Our expert team at BeautiLAB rigorously tested the Drybar Double Shot and Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus over several weeks across various hair textures. Our insights come from hands-on testing, measured data, and real-world styling results to help you choose the perfect hot air brush.
✨ Quick Verdict: Best Match for Your Hair
- 💸 REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS — Best for budget-conscious users or those with fine-to-medium hairseeking a lightweight, all-in-one styling tool.
- 💛 Drybar The Double Shot — Best for premium salon results, especially on medium-to-thick hair that needs higher airflow, smoother finish, and quieter operation.
👉 Want more options? See the Best Hot Air Brushes of 2025.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
Drybar The Double Shot 🌟
Who It’s For:
Best suited for dense or textured hair needing strong grip and effective styling.
Standout Features:
- Powerful 1170W motor for faster drying.
- Longer, denser bristles for excellent grip.
- Durable build quality designed to last.
👍 Pros
- Faster styling with higher wattage.
- Longer cord (9 ft).
- Lower noise level (91 dBA).
- Gentler heat settings ideal for hair health.
👎 Cons
- Higher price tag.
- Non-detachable design, less compact for travel.
👉 Read the full Drybar The Double Shot Review
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 💎
Who It’s For:
Perfect for medium-textured or curly hair, or those prioritizing convenience and affordability.
Standout Features:
- Affordable pricing ($70).
- Detachable barrel for easy travel/storage.
- Flexible heat settings for versatile styling.
👍 Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Detachable design enhances portability.
- Four-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Three adjustable heat settings.
👎 Cons
- Slightly louder (93 dBA).
- Weaker grip on thicker hair.
- Plastic odor initially.
- Shorter cord length (6 ft).
👉 Read the full Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS Review
Side-by-Side Quick Comparison Table 📋
| Feature | Drybar Double Shot | Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155(Premium) | $35 (Affordable) |
| Wattage | 1170W (Fast styling) | 1100W (Gentler styling) |
| Barrel Material | Ceramic (Gentle) | Ceramic, Titanium, Tourmaline |
| Heat Settings | 2 (180°F, 210°F) | 3 (185°F, 200°F, 225°F) |
| Detachable Design | No | Yes |
| Cord Length | 9 ft (Convenient) | 6 ft (Limited reach) |
| Noise Level | 91 dBA (Quieter) | 93 dBA (Louder) |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 4 Years |
✨ Design & Build: Same Barrel, Two Different Worlds
While both brushes share a 2.4″ oval barrel, their materials, bristles, and overall construction cater to very different styling expectations.
- REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS features a ceramic-titanium-tourmaline-coated barrel that heats quickly and smooths fine-to-medium strands without burning. The bristles (1 cm tufted + 1.5 cm nylon pins) offer balanced tension and slip, great for detangling and building volume near the roots. Its 3.75″ brush section makes it easy to work through mid-length hair efficiently.
- Drybar The Double Shot uses a ceramic-coated barrel with a slightly longer 3.9″ brush section and firmer bristles (1.1 cm tufted + 1.7 cm nylon pins). The oval design adds a soft bend to ends while enhancing shine and bounce on thick hair.
Both share the same 13.75″ length, 1.55″ handle width, and matte ergonomic grip, but Drybar’s finish feels noticeably more premium, with even weight distribution and polished details.
Hair-length compatibility:
- Revlon PLUS → short to long hair
- Drybar Double Shot → medium to extra-long hair
Use cases:
Drybar Double Shot suits luxury blowouts, frizz control, and high-volume styles.
Revlon PLUS excels at everyday styling, root lift, and affordability.
💡 Performance & Technology: Budget Efficiency vs Salon Precision
Performance is where the two diverge most.
- Revlon PLUS runs at 1100 W, with four settings (High, Medium, Low, Cool). In BeautiLAB testing, its barrel temperatures ranged from 185–225 °F, striking a safe balance for daily styling without overheating fine hair. However, airflow felt weaker than Drybar’s, extending dry time slightly. Handle temperature averaged 95 °F, staying comfortable.
- Drybar The Double Shot delivers 1170 W of airflow and a hotter barrel range (180–210 °F), with more consistent heat dispersion. Despite the slightly lower max temperature, it produced faster drying due to stronger airflow and better vent geometry. Handle temperature remained cooler at 90 °F.
Both use ionic ceramic technology (no ion generator) and are designed to minimize frizz. However, Drybar’s smooth ceramic surface and vented oval made it more efficient on thicker or frizz-prone hair.
Noise levels: Revlon measured 93 dBA, Drybar 91 dBA — a noticeable comfort difference for early mornings.
Hair type suitability:
- Revlon PLUS → fine-to-medium hair, gentle styling, travel.
- Drybar Double Shot → medium-to-thick hair, faster drying, smoother results.
Safety: Both include ALCI safety plugs and single 125 V voltage. Neither includes a detachable filter or temperature lock.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience: Reach vs Refinement
- Revlon PLUS weighs 15 oz, exactly average for the category. Its 6 ft swivel cord — shorter than the 7.6 ft average — limits mobility, especially for back sections. The detachable base improves storage, though the twist-off mechanism is stiff.
- Drybar Double Shot is slightly heavier at 15.5 oz, but its 9 ft swivel cord — longer than average — offers salon-level freedom. The non-detachable design keeps the body stable and easier to maneuver in long sessions.
Both share rear dial controls, intuitive and easy to use, and identical 13.75″ lengths. Neither is dual-voltage nor includes Velcro wraps.
Fatigue factor: Drybar feels smoother, quieter, and better balanced; Revlon’s shorter cord and smaller motor can cause mild resistance during prolonged styling.
Noise & Heat Summary:
- Revlon PLUS → 93 dBA, handle 95 °F
- Drybar Double Shot → 91 dBA, handle 90 °F
🥇 Final Buying Recommendations
🏆 Best Overall Choice: Drybar The Double Shot
Why it wins:
- Stronger airflow (1170 W) for faster results
- Quieter and smoother operation (91 dBA)
- Longer 9 ft cord improves maneuverability
- Premium ceramic barrel ensures consistent shine
- Balanced handling for long sessions
For those who style frequently or have medium-to-thick hair, the Double Shot provides true salon results and comfort worth the higher price.
💸 When Revlon PLUS Is Still Worth It
Choose Revlon PLUS if:
- You want quality on a budget
- You have fine-to-medium hair that doesn’t need max airflow
- You value a detachable design for storage or travel
- You prefer a lighter, simpler tool for occasional styling
🛍️ Other Considerations Before You Buy
- Both are single-voltage (125 V) and non-dual, not suited for international use.
- No removable filters — clean vents with a small brush periodically.
- Always use a heat protectant to maintain shine, especially at higher settings.
- Drybar offers smoother finish and quiet comfort; Revlon PLUS delivers better portability and value.
✅ Bottom Line:
If you prioritize professional smoothness, quieter operation, and stronger airflow, choose the Drybar Double Shot.
If your goal is affordable performance and portability, the Revlon PLUS remains a strong contender for everyday use.
