curly hair that needs smoothing without tugging
- Straightening plus curling
Scores (tap for why)
- Straightening results4.0
Why 4.0?
Reviewed smoothed curly hair with no tugging. Amazon owners praise professional-looking results. - Hair-friendly heat3.5
Why 3.5?
It goes as low as 205°F in 10° steps, and there was no tugging (Reviewed). There is no damage test. - Heat-up & temperature control4.5
Why 4.5?
About 14 s heat-up, the fastest Reviewed timed, plus 10° steps, a digital readout and a chime. Amazon heating feedback is mostly positive (539 vs 121). - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Clear wheel and screen, a ready chime and a 9-foot cord (Reviewed). Amazon ease-of-use mentions are mostly positive (135 vs 20). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Reviewed lists 'durable', and the 1-2 star share is a low 4%, but Amazon durability mentions lean negative (some failures within two months).
What experts say
- Reviewed: Best overall (updated 2024-12-02): chimes when ready, durable, wide temperature range, and 'none that we could find' for cons.
#4
CHI
$$Flat ironScore 4.1/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Good Housekeeping's top performer in almost every category, with a wide 200-450°F range and a very long cord. It has no ready chime, and Wirecutter preferred a $30 Remington. Make sure you buy the digital PRO version.
Top complaints
- No ready chimeMentioned often
The display shows the temperature rising, but there is no sound when it is ready. Reviewed lists this as a con, and Good Housekeeping's pros wished for an audible tone.
- Pricey; lost to a budget ironMentioned often
Reviewed lists 'Expensive' as a con. Wirecutter's panel liked how it glided, but it was edged out by the about $30 Remington.
- Lookalike fixed-heat versionMentioned often
The CHI Lava 1-inch listing on Amazon (B07L37WXVC) has an on/off switch and no temperature settings. In its review summary, owners flag the lack of heat control (73 of 83 mentions negative) and some say it doesn't get hot enough.
What owners love
- Top lab and panel results
Good Housekeeping says it ranked best in almost every category, and testers saw noticeable shine in one pass. It reached 96% of its maximum temperature in 60 seconds.
- Wide, fine-grained heat range
200-450°F in 10° steps, about 39 s to heat, smooth 4-inch plates and an 11-foot cord, the longest Reviewed tested. Reviewed names it best for thin hair.
- Glides, handles coils
Wirecutter's panel liked how quickly it glided. One tester said it was hot enough to straighten super coily hair.
Skip it if…- You want an audible 'ready' signal
- You want the best value (Wirecutter preferred the Remington)
Good for- Fine or thin hair that needs low heat
- Shine in one pass
- Bathrooms where the outlet is far away (11-ft cord)
Scores (tap for why)
- Straightening results4.5
Why 4.5?
Best in almost all of GH's categories, with shine in one pass. Wirecutter found it straightened super coily hair. - Hair-friendly heat4.0
Why 4.0?
It goes down to 200°F in 10° steps, and Reviewed names it best for thin hair. There is no damage test. - Heat-up & temperature control4.0
Why 4.0?
About 39 s heat-up (Reviewed) and 96% of max in 60 s (GH), with fine 10° steps. There is no ready chime. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
It glides easily (Wirecutter) and has an 11-foot cord (Reviewed), but no audible ready signal. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Reviewed lists 'durable' as a pro. No owner failure data was found for the PRO version.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping (via AOL): Top pick (2023-09-19, from 90+ irons tested over time): best in almost every category. The only wish was an audible ready tone.
- Reviewed: Best for thin hair (updated 2024-12-02): durable, wide heat range, smooth plates. The cons are no chime and price, and it was listed as unavailable at the time.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Finalist, not a pick: it glides fast and handles coily hair, but the Remington edged it out.
#5
BaBylissPRO
$$Flat ironScore 3.5/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A second Prima listing (B01LOUU2WA) has 1,243 ratings and a 10% 1-2 star share. The 5,478-rating listing used here may pool variants.Wirecutter's multitasking pick: it gets very hot (465°F) for one-pass straightening of thick curls, and it waves hair too. But the metal body gets hot, it is big for short hair, and Amazon owners report units failing at around 6 months.
