Pets · Head-to-head
Metro Air Force Commander Variable Speed Pet Dryer (AFTD-3V) vs XPOWER B-55 Home Pet Dryer
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Dog Blow Dryers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Commander pairs the highest stated airflow here with variable speed for nervous dogs and the longest motor warranty. The B-55 publishes a full spec sheet and safety listing at a far lower spend, with two speeds instead of a dial.
Metro Air Force Commander Variable Speed Pet Dryer (AFTD-3V)
Buy itAn all-steel, American-made force dryer with variable speed and the strongest stated airflow here.
- Metro lists a 4.0 peak HP motor, 10 amps, 1,200 watts and 126 CFM at full opening.
- Variable speed control lets you start low for dogs that dislike the noise, which Metro calls out on the page.
- It carries a five-year limited warranty on the unit and motor, and works as a floor or table dryer.
- It is the second most expensive dryer here.
- Metro's page does not list a heater or air temperature.
- Parts, switches and cords get only a one-year warranty, and owners pay shipping to and from the factory.
XPOWER B-55 Home Pet Dryer
Buy itA light, two-speed home force dryer with a full spec sheet and a safety listing.
- XPOWER lists a 2 HP motor, 8 amp draw and 100 CFM rated airflow on 120V.
- It is ETL/CETL safety certified and has dual thermal protection.
- Three nozzles, a 5 ft hose and a spare filter set come in the box, and it doubles as a small vacuum.
- Only two speeds, 28,000 and 34,000 RPM, with no dial for fine control.
- The housing is ABS plastic rather than steel, and the cord is 5 ft.
- Warranty is one year limited for home use.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Metro Air Force Commander Variable Speed Pet Dryer (AFTD-3V) Our pick | XPOWER B-55 Home Pet Dryer | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Owners of large or double-coated dogs who bathe at home and want a dryer that lasts. | Home bathers who want real force-dryer airflow without a premium spend. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $ · budget |
| Type | Force dryer, floor or table | Home force dryer |
| Motor (maker stated) | 4.0 peak HP, 1,200 W | 2 HP |
| Airflow (maker stated) | 126 CFM at full opening | 100 CFM |
| Speed control | Variable | 2 speeds |
| Electrical draw | 10 A, 120V | 8 A, 120V |
| Housing | All steel | ABS plastic |
| Weight (maker stated) | 8 lb | 4.8 lb |
| Safety listing and warranty | None listed; 5 yr unit and motor | ETL/CETL; 1 yr limited |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Metro Air Force Commander Variable Speed Pet Dryer (AFTD-3V) if
owners of large or double-coated dogs who bathe at home and want a dryer that lasts.
Know before buying: it is the second most expensive dryer here.
Pick the XPOWER B-55 Home Pet Dryer if
home bathers who want real force-dryer airflow without a premium spend.
Know before buying: only two speeds, 28,000 and 34,000 RPM, with no dial for fine control.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Metro Air Force Commander Variable Speed Pet Dryer (AFTD-3V) - An all-steel, American-made force dryer with variable speed and the strongest stated airflow here. Choose the XPOWER B-55 Home Pet Dryer instead if home bathers who want real force-dryer airflow without a premium spend.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Dog Blow Dryers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).