The 12 Best Affordable Hair Dryers For Salon-Quality Results

$39.99

The Conair Infinitipro Hair Dryer is one of the best budget-friendly hair dryers on the market, at least according to our editors and over 22,000 rave Amazon reviews. It stands out for its high-quality motor and ceramic and ionic technologies that dry hair up to 50 percent faster with less damage and frizz, but way more shine. In addition to offering strong airflow capabilities with its 1,875 watts of power, it also offers two speeds, four temperature settings, and weighs just under two pounds.

Editor testing and review notes: “This Infinitipro Conair hair dryer gives incredible volume and ensures a fast drying time, so there’s less heat exposure for your hair. Plus, it comes with a sleek concentrator that helps focus the airflow for precise drying. This is especially great for someone whose hair doesn’t need a lot of attention, just a quick dry so you don’t have to run out of the house with a wet head.”

Drying time: 5/5 rating | Design: 4.8/5 rating | Attachments: 5/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $38.99

Editor’s Choice

Laifen Negative Ionic Blow Dryer

Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Wattage: 1,400 watts
Weight: 0.9 lbs
Number of heat settings: 4
Number of speed settings: 2
Attachments: 2 concentrator nozzles, diffuser
Special features: Heat-monitoring technology, negative ionic technology, LED ring lights, low noise

$159.99 $239 33% off

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Laifen’s powerful hair dryers are must-tries, according to our testers. Though this one normally rings up at $239, its current 33 percent price drop makes it a major steal you won’t want to skip. What makes it unique? For starters, its Thermo-Control microprocessor that monitors temperatures 100 times per second, self-alternating between hot and cold airstreams to protect against heat damage. Its seriously strong airflow effectively dries thick hair types in under 10 minutes, while 200 million negative ions lock in hair moisture to bring natural shine to the forefront. It’s one of the most lightweight hair dryers we tested and is an ultra-compact tool to throw in an overnight bag or gym bag for hair styling on-the-go.

Editor testing and review notes: “When I first turned on this hair dryer, I was taken aback by its power. It created a large gust of wind that rattled the shower curtain in my bathroom — and that was on the low setting. Its strong airflow is great for super speedy hair drying, though it may be overwhelming for those who want tons of control with styling. I tend to dread drying my long hair because hair dryers can feel heavy after a while, but this one is compact, lightweight, and makes the entire experience feel less bulky and burdensome. This also may be the most quiet hair dryer I’ve ever used. I can tell its small size will be perfect for travel too. Overall, this innovative hair dryer is very efficient and adds a lot of volume to my heavy hair.”

Drying time: 5/5 rating | Design: 5/5 rating | Attachments: 4.9/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $159.99

Editor’s Choice

Shark Smoothstyle Heated Comb Straightener + Smoother

Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Wattage: 900
Weight: 1.56 lbs
Number of heat settings: 1
Number of speed settings: 3
Attachments: 1 brush head
Special features: Ceramic-coated plates

Buy Now At Amazon $79

$99.99

$99.99

Buy Now At Shark

The Shark SmoothStyle hair tool gives you the best of both worlds: This tool is both a hair dryer brush and a heated styler. With one calibrated heat setting and three airflow settings, this top affordable hair dryer evenly dries and adds volume to the hair without the risk of hot spots and damage. Its heated ceramic plates allow you to use it as a smoothing tool that tames frizz and boosts shine. Use it like a flat iron to create sleek strands, twist the wand for bouncy waves, or flip out the ends for a soft blowout.

Editor testing and review notes: “This two-in-one tool marries the styling ease of a hair dryer brush with the shiny, lustrous results you’ll get from a hair straightener. Our tester found that the drying mode worked quicker than similar hair dryer brushes, and without hair-singeing heat. The straightening comb setting is a brilliant addition to the Shark Beauty hair tool lineup, as it removes frizz and lends a polished look without making your hair fall flat.”

Drying time: 4.7/5 rating | Design: 5/5 rating | Attachments: 4.9/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $79

Hot Tools Pro Signature Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer

Editor testing review rating: 4.8/5 rating
Wattage: 1875 watts
Weight: 0.07 lbs
Number of heat settings: 3
Number of speed settings: 3
Attachments: Concentrator, diffuser, removable lint filter
Special features: Ionic and ceramic technology, infrared heat
Amazon’s Choice

$46.02

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Hot Tools offers some of the best, solon-quality hair styling tools at an affordable price point, and the gilded Pro Signature Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer is no exception. Engineered with infrared heat, along with ionic and ceramic technology, this dryer seals the cuticles for a frizz-free finish and a healthy shine. It’s also super lightweight, so it won’t bog down a travel bag or leave your arms tired after a fresh blowout.

