Ready to switch up your hairstyle? The right curling iron can easily achieve defined, long-lasting curls. Whether you’re looking for a highly customizable hair tool to create all different types of curls or just a simple curling iron to add texture and volume, a curling iron is a great way to quickly and effectively give your hair a new look.
After evaluating over 50 different products, we bought 15 of the best curl styling tools available today to test side-by-side in order to help you find the most effective tool to tame your mane. We consulted with professional stylists and extensively tested out these products with a variety of different hair types. Check out the complete review to see which curling tools work best, which are the best budget options, and how motorized versus manual models stack up.
Our favorite curling iron is the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold. Our testers loved its ability to create consistent waves and curls while offering a wide range of heat adjustments and different barrel sizes, all at a reasonable price.
The Conair Double Ceramic is our go-to choice for budget-friendly curling irons. A great introduction to curling hair that produces smooth, glossy curls comparable to many higher-priced options.
We’ve also tested a variety of personal care essentials, including other hair care items like hair dryers and hair straightening irons.
Editor’s Note: We updated our curling iron review on February 24, 2025, to provide additional insight into our award-winning selections.
Quick Look
The Best Curling Irons
Full results from testing 15 top products are in our Product Comparison Table and Analysis & Test Results sections.
Best Traditional Curling Iron
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold
Available Barrel Sizes: 0.375″, 0.5″, 0.625″, 1″, 1.25″, 1.5″, or 2″ | Measured Temperature Range: 243°F-390°F
| Type of Curler | Standard |
|---|---|
| Size Tested | 2.54 cm | 1″ |
| Usable Barrel Length | 10.8 cm | 4.25″ |
| Attachments Included | no |
| Cord Length (measured) | 2.39 m | 7′ 10″ |
The Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold is an excellent option for those seeking an exceptional traditional curling iron to produce the best wave or curl. There is a reason both stylists and at-home users choose this product. This model has an ergonomic handle and a long cord and comes in multiple different barrel sizes to achieve the exact curl you’re looking for. It has a safety tip that helps prevent unfortunate burn incidents, and the pressure of the clamp is nice and even. The heat setting has a wide range and can be easily adjusted to a specific temperature for your hair type. Sliding your hair through the iron feels effortless, and the integrated stand and convenient pivot for the cord make this one of our all-around favorite styling tools.
Some of the drawbacks of the Pro Artist 24K include the somewhat finicky temperature dial and the need to buy multiple if you want the option of different wave or curl sizes. Additionally, the traditional screw-held clamp style means that stray strands of hair could get caught in the attachment. Still, we don’t consider these drawbacks dealbreakers. We were truly impressed with the Pro Artist and think it’s a great fit for anyone who desires a top-of-the-line tool to add to their collection. If you’re searching for a standard iron with a little more barrel and don’t mind spending more, the T3 Single Pass may be another good option.
Best Curling Wand
Bed Head Curlipops Tapered Tourmaline Ceramic
Available Barrel Sizes: 1″ tapered | Measured Temperature Range: 314°F
| Type of Curler | Wand |
|---|---|
| Size Tested | 1″ tapered |
| Usable Barrel Length | 14.3 cm | 5.625″ |
| Attachments Included | heat resistant glove |
| Cord Length (measured) | 6′ 0″ |
Our lead tester, Katie Brown, does hair professionally. After testing the Bed Head Curlipops Tapered Tourmaline Ceramic, she said, “I am definitely adding this wand to my kit.” It provides beautiful curls that last an exceptionally long time, “just what I need for bridal styling,” Katie remarked. The price point also makes it a great value for an at-home user who wants full, long-lasting curls. Its fairly long barrel taper means it will work well for long hair, short hair, and naturally curly hair.
