Top 10 Hair Dryers Under $100
The Best Hair Dryers Under $100 With Thousands of 5-Star Reviews
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Nearly everyone needs a hair dryer in their home—for a long time, hair dryers were one of the few appliances available for free in hotel rooms. This is because the experience of needing to dry your hair fast is a universal one. We’ve all taken a shower, only to hop out and realize we have less than 20 minutes to get ready for whatever’s next on the schedule. It can be stressful, but it’s decidedly less so when you’ve got a reliable hair dryer to turn to.
Luckily, you don’t need to blow up your budget for a high-quality hair dryer. There are many options under $100 on the market, and we’ve rounded up the best ones below to make your search for them as short as possible. But before we get into the lineup, let’s talk about wattage.
Watts: The Secret Key to Choosing The Right Hair Dryer
Watts are a measurement of power. Most hair dryers fall within a range of 1,000 to 3,000 watts. To understand what wattage level you should be looking at, we’ve broken down the best options by hair type.
• Fine, thin hair: 1,200 to 1,500 watts is ideal, as this will provide a gentler flow of air and level of heat that minimizes damage.
• Thick, coarse hair: 1,800 to 2,000 watts is suitable for dense hair, as it generates enough heat to dry thick hair strands in a reasonable amount of time.
• Curly hair: 1,600 to 1,800 watts (medium wattage) with a diffuser attachment is the perfect setup for curly hair’s natural texture.
• Length also comes into play here. The longer your hair, the more wattage you need to dry it quickly. For example, someone with short hair can get away with a 1,400-watt hair dryer, while those with lengthy locks should look at options closer to 1,800 watts.
How We Found The Best Affordable Hair Dryers
Our Top 10 lists are built with the help of our data-powered ranking algorithm. Using information from reviews, best-seller lists, and other sources, our algorithm finds and assigns a score to the top options in a given category. Today’s category is hair dryers under $100, and the lineup curated by our algorithm includes some serious steals. Scroll on to start shopping—and don’t forget the heat protectant.
February 6, 2025
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer
Overall Score
4.45
10
Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer
4.25
93657 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Under-$100 Hair Dryer
THE OVERVIEW
Remington's Damage Protection Hair Dryer offers three levels of heat and two speeds. It comes with a diffuser attachment (great for those with curly strands) and a cool shot button that provides the finishing touch to blowouts.
WHO IT'S FOR
If you struggle with frizz, this affordable hair dryer is a good option for you. It combines the smoothing powers of ceramic, ionic, and tourmaline technologies to give you a flyaway-free finish.
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Conair Cord-Keeper Hair Dryer
Overall Score
4.45
09
Conair Cord-Keeper Hair Dryer
4.39
25480 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Under-$100 Hair Dryer With Retractable Cord
THE OVERVIEW
Conair's Cord-Keeper Hair Dryer rings up under $30. Plus, it's often on sale for less than $20. For a dryer with over 17,000 5-star reviews, that's a steal. It comes with a diffuser attachment and a concentrator, the latter of which is used for pinpoint styling.
WHO IT'S FOR
The power cord on this blow dryer retracts with the push of a button, making it a good choice for those who travel often or have limited counter space.
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Wavytalk Ionic Hair Dryer Blow Dryer
Overall Score
4.5
08
Wavytalk Ionic Hair Dryer Blow Dryer
4.4
18408 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Under-$100 Hair Dryer For Speed
THE OVERVIEW
The Ionic Blow Dryer from Wavytalk promises to dry thick hair in eight minutes or less—and thin hair in three minutes or less. It's compact and has three different attachments, including a diffuser, concentrator, and comb.
PROMISING REVIEW
"This little hairdryer packs a powerful punch. It dries my thick hair quickly. I love that it comes with a diffuser, condenser, and comb. It’s small enough to pack in my luggage and is a great value for its features."
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Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Infrared Ionic Salon Dryer
Overall Score
4.5
07
Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Infrared Ionic Salon Dryer
4.6
63 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Salon-Grade Under-$100 Hair Dryer
THE OVERVIEW
The Pro Artist Infrared Ionic Salon Dryer is priced right under $100, making it one of the more expensive dryers on our list. However, this is a salon-quality tool that uses infrared to smooth strands without causing damage (so, it's worth the price in our book).
