The T3 Afar Travel Hair Dryer is our absolute favorite.
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If you’ve ever traveled with the plan to rely on the hotel hair dryer and been sorely disappointed at the quality of the item and its lack of ability to dry hair, you are not alone. Hotel hair dryers are notoriously weak, and if you have long hair, thick hair, or plan to give yourself a snazzy blowout while on vacation, they can certainly come up short.
We recommend packing a compact, lightweight travel hair dryer so you can be sure you have a product that’ll meet all your trip needs. To find the very best travel hair dryers, we conducted a four-week study in which we tested 34 products. We paid close attention to ease of use, features, drying performance, overall look, and value.
The T3 Afar Travel Hair Dryer stood out above the rest because it’s small, but very mighty, and it dried our hair quickly plus left it looking shiny. But if you’re looking for other options, including a splurge-worthy, luxury option or a pick with lots of attachments and accessories, read on. We found the very best selections in every category.
It’s super lightweight, comfortable to hold, and the sweetest shade of pink.
It doesn’t include a diffuser.
If you only buy one travel hair dryer, let it be this super compact does-it-all product from T3, a brand known for its high-quality hair tools. Weighing in at less than one pound, this small dryer with a foldable handle won’t hog much space in your luggage at all. It even comes with a vegan leather travel pouch so you can keep it separate from your belongings, which is extra beneficial for when it’s still hot after use.
The product works well on all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and coily. It uses a wide, ion-infused airstream that gently dries hair fast, and we enjoyed the strong, even air flow during testing. Meanwhile, negative ions help smooth the hair cuticle to minimize frizz. We noticed our hair looked quite shiny after use. It has three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot setting that locks in your style. A bonus for international travelers: The dual-voltage dryer automatically adapts so you don’t need to pack a converter (though you may need a plug adapter, depending on your destination).
Price at time of publish: $180
It has a very strong airflow and dries all hair types quickly, while leaving them shiny and voluminous.
Though relatively lightweight, it’s bulkier than many of the items on our list.
No doubt about it: the Dyson SuperSonic Hair Dryer is the Rolls Royce of hair dryers. Though the price is steep, hairstylists and beauty enthusiasts alike swear by its unparalleled ability to dry hair more quickly and effectively than standard dryers — and after our lab tests, we agreed! We were thoroughly impressed by the hair dryer’s strong air flow and many of us never even needed to use full power because the lower settings were effective enough (still, people with very thick hair will certainly appreciate the max capacity setting). We also agreed that, with heat settings from 82 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (plus a cool shot option) and 1600 watts of power, it dried our hair in record time compared to other hair dryers, while also giving flat hair flippy, bouncy volume.
Dyson’s wide array of attachments also sets it apart from competitors. This model includes five magnetic attachments for a variety of hair types, including a styling concentrator, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, a wide-tooth comb, and a flyaway attachment that gives straight or straightened hair a smooth, sleek finish. It also comes with a convenient case cushioned with soft fabric to store all the attachments and protect the hair dryer from scratches. It is important to note that Dyson does not recommend using this product outside the U.S. as an adaptor or converter can cause permanent damage to the motor.
Price at time of publish: $430
The Details: 1.8 pounds | 9.6 x 3.8 x 3.1 inches | 1600 watts
The lightweight dryer has impressive airflow.
The attachments can be difficult to remove.
Though small and lightweight, this hair dryer has plenty of power and the strength of the airflow impressed us during testing. Despite that, the motor is relatively quiet compared to standard hair dryers, so it’s ideal to use during early mornings or late nights while others may be sleeping within earshot. There are four heat settings and three speed settings (plus a cool shot setting) that can accommodate virtually any hair type. We found the BondiBoost dryer was able to quickly and effectively dry hair even on the lower heat and speed settings, while leaving hair smoother and less frizzy. The product includes a concentrated airflow attachment and a diffuser. Plus, it comes equipped with a unique self-cleaning function, which helps to prolong the life of the hair dryer. It even has a smart memory function that memorizes your heat and speed settings.
Price at time of publish: $199
It has an ergonomic design and innovative moving nozzle.
The five-foot cord doesn’t have a lot of give.
The major selling-point of this sleek dryer is an oscillating quick-dry nozzle designed to minimize hot spots and dry hair quicker. We appreciated this feature, which distributed heat and airflow evenly on hair. The product uses patented nanoe technology that infuses super-fine, moisture-rich nano-sized ions during drying, which we noticed made our hair shiny and frizz-free. It comes with a concentrated nozzle that provides a more focused airflow for precise styling and a full-size diffuser to add volume to curls. It heats up to 300 degrees and has a cold shot option to lock in styles. Weighing in at just over one ounce, it is by far the most lightweight hair dryer on our list.
Price at time of publish: $160
The Details: 1.1 ounces | 3.7 x 12.2 x 8.3 inches | 1875 watts
Despite its compact size, this dryer has a generous eight-foot cord.
The setting buttons are located on the body of the dryer rather than on the handle.
A foldable hair dryer provides added convenience for travelers because it makes it easier to fit into small luggage compartments. Even if using it at home, you’ll appreciate that it takes less real estate on your vanity or in a drawer. This lightweight, foldable model uses ionic technology, which helps prevent frizz and promotes a faster drying time. It’s also equipped with red light therapy to help strengthen weak, brittle hair and promote growth. There are four modes (from 160 to 296 degrees Fahrenheit) and three speed settings, as well as a memory function. Though we appreciated the product’s quick-drying ability and the results that left hair smooth without noticeable damage, we found the button placement a tad inconvenient.
