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BaByliss PRO Volare Blow Dryer: Is the $189 Price Worth It?
When a hair dryer promises professional-level power, it’s easy to assume that more power automatically means better results. The BaBylissPRO Volare certainly makes a strong first impression, with a salon-inspired design and powerful airflow built for faster drying and styling.
But powerful doesn’t always mean practical. A dryer can be fast yet feel heavy, get too hot, or be difficult to control when you’re trying to create a smooth finish. That’s why the real question isn’t simply how powerful the Volare is, it’s how well that power translates into a faster, easier, and better drying experience.
In this review, we’ll put the BaBylissPRO Volare through the details that matter most, including its drying performance, heat and speed controls, handling, and styling results, so you can decide whether its professional-style performance is worth the investment.
⭐ Quick Verdict
⭐ Best For: Anyone who wants precise heat control, frizz-smoothing technology, and long-term durability from their hair dryer, rather than prioritizing raw drying speed above everything else.
🚫 Not Ideal For: Anyone who wants their hair dry fast, or who’s sensitive to a heavier handheld tool during longer styling sessions.
✅ Bottom Line: The BaByliss PRO Volare backs up its feature list with real hands-on testing — some results held up, others didn’t. Keep reading to see exactly how it performed across weight, noise, airflow, and drying speed.
BaByliss PRO Volare Blow Dryer
The BaByliss PRO Volare is priced at $189 on Amazon and stands out with six different heat settings, giving you more precise control over your drying temperature than most dryers in this range. It also uses ionic technology, which helps smooth the hair cuticle and cut down on frizz, leaving hair looking shinier and more polished after drying.
Key Features
Made in Italy
The BaByliss PRO Volare is manufactured in Italy rather than assembled from generic parts overseas. This is worth noting if manufacturing origin and build quality are things you personally weigh when comparing styling tools, though “Made in Italy” alone doesn’t tell you anything about this specific unit’s durability without independent testing.
Nano Titanium™ Technology
Titanium components inside the barrel are designed to distribute heat more evenly as air passes through, rather than concentrating hot spots in one area. In theory, more even heat distribution means less risk of over-drying one section of hair while another stays damp.
2000 Watts
A higher wattage generally points to a stronger motor capable of moving more air, which typically translates into faster drying. This is a notably higher wattage than some competing blow dryers, though wattage alone doesn’t guarantee faster real-world drying.
Heat Boost Button
Rather than locking you into one of the six fixed heat settings, this button gives you an instant burst of extra heat on demand. This is useful for stubborn damp sections or thicker hair without needing to switch your whole setting up a level.
Ion Generator
Releases negative ions into the airflow, designed to help make hair smooth and maximize hair’s shine by smoothing the cuticle as it dries.
6 Heat / Speed Settings
Gives you six combinations of heat and airflow, offering multiple heat options to fine-tune the drying experience to your hair type and comfort level, rather than being stuck with a handful of broad options.
True Cold Air Feature
A dedicated cool-shot setting used at the end of a drying or styling routine. Cool air helps seal the hair cuticle after heat styling, which is generally understood to help hold a style in place and add shine.
2 Slide-On Concentrator Nozzles
Two nozzle attachments are included for directing airflow with more precision during styling — likely differing in width or angle, though the official listing doesn’t specify how the two differ, so that detail would need confirming before stating it as fact.
Limited 4-Year Warranty
Covers manufacturing defects for four years, notably longer than many blow dryers in this category, which typically offer one to two years.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $189 |
| Brand | BaBylissPRO |
| Manufacturer | Conair |
| Model Number | BVOL1 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 301515 |
| Wattage | 2,000 watts motor |
| Hair Type | All (dry hair) |
| Color | Black |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| UPC | 074108464880 |
| ASIN | B0BRT6NV6V |
| Recommended Use | Six heat settings and included concentrator nozzles suited for thin, thick, curly, straight, or other hair types |
How We Tested the BaByliss PRO Volare
Hair Dryer Weight and Noise Results
A heavy hair dryer can wear out your arm fast, so we used a scale to check exactly how much the BaByliss PRO Volare weighs. Sound matters too, especially if you’re getting ready early while someone else is still asleep, so we also measured its noise level with a sound meter on the highest airflow setting.
