(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 control
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.
- Expensive
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 complaints
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.
Source: Good Housekeeping (via AOL) - 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.
- You want to choose your temperature
- Very curly or coarse hair that needs more than 365°F
- You're on a budget
- 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)
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.