Gear guide
Best ghd flat irons: Platinum+, Chronos, Gold, Max and more
Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick
Top picks at a glance
Compare all picks
Closest match for the job
ghd Max 2": wide plates at a lower price than Chronos Max
The listing states 2 inch ceramic plates meant for long, thick or curly hair.
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Most for the money on paper
ghd Gold 1": dual-zone 365°F, lowest price here
The listing groups universal voltage with an auto sleep mode under travel-friendly features.
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Most complete listing
ghd Chronos Max 2": wide plates with motion-responsive heat
2 inch plates cover more hair per pass than the 1 inch models.
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Choosing a ghd flat iron is less about heat and more about everything around it. Almost every current ghd styler is listed at the same fixed 365°F with no dial, so you are not picking a temperature. You are picking plate width, how fast the iron is ready, how long it waits before it sleeps, and whether the listing confirms universal voltage for travel. A 1 inch plate suits most lengths and makes curls and waves easier with the rounded barrel. A 2 inch plate covers more hair per pass on long or thick hair. This guide puts the Platinum+, Chronos, Chronos Max, Gold, Max, Original and Mini side by side using only the facts on each Amazon listing, and notes where a listing leaves out something you would want to know.
Compare the picks
- ghd Max 2": wide plates at a lower price than Chronos Max
- Plate width
- 2 in
- Temperature
- 365°F fixed
- Heat-up time
- 30 seconds
- Auto sleep
- 30 minutes
- ghd Chronos Max 2": wide plates with motion-responsive heat
- Plate width
- 2 in
- Temperature
- 365°F fixed
- Heat-up time
- 20 seconds
- Auto sleep
- 10 minutes
ghd Chronos 1": HD motion-responsive, 20-second heat-up- Plate width
- 1 in
- Temperature
- 365°F fixed
- Heat-up time
- 20 seconds
- Auto sleep
- 10 minutes
ghd Platinum+ 1": fixed 365°F with Ultra-Zone sensing- Plate width
- 1 in
- Temperature
- 365°F fixed
- Heat-up time
- Not stated
- Auto sleep
- 30 minutes
- ghd Gold 1": dual-zone 365°F, lowest price here
- Plate width
- 1 in
- Temperature
- 365°F fixed
- Heat-up time
- 25 seconds
- Auto sleep
- 30 minutes
ghd Mini 0.5": narrow plates for short hair and bangs- Plate width
- 0.5 in
- Temperature
- 185º (unit not stated)
- Heat-up time
- Not stated
- Auto sleep
- Yes, time not stated
ghd Original 1" with Bodyguard: the classic styler bundle- Plate width
- 1 in
- Temperature
- 365°F fixed
- Heat-up time
- 30 seconds
- Auto sleep
- 30 minutes
| Pick | Plate width | Temperature | Heat-up time | Auto sleep | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ghd Max 2": wide plates at a lower price than Chronos Max | 2 in | 365°F fixed | 30 seconds | 30 minutes | - | Amazon |
| ghd Chronos Max 2": wide plates with motion-responsive heat | 2 in | 365°F fixed | 20 seconds | 10 minutes | - | Amazon |
| ghd Chronos 1": HD motion-responsive, 20-second heat-up | 1 in | 365°F fixed | 20 seconds | 10 minutes | - | Amazon |
| ghd Platinum+ 1": fixed 365°F with Ultra-Zone sensing | 1 in | 365°F fixed | Not stated | 30 minutes | - | Amazon |
| ghd Gold 1": dual-zone 365°F, lowest price here | 1 in | 365°F fixed | 25 seconds | 30 minutes | - | Amazon |
| ghd Mini 0.5": narrow plates for short hair and bangs | 0.5 in | 185º (unit not stated) | Not stated | Yes, time not stated | - | Amazon |
| ghd Original 1" with Bodyguard: the classic styler bundle | 1 in | 365°F fixed | 30 seconds | 30 minutes | - | Amazon |
Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.
The picks in detail
Pick 1 · ghd
ghd Max 2": wide plates at a lower price than Chronos Max
See price on AmazonThe original ghd wide-plate styler with 2 inch ceramic plates and dual-zone heat control at 365°F. It costs less than the Chronos Max for the same plate width.
What the listing offers
- The listing states 2 inch ceramic plates meant for long, thick or curly hair.
- Dual-zone heat control and high-gloss plates are listed for shine and less frizz.
- 30-second heat-up, rounded barrel, 8.8 ft swivel cord and 30-minute sleep mode are listed.
Limits to know
- No adjustable heat, so the 365°F preset is the only option.
- Voltage is not stated on this listing, so check it before travel.
