Whether I’m in the mood for a pin-straight finish or loose waves, a high-quality flat iron is one of my go-to beauty tools. With a panel of three other testers, I set out to find the best hair straighteners that transform hair with minimal effort and heat damage. Based on our findings, the T3 SinglePass StyleMax earned the top spot 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.
Based on insights from our four-person testing panel—which consisted of Forbes Vetted team members with various hair types—nine straighteners earned high marks across a variety of categories.
Our Top Recommendations
- 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 NanoBlack 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 (Now 13% Off)
We evaluated each hair straightener based on its maneuverability, performance and features, with testing periods ranging from a minimum of a few months to over a year. Then, we assembled our testing notes to determine our top picks. The final list was reviewed and approved by in-house beauty expert and deputy editor Jane Sung. Below, find the best hair straighteners of 2025, along with helpful shopping tips from two expert hair professionals.
Best Hair Straightener Overall
A Versatile Pick That Leaves Hair Shiny And Straight
T3 SinglePass StyleMax
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 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 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.
The 2025 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Best Value Hair Straightener
An Affordable Flat Iron That’s Easy To Maneuver
Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 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
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Its ultra-long swivel cord
Skip if:
- 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 long-haired tester with fine, wavy strands—but a lot of hair overall—has used this flat iron for over a year and 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 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 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
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 0.75 x 3 inches | Temperature: 380 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 7.5 ounces | Cord length: 6 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Using while traveling
- Quick touchups
- Short and fine hair
Skip if:
- You prefer multiple heat settings
- You have long, thick 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. I tested a very similar model, the now discontinued Kristin Ess Mini, which shares the same dimensions with the NanoBlack Mini. (The main difference between the two is that the NanoBlack Mini has ceramic plates, while the Mini has titanium plates.) 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 afterward. 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 x 3.5 inches | Temperature: 330, 365, 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 19.7 ounces | Cord length: Cordless | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Styling anywhere, thanks to its cordless design
- Its smart temperature sensing capabilities
- Travel, thanks to its heat-resistant pouch
Skip if:
- You want a more affordable hair tool
- You’re looking to create waves or curls
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
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 x 3.5 inches | 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
- Its adjustable heat feature
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 my hair. Instead, it helps smooth it out,” says our tester. For those with long, hair, this straightener is also available in a 1.5-inch version.
Best Hair Straightener For Long Hair
Wider Plates That Make Quick Work Of Long Locks
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1.5 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 hair textures
- Creating wavy styles
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 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
- Its aloe powder-infused plates
Skip if:
- You want slightly wider plates for longer hair
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 degrees Fahrenheit, 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
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
- Its nine temperature settings
Skip if:
- You prefer a more traditional flat iron
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.
When rating each hair tool, we primarily focused on maneuverability and performance. Additional criteria such as temperature options, material and plate size were also noted.
I set out to test several of these picks on my medium-length, thin, wavy hair. I also recruited three additional Forbes Vetted team members with varying hair types to ensure diversity among our testing panel: Beauty and fashion commerce writer Molly Calhoun, who has long, wavy hair that’s fine; senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, whose long hair is thick with a slight wave; and editorial assistant Whitney Bruno, with tight-textured, curly hair.
To determine maneuverability, we assessed each iron’s weight, cord length (or whether it was cordless) and swivel, all of which contribute to overall ease of use. Straightening your entire head can 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.
After straightening our hair, 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 has caused some damage.
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.
Many hair straighteners have pre-programmed low, medium and high heat settings, while more basic options have just one setting. To keep heat damage to a minimum, Schaefering recommends picking a flat iron with a temperature gauge. “The ability to adjust the temperature is paramount in controlling the heat affecting your hair,” she says. There are also higher-tech models that let you set the exact temperature of the plates, giving you even more control over your styling. While it varies depending on the exact model, many multi-setting flat irons start at around 210 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and go all the way past 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
Consider your hair type to determine which material is best and which will cause the least heat damage. Ceramic is the most common material for a hair straightener, but tourmaline, titanium and manganese copper alloy are other options with their own merits; here’s a breakdown on each:
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, 1-inch plates work great for most hair lengths and styles.
While hair straighteners are relatively straightforward to use, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the most out of your styling tool. We gathered a few tips to keep in mind.
At Forbes Vetted, our beauty and grooming vertical contains dozens of haircare stories. To create these guides, our team rigorously researches, evaluates and tests a wide array of products to determine the best options for every shopper.