Buying guide for best electric nail drills
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If you’re tired of shelling out for pricey manicures, investing in your own electric nail drill can help you achieve beautiful salon-quality nails whenever you want. An electric nail drill is used to file and shape natural nails as well as acrylics, gel manicures, dip powder nails and hard-gel extensions. Compared to a standard nail file, it’s faster and delivers smoother, cleaner results.
When searching for the right electric nail drill, you’ll need to decide how powerful you need it to be, what bits it should include, the type of cord you prefer and any other features that can help you achieve your desired look. It’s important to remember that electric nail drills are professional tools and can harm your natural nails or cuticles if not used properly. We recommend proceeding with caution if you’re a beginner, starting with a simple tool, such as the Coslus Cordless Nail Drill Electric File, on a lower and slower setting.
For those with a bit more experience, our favorite electric nail drill is the Hugmaplepro Professional Portable Nail Drill. It’s user-friendly, has a long battery life and features high-speed capabilities for use on even the toughest false nails.
Which is the best electric nail drill?
Hugmaplepro Professional Portable Nail Drill
Best of the Best
Product Specifications
Battery life: 8-10 hr | Speed settings: 5 | Power (wattage): 2.6 | Weight: 14.39 oz | RPM (revolutions per minute): 30,000
This rechargeable electric nail drill rises above the rest thanks to its portability, long battery life and quiet motor. It uses two lithium polymer batteries, which yield 8 to 10 hours of use when fully charged. Weighing just 14.39 ounces, this lightweight model is easy to carry and maneuver. Plus, the battery pack is separate from the nail drill, which makes for an even lighter and more ergonomic experience while using the device. For added comfort, cooling holes on the aluminum alloy handle and interface prevent your hands from getting too warm, and it has low vibration to minimize hand fatigue.
On the LCD display, you can monitor the speed of the drill, which goes from 0 to 30,000 rpm, and toggle between five speeds using the knob. There is also a button to change the direction of the rotation as well as a battery-life indicator. It comes with seven drill bits, which lock into place by twisting them clockwise. It includes a mandrel (with seven sanding bands), a large barrel, a small barrel, a cone bit, a needle head, a safety bit and a ball bit.
Overall, this electric nail drill is an excellent tool for both professionals and beginners. It is lightweight, portable and easy to use, yet it also has great speed and power settings.
Subay Electric Nail Drill
Product Specifications
Speed settings: Variable | Power (wattage): 1 | Weight: 7.37 oz | RPM (revolutions per minute): 20,000
For under $10, this compact electric nail drill accomplishes a lot. It stands out for its ergonomic design: it’s narrower than most nail drills, and it’s shaped like a pen to help you easily grip it. At 7.37 ounces, it is highly convenient for travel. The corded electric design connects via a USB cable (wall plug not included).
With a variable speed dial ranging from 0 to 20,000 rpm, this electric nail drill can be used on both natural and acrylic nails. It can be operated in forward and reverse directions. The copper motor runs with low vibration and a low noise level of under 40 decibels. An aluminum alloy casing allows for efficient heat dissipation, so the tool won’t feel hot in your hands. It includes six attachments: a mandrel (with 26 single-use sanding bands), a cone bit, a needle bit, a large barrel, a small barrel and a bullet bit.
If you’re looking for the most cost-efficient option, this electric nail drill fits the bill. Despite its low cost, it still offers ample functions and features, including an ergonomic design, variable speeds up to 20,000 rpm and six included attachments.
Makartt Nail Drill
Best for Professional Use
Product Specifications
Speed settings: Variable | Power (wattage): 35 | Weight: 3.43 lb | RPM (revolutions per minute): 30,000
If you have professional manicurist experience, you’re going to want the most powerful electric nail drill with all the bells and whistles that cater to every type of nail material and style — the mighty Makartt Nail Drill is exactly that. It comes with six drill bits, including a ceramic cone bit, a ceramic barrel ball bit, a mandrel (with 30 sanding bands), a mandrel bit, a safety bit and a needle head. These can be used to work on all nail types, including natural nails, acrylic nails, builder gel nails, nails with gel polish and dip powder nails. They’re also great for pedicures.
This precision tool powers on and off with a convenient foot pedal, so you can keep your hands free for other tasks. It has a variable speed knob, which adjusts between 0 and 30,000 rpm. There’s also a forward and reverse rotation switch, so left- and right-handed people can comfortably use the tool. And because it’s a corded model, you never have to worry about running out of power while you work.
Perfect for professionals or people with advanced knowledge of the craft of doing nails, this trusted tool is built for power, speed and variety. Thanks to its corded power source and foot pedal, it can be used continuously and comfortably for long days of manicure work.
