Dyson Supersonic vs Supersonic Origin

Listing facts side by side

The core numbers match. Both listings give 1,600 W, three speeds and four heat settings including a cold shot. Only the attachments really separate them.

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What the Origin is

The Origin listing describes the dryer as the one that started it all. It uses the V9 motor, which Dyson says spins at up to 110,000 rpm and moves 13 litres of air a second at 3.5 kPa of pressure. Air Multiplier technology then amplifies that into a focused, high-pressure jet. A glass bead thermistor measures exit temperature 40 times a second so the heater can be regulated and avoid extreme heat.

In the box you get one attachment: the styling concentrator. That is the nozzle most people use most of the time, for smoothing section by section with a brush. The Origin is aimed at anyone who wants Supersonic drying speed without paying for tools they will leave in a drawer.

What the standard Supersonic adds

The standard Supersonic listing in our guides includes three attachments: a concentrator, a flyaway tool and a gentle air attachment. The flyaway tool uses airflow to lift long top layers and push short, flyaway strands underneath for a smoother finish without straighteners. The gentle air attachment spreads the airflow for a softer, cooler stream, which suits fine hair, sensitive scalps and children.

Dyson has sold the Supersonic with different attachment sets over the years, including diffusers and wide-tooth combs in some bundles. Always check the listing's included components before buying, as the name alone does not tell you what is in the box. Our attachments explainer covers what each one does.

Which one should you buy?

Dyson sells some attachments separately, so you can start with the Origin and add a tool later, though buying them one at a time usually costs more than getting them in the bundle. Check that any extra attachment is listed as compatible with your exact model.

• You blow-dry straight or wavy hair with a round brush: the Origin covers you with its concentrator.
• You fight flyaways on long hair: the standard Supersonic, for the flyaway tool.
• Fine hair or a sensitive scalp: the standard Supersonic, for the gentle air attachment.
• Curly or coily hair: neither of these bundles; look at a Supersonic sold with a diffuser and wide-tooth comb in our curly hair guide.
• You want sensors and a scalp protect mode: step up to the Supersonic Nural instead.

How these compare with the rest of the range

Above these two sits the Supersonic Nural, which adds sensors that adjust heat as the dryer gets closer to the scalp, plus attachments that remember settings. The Supersonic r is a different shape altogether, a lighter, ring-shaped design with its own motor and attachments. Our Supersonic vs Nural comparison and Supersonic vs Supersonic r explain those steps up.

If you are open to other brands, our guide to Dyson Supersonic alternatives includes dryers from Laifen, Panasonic, ghd and Elchim that use high-speed motors or salon-style designs.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Supersonic Origin less powerful? No. Both listings give the same 1,600 W rating, three speeds and four heat settings. The Origin listing names the V9 motor with up to 110,000 rpm. The difference is the attachments supplied.

Can I use Supersonic attachments on the Origin? Supersonic attachments are magnetic and generally fit the original Supersonic body, but check Dyson's compatibility list for your model number before buying an extra tool.

Which is better for thick hair? Drying speed is the same, so either works. Thick hair mostly needs the concentrator for smoothing, which both include. See our thick hair guide for other options.

Does the Origin have a cold shot? Yes. The listing gives four heat settings including a cold shot, used to set a style once the hair is dry.