Dyson Supersonic vs Supersonic r

Listing facts side by side

Note that listed weights can include different parts or packaging. Dyson describes the r as its lightest dryer, so treat the listing figure as indicative only.

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Design: the ring against the bend

The classic Supersonic puts the motor in the handle and the heater in the round head. That balance is part of why it feels light in the hand. It is a shape most people pick up and use without thinking.

The r puts the motor and heater in a slim tube with a bend in it. Dyson says this lets you dry and style where it is normally hard to reach, such as the crown and back of the head, with more control. The bent body also lets you point airflow along a brush without twisting your wrist as much. It does take a few sessions to get used to if you have used a conventional dryer for years.

Power and drying

The r is rated at 1,700 W against 1,600 W for the classic model, and Dyson calls it its fastest-drying dryer. Rated watts describe the power drawn, mostly by the heater, rather than drying speed on its own. Airflow, pressure and nozzle design matter just as much. Our wattage explainer covers why.

On UK 230 V mains, both draw well under the 13 A rating of a standard plug fuse: about 7 A for the classic and 7.4 A for the r at full power. You can check any dryer with our amps at the socket tool.

Attachments and styling

The r listing includes a professional concentrator and a smoothing nozzle for sleek finishes, a powerful air attachment for fast drying, and gentle air and flyaway tools. Dyson describes them as intelligent attachments with preset temperature and airflow that remember your preferences. The classic Supersonic set in our guides has a concentrator, flyaway tool and gentle air attachment.

Attachments are not interchangeable between the two formats, because the r's outlet is a different shape. If you already own Supersonic attachments, that is a point in favour of staying with the classic design. Curly hair users should check which bundle includes a diffuser.

Home or salon use

Both need the filter at the air intake cleaned regularly. A blocked filter is a common reason a Dyson dryer gets hot and cuts out.

• Daily home drying: the classic Supersonic is intuitive and widely available in many colour and attachment bundles.
• Precision styling: the r suits people who blow-dry with a round brush and want control at the back of the head.
• Shared households: the classic shape is easier for everyone to pick up and use.
• Travel: check voltage before taking either abroad; see using a UK hair dryer abroad.

Note:Use a hair dryer only with dry hands and away from water. Unplug before cleaning, and contact the maker rather than opening the casing if it stops working.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Supersonic r better than the Supersonic? It is newer, rated higher and shaped for precise styling. Better depends on your routine; the classic is easier to get used to.

Is the Supersonic r lighter? Dyson describes it as its lightest dryer. The Amazon listing weight is higher, likely because it includes more parts, so check Dyson's own figure.

Do classic Supersonic attachments fit the r? No. The r uses its own attachments designed for its outlet.

Is the r only for curly hair? No. Dyson sells straight and wavy as well as curly and coily bundles, with different attachments in each.