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Byrdie / Alli Waataja
How much attention have you paid to your nail file? For most people, the answer is "not much." Often, a nail file is considered a basic necessity, something stashed in your bathroom cabinet or handbag (which makes it impossible to find when you break a nail).
Take it from us: It may be worth investing at least a little bit more time into finding a good-quality nail file. Not all are created equal, and each type has pros and cons. To ensure your money is well spent, we conducted hours of research on the best nail files, evaluating each pair on grit, material, price, shape, and how our nails looked after use. After consulting with nail expert Brittney Boyce and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated nail files.
Best Overall
Deborah Lippmann Buffer Nail File
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Amazon
Great value
Adds shine to nails
Smooths out nails
Surface wears out quickly with frequent use
Type: 4-way multitasking microfiber buffer | Size: Large
Deborah Lippman is a coveted manicurist to the stars, so who better than to purchase a nail file from than her? This four-sided file has four different grits to do it all—shape, smooth, buff, and shine. (All four sides are made from a microfiber material that’s gentle on your tips.) Consider it a one-stop-shop nail tool that makes DIY manis easier than ever. Pro tip: If you’re going to paint your nails, skip the shine step.
Who It’s For
This option is perfect if you’re on the go. It has all the steps needed to give yourself a proper manicure in the comfort of your home, on the train, or between appointments.
Best Nail Artist Pick
Orly Black Board Medium 180 Grit
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Orlybeauty
Expert-loved
Files easily and quickly
Comes in a large pack
Durable
Not for gentle buffing
Type: Emery | Size: Large
Boyce calls this classic, inexpensive nail file “a workhorse that’s found in so many nail artists’ kits.” She adds that it can be used for both natural and gel nails, files quickly, and is super durable. To that end, it’s worth picking one up to keep at work... one in the car... you get the picture.
Who It’s For
If you rely on the word of experts, you’ll want to consider this nail file. It’s not just celebrity nail artists who appreciate this tool. One certified professional who reviewed the product gave it five stars.
Best Designer
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail File Set
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Nordstrom
Classic Hermès color
Set of 12
Made of wood from “sustainably managed forests”
Mini-sized nail files
Type: Emery board | Size: Small
If you’re looking for a designer purchase that’s not as big a commitment as a purse, look no further than this Hermès nail file. These mini files are made of poplar wood from sustainably managed forests and come in a set of 12. Each of the two sides work to buff and smooth but also shape nails.
Who It’s For
Ever struggle to find a gift for someone who seems to have everything? Well, they might not be expecting this luxurious nail file set. The files are packed in the brand’s iconic orange box, which is a gift in itself.
Best Pedicure Option
Olive & June Nail File
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Target
Contains a toenail-specific file
Two grit files for manicures, one file for pedicures
Long-lasting
Colorful
Coarse grit can be too abrasive for some
Type: Emery board | Size: Large
Get the full spa package with this nail file set. It comes with two nail files (a 100-grit option for removing gel polish and stickers and a 180-grit file for shaping nails) as well as a toenail-specific file. Plus, the pretty pastel colors bring happiness to the somewhat mundane chore—a win-win.
Who It’s For
This file set is perfect for someone who wants an at-home spa experience. With multiple textures and strengths, you can remove gel polish, shape your fingernails and toenails, and smooth them out.
Best Emery Board
Makartt Professional Nail File
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Amazon
Multipurpose
Easy to wash
Good value
Can be a little rough on nails
Type: Emery | Size: Large
An Amazon top pick, this nail file has both 100 and 180 grit, making it great for shaping nails and taking down length (and using it on toes, too). Each pack comes with 10—a total steal. And if you want to reuse them, they’re washable. Just be sure to only file nails in one direction to minimize the potential for peeling or splitting.
Who It’s For
Give this nail file to the person who appreciates reusable and quality products. It’s no wonder this tool has an almost five-star rating on Amazon. It’ll be in your nail kit for years with its double-sided grit and washable materials (rinse with soap and let it air dry before using it again!).
Best for Damaged Nails
Diamancel Flexible Nail File
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Amazon
Gentle on nails
Easy to wash
Super durable
Reviewers expressed disappointment for how it filed short nails
Type: Stone | Size: Large
Turns out that diamonds are both a girl’s and a nail’s best friend. Made with real diamonds, this file also has a fiberglass edge for easy handling. It’s specially made for brittle nails that are prone to breaking or splitting, so you don’t need to worry about causing more damage when you file. Bonus: It’s easily washable with just soap and water.
Who It’s For
Since diamonds are one of the most abrasive stones, using them as the material in a nail file is a no-brainer. If your nails constantly break, this luxe tool will help to restore them to their perfect shape. One reviewer mentioned that it’s their favorite file because it doesn’t cause additional splitting (and therefore peeling) to their nails.
Best for Acrylics
ASP Angle Board Nail File 100/180
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Sally Beauty
Works on natural and faux nails
Unique shape is easy to use
Long-lasting
Can be a little rough on natural nails
Type: Emery | Size: Large
A zebra board with two coarser grits is best for artificial tips, says Boyce. (FYI, you can also use the 180-side for natural nails but not the 100, which is too rough.) Neither grit gets worn down, and with a diamond shape that has two different shaped ends, it’s easy to file any shape nail and even reach the sides. And when the nail file is described as "durable," it’s true. One reviewer noted that they used this tool for 10 years before having to replace it.
