The most sophisticated hairdryer I’ve ever tested – and it packs a punch!
29.7.2025
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
I knew this day would come. My Dyson Supersonic has to give up its place in my drawer for a cheaper model from the brand Laifen.
Someone needs to cover Supersonic’s ears. Because what I’m about to test is its direct competition. After the Swiss TV show «Kassensturz» voted Laifen’s Swift the equal but cheaper alternative to Dyson’s hairdryer, I was curious.
Laifen provided me with the latest model in the SE line for testing purposes, the SE 2 High-Speed Hair Dryer. Note this isn’t the Swift model from the «Kassensturz» article.
Design + scope of delivery
When I unpack the hairdryer, my jaw drops. The high-quality cardboard packaging, the plastic wrapping around the hairdryer, even the brand name font – the entire look and feel screams Dyson.
The hairdryer itself also looks similar to the Supersonic but isn’t an exact copy. It’s a tiny bit smaller, both in terms of length and head size, and weighs noticeably less than my long-time companion. The handpiece has a high-quality matt feel and sits comfortably in your hand. The cable length, measured from the bottom end of the hairdryer to and including the plug, is 2.70 metres – putting both devices on a par.
With the Laifen SE 2 – the body’s made of nylon and fibreglass – you can choose between four colours: black, pink, purple and yellow.
The contents of the box includes:
- A small manual
- Diffuser attachment for defined curls and waves
- Smoothing nozzle for a gentle airflow that tames hair and frizz
- Precision attachment for targeted drying and styling
Extras that stand out – the cable and the cable tie (we love it!) – are the same colour as the hairdryer, which I really like.
A small issue is that the plug, which is also yellow, is an EU model, so I need a black adapter to use it in Switzerland.
Settings
You use the top switch to choose between two speed levels. With the button underneath, you can switch between the temperature modes: cold (ring lights up blue), warm (ring lights up orange), hot (ring lights up red).
While the first three modes are self-explanatory, the following two require a little more explanation:
Child mode is there to protect sensitive skin. On the lower speed setting (I), the hairdryer reaches 38° C, on the higher setting (II) it reaches 48° C. You can switch it on by briefly pressing the temperature button twice. The ring will flash orange. In Cycling mode, the hairdryer alternates between the first three temperature settings. This is indicated by an interplay of colours. To select this mode, you have to press and hold the temperature button once. The benefits of this? I don’t know.
In use
Laifen’s motor can do up to 108,000 revolutions per minute (Dyson’s model manages 110,000). It feels like it dries my hair just as quickly. Since I don’t use the Cycling and Children’s modes anyway, I also find it extremely easy to use. By the way, the muffled noise (59 dB according to Laifen) doesn’t seem any louder to me than what the Supersonic emits.
If the hairdryer’s hot, the air smells a bit like heated plastic sheeting.
Three magnetic nozzles are included in the set. I didn’t need to use the curl diffuser because I have straight hair. Then there are two other nozzles. What’s particularly frustrating is that while the diffuser and the precision nozzle are easy-peasy to attach, the smoothing nozzle isn’t. It seems to be slightly deformed, which is why it sits at an angle, no matter how I turn and rotate it. Since it doesn’t get blown off, you can still use it. But it’s unlikely that would happen.
Thanks to the magnetic element, the filter guard’s much easier to pull down, clean and reattach than on my old Dyson (I say old deliberately here because Dyson’s launched other hairdryer models since the Supersonic).
In a nutshell
An attractive alternative for anyone considering Dyson’s Supersonic
Is Laifen’s SE2 perfect? No. The downsides are the plastic smell and one awkward attachment. But the rest I’m impressed with. The hairdryer’s light, aesthetically pleasing, has solid settings and plenty of power. Only time will tell whether the Laifen can hold its own in the long term.
Depending on the colour you choose, the price ranges between 130 and 199 francs. What I want from a hairdryer is that it dries my hair quickly and as quietly as possible so that I can then style it with another appliance – and the Laifen is more than capable of that. In this respect, it’s a much cheaper alternative to the Dyson Supersonic, which costs upwards of 350 francs depending on the package. But, if it’s crucial that you have different attachment and styling options, you won’t be satisfied with the SE2.
Pro
- Pretty range of colours
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Comfortable volume level
- Long cable with integrated cable tie
- Dries hair quickly
- Feels high quality
- Easy to clean
- Easy to operate
- Price
Contra
- Smoothing nozzle doesn’t sit properly
- EU plug
- Smells of plastic when heated
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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