WHO IT'S FOR
In addition to its damage-reducing infrared tech, this dryer has a nine-foot-long cord. It's a great pick for those who want to style their hair in a spot that's not that close to an outlet.
BaBylissPro Ceramix Xtreme Hair Dryer
Overall Score
4.55
06
BaBylissPro Ceramix Xtreme Hair Dryer
4.4
224 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Under-$00 Hair Dryer For Damaged Hair
THE OVERVIEW
This is a hair dryer designed to lower heat damage. It's made of ceramic and uses negative ions to distribute air as evenly as possible. It has a total of six heat and speed settings, and the removable rear filter helps keep lint from taking down the motor.
WHO IT'S FOR
A few Ulta shoppers mention this dryer is not a good choice if you have fine, thin hair, saying it can cause tangles. However, others swear by it, with one reviewer saying, "It dries my very thick hair quickly and styles just like the professional ones. I would recommend this any day!"
L'Ange Hair Soleil Pro Dryer
Overall Score
4.7
05
L'Ange Hair Soleil Pro Dryer
4.76
20972 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Lightweight Under-$100 Hair Dryer
THE OVERVIEW
L'ange has a reputation for creating long-lasting products. The brand's Hair Soleil Pro Dryer is a lightweight, ergonomic option with three heat settings and two airflow speeds that span 88°F to 213°F.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I did some research, read reviews, and asked around. In the end, I'm super glad I chose this dryer! I have naturally curly and slightly frizzy hair and this dryer not only cuts down dry time but also allows me to blow dry my hair straight without needing a flat iron."
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InfinitiPro By Conair Hair Dryer With Diffuser
Overall Score
4.7
04
InfinitiPro By Conair Hair Dryer With Diffuser
4.49
31960 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Under-$100 Hair Dryer For Volume
THE OVERVIEW
Want a hair dryer that's on par with what the professionals use? Conair's INFINITIPRO is built with an AC motor that promises to speed up drying time by 50%. It boasts six total heat and speed settings, and it uses infrared heat to control potential damage.
WHO IT'S FOR
If you want to add volume to your hair, the INFINITPRO is a top option for you. For the best results, dry your hair about 90% of the way through while upside down. Then, flip it over, run a brush through it, and hit it with the cool shot button.
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Revlon Infrared Hair Dryer With Diffuser
Overall Score
4.7
03
Revlon Infrared Hair Dryer With Diffuser
4.5
49479 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Under-$100 Hair Dryer With Diffuser
THE OVERVIEW
Smooth, shiny hair in minutes—that's what Revlon's Infrared Hair Dryer is designed to do. This affordable dryer (which costs less than $30) is coated in three layers of ceramic to reduce heat damage. It comes with diffuser and concentrator attachments, plus you get a set of sectioning clips with your purchase.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I have used this Revlon hair dryer for over two years now, so I believe I have gotten my money’s worth. I have had zero issues with it and I especially like being able to remove the end screen part of the dryer for cleaning."
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer
Overall Score
4.75
02
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer
4.4
885 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Under-$100 Hair Dryer For Thick Hair
THE OVERVIEW
BaBylissPRO's Nano Titanium Dryer offers heavy-duty power in a lightweight package. Built with a high-torque DC motor, this hair dryer is designed to withstand daily styling sessions. And if it doesn't, the good news is it comes with a four-year manufacturer warranty.
WHO IT'S FOR
This is a 2000-watt dryer, so it's within the range suggested for those with thick hair.
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Revlon Travel Hair Dryer
Overall Score
4.95
01
Revlon Travel Hair Dryer
4.6
81476 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Under-$100 Hair Dryer Overall
THE OVERVIEW
It doesn't get much more affordable than a $12 hair dryer. And considering Revlon's Travel Hair Dryer has an impressive 50,000+ 5-star reviews on Amazon, we're not surprised to see it at the top of our list. Just keep in mind that it only has two settings and both are for hot air.
PROMISING REVIEW
"While the build quality is average, the impressive wind strength compensates for it, ensuring efficient drying. The best part of this dryer is its affordability. It’s a practical choice for travelers who need a compact and effective hair dryer without breaking the bank."
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