# Best curling irons for every curl and length Source: https://plateandwand.com/best/best-curling-iron Publisher: Plate & Wand. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://plateandwand.com/how-we-pick Barrel size decides the curl more than brand does. A 1 inch barrel makes defined, classic curls. A 1.25 inch barrel makes soft, lived-in curls and waves, and anything bigger moves toward loose volume. After size, look at barrel length, since longer barrels hold more of a long section, and at heat control. ghd curlers hold a fixed 365°F, while T3, Bio Ionic and Drybar let you choose the setting. Extras like an auto-rotating barrel or swappable attachments help some people and add cost for others. This guide compares seven curling irons over $150 by barrel size, barrel build, top temperature, number of heat settings and voltage. Every value comes from the Amazon listing, and anything a listing leaves out is marked Not stated. ## Picks ### 1. Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron, Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX Barrel size: 1.25 in, 2 in longer than standard; Barrel build: Not stated; Max temperature: 430°F; Heat settings: Variable (count not stated); Voltage: Not stated The 1.25 inch Long Barrel curling iron for large soft curls and waves, with a barrel 2 inches longer than standard. It is the all-round size in the Long Barrel line. What the listing offers: - The listing states the 1.25 inch barrel makes large soft curls and waves. - A barrel 2 inches longer than standard helps with long hair and back sections. - Variable heat up to 430°F, a 1-hour auto shut-off and a cool touch grip are listed. Limits to know: - Heat step count, voltage and clamp style are not stated. - Its top heat of 430°F is lower than the 450°F of the Bio Ionic flat irons. ### 2. T3 CurlWrap 1.25" Automatic Rotating Curling Iron with Long Barrel, 2 Timer Settings, 9 Heat Settings, Auto-Rotating Ceramic Barrel and Ion Generator for Fast, Easy Curls and Waves on All Hair Types Barrel size: 1.25 in, long barrel; Barrel build: Auto-rotating ceramic, ion generator; Max temperature: Not stated; Heat settings: 9 plus 2 timer settings; Voltage: Not stated A 1.25 inch long-barrel iron that rotates itself, with 2 timer settings. It suits long hair owners who struggle to wrap the back sections by hand. What the listing offers: - The title states a long barrel, and AutoTwist rotates it for you, per the listing. - The SmartCurl timer offers 2 settings for consistent curls and waves. - Nine heat settings and sound and vibration feedback are listed. Limits to know: - Barrel length in inches, top temperature and voltage are not stated. - A motorized barrel adds moving parts compared with a plain clamp iron. ### 3. Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron Barrel size: Not stated (3 attachments); Barrel build: Curling iron, wand and waver attachments; Max temperature: 450°F; Heat settings: Digital control (count not stated); Voltage: Not stated An interchangeable styler with curling iron, wand and waver attachments and digital control up to 450°F, the highest stated top heat in this guide. What the listing offers: - Highest listed top temperature here at 450°F (232°C). - Three attachments for curls, wand curls and waves in one tool. - Ionic and infrared technology and a 60 minute auto shut-off are listed. Limits to know: - Barrel sizes for the attachments are not stated. - The number of heat settings is not given on the listing. ### 4. T3 Curl ID 1.25 Inch Smart Curling Iron - Rapid HeatIQ® + HeatID Technology - 9 Precise Heat Settings - CeraGloss™ Ceramic Barrel - Ion Generator - Shiny Smooth Curls that Last Barrel size: 1.25 in; Barrel build: CeraGloss ceramic, ion generator; Max temperature: Not stated; Heat settings: 9 plus HeatID auto selection; Voltage: Not stated A 1.25 inch smart curling iron whose HeatID feature picks a heat setting from your hair texture, color and treatment inputs. Fits buyers unsure which setting to use. What the listing offers: - HeatID is listed as choosing the heat setting from your texture, color and chemical treatment inputs. - 9 precise heat settings and a touch screen with auditory feedback are stated. - CeraGloss ceramic barrel and an ion generator are included per the listing. Limits to know: - A 1.25 inch barrel is on the large side for holding curls in fine hair. - Neither the lowest nor the highest temperature is stated on the listing. ### 5. T3 SinglePass Curl X Extra-Long Barrel 1.25" Curling Iron & Curling Wand, Hair Curler with 9 Heat Settings, Korean Ceramic & ProGlide Clip for Curls, Waves & Shine on Fine, Medium & Thick Hair Barrel size: 1.25 in, extra-long; Barrel build: CeraGloss ceramic, ProGlide clip; Max temperature: Not stated; Heat settings: 9; Voltage: Not stated T3's 1.25 inch extra-long clip barrel, which the listing says forms soft, lived-in curls and beachy waves. A good size for medium-length hair. What the listing offers: - The listing names beachy waves directly for this size. - ProGlide clip is described as gripping without creasing. - 9 heat settings for fine, medium and thick hair. Limits to know: - Smaller than 1.5 inch, so waves are a bit tighter on long hair. - The listing does not state the temperatures for its 9 settings. ### 6. ghd Curve Soft Curl Iron, 1.25", Black Barrel size: 1.25 in; Barrel build: Ceramic, spring clamp; Max temperature: 365°F fixed; Heat settings: 1 preset; Voltage: Universal A 1.25 inch ceramic curling iron with a spring clamp. The listing says it creates soft waves and voluminous curls on longer hair. What the listing offers: - 1.25 inch ceramic barrel listed for soft waves on longer hair. - Spring clamp, cool tip and safety stand are stated. - Universal voltage and a 2 year warranty, per the listing. Limits to know: - Fixed 365°F with no adjustable range for finer or coarser hair. - A standard clamp iron gives a more polished curl than a wand. ### 7. ghd Chronos Curve Classic Curling Iron, 1" Barrel, Black Barrel size: 1 in; Barrel build: Anodized coating; Max temperature: 365°F fixed; Heat settings: 1 preset; Voltage: Not stated A 1 inch ghd curling iron held at one stated temperature, 365°F, with curl-responsive heat control. Fits buyers who are fine with 365°F and want no settings at all. What the listing offers: - The one temperature is stated plainly, so you know exactly what heat you get. - Styling glove, silicone stand and 2-year warranty are included per the listing. - 25-second heat-up and 20-minute sleep mode are listed. Limits to know: - You cannot go below 365°F, unlike the adjustable tools in this guide. - Voltage is not stated anywhere on this listing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.