As someone who’s spent countless mornings wrestling with wet hair and a subpar blow dryer, I know the struggle of finding a tool that delivers salon-quality results without breaking the bank or damaging my locks.
In this article, I’m comparing the Ella Bella Professional Ionic Hair Dryer with the Dyson Supersonic, two heavyweights in the haircare world.
My goal is to break down their features, performance, and value to help you decide which one suits your needs.
From power to portability, I’ll explore every angle to guide you toward your perfect hair dryer.
Ella Bella vs. Dyson Comparison Table
| Feature | Ella Bella Professional Ionic Hair Dryer | Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer |
| Price | $129.97 | $429.99 |
| Wattage | 1800W | 1600W |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (lightweight) | 1.8 lbs |
| Attachments | 3 (Diffuser, 2 Concentrators) | 5 (Diffuser, Concentrator, Flyaway, Wide-Tooth Comb, Gentle Air) |
| Heat Settings | 3 | 4 |
| Speed Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Ionic Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Cool Shot | Yes | Yes |
| Cord Length | 6.6 ft | 9 ft |
| Noise Level | Low (Low Noise Technology) | Quiet |
| Design | Foldable, compact, travel-friendly | Ergonomic, motor in handle |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
My Journey With Hair Dryers
I’ve been through my fair share of hair dryers—cheap ones that scorched my scalp, bulky ones that left my arms aching, and a few that just didn’t have the power to tame my thick, wavy hair. When I heard about the Ella Bella Professional Ionic Hair Dryer and the Dyson Supersonic, I was intrigued. Could a budget-friendly option like Ella Bella hold its own against the luxury Dyson? I decided to put both to the test, using them on my own hair and digging into user reviews to see how they stack up for different hair types and lifestyles.
Unboxing the Ella Bella: First Impressions
The Ella Bella arrived in a sleek, no-frills box, and I was immediately struck by its lightweight design—only 1.1 pounds. It felt like holding a feather compared to my old clunky dryer. The foldable handle made it a dream for travel, easily slipping into my suitcase without taking up much space. It comes with three magnetic attachments: a diffuser and two concentrator nozzles, which snap on with satisfying ease. The design is minimalist but modern, with a matte finish that feels premium despite its $129.97 price tag.
What caught my attention was the promise of ionic technology, which claims to reduce frizz and leave hair shiny by emitting negative ions. The dryer offers three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot button to set styles. At 1800 watts, it’s got some serious power, and the low noise technology was a pleasant surprise—I could dry my hair without waking the whole house.
Unboxing the Dyson Supersonic: The Luxury Experience
Opening the Dyson Supersonic’s box felt like unwrapping a high-tech gadget. Priced at $429.99, it’s a splurge, and the packaging reflects that. The dryer itself is a work of art—sleek, futuristic, with the motor housed in the handle for better balance. At 1.8 pounds, it’s heavier than the Ella Bella but still comfortable to hold. The Supersonic comes with five magnetic attachments: a diffuser, styling concentrator, flyaway attachment, wide-tooth comb, and gentle air attachment, catering to a wide range of hair types.
Dyson boasts its Air Multiplier technology, which delivers a high-velocity jet of air for fast drying, and intelligent heat control that measures air temperature 40 times per second to prevent heat damage. With four heat settings, three speed settings, and a cold shot, it’s built for precision. The 9-foot cord is a nice touch for maneuvering, though I found it a bit bulky to store.
Performance Test: Ella Bella in Action
I started with the Ella Bella on my thick, wavy hair, which usually takes 20-25 minutes to dry. Using the highest heat and speed settings with the concentrator nozzle, I was impressed—it cut my drying time to about 15 minutes. The airflow felt strong but not overwhelming, and the ionic technology delivered on its promise: my hair was noticeably smoother and less frizzy than with my old dryer. The diffuser worked well to enhance my waves without turning them into a frizzy mess, though it took some practice to get the technique right.
