9 Best Quiet Hair Dryers of 2019

How Quiet Are Quiet Hair Dryers?

Sound or noise is measured in decibels. A regular chat with your friend, standing three to five feet away from you, will measure somewhere between 60dB to 70dB.

The traditional hair dryers operate way above the 90 dB mark, even though there is some variation and a few manage to go below 90 dB. Quiet hair dryers, however, will operate at much lower levels. You can expect the best quiet hair dryers to produce close to 70dB to 75dB.

While a reduction of 15dB to 20dB may not seem much, it can make a huge difference in your daily life. Sounds around 70dB aren’t disruptive in nature. They won’t wake up your kids all cranky. They won’t bother your roommates. And most importantly, they won’t end up triggering migraines or any other type of noise related discomfort.

How Do Manufacturers Make Quiet Hair Dryers Quiet?

Hair dryers make so much noise because of three things. The first is obviously the motor – the stronger the motor, the louder the hair dryer will be. This means that hair dryers with higher wattage tend to be louder.

At the same time, it is still possible for a hair dryer with high wattage to be quieter than its normal counterparts. This happens when other noise producing elements are negated such as the fan or the air channels.

The air speed created by the hair dryer is produced by the fan. It is directly proportional to the speed at which the fan spins. If the spinning speed of the fan is kept low, the air speed becomes less, and the sound produced gets toned down.

Another way is to not reduce the air speed but instead clear its pathway. This is a design element. If the air path is not constricted, there won’t be as much noise.

Similarly, if the motor and the fan are afforded enough breathing room, the casing won’t vibrate. Casing vibration is a major contributor to the noise produced by hair dryers along with tighter air channels.

Manipulating any of these elements can result in a quiet hair dryer. The best ones, of course, try to work with all of them. Here are three of the best quiet hair dryers of different price segments.

Top 9 Quiet Hair Dryers Comparison Table

Top 3 Budget Quiet Hair Dryers: Detailed Reviews

1. Conair 1875 Watt Turbo Hair Dryer

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

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Hair dryers come in a wide variety of price brackets. While the more advanced and effective hair dryers are more expensive too, everyone cannot shell out hundreds of dollars for the best out there. Sometimes, you have to pick your financial battles and the Conair 1875 Watt Turbo Hair Dryer makes that choice very easy.

As its name shows, it has a lot of power. With a rating of 1875 watts, this device blows air with strength. Usually, you expect noise with power but that isn’t the case with this hair dryer. It offers power without noise.

Its sound output is comparable to the kind of low hum you hear in busy offices. It definitely doesn’t sound like a jet engine taking off in your ear canal. However, this device isn’t just about blowing power quietly.

It also possesses ionic technology designed to keep your hair healthy. Ionic technology generates negative ions that counter static. Removing static means that you remove frizz and flyaway hair.

Another great aspect of this device from Conair is that it offers two separate switches for heat and speed settings. There are two of each and if you combine them right you can get 4 different operational settings. If you add the cool shot functionality to it, you get even more functionality.

Like all good hair dryers, this device also has a removable lint filter. This is important too because when these filters get clogged, the device breaks down faster.

Additionally, this device comes with a diffuser for ladies with curly hair and concentrator for those with opposite requirements. It comes in a balanced blue-black color combination.

The biggest flaw of this device is it’s shorter than normal cord. This has caused problems for many of its buyers and you should be careful of where your power outlets are before you purchase this product.

The device also has a tendency to break down a bit too soon but that could just be the flipside of its price bracket. This is especially relevant since the flaw is with the material used to manufacture it.

Further, this hair dryer is not a dual voltage device. This means that you can’t take it with you when you travel abroad.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for the cheapest, most feature-rich option for a quiet hair dryer, then this device from Conair is a good bet to get behind.

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2. MHU Professional Folding Blow Dryer

Editor’s Rating: 3.75/5.0

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There aren’t many hair dryers in the market that are specifically designed to be travel-friendly. However, this Folding Blow Dryer from MHU is one that fits the bill perfectly.

This is one of few hair dryers available that can actually be folded. This reduces its size and bulkiness and makes it easier to pack. This is also a dual voltage device which means that it supports both, the American 110V power system and the European 220V power system.

In fact, you can switch from one to the other with minimal fuss. The manufacturer has provided a switch on the device that can be moved to switch power system compatibility.

Changing power system compatibility, however, can be a little difficult since the switch is incredibly tight. A lot of users have said that the switch needs to be moved with a screwdriver and you need to apply pressure from just the right angle for it to budge.

