Head to head
Dyson Supersonic vs Shark SpeedStyle Pro (2026)
Dyson Supersonic vs Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731: premium balance and magnetic attachments against Scalp Shield and high-velocity value.
#1 in our rankings · Best overall
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Best for: Buyers who want the fastest, most controlled dry they can get at home, and who will use the attachments rather than leaving them in the box.
#2 in our rankings · Best for sensitive scalps
Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731
Best for: Owners who dry close to the roots, have a sensitive scalp, or want the most powerful Shark dryer for straight and wavy hair.
Our recommendation
Buy the Dyson Supersonic if you want the most refined, best-balanced premium dryer, with magnetic attachments that make styling a pleasure. Buy the Shark SpeedStyle Pro if scalp comfort matters most, or if you want premium airflow and a full styling suite for less than Dyson money. Both dry fast and protect hair from extreme heat; the choice is about feel and scalp care, not raw speed.
Balance and handling
The Dyson motor in the handle gives near-perfect balance, so long sessions on thick hair feel easier on the wrist. The Shark is a more traditional shape with its weight forward, which is fine for shorter sessions but more noticeable when drying takes a while.
Scalp care
The Shark Scalp Shield adjusts temperature at the roots, which is a genuine advantage for owners who dry close to the scalp or have sensitive skin. The Dyson controls overall airflow temperature well, but it has no dedicated scalp mode, so root drying depends on choosing a lower heat setting manually.
Attachments and value
The Dyson magnetic system swaps faster and feels more considered, with five attachments in the box. The Shark suite is generous too, and the Pro costs less, so buyers who value the styling set over the swapping mechanism get strong value from the Shark.
Choose Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer if…
- You dry daily and value balance over long sessions
- You love magnetic attachments that swap in a second
- You want the most refined premium dryer available
Choose Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731 if…
- You have a sensitive scalp or dry close to the roots
- You want premium airflow for less than Dyson money
- You value a full styling suite at a lower premium price
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer | Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731 |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | Premium | Premium |
| 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 | - |
| Airflow | - | High-velocity airflow, reaching full speed in under a second |
| Scalp care | - | Scalp Shield temperature adjustment at the roots |
| Styling system | - | IQ Speed Styling and Drying Suite |
| Heat control | - | No heat damage temperature regulation |
| Hair types | - | Straight and wavy hair |
| Best for | Buyers who want the fastest, most controlled dry they can get at home, and who will use the attachments rather than leaving them in the box. | Owners who dry close to the roots, have a sensitive scalp, or want the most powerful Shark dryer for straight and wavy hair. |
| Skip if | Your budget is tight, or you want a simple dryer with one nozzle and no attachment system to learn. | You want the lightest dryer in the range, or your hair is curly or coily and needs a deep diffuser first. |
Strengths and limitations
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Strengths
- 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.
Limitations
- 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.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731
Strengths
- Scalp Shield adjusts temperature at the roots, so close-to-scalp drying feels gentler without giving up airflow where it matters.
- Airflow reaches high velocity in under a second, which shortens drying time on thick sections that usually take the longest.
- The styling and drying suite covers sleek, voluminous, and high-shine finishes, so one dryer handles several looks without extra tools.
Limitations
- The Pro price sits close to premium rivals, so buyers should be sure they value Scalp Shield and the extra power over a simpler mid-range dryer.
- It is a substantial dryer with a full attachment set, which needs more storage space than a single-nozzle budget dryer.
- As with the standard SpeedStyle, the tuning favours straight and wavy hair, and curly owners should weigh the diffuser options carefully.
How they fit the wider field
- Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer: ranked #1 (Best overall) in The Best Hair Dryers. Read the full Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer review.
- Shark SpeedStyle Pro HD731: ranked #2 (Best for sensitive scalps) in The Best Hair Dryers.
Neither one quite right? The full rankings cover 10 picks matched to different buyers.
Questions, answered
Which dries faster?
Both are fast, and the difference on most hair is small. The Shark reaches full airflow almost instantly, while the Dyson sustains strong airflow with less heat, so drying times are close and technique matters more than the brand.
Which is better for curly hair?
The Dyson, slightly, thanks to its diffuser and precise heat control, though the Shark handles wavy hair very well. Very curly owners should compare diffuser depth on both before choosing, since that attachment decides the result.
Which is quieter?
Neither is silent, and both have a distinctive motor tone. The Dyson tone is higher pitched, while the Shark is lower and more traditional, so the quieter choice depends on which tone bothers you less rather than on measured volume alone.