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).

"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.

Related: The Best UV Lamps for Nails on Amazon That Dry Polish in Minutes

Makartt

Rechargeable Nail Drill

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Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (8)

Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (9)Whisper quiet
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (10)Rechargable
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (11)Features a limited number of drill bits

This stylish nail drill has a nearly perfect customer rating on Amazon. It lasts for up to eight hours per two-and-a-half 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: Six

Power source: Adapter

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this nail drill! It's super easy to use, and has a good amount of power! I bought the Makartt sanding bands to go with it and it works perfectly with my shellac polish and polygel!" —Amanda

Kiss

Kiss Power File x Nail Dryer

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Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (13)

Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (14)Two-in-one file and dryer
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (15)May be too advanced for beginners

Whether you decide to use this rechargable nail file with or without its cord, you can still use its 12 attachments to shape your nails to near perfection. And as an added bonus, the device also contains a built-in dryer for a quick finish once your polish and top coat are applied.

Number of attachments: 12

Power source: Battery

One satisfied customer writes: "I love my manicure kit. This will save you so much money. I use this item for manicure and pedicure. It's so convenient and you can use it privately in your home. I'm able to dry my nails and toenails which is the best part. The accessories are perfect for doing your own mani and pedi, and everything you need is included. I'm thinking about ordering one for my granddaughters, and I know they will love it too." —Cyn

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Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (18)Cordless
Cons
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (19)Required batteries not included

Here's a nail drill that not only includes a built-in stand but also happens to double as a UV dryer to cut down on polish drying time. Plus, its slender, upright design won't take up too much real estate on your countertop.

Number of attachments: Five

Power source: Battery

One satisfied customer writes: "This is everything I need to prepare my nails for polishing. I use it to take off the old polish, break off gel, acrylic nails, file and shape my nails, and sand off excess cuticles. Anyone who likes to do their nails regularly should definitely invest in and become familiar with a professional nail drill." —Danielle S.

Beurer

Professional Manicure and Pedicure Nail Drill Kit

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Pros
  • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (21)Features a built-in LED light for added visibility
Cons

    Amazon shoppers are raving about this versatile nail device, which has over 23,000 customer reviews and nearly a five-star rating. In addition to its 10 versatile attachments, this tool for manicures and pedicures rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise.

    Number of attachments: 10

    Power source: Adapter

    One satisfied customer writes: "I spent a great deal of time researching portable electric nail files. I wanted one that was simple to control during the filing process. After reading many reviews, I decided to purchase Beurer MP-62 filing machine. I am glad that I did." —Natasha

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    MelodySusie

    Electric Nail Drill Kit

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    Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (23)

    Now 13% Off

    Pros
    • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (24)Ergonomic
    • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (25)Easy to use
    Cons

      You'll get six metal manicure bits and a bevy of sanding bands with this precision nail kit, which features a single button for adjustable speed control button. As an added bonus, you can use it to buff and file acrylics, natural nails, or gel polish to perfection.

      Number of attachments: Seven

      Power source: USB

      One satisfied customer writes: "I loved this nail drill! I'm an amateur trying to learn to do my nails with polygel at home and this drill was the difference between love and hate with my end results." —JessicaRN

      Seamind

      Professional Manicure Pedicure Set

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      Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (27)

      Now 18% Off

      Pros
      • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (28)Cordless
      • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (29)Travel-friendly
      Cons

        All you'll need is a little cuticle oil and a few coats of polish after using this beloved cordless tool on your hands and feet. Plus, in addition to five attachment options, this easy drill also features five different speed settings for you to choose from and even a grinder for especially thick nails.

        Number of attachments: Five

        Power source: Battery

        One satisfied customer writes: "I purchased for my mother who is in her mid-80s and has some arthritis. I wanted to test it out first before I gave it as a gift so I bought two: one to test for myself first. It works great on nails and calluses. Easy to operate and a good value." —Kathy

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        Medicool

        TurboFile II Electric Filing System

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        Pros
        • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (31)Whisper quiet
        Cons
        • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (32)Bits not included

        Since this lightweight drill doesn't vibrate uncontrollably, you can file your natural or acrylic nails with an artist's precision—and seamlessly control the speed of the device so you don't go overboard on filing.

        Number of attachments: 0

        Power source: Adapter

        One satisfied customer writes: "Great for doing your own nails at home. Easy to use and speedy." —Lena S.

        Finishing Touch

        Flawless Salon Nails At-Home Manicure Tool Set

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        Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (34)

        Pros
        • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (35)Includes a built-in LED light for added visibility
        Cons
        • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (36)Limited drill bit options

        Here's a best-selling, ergonomic device from Finishing Touch that beauty shoppers swear by. It's nicely equipped with a built-in LED light and six attachments to remove cuticles, enhance nail shine, and more.

        Number of attachments: Six

        Power source: Adapter

        One satisfied customer writes: "Removed six week-old gel polish without damaging my toes. I absolutely love this device and highly recommend. It requires low maintenance, and I have charged it one time since purchasing about six months ago!" —Ashlee

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        AZ Gogo

        Portable Nail Drill Machine

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        Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (38)

        Pros
        • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (39)Long-lasting battery life
        Cons

          This pocket-friendly machine is the perfect size to keep in your carry-on. It even features a battery-level display that lets you know how much power is left (though it features a 480 hours runtime per charge).

          Number of attachments: Six

          Power source: Adapter

          One satisfied customer writes: "It only took me a couple of attempts to learn how to use this. Now I'm doing my own nails instead of paying a salon. Works great!" —SmileyMom

          Equate

          Equate Beauty Total Nail Care System

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          Pros
          • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (41)Under $20
          Cons
          • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (42)Doesn't include required batteries

          This budget-friendly drill comes with two shaping bits, a cuticle pusher, plus buffing and emery attachments for a flawless manicure. And as bonus, its stand features a built-in LED light to help cure your polish in a flash once you're done filing.

          Number of attachments: Five

          Power source: Battery

          One satisfied customer writes: "This is really awesome for the price and the fact that it has a built in LED light for spot curing gel nails is amazing. Bought it and brought it home today, used it, loved it. I love that you can store the tips in little hidden slots on the underside! You do have to push the tips firmly into place or else they'll fall out, but it's not a big deal. This works really well and nicely shaped and buffed my tips. You really can't beat it for the price. It's worth having!" —Nichole

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          TouchBeauty

          Nail File Electric 5-in-1 Manicure Pedicure Set with Stand

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          Pros
          • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (44)Versatile
          • Buff and Shape Like a Pro With These Expert-Level Nail Drills (45)Easy-to-use
          Cons

            This popular, rechargable drill includes a mini UV light nail dryer and handy storage stand that makes it a breeze to keep track of its shaping bits, and nicely available for under $20.

            Number of attachments: Five

            Power source: Battery

            One satisfied customer writes: "Giving myself a manicure is no problem—but pedicures are harder for me. This electric mani/pedi set is great. It makes it easier to do a pedicure on myself (and husband too)." —Liz

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