The Best Curling Irons of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
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Curling irons and I have a complicated history. It’s a scarring relationship, built on burns, breakage, and the faint smell of singed hair. If you grew up in the early 2000s, you remember the cheap, clampy contraptions that left you with burnt fingertips, regrettable hairstyles, and—if you weren’t careful—a neck hickey that wasn’t from your high school boyfriend. But despite the occasional battle scars, curling irons have been a rite of girlhood. Bouncy ringlets for middle school plays, romantic waves for senior prom, a tousled blowout for graduation.
The pursuit of the perfect curl is as old as civilization itself. The Romans wielded heated iron rods (calamistrum) to sculpt Venus-like spirals. Medieval wig wearers would bake their curls at the bakery, where they would wrap them inside a protective pastry cut and toss them into the oven. The Victorians, ever committed to aesthetic suffering, warmed their curling tongs over open flames for polished waves. A scorched strand here, a seared forehead there—beauty, they say, is pain.
Fortunately, today’s curlers are smarter and pain-free (for the most part). With ceramic coatings, adjustable heat settings, and automatic rotating wands, these aren’t the drugstore relics of yesteryear. I tested a pile of them—some brilliant, some confusing—to find the ones worth your locks and money. Here are the best curling irons on the market. No bakery trips required.
For more beauty guides, check out Best Hair Dryers, Best Hair Straighteners, and Best LED Masks (and How They Work).
Updated March 2025: I added information about our testing process and updated our best picks, as well as prices and links.
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What should I look for in a curling iron?
Material girl. The barrel of your curling iron affects heat distribution, frizz control, and hair health. Ceramic is the most universal choice—ideal for fine, curly, or coily hair because it distributes heat evenly and helps lock in moisture. Ceramic irons also emit negative ions, which is science-speak for smoothing frizz and preventing crispy ends. Tourmaline takes it up a notch, firing off six times more negative ions for extra shine, making it a great option for thick or frizz-prone hair. If you have straight hair that struggles to hold a hold, titanium might be your best bet. It heats up fast, holds high temperatures, and sets curls that last (at least until past lunch).
To clamp or not to clamp? Traditional curling irons with a clamp create more structured, long-lasting curls. Curling wands are clipless and better for natural-looking waves with no creases. Tapered wands are wider at the base and narrower at the tip, creating tousled curls that are looser at the roots and tighter at the ends. Wavers, designed with two or three barrels, deliver beachy S-shaped bends.
Size matters. The barrel size dictates the curl pattern.
- ¾-inch: Corkscrew curls and ringlets. Best for short hair.
- 1-inch: Classic curls. Suitable for all hair lengths. If in doubt, start here.
- 1 ¼-inch: Soft, tousled waves or for adding texture to updos. Best for medium to long hair.
- 1 ½-inch and up: Loose, voluminous waves. Suitable for long hair.
What's your heat range? Not all hair types can handle the same level of heat. Fine or chemically treated hair should stay under 300 degrees Fahrenheit. For healthy and medium-textured hair, 300-380 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot. If you have coarse, curly, or thick hair, you’ll need 300-450 degrees Fahrenheit. P.S. Don’t forget the heat protectant spray.
Any add-ons? Some curling irons have a cool-touch tip for safer handling. Some come with interchangeable barrels, which means you don’t have to pick just one curl type—Marilyn ringlets today, mermaid waves tomorrow. Cord length also matters. A professional-level curling iron has a 9-foot cord because anything shorter is difficult to maneuver when styling. (Bonus points for a swivel mechanism, so it doesn’t twist and tangle.)
How we tested
To find the best curlers for every hair type, budget, and skill level, I first scoured the market for the latest and greatest tools, everything from traditional clamps to auto-curlers that do the work for you. Each hair tool was tested for at least two weeks. Here’s how I evaluated each tool:
- Ease of use. I assessed weight, grip comfort, clamp tension, and whether the cord behaved or ended up in a knotted mess.
- Heat settings. In addition to temperature ranges. I also monitored how fast each heated up, whether it maintained a consistent temp during styling, and if it fried my ends.
- Hairstyle longevity. I enlisted WIRED reviewers with straight, wavy, and curly hair to put these curlers to the real-world test. Did the curls last or deflate before noon?
