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11 Best Nail Drills for Salon-Level Results at Home
High-powered tools for professional precision
Whether your at-home manicure consists of a few coats of regular polish or a lineup of gel options with an LED light to cure it, using one of the best nail drills can quickly take your manicure to the next level. Reaching for an electric tool may seem a bit intimidating if you're used to manually filing, but with a range of drill bit options to choose from to personalize your look, these professional-level devices make it simple to buff natural nails, remove extensions, shape acrylics, and clean up cuticles.
Shop the Best Nail Drills
"Contrary to popular belief, a nail drill is not just faster but actually gentler on the nail beds than filing nails by hand," celebrity manicurist Lily Nguyen tells Bazaar. "The speed of the removal process allows for a lower grit to effectively remove the gel polish, whereas a hand file removal will require a higher grit and harder pressure to remove, risking more damage to the surface and vessels that circulate under the nails."
To help you narrow down the best nail drills, we consulted nail experts and sifted through hundreds of customer reviews for top picks worth adding to your routine. Whether you're a budding nail tech or just looking to save time and money by removing old gel polish yourself, the following high-powered picks can help you safely get the job done.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Rechargeable
- Features a built-in work light
Cons
- Featherweight design may not be as durable as other drills
While the 12 drill bits included with this electric nail file from Gelish may seem exclusively ideal for advanced nail artists, the tool also is a great option for beginners. Its straightforward design features one speed, along with a built-in work light for better guidance, and a rotating head that turns in two directions.
- Speed range: 0 to 14,000 RPM
- Number of attachments: 12
- Power source: rechargeable battery
Customer review: "I love this product. This nail drill is very compact and easy to travel with. It works great and comes with a few different bits to use!" —Stefani Ann
Pure Enrichment PureNails Luxe Rechargeable Manicure Set
Pros
- Comes with a carrying case
- Debris shield included
Cons
- Some reviewers say drill can be tricky to grip
Pure Enrichment has made a streamlined tool for nail drill newbies that makes at-home or on-the-go manicures very easy. The portable tool comes with nine drill bit options and a handy case to keep it all in. The tool is also nicely rechargeable with three speeds, and a low vibration for better control.
- Speed range: 3,200 to 4,400 RPM
- Number of attachments: eight
- Power source: rechargeable battery
Customer review: "For when I can't get to the nail tech this set worked wonderfully. removed the gel and helped file down my nails so I could paint them and get a few more days wear." —tb
Pros
- Powerful
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some reviewers say drill bits can be difficult to swap in and out
Beauty lovers are big fans of the extended battery life of Fingerpaint's portable drill. The rechargeable tool can stay powered on a single charge for up to four hours at a time. So, whether you're removing gel or just shaping and buffing your natural nail, you won't have to do it uninterrupted.
- Speed range: 16,000 RPM
- Number of attachments: 12
- Power source: rechargeable battery
Customer review: "If you do nail care at home this is the tool you need!! The power is great!! The drill I had been using before was nothing in comparison. It being wireless is a game changer. It really got my nails smooth and removed my cuticles. Again, the power!!!!" —Patience I.
Pros
- Charges quickly
- Cordless
Cons
- Some reviewers say battery life is too short
With a slim design that's similar to holding a pen, we're betting you'll master using this portable option fairly quickly. And if you're unsure how to use any of the 12 attachments included with this file, the brand nicely has a tutorial video available for reference—talk about a bonus.
- Speed range: 15,000 RPM
- Number of attachments: 12
- Power source: rechargeable
Customer review: "Purchased to help remove gel polish and dip nails. Does a good job of removing the bulk of product. I also use the cuticle bits for dry manicures. Good for a beginner that isn't ready to splurge on a more pricey professional e-file." —BB.
Pros
- Expert-approved
- Whisper-quiet design
- Cordless
Cons
- More experienced reviewers wished the tool included more attachments
Celebrity nail artist Chaun Legend recommends this Amazon reviewer-loved rechargeable nail drill from Makartt for all skill levels. It provides six-bit attachment options for manicure prep, along with a battery that lasts for up to eight hours per charge. And since the tool is compact and cord-free, it's also easy to take on the go.
- Speed range: 0 to 30,000 RPM
- Number of attachments: five
- Power source: rechargeable battery
Customer review: "This is a high-quality nail drill for professionals. The vibration level is super low, and the nail drill is quiet. What I like most about it is that when the battery dies, I [can] still plug it in to charge and use it, which is huge when you have a busy schedule." —Anonymous
Beurer Professional Manicure and Pedicure Nail Drill Kit
Pros
- Built-in LED light provides added visibility
- Works for both hands and feet
Cons
- Reviewers say it's not as powerful as professional devices
Feeling tethered to the wall during a manicure is a thing of the past thanks to this cordless nail drill set from Beurer. It includes ten versatile attachments to shape, file, and buff your nails to perfection from the comfort of home. Plus, its user-friendly design makes it easy to switch between speed settings and rotation directions, too.
