The 5 best Dyson Airwrap alternatives we tested for 2025

Let’s be honest — we all want Dyson hair tools, but we don’t all want to sell a kidney to afford them.

The sleek design, the cutting-edge technology, the promise of salon-level results at home, it’s almost enough to justify the eye-watering price tag. Almost.

Whether it’s the Airwrap’s dreamy curls or the Supersonic’s quick-dry wizardry, Dyson has cemented itself as the gold standard of haircare gadgets. But, here’s the thing: the beauty industry has been taking notes. What’s emerged is a growing army of lookalike tools that promise the glam without the financial panic attack.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: lookalike can be hit or miss. For every magical $50 tool that transforms your hair into a Pinterest board, there’s another that smells like burnt plastic and leaves your strands looking like a science experiment gone wrong. That’s why I took it upon myself (and my very trusting hair) to test, compare and obsess over the most hyped Dyson alternatives out there. This isn’t just a list of budget tools; it’s a beauty writer’s hair quest, and a deeply personal vendetta against overpriced beauty tech.

Quite honestly, the bathroom now looks like a tech graveyard. I’ve inhaled more heat protectant spray in the past few years than should be legally allowed. I’ve curled, waved, smoothed and volumized until my hair begged for mercy. I’ve watched motor speeds, airflow power, temperature control, and yes — even the sound each tool makes (because no one wants their morning routine to feel like a lawn mower convention). And after all that? I’ve narrowed it down to the true winners.

Some of these Dyson-alts will genuinely shock you, not just because they’re more affordable, but because they actually work better in some cases. For some, this means faster styling, less heat damage and attachments that don’t require an engineering degree to figure out. And, then there are the almost-perfects: tools that miss the Dyson mark by a hair (pun fully intended) but still deliver enough results to earn a spot on your vanity.

This guide isn’t for the brand loyalist who’d rather live on instant noodles than go without the Dyson logo. It’s for the smart beauty shopper who wants results without wrecking their bank account. It’s for all of us who have watched one too many YouTube reviews at 2 a.m., wondering if that $600 tool will really change our life (spoiler alert: it won’t, but a $100 lookalike just might.)

So, whether you’re a heat-styling junkie or just someone who wants to leave the house looking semi-put together, buckle up. The world of Dyson alternatives is wild, a little chaotic, and surprisingly full of gems— and I’m about to spill everything I found.

Let’s get one thing straight: the Shark FlexStyle isn’t just “the affordable version of the Dyson Airwrap.” That’s selling it short. What Shark has done is take everything people love about Dyson’s ultra-bougie hair tool — the curls, the volume, the shine — and delivered it in a way that feels a lot more down-to-earth.

It’s the beauty world’s equivalent of a high-low fashion moment: think runway vibes on a Zara budget. Chic, smart, and surprisingly powerful, the FlexStyle isn’t trying to be a competitor; it’s starting its own movement.

Using the FlexStyle feels like unboxing your first grown-up beauty gadget, sans the intimidation. It starts as a hair dryer (and a solid one at that), but a quick twist transforms it into a multi-styler ready to do basically everything short of paying your rent. If you want beachy waves, pop on the auto-wrap curlers. If sleek, frizz-free strands are more your speed, the smoothing brush has your back. More volume? The oval brush is your new best friend.

For curly haired gals, there’s also a diffuser. Everything clicks into place easily, and the controls are simple enough that you won’t need a YouTube deep dive to figure it out.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Dyson Airwrap. I totally get it, Dyson walked so Shark could sprint. The Airwrap is beautiful, futuristic and yes, basically vacuum-sucks hair and turns it into perfect curls. But here’s the truth no one tells you: the FlexStyle almost does the same thing for literally half the price. It uses the same Coanda-inspired air technology, doesn’t fry your ends and gets the job done with minimal fuss. Is the Dyson a touch more luxe and powerful? Sure. Is it worth double the money? That depends on how attached you are to the logo.

What’s even more lovable about the FlexStyle is that it feels made for everyone. Thick hair, fine hair, wavy, coily, short, long — it doesn’t discriminate. And unlike Dyson’s separate barrels for left versus right curls (why?!), the FlexStyle’s curlers switch directions automatically. It’s also more compact, way easier to travel with and honestly, a bit less high-maintenance. No over-designed magnetic attachments or charging issues; just plug it in and go. It’s practical without being boring, and clever without being gimmicky.

