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The 13 Best Nail Drills for Expert-Level Buffing and Shaping

High-powered salon tools for professional precision

Headshot of Harper's Bazaar StaffBy Harper's Bazaar Staff
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Image courtesy of Launchmetrics

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

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

  • Kiss Power File x Nail Dryer

    Kiss

    Kiss Power File x Nail Dryer

    $16 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Rechargeable Nail Drill

    Makartt

    Rechargeable Nail Drill

    Read more
  • Professional Electric Manicure and Pedicure Nail File Set with Stand

    Fancii

    Professional Electric Manicure and Pedicure Nail File Set with Stand

    Read more
  • Professional Nail Drill Machine

    Karite

    Professional Nail Drill Machine

    Read more
  • Professional Manicure and Pedicure Nail Drill Kit

    Beurer

    Professional Manicure and Pedicure Nail Drill Kit

    Read more

"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 a jack-of-all-trades tools, 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


Kiss

Kiss Power File x Nail Dryer

On Sale
Kiss Power File x Nail Dryer
Now 47% Off
$16 at Amazon$17 at Walmart
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Two-in-one file and dryer
Cons

    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.

    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

    Number of attachments:12
    Power source:Battery
    Makartt

    Rechargeable Nail Drill

    On Sale
    Rechargeable Nail Drill
    Now 20% Off
    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Whisper quiet
    Cons

      This stylish nail drill has a nearly perfect customer rating on Amazon. It also lasts for up to eight hours per two and a half hour-charge, with six bit options for a smooth, even manicure.

      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

      Number of attachments6
      Power sourceCharger
      Fancii

      Professional Electric Manicure and Pedicure Nail File Set with Stand

      Professional Electric Manicure and Pedicure Nail File Set with Stand
      Pros
      • Cordless
      Cons
      • Required batteries not included

      Snag a rare 44 percent off on this cordless drill set at Amazon. It includes a built-in stand that nicely doubles as a UV dryer to cut down on polish drying time.

      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. I don't have to use harsh chemicals that can ultimately damage and dry out my skin to remove polish—this just takes care of everything!" —Danielle S.

      Number of attachments 5
      Power sourceBattery
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      Karite

      Professional Nail Drill Machine

      Professional Nail Drill Machine
      Credit: Amazon
      Pros
      • Long-lasting battery life
      Cons

        This LCD machine is especially ideal for shaping acrylics. In addition a built-in file, the tool also comes with 13 interchangeable drill bits and 30 sanding bands to give your nails a salon-worthy look.

        One satisfied customer writes: "I love this drill! It is actually really affordable for how amazing it is. What first caught my eye is that the pen part is thinner than most making it much easier to hold! It does not get hot and is very quiet! You can change both its speed and direction. And the best thing is that the drill doesn't have to be plugged into the wall when you're using it! Best nail purchase i've made in a while." —Riley P.

        Number of attachments13
        Power sourceBattery
        Beurer

        Professional Manicure and Pedicure Nail Drill Kit

        Professional Manicure and Pedicure Nail Drill Kit
        Credit: Amazon
        Pros
        • Features a built-in LED light for added visibility
        Cons

          Amazon shoppers are raving about this versatile nail device, which has over 20,000 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.

          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. It's very easy to control when filing down very thick toenails, which is the reason I needed an electric nail file. Its light weight makes the filing process very comfortable. I strongly recommend the MP-62 for anyone without a lot of nail filing experience." —Natasha

          Number of attachments10
          Power sourceCordless
          MelodySusie

          Electric Nail Drill Kit

          On Sale
          Electric Nail Drill Kit
          Now 24% Off
          Credit: Amazon
          Pros
          • Ergonomic
          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.

            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. Unfortunately I forgot to take after photos. I had heard MelodySusie mentioned positively in a few polygel tutorials I watched which is why I purchased it. And so happy I did. Way better the old drills I've had." —JessicaRN

            Number of attachments7
            Power sourceUSB
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            BTArtbox

            Nail Drill

            Nail Drill
            Credit: Amazon

            This compact tool isn't just nice to look at: It's also ideal for shaping uneven nails, smoothing rough cuticles, or removing hard gel and acrylics, since it includes a range of speeds and stainless steel bit options that make it totally customizable.

            One satisfied customer writes: "I really like this drill! I do my own nails at home and the drill I had previous to this wasn't powerful enough to remove my acrylics. I have no issues with this one, gets the job done quickly and efficiently and looks nice too!" —Grace R.

            Number of attachments6
            Power sourceAdapter
            Medicool

            TurboFile II Electric Filing System

            TurboFile II Electric Filing System
            Credit: Sally Beauty
            Pros
            • Whisper quiet
            Cons
            • 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.

            One satisfied customer writes:

            "Great for doing your own nails at home. Easy to use and speedy." —Lena S.

            Number of attachments0
            Power sourceAdapter
            Seamind

            Professional Manicure Pedicure Set

            On Sale
            Professional Manicure Pedicure Set
            Pros
            • Cordless
            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.

              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

              Number of attachments5
              Power sourceBattery
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              Finishing Touch

              Flawless Salon Nails At-Home Manicure Tool Set

              On Sale
              Flawless Salon Nails At-Home Manicure Tool Set
              Pros
              • Includes a built-in LED light for added visibility
              Cons

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

                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! Such an awesome gadget, must-have and it will blow your mind with its accuracy...especially if you know how to do nails. I don't know how I've been living without this prior to buying!" —Ashlee

                Number of attachments6
                Power sourceCordless
                AZ Gogo

                Portable Nail Drill Machine

                On Sale
                Portable Nail Drill Machine
                Credit: Amazon
                Pros
                • 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 (although it features up to 480 hours of runtime per charge).

                  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

                  Number of attachments6
                  Power sourceAdapter
                  Equate

                  Beauty Total Nail Care System

                  Beauty Total Nail Care System
                  Credit: Walmart
                  Pros
                  • Under $20
                  Cons
                  • 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 an added bonus, its stand features a built-in LED light to help cure your polish in a flash once you're done filing.

                  Verified customer review

                  "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

                  Number of attachments5
                  Power sourceBattery
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                  TouchBeauty

                  Nail File Electric 5in1 Manicure Pedicure Set with Stand

                  Nail File Electric 5in1 Manicure Pedicure Set with Stand
                  Pros
                  • Versatile
                  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 happens to be 53 percent off right now.

                    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

                    Number of attachments5
                    Power sourceBattery

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                    best nail drills in 2023

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