10 of the best affordable hair dryers, according to reviewers

The Hot Tools Signature Series Turbo Ionic dryer features ceramic technology that emits far-infrared heat to help seal the cuticle and protect from heat damage while boasting a very comfortable user-friendly design. The smooth surface of this surprisingly lightweight dryer was highlighted in multiple reviews and on those pre-coffee mornings, holding up a heavy dryer just doesn’t fly. 

With a convenient removable filter, you’re able to take out lint and debris to prolong the life of your dryer. So if you’re on the fence about the Hot Tools Signature Series Turbo Ionic Dryer’s price being at the higher end of affordability, keep in mind that easy regular filter maintenance will keep it functioning longer. 

Amazon reviewer Loves Books in MD writes: 

"I guess I'm the Goldilocks of blowdryers, as I have quite a few, but none are Just Right - until this one. I remember when blowdryers were small and I guess I liked their size for ease of storage and the weight, though it was concentrated into a small area and a bit hard on the wrists. Those days are gone (though I'll admit I still have two of the small old ones) in these days of the larger blowdryers. Some I've tried work well, but are just too heavy for me and the rip a bit large for my small hands.

"I guess I'm the Goldilocks of blowdryers, as I have quite a few, but none are Just Right - until this one. I remember when blowdryers were small and I guess I liked their size for ease of storage and the weight, though it was concentrated into a small area and a bit hard on the wrists. Those days are gone (though I'll admit I still have two of the small old ones) in these days of the larger blowdryers. Some I've tried work well, but are just too heavy for me and the rip a bit large for my small hands.

This Hot Tools blowdryer IS Just Right. It's surprisingly light for a blowdryer of its size and the grip is comfortable for my hand. It's powerful and dried my hair rather quickly. As strands of my hair begin to lose or have lost their pigment, the texture can be wiry and a bit frizzy and this blowdryer seemed to tame it so my hair was all smooth.

This Hot Tools blowdryer IS Just Right. It's surprisingly light for a blowdryer of its size and the grip is comfortable for my hand. It's powerful and dried my hair rather quickly. As strands of my hair begin to lose or have lost their pigment, the texture can be wiry and a bit frizzy and this blowdryer seemed to tame it so my hair was all smooth.

I like the weight, performance and even the look of this blowdryer. The barrel even cooled faster than many I have, which means I can store it in the vanity faster, which I like. Overall, I think this might be the blowdryer that is Just Right."

What if we told you you could cut your morning routine in half? Well it's possible with this multitasking hair dryer-paddle brush hybrid by Revlon. Designed to dry hair while smoothing it at the same time, you'll get an end product of sleek strands and frizz-free hair in half the time.

We’ll admit that at first glance it seems a little gimmicky, but the Revlon One-Step has racked up rave reviews and boasts an impressive fan base. Keep in mind that if you don't like styling your hair with a paddle brush, you'll want to skip this one. 

Here’s what Amazon reviewer, Surf Nurse, said of their experience with it:

"This is too good to be true! It made my hair softer and straighter than my normal routine of blow drying then flat ironing. I don’t have any of those split ends sticking up on the top of my head either. It’s gentle on hair and and no more high heat damage from my flat iron. I am telling everyone about this dryer brush. I would have paid five times more for this because that is how awesome it is. Trust me!!"

Oh and since it's applied directly to the hair, you'll notice it has a lower wattage to avoid drying and damaging strands. 

Not all travel hair dryers are created equal. In the case of this compact travel hair dryer by Revlon, they can be surprisingly powerful enough for everyday use.  At a really small price tag, you'll get a power-packed 1,875 watt hair dryer built to dry your hair within minutes. 

Thanks to its compact, travel-friendly size and design, you can easily pack it for after the gym or store it from its conveniently attached hanging ring as it cools. The Revlon compact travel hair dryer doesn't come with attachments, so you'll want to skip over it if you're looking for a dryer to use with a diffuser or concentrator.

Walmart reviewer Bodacious21 had this to say:

At 1875 watts this dryer functions as well as it's larger counterparts but with less weight than most. Drying hair isn't fun so making it as easy to do as possible is a plus and this small size helps with that.

