The 9 Best Hair Straighteners, Tested Over Time By Our Editors (2025)

The best hair straighteners are designed to smooth and straighten strands without damaging them with excess heat. Whether you want a pin-straight finish or need help taming frizzy ends, these tools can transform your look with minimal effort. Based on our extensive testing, the T3 SinglePass StyleMax earned the top spot on our list thanks to its variety of manual settings, even heat distribution and smooth results. We also recommend the Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron, which is affordable and versatile enough to create waves and soft bends.

Along with over a year of extensive testing, our team considered more than 20 flat irons and evaluated each on its maneuverability, performance, features and more before making the final selections. We also consulted with our in-house beauty expert and deputy editor Jane Sung as well as several stylists; here are the best hair straighteners of 2025.

  • Best Hair Straightener Overall: T3 SinglePass StyleMax

  • Best Value Hair Straightener: Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron

  • Best Luxury Hair Straightener: GHD Platinum+ Styler

  • Best Compact Hair Straightener: Kristin Ess Mini Flat Iron

  • Best Luxury Cordless Hair Straightener: Dyson Corrale

  • Best Hair Straightener For Thick Hair: Bio Ionic OnePass Styling Iron

  • Best Hair Straightener For Long Hair: Paul Mitchell Express Ion Smooth+

  • Best Hair Straightener For Thin Hair: BondiBoost Aloe Flat Iron

  • Best Hair Straightener For Curly Hair: Tymo Ring Plus

Best Hair Straightener Overall

A Versatile Pick That Leaves Hair Shiny And Straight

T3 SinglePass StyleMax

Plate material: Ceramic |Plate size: 1 inch x 3.75 inches |Temperature:260 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: 15.5 ounces |Cord length: 8 feet, 4 inches |Warranty: 2 years

Best for:

  • All hair types and textures
  • Ultra-versatile styling
  • Decreasing frizz and boosting shine

Skip if:

  • You prefer titanium plates with higher heat
  • You want a wider plate width

T3’s SinglePass StyleMax stands out from the competition thanks to its nine manual heat settings, ranging from 260 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit, including three pre-programmed ones that correspond to your hair type (ensuring you’re not using too much heat and scorching your strands). The CeraGloss ceramic plates heat evenly and glide through hair without tugging or pulling. During my testing on my thin, wavy hair, I was able to straighten each section in one pass—with only a few stubborn sections requiring two—to achieve my desired look. I also appreciated the rounded edge barrel that didn’t leave creases in my hair when I experimented with using the iron for waves and loose curls.

Best Value Hair Straightener

An Affordable Flat Iron That’s Easy To Maneuver

MOST POPULAR

Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron

Plate material: Ceramic |Plate size: 1 inch x 3.5 inches |Temperature: 392 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: 14.7 ounces |Cord length: 10 feet 11 inches |Warranty: 2 years

Best for:

  • Creating different styles beyond just straightening
  • Easy maneuverability
  • Good value

Skip if:

  • You want ultra-high heat
  • You prefer multiple heat settings that cater to different hair types

Although you can’t adjust the temperature on this straightener, it delivers impressive results, whether you’re after super straight hair, loose waves or curls. I’ve owned a Chi ceramic iron for over ten years, and it’s a staple in my arsenal because it consistently leaves me with smooth, shiny results. The ceramic plates heat quickly and provide even heat throughout use. It’s also incredibly easy to maneuver thanks to the extra-long swivel cord and compact size.

Another tester who has used this flat iron for over a year agrees that it works quickly and efficiently. “Despite having just one heat setting of 392 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature was enough to reshape all sections of my hair in just one pass (although I did have to do two passes on the layers around my face),” she says. “This was refreshing because I get a little anxious about heat damage when I have to go over the same section several times.”

Best Luxury Hair Straightener

Creates Effortlessly Sleek And Shiny Strands

GHD Platinum+ Styler

Plate material: Ceramic |Plate size: 1 inch x 3.75 inches |Temperature: 365 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: 14.3 ounces |Cord length: 8 feet 8 inches |Warranty: 3 years

Best for:

  • Sleek styling with minimal damage
  • Color-treated or vulnerable hair
  • Getting a high shine finish

Skip if:

  • You prefer multiple heat settings
  • You want something more affordable

For a higher end hair tool that leaves you with enviously sleek, shiny and healthy-looking strands, we recommend the GHD Platinum+ Styler. Its unique wishbone-style design sets it apart from other models, and the continuous barrel doesn’t have a hinge with a gap that could accidentally pinch your hand. The button placement on the inside of the flat iron also ensures you don’t change the setting while you style your hair.

