Diffusers Compared

Comparing all my diffusers, from $35 to $430 | Which diffuser is best for your curl type?

How do you select the right hair dryer and diffuser with so many options out there? I know it can be tough to decide, and when you’re investing so much money you want to make sure it’s right for your curls. I’ve tested so many hair dryers and diffusers over the years and wanted to compare five of the most recent ones I’ve used.

I’m breaking it down by which hair lengths, thickness, and damage level each dryer is best for. 

Watch the video below to see demos using each dryer.

Dryer/DiffuserDysonSharkCurlsmithBio IonicConair
Price$430$230$189$135 (dryer)$30 (diffuser)$50 ($35)
Where to BuyDyson.comAmazonUltaSephoraBest BuyShark.comAmazonBest BuyBed Bath & BeyondWalmartBest BuyCursmith.comUltaSephoraAmazonBioIonic.comAmazonWalmartUlta (diffuser only)AmazonWalmartTargetUlta
Ideal Hair TypesVery healthy hair that can withstand high heatToo hot for curlsShort curly hair or very low density hair due to the small designHealthy hair that can withstand high heatCurls that takes a long time to dryAll densities, specifically very dense/thick hair due to the extra long prongsAll hair lengthsFragile to healthy hairCurls that takes a long time to dryAll densities, but may be too large for very small heads or very low-density hairAll hair lengthsFragile to healthy hairAll densitiesAll hair lengths, specifically great for long hair due to the deep bowlFragile to healthy hairAll densitiesAll hair lengths, specifically great for long hair due to the deep bowlMay be too deep for very short hair that is looking to achieve shrinkage
Diffuser DesignRound shapeSmall, compact designRound, shallow bowlShort prongsOnly fits DysonPetal shape to the rimLarge, deep bowlAdjustable prongsVery long prongs or short prongsOnly fits SharkRound shapeExtra Large 8” size, shallow bowlLong prongs and short prongsOnly fits CurlsmithRound shapeSmall size, deep bowlVery long prongs and short prongsAdjustable airflowUniversal diffuser (sold separately)Round shapeMedium size, deep bowlLong prongs and short prongsHoles in baseOnly fits Conair
Dryer DesignVery compact size1.8 lbsAir intake on handleCompact size1.65 lbsIQ-technology that auto adjusts settings when attaching accessoriesLarge size1.25 lbs (Dryer) 1.63 lbs (with Diffuser)Kickstand
Medium size1.2 lbsMedium size1.6 lbs
My Dry Time*~14 min-20 min~10 min-15 min~9 min-15 min~14 min-20 min~14 min-20 min
Heat Settings*4 heat settings:High: 212°FMedium: 176°FLow: 140°FCold shot: 82°FRegulates temp 40 times per second4 heat settings:High: 208Medium: 178Low: 137Cold shot: 76Regulates temp 1,000 times per second4 heat settings:High: 140Medium: 106Low: 77Sustained cold shot: 76
4 heat settings:High: 142Medium: 110Low: 77Sustained cold shot: 754 heat settings:High: 157Medium: 115Low: 96Sustained cold shot: 75
Speed SettingsHighMediumLowHighMediumLowHighLowHighLowHighLow
Noise Level77 dBA, quiet76 dBA, quiet? quiet/average? quiet/average? quiet/average
Cord Length108”96”108”108”69”
Wattage1600W1680W1875W1875W1875W

Other diffusing videos:
Shark HyperAir vs. Dyson Hair Dryer Compared, Testing Dry Time, Diffusers, Results
8 Diffusing Mistakes that Cause Frizz + Best Universal Diffuser
How to Diffuse Curly Hair without Frizz for Beginners

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