It is so difficult to turn that most users have ended up rubbing its grooves off, rendering it next to useless. If you think you’ll need to change it on your travels, we suggest carrying a screwdriver or even doing it at home before leaving.

This is a powerful hair dryer with a rating of 1875 watts. That power allows it to dry your hair well but it also makes it noisy. In simpler words, this device could’ve been quieter. It is quiet enough on lower settings but when maxed out, it is quite loud.

In terms of heat and speed settings, there are two only. Further, there is only one switch which limits possible variations. Moreover, if you operate this device on the European power system, you’ll only get one setting i.e. low. The cool shot functionality will remain available even on the higher power system, though.

Further, with its tourmaline ceramic technology, this hair dryer will help you deal with flyaway and frizzy hair as well. However, it isn’t the easiest hair dryer to use, owing to its very short cord and the absence of a removable lint filter.

Also, it only comes with a concentrator attachment and no diffusers. So, if you have curly hair, you’ll have to buy the diffuser separately. At the same time, this is a very pocket-friendly device.

Further, it comes with a one year replacement warranty and an overall warranty of two years. Its durability reflects its cost as well i.e. it doesn’t last more than a few months.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a budget option and travel abroad a lot, then this travel-friendly device will be perfect for you.

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3. Beautural Professional 1875W Hair Dryer Styler

Editor’s Rating: 3.75/5.0

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It is always better to have a hair dryer with separate controls for heat and speed settings. This sleek hair dryer from Beautural offers three heat settings and two speed settings through two separate switches. There’s also the incredibly helpful cool shot button to fix hairstyles in place.

Buttons may be this device’s greatest strength but they also happen to be its greatest weakness. Their placement makes this device very difficult to operate. They’re placed to the front of the handle, just about the area where your fingers will be.

This can result in the settings being changed by mistake while the hair dryer is in use. However, if you can manage to keep your grip loose, then this is a good hair dryer to have especially because of its power. It is rated at 1875 watts which means considerable heat and blowing power.

It also boasts of ionization technology. The negative ions will minimize static, making your hair less susceptible to frizz and flyaway. Further, this device is suitable for both straight and curly haired women since it comes with both, a concentrator and a diffuser.

The air intake filter is detachable which makes removing trapped lint fairly easy. This also happens to be one of the lightest quiet hair dryers in the market right now. Weighing only 1.4 pounds, you can be sure that this device won’t be causing wrist pains. It also comes with a 30 day full refund and 12 month warranty.

According to some reports, it does have a tendency to break down a bit too soon but the problem is not widespread. A greater problem could be its short cord. It isn’t as long as what modern hair dryers tend to provide but if you have a power outlet close to your mirror, this shouldn’t be a problem.

The device is also made for America alone. It doesn’t support the 220V power system used in Europe, Asia, and Africa. So if you travel to those continents, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Who’s it for: If you want maximum features and have a light grip, then this hair dryer should fit your needs well.

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Top 3 Value Quiet Hair Dryers: Detailed Reviews

4. MHU Professional Salon Grade Hair Dryer

Editor’s Rating: 3.5/5.0

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There is a reason that quiet hair dryers tend to be on the bulkier and heavier side. More space between components reduces the noise they generate. It isn’t easy to find the balance between size, weight, and noise for manufacturers and most give up on size and weight to settle for lesser sound.

In the case of this hair dryer, the manufacturer has decided to compromise on the side of sound in favor of size and weight. The result is a very compact and lightweight hair dryer that isn’t as quiet as you may want it to be. It is still quieter than most normal hair dryers, though. Just not as quiet as hair dryers labeled as “quiet”.

It has a lot of power too, boasting of a rating of 1875 watts. Its power can be managed through three heat settings and two speed settings. The controls are separate which means that you get six variations.

There are numerous other features that further add to the usability of the device. For instance, it comes with a diffuser and concentrator both. The lint filter is removable which makes it very easy to clean it. Other features designed to make using this device easier include a long cord, a professional hanging hook, and an easy to hold handle.

The device also uses far infrared heat which means that it never gets hot enough to scald your scalp or fingers. This form of heat is also known to be beneficial for hair follicles. The negative ion technology also helps the follicles and hair strands, taking away frizzy and flyaway hair.

If you’re picky about the appearance of your tools, you’ll be happy to know that this one comes in two colors – black and pink.

The construction quality of this device has been questioned by a few of its users, though. Some have said that it breaks down too soon with most complaining about the quality of the switches on the handle. Many have even complained about the attachments, saying that they can fall off.

