A dryer that will last tends to have a filter that is easily cleaned (or filters this on its own), plus attachments that can be removed and swapped out as desired. This also gives you the flexibility you need for multiple looks and options later (like concentrator nozzles and diffusers of varied sizes). Ions, which are negatively charged air molecules to speed up dry time while limiting frizz, and ceramic components also help to distribute heat more evenly, are a bonus. And, while we hate to be dryer elitists, it is a machine (just like a car or TV) so it's wise to go with a brand that has a history of dependability.
Checking off all these boxes will result in a workhorse dryer that will last for years to come. Ahead, we've selected the top dryers that prove you can score an amazing hair-drying machine without getting into triple digits.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Bed Head Curls in Check 1875 Watt Diffuser Hair Dryer
Best For: Curly Hair
Curly folks, this one's for you. "I've used this and it works great on short, curly hair," recommends Devin Toth, hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, of this budget-friendly pick with a nifty built-in diffuser.
Reviewers Say: "I give this diffuser dryer five stars: Reasons are: 1) I hate the big diffuser attachment that came with my blow dryer, it is unwieldy and takes up half the suitcase space when I travel with it. The Bed Head Curls in Check 1875 Watt Diffuser Hair Dryer is more compact, travels well, and is easier to use; 2) The design of this dryer is genius! The mouth is wide and covers so much more of your head "real estate" so to speak. The prongs are just the right length to help you create volume; 3) It has 3 heat and two-speed settings and has a cool shot button; 4) Cord is 6' and swivels; 5) Cost is reasonable." – Amazon Reviewer
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Bed Head Curls in Check 1875 Watt Diffuser Hair Dryer, $, available at Amazon
Sephora Collection Mini Blast Ionic Blow Dryer
Best For: Travel
Going somewhere? Never rely on hotel hair dryers again with this travel-friendly compact dryer that has a powerful motor to get the job done — all while taking up minimal room in a crowded carry-on.
Reviewers Say: "This blow dryer takes up a minuscule amount of space when packing for travel, but packs the power of a full-size blow dryer." – Sephora Reviewer
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Sephora Collection Mini Blast Ionic Blow Dryer, $, available at Sephora
Hot Tools Rainbow Gold Turbo Ceramic Dryer
Best For: Drying Speed
Don't let the under-$75 price tag fool you — I've spotted Hot Tools in the wild at some of the poshest salons in NYC. (Yep, they're that good.) According to savvy Ulta reviewers, this ceramic dryer dries hair deceptively quickly with minimal damage to the cuticle.
Reviewers Say: "My old hair dryer it would take me a little over an hour to dry my damp hair. Now that I have this hair dryer it takes me 30 to 35 minutes and my arms don't hurt afterward." – Ulta Reviewer
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Hot Tools Rainbow Gold Turbo Ceramic Dryer, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer
Best For: Heat Settings & Attachments
Over 33,800 (and counting) Amazon reviewers can't all be wrong; this affordable dryer can't be beaten for the price. It has multiple heat and fan settings, comes with the basic attachments, and did we mention it's under $20?
Reviewers Say: "I'd had the same hair dryer for over a decade, originally purchased just to install window plastic after moving to a city with cold winters. But it was awful for actual hair drying. After having some positive experiences at hair salons and watching a few YouTube videos, I bought the Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer to take advantage of the variable heat settings and drying attachments. Gets my hair dry fast on cold mornings, without drying hair out. Can make hair look fuller quickly, even on days when you're not washing it." – Amazon Reviewer
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Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer, $, available at Amazon
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush
Best For: Smooth Volume
The myth, the legend. "Many clients have told me it's easy to use and works pretty well," says Toth of this internet-beloved brush. "I don't know how good of a job it actually does at sealing the hair's cuticle, but it's affordable and worth a try if you're curious."
Reviewers Say: "While not the quickest hair dryer, it does an amazing job smoothing and volumizing hair in one piece — rather than having to balance a dryer and a brush. Bonus, my hair is also amazingly soft!" – Ulta Reviewer
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Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush, $, available at Ulta Beauty
InfinitiPro By Conair Lightweight Rose Gold 1875 Watt Hair Dryer
Best For: Lightweight
Conair's souped-up dryer doesn't just look good; behind the luxe metallic finish is a lightweight, salon-quality tool that delivers smooth, shiny hair every time thanks to ionic technology.
Reviewers Say: "Love this lightweight dryer and it takes less time to dry my hair. I have neck problems and my arms didn't get worn out while I dried my hair." – Ulta Reviewer
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InfinitiPro by Conair Lightweight Rose Gold 1875 Watt Hair Dryer, $, available at Ulta Beauty
CHI 1875 Series Hair Dryer
Best For: Premium Technology
Fittingly so, the brand behind one of the most popular heat protectants makes some of the best styling tools around. Case in point, this hot-rod dryer with antimicrobial LED to minimize bacteria buildup, plus a removable diffuser and concentrator nozzle attachments to customize your blowout.
Reviewers Say: "I've been using a much smaller hair dryer for years, and have been needing a better one. This thing is a huge step up, it dries my hair much faster, and is actually much quieter than my smaller one. I love the multiple settings for heat, speed, and the option for cold air. I also like the blue light — not sure it does much, but it looks sweet, haha!" – Kohl's Reviewer
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Chi 1875 Series Hair Dryer, $, available at Kohl's
BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer
Best For: Heat Power
BaByliss' $60 dryer packs 1900 watts of power, in addition to tourmaline components for even heat, ions for shine, six heat and speed settings, a cold shot button for a shine boost.
Reviewers Say: "I am a hairdresser — I originally had a very powerful Twin Turbo for many years and I needed something that can give me similar power but not as expensive. I found this on sale at the time, and let me say it is just as hot as the Twin Turbo. The only thing is the fan isn't as strong as the Twin Turbo, but I can live with slightly less fan power. It is lightweight and doesn't make my bag heavier. It's a 10 out of 10 for me." – Amazon Reviewer
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BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer, $, available at Amazon
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