Similar to the Chi Original Ceramic Iron, this has one heat setting of 365 degrees Fahrenheit that’s designed to be the ideal temperature for straightening strands without causing excess heat damage. After testing, I found that the set temperature worked well for my hair and left my strands surprisingly shiny and smooth. The flexible ceramic plates heated up quickly and didn’t tug or pull my hair. And the sleek white barrel is also comfortable to hold and feels fairly lightweight in my hands.

Best Compact Hair Straightener

Great For Mid-Day Touchups And Packing For Travel

Kristin Ess Mini Flat Iron

Plate material:Titanium |Plate size: 0.75 inch wide, 3 inches long |Temperature: 380 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: 7.6 ounces |Cord length: 5 feet, 11 inches |Warranty: 2 years

Best for:

  • Using while traveling
  • Quick touchups
  • Short hair

Skip if:

  • You prefer multiple heat settings
  • You have fragile, damaged hair

If you’re traveling, commuting or want an easy way to style your hair after the gym, this mini hair straightener is a great option. It’s lightweight and compact, meaning you can easily stash it in your purse or overnight bag, and it’s exceptionally easy to maneuver. There’s only one heat setting—380 degrees—which is a good middle-of-the-road temperature that should work for different hair types and textures.

This temperature worked well for my type 2A wavy hair, and the rounded body didn’t leave any unwanted bends when creating different hairstyles. I also brought this flat iron to a workout class, and it was easy to use to touch up my face-framing layers after class. Plus, the universal dual voltage is a nice feature for travel, along with the automatic shut-off for peace of mind. Just keep in mind that it will take much longer to style long or thick hair as this is much smaller than your standard straightener.

Best Luxury Cordless Hair Straightener

A Convenient Hair Tool For Easy Styling

Dyson Corrale

Plate material: Manganese copper alloy |Plate size: 1 inch x 3.5 inches |Temperature: 330, 365, 410 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: 19.7 ounces |Cord length: Cordless |Warranty: 2 years

Best for:

  • Cordless styling
  • Smart temperature sensing for less hair damage

Skip if:

  • You want a more affordable hair tool
  • You’re looking for a lightweight device

If you’re looking for a cordless hair straightener, the Dyson Corrale is our top pick for its innovative design and strong performance. A full charge gives it 30 minutes of continuous use, which I’ve found is plenty of time to style my hair; but if you have very long (or thick) hair, you may need more time. Another standout feature is the flexing manganese copper alloy plates, which help to gather hair and give you more control when styling. I typically use this on the medium setting of 365 degrees Fahrenheit (it also comes in 330 or 410 degrees), and it glides smoothly through my strands and does a great job of eliminating frizz.

It charges quickly and comes with a nice heat-resistant travel pouch that prevents it from getting scratched in my overnight bag. Two downsides I’ve noticed are the weight, as it weighs about 20 ounces—more than the other flat irons we tested—and it was a bit trickier to use for creating waves or curls.

Best Hair Straightener For Thick Hair

Keeps Strands Soft And Protected While Styling

Bio Ionic OnePass Styling Iron

Plate material: Ceramic |Plate size: 1.5 inch |Temperature: 265 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: 9 ounces |Cord length: 9 feet |Warranty: 5 years

Best for:

  • Styling long or thick hair
  • Keeping strands soft and hydrated while styling

Skip if:

  • You want a smaller tool

Thick hair can take longer to style, but the Bio Ionic OnePass Styling Iron’s slightly wider plates enable you to corral more hair in each section. The adjustable heat, up to 450 degrees, also caters to different hair types and gives you more control. “It’s the best straightener I’ve ever had,” says our tester with thick hair. “It requires very few reps—sometimes just one pass through is enough.”

Another benefit? According to the brand, its proprietary Bio Ionic Moisturizing Heat Technology helps infuse each strand with more moisture and prevent heat damage. “I have a lot of hair, and it’s super effective at not only straightening any parts I need done quickly but also not hurting the quality of hair. Instead, it helps smooth it out,” says our tester.

