Dyson Supersonic Vs. Nural: In-depth Difference

When the original Dyson Supersonic first hit the scene, it felt like a glimpse into a future we didn’t know we needed.

The bladeless design, the silent-ish motor in the handle, and that iconic “hole in the middle” changed the morning routines of millions.1

Now, we have the Dyson Supersonic Nural, and you are likely wondering if this new “intelligent” version is a genuine upgrade or just a fancy light show.

My analytical intent is to walk you through a head-to-head comparison of the Dyson Supersonic vs. Nural to see if the smart sensors are worth your extra investment.

I have spent time testing these machines to understand how they differ in weight, speed, and long-term hair health.

You should buy the Nural if you have a sensitive scalp or want a dryer that adapts to you, but the classic Supersonic remains a powerhouse for those who want simple, raw performance.

Comparison Table: Dyson Supersonic Vs. Nural

My user experience: A tale of two dryers

When I first picked up the Dyson Supersonic years ago, I felt like I was holding a piece of NASA equipment.

The weight distribution was perfect because the motor lived in the handle, which meant my arm didn’t get that “lat workout” feeling while drying the back of my head.

I am someone who dries my hair at least four times a week, and the original Supersonic consistently shaved ten minutes off my routine.

It felt powerful, it felt durable, and the magnetic attachments clicked into place with a satisfying “thwack” every single time.

Then, I switched to the Dyson Supersonic Nural for a few weeks to see if the “intelligence” actually changed my life.

The first thing I noticed when I turned it on was the clear end cap on the back; it has this futuristic look where you can see the internal sensors.

I started using the Scalp Protect Mode, and as I brought the dryer closer to my head, the light in the “capsule” shifted from red to yellow.

I could actually feel the heat backing off automatically.

It was like having a professional stylist over my shoulder telling me, “Don’t burn yourself.”

One feature I didn’t think I would care about, but now I can’t live without, is the Pause Detect.

I often find myself putting the dryer down to reach for a new section of hair or a different brush.

With the classic Supersonic, the air would just blast across my vanity, blowing my makeup brushes and hair clips everywhere.

With the Nural, the second I set it on the counter, the motor winds down to a whisper.

It felt like the machine was finally paying attention to my movements.

However, I did notice that if you are a “pro” user who moves the dryer very fast, the Nural’s sensors sometimes try to be too smart.

There were moments when I wanted the heat to stay high even close to my brush for a specific curl, and I had to toggle the Scalp Protect button to take back control.

In terms of pure drying speed, both felt remarkably similar because they use the same V9 motor.

The difference wasn’t in how fast it dried my hair, but in how much more “cared for” my scalp felt after the process.

Maintenance Tips for your Dyson Hair Dryer

Keeping a high-tech machine like this running smoothly requires a few specific habits to prevent the motor from straining.

• Clean the filter cage monthly: The filter is located at the bottom of the handle on both models. You should slide the cage down and use a lint-free cloth or a small brush to remove dust. If you don’t do this, the motor has to work twice as hard, which can lead to overheating and a shorter lifespan for your expensive tool.
• Do not wrap the cord around the handle: This is the number one cause of internal wiring failure. I suggest coiling the cord loosely in a circle or using the original box for storage. The Dyson cord is heavy-duty, but the connection point at the handle is a precision electronic area that shouldn’t be stressed.
• Wipe the magnetic attachments: Over time, hair products like hairspray and mousse can build up on the magnetic ring. A quick wipe with a damp cloth ensures that the “Attachment Learning” sensors in the Nural can read the RFID tags accurately and that the magnets stay strong on the classic model.
• Check the Scalp Protect sensor lens: On the Nural, there is a small sensor on the front. If this gets covered in product or dust, the dryer won’t be able to accurately measure distance. I make it a habit to check that the lens is clear every few weeks so the auto-heat adjustment stays precise.
• Use the cold shot to “close” the style: This isn’t just for your hair; it also helps the internal heating elements cool down faster after a high-heat session. Blasting the cold shot for 15 seconds at the end of your routine is good for both your cuticle and the machine’s longevity.

Pros and Cons: Dyson Supersonic (Classic)

Pros of the Supersonic

• Proven Reliability: This dryer has been the gold standard for nearly a decade, and its durability is well-documented by both home users and salon professionals.
• Simple Interface: You get three speed settings and four heat settings with a cold shot; there are no complex sensors to worry about or accidental triggers.
• Balanced Ergonomics: The motor-in-handle design remains the most comfortable way to hold a hair dryer for long periods.
• Compatibility: All older and newer Dyson attachments work with this model, giving you a huge library of styling tools to choose from.
• Price Point: While still expensive, the classic model is often on sale or bundled with extras, making it more accessible than the Nural.

Cons of the Supersonic

• Manual Scalp Care: You have to be the one to lower the heat as you get closer to your head, or you risk the “hot spot” sensation that can irritate sensitive skin.
• No Auto-Pause: If you set it down, it stays on full blast, which can be noisy and annoying during a multi-step styling session.
• Lacks Attachment Memory: Every time you switch from the diffuser to the concentrator, you have to manually reset your preferred heat and speed.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Faszin Hair Straightener

Pros and Cons: Dyson Supersonic Nural

Pros of the Supersonic Nural

• Revolutionary Scalp Protection: The Time of Flight sensor projects an invisible beam to measure distance, keeping the air at a comfortable 55°C at the scalp level.
• Attachment Learning: The Hall sensor recognizes each magnetic tool and automatically applies the heat and speed you used the last time you had that specific attachment on.
• Energy and Noise Efficiency: Pause Detect reduces airflow and noise the moment the dryer leaves your hand, saving power and creating a calmer environment.
• Enhanced Visual Feedback: The color-changing capsule light gives you an instant, intuitive understanding of the heat level without having to look at the buttons.
• Wave+Curl Diffuser: This new attachment is a game-changer for people with texture, offering two modes to either define curls or add volume at the root.

Cons of the Supersonic Nural

• Premium Price Tag: It is the most expensive consumer hair dryer Dyson makes, and the “smart” features come at a significant financial premium.
• Sensor Interference: If you like to work extremely close to the scalp with high heat for specific styling techniques, the auto-dimming heat can feel restrictive.
• Slightly Higher Complexity: While mostly intuitive, some users might find the different sensor modes and button combinations a bit much for a “simple” hair dry.
• Weight and Size: Although it is advertised as lightweight, the extra sensors and the clear end cap make it feel ever so slightly different in the hand than the original.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Deciding between the Dyson Supersonic vs. Nural really comes down to how much you value the “smart” experience in your beauty routine.

I have found that while the original Supersonic is a flawless workhorse that never lets you down, the Nural feels like a true evolution that respects your scalp health.

You should choose the Nural if you want a machine that learns your habits and prevents heat damage before it even starts.

I believe you will be happy with either, but if your budget allows for the latest tech, the Nural’s “set it and forget it” nature makes every morning just a little bit easier.