What testers say: “I really like this hair dryer! I have used wall-mounted dryers for years and years and they kept breaking and never worked that well, so I got this one and mounted a shelf in my bathroom to put it on. I have a beard trimmer from this same brand that I really like and I was hoping their hair dryer would not disappoint and it did not. The volume of air that comes out of this dryer is much more than many others I have tried, the level of heat on high is also very hot but not too hot. Just right. Lots of adjustments for air volume and heat, plus a cool shot button. This hair dryer is also quieter than many that I have tried over the years.”

Drying time: 4.7/5 rating | Design: 4.8/5 rating | Attachments: 4.8/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $46.02

Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer

Editor testing review rating: 4.7/5 rating
Wattage: 1,875 watts
Weight: 1.98 lbs
Number of heat settings: 3
Number of speed settings: 2
Attachments: Concentrator and diffuser
Special features: Ceramic, ionic, and tourmaline technology, Micro-Conditioner technology

$19.16

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$19.99

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$19.16

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This under-$20 option from Remington is amongst the most top-rated affordable hair dryers on our list. It boasts over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon for its frizz-fighting, fast-dry capabilities that’s beloved by the range of hair types. But the real kicker is its Damage Protection technology, which employs a Micro-Conditioner infused grill that deposits healthy hydration, coupled with
ceramic, ionic, and tourmaline coating that protects cuticles from over-heating, with three times more strand protection that a typical blow dryer. Plus, it has a removable air filter for easy cleaning, and two concentrator and diffuser attachments for styling versatility.

What testers say: “I’ve been trying to revive my natural waves and this hair dryer is perfect for my needs. I use it on the coolest setting with the diffuser attachment and it dries my hair without making it frizz. The highest heat setting isn’t very hot either, so it likely wouldn’t damage your hair if you used it. As large as the device is, it’s still very lightweight, which is great because I have to blow dry my hair upside-down for volume. Great value for the price.”

Drying time: 4.6/5 rating | Design: 4.6/5 rating | Attachments: 4.8/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $19.16

Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush

Editor testing review rating: 4.85/5 rating
Wattage: 1,100 watts
Weight: 1.63 lbs
Number of heat settings: 4
Attachments: Detachable 2.4″ round brush head
Special features: Ionic and ceramic technology; lightweight ergonomic design
#1 Amazon Bestseller in Hot-Air Hair Brushes

$36.89 $69.99 47% off

Buy Now At Target $40.49

$69.99

Revlon’s One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 is one of our editors’ all-time favorite hair dryer brushes — and you can score it for just $40 right now. It’s a beloved TikTok beauty product and Amazon beauty product, and boasts well over 267,00 five-star customer ratings.

While it’s not a traditional hair dryer, it’ll give you a quick result that delivers on a thorough dry, added volume, and super simple styling. Its barrel size is small, so it’s easy to get close to the root for a smooth lift. Although this tool is cost-effective, Revlon doesn’t short you on special features: Dual bristles detangle while styling, three heat settings allow you to calibrate the temperature to your hair thickness, and it has ionic technology for extra shine.

Editor testing and review notes: “Revlon’s One-Step Volumizer hair dryer brush outperformed every other under $100 hair dryer brush on our list. You’ll get similar heat settings (four) that pricier hair dryer brushes deliver, and a similar result: It left my hair surprisingly shiny and with no frizz in sight. The only downside to the brush is its potential to damage fine hair types due to its high heat, but I found that a solid spritz of heat protectant kept my hair healthy throughout my two month testing period. Having tested the first version of this hair dryer brush, I found this newer iteration is easier to use, quieter, and brings a level of versatility that is hard to find elsewhere.”

Drying time: 4.7/5 rating | Design: 5/5 rating | Attachments: 4.7/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $36.89

Wavytalk Professional Hair Dryer

Wattage: 1,875 watts
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Number of heat settings: 3
Number of speed settings: 2
Attachments: Concentrator nozzle, diffuser, comb nozzle
Special features: ADC motor and internal aerodynamics

$31.83

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$55.39

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Wavytalk hair tools are certified viral sensations for their low prices and professional results, of which the brand’s hair dryer has earned over 57 million views and searches on TikTok. Available in a slew of stylish colorways, including metallic pink, blue, purple, and a fun multi-color design, this compact and lightweight tool packs a powerful punch with aerodynamic airflow for strong and consistent heat. Its ergonomic grip makes blow drying a breeze, while three essential and versatile attachments make it a standout hair dryer to pack for travel.

What testers say: “This thing is life changing!! For the price it is unbeatable. This dries my hair so quickly and so well. It leaves my hair so soft and shiny. I couldn’t be happier!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $31.83

Babylisspro Nano Titanium Hair Dryer

Wattage: 2,000 watts
Weight: 1.92 lbs
Number of heat settings: 3
Number of speed settings: 2
Attachements: Concentrator nozzle
Special features: Nano ion technology, long-life DC motor
Amazon’s Choice

$89.99 $94.99 5% off

$89.99

This Babylisspro blow dryer is one of the most lightweight options on our list, which makes it an amazing choice for a travel hair dryer. It may be small, but it’s definitely mighty, because its 2000-watt motor features nano ion technology. This means it not only dries hair quickly but also imparts a sleek, shiny look. It boasts two airflow speeds, three heat settings, and a cool shot function to set volume in place. Plus, it comes with a concentrator nozzle that’s handy for creating smooth blowouts on the go.

