Best of
The Best Curling Irons (2027)
The best curling irons and wands for 2027, ranked on barrel material, heat consistency, curl hold, and ease of use for every skill level.
The short answer
The Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold is the best curling iron for most people in 2027: even gold-barrel heat, sizes for every curl, and pro-proven hold. Beginners should choose the automatic CHI Spin N Curl. On a budget, the Remington Pro Pearl Wand makes the most natural waves.
Our top picks at a glance
- Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling IronThe stylist-standard gold barrel with pulse heat control to 430 degrees.Best overall
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling IronSalon titanium spring iron in five barrel sizes to 450 degrees.Best for hold on thick hair
- T3 SinglePass Curl XExtra-long ceramic barrel with 9 heat settings and a ProGlide clip for one-pass curls.Best premium ceramic
- CHI Spin N Curl Automatic CurlerChamber curler that draws hair in and beeps out a finished curl.Best automatic for beginners
- Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling IronMotorized rotating barrel that wraps hair at the touch of a button.Best for beach waves
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Curls that hold through a full day when barrel size and heat match the hair type
- Even heat with no cool barrel spots on the gold, titanium, and microchip models
- Automatic and rotating tools making back-of-head styling dramatically easier
- Smooth barrel release without snagging or pulling
Common complaints
- Burned fingertips while learning clipless wands
- Clamp crimps when spring irons are closed too hard on fine hair
- Automatic curlers slowing down full-head styling due to small sections
- Curls falling flat when a barrel is too large or heat too low for the hair weight
The picks, ranked
| # | Product | Award | Barrel material | Barrel sizes | Temperature range | Heat technology | Cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Best overall | 24K gold-plated | 0.5 to 2 in (model dependent) | Up to 430°F (221°C) | Pulse Technology heat recovery | 8 ft swivel cord |
| 2 | BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron | Best for hold on thick hair | Nano titanium with Sol-Gel | 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 in | Up to 450°F (232°C), 50 settings | - | 8 ft swivel cord |
| 3 | T3 SinglePass Curl X | Best premium ceramic | Custom-blend ceramic | - | - | - | 8 ft, 360-degree swivel |
| 4 | CHI Spin N Curl Automatic Curler | Best automatic for beginners | Ceramic rotating chamber barrel | - | Up to 410°F (210°C), adjustable | - | - |
| 5 | Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron | Best for beach waves | Ceramic, motorized rotating | - | 290-410°F (143-210°C), digital | - | - |
| 6 | Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler | Best for long hair | Ceramic with volcanic mineral infusion | 1 and 1.25 in, extended length | Up to 430°F (221°C), digital | - | - |
| 7 | Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand | Best budget wand | Pearl ceramic | - | Up to 410°F (210°C), digital | - | - |
| 8 | Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron | Best budget spring iron | Double ceramic | 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 in | Up to 400°F (204°C), 30 settings | - | - |
| 9 | Conair INFINITIPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron | Best anti-frizz value | Tourmaline ceramic | 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 in | Up to 400°F (204°C), 25 settings | - | - |
| 10 | Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand | Best for texture experiments | Tourmaline ceramic | 1 in wand; spiral and texture variants | Up to approx. 400°F (204°C) | - | - |
Best overall
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron
The stylist-standard gold barrel with pulse heat control to 430 degrees.
The Hot Tools 24K Gold is the iron professionals standardized on because the gold barrel holds even heat curl after curl and Pulse Technology recovers temperature dips automatically. With sizes from half-inch to 2 inches and heat to 430 degrees, one line covers spirals to soft waves for nearly every hair type.