- Price and value. I compared cost to performance and will continue to test for long-term durability.
- Features. Digital temperature control, automatic shutoff, dual voltage for travel…if it was advertised by the company, I made sure it delivered.
- Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Best Overall
T3 Singlepass Curl XIf I could only keep one curling iron from my testing lineup, it would be the T3 Singlepass Curl X. It's lightweight, effortless to maneuver, and comes with an extra-long barrel (6.5") that accommodates my mid-back-length hair. True to its name, it does the job in a single pass. I appreciate the smooth clamp on this one because it didn’t leave me with any dents.
The only miss here is the temperature display, which is a row of glowing dots at the base, so you don't actually know how hot the iron is running. It's a design choice that feels more aesthetic than functional. But the heat adjusts on command—twist the SmartTwist dial, and the temperature shifts instantly, with no lag.
This iron creates glossy, voluminous curls that look even better brushed out. This is a must-have for anyone tired of subpar curlers that underdeliver.
Specs Barrel material Ceramic Barrel size 1", 1.25", or 1.5" Heat settings 9 Auto-shutoff? 1-hour auto shut-off Weight 10.6 ounces, 13.2 ounces, or 15.1 ounces (without cord) Cord length 8 feet with swivel - Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Runner-Up
GHD Curve Soft Curl IronThe GHD Soft Curl heats up in 25 seconds. The elongated barrel and metal clamp help hold the hair in place without much maneuvering. But the lack of a temperature dial is missed. Instead, the iron relies on color-coded indicators: blue (300-320 degrees Fahrenheit), white (340-360 degrees Fahrenheit), and red (380-440 degrees Fahrenheit). That’s a pretty wide range; I would’ve much preferred an LCD screen with exact temperature reads, as someone who worries about frying my hair. Still, if you can overlook the ambiguous settings, this iron delivers curls that go the distance.
Specs Barrel material Ceramic Barrel size 1.25" Heat settings 8 Auto-shutoff? 30-minute auto shut-off Weight 14.4 ounces Cord length 9 feet with swivel
- Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Best for Beginners
The Beachwaver Co. B1.25 Rotating Curling Iron - Pink SunsetWhen I tested this rotating curling iron, the first thing I wrote down was an exclamatory “cool rotating barrel” After having used it, I still stand by that first impression. This iron does have a cool rotating barrel that makes it easy to twist your hair onto the barrel as you use it, eliminating the tedious wrapping of the hair that can take excess time. The small clamp at the bottom makes it easy to tuck an end piece of hair as the rest twists up, and I think this made it perfect for my longer hair, but it can work well on any hair length.
I will say that I got more of a wave from this one than a curl, but I didn’t mind it—the rotating iron cuts hair styling time in half, which to me is more valuable than the perfect curl. Plus, it’s probably the prettiest iron of the bunch in a light pink and purple ombré. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Specs Barrel material Ceramic Barrel size 1.25" Heat settings 3 Auto-shutoff? 30-minute auto shut-off Weight 1.34 pounds Cord length 8 feet with swivel - Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Best on a Budget
Hot Tools 1" Curling Iron for BeginnersAlana first used this tool as a beauty novice in high school, and it still holds up for the price. That said, she's a little slow. It takes longer to heat up than the other curling irons I tested, which might partially be due to the extended barrel (or just the reality of budget hot tools). If you're always running late and need something that heats up in seconds, this might not be your first choice. But if you're a beginner or unwilling to drop three digits on a curling iron, this is an accessible pick that won't let you down.
Specs Barrel material Not available Barrel size 0.75", 1", 1.25", or 1.5" Heat settings 4 Auto-shutoff? No Weight 1.1 pounds Cord length 6 feet with swivel
- Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Best for Minimal Heat Damage
Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler and dryerThis multistyler was the quickest to use out of all the curling irons I tested—even for someone like me, who hasn’t always been so confident using hot tools in my day. While there is a bit of a learning curve with this one, I somehow was able to dry and curl my hair within 30 minutes—an impressive feat for my long hair. I loved that this wand had a simple rotating switch at the top of the barrel to allow you to change airflow depending on what side of your hair you’re curling, and I also really liked how smooth my hair felt after curling: there were no flyaways in sight.