Hair Dryer Airspeed Test
We tested the BaByliss PRO Volare’s airflow speed using an airflow meter, with the dryer set to its highest airflow setting.
Three-Minute Hair Drying Test
We tested the BaByliss PRO Volare’s drying power. We wet a wig head, towel-dried it to remove excess moisture, then set a timer for exactly three minutes to see how dry it got. We rated the result on a 1-to-5 scale, with 5 being completely dry.
Performance Test and Results
If you’re someone who likes precise control over your drying routine rather than a one-size-fits-all setting, the hair dryer you choose matters more than you’d think. The BaByliss PRO Volare gives you six heat and speed combinations, an on-demand heat boost, and ionic technology aimed at smoother, shinier results, so we put it to the test to see how well that control actually translates into real drying performance.
Hair Dryer Weight and Noise Results
Weight
Setup: We weighed the BaByliss PRO Volare on a scale to check how much arm fatigue it adds during use.
Observation: It comes in at 534 grams.
Bottom Line: That’s noticeably heavier than a typical hair dryer, so it may cause more arm fatigue during longer styling sessions.
Noise
Setup: We measured the BaByliss PRO Volare’s noise level on its highest airflow setting using a sound level meter.
Observation: It stayed around 80 decibels.
Bottom Line: That’s noticeably quieter than a lot of high-power dryers, making it a reasonable option if noise is a concern.
Hair Dryer Airspeed Test
Setup: We tested the BaByliss PRO Volare’s airflow speed on its highest setting using an airflow meter.
Observation: It reached 132 CFM and 1,539 feet per minute, which converts to about 17.49 mph.
Bottom Line: That’s solid airflow, though slightly less than the Shark SpeedStyle Pro’s 140 CFM — still enough to move air efficiently and dry hair at a reasonable pace.
Three-Minute Hair Drying Test
Setup: We timed the BaByliss PRO Volare drying a wet, towel-dried wig head for exactly three minutes to test its drying power.
Observation: After three minutes, the ends of the hair were still soaking wet.
Bottom Line: We rated this a 3 out of 5 which is noticeably slower drying performance in the same timeframe.
Rating: 3/5
Overall Results
| Test | Result | Rating/Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 534 grams | Noticeably heavier than a typical hair dryer, may cause more arm fatigue during longer sessions |
| Noise | ~80 decibels | Noticeably quieter than a lot of high-power dryers, a reasonable option if noise is a concern |
| Airflow Speed | 132 CFM / 1,539 ft per minute (~17.49 mph) | Solid airflow, enough to move air efficiently and dry hair at a reasonable pace |
| 3-Minute Drying Test | Ends still soaking wet after 3 minutes | 3/5 — noticeably slower drying performance in the same timeframe |
BaByliss PRO Volare Hair Dryer Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
Strong feature set for the price — Nano Titanium heat distribution, an ion generator, a heat boost button, and a true cold-air setting give you more functional control than a basic dryer
Six heat/speed settings — More granular temperature and airflow control than dryers with only two or three options
Quieter operation — Measured at ~80 decibels, noticeably easier on the ears than louder high-power dryers
Long warranty coverage — A 4-year limited warranty, longer than the 1–2 years typical in this category
Included attachments — Two slide-on concentrator nozzles for more precise airflow direction during styling
Solid airflow output — Reached 132 CFM and ~17.49 mph, enough to move air efficiently during drying
❌ Cons
Slower drying performance — In the 3-minute drying test, the ends of the hair were still soaking wet, earning a 3 out of 5
Heavier build — At 534 grams, noticeably heavier than a typical hair dryer, which may cause more arm fatigue during longer sessions
