Best Travel Hair Dryers UK (2026)
A travel hair dryer trades some power for size, weight and a fold-flat design so it fits in a suitcase or gym bag, usually with a dual-voltage switch for use abroad. This guide is based on Expert Reviews' tested roundup, where each dryer was tested on its heat and airflow settings and attachments, weighed and measured, timed from freshly washed to fully dry hair, and assessed for finish and feel both immediately after drying and after a typical day of wear. Prices are as reviewed.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Boots 1500W Travel Dryer
Best budget
The cheapest dryer on Expert Reviews' list, with a no-thrills design that's still lightweight, foldable and comfortable to use. Two speed and heat settings plus a cold shot cover the basics, and while 1,500W isn't the most powerful rating tested, it dries hair quicker than most gym, swimming pool and hotel dryers. There's no storage case, but it has a storage loop and a dual voltage switch.
- Very cheap
- Lightweight, foldable and comfortable to use
- Dual voltage switch included
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boots 1500W Travel Dryer | Best budget | 1.5kW, 2 heat settings, cold shot, dual voltage, foldable, 410g, no case | Check price |
| Babyliss 5344BU Travel Hair Dryer | Best for power | 2kW, 2 heat and speed settings, concentrator nozzle, folds flat, dual voltage, 427g | Check price |
| Bellissima Italia B-Travel | Best lightweight | 1.4kW, 2 heat and speed settings, high-precision concentrator nozzle, dual voltage, metallic case, 370g | Check price |
| Bauer Professional TourmaPro Travel Set | Best ionic | 1.2kW, Tourmaline Ionic Technology, 2 speed/temperature options, case, brush and comb included, dual voltage | Check price |
| Amika Mighty Mini | Best for curly or afro-textured hair | 1kW, ionic technology, infra-red heat, 2 speed settings, concentrator and diffuser included, dual voltage | Check price |
| Diva Pro Styling Intenso 4000 Pro Compact Dryer | Best for fast results | 2kW, 3 heat settings, ionic technology, ceramic and tourmaline grilles, 120 cubic metres/hour airflow, 450g | Check price |
| ghd Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer | Best luxury | 1.6kW, 2 temperature settings up to 65°C, removable concentrator nozzle, protective travel case, dual voltage, 453g | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best budget
Boots 1500W Travel Dryer
The cheapest dryer on Expert Reviews' list, with a no-thrills design that's still lightweight, foldable and comfortable to use. Two speed and heat settings plus a cold shot cover the basics, and while 1,500W isn't the most powerful rating tested, it dries hair quicker than most gym, swimming pool and hotel dryers. There's no storage case, but it has a storage loop and a dual voltage switch.
- Power
- 1.5kW
- Temperature settings
- 2
- Weight
- 410g
- Dual voltage
- Yes
- Price guide
- £10.99 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Very cheap
- Lightweight, foldable and comfortable to use
- Dual voltage switch included
Cons
- No storage case
- Not the most powerful dryer tested
Best for power
Babyliss 5344BU Travel Hair Dryer
The most powerful dryer on Expert Reviews' list is also one of the cheapest: a 2,000W rating that lets you customise your blow-dry to your hair type across two heat and speed settings. It comes with a concentrator nozzle for a smooth finish and simply folds away when done, proving you don't have to sacrifice power to travel light.
- Power
- 2kW
- Temperature settings
- 2
- Weight
- 427g
- Dual voltage
- Yes
- Price guide
- £20 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Most powerful travel dryer tested
- Great value for its power rating
- Folds flat for packing
Cons
- Only two heat and speed settings
Best lightweight
Bellissima Italia B-Travel
Expert Reviews found this black and gold folding dryer looks the part and delivers, with a high-precision concentrator nozzle that helps smooth frizz and a dual voltage switch for worldwide use. At 370g it's one of the lightest travel dryers tested and very comfortable to use, and it comes with a fancy metallic case to keep it protected in luggage.
