The best press-on nails fit well, look natural and allow you to experiment with different looks without harming your natural nails. Most options require a non-damaging glue that keeps nails in place but can be easily removed by soaking your fingertips in warm, soapy water. Over several weeks, our team tested versions from top nail brands, and we found Olive & June’s The Instant Mani Press-On Nails to be the best overall option. This beginner-friendly kit comes with 21 different nail sizes and detailed instructions, making the application process smooth and efficient. We also like the Glamnetic Press-On Nails, which have an extensive range of nail art designs to choose from.
The best press-on nails allow you to try different shapes, lengths and styles without requiring a ... More
These are the best press-on nails according to our testing.
- Best Press-On Nails Overall: Olive & June The Instant Mani
- Best Press-On Nail Designs: Glamnetic
- Best Drugstore Press-On Nails: Kiss Gel Fantasy
- Best Reusable Press-On Nails: Chillhouse Chill Tips
“The first thing you should look for is your preferred style and shape of nails,” says Tara Haye, a freelance nail artist based in NYC. “Then focus on size, fit and a good adhesive like nail glue or sticky tabs.” Once you find a style you want to try, you can shape your press-ons just as your natural nail using nail clippers and a file. When choosing the right length, consider your lifestyle and daily activities, as you want to ensure your nails don’t get in the way of everyday chores. Here are the best press-on nails, according to editor testing.
Regardless of your skill level, Olive & June’s press-on nails are an excellent option; they’re easy to apply, long lasting and look incredibly natural. Each mani kit includes 21 sizes for each hand, the most extensive size range of any brand we have tested. Thanks to this, during my testing I found it easy to find the right fit for each nail, and the application process was smooth. (If you’re new to press-on nails like I am, I suggest reading through the instruction manual before you begin.)
The Olive & June set lasted six days and looked natural and elegant.
The press-ons lasted for six days, and I didn’t experience any chips or visible wear, which is consistent with the experience of another tester. At the six-day mark, I switched out these nails for a different set I was testing, but I think they would have lasted for at least two more days had I not removed them. Beyond the extensive size range and durability, I thought the final look was polished and elegant.
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If you’re looking for a specific color or design, Glamnetic offers over 90 options ranging from solid colors to shimmery, novelty looks. Beyond the designs, these press-ons stand out for their durability and thickness. Our testers agreed that the nails felt thicker than other brands’, although applying them took a bit longer, as she had to hold them in place for longer to ensure they stuck properly. “Once applied, the press-ons felt sturdy and durable, with a thick quality that gave me confidence they would last," says one testers. "They also looked like I got Gel-X done at the salon—I don’t think anyone could tell they were press ons.”
The Glamnetic set felt strong and durable, and the nail thickness was impressive.
Both testers appreciated the durability of their Glamnetic set and noted that they didn’t experience any chips or signs of wearing down, despite being quite active throughout the week. One tester had a single nail pop off, but that was the only incident during the week-long test. Like the Olive & June set, this includes the nails (15 sizes for each hand), buffer and nail file, prep pad, wooden cuticle pusher and nail glue.
Kiss press-on nails are affordable and chic if you want to try press-ons for the first time and don’t want to spend much on a set. The nails have numbered indicators to match up to both hands, which is helpful for first-time users, and the glue was easy to work with and provided a strong hold. There are only 14 size options per hand, which is less than most other brands, but our testers were still able to find the right fit. “Kiss does have a good amount of larger nails for folks with bigger hands like myself,” says one tester.
The Kiss nails have an affordable price, fun designs and felt sturdy after application.
Both testers were happy with the durability of this set, with the nails lasting for a whole week despite everyday tasks like doing the dishes, making the bed and cooking. “I found these press-ons very comfortable and was really happy with them overall. I didn’t feel them start to lift and budge until about a week into wearing them, which is pretty good for press-ons,” says our tester. One thing to note: Certain styles might look more natural than others, as one wearer noted that her nails looked like press-ons rather than a gel manicure done at the salon.
