BarberBoss vs Dyson Airwrap: Is the QR-8820 a Genuine Airwrap Dupe or a Different Kind of Styler?

By Lyric Gough | Last updated: 23rd October 2026

Looking for a Dyson Airwrap dupe without the premium price tag? The BarberBoss QR-8820 Hot Air Styler offers auto-wrap curling, drying, smoothing and volumising with six styling attachment types. It isn't an identical copy of the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x, but at £128.99 compared with £579.99, it offers an alternative for shoppers who don't need every premium feature.

So, is spending an extra £451 really worth it? Let's look at what you're actually getting.

Key takeaways

• The BarberBoss QR-8820 Hot Air Styler offers six styling attachment types, including auto-wrap curlers, a diffuser and a volumising brush.

• The QR-8820 costs £128.99 compared with £579.99 for the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x, a £451 difference based on prices checked on 23rd October 2026.

• Dyson offers a faster stated motor speed, advanced heat monitoring, smart connectivity and a longer warranty.

• BarberBoss includes a diffuser, hot air comb, negative ion technology and storage bag at a lower price.

• Both products use airflow for curling, but their technology, attachments and additional features differ.

Is the BarberBoss QR-8820 a Dyson Airwrap dupe?

It does the same jobs as the Airwrap, but it isn’t a copy.

The BarberBoss QR-8820 and Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x both use airflow to curl hair, while also offering attachments for drying, smoothing and adding volume.

The main difference? Dyson includes additional technology, such as intelligent heat monitoring and app connectivity, while BarberBoss focuses on providing versatile everyday styling functions at a more accessible price.

So, if you're searching for a cheaper Dyson Airwrap alternative, the real question isn't whether the two products are identical.

It's whether you'll actually use the extra features you're paying for.

How does the BarberBoss QR-8820 compare with the Dyson Airwrap?

The BarberBoss QR-8820 and Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x offer several similar styling functions, but differ significantly in price, motor specifications, smart features and included attachments.

Here's how their published specifications compare.

Sources: BarberBoss QR-8820 instruction manual and product page; Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Straight+Wavy product page, dyson.co.uk. Prices checked: Friday 23rd October 2026.

An important distinction: higher motor RPM doesn't automatically mean better curls. Hair type, airflow design, attachments and styling technique all influence the finished result.

What does the Dyson Airwrap do better?

The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x offers several advanced features that may justify its higher price for some shoppers.

Its motor is rated at up to 150,000 RPM, compared with the BarberBoss QR-8820's 110,000 RPM. Dyson also states that its system measures air temperature more than 1,000 times per second to help regulate heat.

Another difference is the dedicated Air Straightener attachment, which may appeal to someone wanting a more specialised straightening function rather than a smoothing comb or brush.

Dyson also offers app connectivity, attachment recognition and a two-year warranty.

If smart technology, advanced heat control and dedicated straightening are priorities, Dyson has clear advantages. That doesn't mean everyone needs those features. 

The BarberBoss QR-8820 Hot Air Styler features six versatile styling attachment types for creating curls, adding volume, smoothing and drying hair, all with one device.

What does the BarberBoss QR-8820 offer for less?

The BarberBoss QR-8820 focuses on everyday styling versatility without the premium price.

For £128.99, it offers six styling attachment types:

• Auto-wrap curlers (left and right): Create curls in opposite directions using airflow.

• Volumising oval brush: Add lift and create a bouncy blow-dry.

• Hot air comb: Help smooth and style hair.

• Curl-defining diffuser: Support natural curls and waves.

• Fast dryer: Dry hair before styling.

• Styling concentrator: Direct airflow for controlled styling and smoother finishes.

The QR-8820 also includes three heat settings, three airflow speeds, a Cool Shot function and negative ion technology. Also its 3-metre cord offers an extra metre of reach compared with the Dyson model in this comparison.

The QR-8820 also includes a storage bag, making it easier to keep the attachments together.

The biggest advantage is the price difference. At the prices checked on 23rd October 2026, BarberBoss costs £451 less.

That makes it worth considering if you're looking for auto-wrap curls, blowouts and everyday styling versatility without paying for features you may never use.

Look inside the QR-8820 auto-wrap curling barrels to find the L and R markings. The L barrel creates anticlockwise curls, while the R barrel creates clockwise curls.

How do the BarberBoss auto-wrap curlers work?

The BarberBoss QR-8820 uses airflow to draw hair around its curling barrels, allowing you to create curls without manually wrapping each section around the attachment.

The technique matters, particularly when you're using an air styler for the first time.

According to the QR-8820 instruction manual:

1. Start with hair approximately 80–90% dry. Divide it into manageable sections.

2. Choose your curling direction. The left barrel curls anticlockwise, while the right barrel curls clockwise. (Hint: Each barrel is marked L or R). 

3. Let the airflow do the wrapping. Hold a small section near the barrel and allow the ends to wrap automatically.

4. Hold for approximately 10 seconds, then use Cool Shot for at least another 10 seconds before releasing the curl.

You don't need to twist the wand manually. The airflow does the wrapping for you.

For additional help, the BarberBoss Instagram styling demonstration shows the device in use.