One thing I loved was how quiet it was. I could hear my podcast playing in the background, which is a rarity with hair dryers. The lightweight design made it easy to maneuver, even during a long styling session. However, the 6.6-foot cord felt a bit short when I was working in front of a mirror far from an outlet. I also noticed that the attachments, while easy to swap, got warm during use—not hot enough to burn, but enough to make me pause.
Performance Test: Dyson Supersonic in Action
Switching to the Dyson Supersonic, I felt like I was stepping into a sci-fi movie. The airflow is intense—Dyson claims 88 mph at the nozzle—and it dried my hair in just 12 minutes, a record for me. The intelligent heat control kept things comfortable; my scalp never felt scorched, even on the highest setting. The flyaway attachment was a game-changer, taming stray hairs for a polished look without extra product. The diffuser was a standout for my wavy hair, defining curls with minimal frizz, though my friend with 3B curls noted it wasn’t as effective as air-drying for her.
The ergonomic design, with the motor in the handle, made it a breeze to handle, and the magnetic attachments snapped on and off effortlessly. The noise level was low, though not as whisper-quiet as the Ella Bella. My only gripe was the button placement—speed and heat controls are on the back, and I accidentally changed settings a few times while styling.
Read More: My Thoughts On Drybar Buttercup Vs. Dyson Supersonic
Pros and Cons: Ella Bella
Pros
- Affordable Price: At $129.97, it’s a fraction of the Dyson’s cost, making it accessible for most budgets.
- Lightweight and Portable: The 1.1-pound, foldable design is perfect for travel or small spaces.
- Effective Ionic Technology: Reduces frizz and adds shine, especially for wavy or frizzy hair.
- Low Noise: Quiet enough to use early in the morning without disturbing others.
- Fast Drying: 1800 watts deliver quick results, shaving minutes off drying time.
- User-Friendly Attachments: Three magnetic attachments are easy to switch and versatile for most hair types.
Cons
- Fewer Attachments: Only three compared to Dyson’s five, limiting styling options.
- Shorter Cord: The 6.6-foot cord can feel restrictive in larger spaces.
- Warm Attachments: Attachments get warm during use, which can be mildly uncomfortable.
- Basic Warranty: One-year warranty is shorter than Dyson’s two years.
Pros and Cons: Dyson Supersonic
Pros
- Powerful Performance: Dries hair quickly with 88 mph airflow and intelligent heat control.
- Versatile Attachments: Five magnetic attachments cater to all hair types, from fine to coily.
- Ergonomic Design: Motor-in-handle design reduces strain during long styling sessions.
- Heat Protection: Monitors temperature 40 times per second to minimize damage.
- Long Cord: 9 feet offers flexibility for styling in various settings.
- Quiet Operation: Low noise level for a more pleasant experience.
Cons
- High Price: $429.99 is a significant investment, not ideal for casual users.
- Button Placement: Speed and heat controls are awkwardly placed, leading to accidental changes.
- Weight: At 1.8 pounds, it’s heavier than the Ella Bella, which may tire some users.
- Bulky Cord: The long cord, while useful, is cumbersome to store.
Comparing Key Features
Power and Speed
The Ella Bella’s 1800-watt motor slightly edges out the Dyson’s 1600 watts, but the Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology delivers a more focused, high-velocity airflow. In my tests, the Dyson dried my hair faster (12 minutes vs. 15 minutes for Ella Bella), but both were significantly quicker than my old 1875-watt Conair. For thick or coarse hair, both dryers perform well, but Dyson’s precision gives it a slight advantage for speed.
Heat and Damage Protection
Both dryers use ionic technology to reduce frizz and enhance shine by emitting negative ions that break down water molecules. Dyson’s intelligent heat control, measuring air temperature 40 times per second, is a step above Ella Bella’s simpler heat regulation. I noticed my hair felt softer and less brittle with the Dyson, especially after repeated use. However, Ella Bella’s lower price makes its heat protection impressive for the cost.
Attachments and Versatility
Dyson’s five attachments offer more styling options, especially for diverse hair types. The flyaway attachment is a standout for smoothing fine hairs, and the wide-tooth comb is great for coily textures. Ella Bella’s three attachments cover the basics—diffuser for curls, concentrators for straight styles—but lack the specialized tools Dyson provides. If you experiment with multiple styles, Dyson’s versatility is unmatched, but Ella Bella suffices for everyday needs.