Chillhouse nails are easy to apply (the whole process took about 15 to 20 minutes for both testers) and reapply as needed, making this a great choice if you are looking to reuse your press-ons. The box includes 24 nails (12 for each hand), a dual-sided buffer and file, wooden cuticle stick and gentle nail glue. If you have wider fingernails or just want more size options to find your best fit, it’s worth noting that Chillhouse offers the fewest amount of sizes. However, these nails are comfortable, natural and easy to cut and file down.
Our testers liked the length and shape of the Chillhouse Chill Tips.
Our testers liked the length and shape of the press-ons, although one of the designs started to wear off by the sixth day. This set lasted exactly one week and felt durable right out of the box. We did have to use a bit more glue than the directions suggested to get them to affix properly.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of nailcare stories, including those about the best nail polish brands, best fall nail colors and more.
- Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering beauty and lifestyle topics. She has over seven years of firsthand experience testing nail and makeup products.
- This story was assigned and produced by deputy editor Jane Sung, who leads the beauty and grooming category and has over two decades of experience reporting on makeup, skincare, wellness and more.
- Louie gathered key insight and guidance from NYC-based freelance nail artist Tara Haye.
Other Press-On Nails We Tested
We tested seven brands of press-on nails, and three didn’t make our final list. Here’s more on what we liked and didn’t like about them.
PaintLab Press-On Nails, from $10: Our two testers had differing experiences with the longevity of these nails. One tester said her PaintLab nails held firm until she manually removed them on day nine (the design on the tips did show obvious signs of wear), while our other tester said her nails started falling off on day three.
Dashing Diva Magic Press Premium, $12: These pre-painted, pre-glued nails are great for last-minute manis and short-term wear, but our tester doesn’t recommend them for long-term wear. The sticky backing has some bulk, which means they sit slightly off the nail, and she experienced some lifting at the cuticle.
Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicures, from $18: Unfortunately, the glue doesn’t dry clear like other brands we tested, so it doesn’t clean up well, is messy to use and leaves a chalky white finish everywhere. These nails also fell off after just four days.
How We Tested The Best Press-On Nails
While the nails’ design, shape and length are largely up to personal preference, we focused on ease of use, fit and wear longevity when evaluating the best press-on nails. Our testers began by reading the instructions that came with each set and then applying the nails, noting how user-friendly the process was and how long it took them. They also indicated whether each kit had everything they needed and whether the press-ons needed to be filed down or reshaped.
Our testers began by reading the instructions and noting how user-friendly the application process ... More
As everyone’s nails are different, each set should have a wide range of sizes. Our testers noted the number of nail sizes in each set and whether they had trouble finding a comfortable fit. Olive & June was the most size-inclusive brand, with an impressive 42 nails in each set.
Our testers put the press-ons through the rigors of daily life and evaluated how long each set lasted, whether the design faded and if there were chips or signs of visible wear. Through daily activities like cooking, cleaning, walking the dog and working out, our testers determined each set’s longevity and durability.
How To Pick The Best Press-On Nails
Although fit and performance are two of the most crucial factors, there are other factors to consider. After consulting with our experts, here’s what to look for when shopping for the best press-on nails.
Shape
Like salon manicures, you can choose a shape that best fits your needs and preferences. Common shapes include square, round, almond and oval. There’s no right or wrong shape, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different options and file the shape to your liking.
Length
Press-on nails come in several different lengths, ranging from short to long. When choosing the right length, consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you use your hands frequently—whether for cooking or typing on a computer—extra long nails might make those activities more difficult. Again, you can always cut your press-ons down with nail clippers and reshape the tips if you want to customize the length.
Design
Press-on nails come in many styles, from solid colors to more elaborate designs with glitter. Some sets also have embellishments like rhinestones, metallic accents and raised 3D shapes that can provide an unexpected texture to your nails. Glamnetic in particular has a wide variety of designs to choose from.
