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Skip the Dyson Supersonic, I'd Buy the New £250 Travel Dryer Instead
This is the first of Dyson's hair tools that can be used worldwide.
Lucy Smith, Senior shopping writer, Tuesday 12 May 2026 10:14 BST
Dyson is synonymous with luxury. Given that the brand's haircare devices retail in the region of £300 and £600, they are not the sort of beauty essentials you are likely to pick up on a whim. Rather, they are investment tools designed to improve your hair's health and appearance. As a beauty journalist, I have tested countless hair dryers, and the one quality that gives Dyson tools an edge is their motor speed — the power of the airflow versus the temperature that shortens drying time. In my experience, this leads to quicker styling sessions and less hair damage. However, it is hard to ignore the price of Dyson's hair dryers: the original Supersonic costs £329.99, the Supersonic Nural costs £399.99, and the Supersonic R is a hefty £449.99. But the latest launch is a travel-sized version of its Supersonic, priced at just £249.99, which is almost £100 cheaper than the original. After testing it both at home and on the go, I believe it might outshine its pricier counterparts for everyday use. Here is why.
Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer: Why We Love It
- Dual voltage for worldwide use (Dyson tools notoriously are not)
- Motor matches the power of full-size premium dryers
- Weighs less than a can of Coke
- Controlled airflow effectively smooths flyaways
My interest in Dyson's Supersonic travel hair dryer was not purely its on-the-go suitability, but whether it might beat competitors for day-to-day styling, too. Off the bat, Dyson's travel dryer does not outperform the brand's full-size line-up. And how could it? The Nural cleverly auto-adjusts temperatures to keep your scalp healthy, and the Supersonic R demonstrates the sheer power of Dyson's most impressive motor yet. However, I would argue these features are not always necessary for everyday blow drying, and that is where the travel dryer comes in. The strong motor matches other brands' premium full-size dryers, which is impressive, especially given its ultra-light design (weighing just over 300g, making it a smart choice for anyone with reduced strength or mobility). Of course, it will not knock your socks off like the Supersonic R, but it directs air right into the roots for quick drying. In total, it took my hair from wet to dry in around 15 minutes and did not require further styling with straighteners. I predominantly used the highest heat and speed settings to achieve this. If I were to be picky, I would have appreciated an even hotter setting for creating curls with a round brush. But I was still able to create subtle face framing, and my hair was left smooth, soft and ready to go in no time.
Unlike Dyson's other newer Supersonic hair dryers, you only get one attachment: the concentrator nozzle. For me, it is a real hero. It allowed me to smooth down flyaways and static. Those who enjoy using a diffuser might feel short-changed. But it has, after all, been designed with ease of travel in mind. And when you actually consider its aptitude as a travel dryer, it excels. The dual-voltage (100–240V) design means you can use it worldwide, which is a first from Dyson. Its other tools (including the Airwrap and the Airstrait) are single-voltage, meaning UK models do not work in the U.S. (and vice versa). What is more, I barely noticed the extra weight in my travel bag when lugging it around. In fact, my ghd curling wand weighs around 50g more. Unless you have very thick locks or particularly fragile hair after years of bleaching and heat styling, you will not compromise on time, drying and smoothing performance with the Dyson Supersonic travel dryer. Even if your hair has suffered breakage (my own included), the travel dryer promises to monitor its air temperature 100 times a second to prevent extreme heat damage. In summary, this is your ticket to a slice of luxury at a more mid-to-aspirational price point.
Key Specifications
- Heat settings: Three (including one cool shot)
- Speed settings: Two
- Weight: 331g
- Cord length: 2m
- Price: £250 from Lookfantastic.com
Does the Dyson Travel Dryer Beat the Full-Size Supersonic?
For everyday styling, the Dyson Supersonic travel hair dryer arguably makes more sense than some of Dyson's full-size machines and offers the brand's signature speed and finish without the bulk. It balances price, portability and performance well and, while it does not quite rival the brand's most powerful hair dryers (such as the Nural and Supersonic R), it comes remarkably close where it counts, delivering fast drying, smooth results and a noticeably lighter feel.
How I Tested
To see whether the Dyson Supersonic travel hair dryer could compete with the brand's existing line-up of dryers, I tested it at home and in a hotel, using it as my primary dryer for a week. I assessed how it stacked up with competitors not just as a space-saver, but as an everyday styling device and, specifically, considered the following factors:
- Drying power: I timed how fast it took my hair from wet to dry, and whether the airflow felt comparable to other full-size premium dryers.
- Styling performance: I looked at how well the dryer smoothed hair, reduced frizz and supported styling (including using a round brush and the included concentrator nozzle).
- Heat and control: I tested the different temperature and speed settings, noting how effective they were in achieving my various styling needs.
- Weight: I evaluated how lightweight and easy the dryer was to manoeuvre.
- Travel suitability: I used the dryer away from home to assess how practical it was to pack, carry and use in a cramped hotel bathroom.
- Finish: I monitored how my hair looked and felt after drying, including smoothness, softness and whether additional tools (like straighteners) were needed.
Why You Can Trust IndyBest Reviews
In her two years at IndyBest, Lucy Smith has become somewhat of a Dyson expert. Not only has she reviewed the brand's Cora 2x Airwrap and Airstrait stylers, but looking at the brand more broadly, she has even road-tested the V16 Piston Animal vacuum. Lucy is also big on hair health, having never dyed her hair, and regularly speaks to stylists and trichologists to learn the latest recommendations for silky smooth locks.