What testers say: “This is a wonderful hairdryer. It is surprisingly lightweight but packs some great punch. My daughter has thick hair and a lot of it and it cut our drying time down significantly, without needing to bump the heat up and burn her head. I like the various heat and speed options but was leery about the switches being on the handle, but have not had that issue with this one at all.I also like the extra length of the 9 foot cord so that I have room to move around without tangling myself up. Or I can dry my hair outside the hot, foggy bathroom! One concentrator attachment comes with the dryer and I have not had any issues with it falling off while in use and I use it daily. All around, it’s great little dryer at a decent price.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $89.99

Slopehill Professional Ionic Hair Dryer

Wattage: 1,800 watts
Weight: 1.85 lbs
Number of heat settings: 3
Number of speed settings: 2
Attachments: Diffuser, concentrator, and smoothing nozzle
Special features: Ion, infrared heat, bio-ceramic technology
Amazon’s Choice

$39.99 $49.99 20% off

$49.99

Glance at this dryer quickly, and you’ll see some design similarities to the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, but this Slopehill dryer is about $350 cheaper. While it doesn’t have Dyson’s propietary technology, this affordable blow dryer does have 18 centrifugal fan blades, an ionic cylinder motor that’s ultra-quiet, and a temperature protection function to prevent overheating hair. This dryer also comes with three magnetic attachments, three heat and two speed settings, and, unlike the Dyson version, a foldable handle that makes it easy to take on-the-go.

What testers say: “Save your money and buy this. It works almost identical to a Dyson. I love its stylish design, compact shape, and how lightweight it is. It’s easy to store, lighting fast, and very hot. My hair was dry in a flash and for only a fraction of the cost.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99

Bed Head Curls-in-Check Hair Diffuser Dryer

Editor testing review rating: 4.7/5 rating
Wattage: 1,875 watts
Weight: 1.55 lbs
Number of heat settings: 3
Number of speed settings: 2
Attachments: Removable diffuser
Special features: Ionic technology
Amazon’s Choice

$23.76 $34.99 32% off

$40.85

Curly girls and guys will love this Bed Head diffuser dryer that’s priced under $30 right now. Its nozzle is larger than most, which helps define natural curls and covers more surface area to reduce drying time. This curly hair dryer has ionic technology that combats frizz and adds shine, while its three heat and two speed settings allow you to customize your experience. As an added bonus, the colorful style looks cute resting on your vanity.

Editor testing and review notes: “This tool is, of course, best for those who only use a diffuser in their drying process. The pronged diffuser style makes it best for those with shorter or thinner hair types, however it worked well on my long, thick curls (if you have similar length and thickness, expect it to take a few more minutes than a deep bowl diffuser). I love that I don’t need to worry about storing or traveling with extra attachments.”

Drying time: 4.7/5 rating | Design: 4.6/5 rating | Attachments: 4.7/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $23.76

Flower Beauty Ionic Pro Hair Dryer

Editor testing review rating: 4.7/5 rating
Wattage: 2,000 watts
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Number of heat settings: 2 and a cool shot
Number of speed settings: 2
Attachments: Concentrator nozzle
Special features: Ionic technology, customizable airflow

$79.99

$79.99 $126 37% off

The Flower Beauty Ionic Pro Hair Dryer by Drew Barrymore is no doubt the cutest affordable hair dryer of the bunch. Its diamond patterned head allows the tool to sit on a vanity without rolling around, while the Barbiecore colorway adds a fun pop of playfulness. Aside from its aesthetic features, this affordable hair dryer employs airflow that’s infused with an ionic boost to tame frizz. It has two options for heat, plus a cool shot, and an airflow control dial that allows you to precisely regulate its force. It also comes with a pink concentrator nozzle for direct drying and smooth styling.

Editor testing and review notes: “I was blown away — pun intended — at how shiny this dryer left my hair. I love to use the nozzle to dry my hair straight, which usually takes a substantial amount of time since my hair is long. But with this, I can get the job done in well under 10 minutes. If you’re in the market for a new blow dryer but your budget caps at 100 dollars, this is a great option for smooth blowouts and simple drying. And can we talk about the design? It’s easily the cutest hair tool in my rotation.”

Drying time: 4.6/5 rating | Design: 4.9/5 rating | Attachments: 4.6/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $79.99

Revlon Infrared Hair Dryer

Wattage: 1,875
Weight: 2.07 lbs
Number of heat settings: 2
Number of speed settings: 2
Attachments: Concentrator and diffuser
Special features: Infrared technology, ceramic tourmaline design
Amazon’s Choice

$20.99

$26.44 $29.99 12% off