Beurer MP62 Professional Nail Drill Kit
Best Attachments
Product Specifications
Speed settings: Variable | Power (wattage): 7.5 | Weight: 14.4 oz | RPM (revolutions per minute): 5,400
With 10 drill bits, a dust shield, an LED light and a carrying case, this electric nail drill stands out for its extensive features that can produce salon-quality nails at home. The corded electric device includes a coarse sapphire cone bit, sapphire cone bit, coarse-grain sapphire wheel bit, fine-grain sapphire wheel bit, felt cone bit, cylindrical cutter bit, flame-shape cutter bit, nail cutter bit, round sapphire cutter bit and single-use sandpaper bit with 10 sanding bands. The dust shield can be used with any of the attachments to keep the process more hygienic and control the dust. And an LED light helps you get an illuminated view of the nail area you’re working on.
One important thing to note is that the device operates between 2,000 and 5,400 rpm, which means it will be most effective on natural nails rather than acrylics. The variable speed buttons make it easy to adjust between those speeds, and you can toggle between forward and reverse rotations.
Overall, this device stands out for its useful features, attachment variety and portability. The ergonomic handle has a soft grip for extra comfort. Plus, all the supplies pack up neatly into the included carrying case, making it convenient for travel.
Coslus Cordless Nail Drill Electric File
Best for Beginners
Product Specifications
Battery life: 6 hr | Speed settings: 3 | Power (wattage): NA | Weight: 3.2 oz | RPM (revolutions per minute): 20,000
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly electric nail drill, this cordless device is an excellent choice. It offers three speed settings and can rotate forward or in reverse. At just 3.2 ounces, it is lightweight and highly portable, so it’s a great tool for use during travel. Unlike others, this model can be used without a cord, and it lasts up to six hours on a single charge. However, if you run out of power, you can also use it while it charges via a USB cable.
The kit includes six drill bits, which can be used on natural nails, acrylics or gel nails. They can also be used to smooth calluses and dead skin on your hands and feet. All of the speed and power settings are operated with buttons on the front of the pen-shaped device. Pressing on the power button for a couple of seconds turns the machine on or off, while a quick press pauses it. Double-click the power button to switch directions. Two arrow toggles help you move between higher and lower speeds. Meanwhile, indicator lights on the device show whether the bit is moving forward or in reverse, as well as the battery life.
Though it doesn’t have as many speed and power settings as some of its competitors, this electric nail drill has everything you need if you’re a beginner working on natural, acrylic or gel nails. Thanks to its small size and weight, it also makes a great tool to travel with.
How we analyzed the best electric nail drills
To find the best electric nail drills in every category, we pored over the details of more than 20 best-selling models. We paid close attention to details such as power, attachments, ease of use and portability. We read countless user reviews on each product to understand how they performed in real-life settings with both beginners and experienced nail technicians.
What is an electric nail drill?
An electric nail drill files and shapes natural and acrylic nails. It works much more quickly and smoothly than a standard nail file, so it’s an especially important tool for shaping and maintaining hard acrylics. It also works well for fixing cracks in acrylics, removing lifted acrylics, filing nails before applying gel or acrylic nails, buffing natural nails, fixing cuticles and smoothing calluses or hardened skin on your hands and feet.
Features to consider
Bit types
The first thing to consider when you’re looking for an electric nail drill is whether you’ll be using it on natural nails, acrylic nails or both. That’s because the type of nails determines what drill bits you should look for when you purchase a model. When you’re new to using a nail drill, it’s best to stick to a kit that contains just the basics so you don’t wind up paying for bits you won’t use. If you’re experienced at using a drill, you may want some specialized bits to tackle your particular manicure and pedicure needs.
The majority of electric nail drills use a standard bit size that measures 3/32 inches. Bits can be made from various materials. Carbide bits are durable and offer good heat dissipation, while diamond bits are sharp and long-lasting. Ceramic bits are also popular due to their ability to stay cool.
When selecting an electric nail drill, ensure it can accommodate different types of bits for various purposes such as grinding, shaping and polishing. This versatility is particularly important for professional use.
Power and speed
The speed of a nail drill is a critical factor. An electric nail drill’s power is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). Most models range from approximately 10,000 to 30,000 rpm, though nail drills usually offer multiple speed settings to allow you to customize the power for each task. If you plan to use the drill mainly on natural nails, a model that goes up to 15,000 rpm is usually sufficient. However, if you plan to use it for acrylic nails or both natural and acrylic nails, opt for a drill that can handle at least 20,000 rpm.
In general, the slowest speed setting on an electric nail drill should be used for natural nails and cuticles. The medium setting works well for smoothing out acrylics, while the highest speed is best for shortening acrylics.
Power is also measured in terms of torque. Higher torque means the drill can handle more pressure without stopping or slowing down, which is important for professional use.
Our top picks: Power and speed
- The Hugmaplepro Professional Portable Nail Drill can reach speeds up to 30,000 rpm, making it great for use on both natural nails (at lower speeds) and acrylic nails (at higher speeds).