Higher price point — At $189, it costs more than several competing dryers, without a correspondingly faster drying result in testing
Unconfirmed attachment details — The official listing doesn’t specify how the two included nozzles differ, so their exact use cases aren’t fully clear without hands-on confirmation
BaByliss PRO Volare Vs Other Premium Hair Dryers
| Specification | BaBylissPRO Volare | Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic | Harry Josh Pro Dryer 2000 | Shark SpeedStyle Pro | Dyson Supersonic | SRI Dry Q Hair Dryer | Ella Bella Ionic Hair Dryer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $189 | $220 | $328 | $169 | $449 | $299 | $149 |
| Wattage | 2,000W | 1,875W | 1,875W | 1,750W | 1,600W | 1,300W | 1,200W |
| Weight (tested) | 534g | 578g | 540g | 390g | 464g | 386g | 334g |
| Noise (tested) | ~80 dB | ~83 dB | ~86 dB | ~87 dB | ~78 dB | ~85 dB | ~81 dB |
| Airflow (tested) | 132 CFM / 17.49 mph | 140 CFM / 18.53 mph | 124 CFM / 16.41 mph | 140 CFM / 18.52 mph | 119 CFM / 15.80 mph | 123 CFM / 16.30 mph | 133 CFM / 17.55 mph |
| Drying Test Score | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3/5 |
| Heat/Speed Settings | 6 combined | 2 speeds / 3 settings | 8 combined (heat/speed/ion) | 5 heat / 3 speed settings | 4 heat / 3 speed | 4 modes / 3 speeds | 3 speed settings |
| Warranty | 4 years | Limited Lifetime | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 18 months | 3 years |
| Technology | Ionic, Nano Titanium | Ionic/ceramic | Ionic | Ionic | Ionic | Red and infrared light; negative ion | Ionic |
BaByliss PRO Volare vs Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic
On paper these two look close, but the Elchim did better where it counts: drying. It scored 4/5 in our drying test to the Volare’s 3/5. It also moved more air in our testing (140 CFM / 18.53 mph vs. 132 CFM / 17.49 mph), even though the Volare has more power at 2,000W vs. 1,875W. The higher wattage didn’t make the Volare dry faster.
The Elchim also has the stronger warranty, a limited lifetime warranty vs. the Volare’s 4 years. The Volare’s advantages are practical ones. It’s $31 cheaper ($189 vs. $220), 44g lighter (534g vs. 578g), and slightly quieter (~80 dB vs. ~83 dB). It has 6 combined heat/speed settings, while the Elchim has 2 speeds and 3 settings.
Choose the Elchim if drying speed and long-term coverage matter most. Choose the Volare if you’d rather have more settings, a lighter and quieter dryer, and a lower price, and don’t mind a slower blow-dry. For our full test results, read our Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic review.
BaByliss PRO Volare vs Shark SpeedStyle Pro
This is the Volare’s toughest matchup. The Shark earned a perfect 5/5 in our drying test, the best score of any dryer we compared. The Volare scored 3/5, and the ends of the hair were still soaking wet after 3 minutes. The Shark is also $20 cheaper ($169 vs. $189) and 144g lighter (390g vs. 534g).
The Volare’s clearest advantage is noise: it measured ~80 dB to the Shark’s ~87 dB, and the Shark was the loudest dryer we tested. The Volare also has twice the warranty (4 years vs. 2) and more wattage (2,000W vs. 1,750W). The Shark moved more air (140 CFM / 18.52 mph vs. 132 CFM / 17.49 mph) and has 5 heat and 3 speed settings to the Volare’s 6 combined.
For most people, the Shark is the better buy. The Volare makes sense only if a quieter dryer and a longer warranty matter more to you than drying speed and weight. We tested it on its own, too. Here’s our Shark SpeedStyle Pro review.
BaByliss PRO Volare vs Harry Josh Pro Dryer 2000
These two weigh almost exactly the same (534g vs. 540g), a 6g difference you won’t feel in your hand. On most specs, the Volare comes out ahead. It’s $139 cheaper ($189 vs. $328) and quieter (~80 dB vs. ~86 dB). It moved more air in our testing (132 CFM / 17.49 mph vs. 124 CFM / 16.41 mph), has more wattage (2,000W vs. 1,875W), and has twice the warranty (4 years vs. 2).
