Best affordable curling irons—10 top picks that don’t break the bank

Good hair days shouldn’t cost half your paycheck

Finding the best curling iron for your hair can feel like playing a game of beauty roulette, especially when most of the “top picks” start at Dyson Airwrap prices.

 

But the truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great results. There are plenty of high-performing, budget-friendly curling irons that can give you bouncy waves, glossy curls, or that lived-in bend without frying your ends—or your credit card.

Below, we’re breaking down ten of the best affordable curling irons on the market right now, including cult favourites among some under-the-radar gems. 

Whether you’ve got fine hair, coils, or stubborn strands that won’t hold a curl, we’ve included a range of tools to match different textures, curl types, and styling needs. 

 

What to look for in an affordable curling iron

A lower price tag doesn’t have to mean lacklustre curls. The trick to finding the best affordable curling iron is knowing what to look for, because not all budget tools are made in the same way. Here’s what’s important when choosing a curling iron that delivers results without draining your wallet.

Barrel material

The barrel is the heart of the curling iron—it’s what determines how your hair reacts to heat.

– Ceramic barrels are ideal for most hair types, especially fine or damaged strands. They distribute heat evenly and reduce hot spots, which helps prevent breakage and frizz.

– Titanium barrels heat up faster and hold high temperatures longer, making them perfect for thick, coarse, or hard-to-curl hair.

– Tourmaline is often layered over ceramic or titanium to boost smoothness and shine. It emits negative ions that help reduce frizz and static.

If you’re shopping on a budget, ceramic is usually the safest and most widely available option, but many affordable tools now include tourmaline or titanium elements, too.

Barrel size

Barrel size directly affects the type of curl you’ll get:

– ¾" to 1" barrels create tighter curls or classic ringlets.

– 1.25" to 2" barrels are best for loose waves or big, voluminous curls.

– Wands without clamps tend to create more relaxed, beachy textures.

Choose your size based on the look you’re going for while also considering your hair length. Shorter hair benefits from smaller barrels, while longer lengths can handle larger sizes.

Heat settings

One of the most important features in any curling iron—affordable or not—is adjustable heat. Look for a tool with multiple temperature settings, ideally starting around 250°F and going up to 400°F or more.

Fine or damaged hair? Stay in the lower range. Thick, coarse, or natural textures? You’ll likely need higher temps to hold the shape. Some tools even come with a digital display or preset settings for different hair types—super helpful if you’re not sure where to start.

Safety features

Even the most budget-friendly tools should have basic safety features. Here are the major ones to look for. 

– Auto shut-off (ideally after 30–60 minutes)

– Cool tips for safer handling

– Swivel cords to avoid tangling mid-curl

These features don’t just make the tool easier to use, they give you peace of mind.

Hair type considerations

Different textures need different tools.

– Fine or fragile hair needs low, steady heat and gentler materials like ceramic or tourmaline.

– Thick or coarse hair benefits from titanium barrels and higher temperatures to lock in curls.

– Curly or textured hair often holds curl well, but benefits from irons with smooth barrels and strong heat control to prevent frizz.

Don’t just pick based on influencer hype; choose based on your hair’s actual needs.

Affordability ≠ compromise

Just because a curling iron is under $100 doesn’t mean it’s low quality. But going for the cheapest option doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best value, either. In some cases, spending a little more upfront can get you a tool that performs better, lasts longer, and ends up saving you money in the long run.

 

Top 10 affordable curling irons reviewed

We’ve scoured reviews, trawled through forums, and tapped into real salon experience to bring you ten of the best affordable curling irons on the market. Each one is reviewed not just by price, but by its characteristics—barrel material, heat range, size, and safety features—so you can choose the right tool for your hair, not just the cheapest one.

TYME Curling Iron (1.25”)

Sleek, bouncy curls, with a side of smart design

While it’s one of the pricier options on this list, the TYME 1.25" offers great value for what it delivers. The ceramic barrel heats up fast and evenly, with four temperature settings to suit different hair types. The 1.25" size is versatile—ideal for relaxed curls or soft waves that don’t feel too “done.” Add in features like auto shut-off and dual voltage, and it’s a smart pick for regular stylers, especially when it’s on sale.

– Price: $150 (regularly $250)

– Barrel material: PTC ceramic

– Barrel size: 1.25 inches

– Heat settings: 300°F, 350°F, 375°F, 400°F

– Safety features: 30-minute auto shut-off, 360° swivel cord, dual voltage

– Ideal hair type: Suitable for most hair types; great for loose curls, waves, and polished volume

Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron

Budget-friendly styling with even heat distribution

The Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron is a budget-friendly go-to for consistent, everyday curls. The double ceramic barrel distributes heat evenly, helping to prevent hot spots and reduce damage. With 30 heat settings (plus a Turbo Heat® boost), it works across hair types, even those that don’t curl easily. It’s light on features, but with a cool tip, auto shut-off, and reliable performance, it’s a solid pick for the price.

– Price: $21.99

– Barrel material: Double ceramic

– Barrel size: 1 inch

– Heat settings: 30 adjustable settings, up to 375°F, with a Turbo Heat® boost of up to 27°F

– Safety features: Cool tip, auto-off function, dual voltage 

– Ideal hair type: Suitable for all hair types; particularly beneficial for fine to medium hair

Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron 

Salon-level performance without the salon price

With its 24K gold-plated barrel and salon-level heat, this tool is a favourite for thick or hard-to-curl hair. The heat stays even, the glide is smooth, and the temp dial gives you decent control without overcomplicating things. It’s not the most travel-friendly option, but if you're after pro performance at a mid-range price, it holds its own.

