When it comes to ‘Supersonic Travel’, I feel it doesn’t go the extra mile
3.6.2026
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
Dyson’s hairdryer is now available in a mini version. It’s a good hairdryer. Still, I’ve got a few gripes, sorry.
A wellness weekend in the Black Forest. Now that’s what I call the ideal conditions for testing Dyson’s new travel hairdryer: the «Supersonic Travel» is 32 per cent smaller and, at 330 grammes, 25 per cent lighter than its stationary counterpart «Supersonic». For the sake of simplicity, I’ll refer to the latter as the regular Supersonic (RS) from now on. A device I’ve used faithfully for years – until the competition caught up with Dyson’s lead.
My expectations
Before I share my experiences with the Mini Supersonic, I need to take a brief detour. Simply to contextualise the concept of a travel hairdryer in relation to the Dyson brand.
These days, you can get really solid full-size models from various manufacturers that can easily compete with Dyson’s hairdryers. And at lower prices. Dyson’s RS stands out from the crowd at most as a status symbol. I, for example, have swapped mine for the «SE 2 High-Speed Hair Dryer» from Laifen and don’t miss a thing. It’s light, handy and would fit nicely in my duffel bag even without the ‘ «’ label».
So, to get me excited about a (pricey) second hairdryer, it takes more than just a «We’ve made it a bit smaller». A great example of this is the «Pocket High-Speed Hair Dryer» from Dreame. It weighs just 300 grammes, works brilliantly, folds away and comes with styling attachments.
What sets the «Supersonic Travel» apart
Let me summarise the key points for you here in bullet points.
- can be used worldwide thanks to its integrated universal voltage of 100 to 240 volts
- power range from 1000 to 1220 watts (the RS has a maximum power output of 1600 watts)
- features a motor with 110,000 revolutions per minute
- an intelligent temperature control system measures the air temperature 100 times per second
- 2 airflow settings, 2 heat settings and 1 cool air setting (the RS has 3 airflow settings, 3 heat settings and 1 cool air mode)
- 32 per cent smaller and, at 330 grammes, 25 per cent lighter than its larger counterpart
- compatible with all attachments you already own from Dyson
- 2-metre cable
- 1 styling nozzle included
The travel version measures 71 mm (W) × 68 mm (H) × 222 mm (L).
Want to see the Supersonic Travel next to the RS? You can find photos in this news article I wrote about it a few weeks ago:
My experience
The contents of the box are sparse. The hairdryer, a nozzle attachment and a manual. Which brings me straight to my biggest criticism, without even having switched the hairdryer on once.
Where are the details?
Over the last few years, I’ve closely followed Dyson’s beauty launches and, whenever possible, tested them myself. It was always the design details, alongside the performance, that left a lasting impression. That extra mile, so to speak. With the Supersonic Travel, this is completely missing.
Anyone willing to spend just under 300 francs on a travel hairdryer appreciates luxury. And expects it, too. Whilst almost all other Dyson beauty products come with extras such as a non-slip storage mat (Airstrait), an oversized storage case (Airwrap) or a velvet pouch with an extra compartment for the in-flight safety plug (Corrale), you’ll search in vain for anything comparable with the Supersonic Travel.
A cotton protective pouch would have done the trick. Instead, I had to resort to a homemade fabric bag to protect my model from scratches in my suitcase.
Or how about a hanging loop on the bend guard? Even the clunky hotel hairdryer in my bathroom has one. A handy cable tie? Not that either. I’m almost ashamed to admit that I would even have expected a universal adapter from Dyson. Although I realise that this would probably be unnecessary in most households. Anyone who travels a lot and wants a travel hairdryer accordingly will surely have had one at home for ages.
Design & Performance
Apart from the lack of bells and whistles, the Travel is exactly what I imagined: a compact version of a very good hairdryer. Although the airflow is weaker than its counterpart, it’s still powerful enough to dry my short hair quickly. The limited settings are perfectly adequate for my purposes.
In a direct comparison with the hotel hairdryer (which, for once, was actually quite usable), the Dyson seemed quieter to me. Very important in hotel rooms. On top of that, the black hotel hairdryer felt so heavy in my hand that I much preferred to use the Travel version. Partly because of the nozzle attachment, which allowed me to direct the airflow precisely.
A bit of speculation to finish with
Dyson markets the travel model as a ‘to-go’ alternative to the RS. It is therefore intended for anyone who doesn’t want to miss out on Dyson’s performance promises whilst travelling. In other words, people who already own a «Supersonic» or similar models.
But as someone who owns the «Supersonic» and other comparable models, I can say: the difference in terms of size isn’t so great that it would justify buying a second hairdryer. Certainly not at a price of just under 300 francs (Dyson’s RRP is 299 francs; it currently costs 269 francs in our shop). Simply because the larger hairdryers are already very handy.
I’m getting a feeling. Is the travel aspect perhaps just a cover? Did Dyson not actually want to create the perfect travel companion, but rather a more affordable entry-level model for a completely new target group? A sort of Supersonic Lite version, so to speak. In that case, the travel aspect would simply be there to attract existing Supersonic fans as well. That is, of course, pure speculation on my part. But from this perspective, a few of the decisions Dyson has made would make more sense to me.
In a nutshell
Works great as expected, but the extras are missing
I would be prepared to spend a lot of money on many of Dyson's beauty appliances. The Supersonic Travel is not one of them. It's compact, dries my hair quickly and does what it promises - but I'm still somehow disappointed. I'm missing the extra touch that I'm used to from Dyson. This "We think one small step ahead".
Apart from the universal voltage and the slight difference in size, there is no reason for me to invest in the Supersonic Travel. Before I pay its price, I'd rather make do with what the accommodation has to offer. Or, if the mains voltage allows, I take my normal hairdryer with me. The relatively lightweight Dyson Airwrap with hairdryer and styling attachment would also be a good alternative.
I see the greatest added value for people who are looking for a luxury hairdryer that they can use both at home and when travelling. The Travel is not a second hairdryer, but a solid universal hairdryer.
Pro
- Universal voltage for travelling
- Smaller and easier to handle than the regular Supersonic
- Compatible with the attachments you (may) already have at home
- Nozzle attachment
Contra
- No extras such as travel bag or hanging device
- Price
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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