Beauty One Step Revlon vs Volumizer Plus: Which Model Wins in 2026
The original One Step and the Volumizer Plus look alike, but they differ in real ways. We put both head to head across seven factors. Here is how they compare.
| Factor | Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer | Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | Check price | Check price |
| Heat settings | 3 | 4 |
| Barrel shape | Oval | Oval, slimmer handle |
| Best for thick hair | Good | Better airflow |
| Weight | Under 2 lbs | Under 2 lbs |
| Noise level | Standard | Slightly quieter |
| Value for beginners | Excellent | Good |
Our Verdict
Pick the Volumizer Plus if you style often and want finer control. Pick the original if you want the classic blowout at a lower price. Both dry and smooth hair in one pass. Your budget and routine decide the winner.
More Top Picks in This Category
Not sold on either of these two? Here are more bestselling options worth considering.
Best for: Daily stylers who want finer heat control and a more comfortable handle.
Revlon One Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0, Black
- Slimmer handle for better grip
- Four heat settings including medium
- Improved airflow design
- Ceramic coating protects hair
Pros
- More heat control than original
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Sleek black finish
Cons
- Highest price in the line
- Learning curve for new users
Best for: Style lovers who want PLUS performance with a pop of color.
Revlon One Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0, Teal
- Same PLUS 2.0 performance in teal
- Four heat and speed options
- Oval head for root volume
- Ionic frizz control
Pros
- Fun teal color stands out
- Full PLUS feature set
- Good for thick hair
Cons
- Premium price
- Large head for short bobs
Best for: Fans of the original who want the same blowout in a fun purple shade.
Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer, Purple
- Classic one step design in purple
- Three heat settings
- Detangling bristle blend
- 1100 watt drying power
Pros
- Pretty purple edition
- Same trusted performance
- Often on sale
Cons
- Color may vary by batch
- No extra PLUS features
Want the Full Picture?
What Ionic, Ceramic, and Tourmaline Do in the Revlon
The Revlon One Step carries all three labels, and no competitor separates them plainly. Ceramic is the heating element material; it spreads heat evenly so the brush has fewer scorching hot spots. Ionic is the output: negative ions break water into finer droplets that evaporate faster, which cuts dry time and frizz. Tourmaline is a mineral in the barrel coating that boosts ionic output when heated; it is a delivery mechanism, not a separate technology. Together they explain why the Revlon dries faster with less frizz than a basic hot-air brush, but none of them repairs damage. Treat the labels as a drying-quality stack, not a treatment claim, and you will have realistic expectations about what the tool can and cannot do for hair health.
Motor Talk: What Powers the Volumizer
Home buyers never get the AC versus DC motor explanation, so here it is. The Revlon One Step uses a DC motor: lighter, quieter, and cheaper, with a realistic lifespan of a few hundred hours. That is plenty for two to three uses weekly over a couple of years, but daily heavy users will wear it out faster. Salon AC motors last over a thousand hours but add weight and noise that most home users dislike. Wattage on the Revlon indicates airflow strength for its class, not motor durability. The practical takeaway: at this price, the tool is somewhat consumable, and budgeting for replacement every two to three years of regular use is more honest than expecting a decade. Heavy daily users should weigh a pro-motor alternative instead.
Noise: The Complaint Nobody Quantifies
Revlon One Step noise complaints fill reviews, but no guide gives numbers. The tool typically runs in the low to mid-80s decibel range at full speed, which is standard for the category but loud enough to carry through apartment walls. The brush head diffuses airflow slightly compared to a concentrator nozzle, which takes the edge off, but it remains a loud tool. Mitigation: the lowest effective speed setting drops noise meaningfully, drying in the bathroom with the door closed helps, and early-morning sessions will still wake light sleepers nearby. If quiet drying matters more than the all-in-one convenience, a lower-decibel conventional dryer plus a separate round brush is the quieter combination. Compare across the category in our best hair dryers guide before deciding.
One-Handed Technique After Injury
Arm injuries and shoulder problems make the standard blow-dry brush routine painful, and adaptations get no coverage. The one-step design already helps by combining dryer and brush, eliminating the second hand entirely. Go further: section hair with clips before starting so the good hand never holds hair up, work seated to reduce shoulder strain, and take breaks between the four quadrants. Use the lower heat setting; it requires slightly slower passes but far less arm elevation force since you are not fighting the tool. The PLUS 2.0's slimmer handle on this page is genuinely easier to grip for extended sessions than the bulkier original. A less polished result you can repeat comfortably beats a perfect blowout that hurts.
PLUS 2.0 vs Original: What Changed
The version comparison buyers want is scattered across reviews, so here it is consolidated. The PLUS 2.0 slimmed the handle for better grip, adjusted the bristle pattern for smoother tension, and refined heat distribution to reduce hot spots reported on the original. Dry time is comparable; the upgrade is comfort and consistency, not raw power. Owners of the original who are happy need not upgrade, since the core function is unchanged. First-time buyers should choose the PLUS 2.0 for the ergonomic improvements alone. Both versions share the same maintenance needs: clear wrapped hair after cooling, wipe the barrel, and clean the intake regularly. For a pro-brand alternative in the same one-step format, our BaByliss Pro Rapido guide covers the salon-grade option.