Finding the ideal vacuum for your needs and the aspects of your home might be difficult. Numerous alternatives are available, and no one-size-fits-all vacuum is ideal for every home. You’ll need to think about the size of your room, the sort of flooring you have, and whether or not you want one with a cord.
To assist you in navigating this huge product area, we’ve highlighted 11 of our top vacuum picks based on our Cleaning Lab testing and some new winners from our 2023 Home Accessories Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards. All of these options perform well on low- to medium-pile carpets and hardwood floors, but if you’re looking for something more particular, like a robot or stick vacuum, we’ve got you covered.
Our top picks:
We subjected them to comprehensive testing using ASTM International industry-standard methodologies to choose the best vacuums. As a test track, we employ a custom-built machine that resembles a carpeted treadmill. This allows us to quantify the number of passes and the amount of debris removed by the vacuums.
We’ve evaluated hundreds of vacuum cleaners over the years, including the finest robot, top-performing HEPA, best-in-class handheld, and more. We look at bagged and bagless variants, corded and cordless models, and see how easy they are to maneuver, what equipment they come with, and how well they operate.
At the end of this guide, you can read more about how we evaluate vacuums in our Lab and all you need to know to pick the best vacuum cleaner for your home. Need help finding what you were looking for? More options can be found in our guides: the best vacuums for hardwood floors, the best vacuums for pet hair, and the best canister vacuums.
1
PROS
- Beauty Lab go-to
- Plates extend to iron's edge for smoothing frizzy hair
- Smoothly glides through hair
CONS
- No auto shut-off
- Takes longer to heat up than other irons
Plate size: 1-inch.
Temperature settings: Adjustable up to 450ºF.
Auto shut-off: None.
Cord: 9 feet.
Material: Titanium.
This iron is our Beauty Lab standard, and we utilize it for a variety of tests, including anti-frizz research. According to customer testers, it glides through hair without tugging and is simple to use, albeit it does take a little longer to heat up than other irons. Furthermore, with over 14,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, it’s safe to assume that people are obsessed with this BaBylissPRO flat iron.
Because the titanium iron is so thin and the plates extend all the way to the clamp’s edge, it can catch frizz right at the root of the hair, making it ideal for stubborn frizz or super-curly and natural hair. According to one Amazon reviewer with “very, very curly hair,” this flat iron cuts her styling time in half and eliminates frizz in one pass. Because there is no auto shut-off feature on this iron, you must remember to disconnect it after usage for peace of mind.
2
PROS
- Uniquely shaped plates to reach roots
- Broad temperature range
- Heats up quickly
CONS
- Wide plates may not be great for short hair
Plate size: 1 1/2-inch.
Temperature settings: 10 adjustable settings, 260ºF-450ºF.
Auto shut-off: 60 minutes.
Cord: 8.8 feet.
Material: Ceramic.
This one-of-a-kind flat iron has teardrop-shaped plates that make it simpler to straighten near the root, making it ideal for flattening cowlicks and baby hairs on curly or frizzy hair. Our pros enjoy the beautiful, lengthy cable, and testers like how “quickly it heats up” and reaches “a high temp that is required for my coarse, wavy hair type.” We particularly like the wide temperature range, which ranges from 260oF to 450oF.
Its design is creative, which can make learning difficult at times, but reviewers rated the handbook as the easiest to read. The plates are 1.5 inches wide, which makes styling long hair faster (but individuals with shorter hair may find the extra-wide plates awkward).
3
BEST HAIR STRAIGHTENER FOR DAMAGED HAIR
ghd Platinum+ Professional Performance Styler
NOW 22% OFF
PROS
- Maintains 365º to protect hair from damage
- Rounded edges are great for curling hair
CONS
- No adjustable temperature
Plate size: 1-inch.
Temperature settings: None.
Auto shut-off: 30 minutes.
Cord: 8.5 feet.
Material: Ceramic.
In lab tests, this top-performing iron stood out: it maintained a continuous, stable temperature of 365o to protect hair from excessive heat damage, and its technology ensures uniform heat across the entire plate, resulting in easier styling and more consistent results.
