The Dyson Airwrap styler and Dyson Supersonic hair dryer are two of the most popular hair tools on the market, and deciding between them can be challenging.

So, which is right for you? I own both, and the short answer is it depends!

I wrote this Dyson Hair Dryer vs. Dyson Airwrap comparison to help you decide.

Keep reading for my take on who should get each based on hair type, preferences, and budget. I cover pros and cons, pricing, warranties, and more.

Dyson Supersonic vs. Dyson Airwrap: Which Is Better?

The Dyson Supersonic and the Dyson Airwrap are both amazing styling tools. I can speak to the quality and effectiveness of both, but they have their differences.

If you’re not familiar with these tools, here’s a primer:

• The Dyson Airwrap comes with multiple attachments that use the “coanda effect” to dry and style hair simultaneously.
• The Dyson Supersonic is a hair dryer engineered to prevent damage and increase smoothness and shine.

Here’s who I think should get each one.

Who Should Buy the Dyson Hair Dryer?

• All hair styles, including coarse hair and curly hair
• Anyone who regularly uses hot styling tools (straightener, curling iron, etc.) after blow drying
• Women who prefer a smooth, frizz-free blowout
• Hairstylists and professionals

You can buy the Dyson Hair Dryer new or refurbished.

Check out my Dyson Hair Dryer Review for more info.

Shop the Dyson Hair Dryer

Who Should Buy the Dyson Airwrap?

• People with a very large budget for a new hair tool
• Women who like a volumized, bouncy blowout
• Those who are intermediates or experts at hair styling
• Women who aren’t intimidated by a learning curve
• People who struggle with flat hair

You can buy the Airwrap new or refurbished.

Check out my Dyson Airwrap Review and my Dyson Airwrap Long Barrel Review for more info.

Shop the Dyson Airwrap

Dyson Hair Dryer vs. Airwrap Results Side by Side

Below are video and photo comparisons of how my hair looks when I use the Airwrap vs. the Supersonic.

Video Comparison

In the video below, I styled one side with the Airwrap and the other side with the hair dryer followed by a T3 curling iron. The Airwrap side has bouncy, voluminous, “classic” curls. The Supersonic side has sleeker, beachy waves.

Photo Comparison

In the left photo below, my hair was dried with the Supersonic Hair Dryer then curled with a curling iron.

In the right photo below, my hair was curled with the Airwrap.

Similarities Between the Supersonic and the Airwrap

Although these Dyson tools look different, they have some things in common:

• Top-notch engineering. Feel more well-built and powerful than other hair tools.
• Can be used on damp and dry hair.
• Lightweight.
• Multiple speed settings and heat settings, including a cool shot.
• Intelligent heat control prevents damage.
• Ionic technology helps smooth hair.
• Sold at Dyson.com and other retailers.

Differences Between the Supersonic and the Airwrap

Here are the main differences between the Airwrap and the Supersonic Hair Dryer:

• Airwrap comes with a storage case and heat mat. The Supersonic does not.
• Supersonic can be used on wet hair. The Airwrap works best on damp or dry hair.
• Supersonic has higher wattage (1600w) and delivers hotter and stronger airflow.
• Supersonic has 3 attachments. The Airwrap Complete has 6.
• Airflow rate in the Supersonic is 41 L/S vs. 13 L/S in the Airwrap.
• Airwrap can dry, straighten, smooth, and curl. Supersonic excels at blowouts.

Construction and How They Work

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Construction + How I Use It

Dyson Supersonic Construction

An homage to Dyson’s best-selling fans, the supersonic has a hole at its center and a motor that is smaller, lighter, and quieter than that of traditional hair dryers.

This makes it extremely easy to hold, and your shoulders won’t burn at all in the process (it weighs less than one pound).

The dryer has three buttons on its head behind the noddle: an on/off switch, heat settings, and airflow settings. They’re all easy to reach with one thumb. The cord is extra long, which is convenient if you don’t have an outlet nearby for your blow-dry sesh. 