Strengths
- 24K gold-plated barrel is a proven, even heat conductor stylists trust
- Pulse Technology senses and restores heat loss for consistent curls
- Variable heat to 430 degrees F with separate on/off and rheostat dial
- Sizes from 0.5 to 2 inches, including Marcel and spring versions
Limitations
- Gold surface can discolor with heavy product use if not cleaned
- Dial is analog rather than digital degrees
- Barrel and tip get very hot; stand and technique matter
| Barrel material | 24K gold-plated |
|---|---|
| Barrel sizes | 0.5 to 2 in (model dependent) |
| Temperature range | Up to 430°F (221°C) |
| Heat technology | Pulse Technology heat recovery |
| Cord | 8 ft swivel cord |
Best for: All hair types wanting a proven pro iron with granular heat settings.
Skip if: You want an automatic curler; this is a fully manual spring iron.
Best for hold on thick hair
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
Salon titanium spring iron in five barrel sizes to 450 degrees.
Titanium heat to 450 degrees sets curls that actually survive thick, heavy hair's tendency to pull them straight. If your curls fall by noon with ceramic, this barrel is the fix.
Strengths
- Nano titanium barrel heats fast and recovers instantly for consistent curls
- 50 heat settings up to 450 degrees F with turbo heat boost
- Five barrel sizes from 0.75 to 1.5 inches cover tight to loose curls
- Sol-Gel barrel surface for a smooth, snag-free release
Limitations
- Titanium heat is aggressive on fine or bleached hair
- Spring clamp takes practice to avoid crimp marks
- No digital display; dial settings require a learning curve
| Barrel material | Nano titanium with Sol-Gel |
|---|---|
| Barrel sizes | 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 in |
| Temperature range | Up to 450°F (232°C), 50 settings |
| Heat-up time | Under 60 seconds |
| Cord | 8 ft swivel cord |
Best for: Defined curls and long-lasting hold on medium to thick hair.
Skip if: You are a beginner who burns fingers; clipless wands with gloves may suit you better.
Best premium ceramic
T3 SinglePass Curl X
Extra-long ceramic barrel with 9 heat settings and a ProGlide clip for one-pass curls.
The SinglePass Curl X pairs an extra-long ceramic barrel with 9 precise heat settings, so wide sections curl in one pass and the finish is visibly glossier than budget irons deliver. It is the polished-results pick for medium to long hair.
Strengths
- Extra-long barrel styles wider sections and long hair in fewer passes
- Digital T3 SinglePass technology holds even heat with no hot or cool spots
- ProGlide clip glides smoothly for crease-free curls and waves
- 9 heat settings cover fine to thick hair with precise control
Limitations
- Premium pricing versus Hot Tools and BaBylissPRO
- 410-degree max trails titanium rivals
- Barrel length can feel oversized on short styles
| Barrel material | Custom-blend ceramic |
|---|---|
| Barrel size | 1.25 in, extra-long |
| Heat settings | 9, up to 410°F |
| Cord | 8 ft, 360-degree swivel |
| Voltage | Auto world voltage |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Best for: Long and thick hair that needs a longer barrel and precise digital heat.
Skip if: Your hair is very short; the extra-long 1.25-inch barrel is built for length.
Best automatic for beginners
CHI Spin N Curl Automatic Curler
Chamber curler that draws hair in and beeps out a finished curl.
The Spin N Curl removes technique from the equation: feed a small section, press, wait for the beep. Back-of-head curls stop being a mirror-and-prayer exercise, and tangle protection keeps mistakes forgiving.
Strengths
- Automatic chamber curls with directional buttons for mixed or uniform looks
- Ceramic rotating barrel with adjustable temperature and timer settings
- Tangle-protection sensors stop and release if too much hair is fed
- Beeps when the curl is set, removing guesswork on timing
Limitations
- Small sections only, so full heads take longer than a wand for skilled users
- Hair must be at least chin length and fully detangled
- Curl size is fixed by the chamber; no barrel-size versatility
| Barrel material | Ceramic rotating chamber barrel |
|---|---|
| Barrel size | 1 in chamber |
| Temperature range | Up to 410°F (210°C), adjustable |
| Timer settings | Adjustable with beep alert |
| Voltage | Dual voltage models available |
Best for: Beginners and back-of-head strugglers who want uniform curls without technique.
Skip if: Your hair is very long, very thick per section, or shorter than chin length.