Top complaints
- Body gets hotMentioned often
The plates run to the edges and the stainless steel casing gets 'pretty darn hot' (Wirecutter). A few testers found it too hot to handle confidently without the included glove. Some Amazon owners mention burn risk.
- Bulky, few heat steps, easy-to-bump lockMentioned often
It is 13 inches long and 14 oz, and testers with short hair found it cumbersome. It has only five settings, with a big jump from 410°F to 465°F. The lock sits where index fingers land, so testers engaged it by accident. There is no auto-off.
- Some units fail; heat feedback mixedMentioned often
Amazon's summary says several owners report it breaking after about 6 months (durability: 58 negative vs 23 positive mentions). Heating feedback is mixed, with some saying it doesn't get hot enough. Value for money is split.
What owners love
- One-pass straightening on curls
Testers with 3B-and-up curls could straighten sections in one pass thanks to the 465°F top setting. One called it 'crazy-powerful but effective' (Wirecutter).
- Doubles as a curling iron
Its near-cylindrical shape and beveled edge-to-edge plates make waves and curtain bangs easy, though the technique takes practice (Wirecutter). Amazon owners also like it for both straightening and curling.
- Sturdy, glides through hair
Wirecutter says everything about it feels sturdy, with a thick cloth-wrapped 9-foot cord. Amazon owners praise how it glides and leaves hair silky straight.
Skip it if…- You have chin-length or shorter hair
- You want fine temperature steps
- You have fine or fragile hair
Good for- Thick, curly or coily hair that needs high heat
- Straightening and waving with one tool
- Long hair
Scores (tap for why)
- Straightening results4.5
Why 4.5?
Satiny-smooth results and one-pass straightening on 3B+ curls (Wirecutter). Amazon owners say it leaves hair silky straight. - Hair-friendly heat3.0
Why 3.0?
Its top setting (465°F) is above the about 420°F experts suggest, and the lowest is 300°F with big steps. The fast one-pass work does limit how many passes hair gets. - Heat-up & temperature control3.5
Why 3.5?
It gets very hot, but has only five settings, and testers wanted a step between 410°F and 465°F. Amazon heating feedback is mixed (50 positive vs 70 negative). - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
Long-haired testers loved its glide, but it is heavy (14 oz), awkward on short hair and hot to the touch, and the lock is easy to bump (Wirecutter). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter found it sturdy and substantial, but Amazon owners report failures at around 6 months. The 1-2 star share is 8%.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Pick for straightening plus curling (updated 2026-09-02). Its 465°F top setting is hotter than experts generally suggest (they cap it at about 420°F), but testers with tight curls valued it. It may be too big for short hair.
#6
ghd
$$$Flat ironScore 3.6/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,432 ratings). A second Platinum+ listing (B07FJ8RR9J, 1,668 ratings) shows 15%.The long-time benchmark: light and fast, with shiny, smooth results. But you can't change its single 365°F temperature, it costs about $279, and Amazon owners report switch failures and breakdowns.
Top complaints
- No temperature controlVery common
It runs at one fixed temperature, 365°F (185°C). Good Housekeeping says all its testers wished it were adjustable and noted there is no temperature display. Woman & Home and Expert Reviews flag the same.
- ExpensiveVery common
Woman & Home lists the $279 price as a con. Expert Reviews says the price puts it out of reach for many. On Amazon, value-for-money mentions lean negative (41 of 73).
- Reliability complaintsMentioned often
Amazon's summary mentions on/off switches that stop working and units breaking after 6 months. Some owners also say it doesn't get hot enough (heat distribution: 15 of 26 mentions negative).
What owners love
- Fast, shiny results
Expert Reviews straightened its hair in about 2 minutes, versus just under 4 with the ghd Original, and found it shinier and less brittle. Good Housekeeping testers said hair felt smooth and shiny.
- Quick, even heat
Good Housekeeping's lab found it reached 99% of its claimed temperature in 30 seconds and held a steady, even heat.