Who’s it for: If you don’t need your hair dryer to be absolutely quiet but want a lightweight and compact hair dryer, then this device will meet your requirements well.

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5. Ion Whisper Quiet Lite Ionic

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

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Quiet hair dryers are generally not that light and light hair dryers are generally not that quiet. That’s just how the technology works. Therefore, if weight and quietness are both important to you, then it all boils down to finding a hair dryer that balances these attributes. The Ion Whisper Quiet Lite Ionic is that device.

While it may not be “whisper quiet”, it is still a quiet hair dryer. It is definitely quieter than normal hair dryers and very much comparable to most quiet hair dryers. Its claim to fame, however, is that it is both, quiet and light at the same time. It weighs a mere pound.

Apart from finding the perfect balance between weight and sound, the manufacturer has also made this device versatile. It comes with four different temperature settings and two different speed settings. A cool shot functionality has also been included. All the buttons are separate which means you get no less than 8 heat-speed combinations.

This is a powerful ceramic hair dryer with tourmaline ionic technology. Its power output of 1875 watts makes it great for all hair types and its ionic technology ensures healthy hair that is free from frizz and flyaway. However, despite its high power output rating, this device doesn’t get as hot as it should. This is something that many of its users have pointed out.

The device does come with a removable lint filter which makes it easy to clean and use. However, that is the only positive about the usability of this device. Other aspects actually make it difficult to use.

The foremost of these is the placement of the buttons on the front of the handle. They’re placed exactly where your fingers will be when you’re holding the device. The result is that you end up pressing the buttons by mistake while trying to use the hair dryer.

Also, while the device’s cord isn’t exactly short, measuring 7.7 feet, it could’ve been longer. This hair dryer doesn’t support the 220V power system either. This system is used in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Therefore, if you travel to those continents, you won’t be able to take this device with you.

Who’s it for: If you need a light hair dryer that is also very quiet, then you should get this one.

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6. Panasonic EH-NA65-K nanoe Hair Dryer

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

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Panasonic is an old and trusted name when it comes to electronics. They’re especially well regarded for their personal care tools. It is because of devices like the Panasonic EH-NA65-K nanoe Hair Dryer that they have such a reputation.

This is a hair dryer that is not only quiet but also powerful and incredibly versatile. It has a power rating of 1875 watts but it is quiet because of its design and the way air channels have been managed.

It gets even quieter when you use one of its provided attachments – the dual airflow quick dry nozzle. The two air channels help reduce the sound. The device also comes with the usual attachments of a concentrator and a diffuser.

Further, this hair dryer utilizes the unique nanoe technology from Panasonic. The nanoe technology is a form of ionizing technology where the device pulls naturally occurring ions from surrounding air to combat static, frizz, and flyaway hair. The company says that these ions are broken down and combined with water molecules to ensure that “1,000 times more” moisture reaches the hair.

This hair dryer comes with three temperature settings and two speed settings along with a cool shot button. Additionally, it has a swivel 9 feet long cord, a removable lint filter, and even a hanging loop.

What you should know, however, is that this device isn’t meant to be your traveling companion. It is bigger and heavier than most hair dryers and doesn’t even support the power systems on other continents. It is built for the North American 110V power system only.

Who’s it for: Unless you plan on traveling a lot, this quiet hair dryer from Panasonic will meet all your needs including your need to not spend too much.

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Top 3 Premium Quiet Hair Dryers: Detailed Reviews

7. Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Hair Dryer

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

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Most women go through their lives without having experienced the quality of premium hair dryers. It is only when you use them that you realize how much better they are compared to their cheaper counterparts. Consider this device from Elchim, for example.

It offers more power than the cheaper options while simultaneously keeping the noise levels low. It has a power rating of 2000 watts, which the company says can reduce drying time by 30%.That is significant especially if you have a busy lifestyle.

The extra power is also useful because it makes this hair dryer more effective for women with particularly thick and curly hairs. The fact that you get this power without the noise is a big advantage too.

This is an ionic ceramic hair dryer which means that it generates negative ions for countering frizz and flyaway hair. This hair dryer also proves that most premium products have better designs.

As soon as you hold this device, you would immediately appreciate the button placements on the handle. They’re placed on the side where you won’t change the settings by mistake.

The buttons are for three heat settings and two speed settings. The cold air button, however, is placed to the front. It is easily accessible but still out of way. Another feature that makes this device convenient is its removable lint filter.

One of its unique qualities is the variety of colors it is available in. You’ll get to choose from no less than six color themes including Venetian rose gold, white, and yellow daisy along with black & gold, black & rose-gold, and black & silver combinations.

