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Preparation is key ahead of any nail salon session, whether at home or in a salon. The weeks leading up to your new set are likely filled with endless scrolling through Instagram’s Explore page to find the best nail colors, or you may spend your time reading ELLE.com to determine what nail trend is best for you. Still, no matter how much of a veteran you consider yourself to be when it comes to getting your nails done, a little bit of anxiety always tends to bubble up the moment your manicurist pulls out the nail drill. The buzzing melody of the tool fills the salon, then the scraping ring of the nail file and buffer, smoothing any rough parts of the nails before the nail technician goes in with the best nail polishes.
If you are a salon regular, then you’re no stranger to the tingly feeling of the drill due to excess friction. On the other hand, if you prefer to DIY your manicure, then you know the struggle of finding quality tools to get salon-worthy results. Either way, investing in the right tools to prep your nails for polish is necessary if you want a perfect set every time.
Best for Precision
Pure Enrichment PureNails 10-Piece Professional Manicure and Pedicure Kit
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Nail drills or e-drills are electric nail files that work as an alternative to filing by hand, quickly smoothing your nails to provide an even base to apply your polish. They usually come with various tips and attachments, all with different functions, from buffing to filing to even cleaning your cuticles. All of which are essential steps to achieve a flawless manicure. These powerful drills are great for removing gel polish, acrylic nails, and even calluses. Most tools come with speed settings as well. So, if you are a beginner, it’s best to work your way up over time, practicing with each setting until you get the hang of it.
We scoured customer reviews and even spoke with celebrity nail artist Trenna Seney to bring you the 14 best (and safest) nail drills for at-home use.
1
Best for Precision
Pure Enrichment PureNails 10-Piece Professional Manicure and Pedicure Kit
Now 29% Off
Pros
- Seven interchangable drills
Cons
- Not for beginners
Master the art of precision with the seven pieces included in this kit, which buffs everything from nail beds to calluses. The drills range in size, from bigger ones for more coverage to tinier tips that get in those hard-to-reach spaces. To ensure professional precision, the drill is also built with an LED light.
Includes: Drill, bits, and carrying case
Battery: Plug-in cord
Walmart rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Walmart reviewer said: “I purchased this item and forgot I had it due to moving. I was also intimidated to try it which led to further hesitation. I finally got it out and tried it and I cannot believe I haven’t been using it! This made my home manicuring and pedicuring a complete professional like process!”
Pros
- Five speed settings
Cons
- May need something gentler for natural nails
You won’t have to worry about the sanding bands slipping off, as this kit comes with different-size bands for specific drill bits. The rechargeable battery allows for up to four hours of work time, and the drill has five speed settings.
Includes: Drill, bits, sanding bands
Battery: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “You need this nail drill if you do dip powder or gel. It has cut my filing and buffing time in half, if not more! Excellent product. It charged really fast and it holds a charge long enough to complete all ten nails at home. It comes with a huge variety of files and grits so I had all that I needed to remove old dip powder and a softer grit to buff out the new. Seems easy to use, but I'm a first time drill user and needed to read the manual to know learn how.”
3
Best Overall Nail Drill
Beurer Rechargeable Manicure/Pedicure Device
Pros
- Cordless design
Cons
- Pricey
With a slew of drill styles and lengths to choose from, this cordless device will properly buff, smooth, and clean your nails. Increase or decrease the speed with the slide of a button to clean artificial or natural nails carefully. Additionally, it has an LED light for better visibility.
Includes: Drill, bits, and carrying case
Battery: Rechargeable
Best Buy rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Best Buy reviewer says: “It is good quality and effective. Don’t need to go to the salon anymore!”
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Pros
- LED screen shows battery percentage
Cons
- Super pricey
Nothing hurts worse than your nail tech’s nail drill losing its battery life in the midst of a session. Good thing Kiara Sky’s nail drill offers up to 10 hours of battery, plus an LED screen that helps you track its juice in big, bold numbers to skip the embarrassment. Even better, it’s portable and rechargeable for nail techs taking their business on the go.
Includes: Drill, bits, and table stand
Battery: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Absolutely love this drill!!!! It comes with the best drill bit I have used by far. Makes it so much easier when filing and don’t have to change bits to finish my nails.”
5
Best Nail Drill for Beginners
Flawless by Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails
Pros
- Compact for easy grip
Cons
- Battery doesn’t last too long
Don’t let the compact design fool you—this drill packs a powerful punch. Practice your skills with a user-friendly kit that doesn’t break the bank and is strong enough to remove acrylic or gel. Six drill heads are included for filing, shaping, buffing, smoothing, and pushing back cuticles.
Includes: Drill, bits
Battery: Rechargeable
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I started doing my nails at home during lockdown, and when I picked up this tool, it made everything so much easier! I use it to take off my gel mani and prep and buff before I do anything else. It’s honestly fantastic and well-priced, in my opinion. Highly recommend for any beginner looking to start doing their nails at home.”
Pros
- Low, quiet vibration
Cons
- Battery doesn’t last too long
Offering six drill bits and a reverse motion option, it doesn’t get better than this portable nail drill with over 53,000 glowing Amazon reviews. Customers mention this drill has a nice cord length, rests easily in the hand, and is quiet in all settings, too. Even a self-proclaimed professional nail artist calls this her favorite tool. Not only that, you just can’t beat the price.
