Dyson Supersonic review: is the Supersonic Nural worth the premium?

The Dyson Supersonic changed the hair dryer market when it launched in 2016, putting a small, fast digital motor in the handle instead of the head. In 2024 Dyson released the Supersonic Nural, its smartest version so far, with sensors that manage heat near the scalp and attachments that remember your settings. Dyson also sells the lighter Supersonic r. For most people shopping for a Dyson Supersonic in 2026, the Nural is the flagship to consider, so this review focuses on it.

This Dyson Supersonic review is based on Dyson's published details and independent coverage including Tom's Guide and Expert Reviews. It explains the new features, how well it dries and styles, where it frustrates and whether it is worth the money.

Design and build quality

The Supersonic Nural keeps the familiar ring-shaped head and slim handle. The motor sits in the handle, which gives the dryer a more balanced feel than traditional designs where the weight sits at the front. Tom's Guide lists it at about 680 grams, with a cord of about 2.6 metres. A clear end cap shows some of the technology inside, and launch colourways included Ceramic Patina and Vinca Blue with Topaz accents.

Controls include a sliding power switch, a separate cold shot button, and buttons for heat and airflow. A light on the end cap changes colour to show heat levels. Reviewers note that the buttons need a firm press, which can be fiddly mid-style.

Scalp Protect and Pause Detect explained

Scalp Protect is the headline feature. A time-of-flight sensor measures the distance to your head and lowers the temperature to about 55°C as you get close, which Dyson says is a comfortable level for the scalp. You can turn it off with a dedicated button. Reviewers found it works well when you hold the dryer normally, but it can trigger when you flip your hair forward and dry the back from close range.

Pause Detect is simpler and widely praised. When you put the dryer down on a flat surface, it quickly reduces airflow and switches off heat, so it goes almost silent. Pick it up and it returns to your settings. It makes breaks during styling much more pleasant.

Attachments and attachment learning

The Nural includes five magnetic attachments, more than the original Supersonic shipped with. Each has a tag the dryer recognises, and it remembers the last heat and airflow you used with that attachment.

• Gentle air attachment for quick, softer drying
• Styling concentrator for precise, smooth styling
• Wide-tooth comb for lengthening and detangling curly or coily hair
• Wave+Curl diffuser with dome and diffuse modes
• Flyaway attachment for a sleek finish

Drying and styling performance

Fast drying is the main reason people buy a Supersonic, and the Nural delivers. Dyson's digital motor and airflow design move a lot of air quickly, and the original Supersonic already had a reputation for cutting drying time significantly. In Tom's Guide's review, a tester with thick, wavy hair cut her usual drying and diffusing time from about 35 minutes to under 15, and could dry fully on high settings in under 10 minutes.

The Wave+Curl diffuser is designed for wavy and curly hair around types 2C to 3C, and the Nural's heat control aims to limit damage. Dyson has worked on noise since the first Supersonic, for example by pushing one motor tone above the range of human hearing, and reviewers generally find it more pleasant to use than cheap dryers, though it is not silent at full power.

Supersonic Nural vs original Supersonic and Supersonic r

The original Supersonic remains a very capable dryer and costs less. The Nural adds Scalp Protect, Pause Detect, attachment learning and a bigger set of attachments. The Supersonic r is a lighter, more compact design aimed at a different kind of user. If you already own an original Supersonic that works well, the upgrade is a nice-to-have rather than a must.

Is the Dyson Supersonic worth it?

The Supersonic Nural is among the most expensive hair dryers on the market. It makes most sense if you dry your hair daily, have long or thick hair, style with a diffuser, or have a sensitive scalp. For occasional use, or if you have short hair, well-reviewed mid-range dryers dry quickly for far less. Look out for sales, as discounts on Dyson hair tools are common.

Key specs

Motor

Dyson Hyperdymium digital motor in the handle

Heat settings

3 heat settings plus a cold shot (roughly 28°C to 100°C)

Airflow speeds

3

Smart features

Scalp Protect (time-of-flight sensor), Pause Detect, attachment learning

Attachments

Gentle air, styling concentrator, wide-tooth comb, Wave+Curl diffuser, Flyaway

Weight

About 680 g

Cord length

About 2.6 m

Launched

2024 (original Supersonic: 2016)

Alternatives to consider

• Shark FlexStyle: A cheaper multi-styler that works as both a dryer and an air styler, popular as a Dyson alternative.
• Laifen Swift: A compact high-speed dryer with a similar motor-in-handle concept at a much lower price.
• Dyson Supersonic (original): Keeps Dyson's fast drying and build quality for less, if you can skip the Nural's sensors.

Frequently asked questions

The Dyson Supersonic Nural builds on one of the most influential hair dryers of the last decade. It dries fast, handles curls well and adds smart touches like Scalp Protect and Pause Detect that make everyday styling easier. The price is the sticking point, so it is best for frequent users who will feel the benefit every day, ideally bought on a discount.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.