3 best curling irons for a bombshell look on any budget, based on our testing

Whichever way you curl or twirl it, your hair gives serious props to the heat tools that help produce Victoria’s Secret model-like bounce.

I’ve been curling my hair since middle school, back when I thought crunchy spiral curls and glitter gel were the height of sophistication. Since then, I’ve rotated through every tool imaginable — hair straighteners that double as curlers, wand curling iron experiments, even those early contraptions that claimed to be foolproof but mostly just singed my bangs.

Now that I test beauty products for a living, I’ve turned this lifelong obsession into a full-blown mission: finding the best curling iron for every hair type, length, and skill level.

Over the years, curling tools have evolved from simple hot sticks to high-tech devices that practically style your hair for you. If you’ve ever dreamed of letting an automatic curling iron do the heavy lifting, or if the futuristic twirl of a rotating curling iron intrigues you, trust me — I’ve tried them all. Some feel like magic, others like medieval torture devices, but each one brings something unique to the table in the quest for perfect curls.

Of course, not all hair is created equal, and anyone with a bob or lob knows the struggle of finding a curling iron for short hair that doesn’t leave dents or droopy ends. Meanwhile, my long-haired friends swear by a long barrel curling iron for creating those big, cascading waves that look effortless but definitely aren’t. Choosing between different curling iron sizes can feel like its own beauty science, and I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit testing which barrel does what.

Then there are the specialty tools — some brilliant, some bonkers. A curling iron brush can deliver bouncy, polished volume if you know what you’re doing, and a cordless curling iron feels like freedom if you’re forever tangling yourself in cords (guilty). Jet-setters will appreciate a dual voltage curling iron, because nothing kills a vacation vibe like frying your favorite tool on a foreign outlet.

And because great curls don’t just happen, I’ll also walk you through how to curl hair with a curling iron without the frustration or the frizz. Whether you’re a clamp purist, a wand devotee, or a curious beginner, this review will help you find the tool that fits your routine, your hair and your curl personality. Let’s dive into the hits, the misses, and the unexpectedly fabulous tools that earned their place in my rotation.

Check out the FAQ section for more on how to use curling irons to their fullest potential.

The first thing that really drew me to the T3 Switch Kit Classic Trio is how downright versatile it is. With its clever Twist & Switch design, I can swap between three different clip barrels — a 1-inch, a 1.25-inch and a 1.5-inch — in just seconds.

The TightTwist locking mechanism holds the barrel securely and even doubles as a stand, which is so handy when styling. On top of that, the Rapid HeatIQ technology ensures consistent heat with nine settings to tailor the temperature just right for my hair type. And thanks to the ion generator and ceramic CeraGloss barrels, I get shiny, frizz-reduced results that feel smooth and polished.

Now, about how I use it on my naturally wavy, curly hair: this tool is kind of a dream. On those days when I just want a little lift and definition, I reach for the 1-inch clip barrel. It’s perfect for creating classic curls or textured waves — not overdone, just enough structure to give my natural waves a little boost. Because my hair is already wavy, I don’t need huge spirals; the 1-inch barrel helps me define pieces while letting the rest of my curl pattern shine through so that my everyday look feels effortless but refined.

When I’m in the mood for a more polished, blowout-like vibe, I swap to one of the larger barrels. The 1.25-inch clip gives me soft, lived-in waves that feel romantic and relaxed, while the 1.5-inch barrel delivers big, bold volume that makes my curls look like they were styled by a pro. I’ll usually section my hair, clamp in a 1-to-2-inch piece, roll toward the scalp, hold until the heat sinks in, then release; sometimes gently tugging before it cools for looser waves. Because of the even heat distribution, the curls set nicely without over-stressing my hair.

Namely, I love how the Switch Kit doesn’t feel like just a “curling iron”; it’s like having three tools in one. Its lightweight, ergonomic base means I don’t feel like I’m lifting a tank when I style, and the cool tip gives me control, especially when maneuvering around my face. The silicone footer protects my countertop, and the 360-degree swivel cord keeps things super smooth. Best of all, the one-hour auto-off gives me peace of mind (I’ve walked away without worrying if I left it on). All in all, this curling iron feels like it was built for someone like me: effortlessly switching up my style while embracing my natural texture.

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The Conair Double Ceramic 1-inch Curling Iron is one of those tools that surprises you the moment you pick it up: lightweight, simple and somehow already promising good-hair-day energy.

Its double-layered ceramic barrel glides so smoothly through strands that even on my most chaotic mornings, when I’m juggling coffee, a podcast, and mild existential dread, it never snags or pulls. It heats evenly and stays consistent, which means my curls actually match each other instead of looking like unrelated plot points in a bad sitcom. For a budget tool, it behaves like it has no idea it’s a budget tool, and honestly, I respect that kind of confidence.

What makes it the best affordable curling iron, though, is how reliably it performs without any fuss. You don’t need fancy digital screens or seventeen mysterious buttons; I simply turn the dial, wait a hot second (ha!) and I’m good to go. The ceramic helps reduce frizz so I can pretend I’m naturally polished, even on days I absolutely am not. And because it’s so inexpensive, you feel like you’re getting away with something—like the beauty-tool equivalent of finding a perfect vintage jacket for ten bucks.

When I use it, I clip a small section of hair, wrap it around the barrel and let it sit just long enough for that moment of “please cooperate” prayer. Then pop! — out comes a soft, bouncy curl that makes me feel like I planned my look instead of winging it. I can do loose waves, tighter spirals or that effortless bend. It never gets too heavy in my hand, so I can curl the back of my head without needing to stretch like I’m warming up for the Olympics.

