ConsFirst / Multi-stylers & Airwrap alternatives
Multi-stylers & Airwrap alternatives: the downsides, first
Air-styled curls that drop sooner than iron curls and a learning curve come up for the Dyson and its rivals alike, and owners of several cheaper rivals report stylers that stop working within months. Here are the most popular multi-stylers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared17 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 multi-stylers & airwrap alternatives, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Dyson
$$$Auto-wrap multi-stylerScore 4.4/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Testers agree it makes the best and longest-lasting air curls, thanks to an automatic curl switch and barrels that curl both ways. But it costs about twice as much as a Shark FlexStyle, and some testers got near-identical blowouts from the cheaper tool.
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
List price is $599.99-$649.99. CNN Underscored says the upgrades have plateaued since the i.d. while prices keep rising. The Guardian and Wirecutter found the Shark FlexStyle gave near-identical blowouts for about half the price.
- Learning curve and fussy app setupMentioned often
Good Housekeeping lists a learning curve as its main con. The Guardian found it harder to start with: the manual comes through the app, and once the Bluetooth would not connect.
- Air curls still drop sooner than iron curlsMentioned often
TechRadar says curls made with air don't last as long as curls from hot tongs, and results vary by hair type.
What owners love
- Effortless, longer-lasting curls
The i.d. curl switch runs a timed wrap, curl and cool-shot sequence. TechRadar found curls lasted far longer than with rival stylers. CNN found Dyson's barrels had the strongest grip, and its curls outlasted other multi-stylers.
- One barrel curls both ways
A twist of the barrel's knob switches curl direction. TechRadar and The Guardian say rivals make you swap left and right barrels instead.
- Lower heat, quieter, well-placed controls
Good Housekeeping's lab measured the original Airwrap's round brush at about 158°F, versus 350°F+ for most irons. The Guardian found the i.d. about 7 dB quieter and about 1 oz lighter than the FlexStyle, with sliding buttons that are easy to reach.
Skip it if…- You mostly do straight blowouts (cheaper tools match it)
- You don't want an app and Bluetooth setup
- You're on a budget
Good for- Curling your hair often
- Easy both-direction curls on one barrel
- Lower heat than curling irons
Scores (tap for why)
- Curls & waves5.0
Why 5.0?
The best and longest-lasting air curls in TechRadar's and CNN's tests, thanks to the automatic curl sequence and a both-way barrel. - Drying speed4.0
Why 4.0?
TechRadar: more powerful than other multi-stylers, though slower than a dedicated Dyson dryer. The Guardian: same 7 minutes as the FlexStyle on fine hair. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Sliding buttons are well placed and the curl switch removes the guesswork (TechRadar, The Guardian). However, the app setup and learning curve slow you down at first (The Guardian, Good Housekeeping). - Heat & hair care4.5
Why 4.5?
Good Housekeeping measured about 158°F (original Airwrap, round brush), and some newer attachments run cooler. The Guardian found it didn't make hair nearly as hot as a curling iron. - Durability4.5
Why 4.5?
TechRadar lists excellent build quality. Good Housekeeping staffers' original Airwraps are still going after 5+ years. Wirecutter lists a 2-year warranty (Airwrap generally). No owner failure data was checked.
What experts say
- TechRadar: Calls it the best hair styler on the market (first reviewed March 2025), with design rated 5/5 and performance 4.5/5. The drawbacks are price and curls that don't last as long as tong curls.
- The Guardian: A close call against the FlexStyle (2026-03-24). It wins on curling, convenience and attachments, but the Shark gave identical results for nearly half the price.
- CNN Underscored: Tested the newer Co-anda2x ($750): the clear winner on performance alone, but not its pick because of the price (Sep 2026).
#2
Shark
$$$Auto-wrap multi-stylerScore 3.8/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (108 ratings). The Amazon listing is titled 'FlexStyle Next-Gen IonCurl 5-in-1 (HD840)'. I assume it is the model CNN tested, but CNN does not give a model number.Shark's 2026 FlexStyle, CNN Underscored's top multi-styler. Its curlers grip thick hair much better than the original's. It is new, with little owner feedback, has no storage case, and its frizz attachment disappointed testers.
Top complaints
- No storage caseMentioned often
CNN Underscored notes it comes without a pouch or case; Shark sells one for $60.
- FrizzFighter attachment underwhelmsMentioned often
One CNN tester saw no difference from the FrizzFighter, and the other said it made her wiry flyaways more noticeable.