The only thing missing from this curling iron/styler was a temperature gauge. Instead, it has a few buttons that allow you to customize the drying fan, plus a cool shot button to use at the end of styling. Although I couldn’t see the exact temperature, it only heats up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps minimize heat damage; for context, that's about 100 degrees less than its competitors.
I also loved that it has multiple barrel sizes, including a thicker 1.6-inch barrel and a 1.2-inch barrel, to allow you to customize your curl. I opted for the thinner one, which I found gave me a little more room to wrap all of my hair. The curls were long-lasting and stayed smooth and frizz-free throughout my day. It’s certainly pricey at $600, but it can easily become an integral part of your everyday haircare routine (whether you’re looking for a great blow dryer, flat-iron equivalent, or curler appropriate for normal-to-damaged hair), which makes it well worth the investment.
Specs Barrel material Aluminum Barrel size 1.2" or 1.6" Heat settings 3 heat, 3 speed Auto-shutoff? No Weight 1.4 pounds Cord length 8.5 feet - Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Best for Long Hair
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling IronIf you have long hair, the Bio Ionic Long Barrel is a winner. But anyone who struggles with stubby irons or tired of twisting into unnatural angles to curl their hair will appreciate its extended 8-inch barrel. This tourmaline ceramic-plated iron makes quick work of long hair, wrapping entire sections and minimizing static. The clamp is firm (no mid-curl slippage here), and the temperature range—250 to 430 degrees Fahrenheit—caters to all hair types, from fine to thick locks. The cool-touch grip is sculpted to fit your fingers, making styling significantly easier. Plus, it’s dual voltage, so you can pack it for international travel.
In testing, it delivered smooth curls on my hair that held their shape for hours (without hairspray). Alanna reported that even after a full wedding reception, her curls softened into waves but never fully disappeared. If longevity and ease of use are priorities, this one earns its keep.
Specs Barrel material Tourmaline ceramic Barrel size 0.75", 1", 1.25", or 1.5" Heat settings 6 Auto-shutoff? 1-hour auto shut-off Weight 11 ounces (without cord) Cord length 9 feet with swivel
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- Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Best for Fine Hair
Hairitage Wand It Need It Extra-Long 1" Curling IronThis no-frills curling iron was my favorite out of all the curling irons I tested. The wand itself is extremely lightweight, and I had to wrap my hair around the barrel for only about 30 seconds to achieve a nice, bouncy curl. My controversial opinion on this one is that I love that it has no clamp—it was easy for me to wind my longer, finer strands around the barrel without having to fuss or worry about it getting stuck or crimped in a clamp. Because the ceramic wand is so light, holding the ends of my hair at the tip of the iron didn’t make my arms ache or tire.
Curling was quick with this one as well; I was able to do my full head in only 15 minutes, which is record-breaking for the amount of hair I have. While this one has multiple temperature settings, I liked that it didn’t get overly hot or smoking after using it with a heat protectant, so I was able to avoid the dreaded singeing smell you get when you use hot tools on finer hair types. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Specs Barrel material Tourmaline ceramic Barrel size 1" Heat settings 4 Auto-shutoff? Yes Weight 1.15 pounds Cord length 8 feet with swivel - Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Most Versatile
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying SystemI love a good multitasking beauty product, so I was excited to try this styler. Although it’s not a traditional curling iron, it comes with two different interchangeable barrels (one for the right side of your hair, one for the left), a blow-dry head, and multiple brush heads to blow dry, straighten, or curl damp hair after washing and using conditioners. After giving this a whirl, I can report that it blew dry my hair well, but the curls didn’t last long. There’s a learning curve with this one as well, and I think it had to do with my longer hair. I had to part my hair into tiny sections to get the full section to stick to the iron. The left and right barrels also felt overly complicated, mainly because they recommend clipping up the top half and curling the bottom section first and the top section second in the user guide.