Bottom line: if the Dyson Airwrap is a beauty influencer at fashion week, the Shark FlexStyle is your effortlessly cool friend who always has good hair and knows how to find designer lookalikes at T.J.Maxx.

Attachments: 2 Auto-Wrap Curlers (left and right), 1 Curl-Defining Diffuser, 1 Styling Concentrator (rotatable), 1 Oval Brush, 1 Paddle Brush, Storage/Carry Case | Wattage: 1,300 watts | Number of Settings: 3 adjustable levels | Cool Shot Button: Yes

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If you’re anything like me, your bathroom cabinet is probably overflowing with curling irons, flat irons and maybe even that one crimper you thought you’d use again but never did. That’s why the wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set is such a game-changer.

Instead of juggling a bunch of tools and cords, this one sleek set gives you five interchangeable ceramic barrels, perfect for everything from tight curls to loose beach waves. It’s like having an entire glam squad packed into one case, and honestly, it makes getting ready way less chaotic.

One of the best things about this set? It works fast. The barrels heat up quickly, so there’s no more standing around waiting while your coffee gets cold, and the ceramic coating helps keep my hair smooth, shiny and frizz-free. Whether you’re going for polished curls for a night out, soft waves for brunch, or that “I woke up like this” look (that actually takes effort), the wavytalk makes it surprisingly easy. The different barrel shapes and sizes give you plenty of styling options without needing five different tools cluttering your counter.

Now, we have to compare it to the Dyson Airwrap. Yes, the latter is seen as the holy grail of hair tools, but it also costs more than most people want to spend on a single hair tool. That’s where wavytalk really shines. It doesn’t use futuristic airflow or come with a cult following, but it absolutely delivers salon-worthy results at a fraction of the price. For less than $60, you’re snagging a solid, reliable tool that gets the job done beautifully — and doesn’t require a payment plan to afford.

The set includes a heat-resistant glove (no more burned fingertips), hair clips to make sectioning easier, and a travel case that’s super convenient. Swapping out the barrels is quick and intuitive, too, without requiring any complicated locking mechanisms or instructions in six languages. Dyson might win on aesthetics, but wavytalk wins on practicality. It’s the kind of tool you’ll actually use, not just admire sitting on your vanity.

And if you’re not a professional stylist (same), the wavytalk still makes things easy. The adjustable temperature settings mean you can tailor it to your hair type, whether it’s fine and delicate or thick and unruly. It’s surprisingly forgiving — even if your curling technique isn’t flawless — and once you figure out which barrel gives you your favorite look, styling becomes way less intimidating. It’s perfect for everyday use, whether I’m getting ready for a big event or just trying to look human on a Monday morning.

Overall, the wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set is that rare mix of affordable, versatile and easy to use. It might not come with all the bells and whistles of the Dyson Airwrap, but it also doesn’t come with the price tag. It gives you multiple looks, real results and a little confidence boost every time you use it, all without draining your bank account.

Attachments: 0.5-inch Micro Wand (tight curls), 0.35-0.7-inch Tapered Wand (natural, voluminous curls), 1-inch Classic Curling Wand (beachy waves), 1.25-inch Curling Wand (loose curls), 1.5-inch Thermal Round Brush (blowout-style volume) | Wattage: 60 watts (base unit) | Number of Settings: 2 adjustable levels | Cool Shot Button: No

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The L’Oréal AirLight Pro is basically what would happen if a hair dryer got a glow-up from NASA and a French fashion house. It’s sleek, lightweight and whisper-quiet, but what really sets it apart is the tech: it combines infrared light with fast airflow, drying your hair like a warm breeze on a tropical beach.

Not only does it look futuristic enough to belong in a sci-fi salon, but it’s designed to protect your hair while drying it super fast. The moment you click on the attachments — magnetically, of course — it senses what you’re using and adjusts the settings like it’s reading your mind. It even looks like it should cost more than a Dyson. (plot twist: it does.)

