In-depth review
Dyson Supersonic Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Dyson Supersonic: digital motor, magnetic attachments, and whether it is still the premium dryer to beat.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
The benchmark premium dryer: a digital motor in the handle, magnetic attachments, and heat control that protects hair while it dries fast.
Our verdict
The Supersonic is the best premium hair dryer, because it combines fast drying with heat control and balance in a way no rival quite matches. The motor in the handle changes how the dryer feels over a long session, and the magnetic attachments make styling section by section genuinely pleasant. The price is the only serious objection, and it is an objection that fades for owners who dry daily.
What we like
- The digital motor sits in the handle, so the dryer is balanced and light in the hand, which matters on long or thick hair that takes time to dry.
- Magnetic attachments swap in a second and stay put, from the styling concentrator for sleek sections to the diffuser for curls and the flyaway attachment for a smooth finish.
- Intelligent heat control measures airflow temperature and adjusts it to avoid extreme heat, so fast drying does not have to mean fried ends.
What to watch out for
- The premium price buys refinement, not a fundamentally different result on short, easy hair, where a good mid-range dryer dries almost as quickly.
- The attachment system rewards owners who style section by section, while buyers who just blast hair dry may never use half of what is in the box.
- It is louder in character than some salon dryers, with a high-pitched motor tone that divides opinion even though the volume itself is controlled.
Who it is for
Owners who dry daily, have medium to thick hair, or style with attachments and want the most controlled premium dry available.
Balance changes the experience
Most dryers put a heavy motor at the back of the barrel, which pulls the wrist down over a long session. The Supersonic puts its digital motor in the handle, so the dryer feels balanced and light even when drying thick hair takes time. Owners notice the difference most on the second half of a blow-dry, when a front-heavy dryer starts to ache and this one simply does not.
Attachments that actually get used
Magnetic attachments sound like a gimmick until you swap one mid-style with wet hands and it clicks into place without a twist or a tug. The styling concentrator gives a precise blade of air for sleek sections, the diffuser handles curls without frizz, and the flyaway attachment smooths the top layer for a finished look. Each one changes the airflow character, not just the nozzle shape, which is why owners use them rather than leaving them boxed.
How it stacks up
Against the Shark SpeedStyle Pro, the Dyson wins on balance, attachment feel, and refinement, while the Shark wins on scalp protection and value. Against the BaBylissPRO Portofino, the Dyson wins on weight and heat control, while the Portofino wins on raw salon power per pound spent. Against the T3 AireLuxe, the Dyson wins on precision and handling, while the T3 wins on volume building and brush-kit completeness.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Dries long hair noticeably faster than older dryers owners replaced
- Feels balanced and light during long styling sessions
- Magnetic attachments swap smoothly without twisting or tugging
Common complaints
- Premium price feels hard to justify for short or easy hair
- High-pitched motor tone irritates some owners in quiet rooms
- Attachment set takes up more drawer space than a single-nozzle dryer
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Power
- 1600 watts
- Speed settings
- 3 speed settings
- Heat settings
- 4 heat settings including constant cold
- Attachments
- Styling concentrator, gentle air attachment, flyaway attachment, wide-tooth comb, diffuser
- Motor
- Dyson digital motor in the handle
Also consider
Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731
The Pro step up: Scalp Shield, stronger airflow, and a styling suite for salon results on straight and wavy hair.
- Airflow: High-velocity airflow, reaching full speed in under a second
- Scalp care: Scalp Shield temperature adjustment at the roots
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Portofino Dryer
The salon classic: an Italian motor, Nano Titanium heat, and the power thick hair needs, in a dryer salons have trusted for years.
- Power: 2000 watts
- Motor: Italian motor
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the Dyson Supersonic worth the price?
For daily dryers and thick or long hair, yes, because the balance, speed, and heat control pay off every single use. For short hair dried quickly a few times a week, a mid-range dryer gives most of the result for far less, and the premium is harder to justify.
Which attachment should I use for sleek hair?
The styling concentrator, working in sections with a brush, gives the most precise sleek finish. Finish with the flyaway attachment on low heat to smooth the top layer, and use the cold shot to set the style.
Does the Supersonic work for curly hair?
Yes, with the diffuser, which spreads airflow gently to dry curls with definition and less frizz. Use a low speed and medium heat, and avoid touching curls while they dry, for the best curl pattern.