Who It’s For
Acrylic aficionados should consider purchasing this durable nail file. Its nontraditional form works to achieve multiple shapes, whether oval, rounded, or square.
Best Glass
Révérence de Bastien The Glass Nail File
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Révérence de Bastien
Smooths nails
Gentle on nails
Includes a carrying case
You’ll need to reuse the case, as the file is glass and could break
Type: Glass | Size: Large
This one-time investment will keep your nails long and strong. The lightweight glass file smooths nails softly and gently and can be reused repeatedly (helping you get your money's worth). The file comes with a carrying case, which is important when it comes to storing the file. Since it's glass, it can break, so taking the extra step to put it away properly can keep your file in tip-top shape.
Who It’s For
This nail file is the ideal gift for the germaphobe in your life. Not only is the glass material a luxurious, aesthetically appealing choice, but it’s a more hygienic option, too (according to the brand), because the glass can be easily washed and reused.
Best for Travel
Nail Tek Crystal Nail File
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Nailtek
Fits in a clutch or pocket
Includes a carrying case
Durable
There can be a learning curve when using crystal nail files
Type: Crystal | Size: Small
Repeat after us: Thou shalt always pack a nail file when traveling. This one has earned a permanent home in our toiletry bag. Made of high-quality glass, it’s gentle on nails and comes in a mini size that doesn’t take up precious real estate. The fact that it comes in a cute pink case is just an extra bonus.
Who It’s For
If you’re always on the go—running errands, traveling the world, or attending classes—you’ll want to pack this travel-size nail file. You’re likely familiar with that nagging feeling when you break a nail and can’t get to your file fast enough—this mini version saves you the irritation.
Best Colorful
Tweezerman Neon Hot Files
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Amazon
Comes in fun neon colors
Works on natural and faux nails
Smooths and shapes nails
Can leave a faint powder residue
Type: Emery | Size: Large
If you want to keep it basic, you can’t go wrong with this three-pack of files. The dual-grit surfaces mean they work on natural and acrylic nails, and the neon hues make it easy to dig them out of any crowded bathroom drawer or makeup bag.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for products that boast quality and happiness, consider adding this tool to your mani kit. And if you want to take them on the go, they come with a plastic carrying case.
Best Electric
Bellasonic Electric Nail File Set
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Amazon
Rotary head for gentler filing
Shapes, smooths, and adds shine
Ideal for precise filing
Can be confusing to use at first
Type: Electric | Size: Medium
Make filing easier than ever with an electric file like this one. Unlike other brands, which feature a rotary head that spins in only one direction, this uses an oscillating option that moves back and forth. It makes for much less friction and, ultimately, gentler filing. Plus, this also comes with four different discs, with choices for shaping, buffing, smoothing, and shining nails. Given all the features, some reviewers say it can be confusing at first. But, after a few uses, they were able to get the hang of it.
Who It’s For
If you want to bring the spa to your home, consider adding this super luxe tool to your manicure repertoire. While manually shaping your nails is relatively simple, there’s just something lavish about the ease of an electric file.
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Amazon
Comes in a set of 10
Double-sided
Washable and reusable
Can be slightly abrasive
Type: Emery Board | Size: Large
Purchasing a value, budget-friendly option doesn’t mean you must skimp on integrity. These nail files—which come in a pack of 10—prove that statement to be true. For only $4, you’ll receive several long-lasting files that have two grits to achieve the best shape.
Who It’s For
Whether you’re hosting a mani-pedi night with your friends or want to stock up for future uses—this is the best nail file set for you. Another bonus: Even though you’re purchasing a set of 10, one goes a long way as they’re washable and reusable.
What to Look for in a Nail File
- Grit: In traditional files, this refers to how coarse or fine the texture is. “Nail files' grit ranges from 80 to 240. The higher the grit, the finer the file is,” explains Boyce. For gels or extensions, anywhere from 100 to 180 grit is a great choice; for natural nails, 180 is the minimum, she says.
- Type: There are classic emery boards, which are inexpensive and easy to stock up on when you just need to get the job done. If you want to make more of an investment, glass and crystal options are worthy of a splurge (not to mention the fact that they tend to be gentler, particularly if your nails are peeling or splitting). And if you’re rocking a gel or acrylic mani, you’ll, of course, need an entirely different file.
- Reusability: As we alluded to before, some nail files are reusable, whereas others are better reserved for one-time use only. The choice is entirely up to you, so if you're interested in sustainability, you can't go wrong with a file that can be used over and over again.
Why Trust Byrdie
Cullen Ormond is a frequent Byrdie freelancer and full-time content editor throughout the industry. She helped to ensure the nail file prices, colors, and materials were up to date (and even added in a few of her favorites!). This roundup was very important to her as someone who often carries a nail file in her purse.
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. Over the years, she has used plenty of nail files and considers them an integral part of her maintenance routine.
For this story, team Byrdie spoke with experts to inform their choices:
- Brittany Boyce, a celebrity nail artist and the founder of Nails of LA, has a decade of experience in the nail industry—with experience working on fashion campaigns and celebrity nails.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any nail files from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