It received a perfect score from testers for being comfortable to handle. Still, the absence of changeable temperature (all of our testers stated that they wished they could regulate the temperature) and the lack of a temperature display may be a turn-off for some. We discovered in a lab test that the flat iron heats up quickly, reaching 99% of its claimed temperature in just 30 seconds.
Although testers liked how it made their hair feel “smooth, shiny, and healthy without flyaways or frizz, just a perfectly straight look,” it scored below average in our Lab testing for retaining straightness when exposed to humidity for 24 hours. Nonetheless, it’s a favorite of GH editors and numerous celebrity stylists we spoke with for this article. According to Porsche, “I recommend GHD irons for anyone who has natural hair and wants to use the best iron that won’t damage your hair with heat.”
4
BEST HAIR STRAIGHTENER FOR BEGINNERS
Moroccanoil Perfectly Polished Titanium Flat Iron
PROS
- Comfortable to use and hold
- Wide range of temperature settings to suit different hair types
- Perfect scores for not burning testers
CONS
- Pricey
Plate size: 1-inch.
Temperature settings: 26 adjustable settings 200ºF-450ºF.
Auto shut-off: 60 minutes.
Cord: 8.7 feet.
Material: Titanium.
With temperature settings ranging from 200oF to 450oF, this titanium straightener offers the biggest temperature range of the flat irons we evaluated, making it a Swiss Army knife for stylers: it matches a wide range of styling needs and hair types.
Testers praised its soft-touch surface and comfortable grip for making it so easy to operate. “The finger grip on the top is excellent, and I liked how fast the flat iron straightened my hair.”
It’s costly, but one tester was “extremely satisfied with the way my hair looked afterward,” and another remarked on how “smooth” their hair felt. It also received a perfect score from testers for not burning their face, head, or neck, even from those who stated that this has been “an issue I’ve had with other flat irons,” making it an excellent alternative for individuals who aren’t yet comfortable using a heat tool.
5
MOST POPULAR HAIR STRAIGHTENER ON AMAZON
HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Flat Iron
NOW 16% OFF
PROS
- Amazon reviewer favorite
- Affordable
- Comes with glove to help prevent burns
CONS
- Low performance scores in Beauty Lab tests
Plate size: 1-inch.
Temperature settings: Adjustable up to 450ºF.
Auto shut-off: None.
Cord: 7.7 feet.
Material: Ceramic tourmaline.
This is the best flat iron money can buy (and for under $50! ), according to Amazon reviewers, with over 59,000 five-star ratings (it’s also worth checking out the thousands of before and after photographs). Reviewers say it can press hair silky smooth in one pass, cut down on styling time, and is snag-free. Still, it scored low in our Beauty Lab tests for ease of use and satisfaction, with testers citing the heat dial as “difficult to adjust,” plus it took the longest of all irons to heat up — we also discovered hair didn’t stay straight.
6
BEST HAIR STRAIGHTENER FOR THICK HAIR
REVLON Salon Straightener Copper Smooth Flat Iron
NOW 33% OFF
PROS
- Super long plates
- Wide temperature range to suit many hair types
- Perfect for long, thick hair
CONS
- No audible tone when it reaches temperature
Plate size: 1-inch.
Temperature settings: Adjustable, 180°F-455ºF.
Auto shut-off: 60 minutes.
Cord: 5.9 feet.
Material: Ceramic.
Revlon’s extra-long, 1-inch-wide tool provided long-lasting straightness to even the thickest, longest hair. It had the broadest temperature range (180°F to 455°F) in our tests and the longest plate length we tested at 4.9 inches (“but not too long,” remarked testers), which contributed to “making the process quicker,” a pro commented, despite having a shorter-than-average cord.
Our experts were disappointed that there was no audible tone to indicate when it reached 94% of its promised temperature. It received the highest score in our technical test for maintaining hair straightness but the lowest score from consumer testers for keeping hair straight, shiny, and frizz-free all day long using an anti-frizz serum.
7
PROS
- Wider-than-average plates
- Top scores for not snagging hair
- Smooth, sleek results
CONS
- Doesn't reach claimed temperature
Plate size: 1 3/8-inch.
