Our BeautiLAB experts put the Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 and the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS head-to-head, rigorously testing styling speed, heat performance, ergonomics, and real-world results. This side-by-side review compares airflow strength, heat control, and comfort—three factors that most influence styling results.
Here’s our in-depth analysis to help you choose the perfect brush.
✨ Quick Verdict: Which Brush is Right for You?
- Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 — Best for thick, coarse, or dense hair. Powerful airflow, superior grip, and premium build.
- Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS — Best for fine-to-medium hair or budget-conscious users seeking lighter handling and travel ease.
👉 Want more options? See the Best Hot Air Brush reviews of 2025.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 | Check Price | |
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REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS Hair Dryer and Styler - More Volume, Less Damage, and More Styling... | Check Price |
🌟 Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0: Powerful Volume & Speed
Best for: Thick, long, or coarse hair types needing rapid drying and smoothing.
Key Features:
- Large 2.8” oval barrel delivers maximum volume quickly.
- High max heat (240°F) perfect for unruly hair.
- Long 9ft cord offers excellent styling flexibility.
- Longer bristles provide strong grip for dense hair.
👍 Pros:
- Fastest drying performance for thick or long hair.
- Quieter operation (91 dBA).
- Effective ionic technology reduces frizz.
- Longer cord provides greater mobility during styling.
👎 Cons:
- Heavier (16 oz) may cause arm fatigue.
- Non-detachable design less convenient for travel/storage.
- Shorter warranty period (1 year).
👉 Read our full Amika Hair 2.0 Review
💎 Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS: Precision & Versatility
Best for: Short-to-medium hair, precision styling, and customizable heat control.
Key Features:
- Smaller 2.4” barrel ideal for precise styling.
- Four versatile heat settings (185°F–225°F).
- Lightweight (15 oz) for easier handling.
- Detachable design for convenience and easy cleaning.
👍 Pros:
- Precise styling suitable for shorter hair.
- Lighter weight reduces arm fatigue.
- Extended 4-year warranty.
- Detachable design ideal for travel and storage.
👎 Cons:
- Shorter cord length (6 ft) limits mobility.
- Slightly louder operation (93 dBA).
- Less effective grip on thicker hair.
📋 Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Amika Hair 2.0 | Revlon PLUS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $44 |
| Barrel Size | 2.8” Oval | 2.4” Oval |
| Heat Settings | 190°F–240°F (3 settings) | 185°F–225°F (4 settings) |
| Weight | 16 oz (heavier) | 15 oz (lighter) |
| Ionic Technology | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Detachable Design | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Noise Level | 91 dBA (quieter) | 93 dBA (louder) |
| Cord Length | 9 ft (longer) | 6 ft (shorter) |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 4 Years |
✨ Design & Build: Dual-Oval Brushes with Distinct Personalities
Both brushes share an oval barrel shape, yet their proportions and bristle configurations create very different results in the mirror.
- Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 features a 2.8″ barrel width and 3.8″ brush section length, ideal for covering wide sections of medium-to-long hair. The larger surface delivers smoother, more polished ends, while the 1 cm/1.8 cm dual bristles—short tufted plus longer ball-tip nylon—build tension for volume and shine without snagging. Its tourmaline-coated barrel ensures even heat and helps minimize frizz by emitting negative ions.
- REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS scales slightly smaller with a 2.4″ barrel and 3.75″ brush section, better for medium hair or layered cuts that need more control near the roots. The ceramic + titanium + tourmaline blendspreads heat quickly, though it runs hotter on contact, so fine hair requires shorter passes. Its bristles (1 cm/1.5 cm) give more grab, boosting lift but adding a touch of roughness on fragile strands.
Both are oval barrels that straighten and volumize rather than curl, but Amika’s broader profile favors smoothing while Revlon’s smaller oval gives more bend at the ends.
Aesthetically, Amika’s bright coral-orange finish and lighter matte accents feel premium and balanced in-hand, whereas Revlon’s glossy black body with magenta trim feels practical but bulkier at the tip.
Hair-length compatibility:
- Amika → short to extra-long (wide coverage, longer bristles)
- Revlon PLUS → short to long (compact shape, easier control)
Use cases:
Amika excels at smoothing, detangling, and volumizing thick hair, while Revlon PLUS suits quick root lift and bouncy blowouts on medium hair.
