Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (2024)

When using a trusty file on rough calluses or stubborn chips of gel polish isn't quite enough to leave nails with a clean finish, the best nail drills are key to take your hand and foot maintenance game to the next level.

Many of these professional-level tools are also ergonomically designed, making drills easy to manage—even for beginners—to achieve expert nail precision from the comfort of home. Since these drills pack a lot of power and intensity depending on your chosen device, manicure bit, and speed setting, we recommend proceeding with caution to avoid injury if you're not experienced (think: low and slow).

Shop the Best Nail Drills

"I used to be a little nervous about using these high-powered tools at home, but a little practice and a few viral TikTok videos later, I'm almost a pro," associate beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson says of the coveted devices. Electric, salon-quality drills—or electric nail files—are jack-of-all-trades devices, featuring a range of interchangeable heads designed to file, buff, and polish your natural or acrylic nails.

To help round out your list of at-home beauty favorites and test the following for yourself, we've pulled together some of the best nail drills beauty shoppers across the internet are giving their top marks.

Best Overall

Makartt Rechargeable Nail Drill

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Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (8)Reviewers say it's quiet compared to other nail drills
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (9)Rechargeable battery lasts up to 8 hours
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (10)Only comes with 5 bit attachments

If you're serious about your at-home nail extensions, treat yourself to this Amazon-reviewer-loved rechargeable nail drill from Makartt. It lasts for up to eight hours per two-and-a-half hour charge, with six-bit options for smooth, even manicure prep. And since it easily packs away in a purse or carry-on, it's perfect to keep on hand, just in case.

Number of attachments: 5

Power source: 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."

Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (12)Built-in LED light provides added visibility
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (13)Comes with a versatile range of attachments
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (14)Reviewers say it's not as powerful as professional devices

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 compact, handheld design makes it easy to switch between speed settings and rotation directions too.

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."

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Best Professional Nail Drill

Luraco Pro-35K Nail Drill

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Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (16)Suitable for professional nail techs
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (17)Auto shut-off feature helps conserve battery
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (18)Nail drill bits must be purchased separately

This manicurist-approved Luraco Pro-35K nail drill is just as powerful as the devices you'd find at a salon, though the same can't be said about most at-home nail drills. Whether you're filing your own nails or those of a client, you'll be glad you splurged on the added power and control. The compact, portable nail tool features multiple speed settings as well as forward and reverse control and a long-lasting battery that won't die mid-session.

Number of attachments: 0

Power source: Rechargeable battery

Customer review: "Perfect for professional manicurists and pedicurists. This drill delivers smooth and consistent performance under long use. The motor is quiet and vibration-free, very comfortable for both the user and the client when operating."

Best for Pedicures

Medicool Pedinova Nail Drill Machine

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Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (20)Comes with 12 different attachments
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (21)Suitable for diabetic foot care
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (22)Not cordless

Designed with toenails in mind, this Medicool Pedinova device will help you achieve a salon-level pedicure at home. It comes with twelve different attachments to trim and shape your nails and buff away cuticles and callouses, making it easy to do at-home manicures with the same device. The powerful 20,000 RPM motor can be used at variable speeds for complete control through every step of the process.

Number of attachments: 14

Power source: Electric

Customer review: "Thick toenails? [This takes] care of them in 5 minutes, thins them, and makes them look better—and shoes are more comfortable. Comes with many attachments and one that removes dead skin off heels and calluses. Wish I would have bought this a long time ago."

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Best for Beginners

Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails Kit

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Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (25)Built-in LED light for improved visibility
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (26)Compact design is easy to store and transport
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (27)Reviewers say it isn't as powerful as professional devices

This bestselling ergonomic device from Finishing Touch is one beauty shoppers swear by for at-home use. The compact device comes equipped with a built-in LED light and six attachments to remove cuticles, enhance nail shine, shape nail extensions, and more.

Number of attachments: 6

Power source: Battery

Customer review: "When I don’t feel like getting a full-blown manicure, I use it to file, buff or trace around the cuticle, and it feels and looks like I’ve had a professional manicure."

Best Portable Nail Drill

MelodySusie PC120I Multifunctional Nail Drill Kit

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Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (29)

Now 10% Off

Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (30)Amazon reviewer favorite
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (31)A great choice for beginners
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (32)Gets hot after continuous use

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 (even 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.

Number of attachments: 6

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."

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Best for Gel Nails

TOUCHBeauty Electric Nail File Drill Set

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Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (34)Stand features a built-in LED light and nail drill bit storage
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (35)Beginner-friendly
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (36)Does not have a reverse function
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (37)Does not come with batteries

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.

Number of attachments: 10

Power source: 2 AAA batteries (not included)

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."

Do nail drills damage nails?

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Used improperly, nail drills can lead to nail damage, but with the right technique they can help you maintain long, strong nails.

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Looking for more nail inspiration and product reccomendations?

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  • The 13 Best Nail Polish Top Coats For a Shiny, Strong Manicure
  • The 15 Best Nail Polish Brands to Always Keep in Rotation

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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Sarah Maberry

Fashion and Luxury Commerce Editor

Sarah Maberry is a fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level, helping readers determine what's worth buying. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.

Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (2024)

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