Is the Dyson Supersonic worth it?

Why the Supersonic is so expensive

The Supersonic puts a small, fast digital motor in the handle rather than the head, which shifts the weight towards your hand and makes the dryer feel balanced. Air is drawn in through the handle and amplified through the ring-shaped head, which Dyson calls Air Multiplier technology. Dyson says the Origin's thermistor measures exit temperature 40 times a second to prevent extreme heat.

On top of that come magnetic attachments, a build quality that feels solid and, on the Nural, sensors that adjust heat as you get closer to the scalp and recognise each attachment. Some of the cost is engineering; some is brand. Our Dyson hair dryers compared guide sets out the differences between editions.

What cheaper brushless dryers offer

Brands such as Laifen, Shark, Dreame and Panasonic now make high-speed dryers with brushless motors, electronic heat control and magnetic nozzles. Laifen's Swift Special, for example, lists a 110,000 rpm brushless motor, 1,600 W, 407 g and three magnetic nozzles. On paper that matches much of what drew people to the Supersonic.

Where the Supersonic tends to stay ahead is in the size and quality of the attachment set, accessory support and fine details such as the Nural's sensors. Whether that is worth the gap depends on how much you use those features. Our best Dyson Supersonic alternatives guide compares the closest rivals.

See Supersonic alternatives →

Who should buy the Supersonic

The Supersonic makes most sense for people who blow-dry several times a week, style with attachments rather than just rough-drying, and want a dryer that feels balanced in the hand for long sessions. People with curly hair benefit from Dyson's diffuser and the curly and coily editions with wide-tooth comb attachments.

If you care most about the lowest weight, the r is Dyson's compact option. If you want sensors and scalp protection, the Nural adds them. If you simply want a reliable Dyson, the Origin covers the core performance with fewer extras.

Who might not need it

If you mostly rough-dry and go, a fast brushless dryer at a lower price will do the job just as well. Watts alone are not the whole story: a high-speed motor can dry as quickly as a higher-wattage conventional dryer. See hair dryer wattage explained.

If you are tempted by the Supersonic to style curls or waves as well, consider whether an Airwrap or a multi-styler would serve you better. Our Airwrap vs Supersonic article helps you choose.

How long does a Supersonic last?

Brushless motors have no carbon brushes to wear out, which is one reason premium dryers tend to outlast cheap brushed models. In practice, cable damage and clogged filters cause more problems than motor failure. Clean the filter regularly and avoid wrapping the cable tightly around the body.

Check the warranty term on Dyson's UK site when you buy, and register the dryer. Our guide on how long a hair dryer lasts covers care habits, and how to clean the Supersonic filter shows the most important one.

The bottom line

The Supersonic is still one of the most refined dryers you can buy, and if you use its attachments regularly it is easy to justify. But the gap has narrowed. For many people a brushless alternative at a lower price will dry just as well, and the money saved could go towards a good diffuser or a multi-styler.

Our best hair dryers in the UK guide lists premium dryers side by side, including the Supersonic range, so you can compare watts, weight and attachments in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dyson hair dryer worth the money? If you blow-dry often and use the attachments, yes. If you mostly rough-dry, a cheaper brushless dryer offers better value.

Why is the Dyson hair dryer so expensive? It uses a high-speed digital motor in the handle, electronic heat control, magnetic attachments and, on the Nural, extra sensors. Brand value also plays a part.

Which Supersonic should I buy? The Origin covers the core performance, the Nural adds sensors and scalp protection, and the r is the compact option. Our Dyson dryers compared guide explains each.

Is there a dryer as good as the Dyson Supersonic? Several brushless dryers from Laifen, Shark and others match much of its drying performance. The Supersonic's edge is its attachment range and refinement.