Temperature settings: 21 adjustable settings, 250ºF-450ºF.
Auto shut-off: 60 minutes.
Cord: 7.8 feet.
Material: Ceramic.
With one 3/8-inch plate that is wider than typical, we adore this flat iron for quickly smoothing out longer hair. Testers described it as “the perfect size,” with the width of the plates allowing them to “do a lot of styles.” It also received great marks for neither tugging nor snagging hair and received a perfect score from testers for being simple to open and close; however, some desired the plates closed more tightly.
According to a tester, “My hair is very fine and dry, but I was really impressed with how smooth and shiny this flat iron made my hair.” This selection is reasonably priced at less than $100, but our Lab tests revealed that the iron only warms up to 410oF on the 450oF setting, so bear in mind that you may need to play with the temperature settings as you style to find the appropriate level for your hair.
8
BEST HAIR STRAIGHTENER FOR FINE HAIR
T3 SinglePass StyleMax Professional Flat Iron
NOW 14% OFF
PROS
- Determines the best temperature for your hair type
- Creates long-lasting smooth styles
- Perfect score for consumer satisfaction
CONS
- Buttons can be tricky
Plate size: 1-inch.
Temperature settings: 9 adjustable settings, 260º F-410º F.
Auto shut-off: 60 minutes.
Cord: 8 feet.
Material: Ceramic.
The iron reduces guesswork by selecting a temperature based on your hair type, with fine, medium, and coarse settings. It also features a “curl mode” that reduces the temperature to create curls. “Far too often, people use a hotter setting than they actually need,” our Lab experts say, but with nine temperature settings, this iron is a perfect fit for everyone, which means you won’t scorch even superfine hair.
It received flawless results from testers for consumer satisfaction and for totally straightening hair without scorching or visibly harming it, with one tester commenting, “I love, love, love that my hair stayed straight and did not frizz.” It also lives up to its name, according to testers with fine hair: “It heats up quickly, straightens in one go, and lasts for the most part all day.”
“I love T3 because if I’m doing a silk press, I know I’m going to get super straight and shiny results,” explains Mane Addicts stylist Sabrina Porsche. The iron remembers your settings but also allows for manual configuration; nonetheless, reviewers found the buttons difficult to use and wished it had a temperature indicator.
9
BEST HAIR STRAIGHTENER FOR DAMAGED HAIR
ghd Platinum+ Professional Performance Styler
NOW 21% OFF
PROS
- Maintains 365º to protect hair from damage
- Rounded edges are great for curling hair
CONS
- No adjustable temperature
Plate size: 1-inch.
Temperature settings: None.
Auto shut-off: 30 minutes.
Cord: 8.5 feet.
Material: Ceramic.
In lab tests, this top-performing iron stood out: it maintained a continuous, stable temperature of 365o to protect hair from excessive heat damage, and its technology ensures uniform heat across the entire plate, resulting in easier styling and more consistent results.
It received a perfect score from testers for being comfortable to handle. Still, the absence of changeable temperature (all of our testers stated that they wished they could regulate the temperature) and the lack of a temperature display may be a turn-off for some. We discovered in a lab test that the flat iron heats up quickly, reaching 99% of its claimed temperature in just 30 seconds.
Although testers liked how it made their hair feel “smooth, shiny, and healthy without flyaways or frizz, just a perfectly straight look,” it scored below average in our Lab testing for retaining straightness when exposed to humidity for 24 hours. Nonetheless, it’s a favorite of GH editors and numerous celebrity stylists we spoke with for this article. According to Porsche, “I recommend GHD irons for anyone who has natural hair and wants to use the best iron that won’t damage your hair with heat.”
How we test flat irons
At the Home Accessoris Institute, we gathered more than 50 items from over 20 brands to determine the finest flat irons in our previous test, and we added 40 more in our most recent test.
Our product analysts begin by evaluating each iron’s weight and size, as well as its simplicity of use and ability to add shine and smoothness to hair. We also conduct testing to determine durability, safety, and efficacy.