- New, with little owner feedbackOccasional
The Amazon listing had only 108 ratings, and 12% were 1-2 stars. Amazon showed no review summary yet.
What owners love
- Stronger curlers than the original
CNN says the new Coandaboost barrels wrapped long, thick hair much more easily than the original FlexStyle. Its curly-haired tester got fluffy, Farrah Fawcett-style curls.
- Scalp Shield heat mode
CNN found the automatic temperature mode kept the scalp comfortable during rough-drying.
- Powerful, versatile oval brush
CNN rated it one of the most powerful and versatile tools tested. The oval brush smoothed frizz while adding volume.
Skip it if…- You want a proven track record
- You need a storage case included
- You're happy with the cheaper original FlexStyle
Good for- Thick or hard-to-curl hair
- Mixed hair types in one household
- Protecting your scalp while rough-drying (Scalp Shield mode)
Scores (tap for why)
- Curls & waves4.0
Why 4.0?
CNN: wraps thick hair much more easily than the original FlexStyle and nearly matched Dyson's curlers. - Drying speed4.0
Why 4.0?
CNN cites its powerful dryer as a reason it won. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Universally useful across both testers' hair types (CNN), but one tester struggled to wrap her hair on Shark's barrels, and there's no case for the parts. - Heat & hair care4.0
Why 4.0?
The Scalp Shield mode adjusts temperature automatically and kept the scalp comfortable (CNN). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Too new to judge: there is only a 12% 1-2 star share on a small Amazon sample and no durability reports.
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Best multi-styler of 7 tested (Sep 2026). It narrowly beat the T3 Aire 360 on dryer power, smarter heat settings and attachment variety.
#3
T3
$$$Auto-wrap multi-stylerScore 3.7/5
19%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (106 ratings). The same rating pool appears on several color ASINs (e.g., B0H75S7C7M, B0H38MJJTK). Sold on Amazon under the 'T3 Micro' brand.TechRadar's and Cosmopolitan's favorite Airwrap dupe: its ceramic barrels make glossy curls that last into the next day, and it is dual voltage for travel. It takes practice, the oval brush is bulky, and it suits short hair poorly.
Top complaints
- Takes practice; bulky oval brushMentioned often
TechRadar says it takes a lot of patience to master and found the oversized oval brush bulky and awkward.
- Not for short hairMentioned often
TechRadar says people with short hair will find very limited appeal. The NY Post says the brush heads are large and not great for very short hair or tight coils without prep.
- Weak cool shot, pricey, may not lastMentioned often
Good Housekeeping found the ceramic barrel held heat, so the cool shot barely cooled the curl. Cosmopolitan's editor says regular users will probably replace it every three years. Some Amazon owners find it pricey, and the diffuser is sold separately (TechRadar).
What owners love
- Best curls of any dupe
TechRadar says it produced the best curls of any Airwrap dupe it tested, holding well into the next day. CNN says the ceramic barrels added shine and locked in curls. Amazon owners say curls last up to two days.
- Fast, smooth blowouts
TechRadar's tester dried her hair in just over three minutes with the concentrator. CNN's curly-haired tester got a smooth blowout with volume from the oval brush.
- Travel-friendly
Auto dual voltage and a travel pouch (CNN, Cosmopolitan). The NY Post calls it the best for travel and lightweight.
Skip it if…- You have short hair
- You want a diffuser in the box
- You want something you can master quickly
Good for- Long-lasting curls without a Dyson
- International travel (dual voltage)
- Long hair (extra-long barrels)
Scores (tap for why)
- Curls & waves4.5
Why 4.5?
Best curls of any dupe TechRadar tested, lasting into the next day. CNN and Amazon owners agree curls hold well. - Drying speed4.0
Why 4.0?
Just over three minutes with the concentrator (TechRadar). Amazon drying-performance mentions are mostly positive. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Cosmopolitan and the NY Post found it intuitive, but TechRadar says it takes a lot of patience and the oval brush is awkward. - Heat & hair care3.5
Why 3.5?
Ceramic barrels heat up to 237°F (NY Post) and hold heat, so the cool shot is weak (Good Housekeeping). T3 cites a third-party study claiming zero heat damage (claim reported by Good Housekeeping). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
One Cosmopolitan editor expects to replace it about every three years. The 19% 1-2 star share is on a small Amazon sample.
What experts say
- TechRadar: Best Airwrap dupe overall (updated 2026-10-02; review April 2026). It has the best curls, but takes practice and isn't for short hair.