Design and Ergonomics
The Ella Bella’s lightweight, foldable design is a win for portability, making it my go-to for travel. Dyson’s motor-in-handle design feels more balanced, reducing wrist strain during long sessions, but its 1.8-pound weight is noticeable compared to Ella Bella’s 1.1 pounds. Both have magnetic attachments, but Dyson’s feel sturdier and snap on more securely.
Noise Level
Both dryers are quieter than traditional models, but Ella Bella’s low noise technology slightly outperforms Dyson in my experience. I could carry on a conversation while using the Ella Bella, whereas the Dyson, while quiet, had a slightly higher-pitched hum. For early morning or late-night styling, Ella Bella is the better choice for minimal disturbance.
Price and Value
The price difference is stark: $129.97 for Ella Bella versus $429.99 for Dyson. For budget-conscious users like me, Ella Bella offers excellent value, delivering salon-quality results without the luxury price tag. Dyson’s premium features justify the cost for frequent stylers or professionals, but casual users may find Ella Bella’s performance sufficient.
Real User Insights
To get a broader perspective, I scoured reviews from other users. Ella Bella owners on Amazon praised its lightweight design and fast drying, with one user with thick hair noting it cut their drying time from an hour to 15 minutes. Some mentioned the warm attachments as a minor annoyance but loved the price-to-performance ratio. Dyson users raved about its speed and attachments, particularly the flyaway tool, though some found the price hard to swallow for occasional use. A Reddit thread echoed my thoughts: Ella Bella is a strong “dupe” for Dyson, especially for those not needing all the bells and whistles.
Who Should Choose Ella Bella?
The Ella Bella is ideal for budget-conscious users who want a reliable, lightweight dryer with solid performance. It’s perfect for travelers, those with small spaces, or anyone with wavy to moderately curly hair who needs a diffuser and basic styling options. If you’re new to styling or don’t need advanced attachments, Ella Bella delivers professional results without the hefty price.
Who Should Choose Dyson Supersonic?
The Dyson Supersonic is for those who style frequently, have diverse hair types (especially curly or coily), or want the best in heat protection and versatility. Professionals or enthusiasts who value precision and are willing to invest will appreciate Dyson’s cutting-edge technology and durable build. It’s a luxury tool for those who treat haircare as an art form.
My Personal Verdict
After weeks of testing, I’m torn. The Ella Bella surprised me with its power, portability, and affordability. It’s now my go-to for quick morning routines and trips. The Dyson, however, is a beast—its speed, attachments, and heat control make it feel like a professional tool in my bathroom. For my wavy, thick hair, both worked well, but Dyson’s flyaway attachment gave me sleeker results. If money’s no object, Dyson’s worth it. But for most people, Ella Bella offers 80% of the performance at a third of the price.
Read More: My Thoughts On Adagio Blowout Brush
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Ella Bella Professional Ionic Hair Dryer is a close contender, offering similar ionic technology and fast drying at a lower price, though it has fewer attachments and less advanced heat control.
The Ella Bella 6-in-1 Professional Hot Air Styler is a budget-friendly alternative, with attachments for drying, curling, and straightening, though it lacks the Airwrap’s Coanda effect technology.
Aldi occasionally offers a Visage Ionic Hair Dryer, a budget-friendly model with ionic technology and multiple settings, but it’s not a direct dupe for Dyson’s advanced features or build quality.
Yes, Dyson’s intelligent heat control, measuring temperature 40 times per second, reduces heat damage compared to traditional dryers, making it gentler on hair, especially for frequent styling.
Conclusion
You’ve got a choice to make: the budget-friendly Ella Bella or the premium Dyson Supersonic. I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and real-world performance to help you decide. If you’re after affordability and portability without sacrificing quality, Ella Bella’s your pick. If you want top-tier technology and versatility, Dyson’s worth the splurge. Whichever you choose, both will elevate your hair game—just pick the one that fits your lifestyle and budget.