If you’re someone whose hair tends to get a little angry after applying heat to it, then you’ll want a dryer that stands up to the frizz while protecting your strands. Enter: the John Frieda Frizz Ease Full Volume Hair Dryer. With a lightweight motor, a high voltage advanced ionic generator, titanium ceramic coating for even heat distribution, and a cool shot setting to lock your style in place, you’ll be set with a dryer that protects hair with each use. 

It comes with two diffusers and one concentrator attachment to gently dry natural curls, waves, and sleek styles to perfection. While the John Frieda Frizz Ease Full Volume hair dryer gets high marks for performance, it doesn’t have the best track record as far as durability. So if you’re okay with replacing your dryer every few years , this is a solid option.

Amazon reviewer Jessica had this to say:

I have owned this hair dryer for 5+ years. I have had multiple friends come visit our home & they have used my hair dryer, every single one of them took a picture of it to buy! The power is awesome, it dries your hair so much faster than most blow dryers. I actually purchased a 2nd one to give to my bestie as a present, she almost cried, LOL. I wouldn't think twice about purchasing this... just do it! I will never switch!

Most of the time, we’re reaching for our hair dryers during the early hours of the morning trying not to wake up our roommates or partners. Aside from that challenge, there’s a general disdain for the sound of a loud motor running in your ear while you dry your damp hair before your morning coffee. The answer? Get a dryer that keeps noise to a minimum. 

Almost all the reviews for the KIPOZI 1875 watt professional hair dryer speak to its impressively quiet performance — despite being powered by the same wattage of most of the dryers on this list. You'll be able to finish your look with a cool shot to set it in place throughout the day and replace the removable filter for easier cleanup and longevity for years to come. 

Here's what Amazon reviewer Sharon Willis had to say about her KIPOZI hair dryer:

"I love this hair dryer. It has good controls, heat control, the handle is ergonomic and comfortable. Has plenty of power and best of all, this dryer is much quieter than my previous dryers. I didn't realize how noisy the older dryers were until I got this one. When you're drying your hair you have the dryer close to your ears, this quieter one is much better and I'm very happy I chose it." 

With a unique 360-degree design, the Revlon Salon 360 Surround hair dryer is the perfect way to get sleek, smooth, frizz-free hair in even less time. Its technology works to naturally smooth the hair follicle by surrounding it with 1,875 watts of drying power. (That's right: you put your hair *in* it.)

The dryer comes with two modes, as the barrel housing contours the airflow perfectly based on what section of the hair you’re drying. Its conditioning ionic technology immerses hair in a constant stream of ions for brilliant shine and manageability. 

Reviewers rave about the dryer's ability to dry larger sections of hair at a time while creating voluminous blowouts. If you're someone who prefers drying hair into wavy or curly styles, you'll want to note that this dryer isn't compatible with attachments. 

BaBylissPRO is one of the best names when it comes to affordable, high-powered hair dryers. This one in particular is listed at a budget-friendly $29.99 and comes with all the same features the regular models are known for: Nano Titanium technology for smooth and shiny hair, versatile speed and heat settings, dual voltage, and an ultra-lightweight design. 

You'll notice the wattage of the BaBylissPRO is comparatively lower than most of the dryers on our list, but with over 141 positive reviews on Amazon and 4.1 stars, the performance seems just fine with many users switching in their dryer for the BaBylissPRO's compact option. 

Once again, the BaBylissPRO compact dryer doesn't come equipped with attachments so those with curly and wavy hair, wanting to wear it naturally, will want to skip over this one and instead opt for a dryer with attachments. 

Amazon reviewer Mike is a fan:

We were looking to replace our 1875 watt energy hog during a period of skyrocketing rates. Found this 1000 watt appliance and decided to try it. We were not disappointed. This has a much power as our old larger unit. It is quieter and easier to handle and does not clutter

We were looking to replace our 1875 watt energy hog during a period of skyrocketing rates. Found this 1000 watt appliance and decided to try it. We were not disappointed. This has a much power as our old larger unit. It is quieter and easier to handle and does not clutter

up the vanity top.

