Our expert team at BeautiLAB rigorously tested the TYMO Ring (HC100) and TYMO Ring Plus (HC103) across multiple hair textures (Type 2–4) and lengths. Below is a clear, lab-driven comparison based on hands-on use, measured temperatures, and real styling results—so you can pick the right comb-style straightening brush for your hair.
✨ Quick Verdict: Pick the Best Match for Your Hair
TYMO Ring Plus — Best for frizz-prone 3C–4C and color-treated hair that needs ion help and digital control.
Faster heat-up, ion generator, LED display, tighter temperature steps (9 presets down to 250°F), and slightly stronger “press” feel. It tested a bit lower than spec on an IR gun due to the protective shields (~330°F measured), but still performs great in real-world passes—especially on textured hair.
TYMO Ring — Best budget pick for 3A–4A users who want root access and lift without ion “collapse.”
Simple 5 presets (266–410°F), excellent root reach, lighter handle, and smart heat memory. No ion generator means a touch more volume and a little less smooth-flat finish compared to Plus.
👉 Want deep dives? Read the full TYMO Ring Plus Review and TYMO Ring Review for complete lab notes.
TYMO Ring Plus 🌟
Who It’s For
- 3C–4C textures needing direct root access with frizz reduction
- Fine, color-treated, or dry hair that benefits from lower starting temps (250°F)
- Travelers who want dual voltage + compact size
Standout Features
- 9 presets 250–410°F (≈20°F steps) + LED display
- Active ion generator for static/frizz control
- Titanium-coated ceramic teeth for quick, even heat transfer
- Auto temp lock; dual voltage; compact 10.75″ body
👍 Pros
- Better frizz control and polish (ion generator)
- High root precision with 2.5″ heated teeth + 3.5″ detanglers
- Easy digital control; travel-friendly
- Handle stayed ~85°F in our testing
👎 Cons
- IR-measured max ~330°F (under spec due to cool shields)
- 6-ft cord feels short in larger spaces
- Slightly thicker handle (1.7″ width)
Read the full TYMO Ring Plus Review → TYMO Ring Plus Full Review
TYMO Ring 💎
Who It’s For
- Type 3A–4A users wanting budget root-to-tip control
- Anyone who prefers no-frills presets and a touch more volume (no ions)
- Dual-voltage travelers
Standout Features
- Accessory kit included (glove, pins, detangling brush, travel bag)
- 5 presets 266–410°F (indicator lights; no display)
- Smart heat memory + auto temp lock
- Great comb-style root access with 2.5″ heated teeth
👍 Pros
- Excellent edge/detail work without tugging
- Lighter handle (1.2″ width) and 10.2 oz overall
- IR max ~365°F, feels appropriately hot in hair
- Clear value under $60
👎 Cons
- No ion system → frizz control is more limited
- No digital display; 6-ft cord
- Needs small sections for the sleekest results
Read the full TYMO Ring Review → TYMO Ring Full Review
📋 Side-by-Side Quick Comparison
| Feature | TYMO Ring Plus | TYMO Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69 | $49 |
| Model | HC103 | HC100 |
| Teeth Material | Titanium-coated ceramic | Ceramic |
| Shape | Comb-style | Comb-style |
| Heat Settings | 9 presets (250–410°F) | 5 presets (266–410°F) |
| Increment | ~20°F steps | Preset steps |
| Max Temp (IR, 15 min) | ~330°F (shielded under-read) | ~365°F |
| LED Display | Yes | No (LED lights only) |
| Ion Tech / Generator | Yes / Yes | No / No |
| Auto Temp Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Heat Memory | No | Yes |
| Heated Teeth Length | 2.5″ | 2.5″ |
| Detanglers Height | 3.5″ | 3.5″ |
| Heated Area (L×W) | ~3.4″ × 1.0″ | ~3.4″ × 1.0″ |
| Handle Width | 1.1″ | 1.2″ |
| Tool Length | 10.75″ | 10.75″ |
| Weight | 10.7 oz | 10.2 oz |
| Cord Length | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Voltage | Dual | Dual |
| Auto-Off | 30 min | 30 min |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
IR temperature note: Because both models use cool-touch shields around the hot teeth, an infrared thermometer under-reads the real hair/metal contact temp. In the hair, Ring Plus feels hotter than its IR number suggests.
🔥 Performance Breakdown
🔩 Teeth & Bristle Design (Root Access & Tension)
- Both are comb-style with long 2.5″ heated teeth and 3.5″ outer detanglers.
- Ring Plus adds an ion generator and titanium-coated teeth for a slightly firmer “press” feel and smoother glide on textured strands.
- Ring (no ions) leaves a touch more body/volume, which some fine-hair users prefer.
🌡️ Heat, Control & Real-World Results
- Ring Plus: 9 presets 250–410°F, LED display, auto-lock. IR ~330°F; performs like a higher temp due to tighter tension and ion smoothing—great for 3C–4C when used in smaller sections.
- Ring: 5 presets 266–410°F, memory + lock, IR ~365°F. Sleek on 3A–4A; needs extra passes on dense 4C or high-shrinkage areas.
Lab thermometer shots
🧭 Ergonomics & Travel
- Length (both): 10.75″ — compact and packable.
- Weight: Ring Plus 10.7 oz; Ring 10.2 oz — both light.
- Handle Temp: Ring Plus ~85°F, Ring ~90°F — comfortably warm in hand.
- Cord: 6 ft; we’d love 8–9 ft for easier back-section passes.
- Voltage: Dual; both good for travel.
🛍️ Price & Value
- Ring Plus (~$70): Costs a bit more, but the ion generator, LED display, lower starting temp (250°F), and slightly firmer press feel make it the better all-around pick for frizz-prone or chemically treated textures and users who like digital precision.
- Ring (~$60): Strong budget value with excellent root access, lighter feel, and smart heat memory. Great for users who don’t need ion tech and like keeping a bit more body/volume.
🧠 Which Should You Buy?
Choose TYMO Ring Plus if:
- You’re working with 3C–4C or frizz-prone/color-treated hair and want ion smoothing.
- You prefer digital control, lower starting temps, and a slightly firmer press without a flat iron.
Choose TYMO Ring if:
- You want the lowest price for a capable comb-style brush with great root access.
- You prefer a little more volume (no ions) and a lighter handle with heat memory.
Need even more heat/tension or a wider paddle? Consider TYMO Ionic Plus (faster, flat-iron-like tension) or Drybar The Brush Crush (hot, wide paddle for dense hair).
We test every tool with standardized methods: caliper & tape measurements, IR temperature after 15 minutes, in-hair passes on multiple textures, and comfort checks (handle temperature). Results can vary with section size, technique, and ambient room temp, but the rankings above reflect consistent, repeatable lab outcomes.
Looking for more? See our full guide to the Best Hair Straightening Brushes of 2025.
Want to know how we test? Read our full methodology here.