- Light, and curls too
TechRadar weighed it at 302 g, much lighter than the Dyson Corrale, and calls it the benchmark it would pick every time. Woman & Home and Amazon owners say it curls and waves as well as it straightens.
Skip it if…- You want to choose your temperature
- Very curly or coarse hair that needs more than 365°F
- You're on a budget
Good for- Fast, shiny straightening on fine to medium hair
- Straightening and curling with one tool
- People who don't want to fiddle with settings
Scores (tap for why)
- Straightening results4.0
Why 4.0?
Fast, shiny straightening (Expert Reviews, GH, Woman & Home). But it had below-average straightness after 24 hours of humidity (GH), and curls fall out quickly (Woman & Home). - Hair-friendly heat4.0
Why 4.0?
It is held at a moderate 365°F that never goes higher (GH), and Expert Reviews found hair less brittle. It can't go lower for fragile hair. - Heat-up & temperature control3.0
Why 3.0?
It reached 99% of its temperature in 30 seconds with even heat (GH), but it has no temperature control or display. Some Amazon owners say it isn't hot enough. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Light (302 g per TechRadar), with nothing to set and an auto-off after 30 minutes idle (Expert Reviews). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
3-year warranty (Woman & Home), and Expert Reviews says ghd products last. But Amazon owners report switch failures and breakdowns at around 6 months, and the 1-2 star share is 14%.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping (via AOL): A pick (2023-09-19): even 365°F heat and smooth, shiny hair, but no adjustable temperature, and below-average straightness after 24 hours of humidity.
- Expert Reviews: Best Buy award (updated 2024-03-26): the smartest, sleekest ghd it has used. Expensive, but ghd products 'go the distance'.
- Woman & Home: Worth it if you can accept the price and give up control of the temperature (2023-01-31). Curls fall out quickly, and the warranty is 3 years.
#7
MiroPure
$Straightening brushScore 3.4/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A best-selling heated brush that owners find much easier and faster than a flat iron. But it won't get everyone's hair truly straight, and testers measured less heat than advertised.
Top complaints
- Not straight enough for someVery common
Amazon's summary says some owners' hair comes out very straight while others don't get the result they wanted (hair straightness: 189 of 563 mentions negative). Yourbestdigs' tester with coarse, wavy hair found it didn't straighten ends as well as rivals.
- Cooler than advertised, smells at maxMentioned often
It is advertised at 300-450°F, but Yourbestdigs measured 376°F at the ready signal and a peak of 395°F. On the highest setting it smelled 'like a hot glue gun'.
- Heavy; may be too hot for fragile hairMentioned often
Yourbestdigs testers found it heavier than comfortable, and they warn that the lowest setting may still be too hot for very fine or damaged hair.
What owners love
- Easy and fast
Ease of use is overwhelmingly positive on Amazon (2,003 vs 94 mentions). Owners say it is much easier than a flat iron and takes half the time.
- Most consistent brush in a test
Yourbestdigs' top pick: it gave the most consistent results across five testers' curl types and the shiniest hair.
- Safety features
It has an anti-scald design, temperature lock, 60-minute auto-off, swivel cord and heat-resistant glove (Yourbestdigs).
Skip it if…- You want pin-straight, sleek results
- Coarse hair with stubborn ends
- Very fine or damaged hair (the lowest setting may still be hot)
Good for- Quick, easy smoothing
- Beginners who find flat irons awkward
- Keeping some natural volume
Scores (tap for why)
- Straightening results3.0
Why 3.0?
Consistent and shiny in Yourbestdigs' test, but coarse ends stayed wavy, and a third of Amazon hair-straightness mentions are negative. - Hair-friendly heat3.0
Why 3.0?
It has an anti-scald design and measured below its advertised heat, but testers warn the lowest setting may be too hot for fragile hair, and the top setting smells burnt. - Heat-up & temperature control3.0
Why 3.0?
About 1:10 to heat and 16 settings, but measured temperatures fell short of the claims (Yourbestdigs). Amazon heating-speed mentions are mostly positive (822 vs 202). - Ease of use4.5
Why 4.5?