The Harry Josh still dried better, scoring 4/5 to the Volare’s 3/5, even with less airflow. So in our testing, airflow numbers alone didn’t predict which dryer would dry faster. The Harry Josh also has more control, with 8 combined heat, speed, and ion settings vs. the Volare’s 6. Both use ionic technology, and the Volare adds Nano Titanium.
The Harry Josh is worth the extra $139 if faster drying is your top priority. The Volare is the better value if you want a quieter dryer with longer warranty coverage. Want the full breakdown? See our Harry Josh Pro Dryer 2000 review.
BaByliss PRO Volare vs Dyson Supersonic
The price gap is huge: the Volare costs $260 less ($189 vs. $449). It also beats the Dyson on paper, with more wattage (2,000W vs. 1,600W), more airflow in our testing (132 CFM / 17.49 mph vs. 119 CFM / 15.80 mph), and a longer warranty (4 years vs. 2).
The drying test tells a different story. The Dyson had the lowest airflow of any dryer we tested, yet it scored 4.5/5 to the Volare’s 3/5, tied for the second-best result we recorded. The Dyson is also 70g lighter (464g vs. 534g) and the quietest dryer we tested (~78 dB vs. ~80 dB). The Volare has 6 combined settings, and the Dyson has 4 heat and 3 speed settings.
The Dyson dries faster, weighs less, and runs quieter, but it costs more than twice as much. The Volare is for buyers who want a long warranty at under half the price and can accept slower drying. Read our Dyson Supersonic review for the complete results.
BaByliss PRO Volare vs SRI Dry Q Hair Dryer
These two show the biggest gap between specs and results in the lineup. The Volare has much more power (2,000W vs. 1,300W) and moved more air in our testing (132 CFM / 17.49 mph vs. 123 CFM / 16.30 mph). Yet the Dry Q dried far better, scoring 4.5/5 to the Volare’s 3/5. It’s also 148g lighter (386g vs. 534g).
The Volare’s advantages are price, noise, and coverage. It’s $110 cheaper ($189 vs. $299), quieter (~80 dB vs. ~85 dB), and has a longer warranty (4 years vs. 18 months). The Volare has 6 combined settings, and the Dry Q has 4 modes and 3 speeds. The Volare uses ionic and Nano Titanium technology. The Dry Q adds built-in red and infrared light and negative-ion technology [UNVERIFIED].
Choose the Dry Q if drying performance and a lighter build are worth the extra $110. Choose the Volare if you want a quieter, more affordable dryer with longer warranty coverage and can accept slower drying. For our full test results, read our SRI Dry Q Hair Dryer review.
BaByliss PRO Volare vs Ella Bella Ionic Hair Dryer
This is the closest matchup in the lineup. Both scored 3/5 in our drying test, airflow was nearly identical (132 CFM / 17.49 mph vs. 133 CFM / 17.55 mph), and noise was almost even (~80 dB vs. ~81 dB). The Volare has far more power (2,000W vs. 1,200W), but it didn’t produce better drying results.
Where they split is weight and price. At 334g, the Ella Bella is the lightest dryer we tested, 200g lighter than the Volare, and it’s $40 cheaper ($149 vs. $189). The Volare has the longer warranty (4 years vs. 3) and more control, with 6 combined settings vs. the Ella Bella’s 3 speed settings. Both use ionic technology, and the Volare adds Nano Titanium.
With drying performance tied, the Ella Bella is the better value for most people: lighter and cheaper. The Volare makes sense if you want more settings and an extra year of coverage. Want the full breakdown? See our Ella Bella Ionic Hair Dryer review.
Who Is the BaByliss PRO Volare Blow Dryer For?