Pick 2 · ghd
ghd Chronos Max 2": wide plates with motion-responsive heat
See price on AmazonThe Chronos Max puts the Chronos heat control on 2 inch plates. It is the pick in this lineup for long, thick or curly hair where wide plates save passes.
What the listing offers
- 2 inch plates cover more hair per pass than the 1 inch models.
- The listing states a 20 second heat-up and the same motion-responsive tech as the 1 inch Chronos.
- 8.8 ft swivel cord and a halo light interface are listed as built in.
Limits to know
- Wide plates are less handy near the roots on short hair and for tight curls.
- Voltage is not listed, so check the current listing if you plan to travel abroad.
Pick 3 · ghd
ghd Chronos 1": HD motion-responsive, 20-second heat-up
See price on Amazonghd's motion-responsive 1 inch styler with a rounded barrel and redesigned wishbone hinge listed for curls, waves or sleek straight looks.
What the listing offers
- Rounded barrel and redesigned hinge are listed for curls and waves.
- Heats up in 20 seconds, according to the listing.
- 8.8 ft swivel cord and auto sleep after 10 minutes are stated.
Limits to know
- Voltage is not stated on this listing, so travelers should check it first.
- Highest price among the 1 inch irons in this guide.
Pick 4 · ghd
ghd Platinum+ 1": fixed 365°F with Ultra-Zone sensing
See price on Amazonghd's 1 inch styler fixed at 365°F with universal voltage, a heat-resistant plate guard and a rounded barrel that also curls. A no-settings pick for travel.
What the listing offers
- Universal voltage is stated for use anywhere in the world.
- A heat-resistant plate guard is included, handy for packing soon after use.
- Rounded barrel lets one iron straighten, curl and wave, per the listing.
Limits to know
- Fixed temperature, so no way to adjust heat for different hair types.
- Plug type and adapter needs are not covered on the listing.
Pick 5 · ghd
ghd Gold 1": dual-zone 365°F, lowest price here
See price on Amazonghd's 1 inch Gold styler with dual-zone heat at 365°F, universal voltage and a plate guard. The listing calls it travel-friendly, and it costs less than the Platinum+ here.
What the listing offers
- The listing groups universal voltage with an auto sleep mode under travel-friendly features.
- Ready in 25 seconds with an 8.8 ft swivel cord, per the listing.
- Protective plate guard is included for packing.
Limits to know
- Fixed 365°F only, with no lower or higher setting.
- The listing does not cover plug type or adapter needs.
Pick 6 · ghd
ghd Mini 0.5": narrow plates for short hair and bangs
See price on AmazonA 0.5 inch mini styler with universal voltage, a plate guard and a 2-year manufacturer guarantee. It suits light packers with short hair, bangs or quick touch-ups.
What the listing offers
- Half-inch plates make it the smallest tool in this guide for carry-on packing.
- Universal voltage and a protective plate guard are stated on the listing.
- The listing states a 2 year manufacturer's guarantee.
Limits to know
- Narrow plates make straightening long or thick hair slow.
- The listing's temperature line reads 185º without a unit, so confirm the actual styling heat.
Pick 7 · ghd
ghd Original 1" with Bodyguard: the classic styler bundle
See price on AmazonThe Original is ghd's classic 1 inch styler with upgraded ceramic plates, sold here with Bodyguard heat protect spray. Universal voltage is stated.
What the listing offers
- Floating plates and a rounded barrel for waves, curls and straight styles, per the listing.
- Lighted on/off button and a sound indicator when it is ready.
- Universal voltage and auto sleep after 30 minutes of non-use are stated.
Limits to know
- Costs more than the Gold, which lists dual-zone sensors and a faster heat-up.
- The listing does not describe the plate sensor setup in detail.
Read before you buy
- Is the Dyson Corrale worth it?Is the Dyson Corrale worth the price? What its flexing plates, battery and three heat settings offer, how it compares to corded irons, and who should buy it.
- Flat iron temperature guide by hair typeWhat temperature should a flat iron be? Typical maker ranges for fine, normal and thick hair in °F and °C, fixed-heat irons explained, and how to pick a start.
- Is ghd worth it? What you pay forAre ghd straighteners worth it? What the fixed 365 F, plates, build and warranty give you, where cheaper irons fall short, and when another brand fits better.
- How to curl and wave hair with a flat ironCurl or wave hair with a flat iron: the twist-and-glide method for curls, the flat wave method, section sizes, heat ranges and how to make the shape last.
- How to clean a flat iron and remove buildupHow to clean flat iron plates safely: unplug and cool, wipe with a damp cloth, lift sticky buildup gently and what to avoid on ceramic and titanium.
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Plate & Wand chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.