Editor Vetted: The 10 Best Hair Straighteners and Flat Irons for Silky, Frizz-Free Hair

Why we love it: Streamline your routine with this multi-purpose styler. The ceramic plates are just like those of a traditional flat iron, but an additional curling setting helps it tackle a wider range of hairstyles. As the name suggests, there's an optional cool-air shot that helps lock fresh curls in place while minimizing heat damage.

One Cosmo editor says: "Wavytalk's Airflow Styler is one of the best tools for creating flicked ends. Before, I'd need to go back in with a curling iron to set the ends, but the cold-air setting and curved barrel do it well enough on their own to shave those added minutes off my daily routine."—SARAH MABERRY, COMMERCE EDITOR

Why we love it: Fine hair has a thinner cuticle layer, leaving it more vulnerable to heat damage. This multi-purpose tool has nine temperature settings and longer plates, so you can smooth your hair with fewer passes, helping keep moisture loss and split ends to a minimum.

The wrap-around plate design works like a curling iron, saving you precious suitcase space when you travel. It also comes with international voltage settings, so you can use it safely abroad (with the right plug adapter).

One Cosmo editor says: "I ditched every other flat iron I owned after the first time I tried this. The hot plates go all the way around the iron, so it's easy to achieve a zillion different looks. I can add waves and curls, flip my ends under to fake a blowout, add volume at my roots, smooth and straighten—you name it. And it doesn't leave my fine, damaged hair feeling crunchy or stiff like a lot of other irons."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: This mini flat iron is made to be used everywhere: at work, at the gym, in the car, in the airplane bathroom—just to name a few. Its lightweight, compact design (and the little carrying case it comes with) makes it easy to toss in your carry-on, gym bag, or work tote. The ceramic-coated plates heat up fast and they're small enough to reach the bed head right at your roots, flick out the ends, and twist unruly pieces into the perfect beach waves.

A Cosmo editor says: "As a frizzball who is constantly on the go, I can't imagine life without this little guy. It's hands-down the best cordless straightener I've ever used, and it's my secret to having bouncy bangs and perfectly tousled waves no matter when or where. Yes, Ghd straighteners are pricey, but some the cost per use makes it a smart splurge in the long run."—SM

Why we love it: Expensive hair tools aren't necessarily "better" than affordable dupes, but they typically offer more features and precise controls—basically, the difference between a five- and three-star hotel. If you want a tool with a cordless design, “smart” technology, or fancy plates, expect to pay a bit more.

The Dyson Corrale is a very expensive pick, but according to numerous Cosmo staff, it's 100 percent worth the splurge (especially if you can score it on sale). At the end of the day, how much money you spend on a hair straightener comes down to preference—not performance alone.

This tool relies on copper hot plates with a flexible design that moves with your hair for more even heat distribution and less hair damage. While the Corralle cannot be used on wet hair, it is cordless.

One Cosmo editor says: "I know everyone loves a Dyson dupe, but I can't help but be loyal to the OG tools. While yes, pricey, they always give my hair the longest lasting results and speed up my styling time immensely."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: While this long-time bestseller doesn't have the bells and whistles that new, high-tech straighteners do (not even adjustable temperature settings), it does feature "floating" 1-inch ceramic plates that offer even heat distribution and uniform pressure as you move from roots to tips.

"A well-designed flat iron should close evenly on the hair to prevent pulling or uneven tension," says Abramite. "It should glide smoothly through the strands and feel comfortable when maneuvering."

One Cosmo editor says: "Working in the beauty industry, I've tested more hair tools than I can even count—but what did I use it multiple times per week, every week for almost a decade and cry over when it finally crapped out? This cutie from CHI. Safe to say it's one of the most durable flat irons out there. If you're lucky, you can find it in a fun, limited-edition colorway like this blue polka-dot print."—SM

Why we love it: What makes this straightener so special? Its hot plates are ~aloe-infused~ to help boost shine and smooth out frizz. While there isn't much scientific evidence to back these claims (yet), Cosmo staff who have tested Bondi Boost styling tools confirm the ceramic-coated tourmaline plates glide easily through your hair, leaving it feeling incredibly sleek and smooth. They also raved about how the cord is super long and swivels a full 360°, so it doesn't get tangled.

One Cosmo editor says: "I've already stashed this Bondi Boost flat iron in my travel bag multiple times since I started testing it because it's soooo easy to use. Whether I wanna smooth my bob haircut, flip out my ends, add little bends, or do a full flat-iron curl, this compact iron gets it done."—BG

Why we love it: If your hair ends up looking poofy after a flat iron sesh (been there), it's time to try this top-rated straightener. The reviewer-fave is designed with titanium plates that heat up quickly and keep a steady temperature to quickly smooth your hair for a silkier finish. And because the tongs are ultra-narrow, you can easily maneuver them close to your scalp to straighten curly or wavy roots and help tame frizz and flyaways. If you have bangs, a short bob, or a cropped cut, 1/2-inch plates will be the easiest for you to work with.

The adjustable temperature range makes it safe and effective for all hair types. Fragile, damaged hair will benefit from using the lower range of 240-350℉, while coarse, difficult-to-handle curls can crank the heat all the way up to 450℉ if they please. Proper heat-protection products are still essential, regardless of the temperature setting you choose.

One shopper says: "I've had this straightener for 11 years, and it has never once failed me. I have a Dyson, and I still find myself reaching for this every time."

Why we love it: If you're looking for a budget-friendly flat iron that won't leave your hair fried, this is it. The plates are made from solid titanium that offers speedy heat-up times and excellent heat distribution—and they're infused with Argan oil for added smoothing benefits. Plus, this baby has 11 temperature settings, a swivel cord, an auto-shutoff feature, and dual voltage, so you can use it abroad.

One Cosmo editor says: "While this hair straightener doesn't come from a big-name brand, I've personally tested it and can confirm it lives up to the hype (i.e., 2,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon). It had no issues straightening my curly hair, and many reviewers raved about its ability to easily straighten coarse, 4b hair without a zillion passes. The one-inch plate size is suitable for all hair types, textures, and styling preferences, making this a safe bet for first-timers and long-time straightener users alike."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Why we love it: If your hair is thick, coarse, and/or long, a hair straightener with 1.5 to 2-inch plates is likely the best option. Opting for wider plates can significantly speed up the process by allowing you to straighten more hair at once. Don't be afraid to turn the temperature up above 350℉—once you've applied the heat protectant of your choice, that is—to ensure heat penetrates through to every strand.

This option also features a tourmaline coating, a common feature that helps ceramic plates heat up more quickly. The negative ions emitted by the material are said to help minimize static and increase shine.

One Cosmo editor says: "I used this affordable straightener from Conair almost daily for five years, and she never failed me. I have a ton of hair, but I've found that the 2-inch plates make it super quick and easy to get every strand straight in just a single pass, even on the lowest heat setting."—SAMANTHA JONES, COMMERCE EDITOR