The main drawback of this wand is its inability to control temperature. This increases the chances of causing significant heat damage or not having enough heat to achieve your desired look. If you want a looser, barely-there bend to the hair, it may be a bit harder to achieve without the ability to adjust the temperature you’re using. Also, the candy-colored aesthetic may not be for everyone. However, this wand is a great option for a strong, shiny curl that will last. If you’d like a little more control over your heat settings, the Drybar The Wrap Party is another option, though it is quite a bit more expensive, and its larger barrel makes for a bigger curl. The Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Tapered wand is another option that will give you a tighter curl pattern at a significantly lower cost.
Best Value for a Traditional Curling Iron
Conair Double Ceramic
Available Barrel Sizes: 1″ | Measured Temperature Range: 256°F-357°F
| Type of Curler | Standard |
|---|---|
| Size Tested | 1″ standard |
| Usable Barrel Length | 10.2 cm | 4″ |
| Attachments Included | no |
| Cord Length (measured) | 5′ 0″ |
There’s a reason the Conair Double Ceramic has more reviews than almost any other curling iron on the market. It’s a product that will get the job done without breaking the bank. “I found this curling iron had one of the smoothest glides through the clamp,” our lead tester said. The barrel was decently long, and the clamp gripped hair well. It also produced smooth, glossy curls as efficiently as any other higher-priced option. In addition, there isn’t a numeric temperature gauge, but it still has several options for temperature settings, from 5 to 30.
On the downside, the cord on the Double Ceramic is very short and easily kinked, and the curling iron tends to want to fall forward on its stand. It is also fairly easy to get stray hairs snagged in the clamp attachment screw. In our testing, the curls we got from this iron fell after just a few hours. While the holding time was not ideal, this is the perfect budget option for a standard get-the-job-done iron. If you are truly on a tight budget or could not bring yourself to spend much on a styling tool, the Revlon Long Lasting Curl has an even lower price tag, though it does not curl as well.
Best Curling Iron for Long Hair
T3 Single Pass
Available Barrel Sizes: 0.5″, 0.75″, 1″, 1.25″, and 1.5″ | Measured Temperature Range: 252°F-410°F
| Type of Curler | Standard |
|---|---|
| Size Tested | 2.54 cm | 1″ |
| Usable Barrel Length | 14.6 cm | 5.75″ |
| Attachments Included | no |
| Cord Length (measured) | 8′ 0″ |
The T3 Single Pass is like the seamless bra of curling irons. There are no exposed edges or screws for hair to catch on, and the whole unit feels smooth and, well, seamless. The T3 had one of the longest barrels of all the curling irons we tested, which makes it ideal for long hair. It also comes in various sizes, which is great for achieving different curl results. The cord was long but flexible enough to maneuver, and the smooth design gave us well-shaped curls with a glossy shine.
While beautiful, this unit is also on the pricey side, so you’ll need to decide how important aesthetics are to you. You’ll also have to purchase multiple curling irons if you need multiple sizes. Though the T3 has multiple heat settings, there is no numeric temperature gauge, so it’s difficult to tell exactly how hot your hair is getting. Still, we were impressed with the T3 and think it could be a great investment for frequent curlers and those with long hair that can be difficult to style with a standard tool. If you just couldn’t see yourself spending that much on a styling tool, the Pro Artist is a lower-cost option with a shorter barrel. If you’re willing to use a wand, the Bed Head Curlipops gives a longer-lasting curl but with no adjustable heat settings.
Best Curling Wand for Beach Waves
Drybar The Wrap Party Styling Wand
Available Barrel Sizes: One size | Measured Temperature Range: 178°F-391°F
| Type of Curler | Wand |
|---|---|
| Size Tested | one size, reverse taper |
| Usable Barrel Length | 13.3 cm | 5.25″ |
| Attachments Included | no |
| Cord Length (measured) | 2.72 m | 8′ 11″ |
If you’re on the hunt for a top-tier curling wand that delivers great beach waves, look no further. The Drybar The Wrap Party Styling Wand creates beautiful, big, beachy waves that last. It has a digital display with a numeric temperature reading, making it easy to tell exactly how much heat your hair is being exposed to. The reverse taper of the barrel also makes it easy to hold hair and prevents slipping.
