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Dyson Supersonic r vs ghd Helios vs Shark SpeedStyle
The Shark SpeedStyle edges it for most homes.
The verdict in 10 seconds
The Dyson Supersonic r suits you if
- You dry your hair often and get tired arms with heavier dryers
- You have long or thick hair and want something easy to maneuver
- You want a quieter dryer with attachments that set themselves up
Skip it if
- You want the most for your money, since Dyson's own Nural costs less and does nearly as much
- You travel abroad or have tight outlet spots, because the plug is bulky and US-voltage only
- You want built-in scalp protection or easy on-the-fly controls
The ghd Helios suits you if
- You have thick or long hair and want it dry fast
- You like simple controls without a lot of settings to fiddle with
- You want a smooth, low-frizz finish at home without salon-level fuss
Skip it if
- You want lots of heat and speed settings or smart features
- You rely on a diffuser and don't want to pay extra for one
- You're looking for strong value for the money
The Shark SpeedStyle suits you if
- You want one tool for drying, smoothing and volume
- You travel and want a compact dryer
- You worry about heat damage and like the dryer to manage the temperature
Skip it if
- You want quick grab-and-go styling with no learning curve
- You already own a similar Shark multi-styler
- You want air-curling barrels for bouncy curls
So, which one?
The Shark SpeedStyle is the stronger all-rounder of the three. The Dyson Supersonic r is still the better fit if you dry your hair often and get tired arms with heavier dryers. The ghd Helios is still the better fit if you have thick or long hair and want it dry fast.
We researched 18 expert reviews, analyzed 5,353 owner ratings and comments across 17 sources for the three, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
Show me the receipts
The scoreboardProduct Review score 80 vs 75 vs 87 · reliability 77 vs 89 vs 92
| Dyson Supersonic r | ghd Helios | Shark SpeedStyle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 80 | 75 | 87 |
| Experts | 84 | 78 | 86 |
| Owners | 78 | 65 | 86 |
| Reliability | 77 | 89 | 92 |
| Report problems | 9% | 4% | 3% |
| Evidence | 8 reviews · 533 comments | 3 reviews · 98 comments | 7 reviews · 91 comments |
| Typical price | $570–$649 | $247 | $169–$260 |
● marks the better number on each row.
Experts vs ownersExperts 84 vs 78 vs 86 · Owners 78 vs 65 vs 86
Dyson Supersonic r
ghd Helios
Shark SpeedStyle
How we reached each verdictThe numbers behind each model's score
Dyson Supersonic r
Our research covered 8 expert sources, 6 of them hands-on, plus 533 owner comments. All 6 hands-on testers praised its light weight, and 5 called it fast-drying. Lightness is also the top owner theme at 44%, with fast drying at 27%. Every expert flagged the price, and 3 of the 6 hands-on testers would steer most buyers toward the cheaper Supersonic Nural instead. Reliability looks solid but not spotless: 9% of owner comments mention a failure of some kind, including 6% citing cord issues, and we found no recalls. The evidence on published scores is thin, with only 2 available.
ghd Helios
Our research found strong agreement on speed: both hands-on reviewers rated it among the fastest dryers they've used, and 11 of 98 owner comments praise quick drying, versus 2 citing slow drying. Value is the biggest owner sore point, raised in 13 of 98 comments, which helps explain the gap between the expert score (78) and the owner score (65). Reliability looks good, with failures mentioned in only 4% of owner comments and no recalls on record. The evidence is thin, though: only 3 expert sources (2 hands-on) and 45 first-hand owner accounts, so overall confidence is low.
Shark SpeedStyle
We analyzed 7 expert evaluations (6 hands-on) and 91 owner comments, 62 of them first-hand, and the picture is consistently positive: all 6 hands-on experts found it fast-drying, and 16% of owners say the same. Value is the top owner theme at 21%, with 12% praising frizz control, though 6 of 7 experts call it expensive at full price, and 3 flag a learning curve with the attachments. Reliability looks strong, with failure mentions in just 3% of comments, 2 of them about overheating or shutting off, and no recalls on record. Confidence is low because the owner sample is small, although the 4.3-star Amazon average across 1,600 ratings points the same way.
Where each one falls shortThe most common complaints
Dyson Supersonic r
- Very high price with no case or stand included
- Bulky plug that can be awkward with some outlets
- Small controls and won't run without an attachment fitted
ghd Helios
- Feels overpriced for what it offers
- Basic controls with only two speeds and two heat settings
- Only one nozzle included; diffuser costs extra
Shark SpeedStyle
- Expensive at full price
- Attachments take practice and are slow to swap
- Heat can feel too hot near the roots
Questions people actually ask
Which is better, the Dyson Supersonic r or the ghd Helios or the Shark SpeedStyle?
The Shark SpeedStyle, for most homes. The Dyson Supersonic r is the better fit if you dry your hair often and get tired arms with heavier dryers. The ghd Helios is the better fit if you have thick or long hair and want it dry fast.
Based on: Product Review score 80 vs 75 vs 87.Which is more reliable?
Neither stands out. The three have a similar record.
Based on: Reliability 77 vs 89 vs 92; problems mentioned by 9% vs 4% vs 3% of owners.Which is easier to live with day to day?
The Shark SpeedStyle. It's the one people are happiest with once it's home.
Based on: Owners score 78 vs 65 vs 86, from ratings and comments.Which is cheaper?
The Shark SpeedStyle usually costs less.
Based on: Typical prices: Dyson Supersonic r $570–$649; ghd Helios $247; Shark SpeedStyle $169–$260.As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes a score.