The BaByliss PRO Volare is built for people who value control and hair-care features over raw drying speed. Based on the specs and test results, it’s the strongest fit for:
People who prioritize styling control over speed — Six heat/speed settings, a heat boost button, and Nano Titanium heat distribution give you more precise adjustment than most dryers, which matters if you’re carefully managing heat exposure rather than rushing through a routine.
Anyone sensitive to loud appliances — At ~80 decibels, it’s noticeably quieter than higher-power dryers, making it a better fit for early mornings in shared spaces.
People who want ionic frizz control as a priority feature — The ion generator is built to smooth the cuticle and add shine, which matters more to some routines than sheer drying time.
Anyone who wants long-term coverage — A 4-year warranty is well above the category norm, appealing if you value durability assurance over other factors.
Who it’s not for:
Anyone who wants their hair dry quickly — the 3-minute drying test left the ends still soaking wet, so if speed is the priority, this dryer underdelivered in testing. It’s also not the best fit for anyone bothered by extra weight, since at 534 grams it’s heavier than a typical dryer and may tire your arm during longer sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BaByliss PRO Volare worth $189?
Based on testing, the value case is mixed. It offers a strong feature set — Nano Titanium heat distribution, six heat/speed settings, a heat boost button, and a 4-year warranty — but drying performance was the weak point: the 3-minute test left hair still wet at the ends, earning a 3 out of 5. Whether it’s worth the price depends on whether you’re prioritizing control and hair-care features or fast, efficient drying.
Is the BaByliss PRO Volare quiet?
Yes, relatively. It measured around 80 decibels on its highest airflow setting, which is quieter than many high-power dryers in this category.
Does the BaByliss PRO Volare dry hair quickly?
Not as quickly as its specs might suggest. In a controlled 3-minute test, the ends of the hair were still soaking wet, resulting in a 3 out of 5 rating. Its 132 CFM / ~17.49 mph airflow is solid on paper, but that didn’t translate into fast drying in this specific test.
Is the BaByliss PRO Volare heavy?
Yes — at 534 grams, it’s noticeably heavier than a typical hair dryer, which may cause more arm fatigue during longer styling sessions.
What does the ionic technology in the BaByliss PRO Volare actually do?
The ion generator releases negative ions into the airflow, which is intended to smooth the hair cuticle and reduce frizz, resulting in a shinier finish. This is a mechanism shared by most ionic dryers on the market, not something unique to this model.
What’s included with the BaByliss PRO Volare?
Two slide-on concentrator nozzles are included for directing airflow during styling. The official listing doesn’t specify how the two nozzles differ in width or angle, so that detail isn’t confirmed here.
Does the BaByliss PRO Volare have a cool-shot setting?
Yes, it includes a True Cold Air feature — a dedicated cool-shot setting meant to be used at the end of styling to help seal the cuticle and set your look.
What’s the warranty on the BaByliss PRO Volare?
A limited 4-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, notably longer than the 1–2 years typical for dryers in this category.
Final Verdict: Is the BaByliss PRO Volare Worth $189?
The BaByliss PRO Volare makes a strong case on features: Nano Titanium heat distribution, six heat/speed settings, a heat boost button, an ion generator for frizz control, a true cold-air setting, and a 4-year warranty that beats the category standard. If precise control and hair-care extras matter more to you than raw speed, this is a genuinely well-equipped dryer.
Where it falls short is the thing most people actually buy a hair dryer for — drying speed. In a controlled 3-minute test, the ends of the hair were still soaking wet, earning just a 3 out of 5. Its airflow numbers (132 CFM, ~17.49 mph) are respectable on paper, but that didn’t translate into faster real-world drying. It’s also heavier than typical at 534 grams, which may add fatigue during longer sessions.
The BaByliss PRO Volare is a better fit for someone prioritizing styling control, frizz reduction, and long-term durability over speed. If fast drying is your main priority, this is the tradeoff to weigh carefully against the $189 price before buying.
Curious how the BaByliss PRO Volare Hair Dryer stacks up against other dryers built around similar ‘premium’ promises? Take a look at our breakdown of premium hair dryers put through the same testing process to see where it lands next to the competition.