Best Hair Straightener For Long Hair

Wider Plates That Make Quick Work Of Long Locks

Paul Mitchell Express Ion Smooth+

Plate material: Ceramic |Plate size:1.5 inches x 4 inches |Temperature:250 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: 15.8 ounces |Cord length: 8 feet, 11 inches | Warranty: 1 year

Best for:

  • Longer hair
  • Gentle styling on all textures

Skip if:

  • You find it difficult to maneuver a larger, paddle-like plate
  • You have shorter hair

With its ceramic construction and wider plates, this flat iron is a great option for those with long, thick or unruly hair. The broad plates allow it to handle more hair at a time while still effectively straightening strands, and the wide range of temperatures lets you to find the right heat for your hair type. “The iron’s ceramic floating plates have an extremely smooth glide, and the plate’s beveled edges allow me to angle the iron as I move it through my hair to create waves sans creases,” says our tester. She also notes that it was difficult to use on short hairs around her face and required slightly more wrist strength.

Best Hair Straightener For Thin Hair

Lower Temperatures That Are Safe For Thin Or Fragile Hair

BondiBoost Aloe Flat Iron

Plate material: Ceramic |Plate size:1 inch |Temperature:210 to 480 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: Not listed |Cord length: 10 feet |Warranty: Not listed

Best for:

  • Thin, fragile or color-treated hair
  • Boosting shine

Skip if:

  • You want slightly wider plates for longer hair
  • You prefer titanium plates with higher heat

The BondiBoost Flat Iron stands out for its lowest temperature out of all the ones we tested, 210 degrees Fahrenheit, which is helpful for those with thin, fragile or damaged hair. The ceramic plates infused with Australian aloe powder are said to help boost shine and eliminate frizz with every use. When I first used this, I was afraid residue might be left on my strands, but I was pleasantly surprised that my strands just felt healthy afterward—no powder or stickiness in sight.

Although I usually opt for a middle-of-the-road temperature closer to 350, I tested this on the lowest setting and found that at that temperature I had to make a few passes through each section to achieve a slick-straight look. However, I think the lowest setting is a great option for those concerned about their hair health who want to eliminate frizz and add some shine quickly.

Best Hair Straightener For Curly Hair

An Innovative Design And Nine Temperature Settings

Tymo Ring Plus

Plate material: Ceramic |Plate size:1.5 inches |Temperature:250 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit |Weight: 14 ounces |Cord length: 6 feet |Warranty: 1 year

Best for:

  • Curly or coily hair
  • Detangling and smoothing strands

Skip if:

  • You prefer titanium plates with higher heat

While this flat iron is adept at straightening all hair types thanks to gentle ceramic plates, it stands out for its innovative design and nine temperature settings. “I used to use a traditional straightener and brush combo, and this tool combines the two,” says our tester with tight-textured hair. “It heats up super quickly and gets the job done in just a few passes. It’s an awesome heat styling tool if you’re especially worried about damaging your roots.” We also appreciate that it comes with convenient accessories such as a travel bag, protective glove and two hairpins.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of haircare stories. These include the best curling irons, best hair dryers, best blow dryer brushes and more.

  • Author of this piece Katherine Louie is a lifestyle editor with over seven years of product testing under her belt. She has personally tested six of the hair straighteners in this guide—many over the course of years.
  • This story was assigned, produced and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the beauty and grooming category and has over two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics.
  • Louie also gathered key insight and guidance from three industry experts: Drew Schaefering, creative director and stylist at Brooklyn-based Rob Peetoom Salon; Bri Anderson, stylist at Belle Sirène Salon in La Jolla, CA; and Nai’vasha, a stylist who specializes in natural hair, color, wigs and men’s grooming.

How We Tested The Best Hair Straighteners

We tested the best hair straighteners on a wide range of hair types, from thin and wavy to thick and curly. When rating each hair tool, we focused heavily on maneuverability and performance. Additional criteria such as temperature options, material and plate size were also noted.

To determine maneuverability, we assessed each iron’s weight, cord length (or cordlessness) and swivel, which contribute to overall ease of use. Straightening your entire head may take more than 30 minutes—depending on your hair type and texture—and a lightweight tool can help avoid arm strain. An extra long or swivel cord also enables you to work around your head and move freely around your bathroom as you work.

We also assessed whether the iron works as advertised and how many passes each one required to effectively straighten hair and leave it smooth and shiny. Before testing each tool, we started with clean hair that was freshly washed, conditioned and air dried. We also noted the longevity of the finished style and whether hair needed to be touched up after a few hours.

