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Comparison

Dyson Supersonic vs Supersonic Nural

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In short

Both are 1,600 W Dyson dryers in the familiar ring shape with Air Multiplier airflow. The Nural adds a set of sensors: scalp protect mode, which Dyson says targets 55°C at the scalp, attachment learning that remembers your settings, and pause detect that cuts the heater when you put the dryer down. If those conveniences matter to you, the Nural is the upgrade; if not, the standard Supersonic dries the same way.

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

Our verdict

Choose the standard Supersonic if you want Dyson's drying performance and are happy to set heat yourself. Choose the Supersonic Nural if automatic scalp protection, remembered settings and pause detect would make your daily routine easier.

Dyson sells several Supersonic dryers, and the Nural looks almost identical to the standard model from the outside. The difference is inside: a network of sensors that adjusts heat and airflow for you. Whether that is worth paying extra for depends on how you dry your hair and how often you fiddle with settings. This comparison uses the Amazon UK listing facts for the Supersonic and Supersonic Nural in our guides, and explains each Nural feature in plain terms.

Listing facts side by side

Both listings give the same rated power and similar weights. The main differences are the sensors and the attachments in the box.

FeatureSupersonicSupersonic Nural
Rated power1,600 W1,600 W
Listed weight675 g640 g
Speeds33
Maximum temperature100°C100°C
Attachments in this setConcentrator, flyaway tool, gentle air attachmentDiffuser, flyaway smoother, gentle air, smoothing nozzle, styling concentrator
Scalp protect modeNoYes, 55°C target at the scalp (Dyson)
Attachment learningNoYes
Pause detectNoYes
Dyson Supersonic and Supersonic Nural from the listings

Compare every Dyson hair dryer →

Scalp protect mode

Dyson's listing says the Nural uses a Time of Flight sensor to measure how far the dryer is from your head. As you move closer, it lowers the heat to keep the air at the scalp near a 55°C target. The aim is more comfortable drying close to the roots, where people often hold a dryer too near.

On the standard Supersonic you get the same effect by choosing a lower heat setting or holding the dryer further away. The Nural simply does it automatically. If you already dry at medium heat with the dryer at a sensible distance, you may notice little difference.

Attachment learning and pause detect

Attachment learning uses a sensor to recognise which attachment is fitted. The Nural then switches to the heat and speed you used last time with that attachment. If you always diffuse on low and smooth on medium, that saves pressing buttons each morning.

Pause detect uses a motion sensor. When you put the dryer down, it turns the heater off and reduces airflow; pick it up and it resumes. That makes it quieter while you section hair or reach for a brush. On the standard Supersonic you would press the cold shot or switch off instead.

The Nural also has capsule illumination that changes colour to show the heat setting, which helps if you cannot see the small lights on the handle.

What stays the same

Both use the same core design: a digital motor in the handle, Air Multiplier technology and intelligent heat control that measures air temperature many times a second. Drying performance is broadly the same because the motor format and rated power match. Both have magnetic attachments, a cold shot and a removable filter cage at the back of the handle that needs regular cleaning; see how to clean a Supersonic filter.

Box contents vary by bundle and colour, so compare the attachment list on the exact listing before you buy. The Nural set in our guides includes a diffuser, which suits wavy hair; Dyson sells curly and coily bundles of both dryers too.

FilterMotor and fanHeaterNozzle (magnetic)Cold shot buttonCable entryair inwarm air out
Inside a premium hair dryer: air comes in through the filter, the motor and fan push it past the heater and out of the nozzle.

Who should buy which

If budget is the main factor, our guide to Dyson Supersonic alternatives covers high-speed brushless dryers from Laifen, Shark and others.

  • Standard Supersonic: you know your settings, dry at a sensible distance and want the Dyson design for less.
  • Supersonic Nural: you dry close to the scalp, switch attachments often or like the dryer to remember your preferences.
  • Either: if you want a lighter, newer format, look at the Supersonic r instead.

Note:Hair dryers are mains appliances. Do not use one near a filled bath or basin, unplug it to clean the filter, and stop using it if the cable or plug is damaged.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Supersonic Nural worth it over the standard Supersonic? Only if you value the automatic features. Drying speed is broadly the same, as both are rated at 1,600 W with the same airflow design.

Do Supersonic attachments fit the Nural? Dyson's magnetic attachments are designed for the Supersonic family, but the intelligent features rely on the Nural's own attachments. Check Dyson's compatibility notes for older attachments.

Does scalp protect mode work all the time? It is a mode you switch on. Dyson's manual explains how to activate it on your model.

Which is quieter? Both use the same motor design. Pause detect makes the Nural quieter when you put it down, but in use they sound similar.

What you need

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