Price at time of publish: $299
The Details: 11.8 ounces | 8.2 x 8.7 inches | 1300 watts
It includes a concentrated nozzle, a diffuser, two round brushes, and a paddle brush.
The attachments were a bit difficult to remove.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by accidentally switching a heat or speed setting on your hair dryer due to inconveniently placed buttons, listen up: this lightweight dryer comes with a button lock feature, so you’ll never unwillingly change one of the three airflow speeds or three heat settings (from 145 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit). We found that this hair dryer’s powerful airflow made it worth the high price tag, in addition to the fact that it didn’t leave hair with any visible damage. With the plethora of included attachments and accessories, you can create virtually any hairstyle without having to pack additional tools. Plus, it features a self-clean function to eradicate any gunk that builds up over time.
Price at time of publish: $300
The Details: 13 ounces | 11.8 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches | 1875 watts
The small but mighty dryer comes with two nozzles and a diffuser.
The power button is a bit tricky.
Despite its small, lightweight frame, this hair dryer packs quite the power. We were impressed with the potential intensity of the airflow, especially for the mid-range price tag. We found the dryer — which has four heat settings (up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit), three speed settings, and a cold shot — able to fully dry hair relatively quickly when compared with other dryers we tested. The LCD display is a nice touch so you can see the exact temperature you’re dispersing onto your hair. An added bonus: it comes with a travel case for extra convenient toting.
Price at time of publish: $170
It’s compact and budget-friendly with a rotating nozzle.
It works best on thin and fine hair types.
If you don’t use a travel dryer often and prefer a model with a budget-friendly price point, this Revlon model is a good bet. It has a narrowly concentrated airflow, which increases airflow speed and targets wider sections of hair than a regular concentrator, making it convenient for blowouts and styling. The nozzle can be rotated and locked into place either vertically or horizontally, so you can focus air on your strands from any angle. It also includes a diffuser for use on curly hair. It helps reduce frizz and boost shine thanks to ceramic tourmaline technology. We were quite happy with the effects for the price. It has three heat settings and two speed settings.
Price at time of publish: $50
The Details: 2.07 pounds | 3.6 x 11.1 x 9 inches | 1875 watts
These two hair dryers also stood apart from the crowd during testing, although they had some minor issues that gave us pause.
L'ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer: While we appreciated the compact and quiet nature of this hair dryer, ultimately it left hair a bit frizzy and didn’t have the best air flow.
Mane Addicts This Totally Blows! Compact Hair Dryer: Though we loved that this lightweight model comes with multiple attachments including a concentrated nozzle, a diffuser, and a comb, it was a bit expensive considering the limited heat options.
First, we tested 34 of the top hair dryers in our labs, searching for the most travel-friendly options. After the initial test, we continued using the products at home at least twice a week over the course of four weeks.
In addition to our team testing the products, we also had expert hair stylists use the products on others in our laboratory tests to get some professional insight. To compare how each dryer stacked up against the others, we took detailed notes on ease of use, product features, drying performance, the overall look, and the value of the product. We also paid special attention to how packable and convenient they were for travel.
If luggage space is limited, you’ll be better off with one of the smaller items on our list. Foldable hair dryers are particularly convenient for packing because they can collapse into a more compact shape. If you’re working against suitcase weight limits, pay special attention to the weight of the hair dryer — there are great options even at under one pound.
You don’t want a dryer that’s too weak or too hot for your hair type, which can defeat the purpose of the product or leave your hair damp or frizzy. To prevent this, buy a travel dryer with similar wattage and power settings to your at-home hair dryer and be sure to give it a test run before you go. Many typical dryers are about 1800 watts.
While many hair dryers (such as our top pick!) come with automatic voltage converters, others do not. If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to pack a voltage converter with the appropriate plug for your destination. If your hair dryer includes an automatic voltage converter or a voltage converter switch, just make sure you have the right plug adapter for your intended destination.
If your hair dryer comes with a carrying case or pouch, place the dryer inside the pouch before adding it to your suitcase. A garment bag or any cloth bag can also help keep your dryer safe. Put the dryer in a padded part of your suitcase (for example, in a compartment where it’ll be surrounded by soft clothing). It’s a good idea to wrap the dryer’s cord with a cord fastener or twist tie so that it doesn’t get damaged or tangled in transit. Just make sure you allow your hair dryer to fully cool down before packing it.
You can pack your hair dryer in your carry-on bag — just be sure you can fit it safely inside and that your bag adheres to all carry-on specifications.
Most hair dryers have a typical two-prong U.S. plug format, so you'll need an adapter with at least that type of input. If your hair dryer has a three-prong plug format, make sure you pack an adapter that can accommodate it. In many countries, electrical voltage is 220/240V, while U.S. and Canadian devices are designed for 110/120V. Most U.S. hair dryers will also require a converter when traveling between countries that use different voltages and some products, like the Dyson SuperSonic, should not be used outside of your home country for this reason. No matter what, if you don’t use a converter and plug in your hair dryer with mismatched voltage, it’s possible to ruin your device, or even start a fire.
For this story, longtime beauty writer and editor Talia Ergas pored over copious notes from our lab and real-world tests to convey the best and lacking features of each choice. We also consulted professional hair stylists during our lab tests to get the most detailed insights.
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