💡 Performance & Technology: Heat Precision vs. Classic Power
The Amika 2.0 operates at 1000 W, slightly below Revlon’s 1100 W, yet its airflow feels more refined thanks to optimized venting. It runs ionic but without a dedicated ion generator, relying on the tourmaline coating for static control. It provides three combined heat/speed settings (Low 115 °F / Medium 190 °F / High 230 °F) controlled via a rear dial.
Tested barrel temperature averaged 190–240 °F, sufficient for styling thick hair while staying below damaging thresholds. The handle surface stayed around 99 °F, comfortable during long sessions, and the housing remained safe to touch.
The Revlon PLUS offers four settings (High, Medium, Low, Cool) with a top barrel temperature of 185–225 °F—a little gentler on fine hair but slower for coarse textures. It also lacks an ion generator yet includes ceramic-titanium fusion heating for quicker recovery. The handle stayed cooler at 95 °F, though the body can get warmer around the vents.
Hair type suitability:
- Amika → best for thick, coarse, or frizz-prone strands needing higher peak temps and stronger airflow.
- Revlon PLUS → fits fine-to-medium hair that benefits from slightly milder heat and lighter handling.
Safety & Tech Summary: Both feature ALCI safety plugs, single-voltage (125 V) design, and no temperature lock. Neither includes a removable filter.
Negative ion technology works by smoothing the cuticle and reducing static buildup, improving shine and softness — explained in Dyson’s science of hair.
Repeated high-heat exposure has been shown to degrade hair cuticles and weaken internal bonds, as confirmed by scientific research on heat damage. Using protectant sprays is essential when operating at the upper range.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience: Lightweight vs. Compact Handling
The Amika 2.0 weighs 16 oz, about an ounce above the hot-air-brush average (14–15 oz). Its 12.5″ length keeps it maneuverable, while the 1.55″ handle width provides a steady, comfortable grip. The 9 ft swivel cord—longer than the 7.6 ft category average—offers excellent freedom for at-home or salon-style movement. A Velcro wrap is included for tidy storage. Controls are handled by a rear dial switch; intuitive but prone to accidental rotation during styling.
The Revlon PLUS is 15 oz and 13.75″ long, giving more reach for back sections but slightly more front heaviness. The same 1.55″ handle width fits most hand sizes, though its shorter 6 ft swivel cord—shorter than the 7.6 ft average—can restrict mobility near outlets. It lacks Velcro, but its detachable barrel base makes travel and storage easier (though users report it’s stiff to twist off).
Neither tool supports dual voltage, so they are domestic-only units. Both omit removable filters, meaning routine lint cleaning must be manual.
In our tests, the Amika felt smoother and more balanced during longer blowouts, while the Revlon PLUS’s front-heavy build caused mild wrist fatigue when working above shoulder level.
Noise levels: Amika measured 91 dBA, quieter than the 93 dBA Revlon PLUS—still above conversational level but less piercing in tone.
🥇 Final Buying Recommendations
🏆 Best Overall Choice: Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0
Why it edges ahead:
- Stronger heat range and airflow that handles thick, coarse, or frizz-prone hair more reliably
- Longer 9 ft cord gives better flexibility in setup
- Slightly quieter in operation (91 dB vs 93 dB)
- Better balance and grip over extended styling sessions
- Velcro wrap included for tidier storage
For most users—especially those with medium to thick or temperamental hair—the extra power, comfort, and flexibility make the Amika a safer buy.
⚙️ When Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS Is Still a Smart Pick
Choose Revlon if:
- Your hair is fine to medium, and you don’t need the top-end heat of the Amika
- You prefer a tool that’s a bit more compact and lighter
- You value a detachable base for packing (despite reports of it being stiff)
- Your styling sessions are shorter, so minor ergonomics won’t fatigue you
🛍️ Other Considerations Before You Buy
- Neither tool is dual-voltage, so for travel use abroad you’d need a converter or a different model
- No tool has a removable filter or easily serviceable parts — be ready for manual cleaning
- Be conscientious with heat use: even though both stay at “safe” temps, try to avoid multiple slow passes on fragile hair