- Power
- 1.4kW
- Temperature settings
- 2
- Weight
- 370g
- Dual voltage
- Yes
- Price guide
- £49.99 (as reviewed)
Pros
- One of the lightest travel dryers tested
- Comes with a protective metallic case
- Very comfortable to use
Cons
- Less powerful than the Babyliss or Diva Intenso
Best ionic
Bauer Professional TourmaPro Travel Set
Expert Reviews called this exceptional value at under £20: Tourmaline Ionic Technology generates negative ions to help reduce frizz and keep hair in better condition, promising glossy salon results in a travel-friendly package. It comes with its own storage case, a brush and comb, and a concentrator nozzle, and simply folds up for storage when done.
- Power
- 1.2kW
- Temperature settings
- 2
- Dual voltage
- Yes
- Case included
- Yes
- Price guide
- £17 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Exceptional value at under £20
- Ionic technology helps reduce frizz
- Comes with case, brush and comb
Cons
- Least powerful dryer tested at 1.2kW
Best for curly or afro-textured hair
Amika Mighty Mini
Expert Reviews found this tiny (6x5 inch) dryer uses ionic technology and infra-red heat to dry hair quickly but very gently, making it ideal for hair that tends to frizz, including afro-textured, damaged or delicate hair that prefers gentle drying. It comes with a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser attachment, plus a colourful matching carry bag so it's easy to spot in luggage.
- Power
- 1kW
- Temperature settings
- 2
- Weight
- 340g
- Dual voltage
- Yes
- Price guide
- £50 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Gentle, fast drying suited to frizz-prone hair
- Includes a diffuser attachment
- Tiny size with a matching carry bag
Cons
- Lowest power rating (1kW) of the dryers tested
Best for fast results
Diva Pro Styling Intenso 4000 Pro Compact Dryer
Expert Reviews found this compact dryer packs a drying punch that belies its size, with a salon-standard 2kW motor and fast airflow that dries hair quickly with minimum fuss. Ceramic- and tourmaline-infused grilles leave hair looking smooth and glossy. It fits neatly into most suitcases but isn't a folding model, and there's no dual voltage option, so US travellers will need an adaptor.
- Power
- 2kW
- Temperature settings
- 3
- Weight
- 450g
- Dual voltage
- No
- Price guide
- £54 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Salon-standard 2kW motor with fast airflow
- Ceramic and tourmaline grilles for a glossy finish
- Compact even without folding
Cons
- Doesn't fold
- No dual voltage, needs an adaptor for the US
Best luxury
ghd Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer
Expert Reviews notes ghd's reputation for quality and style carries through to its travel dryer: a nifty device with two temperature settings capable of emitting air at 65 degrees, a removable concentrator nozzle and a protective travel case. It's not a budget tool, but comes recommended for those who trust the brand and don't mind paying a little extra.
- Power
- 1.6kW
- Temperature settings
- 2
- Weight
- 453g
- Dual voltage
- Yes
- Price guide
- £99 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Trusted ghd quality and style
- Protective travel case included
- Removable concentrator nozzle
Cons
- Not a budget tool
Buying guide
What's the difference between a travel dryer and a standard dryer?
Travel dryers are primarily designed to be light and compact for easy packing, often with a folding hinge and a shorter, wider barrel for good airflow in a smaller space. They usually include a dual voltage switch so you can use them anywhere in the world, unlike most standard home dryers.
Do I need dual voltage?
If you travel outside the UK and Europe, yes: dual voltage lets you switch between 250V and 125V so the dryer works safely on both systems. Most dryers here have it; the Diva Pro Styling Intenso 4000 doesn't, so you'd need a separate voltage adaptor for US travel.
How much power do I need?
The Babyliss 5344BU and Diva Intenso 4000 both offer 2kW, the most powerful of those tested, useful for drying quickly. Lower-powered options like the Amika Mighty Mini (1kW) and Bauer TourmaPro (1.2kW) trade some speed for gentler drying, which suits fine or frizz-prone hair.
What accessories should I look for?
Most travel dryers include a concentrator nozzle for directing airflow precisely. A carry case, like those on the Bellissima, Bauer and ghd, keeps the dryer clean and protected in luggage. If you like to diffuse curls, check compatibility, as most travel dryers don't include a diffuser (the Amika Mighty Mini is an exception).
Sources
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