As for the drying experience, I find it to be phenomenal. The AirLight Pro is quick (like, really quick). Thanks to a 17-blade motor that blasts air at 130 mph and the fancy LightCare system, you can go from towel-damp to runway-ready in six minutes flat. Six! And, it’s speedy but also lends the most beautiful, captivating shine. This blow dryer was one my hairdresser used and I immediately had to have it at arm’s reach without a salon trip. Why? It makes my hair look healthier, smoother and less frizzy right out of the gate.

There’s even an app (yes, an app) that lets you customize heat, airflow, and even track your usage. It’s like having a glam squad in your pocket that also sends filter-cleaning reminders so you don’t blow dust into your blowout.

What I love most about this Supersonic-alt is that I don’t have to constantly switch settings or juggle buttons mid-blowout. Everything is intuitive. While it leaves my hair a bit sleeker than voluminous, this can be handled with its diffuser and a little finesse. Honestly, it’s hard to mess things up with this dryer unless you’re actively trying.

In comparison to the Dyson Supersonic entrance, our reigning queen of hair dryers, the AirLight, is nearly the same. If anything, I prefer L’Oreal’s rendition for its quicker drying time and heat retention. But, don’t get me wrong — the Supersonic has a just-as-quiet, just-as-great end result. This is probably the most difficult alternative to compare, as it’s nearly identical to the Dyson. However, I’d care less about the Dyson acclaim and try this dryer out, because it was one that grabbed my attention right away for its impressive, professional end result.

Supersonic versus AirLight kind of comes down to your hair personality. If you want classic, proven luxury and a “set it and forget it” experience, Dyson’s still a no-brainer. But if you’re someone who geeks out over customization, values repairability and wants to dry your hair with actual light (yes, that’s a thing now), then the AirLight Pro is where the magic’s at. Either way, your old drugstore dryer is about to feel *really* insecure.

Writer’s note: We understand this model is close in price with the already expensive Dyson Supersonic, but it’s the closest model tested. For a more affordable option, consider the Shark SpeedStyle ($206) that the Post Wanted team reviewed.

Attachments: 2 Auto-Detect Magnetic Attachments (a smooth-finishing concentrator and a diffuser) | Wattage: 1,875 watts | Number of Settings: 3 heat levels and 3 airflow speeds | Cool Shot Button: Yes

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Finding the perfect all-in-one hair tool that can effortlessly smooth, curl, volumize and give you that just-stepped-out-of-the-salon glow can feel like an impossible quest. Enter the Drybar All-Inclusive 8-in-1 Multi-Styler: a sleek, sunshine-yellow powerhouse that comes equipped with four versatile attachments: a round brush, curling iron, flat iron, and concentrator.

This tool is designed to take your hair from damp to dazzling while minimizing heat damage, making it the ultimate multitasking beauty companion. As a years-long fan of the brand’s Double Shot Blow Dryer Brush ($155), I knew this was the tool I had to rigorously review next.

It’s an impressive tool for its user-friendly design and straightforward performance. Each attachment performs exactly as you’d expect, which I appreciate; the curling barrel creates soft, effortless waves, the round brush lifts and smooths with salon-worthy precision and the ceramic coatings reduce frizz for a polished finish. The innovative “air + active heat” system speeds up styling without subjecting my strands to excessive heat, ensuring my locks remain healthy and vibrant.

Now, in comparison to the Dyson Airstrait, we’re transparently not comparing apples to apples here. However, this is one of the only Dyson lookalikes that comes with a clamp-style curling iron, which can arguably create the same sleek look as the Airstrait.

Unlike traditional flat irons, the Airstrait is designed to detangle and straighten as you brush through your hair, giving a smooth, sleek finish with less direct heat contact. It’s lightweight, easy to hold, and perfect for quick touch-ups or a natural, polished look without the fuss of styling attachments.

While the Dyson Airstrait is fantastic for smooth, sleek hair with minimal effort, it’s more limited in styling versatility compared to the Drybar Multi-Styler. The Drybar offers curling, straightening, volumizing and precision drying — all in one tool with interchangeable attachments. The Airstrait is laser-focused on straightening and smoothing, which makes it perfect for people who want one tool that excels at sleek hair but might leave curl lovers reaching for something else.

Price-wise, the Drybar Multi-Styler lands at $299, offering a lot of styling power for the investment. The Dyson Airstrait is pricier, usually retailing closer to $400, reflecting its premium design and advanced technology. But if your priority is quick, sleek straightening with a lightweight brush, the Airstrait justifies that price tag with its ease of use and Dyson’s signature engineering. Meanwhile, the Drybar gives you a full suite of styling options without needing multiple tools cluttering your countertop.

