We compared two hair straighteners at very different prices: the BaByliss Straight and Curl Brilliance 2481U and the Remington S3500.
What we looked at
Plate material and length, temperature settings, heat-up time, extras such as curling and pouches, safety features, and price.
The verdict
If you want one tool that straightens and curls, with 28mm titanium plates, 5 heat settings up to 235°C and a 15-second heat-up, the BaByliss Straight and Curl Brilliance is the versatile, higher-priced pick, at £44.99. If you want a straightforward ceramic straightener with 110mm floating plates, a 150-230°C variable wheel, worldwide voltage and a heat-proof pouch for half the price, the Remington S3500 is the value option, at £22.99.
A 2-in-1 titanium straightener and curler with 5 heat settings to 235°C, at double the price.
A 110mm ceramic straightener with a 150-230°C wheel, pouch and auto shut-off for half the price.
BaByliss Straight and Curl Brilliance 2-in-1 Hair Straighteners, Titanium-Ceramic, 5 Heat Settings Up To 235°C, 2481U — Straighten and Curl
Intended for: Marketed as 2-in-1 hair straighteners with curved heated outer plates for easy curls, 28mm polished true-titanium plates, an Advanced Ceramics heating system that heats up in 15 seconds, and 5 heat settings up to 235°C.
What we liked
- Both straightens and curls, with a curved heated outer housing that helps shape curls and waves
- 28mm polished true-titanium plates for a smooth glide
- Advanced Ceramics heating system that heats up in 15 seconds
- 5 heat settings including a high heat option up to 235°C
- Ionic anti-frizz technology with a smooth stainless steel outer housing
- Multi-voltage, per the title
Worth knowing
- Costs £22.00 more than the Remington S3500 on these listings
- The listing gives no auto shut-off or pouch details
Best for
- Anyone who wants to straighten and curl with one tool
- Buyers who want up to 235°C and a titanium plate
- Frequent travellers who want multi-voltage
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants longer 110mm plates
Remington Ceramic Hair Straightener S3500, 110mm Floating Plates, Anti-Static Tourmaline Ionic Coating — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a ceramic hair straightener with slim, longer 110mm floating plates, an anti-static ceramic, tourmaline ionic coating, a 150-230 degree variable temperature wheel, worldwide voltage and a heat-proof pouch.
What we liked
- About half the price of the BaByliss on these listings
- Slim, longer 110mm floating plates to straighten more hair in one stroke
- Anti-static ceramic, tourmaline ionic coating stated to give extra shine and less static
- 150-230°C with a 30-setting variable wheel, and a stated 15-second heat-up
- Worldwide voltage, a heat-proof pouch and a plate lock
- Automatic safety shut-off after 60 minutes
Worth knowing
- Straightens only, with no curling function
- Tops out at 230°C, against the BaByliss's 235°C
Best for
- Buyers who want a simple, cheaper ceramic straightener
- Anyone who wants a variable temperature wheel
- Travel, with worldwide voltage and a heat-proof pouch
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants to curl with the same tool
- Buyers who want titanium plates