- Cosmopolitan: Best Dyson dupe overall (updated 2026-10-06): intuitive, with an editor using it for three years.
- CNN Underscored: Runner-up, neck and neck with the Shark IonCurl and on par with Dyson. Best if you travel.
- Good Housekeeping: Best for long hair: barrels about an inch longer than most, but the cool shot is not very effective.
#4
Shark
$$Auto-wrap multi-stylerScore 3.5/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)6,766 ratings on the HD430 listing. Other FlexStyle bundles have separate listings (e.g., HD440BK with 2,220 ratings, and HD457CR with 570 ratings and 8%).The most-recommended Airwrap alternative: it doubles as a real hair dryer and gives near-Dyson results for about half the price. But curls can drop, the buttons are awkward, and many Amazon owners say it stopped working within months.
Top complaints
- Stops working after monthsVery common
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with many owners reporting it stops working after 6 months (about 231 of 281 durability mentions are negative).
- Curls don't always holdVery common
TechRadar found styles could lack staying power. Amazon curl-retention mentions lean negative (about 141 of 244). CNN found the original FlexStyle's curlers weaker than Dyson's.
- Awkward buttons, barrel swapping, louderMentioned often
Wirecutter says its buttons are largely out of reach, and you must swap left and right barrels to change curl direction. The Guardian found it about 7 dB louder than the Airwrap i.d. Good Housekeeping and the NY Post note a higher-pitched, harsher sound.
What owners love
- A real hair dryer too
Wirecutter found it nearly as fast and hot as many of the best traditional dryers when bent into dryer position. Good Housekeeping's lab says it dried hair samples in almost record time.
- Near-Dyson results for less
Wirecutter testers found it almost impossible to tell which side of a head was styled with which tool. The Guardian got identical results for nearly half the price.
- Wide range of attachments
TechRadar calls it the most versatile dupe, with an excellent paddle brush. Good Housekeeping likes the diffuser and wide-tooth comb options for curly and coily hair.
Skip it if…- You need curls that last all day
- You want proven long-term reliability
- A high-pitched motor bothers you
Good for- Getting Airwrap-style results for about half the price
- Replacing your hair dryer too (twists to 90°)
- Households with different hair types (many add-on attachments)
Scores (tap for why)
- Curls & waves3.5
Why 3.5?
Barrels work like an Airwrap (TechRadar, Wirecutter), but styles can lack staying power, and Amazon curl-retention feedback leans negative. The Guardian found the Airwrap better for curling. - Drying speed4.5
Why 4.5?
Nearly as fast as top dryers (Wirecutter) and almost record time in Good Housekeeping's lab. Amazon drying-time mentions are mostly positive (267 of 309). - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Clear manual and a twist-to-dryer design (The Guardian, TechRadar), but buttons are hard to reach and you must swap barrels to change curl direction (Wirecutter, The Guardian). - Heat & hair care3.5
Why 3.5?
High setting is 203°F per maker (Wirecutter), and it didn't heat hair like an iron (The Guardian). Good Housekeeping testers found it can get hotter than the Dyson, and the FrizzFighter felt too hot to one tester. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
TechRadar calls it well built and Wirecutter lists a 2-year warranty, but Amazon durability mentions are overwhelmingly negative (failures around 6 months), with a 14% 1-2 star share.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best-buy multipurpose styling tool (2023): a superior value to the Airwrap. The Airwrap has better buttons and easier curling.
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall dupe of 19 tested (updated 2026-09-29): fast drying and versatile. It is a little loud, heavier than the Dyson, and can get hotter.
- TechRadar: Most versatile dupe (updated 2026-10-02). Its review notes styles can lack staying power and the cord is a little short.
- NY Post (Post Wanted): Best overall (updated 2026-07-07): comparable versatility to the Airwrap for about half the price, but louder.
#5
BaBylissPRO
$$Auto-wrap multi-stylerScore 3.3/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (122 ratings). The listing is titled 'Style/Switch 5-in-1 Hair Dryer & Styler | Attachment Collection', and a second listing (B0GSNX1NLM) has 54 ratings. Amazon showed no review summary.CNN Underscored's best-value multi-styler: about $100 less than Shark's newest, with versions for straight or curly hair, a case and dual voltage. But it's less powerful, and its big-barrel curls fell flat by day's end.
Top complaints
- Curls fall flat by end of dayMentioned often
CNN found the 1.5-inch barrels made looser curls that fell flat by the end of the day on both testers.
