Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (2025)

Although the 12 drill bits that come with this Gelish Electric Nail File may seem suited for more advanced nail artists, the tool overall is great for beginners. The straight-forward design features one speed, a built-in work light for better guidance, and a head that rotates in two directions.

Speed range: 0 - 14,000 rpm

Number of attachments: 12

Power source: Rechargeable battery

Customer review: "Great new addition to my mani/ pedi routine.. When I'm letting my nails get a rest from my usual gel nails at the salon, then I'm at home just pampering them. I always would use block buffers for the ridges and the cuticles. This little drill has saved me so much time! A huge plus is that it is cordless and rechargeable, oooh and it comes with so many bits and file bands. Gelish never disappoints, ever" — Dave Rudabaugh

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 bits and a handy case to carry it all. Features-wise, it's rechargeable, has three speeds, and low vibration for better control.

Speed range: 3,200 - 4,400 rpm

Number of attachments: 8

Power source: Rechargeable battery

Customer review: "For when I can't get to the nail tech this set worked wonderful. removed the gel and helped file down my nails so i could paint them and get few more days wear." —tb

The biggest difference between Fingerpaint's portable drill and others on this list is the battery life. The rechargeable tool will stay powered up, on a single charge for up to 4 hours. 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.

With a frame as slim and easy to grip as a pen, you'll master working this portable option pretty quickly. If you're unsure what to do with any of the 12 attachment heads that come with this electric nail file, check the brand's video tutorial for reference. Much like others on this list, each bit will take you from the gel removal to the buffing stage of a manicure.

Speed range: 15,000 rpm

Number of attachments: 12

Power source: Rechargeable/cordless

Customer review: "Purchased to help remove gel polish and dip nails. Does a good job for removing bulk of product. I also use the cuticle bits for dry manicure. Good for a beginner that isn't ready to splurge on a more pricey professional e-file." — BB.

This high-power drill is the electric file of choice for Nguyen. Not only is it a great starter drill for at-home manicurists, but it's compact and features a touch screen to change the spin direction of the drill. Unlike others on this list, Manipro's main purpose is filing so it doesn't come with different shaped drill bits, instead, there are 10 sanding bits included to file nails and remove polish.

Speed range: 0 to 30,000 rpm

Number of attachments: 10 x sanding bands

Power source: 110-240Volt with adapter

Customer review: "I LOVE this e-file. The digital display with the RPMs shown is so important to me and the only real reason I didn’t go with a ManiPro in the past. My clients don’t feel vibrations like they have with past files of mine. I also really appreciate how easy it is to transport. I travel for nails often and it is my best friend." — Lillian A.

Celebrity nail artist Chaun Legend recommends this Amazon-reviewer-loved rechargeable nail drill from Makartt for all skill levels. It offers six-bit options for smooth, even manicure prep and a battery that lasts for up to eight hours per two-and-a-half hour charge. Plus, it has a compact, cord-free design that makes it 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."

Tangled cords are a thing of the past with this cordless nail drill set from Beurer. It comes with ten versatile attachments that'll shape, file, and buff your nails without a trip to the salon. The 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: 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."

Thousands of Amazon reviewers agree this MelodySusie nail drill is one of the best portable options on the market. It's more powerful than most cordless options and can be plugged into any USB port–including a laptop or portable phone charger–for easy filing, shaping, and buffing on the go. The speed can be adjusted up to 20,000 rpms and switched easily between forward and reverse rotation for total control at every skill level.

Speed range: 0 to 20,000 rpm

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."

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."

Even those who prefer a natural look can benefit from a nail drill. This multifunction device from KISS features an electric nail file with polishing and shaping attachments, as well as a built-in dryer for your polish and top coat. Though not as powerful as a professional nail drill, it's still highly effective for at-home manicures.

Number of attachments: 12

Power source: rechargeable battery

Customer review: "Great bang for your buck. I think it would be absolutely perfect for someone just getting into doing their nails."

A nail drill can be a useful tool for removing old gel polish and overgrown nail extensions without adding to your salon bill. Once you get the hang of buffing and shaping your nails with this top-rated MelodySusie nail drill, you may start skipping your manicure appointments altogether. The cordless, battery-powered device clips right to your waistband, so there's no need to locate the nearest outlet until it's time for a charge.

Speed range: 0 to 30,000 rpm

Number of attachments: six

Power source: rechargeable battery

Customer review: "My salon charges $20 to remove gel nails and then another $40 to get a new gel manicure, so I wanted to take control of gel removal to save some money. This is a very powerful but beginner-friendly drill, and after [a few] uses, this will pay for itself!"

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."

• Chaun Legend is a celebrity nail artist and founder of the nail brand, 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.

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