It comes with three magnetic attachments: two nozzles and one diffuser. Dyson also sells other attachments, like a wide tooth comb, separately.

How I Use My Dyson Hair Dryer

I typically use my Supersonic to dry and smooth my hair when I know I’m going to curl it with my T3 curler or a flat iron after:

1. I start by giving all of my hair a rough dry, using the dryer on its own at high speed without an attachment.
2. Then, I’ll section my hair with a claw clip (top and bottom) and dry my hair in 2-4” sections with the smoothing nozzle attachment.
3. I use this round brush or a similar volumizing brush to pull the hair away from my head and curl it under at the ends.

I can usually have my hair dried within under 15 minutes, which is HUGE. In the past, it took me 30-60 minutes.

How I Use the Dyson Airwrap Construction + How I Use It

Dyson Airwrap Construction

The Dyson Airwrap is a styling dryer that includes 8 removable attachments that style and dry your hair at the same time. It’s compact and the attachments are the main point. The Airwrap Complete comes with two sets of barrels to curl or wave, two brushes to smooth and volumize, and a pre-drying styler.

It uses the Coanda effect, an aerodynamic phenomenon that curves air to attract and wrap hair around the barrels. Styling is a little more time-intensive, as you’ll need to use a different barrel for each side of your head (for clockwise and counter-clockwise curls).

To add an attachment, place it on top of the base and twist until you hear a click. To change attachments, move the lock/unlock button on the base to the unlock position. The base has three buttons: a power button with a cool shot built-in, a speed button, and a heat button.

How I Use My Dyson Airwrap

There are dozens of ways to use the Airwrap, which is one of the areas where it shines. For brevity’s sake, I’m going to describe how I use it most often.

If I want a smooth, straight blowout:

1. I’ll add the smoothing brush attachment and dry my hair as I sip my morning cup of coffee.

That’s it! Truly. It’s my favorite way to use the Airwrap. It acts as a drying brush. I LOVE this attachment, and it’s definitely my most used.

When I want bouncy curls:

1. I start by drying my hair until it’s damp with the pre-styling dryer.
2. Then, section my hair into two (top and bottom) with a claw clip.
3. Using the right barrels, I take 1-2” sections of hair and allow the Airwrap to grab them.
4. I pull the bottom inch of hair out so that I get a beachy wave.
5. I release the top section of hair and repeat.
6. I pull up and out around my face with the barrels to get extra volume.
7. Brush through at the end.

Pricing

It’s no secret that both hair tools are expensive.

As of March 2023, the Dyson Supersonic retails for $429, and the Dyson Airwrap Complete and Dyson Airwrap Complete Long retail for $599.

Dyson Hair Dryer vs. Dyson Airwrap Performance Comparison

As you can see in the chart, the Supersonic wins on frizz, speed, storage, and ease of use. The Airwrap wins on versatility. They are equals in heat protection.

Don’t let this chart fool you, though. I love my Airwrap, it just isn’t as easy to use for everyday styling.

Dyson Hair Dryer vs. Dyson Airwrap FAQs

Where can I find them on sale?

You can find refurbished Airwraps and Hair Dryers like new on eBay. I recommend purchasing through the Dyson Refurbished program or ensuring the item has an eBay Money Back Guarantee certificate.

Can the Dyson Airwrap be used as a hair dryer?

Yes, the pre-styling dryer attachment and the smoothing brushes can be used to dry the hair. The pre-styling dryer’s nozzle is not as large as the hair dryer nozzles, however, so it may take more time. The smoothing brushes dry just as fast and possibly smoother than the Dyson Hair Dryer.

Should I buy the Dyson Airwrap or the Dyson Hair Dryer?

I personally would take the Dyson Hair Dryer to a desert island, if I had to choose. I recommend the Dyson Supersonic for almost anyone, while the Airwrap is best for a smaller subset of people.

What hair types do the Airwrap and the Supersonic work best for?

The Supersonic works with all hair types. The Airwrap works best with people who do not have thick, coarse, textured hair.