No matter which one you buy, you won't be spending more than around $60. Many argue that buying anything for under $100 is a waste of money, but judging by some of the favorable flat iron reviews for both of these models, some would beg to differ. I, for one, think you can buy a perfectly good flat iron for around $50. Sure, if you're a professional stylist or if you use a hair straightener every day, then you would be better off buying a more expensive brand, but if you're on a budget or will just occasionally use one, then buying a Conair or Wigo flat iron is a very sensible option.
Both companies make ceramic flat irons. Wigo make models with 1", 1 3/4" and 2 1/4" plates, all of which are 170 watts, with 50 second heat up times and 12 temperature settings. They also feature separate heating system for each plate that help keep the plates at the set temperature. Each comes with a 9' swivel cord. Finally, all models have a 3 year limited warranty. The price varies from around $50 to $60.
Conair makes a number of ceramic flat irons with plate sizes of 3/4", 1", 1 1/2" and 2". The Professional Instant Heat Straightener with 2" plates heats up in 60 seconds and has 25 variable heat settings. It comes with a useful feature of dual-voltage and a detachable nylon brush - the brush when attached is supposed to comb and guide the hair through the plates, however using it is more of a nuisance than anything else.
There are 2 Conair Infiniti Instant Heat Ceramic iron models; 1" and 2". Both feature a heat up time of 30 seconds, automatic shutoff and an LCD display and an incredible 5 year limited warranty. They retail for around $65 to $70. They're a little bit more expensive than the Wigo, but are definitely a superior product, beating any of the ceramic models on offer from Wigo.
Both companies also make wet to dry models. The Conair Instant Heat 2" ceramic iron retails for around $35 and features 30 second heat up time with 30 temperature settings, dual voltage, automatic shutoff and a 2 year warranty. The company also has a model called the Dry N' Straight. It comes with 1 1/2" plates, 60 second heat up time and 25 variable temperature settings. Again, there's dual voltage and automatic shutoff. It retails for around $35.
The Wigo Damp or Dry flat iron comes with 2" ceramic plates; heat up time of 50 seconds, with 12 variable heat settings. The handle has been ergonomically designed and makes the whole iron look very nice. More importantly, it comes with a 3 year warranty. It's more expensive than the Conair, at around $50, but it is a better appliance and you'd be well advised to spend the extra money on this model rather than any of the two Conair irons.
Both companies make excellent budget hair straighteners. If you're looking for a ceramic model then you should consider the Conair flat iron over that of the Wigo. However, if it's a wet to dry model you're after then the Wigo is of better quality than the Conair flat iron.
Follow the links for the Wigo flat iron or the Conair flat iron and read flat iron reviews on the top brands like Sedu, Solia and Paul Mitchell.