K, I gotta preface this with a very important disclaimer: Nail drills are legit professional tools that aren’t safe for at-home manis. That’s because electric nail files are super powerful—they’re not only strong enough to remove acrylics and gels, but also buff hard calluses, and even cut and shape the thickset of nails, so you really gotta know what you’re doing before you add one to your routine. But if you (1) work with regular clients, and (2) want to make your process a whole hell of a lot easier, you should absolutely consider trying one.
And since there are, like, eight million options on the market right now, I did you a solid by finding the nine best nail drills for every situation, including a pick that’s great for mani-pedis, a cordless one that’s worth the splurge, and even a gentle file that’s safe for natural nails. Shop ’em all, ahead, and prepare to never go back.
Alright, it’s definitely on the pricer side, but if you’re looking for a professional-grade nail drill that goes above and beyond, you can’t go wrong with this pick. It’s cordless, the battery lasts for up to 10 hours, it removes acrylics and gels with ease, and, best of all, it’s super quiet. Not sure how it works? Peep this easy-to-follow lesson from YouTuber Vee Nailedit.
The 35000 RPM speed on this nail drill means two things: It’s definitely not for newbs, and it’s also powerful enough to easily sharpen, grind, cut, buff, and remove gel, dip, and acrylic nails (shout out to its six attachments). If you’re working with a lot of clients, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by having this guy on your team.
If you’re new to the nail-drill game and not looking to drop a ton of cash, you’ll love this affordable pick. You aren’t sacrificing on quality either—it’s got an adjustable speed, quiet vibrations, and 11 bits that are great for prepping, finishing, and polishing nails. Plus, the sleek size makes it v easy to store.
Here’s the thing: If you’re using a nail drill on natural nails, you need to be extra careful. That’s where this pick comes in handy—it comes equipped with two speeds, the lower of which is gentle enough to treat natural nails and cuticles without damage. It even has a built-in LED light that makes it super easy to pay attention to delicate areas.
The fact that this nail drill comes with 10 customizable speeds makes it a great option for manicures and pedicures. You also get attachments that are excellent for buffing nails, smoothing calluses, and even removing excess cuticles. Oh, and did I mention the whole thing fits into a super convenient carrying case? Yuuup.
This professional-grade nail drill operates at a high speed, but don’t get it twisted: It’s still super quiet and smooth. Even though it’s not as compact as some of the other electric nail files on the market, it’s a reliable option that’s definitely worth making space for.
The coolest thing about this nail drill is that it comes with an oscillating head, meaning it moves back and forth (rather than spinning in one direction) for a smoother, more gentle approach. It also gives you a bit more control than the average e-file, making it a great pick for first-timers.
This might look like a boring ol’ nail drill, but I promise it’s so much more than that. Alongside five interchangeable heads for filing and buffing, it also comes with a built-in UV nail dryer to speed up your manicure process (which, score). The cordless design doesn’t hurt either.
Looking for a nail drill that’s small enough to bring on the go? This teeny design is great for last-minute nail appointments—and it definitely doesn’t skimp on power and ease (I’m talkin’ attachments on attachments). And, I mean, who doesn’t love rose gold?