Beauty
Best Nail Drills 2026: 5 Compared
WriterPickly Editorial
Updated 2026-11-03
An electric nail drill, or e-file, can take gel and acrylic off far faster than a hand file, but the models on sale range from a $10 USB pen to a $220 salon tool. The differences that matter are top speed, whether it runs on a battery or a cord, and how many bits come with it.
Quick answer
The MelodySusie PC120I is the cheapest start at $9.99 on Amazon US on November 3, 2026, and the COSLUS C20 adds a battery for $19.99. The MelodySusie SC300F at $39.99 is listed for beginners and students, the Makartt Professional at $113.89 doubles as a desktop unit, and the Kiara Sky Beyond Pro at $220.00 is aimed at working nail technicians.
📋How we compared
We did not use these drills on nails ourselves. Comparing heat, vibration and filing speed fairly needs the same bits, the same nails and many sessions, which we cannot run. This comparison is built from the product titles and feature lists on the Amazon US listings, retrieved through the Amazon Creators API on November 3, 2026, and general knowledge of how electric nail files work. RPM figures, battery hours and every other statement are the sellers' own claims. Prices move often, so check the retailer.
💰 Cheapest way in: The MelodySusie PC120I is a USB-powered pen with adjustable speed up to 20,000 RPM, forward and reverse, and an inline control button. The listing aims it at gentle nail prep, cuticle smoothing and gel removal, and says to rest it after 20 minutes of continuous use.
Top picks ↓Related articles
1★ Best Pick💰 Cheapest way inMelodySusie PC120I USB Nail Drill
Check whether a USB adapter is in the box or if you need your own.
The MelodySusie PC120I is a USB-powered pen with adjustable speed up to 20,000 RPM, forward and reverse, and an inline control button. The listing aims it at gentle nail prep, cuticle smoothing and gel removal, and says to rest it after 20 minutes of continuous use. On Amazon US it was $9.99 on November 3, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Lowest price of the five
- ✓Forward and reverse for either hand, per the listing
- ✓Runs from USB, so there is no battery to wear out
Cons
- ✗Lowest top speed here at 20,000 RPM
- ✗Needs a USB power source while you work
2🔋 Cheapest cordlessCOSLUS C20 Cordless Nail Drill
Confirm the colour and the bit set shown on the listing before ordering.
The COSLUS C20 is a pen-shaped rechargeable drill listed at 0.2 lb, with adjustable speed, forward and reverse, six bits and sanding bands. The listing says it can be used while charging and mentions overload protection. On Amazon US it was $19.99 on November 3, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Cordless for about twice the PC120I price
- ✓Usable while charging, per the listing
- ✓Six bits and sanding bands included
Cons
- ✗The listing gives no top RPM or battery hours
- ✗Pen body has no display
3🎓 Best for learnersMelodySusie SC300F Clip-On Cordless Nail Drill
Several colours are listed separately; pick the one you want and check that the 56 bands are included.
The MelodySusie SC300F is a clip-on cordless drill with stepless speed up to 30,000 RPM, an LED display showing speed, direction and battery, and a 4000mAh battery listed at 8 to 12 hours. It comes with six bits and 56 sanding bands, and the listing positions it for beginners and nail students. On Amazon US it was $39.99 on November 3, 2026.
Pros
- ✓30,000 RPM ceiling with stepless control
- ✓LED display for speed and battery
- ✓56 sanding bands in the box
Cons
- ✗Uses a carbon brush motor rather than a brushless or coreless one
- ✗Clip-on body with a cable to the handpiece
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4🖥️ Desktop and portableMakartt Professional 35000RPM Nail Drill
Black and pink versions are listed at different prices; check the colour before ordering.
The Makartt Professional uses a 60W coreless motor up to 35,000 RPM and works cordless or on its charging base for desktop use. The listing gives up to 14 hours from a 2500mAh battery, an LCD showing RPM and battery, six bits, six sanding bands and an RPM guide for each task. On Amazon US it was $113.89 on November 3, 2026.
Pros
- ✓35,000 RPM from a 60W coreless motor
- ✓Charging base doubles as a desktop stand
- ✓Listing includes a speed guide per task
Cons
- ✗Costs about three times the SC300F
- ✗Only six sanding bands included
5💅 For working techsKiara Sky Beyond Pro Rechargeable Nail Drill
Check which finish you are buying and plan to clean it with alcohol rather than acetone, as the listing advises.
The Kiara Sky Beyond Pro is a cordless e-file with a 35,000 RPM motor, stepless speed and up to 10 hours of battery, per the listing. It is designed for standard e-file bits and comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. On Amazon US it was $220.00 on November 3, 2026, the highest price here.
Pros
- ✓35,000 RPM motor from an established nail brand
- ✓Works with standard e-file bits
- ✓1-year manufacturer warranty, per the listing
Cons
- ✗Highest price of the five
- ✗The listing does not say bits are included
Top speed and what you will use it for
Speed is listed in RPM. The MelodySusie PC120I goes up to 20,000 RPM, the SC300F to 30,000, and the Makartt and Kiara Sky to 35,000, according to their listings. The COSLUS C20 listing mentions adjustable speeds but gives no top figure.
Higher RPM matters mainly for removing acrylic and shortening extensions. The Makartt listing gives a useful guide: around 5,000 to 12,000 RPM for nail prep and gel removal, and above 25,000 RPM for acrylic removal. If you only take off gel polish at home, a lower top speed is usually enough.
Cord, battery or charging base
The PC120I plugs in over USB and has no battery. The COSLUS C20 is a cordless pen that can also be used while charging. The SC300F clips onto your waistband and is listed at 8 to 12 hours per charge from a 4000mAh battery.
The Makartt lists up to 14 hours from a 2500mAh battery and sits on a charging base for desktop use. The Kiara Sky lists up to 10 hours of cordless run time. Battery figures depend on speed, so treat them as the sellers' upper estimates.
Bits, care and who each one suits
The COSLUS C20, SC300F and Makartt all include six bits plus sanding bands, the SC300F with 56 bands. The PC120I listing mentions 3/32-inch bits, which is the common shank size. The Kiara Sky listing says it works with standard e-file bits you already own, but does not list bits in the box.
Kiara Sky also notes that its iridescent finish should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, not acetone. For any drill, start slow, keep the bit moving and let the motor rest when the listing asks: the PC120I listing says to rest it after 20 minutes of continuous use.
Frequently asked questions
How many RPM do I need for gel polish at home?▼
Cordless or plug-in?▼
Do the bits fit other drills?▼
Check the details of the products in this article
Comments & questions
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Still deciding? Ask the community your own question — Post a question on nattzy ↗
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