Includes: Drill, bits, sanding bands
Battery: Non-rechargeable, plug-in cord
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “First off, I liked the price. Secondly, easy to hold and handle. Made doing nails near perfection in much less time than manual filing. Smaller bits made for great finishing around nail beds and cuticles. Great buy!”
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7
Best Nail Drill for Professional Results
Makartt Nail Drill Electric Nail File Machine
Now 21% Off
Pros
- Multiple drill styles
Cons
- Large design
Marked as Amazon’s Choice, this nail drill set makes you feel like you’ve stepped foot into your own salon. The machine comes with a foot pedal to make the process easier and also allows you to file in two directions.
Includes: Drill machine, sanding bands, bits, foot pedal
Battery: Non-rechargeable, plug-in
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m a licensed nail tech, and I love this drill so far, as I’ve only used it for a short time running it around my cuticle area. I love how it doesn’t stall with pressure even at a low or medium speed! I love that it has variable speed and has a forward and reverse! Especially for my own use to do my toes and or right hand! One more thing....I love that it fits all my bits!”
Pros
- Belt clip for movement
Cons
- Pricey
Whether you’re using it for your natural nails, gel, or acrylic, this battery-operated drill comes with six tips that are both gentle and effective.
Includes: Drill, sanding bands, bits
Battery: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The drill handpiece is slim yet ergonomically comfortable for those who may have dexterity or arthritic problems. It’s compact and portable and perfect for the DIY nail enthusiast or technician. The drill control box is slim, lightweight, cordless, and rechargeable. And, it’s equipped with a belt clip to allow for freedom of movement.”
Pros
- Flat top for buffing
Cons
- Short battery life
Gentler than a traditional nail drill, this electric nail file was designed for precise nails and cuticle grooming while eliminating the burning sensation caused by traditional nail drills. Choose between four interchangeable heads for shaping, buffing, smoothing, and shining.
Includes: Drill, discs, USB charger and cable, storage holder
Battery: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I needed a file that had different levels of grit, but that was easy and convenient to use. This tool is high-functioning but fun and isn’t complicated. Makes the removal of my gel polish a breeze and doesn’t damage my nails in the process.”
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Pros
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not super powerful
This sweet, sleek tool is a one-stop-shop with five interchangeable tools for precision shaping, cuticle pushing, buffing, and smoothing.
Includes: Drill, bits
Battery: Two AAA batteries
Target rating: 4/5 stars
A Target reviewers says: “I can use the gentle shaping tool to file my cuticles more safely than trimming with a clipper. I used it on my older parent’s toenails that have thickened, and it helped a lot!”
Pros
- Fast, smooth speed
Cons
- Doesn’t last too long
An investment worth every penny, this powerful nail drill is beloved by professionals and amateurs alike. It’s built to work fast and also includes a reverse option.
Includes: Drill
Battery: Non-rechargeable, plug-in cord
Sally Beauty rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sally Beauty reviewer says: “I love the fast speed of this drill, and I have never had any issues using it. I’ve had my drill for well over two years and love it. It’s very lightweight and has many drill bits that you can buy to turn your drill into whatever you want your nails to look like.”
12
Best Nail Drill for Natural Nails
Touch Beauty Nail File Electric 5-in-1 Manicure Pedicure Set
Pros
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Doesn't have a long lifespan
Labeled Amazon’s Choice, this portable, cordless set has it all. This nail drill offers five tip attachments and even a built-in UV light to set your polish.
Includes: Drill, bits, holder
Battery: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This product is easy to use and comes with several different heads for shaping.”
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13
Best Complete Kit Nail Drill
YaFex Electric Nail Drill Professional Portable
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Comes with nail clip
Cons
- Short battery life
This complete set includes a variety of attachments and buffing tips, plus a nail clipper for extensions. The nail drill itself has adjustable speed and rotation settings.
Includes: Drill, sanding bands, bits, nail clip
Battery: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Really easy for beginners to use, and the instructions it came with are truly helpful. I was able to use it on my feet without cutting myself, which I was really excited about. The fact that this isn’t connected to a big bulky machine makes it so much easier to maneuver. The cutter helps trim the fake nails really easily. You adjust the settings on the cord to however fast or slow you want the drill to operate.”
Pros
- No heat sparks
Cons
- Short battery life
This professional-grade drill hits all the right marks, thanks to its portable design, assortment of attachments, and buffing tips. It’s also designed to offer up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge.
Includes: Drill, sanding bands, bits
Battery: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Easy to read instructions. Easy to charge, change bits, and use. Fits well in my hands. Not too heavy. The bits that come with it work well and are of good quality.”
What are nail drills used for?
Before any nail polish or extension application, the nails must be prepped. Nail techs typically go in with a nail drill to “help remove, clean, and file the nails,” Seney says.
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What kind of drill do you use for nails?
An electric nail drill is typically used for nails. While buffers and nail files tend to deliver similar results, nail drills are less time-consuming.
Do nail drills damage nails?
Seney advises those who opt for at-home use to make sure they actually know how to operate the device properly. “If the person does not know how to properly use the nail drill, hold it properly, and understand the different speeds, nails can be damaged,” she says. Nail drills typically come with several attachment heads that vary in length, width, and functions, so understanding which heads to use for your manicures ensures a seamless (and worry-free) process. “You should also know how much pressure to apply to the drill.”
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE editors and contributors pored over reviews to find the best nail drills that are safe enough for at-home use and interview a celebrity nail artist for best practices.
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