Perfect for all hair types, Conair’s Ionic Ceramic hair dryer has three different heat settings and two speeds to reach your desired style. Its ionic technology works to create a cloud of negative ions designed to decrease frizz by up to 75% and make your hair super shiny.

It’s designed with a hinge filter for easy removal and cleaning to help prolong the life of your dryer. Most impressively, the Conair Ionic Ceramic hair dryer boasts a technology specifically created to generate infrared heat for quick and gentle drying, so hair ends up more manageable without suffering heat damage.

Here's what Laurie L. said about their love affair with the Conair Ionic Ceramic dryer: 

"I don’t normally write reviews, but this is a great hairdryer, IMO. I originally bought this model (but in black) in 2011. I got 7 good years out of it before the wire frayed at the base and it sparked out on me. Many would ask why 5 stars then? Because it was consistent and I use it 3-4 times a week to blow out my thick curly hair. It doesn’t surprise me that it was worn out after all that time. The hair dryer is never too hot and I rarely have split ends. My hair stylist is amazed at how healthy my hair is when I blow it out so often. Anyway, I found my first order on Amazon from 2011 and was so happy to find out that they still make this hair dryer. I bought it in pink this time, because, why not? Here’s to another 7 years! BTW, maybe to cord fraying where it meets the dryer was an issue because my new one seems to have a longer rubber base where the wire attaches." 

Damaged hair is no good, and using a hair dryer daily — no matter how well-designed — sure can put a lot of stress on your strands. That's why Remington's Pro hair dryer with Pearl Ceramic Technology stands out from the crowd. By transferring micro-conditioners to your hair during styling, you'll end up with a finished style that's soft and smooth to the touch. 

Aside from a salon-quality motor that delivers 40% faster airflow for finished results in less time, the Remington Pro comes with a two-year warranty. It's also designed with a removable filter to make cleaning a breeze and your dryer last even longer. Since it comes with attachments, you can use it as-is, with a diffuser, or a concentrator, for even more versatile styling options. 

Here's what OTBee42 had to say about their Remington Pro and its smoothing power: 

"I was skeptical that a hair dryer so reasonably priced would perform as well as the one I currently use (which I spent significantly more money on). However the Remington Pro Hair Dryer dries my hair faster and leaves it smoother than any dryer I've ever tried. My hair is very thick and tends to be frizzy, and hair dryers rarely improve that situation! The Pearl Ceramic technology with this dryer is a game-changer. My hair has never been so sleek!"

Don’t be fooled by the aesthetically-pleasing rose gold exterior of this hair dryer: It means business. Powered by 1,875 watts and Conair's lightest-weight AC motor, it makes drying hair fast and comfortable. The dryer is equipped to proactively protect hair from heat damage with its use of ceramic and ionic technology. 

Three heat settings and two speed settings ensure a customizable styling experience suited to your needs. You’ll also find it has a removable filter for easy upkeep, cleaning, and durability to last for the long haul. Who said budget-friendly options aren’t built to last? Since it comes with two attachments, it's a solid choice for all hair textures. 

This is what reviewer Twinmoma had to say about their experience with the power-packed Infiniti PRO:

"I was very surprised with how this hair dryer is super powerful, just like the box says. It was very hot and honestly did dry my hair in a shorter time compared to my old dryer. It has low, medium and hot heat and two speeds. The dryer is not too heavy and looks beautiful and comes in various colors (I got Bronze). When I was blow drying my hair, I had it under hot and loved it, I also straightened my hair with it and I was expecting it to turn off to cool off and it and it didn't, it continued working. The only thing that annoyed me is the cold button, the way it is positioned and being very sensitive to the touch, each time my finger touched it I'll get cold air instead. I mean, don't get me wrong, once you hit the button it turned cold real quick and I believe it is the way I was holding the dryer that had my finger positioned closed to the button. But it doesn't really matter, I am very pleased with my new hair dryer and will not change it."