Best for beach waves
Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron
Motorized rotating barrel that wraps hair at the touch of a button.
Motorized rotation wraps hair evenly without wrist gymnastics, and the loose 1-inch ceramic curls relax into exactly the waves the name promises. It is a specialist, and the specialty is in demand.
Strengths
- Motorized rotation wraps hair evenly with simple arrow controls
- Ceramic barrel with digital temperature from 290 to 410 degrees F
- Short clamp holds the end so rotation stays controlled
- Home button resets barrel position between sections
Limitations
- Premium price for a single-purpose wave tool
- Rotation mechanism adds weight and a learning curve
- Not designed for very short hair or tight-curl styles
| Barrel material | Ceramic, motorized rotating |
|---|---|
| Barrel size | 1 in (B1); 1.25 in B1.25 variant |
| Temperature range | 290-410°F (143-210°C), digital |
| Rotation | Bi-directional with home reset |
| Auto shut-off | 30 minutes |
Best for: Beachy waves with minimal wrist work, especially on medium to long hair.
Skip if: You want tight ringlets; this tool is tuned for waves and loose curls.
Best for long hair
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler
Extra-long mineral-infused barrel built for long hair and faster styling.
Two extra inches of barrel means long hair wraps fully without overlapping onto already-heated strands. The result is more uniform curls in fewer, faster sections.
Strengths
- Barrel is about 2 inches longer than standard for full-length wraps
- Volcanic mineral-infused ceramic for even heat and shine support
- Digital temperature control up to 430 degrees F
- Cool tip and rotating barrel base ease the styling angle
Limitations
- Premium price
- Long barrel is unwieldy on bobs and short layers
- Heavier feel during long sessions than compact irons
| Barrel material | Ceramic with volcanic mineral infusion |
|---|---|
| Barrel sizes | 1 and 1.25 in, extended length |
| Temperature range | Up to 430°F (221°C), digital |
| Barrel length | Approx. 6.5 in (extended) |
| Auto shut-off | 60 minutes |
Best for: Long and thick hair that wraps awkwardly on standard short barrels.
Skip if: Your hair is short; the extra barrel length gets in the way.
Best budget wand
Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand
Tapered pearl-ceramic wand for natural, varied waves at a budget price.
The tapered pearl-ceramic wand makes the most natural, varied waves in this guide at a budget price, with digital heat to 410 degrees and a glove in the box.
Strengths
- Tapered barrel from 0.5 to 1 inch creates varied, natural curl sizes
- Pearl ceramic coating for a smooth glide and shiny release
- Digital controls to 410 degrees F with temperature lock
- Includes heat glove and heats in about 30 seconds
Limitations
- Clipless design has a burn learning curve
- Taper makes uniform ringlets harder than a straight barrel
- No clamp means ends can slip on very smooth hair
| Barrel material | Pearl ceramic |
|---|---|
| Barrel size | Tapered 0.5-1 in (also 1-1.5 in model) |
| Temperature range | Up to 410°F (210°C), digital |
| Heat-up time | Approx. 30 seconds |
| Auto shut-off | 60 minutes |
Best for: Natural-looking waves and curls with a clipless, crease-free finish.
Skip if: You dislike heat gloves or need a clamp for very slippery hair.
Best budget spring iron
Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron
Budget double-ceramic iron with 30 heat settings and turbo boost.
Double ceramic, 30 settings, dual voltage, and auto shut-off for very little money. For occasional curlers it covers every real need.
Strengths
- Double ceramic barrel for even heat and reduced frizz
- 30 heat settings up to 400 degrees F with turbo heat feature
- Recessed buttons prevent accidental shut-off mid-curl
- Auto shut-off and dual voltage at a budget price
Limitations
- 400-degree ceiling is modest for coarse, resistant hair
- Ceramic coating wears faster than metal barrels under daily use
- Clip tension is light, so thick sections can slip
| Barrel material | Double ceramic |
|---|---|
| Barrel sizes | 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 in |
| Temperature range | Up to 400°F (204°C), 30 settings |
| Heat-up time | Approx. 30 seconds |
| Voltage | Dual voltage |
Best for: Budget buyers and occasional curlers with fine to medium hair.
