Dyson Supersonic vs. Dyson Supersonic Nural – Which The Best Hair Dryer
If you’re considering a high-end hair dryer, you might find yourself choosing between the Dyson Supersonic and the Dyson Supersonic Nural. The Nural is more advanced—and more expensive—but are the extra features worth it? Let’s explore the differences to help you make the right choice.
The Dyson Supersonic revolutionized the market when it launched in 2016, with its motor cleverly placed in the handle, offering both innovation and a sleek design. However, it’s been surpassed by the Supersonic Nural, which debuted in 2024. This new model boasts advanced features like a scalp protection mode and the ability to remember the last settings used with each attachment, adding significant convenience.
As with any Dyson product, neither dryer is cheap. The original Dyson Supersonic is more affordable—though only slightly—but still highly efficient, as highlighted in our Dyson Supersonic review. On the other hand, the Nural, our top premium pick in the best hair dryer guide, edges out with its enhanced features and improved attachments.
In three out of four categories, the Nural comes out on top. If you’re willing to spend a bit more—and you’re already investing in a premium product—the Nural is likely worth the extra cost. That’s the short version; now, let’s delve into the specifics of how the Dyson Supersonic and Nural compare.
Price and Value for Money
When it comes to premium hair dryers, Dyson’s offerings are undoubtedly on the expensive side. At BongoInfo, we classify any hair dryer over $200/£200 as ‘premium,’ and both the Supersonic and Supersonic Nural comfortably fit into this category.
The Nural is priced $70 higher in the US, £120 more in the UK, and AU$100 more in Australia. While this difference might not seem significant in the context of already high-priced hair dryers, it’s still worth considering whether the additional features justify the extra cost.
Both models are meticulously engineered and well-built, with Dyson’s signature attention to detail. If your budget is already stretched, the original Supersonic remains an excellent option. However, if you’re looking for the latest features and a future-proofed investment, the Nural might be worth the extra spend.
Winner: The original Dyson Supersonic wins on price, especially if your budget is tight. However, the difference isn’t substantial in the US and Australia.
Design and Usability
Dyson revolutionized the traditional hair dryer design with the original Supersonic by relocating the V9 digital motor to the bottom of the handle, making the device more compact and easier to handle. The Supersonic Nural, while maintaining the core design of its predecessor, introduces several new features that further enhance the user experience.
Both hair dryers reflect Dyson’s commitment to sleek and elegant design. The original Supersonic is available in various colorways, though availability depends on location. For instance, the Rich Copper/Bright Nickel version is found in Australia, while the Onyx Black/Gold version is available in the US and UK. The Supersonic Nural, on the other hand, is offered in two distinct color combinations: Vinca Blue/Topaz and Ceramic Patina/Topaz, which feature a blend of purple, orange, turquoise, and orange hues. Buyers should note that some editions of the Supersonic include a presentation case, and the Vinca Blue/Topaz option of the Nural also comes with this accessory.
The motor in the Supersonic was a groundbreaking innovation at its launch. It is smaller than a quarter or a 10p coin and spins about eight times faster than traditional hair dryers, pushing 2.85 gallons or 13 liters of air per second. The motor also features a rubber mount designed to reduce vibration. Although Dyson hasn’t disclosed specific details about the Supersonic Nural’s motor, it’s reasonable to assume that it is at least on par with, if not an improvement upon, the original.
The design of both hair dryers features a handle topped by a barrel with a circular ring at one end. The Nural’s ring is transparent, allowing users to see the inner workings of the device. The control layout is similar in both models, with power and cold shot buttons located on the shaft, while the back of the ring has buttons for selecting between three air speeds and three temperature settings. The Nural, however, has an added feature: three LEDs that light up to indicate the selected air speed and temperature settings.
One of the new features in the Nural is the Attachment Learning function, which remembers the last temperature and airspeed settings used with each attachment. When an attachment is connected, the dryer automatically switches to those settings. This feature is particularly useful for users who frequently create similar hairstyles and need to switch between attachments.
Another addition to the Nural is the Scalp Protect mode, which has its own button on the barrel. This mode uses a Time of Flight sensor that projects an invisible infrared beam to measure the distance between the dryer and the hair, adjusting the heat accordingly. The closer the dryer is to the hair, the lower the temperature, while the temperature increases as the distance grows. This feature is designed to protect the scalp from heat damage and allows for precision styling without the worry of overheating. The Nural’s main barrel lights up in this mode to display the temperature, changing from blue or yellow for low heat, to orange for medium heat, and red for the highest setting. This feature is particularly useful for those with sensitive scalps or damaged hair, and it adds a visual element that many users find enjoyable. While the Supersonic also automatically regulates temperature to prevent it from exceeding 302F or 150C, the Nural’s system is more sophisticated.
The Nural also introduces the Pause Detect setting, which identifies when the dryer has been set down and automatically cuts the heat while minimizing airflow. This feature is especially convenient for users who frequently pause or switch tasks during styling. The dryer operates with a slight delay to prevent it from shutting off unnecessarily.
