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. Here’s our in-depth analysis to help you choose the perfect brush.
✨ Quick Verdict: Which Brush is Right for You?
- Drybar Double Shot: Best for thick, coarse, or dense hair. Powerful styling, superior grip, quieter operation, and premium build quality.
- Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus: Ideal for fine to medium hair textures or budget-conscious users. Travel-friendly, versatile.
| 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 | $42 |
| 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 |
🔥 Detailed Performance Analysis
🔩 Barrel & Bristle Design
- Barrel Width & Shape:
- Amika 2.0: 2.8″ oval — one of the widest in our tests, ideal for covering large sections and adding maximum volume.
- Revlon PLUS: 2.4″ oval — slightly narrower, offering more precision and control on shorter styles or layered cuts.
- Brush Section Length:
- Amika 2.0: 3.8″ — longer section covers more hair per pass, reducing styling time.
- Revlon PLUS: 3.75″ — slightly shorter, better for detailed work but slower for full-volume blowouts.
- Bristle Length & Type:
- Amika 2.0: Short tufted rows (1 cm) for polishing and grip, paired with long nylon ball-tip pins (1.8 cm) for deep detangling and tension on thick hair.
- Revlon PLUS: Short tufted rows (1 cm) for shaping, with slightly shorter nylon pins (1.5 cm) that offer moderate detangling and gentler tension.
- Material & Finish:
- Amika 2.0: Tourmaline-coated barrel for smoother finishes and reduced static.
- Revlon PLUS: Ceramic titanium tourmaline barrel — combines smooth glide with fast, even heat distribution.
Summary: Amika’s larger barrel and longer bristles favor speed and maximum volume on thick hair, while Revlon’s narrower barrel and shorter bristles give more maneuverability for precision styling.
🌡️ Heat Settings & Styling Speed
- Heat Range:
- Amika 2.0: 190 °F low / 240 °F high (3 total settings).
- Revlon PLUS: 185 °F low / 200 °F medium / 225 °F high (4 total settings, including cool).
- Motor Power:
- Amika 2.0: 1000 W — strong airflow, but slightly less powerful than Revlon.
- Revlon PLUS: 1100 W — slightly higher airflow for quicker drying.
- Handle Temperature:
- Amika 2.0: ~99 °F after 30 min — warm but comfortable.
- Revlon PLUS: ~95 °F after 30 min — runs a bit cooler in hand.
- Summary: Amika’s hotter max heat makes it more effective for coarse hair, while Revlon’s extra medium setting offers better control and protection for fine or color-treated strands.
💨 Ionic Technology & Frizz Control
- Both models feature effective ionic technology, significantly reducing frizz and enhancing shine.
🔨 Durability & Quality
- Build Quality:
- Amika 2.0: Moderate durability; premium pricing doesn’t fully match its sturdiness.
- Revlon PLUS: Slightly less sturdy due to detachable head, though the design adds storage and travel convenience.
- Warranty:
- Amika 2.0: 1-year warranty (Amazon version; original site model offers 2 years).
- Revlon PLUS: 4-year warranty — one of the longest in the category.
- Other Notes: Both tools may emit a temporary burnt smell during initial uses — common with budget and mid-range hot air brushes.
Summary: Amika’s fixed design feels more solid in daily use, but Revlon’s extended 4-year warranty offers stronger long-term peace of mind.
🌍 Ergonomics & User Comfort
🖐️ Weight & Maneuverability
- Weight:
- Amika 2.0: 16 oz — heavier; may cause fatigue during extended styling.
- Revlon PLUS: 15 oz — lighter and slightly easier to handle for long sessions.
- Length:
- Amika 2.0: 12.5″ — compact for its barrel size, but still covers large sections.
- Revlon PLUS: 13.75″ — longer frame offers more reach but can feel less balanced in smaller hands.
Summary: Amika is more compact but heavier, while Revlon is longer yet lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
🔊 Noise Levels
- Amika 2.0: Quieter at 91 dBA, ideal for early-morning or shared spaces.
- Revlon PLUS: Louder at 93 dBA, slightly less comfortable for sensitive users.
🔌 Cord & Mobility
- Amika 2.0: Superior mobility with a longer 9 ft cord.
- Revlon PLUS: Limited range with a shorter 6 ft cord.
🎒 Storage & Portability
- Amika 2.0: Non-detachable, less convenient for travel/storage.
- Revlon PLUS: Detachable head offers compact storage and easy cleaning, ideal for travelers.
💰 Price & Overall Value
- Amika 2.0 ($100): Premium price for fast styling of longer, thicker hair, but value diminished by shorter warranty and non-detachable design.
- Revlon PLUS ($70): Exceptional value due to versatility, affordability, longer warranty, and detachable convenience.
📸 Real-World Styling Insights
Hands-on testing revealed:
- Amika 2.0: Clearly superior for thick, long hair, delivering voluminous, salon-quality blowouts quickly.
- Revlon PLUS: More versatile and effective for shorter styles, finer hair, and users prioritizing gentle styling and precise control.
🥇 Final Buying Recommendations
✅ Choose Amika Hair 2.0 if:
- You have thick, long, or coarse hair and want fast, salon-quality results.
- You value quiet operation and maximum styling efficiency.
✅ Choose Revlon PLUS if:
- You have short-to-medium hair or prefer precise styling.
- You prioritize affordability, lightweight handling, and convenient travel-friendly features.
We tested both models to help you decide which one is best for your styling needs. For other options, check out our Best Hot Air Brushes.
Want to know how we test? Read our full methodology here.
