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The 4 Best Compact and Portable Travel Hair Dryers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Ditch those weak hotel dryers—take one of these top picks on your next trip.

Celebrity stylist, Beau Dieda, testing and reviewing the top hair dryers on the market.

In This Article

If you’ve ever tried to dry your hair with a hotel blow dryer, you know the struggle: low power, uneven heat, and frizz that just won’t quit. As a professional stylist, I know the importance of using a quality dryer—even on vacation. After testing dozens of compact travel dryers, I found four standout hair dryers that offer salon-level results with lightweight, portable designs, and minimal noise levels.

The SRI DryQ leads the pack, offering the best of both worlds—salon-worthy tech packed into a sleek, foldable, easy-to-carry design. It’s powerful, protects your hair, and even incorporates red light therapy to keep frizz and damage at bay. It’s just what you need when you want to maintain healthy hair on the go. If you’re seeking options with specific perks, I’ve got you covered with a range of choices, from budget-friendly finds to luxurious splurges.

Here’s a breakdown of my top recommendations.

The 4 Best Compact and Portable Travel Hair Dryers of 2024

With its combination of infrared light, ionic technology, and a foldable handle, the SRI DryQ is perfect for travelers who don’t want to compromise on quality. The red light therapy works wonders on frizz, helping your hair dry faster and stay healthier over time. There’s also intelligent heat control that helps protect your hair from heat damage.

Regular Price: $299.99

GORGEOUS HAIR EVENT: $227.99

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Regular Price: $179.99
The T3 Afar is lightweight and smaller than the other T3 hair dryers. This makes it a solid choice for travelers who value portability above all else. It’s not as powerful as the SRI DryQ, but it’s perfect for touch-ups and quick styling on the go.

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Regular Price: $299

The SharkFlexstyle provides powerful airflow and includes multiple attachments, making it a great option for thicker hair types. Its ergonomic design keeps it comfortable to hold during longer styling sessions.

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Regular Price: $429.99

The Dyson Supersonic is known for its sleek design and innovative technology. While it’s a bit larger, it still fits in a carry-on and provides ample power. However, it doesn’t have the red light therapy offered by the SRI DryQ. It’s a classic, so it still made our list.

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What Does Shopper Advocate Verified Mean?

Did you catch a glimpse of the Shoppers Advocate verified seal at the top of this article? Well, this lets you know that our dedicated team of evaluators have tested and reviewed every item featured here. Shoppers Advocate selections represent the products we genuinely stand behind, tested to ensure they meet your high standards as much as they do ours.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hair Dryers of 2024

In our quest to uncover the best hair dryers of 2024, the spotlight undoubtedly falls on the SRI DryQ. While reviewing all three hair dryers, the DryQ offered the best features with a better price than the competition.

Not only does the DryQ dry your hair quickly, but it also incorporates advanced technology that’s easy to use. You can precisely control the temperature and airflow, minimizing hair damage while maximizing your styling options. The SRI DryQ also boasts a foldable, user-friendly design that makes it easy to use and travel with.

While the Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Supersonic are also great products, the SRI DryQ’s unbeatable combination of functionality and performance clearly sets it apart. It redefines what we can expect from a hair dryer in 2024. For those in pursuit of hair perfection this year, the SRI DryQ unquestionably takes the crown.

Beau Dieda

Beau is a highly acclaimed hair stylist and colorist in LA, catering to a diverse clientele that includes some of your favorite celebs!