There is a particular kind of travel guilt I know well: standing in front of a hotel bathroom mirror, staring at the tiny dryer that came with the room, already knowing my highlighted hair will pay for it.
So when Dyson launched the Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer — their first dryer built specifically for packing — I ordered one the same week. This is my first look and a side-by-side comparison with the original Supersonic I’ve used for years.
Note: this is an early review based on unboxing, specs, and initial use. Full styling performance results are coming once I’ve had more time with it.
What Is the Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer?
The Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer is a compact, lighter version of the original Supersonic. It keeps the same intelligent heat control and high-speed motor but shrinks the body by 32% and drops the weight to just 331g — that’s about 11.7 oz, roughly 25% less than the standard model.
The big practical upgrade: universal voltage (100-240V). The original Supersonic is single-voltage only, so it’s useless abroad unless you lug along a separate travel dryer or hope for the best with hotel equipment. This one works worldwide without an adapter for voltage — though you’ll still need a plug adapter depending on where you’re going.
It launches in Ceramic Pink and Rose Gold and comes with the Styling Concentrator attachment. If you already own Supersonic or Supersonic Nural attachments, they work with this one too.
Dyson Supersonic Travel vs Original: Side by Side
Seeing them next to each other really drives the point home. The Travel version feels like a genuinely redesigned tool rather than a shrunken original. Here’s how they compare:
- Size: 32% smaller than the original Supersonic
- Weight: 331g (about 11.7 oz), 25% lighter
- Voltage: Universal (100-240V) vs. single voltage on the original
- Heat settings: Three, same as original
- Airflow speeds: Two, same as original
- Cool shot button: Yes
- Cord length: 2 metres — generous for a travel dryer
- In the box: Dryer + Styling Concentrator only (other attachments sold separately)
The attachment compatibility was a genuine surprise for me. I had assumed the Travel version would need its own set, but my existing diffuser and concentrator click right on magnetically. That means I can pack just the dryer and swap attachments without buying duplicates.
How It Compares to the Supersonic Nural
I also put it next to my Dyson Supersonic Nural — the scalp-care version with its extra sensors and intelligent styling features. The Nural and the original are very close in size, while the Travel sits clearly apart as the most portable option.
They serve different roles for me: the Nural is my at-home indulgence when my scalp needs gentler treatment, and the Travel is the one that goes in my suitcase. I wouldn’t expect one to replace the other entirely.
My First Impressions
I’ve been a Dyson Supersonic fan for years — the kind of fan who defends it at dinner parties. So going into this, I wanted reasons to be skeptical.
The universal voltage is honestly the biggest selling point for me. My original Supersonic stayed on my vanity during every trip because I simply couldn’t take it abroad. Having a version that actually works internationally changes everything for frequent travelers.
Size-wise, it disappeared into my suitcase without complaint. And when I was away, I used it to dry my fringe several times — it does so swiftly and with the same power feel I know from the full-sized one. I let my hair air-dry most days on that trip (holiday hair is sometimes about embracing the relaxed look), so a full styling test is still pending. I’ll update this post once I’ve put it through its paces.
Who Should Buy It?
I think this makes sense for:
- People who already own and love the Supersonic but can’t take it abroad
- Frequent travelers tired of unreliable hotel hair dryers
- Anyone with long, thick, or color-treated hair that needs a powerful dryer on the go
- Dyson fans who appreciate well-designed beauty tools worth investing in
If you travel only occasionally and don’t mind whatever the hotel provides, £249.99 — roughly $310 or €285 — is a harder ask for a secondary dryer.
Pros & Cons
The good:
- Universal voltage makes international travel genuinely possible with Dyson-quality drying
- Noticeably smaller and lighter — the 331g weight feels like a real difference when you’re styling for more than five minutes
- Ceramic Pink and Rose Gold is beautiful, and the build still feels premium
- Existing Supersonic attachments work without buying new ones
The not-so-good:
- £249.99 (around $310 / €285) is a significant investment for a travel-only dryer
- Only the Styling Concentrator comes in the box — diffuser and other attachments are extra
- Better suited as a companion to your main dryer than as a full replacement at home
The Bottom Line
My first impression of the Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer is positive. It’s not just a smaller original — it’s a dedicated travel tool that finally solves the voltage problem and fits in my bag without resentment.
I’ll be updating this review once I’ve styled with it more thoroughly, but for now, if you’re someone who packs your own hair tools on every trip, this feels like one of those purchases that quietly makes life easier.
FAQ
Does the Dyson Supersonic Travel work in the US?
Yes. It has universal voltage (100-240V), so it works worldwide. You’ll need a plug adapter for the physical socket, but no voltage converter.
Can I use my existing Dyson Supersonic attachments with the Travel version?
Yes. The Travel dryer is compatible with all Dyson Supersonic and Supersonic Nural attachments. They attach magnetically, just like on the original.
What comes in the box?
The Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer and a Styling Concentrator attachment. Other attachments (diffuser, smoothing nozzle) are sold separately.
A note from the studio: I bought my original Supersonic because an ad convinced me it would change everything. It did — but only at home. This Travel version might finally mean that change travels with me.
Where to buy: The Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer is available now for £249.99 at {{link:https://www.dyson.com|Dyson}}, {{link:https://www.amazon.com|Amazon}}, and other major retailers. *This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.*
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