- The Makartt Nail Drill is apt for professionals because it allows for variable speed changes between 0 to 30,000 rpm.
- At 20,000 rpm, the Coslus Cordless Nail Drill Electric File is still powerful enough to work on natural and acrylic nails.
- Small but mighty, the Subay Electric Nail Drill can reach speeds up to 20,000 rpm despite its compact size.
- Since it only reaches up to 5,400 rpm, the Beurer MP62 Professional Nail Drill Kit is best suited for use on natural nails. Its lower speed range is plenty for this task.
Power source and portability
Electric nail drills are available corded or cordless. A corded nail drill must be plugged into an outlet for operation, which may limit where you’re able to use it. However, you’ll get more power from a corded model, and you’ll never have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a manicure. Corded electric nail drills are usually lighter and more affordable, too.
A cordless electric nail drill doesn’t require an outlet for power, so you can use it almost anywhere. It usually runs on a rechargeable battery, which can run out when you’re in the middle of shaping your nails. Most models have a battery life of one to two hours, but you’ll usually need approximately two hours to fully recharge the battery when it runs out. For cordless models, check the battery life to ensure it’s suitable for your work or personal use without constant recharging. You’ll want to get at least two or more hours of use time per manicure. Some cordless models can also be used while charging, which makes battery life less of an issue.
Design and ergonomics
Lower-quality electric nail drills often vibrate quite a bit, making them uncomfortable to hold and difficult to use. Opt for a nail drill that’s designed to vibrate less so that you can use it more comfortably and minimize fatigue during extended use.
Weight is also important, as a lighter model (less than a pound) will be easier to handle, especially for intricate or lengthy nail work.
Some electric nail drills can also make a great deal of noise when turned on. Quieter drills are preferable for comfort, especially in a professional setting where you may be using the device for several hours.
Additional features
- Foot pedal: Some professional-grade models include a foot pedal, which makes the tool easier to operate and can enhance precision and control while you work.
- Direction control: The ability to switch between forward and reverse directions is useful for right- and left-handed users and for achieving the best angle on different nails.
- Dust shield: Some drills are equipped with a shield to keep the dust from flying in your face or getting the drill itself dirty. Other drills have a hand rest with a vacuum vent that sucks up dust from filing, which makes your manicures almost entirely dust-free.
- Accessories: The included drill bits are the most important accessories for your electric nail drill. Make sure you have bits suited to your nail type and the various tasks you want to perform, such as shaping, filing and cutting. Some electric nail drill kits may also include a manual nail file, nail clippers, cuticle nippers and nail brushes as part of a complete manicure package.
Our top picks: Additional features
- The Makartt Nail Drill is a professional-grade model that can be operated via a foot pedal. This hands-free operation helps improve precision and control.
- The Beurer MP62 Professional Nail Drill Kit offers the best drill bit attachment variety, with 10 attachments suitable for various tasks. There’s also a dust shield to help contain mess.
- The Hugmaplepro Professional Portable Nail Drill has an LED screen that easily shows the speed you’re operating at, between 0 and 30,000 rpm. It comes with seven drill bits that rotate both forward and reverse.
- Lightweight and packable, the Subay Electric Nail Drill is great for on-the-go use. It fits neatly into a carrying case alongside the six included drill bits.
- Like all our favorite models, the Coslus Cordless Nail Drill Electric File operates in forward and reverse directions, but this model stands out because it can be used cordless or while charging.
FAQ
Q. Is an electric nail drill safe to use at home?
A. Even if you’re not a professional, you can usually safely operate an electric nail drill at home. Be sure to read all the safety instructions that are included with your drill, though, and take any necessary precautions. When you’re just learning to use the drill, start with slower speeds until you get the hang of controlling the tool. Go especially slowly if you’re using the drill to file natural nails, which are more delicate than acrylic or gel nails. Be sure to tie back your hair and avoid loose clothing.
Q. How do I clean an electric nail drill?
A. Remove any dust or dirt from the surface of your nail drill with a brush or can of compressed air. Most drill bodies shouldn’t be submerged in water, so don’t try to clean your drill by soaking it. To disinfect the drill bits, scrub them with soapy water and then soak them for about 20 minutes in a disinfecting solution that’s safe for metal tools. Allow the bits to dry thoroughly and then store them in a covered container until it’s time to use them.
Our expertise
As BestReviews’ Content Editor focusing on Beauty and Personal Care, Talia Ergas brings well over a decade of lifestyle journalism experience to her work. She has specialized in the beauty category for eight years, and she has tested countless products in every corner of the beauty space from skin care to makeup to hair care to nails.
Talia refuses to be seen in public without a flawless manicure, so she has plenty of experience with electric nail drills, both as a frequent nail salon customer and from dabbling with at-home use. To identify the best five models, she pored over the details of more than 20 top-selling electric nail drills, paying close attention to detailed customer reviews.