Because the Wrap Party is a bit wider than a traditional wand, we found creating a subtle, beachy wave very easy. It is, however, very specific as to what it can create, limiting its versatility as a styling tool. “The cord on this iron was unwieldy and bulky. It was my least favorite cord to deal with of all the models I tested,” our lead tester remaked. Those with shorter hair may also struggle with this wand since it is so wide. Still, if beachy waves are your go-to look, this wand is worth considering. If big waves are your favorite look, and you’d like something that does a little more, you might consider the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus. It can take you from wet hair to wavy volume in no time flat. If you truly want a curling tool, the Bed Head Curlipops will give you a more standard curl size, but you can’t adjust your current temperature. If that is important to you, the Hot Tools Pro Artist is a standard curling iron option that offers a little more control over your heat settings.
Best Model for Naturally Curly Hair
Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Tapered
Available Barrel Sizes: 1″ tapered to 0.5″ | Measured Temperature Range: 211°F-313°F
| Type of Curler | Wand |
|---|---|
| Size Tested | 1″ to ½” tapered |
| Usable Barrel Length | 14 cm | 5.5″ |
| Attachments Included | heat resistant glove |
| Cord Length (measured) | 5′ 0″ |
For the naturally curly-haired, the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Tapered wand is great for defining those loopy locks. If you have a 2c to 4c curl (smaller spirals), this is great for adding definition and shine while reducing frizz. Conversely, this is also a great option if you have straight hair and are looking for a tighter curl pattern from your wand. Its barrel is almost six inches long, so it can hold quite a bit of hair despite the thinness of the wand. It did a pretty good job curling, and the curls lasted for over five hours in our test.
The main downside of this wand is that it produces a fairly specific curl, which narrows its use. It may be a great addition to your current styling tools, but it wouldn’t make a good stand-alone tool for a more versatile collection. Still, if you want to add definition to your natural curls or a nice spiral to your straight locks, this could be the tool for you. For a bigger curl at a similar price, the Bed Head Curlipops is another option that creates beautiful results.
Best Multi-Tool Airbrush
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System Ultimate 6-Piece
Attachments Included:(2) 1.25″ Auto-Wrap curlers, paddle brush, oval brush, styling concentrator, curl-defining diffuser | Measured Temperature Range: 97°F-298°F
| Type of Curler | Air brush |
|---|---|
| Size Tested | 6-piece |
| Usable Barrel Length | 12.7 cm | 5″ |
| Attachments Included | 2 auto-wrap curlers, oval brush, paddle brush, diffuser, concentrator |
| Cord Length (measured) | 2.67 m | 8′ 9″ |
If you are ready to drop a fair amount on a multi-tool airbrush, we feel that the Shark FlexStyle is a great investment. Our lead tester lamented, “As a busy working mom, I was a little skeptical about the Shark. It’s expensive, and it looks difficult to get the hang of. However, I was happy to be proven wrong.” The Shark comes with an easy-to-follow instruction sheet, including photos, so learning to use this tool was quick and easy. It also dried hair in less than ten minutes and, although louder and hotter than some other models, produced big, bouncy curls in short work. We also liked that it had a diffuser for curly hair, making it more versatile for a wider variety of hair types.
“I live in a very dry climate, so the nature of this tool made my hair feel a bit dry and static-prone,” our tester said. A little moisturizing product would probably fix that, and it wasn’t a major deterrent. Also, the curls created by the FlexStyle didn’t hold very long. Overall, if we were ready to invest in a styling tool of this nature, the FlexStyle would hands down be our choice. For a more affordable airbrush, the Revlon One-Step has no additional attachments but gives a sleek finish to a full blowout look.
