The Best Electric Nail Files

An electric nail file, or an electric nail drill, can help speed up the nail grooming process. There is a learning curve to using them, but once you get the hang of it, you can repair broken nails or shape your nails in no time. When used correctly, you can safely use an electric nail file on your natural nails. They also work well on acrylic sets. If you're ready to purchase an electric nail file, here are five of the top ones available.

MelodySusie Portable Electric Nail Drill

Bring The Salon Home

This portable electric nail file is professional-grade, modestly-priced, and our overall favorite.
Best Overall

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Your nails will look amazing with the help of this electric nail file. It’s professional-grade, designed for use at home or in a salon setting. It comes with six different metal bits and six sanding bands. It’s also compatible with any other 3/32-inch shank bits. You can use this tool to grind, carve, cut, and polish your nails. It’s also perfect for removing cuticles. The motor is powerful enough to get the job done, but it’s still remarkably quiet. It features smart heat dissipation, so you can use it for up to twenty minutes before it’ll need to cool down. There’s a speed control button, allowing you to find the best speed to safely groom your nails. The MelodySusie electric nail file is lightweight and portable.

Pros

  • Comes with six bits and six sanding bands
  • Professional-grade construction
  • Quiet motor

Cons

  • The cord is a bit short (55 inches) so you may need an extension cord

Cadrim Portable Nail Drill Set, Electric Lightweight Nail File Kit with USB Cable

USB Powered Means Easy Charging

Since it's powered through a USB cable, this mini nail file is very portable.
Best USB-Powered

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If you don’t have a power outlet nearby, this USB powered electric nail file can come in handy. You can bring a laptop over and plug it in, or use an adapter and still plug it into the wall. It’s very portable. This drill is also lightweight, weighing only 1.78 ounces. It’s easy to hold onto. You can adjust the speed from 0-20000 RPM. There’s an adjustable speed switch so it’s easy to find the correct setting. In addition to the drill and charging cable, you will also receive six metal nail drill bits, five carbide bits, 31 sanding bands, and three dustproof covers to help keep it clean.

Pros

  • Very lightweight
  • Portable since it’s powered by a USB cable
  • Adjustable speed switch

Cons

  • Only one drill bit fits the sanding bands, so they won’t fit properly if you use the others

Makartt Nail Drill Electric Nail File Machine JD700

Hands And Foot Control

You can operate this powerful electric nail file with your hands or use the optional foot pedal.
Best with Foot Pedal

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Are you looking for a professional-grade electric nail file like you’d find in the salons? This one is a great home option, with several features you will love. The powerful motor goes up to 30000 RPM. Despite its strength, the motor is quiet and produces low vibrations. It’s been designed with ventilation to keep the handpiece from heating up. You can use your hand or foot to operate, whichever makes you feel more comfortable. You can hold this file with either your left or your right hand. It can fit any 3/32-inch bits and comes with three to get you started. This set also includes 30 sanding bands. There’s even a tutorial video to help you get started.

Pros

  • Comes with a foot pedal
  • Up to 30000 RPM
  • Great design to keep it from overheating

Cons

  • The included drill bits aren’t great, so you will likely need to purchase additional ones

Pure Enrichment PurePedi Deluxe 10-Piece At Home Electric Nail File Kit

Extremely Portable

Powered by 2 AA batteries, this electric nail file can be used just about anywhere.
Best Travel-Friendly

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If you want an electric nail file that you can use anywhere, check this one out. It runs on two AA batteries (that you will need to supply.) Since you don’t need to worry about the location of a power outlet, this is the perfect nail file for your travel bag. It comes with everything you need to touch up your nails in between salon visits or to do an entire manicure at home. There are eight interchangeable attachments made from sapphire coated metal. These bits will last a long time. There are two speed settings, high and low. The low is perfect for delicate areas like your cuticles and natural nails. The high speed works best for acrylic or gel nails, or to help smooth calluses. There’s a built-in LED light that helps brighten up your work area so you can see clearly.

Pros

  • Runs on batteries so it’s very portable
  • Good quality bits
  • LED light

Cons

  • Not very powerful

Fancii Professional Electric Nail File Set with Stand

A Wallet-Friendly Kit

If you're just getting started in the world of home manicures, this inexpensive set is the perfect choice.
Best Budget Option

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There are so many tools you can order to help improve your home salon experience. But, you don’t need to buy it all at once. If you’re just getting started, this set is a great option. In addition to the electric nail file, it has a built-in UV dryer to help cure your nails. The nail file is cordless and powered by two AAA batteries.  The motor is quiet but powerful enough to file, buff, shine, or shape your nails. It comes with five interchangeable heads that store securely in the stand. This nail drill has an ergonomic design so it’s comfortable to hold. The file is small, about the size of a pen. It’s easy to fit into a bag or purse for touch-ups on the go.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Good starter option
  • Quiet motor

Cons

  • You can’t use other drill bits with it, so you are limited to what is included

Frequently Asked Questions

What speed setting should I use on my electric nail file?

Most electric nail files have variable speeds. You can increase the speed as you see fit. It’s important to use slower speeds (less than 6,000 RPM) when working on your natural nail or cuticles. If you use a higher speed, you can cause damage. If you are working on acrylic or gel nails, you can use higher speeds.

How do I clean my electric nail file drill bits?

It’s essential to practice good hygiene and cleansing protocols in your home salon. Make it a point to regularly clean your drill bits, and to disinfect the file after each use. You can use a brush with soap and water to clean your metal bits or soak them in acetone for five or ten minutes. This will help remove any stuck on nail polish or other debris. However, acetone isn’t a disinfectant. So, you will then need to soak them in a liquid disinfectant to ensure it’s cleaned thoroughly. Consider your sanding bands single-use products, and discard them after use, since they aren’t made from a material that’s easily cleaned. After cleaning the drill and pieces, make sure you dry everything completely before using them again.

 

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