Additionally, we checked for split ends and broken, dry or damaged strands. Heat damage can be difficult to determine after a few uses, but excessive dryness or brittle ends after extensive use can indicate that the tool may have caused some damage.

How To Pick The Best Hair Straightener

To ensure you pick a flat iron that leaves you with sleek, straight and healthy strands, we consulted several professional hairstylists with extensive experience using hot tools. Here’s what to look for.

Temperature Settings

You may need a specific temperature depending​​ on your hair type and texture. For example, those with thick, healthy hair may need a product that reaches 365 or even 400 degrees Fahrenheit to smooth and straighten effectively. Many flat irons have a range of temperatures, starting at 210 degrees Fahrenheit, but make sure you read the product description before making a purchase. While many hot tools have low, medium and high settings, looking for one that lets you control the exact temperature can be especially helpful.

Maneuverability

Straightening your entire head can be time-consuming, depending on your hair type and texture. Look for a tool that’s lightweight, easy to maneuver and comfortable to hold. Extra features like an extra-long or swivel cord are also worth considering. If you don’t want to be tied to an outlet, the cordless Dyson Corrale is a great option if you’re willing to spend a bit more and not daunted by the added weight.

Plate Material

Choosing the right plate material is one of the most important decisions regarding hair straighteners. Your hair type can help you determine which material is best and which will cause the least heat damage. Ceramic, tourmaline and titanium are all good options for flat irons, but ceramic tends to be the most popular choice. “Ceramic is the best option overall for a safe and less damaging hot tool because of the infrared technology, which works to straighten the hair from the inside out,” says stylist Bri Anderson. Ceramic also heats evenly and is gentler on strands, making it optimal for thin, color-treated or damaged hair.

Tourmaline straighteners are ceramic or metal irons coated with a mineral that produces negative ions, helping create a smooth, almost glass-like finish. “Tourmaline is excellent at controlling frizz and giving shine thanks to its negative ion-emitting properties,” says stylist Drew Schaefering. Anderson agrees: “Tourmaline irons are a good choice for almost any hair type, but especially for those looking to reduce frizz.”

Titanium plates heat up the fastest and hold higher temperatures, typically requiring fewer passes through your hair. “Titanium has high heat retention and durability, which is great for thicker hair types,” says Schaefering.

Plate Width

When it comes to plate width, consider the length and thickness of your hair. Wider plates can quickly straighten long locks, but as a general rule, one-inch plates work great for most hair lengths and styles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Hair Straightener To Use?

The best hair straightener for you depends on your hair type and texture. Those with thin strands may appreciate thetemperature range of theBondiBoost’s aloe-infused flat iron, which goes from 210 to 480 degrees Fahrenheit (210 degrees is one of the lowest heat settings available and ideal for delicate strands). Most models on our list hover around 350 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have curly or natural Afro-textured hair, theTymo Ring Plus is a great option that’s powerful and effective, leaving strands looking sleek and healthy afterward.

What Straightener Is Healthiest For Your Hair?

A straightener that won’t damage your hair is always the healthiest option. “First off, look for a flat iron with a temperature gauge,” says Schaefering. “The ability to adjust the temperature is paramount in controlling the heat affecting your hair.” Also, using a heat protectant is crucial in keeping your hair healthy over time. “Regardless of the setting, always use a heat protection spray or cream,” says stylistNai’vasha, who has worked with celebrities like Alicia Keys, Tracee Ellis Ross and Serena Williams.

If you’re not sure, start with the lowest setting or temperature and work your way up to avoid scorching your strands. As a rule of thumb, “thin or fine hair shouldn’t exceed being exposed to a temperature of 300 degrees, medium hair shouldn’t exceed 375 degrees, and thick or coarse hair shouldn’t exceed 450 degrees,” says Anderson.

Is Titanium Or Ceramic Better?

Titanium and ceramic are both excellent options, but ceramic is much gentler on strands, and it heats more evenly, making it a better choice for fine to medium hair. In contrast, titanium heats up quicker and can handle higher temperatures, which makes it a good choice for touchups and quick styling needs and thicker strands. “Titanium is best for thick, coarse and stubborn hair,” says Anderson. It’s also a popular option for professional stylists who are skilled at working efficiently.

The 9 Best Hair Straighteners, Tested Over Time By Our Editors (2025)

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