Owners find it much easier than a flat iron (Amazon), and it has recessed buttons and a slim handle (Yourbestdigs), though testers found it heavy.
What experts say
- Yourbestdigs: Top pick among 8 brushes tested by 5 testers (byline 'Updated January 27, 2023'): the most consistent and shiniest results, but heavy, and it ran below its advertised temperatures.
- Scripps News (10News): Shopping article (about 2022), not a test: heats quickly and evenly, with adjustable heat and auto-off. It says negative reviews mostly involve hair texture or length it didn't suit.
#8
Dyson
$$$Cordless flat ironScore 3.4/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A cordless iron with flexing plates. Reviewers found it fast and kind to hair, but it is about twice the weight of a regular iron, and testers disagree on snagging. At $400-500, most reviewers say it isn't worth it.
Top complaints
- Heavy and bulkyVery common
TechRadar weighed it at 561 g cordless, versus 302 g for the ghd Platinum+, and curling hurt the tester's wrists. Tech Advisor measured 568 g. Good Housekeeping, Reviewed and Wirecutter all call it heavy or bulky, and Wirecutter says it was cumbersome on shorter hair.
- Very expensiveVery common
Tech Advisor says it costs about twice as much as rivals without 'jaw-droppingly' different results. TechRadar says that at this price it can't forgive the flaws, and Reviewed lists price as a con.
- Snagging, extra passes, creaky feelMentioned often
Good Housekeeping found it pulled and snagged hair more than other irons. Reviewed needed multiple passes and dropped strands with its short 3.5-inch plates. TechRadar heard clicks and creaks, found the plastic cheap-feeling and the flight-safe clip fragile.
What owners love
- Truly cordless
Dyson claims about 30 minutes per charge. TechRadar regularly got close to 40, while Tech Advisor got 'comfortably over 20'. It charges on a magnetic stand and can also run corded.
- Fast styling, healthy-looking hair
TechRadar's straightening time fell from about 5 minutes with the ghd Platinum+ to 2. It worked on the lowest setting with fewer snapped ends, and kept volume. Wirecutter got smooth, glossy, straight hair.
- Steady heat, useful extras
Good Housekeeping's lab found it held a steady plate temperature for 15 minutes, with an outer surface that stays cool. Wirecutter liked the charging stand and travel lock.
Skip it if…- Your wrists tire easily (about 560 g)
- You have short hair
- You're on any kind of budget
Good for- Cordless styling and travel
- Keeping volume while smoothing
- Fine to medium hair
Scores (tap for why)
- Straightening results3.5
Why 3.5?
TechRadar and Wirecutter got smooth, glossy hair. Tech Advisor says it is no better than a good ceramic iron, Reviewed needed multiple passes, and GH saw poor hold in humidity. - Hair-friendly heat3.5
Why 3.5?
TechRadar styled on the lowest setting (165°C/330°F) and saw fewer snapped ends. It calls Dyson's '50% less damage' claim hard to quantify. GH found it snagged and pulled more than others. - Heat-up & temperature control4.0
Why 4.0?
Three settings (330/365/410°F) on an OLED screen. It reached 95% of its temperature in 60 seconds and held steady for 15 minutes (GH). TechRadar wishes it remembered the last setting. - Ease of use2.5
Why 2.5?
The cordless freedom is a real plus, but every reviewer flags the weight or bulk. Reviewed and TechRadar found it uncomfortable to hold or twist. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Tech Advisor calls the build high quality and Reviewed lists 'durable'. TechRadar found it creaky and cheap-feeling with a fragile clip. No owner failure data (not found on Amazon US).
What experts say
- TechRadar: It performs like no other styler TechRadar has used, but it is heavy, unattractive and too expensive. TechRadar would choose the ghd Platinum+ every time.
- Tech Advisor: Well made and effective (2021-10-14), but about twice the price of rivals. The results are not noticeably better than a good ceramic iron, and battery life is short.
- Good Housekeeping (via AOL): A pick for cordless use (2023), but heavy and bulky, it snagged more than other irons, and hair struggled to stay straight in humidity.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: smooth, glossy results and useful extras, but too bulky to store and use, especially on shorter hair.