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Choose the Dyson Supersonic Nural if you want automatic heat adjustment as the dryer moves closer to your hair, settings that follow compatible attachments, or reduced airflow when you set the dryer down. Choose the original Supersonic if those automation features are not important and its price or included attachments make it the better deal. Both are designed for drying and styling; the Nural’s main difference is its sensor-driven convenience, not an independently established improvement in hair or scalp results.
What separates the Supersonic Nural from the original?
Dyson describes both as hair dryers for fast drying and controlled styling, and its comparison lists three airflow settings and four heat settings for each. The Nural adds sensors that automate several tasks the original does not identify in the comparison: adapting heat to distance, remembering settings for recognized attachments, and responding when the dryer is put down. Dyson’s model comparison lays out these feature differences.
| Decision point | Supersonic | Supersonic Nural |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic heat adjustment by distance | Dyson’s comparison does not identify the Nural Scalp protect mode. | Time of Flight sensing reduces heat as the dryer approaches hair. |
| Attachment setting memory | Magnetic styling attachments; no Nural Attachment learning feature identified. | Recognizes compatible intelligent attachment IDs and recalls the last-used heat and airflow settings. |
| Set-down response | No Nural Pause detect feature identified. | Detects when the dryer is put down, lowers airflow, and deactivates the heater. |
| Settings | Three airflow and four heat settings in Dyson’s comparison. | Three speed and four heat settings in Dyson’s US listing, plus cold shot. |
| Attachments | Five attachments in Dyson’s comparison; exact lineups can vary by generation and bundle. | Five attachments in Dyson’s comparison, including the Wave+Curl diffuser with Dome and Diffuse modes. |
What Nural’s sensors actually do
Scalp protect: heat changes with distance
Dyson says the Nural’s Time of Flight sensor measures the distance to the hair and reduces heat as the dryer moves closer. Dyson’s comparison describes a comfortable 55°C temperature, while noting that in-use conditions may affect the preset temperature. This is a manufacturer-described operating feature, not proof that the dryer prevents scalp problems or produces better scalp-health outcomes.
Attachment learning: settings follow recognized accessories
A Hall sensor identifies an intelligent attachment, and the Nural recalls the last-used heat and airflow settings for it. That can save repeated manual adjustments if you switch attachments during a styling session. Older Supersonic attachments may physically fit, but Dyson says they do not activate Attachment learning unless they have the relevant intelligent identification.
#1 Best Overall
- A new network of Nural sensors within the machine activate intelligent features automatically to optimize your styling routine.
- Scalp protect mode automatically adjusts air temperature to maintain an optimal target temperature of 130°F at the scalp for comfortable, close-up drying.²
- Attachment learning recognizes each attachment and remembers your styling preferences. New, intelligent attachments automatically adjust to your preferred airflow and heat settings for easier styling.³
- Pause detect knows when you’ve paused styling. When no motion is detected, the machine will automatically switch off the heater and reduce airflow. When it’s picked back up, it’s reactivated.
- Capsule illumination changes color to indicate what heat setting you are in, so you always know how much heat you’re using. Clear endcap lets you see Dyson’s pioneering technology at work.
Pause detect: less operation when set down
An accelerometer detects when the dryer is put down; Dyson says the feature deactivates the heater and lowers airflow. Dyson’s FAQ says Pause detect is normally active except when a diffuser is connected, and that the motor takes 240 milliseconds to ramp down. The feature is intended to make pauses more convenient, rather than eliminate all sound or airflow immediately.
Which model fits your needs?
Choose the Nural if you will use its automation
- You often dry close to the scalp and want the dryer to reduce heat as distance changes.
- You switch among compatible attachments and would use settings memory.
- You frequently put the dryer down between sections and value automatic reduction in operation.
- The exact Nural package includes the attachments you want, and its current price works for your budget.
Choose the original Supersonic if the Nural features are unnecessary
- You are comfortable selecting heat and airflow yourself.
- You do not need automatic distance response, attachment-specific memory, or set-down detection.
- The original listing offers a more useful bundle or lower current price.
Dyson says the original Supersonic launched in 2016 and the Nural in 2024. The original is not described as a different category of appliance; the key buying question is whether the Nural’s additional sensing features are worth paying for in the specific listing you can buy.
Rank #2
- High-Speed Styling, No Compromise: This powerful hair dryer delivers ultra-fast wet-to-dry results with three smart styling attachments tailored to your hair type—ideal for women seeking quick, professional blowouts at home.
- Shiny, Frizz-Free Finish: The RapidGloss Finisher uses dual high-speed airflow to smooth flyaways and boost shine, giving you salon-quality results without the frizz—perfect for straight and wavy hair.
- No Heat Damage: Advanced technology regulates temperature 1,000x per second, staying below 230°F to protect hair from heat damage while still delivering fast, effective styling.
- Smart Styling Technology: Automatically adjusts heat and airflow based on the attached styler. Features 4 heat settings, 3 airflow speeds, and a cool shot—ideal for creating sleek styles with a round brush.
- LIGHTEST LEADING DIGITAL HAIR DRYER: At just 1.69 lbs., SpeedStyle brings you speed and power in a compact and dynamic styling system that is incredibly easy to use. No more sore arms after styling sessions.
Attachments and compatibility: check the box and model
Dyson’s comparison describes five attachments for each model, but the lineups and retail bundles can differ. The Nural lineup includes a Wave+Curl diffuser with Dome and Diffuse modes. Check the exact product listing for its box contents rather than assuming every color or seller bundle is identical.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Dyson says previous Supersonic styling attachments fit the Nural except the Wide-tooth comb. Older attachments also do not enable Nural Attachment learning. Before purchasing a separate accessory, confirm the exact part number and model compatibility. Dyson’s US attachment catalog lists Nural/Travel accessories such as the Wave+Curl diffuser, Wide-tooth comb, Flyaway attachment, Gentle air attachment, and Styling concentrator; availability and displayed prices can change.
Rank #3
- Dyson Supersonic hair dryer designed for travel. 32% smaller and 25% lighter than Dyson Supersonic Nural. Still mighty.
- Travel ready with universal voltage that adapts automatically, for uncompromised performance when traveling abroad.
- Lightweight and compact, for easy portability.
- Healthier hair compared to drying and styling with a hotel hair dryer.³
- Intelligent heat control and powerful Air Multiplier technology deliver fast, efficient styling, even on the move.
Price and specifications to check before buying
Dyson’s US product listing reports the Nural at 1,600 W, 13.3 l/s airflow, 120 V, and 1.8 lb, with three speed settings and four heat settings. These are specifications for that US listing, not values to apply to every region or SKU. See the Dyson Nural US product page for its current listing details.
On October 7, 2026, Dyson US search/listing results showed a Nural price of $449.99, while a Prussian Blue/Rich Copper listing showed $379.99, discounted from $449.99. These are point-in-time displayed prices, not a lasting MSRP or a guarantee of current stock. The reviewed sources did not establish a stable, same-date original Supersonic price, so there is no reliable price gap to quote. Compare the live price for the exact color and bundle, along with warranty and return terms. Dyson’s original Supersonic US product page and US hair dryer category are useful starting points for checking current listings.
What the feature claims do—and do not—establish
Dyson’s product pages and comparison explain how the Nural is designed to work; they do not establish that it produces better hair or scalp outcomes than the original. Dyson’s comparison attributes a statement about the relationship between hair quality and a healthy scalp to Shawn Lim, Head of Research at Dyson. That is a company statement, not independent evidence that Nural improves scalp health. Consider the sensor features as convenience and heat-management functions, rather than as proven clinical benefits.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