Results-wise, if you want sleek, straight hair fast, the Dyson Airstrait is a dream: smooth, shiny and naturally styled with less heat damage than traditional irons. But if your style goals include soft curls, voluminous blowouts, or the ability to switch up your look on the daily, the Drybar Multi-Styler offers that versatility in spades. It delivers salon-worthy volume and shine, plus the flexibility to adapt to your mood or event without having to switch devices.

In the end, it comes down to what you need from your tool. The Dyson Airstrait is perfect if your hair goal is sleek, straight, and polished with minimal effort. The Drybar All-Inclusive 8-in-1 Multi-Styler is your go-to if you want a versatile, all-in-one styling powerhouse that can curl, straighten, volumize and dry. That said, it gives me that luxe, salon-fresh look too.

Attachments: Round Brush, Curling Iron Barrel, Flat Iron Plates, Concentrator Nozzle | Number of Settings: 2 heat levels | Cool Shot Button: Yes

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Looking for a hair tool that feels like your very own glam squad in a box? The T3 Aire 360 Multi-Styler & Blowout System might just be your new best friend.

It brings that luxe salon vibe right to your bathroom counter, delivering everything from bouncy blowouts to dreamy curls, without making your wallet wince like the Dyson Airwrap often does. This beauty strikes the perfect balance between powerful performance and smart affordability, so you can get stunning styles without the sticker shock.

What’s seriously impressive is how versatile this system is. With four attachments — an oval brush, a drying concentrator and two ceramic curling barrels — it covers all the bases for your styling needs. The ceramic barrels heat evenly up to 237 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you consistent warmth that styles your hair beautifully while protecting it from damage. Plus, with three heat and speed settings, you get full control to tailor your look exactly how you want it.

“I don’t say this lightly: the T3 Aire 360 saved me from my own laziness,” Kendall Cornish, associate commerce editor, shared. “I can’t blow-dry my hair with a round brush to save my life — my wrists are weak, my attention span is weaker — but this thing makes it idiot-proof. It smooths, lifts and shines in one motion, no arm contortions or salon appointments required.”

And let’s talk about the design because, honestly, it’s a stunner. That soft pearlescent pink finish paired with chic gold accents makes it feel like a high-end accessory on your vanity. But don’t let the glam fool you; this tool is surprisingly lightweight and ergonomically designed, so styling feels effortless, not exhausting. It’s clear that T3 nailed both style and comfort here.

“The airflow is strong without being hot enough to fry my strands and somehow, I walk away looking like I care about my appearance without trying too hard,” Cornish added. “I’m obsessed. I use it on clean hair, slept-on hair, post-pilates ponytail dents — she never lets me down.”

Now, how does it stack up against the Dyson Airwrap? While the Airwrap is known for its innovative tech and fan following, it can sometimes struggle with thicker or coarser hair. The T3 Aire 360, on the other hand, receives rave reviews for smoothing and volumizing all hair types, including those tricky thick strands.

“The long handle can get the back of my hair, which I really struggle with since my hair is so long, so I really love how much control I feel with the extended length of the handle,” Michelle Moezam, senior commerce social media marketing manager, shared after spending some time with the T3, too.

And with a fraction of the price, it’s a win-win for anyone looking to get polished, salon-worthy results without the hassle.

Attachments: SoftAire Drying Concentrator, Oval Brush, Two 1.35-inch Ceramic Curling Barrels (left and right) | Number of Settings: 3 heat levels and 3 speed settings | Cool Shot Button: Yes, activated by a long press on the heat button

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How We Tested

Ahead, find the detailed criteria we followed when reviewing the best hair tools that measure up to Dyson:

• Performance: We evaluated how effectively each device dried and styled hair compared to the Dyson model.
• Heat Control: We tested the consistency and safety of temperature settings to prevent hair damage.
• Ergonomics: We assessed the weight, grip and ease of handling during use.
• Noise Level: We measured the sound output to determine if the device operated quietly.
• Durability: We checked the build quality and longevity after repeated use.

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This article was written by Victoria Giardina, 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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