- Less powerfulMentioned often
CNN says it wasn't as powerful or fancy as other tools tested.
- Top-heavy diffuserOccasional
CNN's curly-haired tester liked the diffuser best of any tested, but found it a bit top-heavy.
What owners love
- Kits for straight or curly hair
Sold as straight/wavy and curly/coily versions, which CNN otherwise saw only with the Dyson. The curly kit adds a diffuser, smoothing comb and sectioning clips.
- Easy-to-use long barrels
CNN found the long barrels easy to wrap with, unlike the Shark and Wavytalk stylers. Both testers liked the 1.75-inch round brush for a classic blowout.
- Extras and dual voltage
Includes a storage case, comb and clips, and works on dual voltage for travel (CNN).
Skip it if…- You want curls that last all day
- You want maximum drying power
Good for- Classic round-brush blowouts
- Curly hair (separate curly/coily kit with diffuser)
- International travel (dual voltage)
Scores (tap for why)
- Curls & waves3.0
Why 3.0?
Curlers worked on both hair types, but the loose curls fell flat by day's end (CNN). - Drying speed3.0
Why 3.0?
CNN: not as powerful as the other tools tested. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Curlers are as easy as other auto-wrap tools, and the long barrels wrap long hair more easily (CNN). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Little evidence: a 14% 1-2 star share on a small Amazon sample and no durability reports.
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Best value multi-styler (Sep 2026), at about $250. It is less powerful, and its curls lost points for longevity.
#6
Wavytalk
$Hot-air brushScore 3.0/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)2,158 ratings. Wavytalk also sells 4-in-1 Air Sculpt sets on separate listings.A cheap, popular set of interchangeable blow-dry brushes that CNN Underscored loved for easy blowouts. But it has no auto-wrap curlers, its concentrator and diffuser didn't help, and Amazon owners report weak heat and early breakdowns.
Top complaints
- Breaks earlyVery common
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern: about 63 of 78 durability mentions are negative, with some owners saying it broke within 15 days.
- Not hot or strong enough for someMentioned often
Amazon heat-level mentions lean negative (38 of 68), and airflow feedback is mixed, with some owners saying it isn't as strong as expected. CNN found the concentrator and diffuser not particularly effective for drying.
- Brushes only, no curlersMentioned often
CNN notes all the styling attachments are blow-dryer brushes, which limits the styles you can make.
What owners love
- Great value blowouts
CNN loved this budget option for blowouts: the 2.4-inch oval brush made quick blowouts and the 1.5-inch round brush added volume. Amazon owners rate it good value.
- Smooth, shiny, less frizz
Amazon owners say it helps straighten hair, cuts drying time compared with a regular dryer, and leaves hair smooth and shiny with less frizz.
- Several brushes, one base
Owners like the multiple attachments on a single base. CNN liked the included storage bag.
Skip it if…- You want Airwrap-style curls
- You have very thick hair that needs strong heat
- You want a tool that lasts
Good for- Blowouts and volume on a tight budget
- Trying a multi-brush kit before spending more
- Smooth, less frizzy finishes
Scores (tap for why)
- Curls & waves2.0
Why 2.0?
No auto-wrap barrels. Its brushes add volume and bend but limit the styles you can make (CNN). - Drying speed3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners say it cuts drying time, but airflow feedback is mixed. CNN found the concentrator and diffuser ineffective for drying. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Brushes on one base make quick blowouts (CNN), and owners like the easy attachment system. - Heat & hair care3.5
Why 3.5?
Owners report less frizz and a smooth, shiny finish, though many say it doesn't get hot enough. There is no expert heat data. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability mentions are overwhelmingly negative on Amazon (some broke within 15 days), though the 1-2 star share is a moderate 13%.
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Not a pick, but 'we loved this budget-friendly option' for blowouts (Sep 2026). Brushes only, and the concentrator and diffuser were weak.
#7
ELLA BELLA
$$Auto-wrap multi-stylerScore 3.2/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A budget auto-wrap kit that two magazines recommend, with three brushes, two curling barrels and a well-organized case for about $149. But its ceramic-coated metal barrels may run hotter than Dyson's plastic ones, and Good Housekeeping notes reports of defective units.
Top complaints
- Some defective unitsMentioned often
Good Housekeeping notes that a few Amazon reviewers received defective tools.
- Barrels may get hotterMentioned often
Good Housekeeping's analyst says the ceramic-coated metal barrels may hold more heat than Dyson's plastic barrels.