While the Supersonic Nural’s new features offer added convenience and functionality, they aren’t essential to a good hair-drying experience. For instance, the lighting effects, while fun, are not something most users would miss if they were absent. One minor drawback noted by reviewers of both models is the handle’s slightly short length, which can make it easy to inadvertently cover the filter or accidentally activate the cool shot button. Additionally, neither dryer includes a hook for hanging.
Winner: Dyson Supersonic Nural – The Nural’s enhanced usability and additional features give it an edge over the original Supersonic.
Attachments: What’s Included?
Both the Dyson Supersonic and the Supersonic Nural come with a full range of styling attachments, so you won’t need to purchase any extras. However, there are some key differences in the design and functionality of these attachments.
Attachment Comparison
- Diffuser: The original Supersonic comes with a standard diffuser designed to reduce frizz. The Nural, however, introduces the Wave+Curl diffuser, which offers two modes: Dome mode for enhancing natural waves or curls, and Diffuse mode for adding volume at the root.
- Gentle Air Attachment: Both models include a gentle air attachment, which is designed for comfortable, up-close drying and styling. This attachment is particularly useful for those with fine hair or sensitive scalps.
- Styling Concentrator: The styling concentrator has been slightly reengineered for the Nural, offering a wider, thinner blade for more precise styling.
- Wide-Tooth Comb: The wide-tooth comb is designed to detangle hair while drying, making it ideal for curly or coily hair types.
- Flyaway Attachment: Both models include the flyaway attachment, which uses a hair-bending effect to reduce flyaways on dry, straight hair.
Verdict on Attachments
While the attachments included with both models are similar, the Nural’s Wave+Curl diffuser gives it a slight advantage, especially for those with curly or wavy hair.
Winner: Dyson Supersonic Nural – The new Wave+Curl diffuser sets the Nural apart, making it the better choice for users with curly or wavy hair.
Performance: Efficiency and Ease of Use
When comparing the Dyson Supersonic and Supersonic Nural, both hair dryers showcase impressive performance, but the Nural offers additional benefits. Our reviewers found the original Supersonic efficient and notably quiet, though not silent enough to avoid waking a sleeping partner. Its magnetic attachments are easy to remove, enhancing user convenience.
The Supersonic Nural builds on these strengths with added features. In tests, the Scalp Protect mode did not affect the time required to rough-dry hair on maximum settings compared to the regular mode. This indicates that users can quickly dry their hair while minimizing scalp and hair damage without a noticeable delay.
Additionally, the Nural’s Attachment Learning technology stands out. It effectively remembers previous settings, making adjustments more seamless. The Pause Detect function also performed well, adding to the ease of use. While these new features are more of a luxury than a necessity, they enhance the overall user experience.
If you’re considering whether to upgrade to the Nural, keep in mind that the original Supersonic remains highly effective and lacks nothing essential. However, the Nural’s innovations make it slightly more user-friendly and efficient, earning it the edge in this comparison.
Winner: Supersonic Nural – The additional features make the Nural slightly more user-friendly and efficient.
Specifications Comparison: Dyson Supersonic vs Dyson Supersonic Nural
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications for the Dyson Supersonic and Dyson Supersonic Nural:
| Specification | Dyson Supersonic | Dyson Supersonic Nural |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 1,600W | 1,600W |
| Voltage | 120V (US), 220-240V (UK) | 120V (US), 220-240V (UK) |
| Air Flow | 13.3 l/s | 13.3 l/s |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 9.6 x 3.1 x 3.8 inches / 245 x 78 x 97 mm | 10 x 4 x 3.1 inches / 245 x 97 x 78 mm |
| Weight | 1.8 lb / 697 g | 1.9 lb / 680 g |
| Airflow Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Temperature Settings | 3 plus cool shot | 3 plus cool shot |
| Cord Length | 8.1 ft / 2.7 m | 8.6 ft / 2.62 m |
| Attachments | Diffuser, Gentle Air Attachment, Styling Concentrator, Wide-Tooth Comb, Flyaway Attachment | Wave+Curl Diffuser, Gentle Air Attachment, Styling Concentrator, Wide-Tooth Comb, Flyaway Attachment |
| New Features | None | Scalp Protect Mode, Attachment Learning, Pause Detect |
Which One Should You Buy?
The Dyson Supersonic and the Supersonic Nural are both excellent hair dryers, and the right choice ultimately depends on your budget and needs.
- Choose the Dyson Supersonic if: You’re looking for a high-performance hair dryer that offers fast, efficient drying without breaking the bank. The original Supersonic remains a solid choice, offering most of the benefits of the Nural at a lower price.
- Choose the Dyson Supersonic Nural if: You’re willing to invest in the latest technology for a more personalized and convenient styling experience. The Nural’s Attachment Learning, Scalp Protect mode, and Pause Detect features make it the ideal choice for users who want the best of the best.
Both models are top-tier hair dryers, and whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a superior styling experience.
$429
$499
Conclusion
While the Nural offers more advanced features, the original Supersonic still holds its own as a premium hair dryer. If you’re upgrading from a traditional dryer or want to stay within a budget, the Supersonic is a great choice. However, if you want the latest and greatest with all the bells and whistles, the Nural won’t disappoint.