In the Lab, for example, we collect temperature readings of each iron’s plate surface at its warmest setting to see how rapidly it heats up and maintains its temperature. We also measure the outer surfaces of each iron to ensure that they do not become too hot to touch. We record the temperature at three different locations on each iron every ten seconds for ten minutes, yielding a total of 183 temperature observations for each iron.
On top of that, we survey our exclusive consumer panel to gather detailed input from a diverse group of people. To discover the best of the best, we tallied 2,013 heat data points and 960 consumer survey questions in our most recent test.
What type of hair straightener do professionals use?
Some flat irons claim to avoid damage, while others claim to be constructed of the best material for a healthy shine, but as a consumer, it can be difficult to determine which is the best.
Professionals prefer titanium flat irons when it comes to substance. “Titanium is preferred among stylists because [it] gets really hot really quickly,” explains Eugene Toye, stylist at celebrity-favorite Rita Hazan hair salon. Titanium, according to Porsche, offers equal heat dispersion, resulting in smooth, silky hair. “Titanium is ideal as a flat iron plate,” Kevin Hughes, celebrity hairdresser and artistic director of Moroccanoil, agrees. “It heats up quickly and is a very even heat, which translates to better results and less time go over the same strands of hair.”
Ceramic or tourmaline are also excellent choices. “These plates are safe for thin/fine hair and don’t get extremely hot,” the company claims. “Most ceramic flat irons provide faster results in less time, meaning less heat on your hair.” However, our Beauty Lab experts have discovered that great flat irons come in a variety of materials, ranging from ceramic to titanium and beyond, so don’t get too caught up in material claims and instead focus on other crucial factors such as changeable heat settings, cord length, and budget.
What to consider when shopping for the best hair straightener
In addition to craftsmanship, “some of the aspects that make a great flat iron include the heating element … a good visual digital thermometer, the quality of the plates and the length of the cord,” Toye goes on to note. “The best flat irons are ones that sit comfortably in your hands, have an even heat distribution and selection of temperatures so that you don’t damage your hair,” Porsche said.
Here are some other things to consider:
✔️ Heat settings: Having various heat settings on a flat iron offers greater personalization and flexibility while styling because you may choose a temperature that works for your hair type/needs. Our expert testers favored flat irons with a temperature range, and Hughes agrees: “It is a must for all hair types.” Most irons have a temperature range of 430-450oF,” but that doesn’t mean you should turn it all the way up!
Because temperatures beyond 450oF might induce disintegration of hair’s protein content, causing permanent damage, we recommend always starting at a lower temperature and increasing the temperature as needed. Although there are no scientific recommendations on the ideal temperature ranges to use for different textures, our experts averaged all manufacturer temperature suggestions for thin, medium, and thick, coarse hair:
Fine hair should be heated to 240-330°F.
Style medium to regular hair at 330-370°F.
Thick, coarse hair may withstand temperatures as low as 390°F and rising.
Plate width and length: “1-inch plates are ideal,” Hughes adds, because the smaller plates make precise styling (like curling, bending, or waving) easier, and they’re also better for reaching closer to the root of the hair. One exception: If your hair is really long and you’re just looking to straighten it, a 1.5-inch or 2-inch breadth can help you get the job done quickly.
✔️ Cord length: If you’re styling your hair in a bathroom or at an outlet, cord length may not be an issue, but if you don’t have an outlet near your mirror, you may want to choose a longer (or “professional”) length. In our survey, chord length ranged from 5.6 to 10.8 feet, with an average of 8.1 feet – the longer the cord, the greater the convenience and range. “Also, if the cord swivels, that is a great feature so you can move easier,” said Hughes.
✔️ Auto shut-off is a safety feature: “People are busy, and we can all forget to turn off an iron when we are running late, so auto shut-off ensures you some peace of mind,” Hughes said. Auto shut-off ranged from five minutes to two hours in our tests, which is useful when you can’t remember if you switched the tool off — but we still recommend powering off and disconnecting the tool after usage to verify it is truly off.
Why trust Home Accessories?
Brigit Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of expertise covering home products such as furniture and accessories. She researched and reviewed the vacuum cleaner mentioned in this story with the help of HA Institute professionals, including vacuum scientists and engineers in the HA Institute Textiles Lab.
