In-depth review
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Review (2027)
In-depth review of the Shark SpeedStyle Pro: high-velocity drying, IQ Speed Styling, and how it compares to Dyson in 2027.
Our verdict
The SpeedStyle Pro is the best Dyson alternative for thick hair. Its high-velocity airflow genuinely rivals dryers costing twice as much, and IQ Speed Styling removes the guesswork of matching heat to attachments. It is bigger and louder than the Dyson, but for raw drying speed per dollar, nothing touches it.
What we like
- High-velocity airflow dries thick hair noticeably faster than standard dryers
- 3 heat and 3 airflow settings plus cold shot for styling control
- IQ Speed Styling auto-adjusts heat and airflow for the attached accessory
- Includes RapidGloss finisher and Turbo concentrator for sleek finishes
What to watch out for
- Larger body than the Dyson, less travel-friendly
- High speed can tangle fine hair if used carelessly
- Noisier at full power than premium competitors
What owners report: Shark SpeedStyle Pro
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- High velocity air makes thick, long hair dry in a genuinely shorter session
- Auto adjusting heat and airflow for each attachment removes setting guesswork
- The gloss finisher and turbo concentrator give a sleek finish without a second tool
Common complaints
- Full power noise is noticeable in a quiet home
- The larger body is less travel friendly than compact premium dryers
- Powerful airflow can tangle fine hair when used carelessly on high
Who it is for
People with thick, long, or dense hair who want fast drying without the Dyson price. Not for fine-hair users who need the gentlest possible airflow.
Drying performance
Shark's design thesis is simple: maximize air velocity. The SpeedStyle Pro pushes a focused high-speed airstream that evaporates water from dense hair faster than conventional dryers. Expert reviews consistently clock it among the fastest dryers tested, often within a minute or two of the Dyson on thick hair. The trade-off of velocity is control: on fine hair, the same airflow can tangle, which is why the 3 airflow settings matter.
IQ Speed Styling
The IQ Speed Styling system detects which attachment is connected and auto-adjusts heat and airflow to suit it. This is genuinely useful, not a gimmick: the diffuser gets lower heat and gentler airflow automatically, while the Turbo concentrator gets full power. It prevents the most common user error, which is blasting delicate attachments with maximum settings, and it makes the dryer friendlier for less experienced stylers.
Size, noise, and attachments
The SpeedStyle Pro is larger than the Dyson and louder at full power, the two honest compromises. The included RapidGloss finisher smooths flyaways for a sleek finish, and the Turbo concentrator focuses airflow for fast section work. A diffuser is included for curly hair. If you have storage space and dry in a closed bathroom, the noise is a non-issue; in a shared living space, it is worth noting.
Key specifications
- Heat settings
- 3 plus cold shot
- Airflow settings
- 3
- Styling system
- IQ Speed Styling auto-adjust
- Attachments
- RapidGloss finisher, Turbo concentrator, diffuser
- Design focus
- High-velocity fast drying
Also consider
Dyson Supersonic
The benchmark: 110,000 rpm motor with intelligent heat control.
Why consider it: Choose the Dyson if you want quieter operation, better heat control, and a more compact body.
- Motor speed: 110,000 rpm (V9 digital motor)
- Heat settings: 4 (including cold shot)
Conair InfinitiPRO
1875 watts of proven drying power for less.
Why consider it: Choose the Conair if you want solid performance at a budget price and do not need maximum velocity.
- Wattage: 1875 watts
- Heat settings: 3
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the Shark SpeedStyle as good as the Dyson Supersonic?
For pure drying speed on thick hair, it is close. The Dyson wins on noise, size, heat precision, and attachment refinement. The Shark wins on price by a wide margin. Most thick-haired buyers will be happy with either.
What does IQ Speed Styling actually do?
It recognizes the attached accessory and sets appropriate heat and airflow automatically. You can still override manually, but the defaults prevent common mistakes like using max heat with the diffuser.
Is it too powerful for fine hair?
It can be on the highest setting. Use the lowest airflow setting and the gentle air approach: keep the dryer moving and at distance. Fine-haired buyers may prefer the Dyson's more precise low end.