Choosing the right high-end hair dryer can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available. This review compares three leading contenders: the Dyson Supersonic, Shark Speedstyle, and T3 Featherweight, all vying for the title of supreme hair dryer. Each boasts impressive features and promises superior performance, but which one truly delivers? We put these premium dryers through rigorous testing, evaluating performance, design, ease of use, and attachment versatility to determine which reigns supreme. Our comprehensive analysis considers drying time, heat and speed settings, noise levels, attachment quality, and overall user experience.This in-depth comparison reveals surprising differences in drying times, airflow power, and even noise levels, despite all three dryers achieving perfect performance scores in initial testing. We delve into the details of each dryer's attachments, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses for various hair types and styling needs. Ultimately, we determine which dryer offers the best balance of performance, ergonomics, and value for money, providing a clear recommendation to help you choose the perfect hair dryer for your needs and budget.
Pros And Cons
- Perfect 10 on performance
- Quietest
- Fanless design eliminates hair-catching risk
- Excellent button placement
- Attractive shape and color scheme options
- Best of the best award from testing lab
- Perfect 10 rating from stylist
- Slowest drying time (14 minutes 48 seconds)
- Nine for attachments (one point lost for gentle air attachment)
- Fast drying time (11 minutes 50 seconds)
- Ten for attachments
- Good button placement
- Lab loved the brush attachment
- Easy to swap attachments
- Highest speed caused tangles
- Medium speed not as effective
- Unattractive gray color scheme
- Overall score of nine (lost one point for airflow issue)
- Stylist rating of 6.5
- Five heat settings
- Ten for attachments
- Attractive shape and color scheme options (especially white and rose gold)
- Attachments matched with pre-programmed settings
- Medium drying time (13 minutes 38 seconds)
- Highest speed comparable to Dyson's medium
- Heavier
- Overwhelming number of buttons
- Buttons easy to hit accidentally
- Airflow and button issues
- Stylist rating of 7
Read more: Top 6 Andis Hair Dryers: Our Best Picks
Drying Performance: Speed and Efficiency
All three hair dryers – the Dyson Supersonic, Shark Speedstyle, and T3 Featherweight – achieved perfect scores in performance tests. However, drying times varied considerably. The Dyson was the slowest, taking 14 minutes and 48 seconds to dry the test hair. The T3 followed at 13 minutes and 38 seconds, and the Shark was the quickest at 11 minutes and 50 seconds.
Each dryer offered a cold air setting and three speed settings. The T3 distinguished itself with five heat settings compared to the Dyson and Shark's three. Interestingly, the lab found the T3's highest speed comparable to the Dyson's medium speed, suggesting its extra heat settings may be less about superior power and more about compensating for other factors. The Shark's highest setting was powerful enough to cause tangles.
The Dyson proved to be the quietest of the three, a significant advantage for frequent users. These performance differences highlight the need for careful consideration beyond simply the 'perfect score' rating.
Attachments and Versatility
The number and type of attachments varied between models. The Dyson had five attachments (diffuser, flyaway concentrator, wide-tooth comb, and gentle air attachment), but one point was deducted for the less-effective gentle air attachment. The Shark included a brush, diffuser, and rapid gloss finisher, with the brush receiving particular praise for ease of use and attachment swapping.
The T3 offered four attachments: a diffuser, smoothing comb, and two concentrator types. A unique feature across all three was that each attachment is paired with a pre-programmed setting activated at the touch of a button.
The ease of swapping attachments and the overall usability of the attachments are key factors to consider for users with varying hair types and styling needs.
Design, Appearance, and Ergonomics
The Dyson and Shark received perfect ten scores for design, praised for their intuitive button placement that's both accessible and prevents accidental presses. The T3 earned an eight, penalized for its heavier weight and potentially overwhelming number of buttons, which were deemed too easy to press accidentally.
In terms of appearance, the Dyson and T3 both scored a ten, lauded for their attractive shapes and color options, especially the T3's white and rose gold. The Shark received a lower score (six), with its grey color scheme considered unattractive by the testers.
These design and ergonomic elements significantly impact the overall user experience, influencing comfort and ease of use during styling.
Overall Verdict and Recommendations
The Dyson Supersonic emerged as the overall winner, earning a perfect score and receiving the "best of the best" award. Its superior performance, quiet operation, and excellent design justify its higher price tag. The Shark Speedstyle came in second, scoring a nine, only slightly hampered by its airflow issues. The T3 Featherweight secured a strong eight, but lost points for airflow and button placement issues.
The stylist's ratings largely mirrored the lab results, with the Dyson achieving a perfect ten, the T3 a seven, and the Shark a 6.5. However, the stylist noted the Shark performed better than the T3 on short hair.
Ultimately, the Dyson is the top recommendation if budget isn't a major concern. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, both the Shark and T3 provide capable performance, making them solid secondary recommendations.