The 8 Best Flat Irons — & They’re All Under $50

Even though ceramic tourmaline, ions, and high heat are some of the best features for curly, thick, or natural hair, these things are also pretty pricey. With the HSI Professional Glider, however, you get all the benefits of a high-end straightener at an affordable price. That explains why it has close to 80,000 reviews and a number-one best-selling status on Amazon. In addition to its ionic ceramic tourmaline plates, it also has temperature options ranging from 140 to 450 Fahrenheit, not to mention micro-sensors that evenly distribute the warmth. It even comes with a free heat glove, storage sleeve, and conditioning treatment. “This is the holy grail, guys. They’ve done it. They’ve made a flat iron that can control the beast (my hair),” wrote one reviewer with “EXTREMELY thick/coarse hair.”

According to one fan: “This is the best flat iron i have ever had. (trust me i had had alot before). It gets hot quickly, does NOT smoke, which was a previous problem in almost all other flat irons i bought - from good brands). My hair is dry and curly, this flat iron makes it smooth, soft and shiny in only 20 minutes. And guess what? it stays for a whole week if i want it to. Best purchase eveeeeer.”

• Also available at Walmart, $36

Didn't think you could get solid ceramic straightener for under $30? Think again. The Herstyler SuperStyler Onyx Ceramic Flat Iron has a quarter-inch solid ceramic plates that make for an incredibly gentle yet highly effective straightening experience. It also reduces frizz and prevents hair damage. It has a temperature control dial and heats up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in order to accommodate stubborn hair types, but is perfect for thin or fine hair that requires even heating.

According to one fan: “The best hot iron ever!!! I blow dry my hair and then all i need to do run this baby on my strands just once and im ready to go! I don't really write reviews for products but i had to for this one! Its worth every penny...my sister told me about this product because she used her friend straighter and she told her she got this one from amazon...so then my sister got one, I got one and i been telling my friends about this. The price is SO good...where are you going to find a GREAT straightener for this price. NOWHERE!”

Most thinner flat irons can also curl hair, but the FURIDEN two-in-one hair straightener is specifically designed for it. That’s all due to its rounded shape, snag-free ceramic tourmaline plates, 1.4-inch width, and 350-degree swivel cord. That said, whether you’re straightening or curling, it heats up fast, keeps a constant temperature, and glides over strands while reducing styling time. “Curling with a flat iron has never been easier,” one reviewer raved — and since it also has dual voltage, you can achieve multiple hairstyles while traveling, too.

According to one fan: “This is literally THE BEST straightener out in the market. It is SUPER hot, and the curved edge makes your curls extremely smooth in texture so that your curls turn out very glossy. I've struggled to curl my hair even with curling wands (the curling irons with clamps were total disasters). This produces gorgeous curls. My advice is to follow the booklet instructions, let your curls ‘set and cool, then brush out your hair with a paddle brush. The end result is extremely glossy hair in huge, Victoria's Secret waves. Fantastic product.”

• Also available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $55

If you’re looking for a recommendation from our team, check out the CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron. Despite its low price tag, this classic flat iron has long been a favorite among professional stylists, as Bustle editor Caroline Goldstein confirms: “My stylist recommended this flat iron for my fine-ish, wavy, very dyed (now bleached blonde) hair, and it works incredibly well. Even though it only heats up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s enough to leave my hair silky-smooth in one or two passes; and even though I used to use this almost-daily, it’s never caused any heat damage. Plus, it performs just as perfectly now as it did when I first bought it almost a decade ago.”

According to one fan: “I have fine, thin hair. I try not to use too much heat on it when I style it, and this flat iron is perfect! It doesn’t get hot enough to damage your hair. It spiral curls perfectly and straightens my bangs also, without having to use multiple tools. I have bought so many flat irons that rip your hair out when you use them. This one glides through my hair without causing the ends to snap off. It’s amazing.”

For those whose hair tends to snag on flat irons, the xtava Pro Satin is the way to go. Its tourmaline ceramic plates are super smooth, not to mention floating, so they glide through even the coarsest hair. This one also heats up in 90 seconds and automatically turns off after 60 minutes, and you can even lock it for safer travel and storage. The 10 temperature settings are displayed on the LCD digital screen and range from 265 to 445 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to one fan: “This flat iron is awesome!! It goes through my hair so smoothly. It doesn't snag my hair at all. It doesn't leave the burnt smell in my hair, like some flat irons do, my hair still smells as good as it did after it was washed.”

• Also available at Walmart, $35

With 2-inch, extra-long tourmaline ceramic floating plates, the Infiniti Pro Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron is one of the best cheap flat irons for long lengths. This is because you can easily achieve more (and better) contact with your hair, which leads to straighter results in a shorter amount of time. Also, while the iron can impressively heat up to 455 degrees in 15 seconds, it has 30 heat settings, so you can adjust the temperature to your hair type, which is key. However, if you like the style but don’t need such wide plates, it’s also available in 1-inch and 1.5-inch sizes for a little less.

According to one fan: “I would say this is the best flat iron you can buy for the price. I was able to straighten my entire head of really long, very curly hair in 30 minutes on the second to highest temp. My hair was professional straight looking.”

• Also available at Ulta, $35, and Bed Bath & Beyond, $35

The BaBylissPRO Travel Iron is exactly as it suggests — great for travel. But it’s much more than just a mini iron that can fit in your purse or carry-on. With its unique, 1-inch, nano titanium-ceramic plates, this iron can reach temperatures up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it great for all hair types — even those that are super thick or curly. Also, since titanium is the strongest and most durable material, you don’t have worry about it cracking in your bag and you'll be able to achieve smooth, straight hair wherever you go.

According to one fan: “I originally purchased this straightener for international travel and I’m so glad I did. It was extremely easy to pack and use while traveling. The heat resistant case meant I could straighten my bangs and immediately toss the straightener into the case and then into my luggage without having to worry about it damaging my belongings. I now use this straightener for weekend trips and even daily touch ups for my bangs.”

It’s hard to argue with over 5,400 positive reviews on Amazon. The Remington Pearl Pro Ceramic Flat Iron is one of the best overall irons in terms of value and superior results. The 1-inch floating ceramic plates are infused with real pearls for a smoother glide and even heating, both of which help to reduce frizz. Additionally, it has a digital LCD temperature control display, can heat up to 400-degrees in 30 seconds, and also boasts temperature control lock to prevent you from overheating you hair.

According to one fan: “I was extremely impressed. It heated in seconds and I used it on a temp of 390 despite the product being able to heat to 450. It even has a locking feature! [...] My goodness if I could just show you how soft and smooth and shiny my hair actually looks and feels! It’s better than my $80 straightener! It’s worth it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”