The issue with this is that you have to switch out the barrel multiple times (one for the lower left, then again for the lower right, then again for the upper left, then again for the upper right). To make the process a little quicker, I’d recommend just sectioning out pieces and working from the left side of your head to the right side, so you only have to swap the barrel once. My long hair gets stringy and separates easily when it’s damp, so the mechanism didn’t work as well as I suspect it might if you have shorter, thicker hair that clings together more easily. Otherwise, it was one of the best hair dryers I’ve ever used and is suitable for straight and wavy hair textures, so I’ll be using it again. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Specs Barrel material Plastic, metal Barrel size 1.25" Heat settings 4 heat, 3 speed Auto-shutoff? No Weight 1.54 pounds Cord length 8 feet
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- Photograph: Alanna Kilkeary
Best for Beachy Waves
Amika High Tide Deep Waver Beach Waver Curling IronIf you aren’t ready to fully commit to curling your hair on the reg but want to give it a little body, hear me out: This is one of the best curling tools to help you get there. There’s no twisting or turning involved for this one—in fact, all you have to do is section out your hair and clamp down to get bold, beachy waves or loose curls. While it’s technically more of a crimper than a curler, it gave me a bouncy texture and body that was just as long-lasting as some of the other curlers I tried.
I liked this one a lot because it was super simple to use and didn’t leave me with any clamp crimps. It also comes with a neat little kickstand and has an automatic shutoff, which came in handy as I had to run out to an event after using this one. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Specs Barrel material Tourmaline ceramic Barrel size 0.7" Heat settings Adjustable from 120-390 degrees Farenheit Auto-shutoff? 30-minute auto shut-off (option) Weight 2.49 pounds Cord length 9 feet with swivel
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Honorable Mentions
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BondiBoost Clever Curler 1 ¼” Curling Iron with Ion Technology for $58: Thanks to its nonslip matte material and included heat glove, I found this hair tool the easiest to grip and handle out of the bunch. It warmed rather quickly, and I held my hair onto the barrel for only around 45 seconds before it reached a nice, thick curl. I also found it to be very ergonomic generally— the iron is not too long or too short and was easy to navigate at different angles around my head when I was curling each section of hair. The only thing I didn’t love about this iron was that the base of the clamp left my hair with more of a crimp than a curl toward the top of my head. I had to go over these areas two to three more times to smooth out the crimps, which added more time to my routine. This iron is 10/10 for handling and ease of use but could use a more lightweight clamp so it doesn’t impress on the hair so intensely. If you have thick hair, this may just be the iron for you.
Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron for $20: I’d recommend this one if you’re not looking to invest a ton in a curling iron or have short hair that curls easily and quickly. It’s rather bulky compared to its competitors, and I felt that it delivered more of a wave than a curl on my hair. I found the outcome to be less than impressive, but I did like that the heat was consistent and easy to control by turning the knob at the base of the iron. I also like that it has a little lip on the underside of the iron to make sure it doesn’t slip or slide around when you put it down.
Q&A Curling Iron Edition
Is titanium or ceramic better for curling hair?
It depends on your hair type and texture. Titanium curling irons heat up fast, stay hot, and power through thick and coarse hair. These curls tend to last longer, b ut titanium can be too intense for fine or damaged hair. Ceramic irons are gentler. They distribute heat more evenly, reduce hot spots and rely on infrared heat to style hair from the inside out. This makes it ideal for fine, fragile, or color-treated hair.
What’s the difference between a curling iron and a curling wand?
Curling irons come with a clamp that holds your hair in place for uniform curls. Clamps can leave creases if you're not careful. Curling wands are clamp-free, leaving you to wrap your hair around the barrel manually. Wands tend to be faster, but they also require more technique and a steadier hand. Also, if your wand doesn't have a cool-touch tip, it's easier to burn your fingers. Most curling irons have a straight cylindrical shape, while wands can taper for more variation. If you want structured curls, go for an iron. If you prefer natural-looking waves, a wand is your best friend.
How do you make curls last?
First, a heat-protectant spray is a non-negotiable. Now, if you're using a hot curling oil, your hair needs to be dry because damp strands are more susceptible to heat damage. Heatless curls and airstylers need hair to be slightly damp—think 90 percent dry. Curling your hair the day after washing is best. That's when the hair cuticle is open, and natural oils have had time to settle in, giving the curl some texture to grip onto. If you have freshly washed hair and must curl your hair, a texturizing spray can add some grit.
Pin your curls up while they cool. It helps set them, making them last longer. Finish with a quality hairspray.
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