Product Comparison Table
“>
How We Tested
We extensively tested these curling irons for over two months to ensure the most accurate information possible. Hands-on testing included curling on a control group head using no product and holding ten seconds for each curl. The curls were then worn for five hours to test longevity. After that, we tested on a variety of hair types and compared notes. Then, we measured barrel and cord lengths and noted how difficult each curler was to maneuver and use. We also measured the actual temperatures of each curling iron after heating it up for 15 seconds and then again after 5 minutes.
We divided our curling iron testing into the following four mutually exclusive metrics, weighted based on their overall importance:
- Curling Performance (35% of overall weight)
- Ease of Use (30% weight)
- Versatility (20% weight)
- Construction Quality (15% weight)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by GearLab tester Katie Brown. Katie attended school at the Aveda Institute in Denver and now works as a professional bridal hair and makeup artist. She is no stranger to finding the right tool to get different results on a wide variety of hair lengths, thicknesses, and textures. She has a keen eye for what makes a great curler and what features fall flat. She has been putting her skills and training to work in the styling industry for over 10 years and, as a busy mom, puts her own curls to the test daily. From intricate bridal updos to casual loose waves, Katie knows what it takes to make a beautiful hairstyle that will last.
Analysis and Test Results
We split our comprehensive testing process into four metrics, each with a handful of different assessments. We looked at the curling performance, ease of use, versatility, and construction quality for each of these styling tools, with standout performances of different products in each metric highlighted below.
What’s the Best Value?
Many times, you get what you pay for, but a higher-priced product doesn’t always mean higher performance. Certain products are just a great deal, giving you more for less. These are the tools that deliver amazing results without breaking the bank. As far as traditional curling irons are concerned, the Conair Double Ceramic does exactly that. It is very easy to use and gives acceptable results.
The Bedhead Curlipops Tapered Wand is an excellent curling wand that delivers a result that rivals even the most expensive models. In our testing, curls came out smooth and glossy and lasted all night. We believe it’s a product that is well worth the price. The Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold is another great option. It provides a very specific temperature setting and a great, consistent curl while still being one of the lower-priced options available.
“>
Curling Performance
To determine curling performance, we tested based on several criteria to maintain as much consistency as possible. First, we tested how well the curl held after the unit was on for 15 seconds and then again after five minutes. We used all irons at comparable temperatures. We also noted the effectiveness of the tool using a ten-second hold for each curl. We then analyzed the results to note any frizziness, how glossy or dull the curls looked, and how much the curls fell after five hours.
The Bed Head Curlipops wand gave us the best curl performance of all the styling tools we tested. It curled amazingly well, giving us shiny, gorgeous curls that lasted longer than any other. The Conair Tourmaline Ceramic held for more than five hours, while the Hot Tools Professional Series 24K Gold, T3 Single Pass, and Drybar The Wrap did almost as well. The hair came out smooth and glossy with these models and wasn’t prone to kinking or creasing in our tests. Additionally, we like that the clamps on the T3 and 24K Gold provide very even and uniform pressure across the length and also come in various sizes for curl customization.
“>
The ghd Creative Curl Tapered Wand and Prizm Nano Titanium Rotating gave us very comparable performances. The results were fairly impressive and lasted pretty well, holding up for at least five hours. The CHI Spin N Curl seemed to work well, but we noted it didn’t give a very smooth result. Another curler may be best for those with naturally curly or coarse hair. On the other hand, the Conair Double Ceramic gave us beautiful smooth and glossy curls, but they fell in only about two hours.
Ease of Use
Ease of use was calculated using several different factors. We noted whether each unit had a learning curve, the speed and ease with which we could curl an entire head of hair, and details about the unit that affected use. Details included barrel length, weight, how easy it is to burn oneself, and cord length/convenience.
We appreciate a simple, intuitive curler. Much as innovation is a wonderful thing, there’s nothing quite like picking up a new styling tool and having no trouble using it right from the start. Our favorite tools in this metric were the Curlipops, Pro Artist, The Wrap Party, Creative Curl, and the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic. Having the ability to pick up one of these and easily curl an entire head of hair without a struggle is a pleasure, and all of these tools delivered.
“>
