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Is the Dyson Supersonic worth it?

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Short answer

The Dyson Supersonic is worth it if you dry your hair often and value a light, balanced, quiet-tuned dryer with magnetic attachments and controlled heat. If you want strong airflow for less money, high-speed dryers from BaBylissPRO, ghd and T3 cost less and cover the basics well.

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A hairdresser works with a client under a dryer in a stylish and well-equipped hair salon
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The Dyson Supersonic is one of the most expensive hair dryers on the market, with current listings from about $300 for the Supersonic Travel to over $450 for the Supersonic r. That price raises two questions: why is it so expensive, and is it worth it for you? This page explains what Dyson says you are paying for, the differences between the Supersonic models, who tends to get the most from one, and which lower-priced high-speed dryers are worth comparing. Prices change often, so check current listings.

Why is the Dyson hair dryer so expensive?

Several things drive the price. The Supersonic uses a small, fast Dyson digital motor placed in the handle rather than the head, which changes the balance of the dryer. Dyson's Air Multiplier technology produces what it calls a high-pressure, high-velocity jet of controlled air. Intelligent heat control measures air temperature over 40 times a second and regulates the heater, per Dyson. Attachments are magnetic and rotate, and the motor is acoustically tuned.

Brand, design and research costs also play a part. Whether those features are worth several hundred dollars depends on how often you use a dryer and what you value.

  • Digital motor in the handle for balance
  • Air Multiplier technology for focused, high-velocity airflow
  • Intelligent heat control that regulates temperature
  • Magnetic, rotating attachments
  • Acoustically tuned motor

Which Supersonic model fits whom

Our Supersonic vs Nural, Supersonic vs Origin and Supersonic vs Supersonic r comparisons go deeper.

  • Supersonic Travel

    Listed price
    $299.99
    Notable listing features
    32% smaller and 25% lighter than Supersonic Nural per Dyson, universal voltage, travel concentrator

  • Supersonic Origin

    Listed price
    $399.99
    Notable listing features
    Core Supersonic with styling concentrator, intelligent heat control

  • Supersonic Nural

    Listed price
    $449.00
    Notable listing features
    Scalp protect mode targeting 130 F at the scalp, attachment learning, pause detect

  • Supersonic r

    Listed price
    $467.99
    Notable listing features
    Smaller ergonomic format, intelligent attachments that remember preferences, depth-loaded filter
Listing prices change often. Check current prices.

Compare Dyson hair dryers →

When the Supersonic is worth it

For people who fit several of these, the higher price is spread over years of daily use.

  • You blow dry most days and want a dryer that is comfortable to hold for a full session.
  • You use several attachments, such as a diffuser for curls and a concentrator for smoothing, and like quick magnetic swaps.
  • You want temperature regulation built in rather than relying only on manual settings.
  • You care about sound. Dyson says the motor is acoustically tuned to produce one inaudible frequency.
  • You travel often and want the Supersonic Travel's universal voltage.

When it may not be worth it

In these cases a high-speed dryer from another brand often covers what you need. Read high-speed hair dryers explained to see what the motor type changes.

  • You dry your hair occasionally or air dry most days.
  • You mainly need fast, strong airflow and do not use many attachments.
  • You prefer a classic dryer shape with a long nozzle.
  • Your budget is closer to $200 to $300.

Alternatives to compare

Several dryers in our guides offer high-speed or brushless motors for less. The BaBylissPRO Falco lists a 2000 W motor with concentrators and a diffuser at $249.99. The BaBylissPRO Rapido lists a 2000 W brushless motor, a weight of 0.91 lbs and three attachments at $199.99. The ghd Helios lists 75 mph airflow and an 1875 W brushless motor. The T3 Featherweight StyleMax lists 5 heat and 3 speed settings with 4 attachments.

None of these copy the Supersonic's design, but each covers strong airflow and multiple attachments. See Dyson Supersonic alternatives, Dyson Supersonic vs Laifen and T3 vs Dyson. Our best hair dryers and best high-speed hair dryers guides list more options.

Cost per use: a simple way to decide

One way to judge value is to spread the price over how often you will use it. A dryer used five mornings a week is used roughly 260 times a year. Over several years, the gap between a $200 dryer and a $400 dryer works out to a small amount per use. If you dry your hair once a week, the same gap is spread over far fewer uses and is harder to justify.

Also count what you would otherwise buy. If you would add a separate diffuser, a travel dryer and a smoothing nozzle to a cheaper dryer, the total can narrow the gap. If you only ever use a concentrator, a solid high-speed dryer with a concentrator may be all you need. The styler finder can help you match a tool type to your hair and goals before you compare prices.

Buying tips

Buy from Dyson or an authorized retailer so warranty support is straightforward, and check the attachments included, since kits vary. If you are considering a refurbished unit, check the warranty that comes with it. Our Dyson warranty page covers what to look for. Keep the filter clean to keep airflow strong, and see how to use each Supersonic attachment to get the most from the kit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dyson Supersonic better than a regular hair dryer? It offers a different design, controlled heat and magnetic attachments. Many regular high-speed dryers also dry quickly. Better depends on what you value.

Which Dyson Supersonic should I buy? The Origin covers the core features. The Nural adds sensors and scalp protect mode. The Supersonic r is smaller and more ergonomic. The Travel suits frequent travelers.

How long does a Dyson Supersonic last? It depends on use and care. Keeping the filter clean helps. Dyson's limited warranty terms are listed on its website. See how long a hair dryer lasts.

Is the Supersonic worth it for curly hair? It can be if your kit includes the diffuser. Compare it with other diffuser dryers in our curly hair guide.

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