- Attachments hard to pull off mid-styleOccasional
Cosmopolitan's editor couldn't easily remove attachments while styling, so she couldn't use the round brush as a hot roller the way she does with the Airwrap.
What owners love
- Lots of attachments for the price
Good Housekeeping says it is good value for its six attachments, including three styling brushes and auto-wrap barrels that use the Coanda effect.
- Small round brush for bangs and fine hair
Cosmopolitan's fine-haired editor says the smaller of two round brushes styles bangs and adds root volume without tugging.
- Well-designed case
Good Housekeeping loves the case's molded cups and straps for every piece. Cosmopolitan also notes it includes a case.
Skip it if…- You want proven quality control
- You're very heat-sensitive (metal barrels hold heat)
- You like swapping attachments mid-style
Good for- Getting the Airwrap kit idea on a budget
- Bangs and short or fine hair (small round brush)
- Tidy storage (fitted case)
Scores (tap for why)
- Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
The fitted case makes packing up easy (Good Housekeeping), but attachments are hard to remove mid-style (Cosmopolitan). - Heat & hair care3.0
Why 3.0?
Ceramic-coated metal barrels may retain more heat than plastic ones (Good Housekeeping). Cosmopolitan found the brushes gentle and tug-free. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Good Housekeeping notes a few Amazon reviewers got defective tools. No other durability data was found.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best multi-tasker (updated 2026-09-29): good value with a great case. Barrels may get hotter, and there are some defect reports.
- Cosmopolitan: Best Airwrap dupe on Amazon (updated 2026-10-06), especially for bangs and fine, short hair.
#8
Dreame
$$$Auto-wrap multi-stylerScore 2.6/5
17%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (578 ratings). The Amazon title says 'snap-on attachments' while the reviewers describe twist-on ones, so the current unit may have been revised.A gorgeous, light Airwrap look-alike that is often heavily discounted. But two reviewers found it too cool to dry thicker hair, its curls dropped fast, and its attachments came loose mid-style.
Top complaints
- Too cool to dry hair wellVery common
Its highest setting is 176°F. TechRadar's tester gave up drying collarbone-length hair and switched to a regular dryer. Tom's Guide says thicker or longer hair will find the drying time frustrating.
- Attachments come loose; curls dropVery common
Both reviewers say the twist-on attachments come loose. TechRadar's round brush fell off more than once, and its curls dropped especially quickly. Tom's Guide found the curlers unintuitive.
- Some units die earlyMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls reliability mixed: some owners say it stopped working after one minute or died after a month.
What owners love
- Premium look, light and comfortable
Both reviewers praise the stylish, expensive-looking design and comfortable, light body. Amazon owners like its appearance.
- Gentle heat for fine hair
Tom's Guide says the gentle heat suits fine or heat-damaged hair, and TechRadar says the same for very fine hair. Amazon owners praise frizz control and quick drying.
- Well-placed controls
TechRadar found the buttons easy to find and hard to press by accident, with a spring-loaded cool shot.
Skip it if…- You have thick or long hair
- You want curls that last
- You want attachments that lock in
Good for- Fine or heat-damaged hair
- A stylish gift
- Light weight (about 0.6 lb styler)
Scores (tap for why)
- Curls & waves2.0
Why 2.0?
TechRadar: curls dropped especially quickly. Tom's Guide: curlers tricky to master and not long-lasting. - Drying speed1.5
Why 1.5?
Too cool to dry anything but very fine hair (TechRadar), and drying takes a long time on thick hair (Tom's Guide). Amazon owners are more positive. - Ease of use2.5
Why 2.5?
Comfortable, with good controls, but attachments loosen mid-style and the curlers aren't intuitive (TechRadar, Tom's Guide). Amazon ease-of-use mentions are positive. - Heat & hair care4.5
Why 4.5?
The lowest heat here (122°F / 176°F vs the Airwrap's 140°F / 194°F per TechRadar). Both reviewers call it gentle for fine or damaged hair. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon reliability mentions are split almost evenly (39 positive vs 37 negative), with reports of units dying within a month. The 1-2 star share is 17%.
What experts say
- TechRadar: 'All style, no substance' (July 2025): performance 2.5/5. It is hard to recommend over the similarly priced Shark FlexStyle.
- Tom's Guide: Beautiful, but the low temperatures stop it from being a true Dyson or Shark rival. It could suit fine or straight hair.