– Price: Approximately $54.99

– Barrel material: 24K gold-plated

– Barrel size: 1 inch

– Heat settings: Variable dial up to 430°F

– Safety features: Cool tip, foldaway safety stand, 8-ft swivel cord, auto shut-off (in newer models)

– Ideal hair type: Medium to thick hair; great for achieving defined curls and lasting hold

Big Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

Extended barrel for effortless styling

What sets this one apart is the extra-long barrel, ideal for styling long layers without the awkward mid-wrap re-do. The mineral-infused ceramic helps reduce frizz and boost shine, and the digital heat control keeps things consistent. It’s a pricier pick, but the added length and smooth results make it a strong contender for frequent stylers.

– Price: Approximately $149

– Barrel material: NanoIonic™ Mineral-infused ceramic

– Barrel size: 1.25 inches

– Heat settings: Up to 430°F with digital temperature control

– Safety features: 1-hour auto shut-off, cool tip, 9-ft swivel cord

– Ideal hair type: Suitable for all hair types; particularly beneficial for long hair

Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand

Smooth, frizz-defying waves with pearl-infused ceramic

This wand’s tapered design makes it great for creating loose, natural waves that aren’t too uniform. The pearl-infused ceramic helps cut down on frizz, and the 10 heat settings (up to 410°F) give you decent control. It heats up quickly, comes with a glove, and works well for casual waves, without demanding salon-level effort.

– Price: Approximately $28.99

– Barrel material: Ceramic infused with crushed pearls

– Barrel size: 1" to 1½" tapered

– Heat settings: 10 digital settings, up to 410°F

– Safety features: 60-minute auto shut-off, temperature lock, heat-resistant glove included

– Ideal hair type: Suitable for most hair types; particularly effective for medium to long hair seeking loose waves

Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver

The no-fuss tool for effortless beachy texture

More of a waver than a curler, this tool is all about big, textured beach waves. It’s quick, easy to use, and perfect for people who don’t want to fuss with wrapping hair around a barrel. It lacks precise controls, but makes up for it with speed and a unique, crimped-but-cool finish.

– Price: $27.99

– Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic

– Barrel size: Deep waver plate (not a traditional barrel)

– Heat settings: Up to 400°F; no digital control

– Safety features: Auto shut-off, instant heat recovery

– Ideal hair type: Medium to thick hair; best for creating deep waves and volume 

 Conair InfinitiPRO Ceramic Hot Brush 

Affordable frizz control with a smooth finish

This hot brush is ideal for those seeking a straightforward tool to smooth and shape their hair. The nano tourmaline ceramic barrel helps reduce frizz and adds shine, while the 1-inch size is versatile enough for creating volume or gentle waves. With five heat settings up to 395°F, it caters to various hair types. It's lightweight and heats up quickly, making it a convenient option for daily styling.

– Price: $40.99

– Barrel material: Nano tourmaline ceramic

– Barrel size: 1 inch

– Heat settings: 5 LED settings, up to 395°F

– Safety features: Auto shut-off, cool tip, swivel cord

– Ideal hair type: Fine to medium hair; great for smoothing and adding volume

BaBylissPRO Spring Curling Iron

High heat, sleek results

With 50 heat settings and a max temp of 450°F, this one’s built for thick, coarse hair that needs serious heat to hold a curl. The titanium barrel distributes that heat evenly, and the Turbo Heat function helps with tough spots. It’s compact and straightforward, with pro-level heat power in a sub-$100 tool.

– Price: $69.99

– Barrel material: Nano titanium with Sol-Gel technology

– Barrel size: 1 inch

– Heat settings: 50 settings, up to 450°F, plus Turbo Heat boost

– Safety features: Cool tip, 8-foot swivel cord, auto shut-off (varies by model)

– Ideal hair type: Thick, coarse, or hard-to-curl hair

Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic Curling Iron

Beginner-friendly, wallet-approved

This is a no-frills curling iron that’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants something easy. It’s lightweight, heats quickly, and the triple ceramic coating helps minimise damage. You get 30 heat settings, a simple clamp design, and surprisingly smooth results for the price.

– Price: $16.99

– Barrel material: Triple ceramic coating

– Barrel size: 1 inch

– Heat settings: 30 heat settings, up to 400°F

– Safety features: Auto shut-off, cool tip, heat-resistant stand

– Ideal hair type: Fine to medium hair; great for everyday curls or waves

TYME’S 2 Curling Iron

Designed for volume, built for speed

This second TYME entry brings something different to the table: a rare 2-inch barrel for big, soft curls and lots of volume. It’s great for medium to long hair and heats evenly with four simple settings. It’s more expensive than some on the list, but the size, quality, and current discount make it a strong pick for those chasing that fuller, bouncier look.

– Price: $150 (often discounted from $250)

– Barrel material: PTC ceramic

– Barrel size: 2”

– Heat settings: 300°F, 350°F, 375°F, 400°F

– Safety features: 30-minute auto shut-off, 360° swivel cord, dual voltage

– Ideal hair type: Medium to long hair; best for adding volume and loose curls

 

The best affordable curling irons, side-by-side comparison 

Happy curling!

Choosing the best curling iron isn’t just about finding the lowest price; rather matching the right tool to your hair type, texture, and lifestyle. So, if you’re looking for beachy waves, bouncy curls, or frizz control, there’s a budget-friendly option out there that gets the job done without compromising on results.