Skip if: You need salon heat recovery for very thick hair in large sections.
Best anti-frizz value
Conair INFINITIPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron
Tourmaline ceramic spring iron with true ceramic heater to 400 degrees.
Tourmaline ceramic plus a true ceramic heater gives frizz-prone hair a smoother curl than plain metal barrels at this price can manage.
Strengths
- Tourmaline ceramic barrel fights frizz while it curls
- True ceramic heater for sustained, even barrel temperature
- 25 heat settings up to 400 degrees F
- Extra-long cool tip and auto shut-off for safer handling
Limitations
- 400-degree ceiling limits very coarse hair results
- Analog settings are numbered, not in degrees
- Clamp can leave a light crimp on fine hair if over-clamped
| Barrel material | Tourmaline ceramic |
|---|---|
| Barrel sizes | 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 in |
| Temperature range | Up to 400°F (204°C), 25 settings |
| Heat-up time | Approx. 30 seconds |
| Auto shut-off | Yes |
Best for: Value shoppers wanting a classic clamp iron with even ceramic heat.
Skip if: You need pro heat recovery or barrel sizes beyond the standard range.
Best for texture experiments
Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand
Playful tourmaline ceramic wand line for spirals, waves, and texture.
Spiral, texture, and classic wand shapes at budget prices make Curlipops the playful pick for trying a new curl pattern without committing salon money.
Strengths
- Tourmaline ceramic barrels reduce frizz while curling
- Multiple shapes including 1-inch wand and spiral/texture variants
- Clamp-free design for crease-free curls
- Heat glove included and dual voltage for travel
Limitations
- Basic controls lack fine temperature steps on most models
- Top heat suits fine to medium hair better than coarse hair
- Build is budget-grade for daily heavy use
| Barrel material | Tourmaline ceramic |
|---|---|
| Barrel sizes | 1 in wand; spiral and texture variants |
| Temperature range | Up to approx. 400°F (204°C) |
| Heat-up time | Approx. 30 seconds |
| Voltage | Dual voltage |
Best for: Experimenters who want fun barrel shapes for spirals and tousled texture.
Skip if: You need precise digital temperatures; controls are simple high/low on most models.
How we chose
Barrel material and heat recovery
Titanium for maximum hold on thick hair, gold and ceramic for even everyday heat, tourmaline ceramic for frizz control. Recovery speed decides whether the last curl matches the first.
Diameter matched to curl goal
Half to 0.75 inch for tight curls and spirals, 1 inch for classic curls, 1.25 to 1.5 inches for loose waves. Buying the wrong diameter is the most common curling disappointment.
Temperature control honesty
Digital or clearly ranged controls that let fine hair stay near 300 degrees and coarse hair reach 400-plus without guesswork or hot spots.
Skill-level fit and safety
Clamps for control, wands for crease-free waves, automatics for beginners. Cool tips, gloves, stands, and auto shut-off keep the learning curve burn-free.
Questions, answered
What barrel size should I choose?
Match barrel to curl, adjusted for hair length: 0.75 inch for tight curls, 1 inch for classic curls on most lengths, 1.25 inch for loose curls, 1.5 inch for waves on long hair. Short hair needs smaller barrels to complete a full wrap.
Wand or spring iron?
Spring irons give control and polished ends with a learning curve around clamp marks. Wands give crease-free, more natural curls but demand glove discipline. Automatics remove technique almost entirely.
Why do my curls fall out?
Usually heat too low for your hair weight, sections too large, or styling on hair with too much softening product. Let curls cool fully in shape before touching or brushing them.
What temperature curls without damage?
Fine hair near 300 degrees F, medium 325 to 375, thick and coarse 375 to 430. Use protectant and keep barrel contact to about 8 to 10 seconds per curl.