- Speed range: 3,200 to 4,400 RPM
- Number of attachments: 10
- Power source: lithium-ion battery
Customer review: "It does a great job of cleaning cuticles and keeping my nails looking neat. While it does take a little practice to master, the results are definitely worth it. For someone just starting out with DIY manicures, it’s a solid choice. It’s user-friendly and provides good results for the price." —Anonymous
Pros
- Features low vibration
- Versatile charging options
Cons
- Some reviewers say the tool gets hot after continuous use
Thousands of Amazon reviewers agree: this popular nail drill is one of the best beauty tools money can buy. It's more powerful than a number of cordless options and can nicely be plugged into any USB port, including a laptop or portable phone charger. Its speed can also be adjusted up to 20,000 RPMs.
- Speed range: 0 to 20,000 RPMs
- Number of attachments: six
- Power source: electric
Customer review: "So beginner friendly! It's not too fast and very easy to use... This made prepping my nails so much easier, and I love it, especially for the price. If you do your own nails at home, I recommend getting this nail drill." —Anonymous
Pros
- Stand features a built-in LED light and nail drill bit storage
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Batteries not included
If you're partial to gel nails, grab this popular rechargeable drill from TouchBeauty. Flip over the stand, and you'll find a handy UV light that dries gel polishes and gel nail extensions in a flash. The multifunctional stand also serves as a storage spot for the ten attachments that come with the handheld device.
- Speed: 9,500 rpm
- Number of attachments: 10
- Power source: two AAA batteries
Customer review: "There is only one speed, but it's not too fast that it burns and is not too slow that it does not do anything. You could say it's in the Goldilocks zone." —RP
Pros
- Easy to use
- Drill features an ergonomic handle
Cons
- Does not include UV light for gel polish
Here's a versatile all-in-one device from Kiss that features an electric nail file with a number of polishing and shaping attachments. The coveted tool also includes a built-in dryer as a bonus to lock in your polish and top coat once you're done shaping.
- Number of attachments: 12
- Power source: rechargeable battery
Customer review: "I bought this years ago, and now I bought it again for hubby to have one. Works great, ultra quiet motor! Smooth job on nails. Love it!" —Carol Mary Hill
Pros
- Features LED display
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers say battery life isn't long-lasting
Using one of the best nail drills can be a useful tool for removing overgrown gel polish and extensions ahead of a salon trip. And since this cordless, battery-powered device nicely clips right to your waistband, there's no need to sit by an outlet until it's time to recharge.
- Speed range: 0 to 30,000 RPM
- Number of attachments: six
- Power source: rechargeable battery
Customer review: "I purchased this drill and absolutely love it. I work in a nail salon and use the drill several times a day. The charge lasts an entire day. It’s quiet and simple to change the nail bits. I’ve been using this brand and am very happy." —KC
Pros
- LCD screen for easy monitoring
- Battery lasts for up to 10 hours per charge
- Low vibration
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the device included more attachments
The digital display of this popular cordless nail drill makes it easy to monitor and adjust rotation speed and battery life. With six attachments and a convenient storage stand, it's a user-friendly option suitable for gel polish removal, nail extension shaping, and natural nail upkeep.
- Speed range: 0 to 35,000 RPM
- Number of attachments: six
- Power source: rechargeable battery
Customer review: "A powerful yet quiet motor compared to other drills... but also very light to hold, making it even easier to work with all day long. No shaking, even when I turn it to the strongest power setting."
Meet the experts
- Chaun Legend is a celebrity nail artist and founder of Chaun Legend Professional Nails. His clients include stars like Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, Rihanna, Doja Cat, Jennie Kim, Christina Aguilera, and more.
- Lily Nguyen is a celebrity manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon in Los Angeles.
Can drill tools damage my nails?
"If used incorrectly yes, nail drills can cause damage," says Legend. "However, with proper education and training, nail drills should not damage your nails. Start at a comfortable speed and use side-to-side motion to prevent heat sensation and over-filing."
What nail drill RPM should I choose?
"The best nail drill is dependent on your expertise level," advises Legend. "Beginners should start with an electric nail file, also known as an e-file, that offers up to 15,000 rpm (or rotations per minute), while skilled users can go up to 35,000 rpm."
What safety measures should you use when working with a nail drill?
When working with nail drills, safety first, even if you're a manicure pro. Nguyen advises using a safety drill bit with a rounded edge to prevent you from accidentally nicking your cuticle and fingertips while using a drill. "It won't be as sharp or detailed, but it’s better to start with a safety drill bit to become accustomed to working with the tool."
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