This device’s cord is fairly long at 9 feet. Further, it is also a fairly compact device measuring 7.1 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches only. At the same time, it is a little on the heavier side. It weighs 2 pounds.

Its weight and the fact that it isn’t a dual voltage hair dryer mean that this device isn’t all that travel-friendly. Another minor flaw is that it doesn’t come with a diffuser. This means that women with curly or especially thick hair will have to invest in a diffuser separately.

The jury is still out on the durability of this quiet hair dryer. While there are people who swear by its sturdiness and longevity, there are others who say that it breaks down too soon. The most common complaint is that the switches stop working.

We feel that this is a matter of what you expect from your purchase. This device is on the expensive side. People who find the cost too much expect considerably more staying power than others who think that the cost isn’t that high.

It is a matter of where you put your benchmarks. As it is, on average, people say that this device lasts about two years minimum.

Who’s it for: If all you want is an effective but quiet hair dryer and are willing to pay for it, then this product from Elchim should appeal to you.

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8. BIO IONIC Whisper Light Pro-Dryer

Editor’s Rating: 3.75/5.0

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This is probably the quietest hair dryer on this list. While it isn’t exactly “whisper quiet”, it comes very close to it. This is mainly due to two things – its design and its power output.

This hair dryer is designed to keep vibrations to a minimum between components and even in the air channels. It has a power rating of only 1400 watts which contributes the most to its quiet nature. A motor with a lower power rating generates less sound which is why this device is so quiet.

As is obvious, the price of having a less powerful motor is less heat and air speed. In practice, this means that you’ll be spending more time in front of the mirror drying or styling your hair.

A lower power spectrum also means fewer variations of heat and speed. So this hair dryer has only three heat / speed settings with just one button for you to play around with.

However, this hair dryer does produce negative ions to help you counter flyaway and frizzy hair. The manufacturer calls it NanoIonic Hybrid Mineral Technology. It is a hybrid because it produces far infrared energy in addition to negative ions.

This product doesn’t come with a diffuser, which you’ll have to buy separately. It does come with a concentrator, though. The cord on this hair dryer is on the longer side but not as long as some of its competitors. It measures just over 8 feet.

The device doesn’t have many flaws. In addition to its lower power output, you’ll also have to make peace with its bulky profile. However, the really quiet hair dryers almost always are on the bulky side so you shouldn’t attach too much importance to this.

What you should pay attention to is the fact that this device doesn’t last. This flaw becomes even bigger when you consider the cost of this device. Its cost will automatically make you expect good durability. To be fair, this device does last a long time for most users, but there are still a few who say that it breaks down too soon.

It is also not a dual voltage device. Combined with its bulk, this makes this quiet hair dryer not all that suitable as a traveling companion. Instead of offering a dual voltage product, the manufacturer just decided to make separate versions for different power systems. As a result, you have the option of getting another identical device except that it would be designed for the 220V power system.

Who’s it for: If you don’t have very thick hair and need the quietest hair dryer possible, this one should make you very happy.

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9. GHD Air Hair Dryer

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

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In this premium price bracket, it is unlikely that you’ll find a quiet hair dryer better than this one from GHD. It has virtually everything that you may need from your quiet hair dryer but it’s most impressive quality is the way it delivers power without noise.

This hair dryer is rated to operate at 2100 watts. Its power rating is one of the highest in the market and the highest in this list. This is also easily one of the quietest hair dryers in the market. That is a winning combination, in our opinion.

Further, this device boasts of advanced ionic technology. Because of this technology, the device generates negative ions that nullify static and free your hair from frizz.

This quiet hair dryer comes with 3 heat and 3 speed settings which can be manipulated through separate buttons. This means that you’ll have a lot of variation to play around with.

The device also comes with diffusers and concentrators but this is one area where the manufacturers could’ve done better. The attachments are so tight on the hair dryer that it is very difficult to put them on. Moreover, if you manage to get them on, you’ll find it very difficult to take them off!

Like all good hair dryers, this one also has a removable lint filter. As is obvious, if you clean it regularly, the device will last longer. It also has a long cord and supports multiple power systems. It can be used on 110V or 220V power systems, making it great for traveling abroad.

However, its weight may deter you from doing that. It is the heaviest device on this list, weighing 3.2 pounds. Its weight may even make you take breaks while styling or drying your hair.

Further, this is a premium device so it is quite expensive. However, we feel that it is more than worth what it costs, considering its numerous features and barely mentionable flaws.

Who’s it for: If you can spend a little extra, then this quiet hair dryer from GHD is easily the best one you’ll find anywhere!

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