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Dyson Supersonic vs Shark SpeedStyle

The Shark SpeedStyle edges it for most homes.

Dyson Supersonic

Dyson Supersonic

80
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vs
Highest scoreShark SpeedStyle

Shark SpeedStyle

87
Full verdict →

The verdict in 10 seconds

The Shark SpeedStyle at work: a compact folding hair dryer packed in a weekend bag

The Dyson Supersonic suits you if

  • You blow-dry often and want to save time on thick, long, or curly hair
  • You worry about heat damage, especially on color-treated or fragile hair
  • You want one tool that can smooth, diffuse, and tame flyaways

Skip it if

  • You want a solid dryer without a luxury price tag
  • You'd be bothered by a heavy, bulky cord with no strap
  • You want controls right on the handle and a setup with no learning curve

The Shark SpeedStyle suits you if

  • You want one tool for drying, smoothing and volume
  • You travel and want a compact dryer
  • You worry about heat damage and like the dryer to manage the temperature

Skip it if

  • You want quick grab-and-go styling with no learning curve
  • You already own a similar Shark multi-styler
  • You want air-curling barrels for bouncy curls

So, which one?

The Shark SpeedStyle is the stronger all-rounder of the two. The Dyson Supersonic is still the better fit if you blow-dry often and want to save time on thick, long, or curly hair.

We researched 23 expert reviews, analyzed 62,836 owner ratings and comments across 23 sources for the two, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.

Show me the receipts

The scoreboardProduct Review score 80 vs 87 · reliability 64 vs 92
Dyson SupersonicShark SpeedStyle
Product Review score8087
Experts8786
Owners8286
Reliability6492
Report problems14%3%
Evidence16 reviews · 537 comments7 reviews · 91 comments
Typical price$400–$500$169–$260

● marks the better number on each row.

Experts vs ownersExperts 87 vs 86 · Owners 82 vs 86

Dyson Supersonic

Shark SpeedStyle

ExpertsOwnersEach expert review
How we reached each verdictThe numbers behind each model's score

Dyson Supersonic

We analyzed 16 expert sources, 13 of them hands-on, and 537 owner comments, 451 first-hand, and the picture is strongly positive: experts score it 87 and owners 82. Owners most often praise its light weight (27%) and fast drying (25%), while experts repeatedly highlight its heat control, frizz reduction and magnetic attachments. Reliability is the weaker spot at 64, with 14% of owner comments mentioning failures, 6% saying it broke or died and 5% citing cord problems; long-term durability data is thin, and one expert noted it is not yet proven. Value splits owners almost evenly, with 10% calling it worth the money and 9% saying it isn't.

Shark SpeedStyle

We analyzed 7 expert evaluations (6 hands-on) and 91 owner comments, 62 of them first-hand, and the picture is consistently positive: all 6 hands-on experts found it fast-drying, and 16% of owners say the same. Value is the top owner theme at 21%, with 12% praising frizz control, though 6 of 7 experts call it expensive at full price, and 3 flag a learning curve with the attachments. Reliability looks strong, with failure mentions in just 3% of comments, 2 of them about overheating or shutting off, and no recalls on record. Confidence is low because the owner sample is small, although the 4.3-star Amazon average across 1,600 ratings points the same way.

Where each one falls shortThe most common complaints

Dyson Supersonic

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy, bulky cord with no tie or retraction
  • Awkwardly placed controls and attachments that can get knocked off

Shark SpeedStyle

  • Expensive at full price
  • Attachments take practice and are slow to swap
  • Heat can feel too hot near the roots

Questions people actually ask

Which is better, the Dyson Supersonic or the Shark SpeedStyle?

The Shark SpeedStyle, for most homes. The Dyson Supersonic is the better fit if you blow-dry often and want to save time on thick, long, or curly hair.

Based on: Product Review score 80 vs 87.

Which is more reliable?

The Shark SpeedStyle. It's the least likely of the two to give you trouble.

Based on: Reliability 64 vs 92; problems mentioned by 14% vs 3% of owners.

Which is easier to live with day to day?

The Shark SpeedStyle. It's the one people are happiest with once it's home.

Based on: Owners score 82 vs 86, from ratings and comments.

Which is cheaper?

The Shark SpeedStyle usually costs less.

Based on: Typical prices: Dyson Supersonic $400–$500; Shark SpeedStyle $169–$260.

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