By the time I’m done, my hair looks styled but still like me, only with the volume turned up a little. That’s why this iron wins the “best budget” title in my book; it’s dependable, friendly and refreshingly uncomplicated. It’s the curling iron that shows up, does its job beautifully and never asks for much in return. If it came with a tiny cape, I wouldn’t be surprised.

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When you first unbox the Dyson Airwrap, it feels like you’ve just treated yourself to a piece of beauty tech sent straight from the future. It’s sleek, lightweight and the attachments snap on with this deeply satisfying magnetic “click” that makes you feel instantly more put-together.

But the real magic hits when you realize it styles using air instead of blistering heat, pulling each strand toward the barrel like it’s flirting with your hair. No clamp marks, no sizzling, no burnt-hair nostalgia at all. The result? smooth, glossy curls.

This device is more than just a curling wand; it’s a 6-in-1 multitasker. You can dry, curl, wave, smooth, volumize and even tame flyaways depending on which attachment you click on. Why is this my go-to indulgent tool? Because every time I use it, I feel like I’m doing something simultaneously glamorous and smart. After a shower, when my hair is damp (not sopping wet, but still with some moisture), I grab the pre-styling dryer attachment to take it just to that perfect “air-wrappable” level. Then I section my hair, let the Airwrap pull a strand in with that gentle jet of air, and hold it there for a few seconds while the smart sensor keeps the heat in check.

A quick “cold shot” of air seals in the curl — like a little chilly high-five from the universe — and I repeat, all around my head. By the time I’m done, my curls feel bouncy, soft, and not at all stressed from heat.

Honestly, this feels like the kind of splurge you justify once you try it — and then can’t believe you lived without. It’s not just about curling; it’s about treating your hair with respect, giving it volume and shine without overcooking it. Every morning, when I pick up the Airwrap, I feel a little spark of joy at styling being fun instead of a chore. It’s quirky, powerful and smart, which is exactly the kind of indulgent treat that feels like it’s worth every penny, because it is.

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An FAQ on Curling Irons

How should I curl my hair with a curling iron?

The heated question (pun totally intended). Here’s a step-by-step guide, as explained by David Lopez, an Ulta Beauty Pro Team Member.

“First, you’ll want to grab a clean section of your hair, open the clamp of the curling iron and then place the iron about midway down the section of hair you’re using,” he notes. “Then, slowly wind the hair into the curling iron until you have all the hair fed into the base. Hold it clamped on the section of hair for five to 10 seconds.”

When curling, the saying “the larger the section, the longer you want to hold” actually holds true, while smaller sections require less holding-in-place time. Finally, all you do is release the curl.

And, before you curl — whether you’re using an iron or a wand — be sure to use a good heat protectant.

“It can protect your hair from 450°, minimize frizz, enhance shine and hydrate the hair,” Solares notes. She recommends Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream ($24) if you’re blow-drying, amika’s The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray and Heat Protectant ($26) if you’re styling dry hair and Mizani’s Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray ($22) for naturally curly hair.

How should I curl my hair with a curling wand?

After assessing the health of your hair type and choosing the correct heat temperature for safety, grab a section of hair you’d like to curl that is approximately the width of your wand for best results,” Amy Abramite, hairstylist, salon educator and creative director at Maxine Ltd. in Chicago, told the New York Post. “Pick up the curling wand with your free hand and begin wrapping the section of hair by spiraling down and around the barrel in a circular motion.”

She suggests using a heat-protecting glove to prevent your fingertips from getting burned when wrapping the ends, too. “A good technique is to begin at the root and work down the length of the tool until reaching the bottom,” she adds. Allow the hair to heat up and then release the curl allowing it to cool. Move onto the next section and repeat.”

What size curling iron or wand should I buy?

A 1” curling iron will result in a classic curl that’s bouncy with a defined spiral, whereas a 2” will be a relaxed beachy wave or loose curl.

What temperature should I curl my hair at?

“Sometimes if the temperature of the curling iron is too high, your hair doesn’t hold the curl as well because you’re overheating the hair,” Lopez said. “Typically, I tell people to use it on medium heat (if you have a dial temperature, then set it around 370°).”

Additionally, Abramite has “heat rules,” so to speak, depending on your hair type. “Fine, fragile, dry or chemically treated hair should stay on the low end of the heat spectrum at 100°to 200°, healthy normal virgin hair on average at 200°to 300° and coarse, wiry hair on the high end at 300°to 400°.” Extra caution should be used on any hair type beyond 400° left to a professional stylist, too.

And, as mentioned, be sure to use a heat protectant.

What’s the best way to make curls last?

“I recommend setting the hair for style longevity,” Abramite said. “Setting is a technique where hair is heated up and then left to cool down to lock in the shape.”

How to do it? After forming and heating the curl with an iron, release it from the hot tool. Allow the curl to stay undisturbed and cool down completely before brushing it out or finger combing through. This will give the curls more bounce and extend your style.

Moreover, Lopez advises against overheating the hair and stretching it out too much when drying.

How I tested

When testing curling irons, here’s the criteria I followed with each tool:

• Heat performance and consistency: I tested how quickly the iron heats up, whether it reaches/maintains an accurate temperature and how evenly heat is distributed along the barrel.
• Curl quality and longevity: I reviewed how well the tool forms curls on different hair types (my natural waves and blow-dried straight) and how long the curls hold throughout the day.
• Ease of use: I assessed the comfort of the handle, weight balance, clamp tension (if applicable), button placement and overall maneuverability.
• Safety features: I tested the reliability of auto-shutoff, heat-resistant materials, cool-tip performance and risk of accidental burns.
• Durability and build quality: I looked for things like materials, sturdiness of the barrel and hinge, cord durability (including swivel function) and long-term wear after repeated use.

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This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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