The original
Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer
$650
Search on Amazon ↗The Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer ($650) and the Shark FlexStyle ($350) both dry hair and then wrap it around air-driven curling barrels. For the $300 extra, Dyson adds a single conical barrel that curls both ways and app-guided curl sequences; testers found Airwrap curls lasted a little longer, while the FlexStyle dried hair faster.
The original
$650
Search on Amazon ↗Close match
Shark
$350Save $300 (46%)
Search on Amazon ↗| Spec | Dyson Airwrap | Shark FlexStyle |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $650 | $350 |
| Weight | 1.4 lb | Just over 1.5 lb |
| Cord length | 8.5 ft | 8 ft |
| Power | 1,300 W | 1,600 W |
| Heat and speed settings | 3 heat, 3 speed | Not listed |
| Max air temperature | Under 302°F | Not listed |
| Curling barrels | Conical barrel, twist to switch curl direction | Two 1.25 in auto-wrap curlers, swap to switch direction |
| Smart features | MyDyson app curl sequences over Bluetooth | Not listed |
| Voltage (US model) | 120 V | 120 V |
Curls don't hold quite as long.
Dyson Airwrap: Buy the Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer if you want curls in both directions from one barrel, app-guided curl timing, and a slightly lighter, quieter tool.
Shark FlexStyle: Buy the Shark FlexStyle if you want air-styled curls and fast drying for $300 less and don't mind swapping barrels or touching up curls with hairspray.
Usually not quite. PureWow found the Airwrap's curls lasted slightly longer in its side-by-side test, though it tested an earlier Airwrap, not the i.d.
Tech Advisor found the FlexStyle felt hotter and dried hair faster than the Airwrap it tested. Dyson says the Airwrap i.d. keeps air under 302°F.
With the FlexStyle, yes: PureWow says you swap barrels to curl each side. On the Airwrap i.d., Marie Claire found you twist the conical barrel to change airflow direction.
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Every swap is a product sold in the US that does the main job of the original. Close match is another brand with similar features, Same brand, cheaper is an older, smaller or renewed model from the same maker, and Budget pick is the cheapest thing that still does the job. On each page, Closest match is the close match nearest the original in price, and Lowest price is the cheapest swap. We compare published specs, retailer listings and reviews; we don't test products ourselves.
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