How long does it take to curl your hair with the BarberBoss QR-8820?

We put the BarberBoss QR-8820 Hot Air Styler's left and right auto-wrap curlers to the test on very long, thick hair to see how long a full head of curls would take.

The model's natural hair type is 2B/2C (wavy to curly), although her hair was straightened and dry before styling. The only products used were heat protectant and an anti-frizz product.

Caption: Before and after styling very long, thick hair using the BarberBoss QR-8820 auto-wrap curlers.

Using heat setting 2 and speed setting 2, we divided each side of her hair into smaller sections, spending approximately 30 seconds curling each section.

The results?

• Left side (L curler): 11 minutes

• Right side (R curler): 11 minutes

• Total styling time: 22 minutes

No Cool Shot was used during this demonstration. However, using a blast of cool air after heating each section can help set the curl and may improve its hold.

22 minutes for a full head of curls on very long, thick hair!

Of course, styling time and results will vary depending on your hair length, thickness, starting texture and technique. But this gives you a real example of what the QR-8820 can achieve using its auto-wrap curling attachments.

What has the press said about BarberBoss hair stylers?

BarberBoss hair-styling products have also attracted attention from the national press.

In June 2026, Aimee Robinson at the Daily Express covered the BarberBoss QR-8850, a sister model to the QR-8820, in an article comparing an affordable styling option with a premium alternative.

The important distinction is that the Daily Express feature concerned the QR-8850, not the QR-8820.

You can read more in our BarberBoss Daily Express feature.

While press coverage can offer useful additional perspectives, choosing a styler should still come down to the features, price and styling results that matter to you.

Is the Dyson Airwrap worth the money?

The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x may be worth its premium price if you'll genuinely benefit from its additional technology.

Someone who wants advanced heat monitoring, app-connected styling, attachment recognition and a dedicated straightening function may find those features worth paying for.

However, if your main goals are creating curls, adding volume, drying and smoothing your hair, the BarberBoss QR-8820 covers those styling categories for considerably less.

The best value comes from paying for the features you'll actually use.

Who should buy the Dyson Airwrap, and who should choose BarberBoss?

The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x and BarberBoss QR-8820 suit different priorities.

Choose the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x if:

• You want advanced heat-monitoring technology.

• You value app connectivity and smart attachment recognition.

• A dedicated straightening attachment is important to you.

• You prefer its two-year warranty and are comfortable with the higher price.

Consider the BarberBoss QR-8820 if:

• You want auto-wrap curling without spending nearly £580.

• You regularly switch between curls, blowouts, volume and smoother styles.

• You want a diffuser and hot air comb included.

• You value a longer cord, lighter stated device weight and practical storage.

• You would rather spend less on a multi-styler with the core styling functions you need.

The goal is to find the styler that fits your hair, your routine and your budget.

Frequently asked questions

Is BarberBoss affiliated with Dyson?

No. BarberBoss and Dyson are separate brands. The BarberBoss QR-8820 Hot Air Styler is an independently branded product offering some styling functions similar to those available on the Dyson Airwrap. It is not manufactured by, endorsed by or affiliated with Dyson.

What attachments come with the BarberBoss QR-8820?

The QR-8820 includes six attachment types: a fast dryer, styling concentrator, hot air comb, volumising oval brush, curl-defining diffuser and auto-wrap curlers supplied as separate left and right barrels.

How do I activate Cool Shot on the BarberBoss QR-8820?

First, make sure the device is switched on and the settings aren't locked. Move the main switch to position 1, then press the upper Cool Shot button marked with a snowflake. A blue indicator shows the cool-air function is activated.

What's the difference between the left and right QR-8820 curling barrels?

The two barrels create curls in opposite directions. The left barrel creates anticlockwise curls, while the right barrel creates clockwise curls.

Each attachment is marked with an L or R to help you identify the correct barrel.

Can I buy replacement attachments for the QR-8820?

For lost or damaged QR-8820 attachments, contact BarberBoss Customer Care to check which replacement accessories are available for your model. Availability of individual attachments may vary.

What warranty comes with the BarberBoss QR-8820?

The QR-8820 instruction manual specifies a 12-month warranty, with registration instructions provided for customers. Your statutory consumer rights are separate from the manufacturer's warranty.

So, is the BarberBoss QR-8820 a good Dyson Airwrap alternative?

The BarberBoss QR-8820 isn't an identical replacement for the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x, and it doesn't pretend to be.

Dyson offers additional smart technology, advanced heat monitoring and a dedicated straightening attachment. BarberBoss focuses on the everyday styling functions many shoppers are looking for, including curling, drying, smoothing and volume, at a much lower price.

Because great hair shouldn't have to come with a premium price tag.

Explore the BarberBoss QR-8820 Hot Air Styler or browse our hair-styling range to find the right styling tool for your routine.

Stay sharp! 💙

Dyson and Airwrap are trademarks of Dyson. BarberBoss is not affiliated with Dyson.

About the author

Lyric Gough is a Customer Care and Social Media Executive at BarberBoss, with first-hand knowledge of the brand's grooming and hair-styling products and the questions customers ask about using them. She creates practical, educational content to help customers make informed choices and get more from their everyday routines.