Chi Vibes on Curved Edge Hair Styling Iron for $110: I'm a long-time Chi fanatic, having owned and loved the original ceramic flat iron until it broke after a decade. So I admit, I was excited to decorate my bathroom counter with this metallic rainbow version from Chi's Vibes line. The 1- or 1.5-inch ceramic plates (I tested the latter) actually curve around the edges of the tool, allowing the user to get closer to the hairline as well as create wrinkle-free waves if desired. While this feature actually did an impressive job of slowing my flight (and I appreciated the unusual 11-foot cord), I felt like there was a lack of cushioning between the 415-degree surface F and my scalp, face and ears. The risk of burns is too great if used frequently.
L'ange Le Duo Airflow Styler for $67: This flat iron has a clasp similar to a curling iron. Most flat iron plates are separate and need to be pushed together for use, whereas this is the opposite. It works like any other iron, the clasp design and rounded edges also make it easier to bend. The real attraction here is the ventilation holes that blow out cool air to keep your style going. The fan turns on automatically but there is a button to turn it off. (Just to clarify, this is not intended to dry your hair—you won't be happy if you try that.) —Medea Giordano
Sleek design for $81 And Cozy for $195: These irons are essentially the same tool. Sleek'e confirms that they are in fact made by the same manufacturer, which is not unusual. The Kosa feels a little lighter, but doesn't seem to get any better or worse with use. Both emit ions and have an infrared light strip in the middle of one of the panels, supposedly helps distribute heat evenly and in a way that doesn't damage the hair. —Medea Giordano
Brilliance New York Smooth Pro Ceramic Flat Iron for $45: WIRED reviewer and curly girl Louryn Strampe gives this straightener a thumbs up. She bought it on impulse through a Groupon deal in 2014 and has kept reaching for it, despite trying a few more flat irons since then—she likes it even more Dyson Corrale. It had lost some of its heat resistance over the years and the panels occasionally caught in her hair, but it still left her unruly curls sleek, shiny and, most importantly, straight. —Medea Giordano
FoxyBae Tres sleek flat iron for $38: This budget titanium flat iron does a pretty good job of straightening thick, curly hair for the price, despite its flimsy construction, long heating time, and difficult-to-maneuver 1.75-inch-wide plates making it less attractive than our top budget pick, the Conair Infiniti Pro, above.
Revlon Easy Heat Precision Flat Iron for $35: Another entry-level flat iron, this hot pink model with easy-to-read temperature settings feels heavier and more expensive than it actually is. I also like that it heats up in 30 seconds—a third of the time of most irons in its price class. However, I was surprised at how ineffective the 1-inch plates were on my curls, even at the iron's maximum temperature of 450 degrees F. Plus, straightened hair ( just enough) mine was erect again within a few minutes.