Best Fast-Drying Nail Lamp: 120W LED Nail Lamp Easkep Faster Nail Dryer

Let’s talk UV LED nail lamps!

These nail dryers are great for certain manicures/pedicures: UV gel, LED gel, acrylic gel, builder gel and hard gel extensions. In these reviews, we’ll note which dryers work best for certain nail treatments

One tip we learned when we surveyed our mom readers about nail lamps: make sure there isn’t any polish on your skin when you put your fingers in these dryers. That can cause burns.

Also: after you use one of these nail dryers, your nails may feel sticky . . . just use some rubbing alcohol to get rid of the residue.

UV LED nail lamps run the gamut, from small portable models with low wattage lamps to more full-feature lamps with higher wattage. The latter dry nails faster, as you might imagine.

That’s a key complaint we heard from do-it-yourself nail enthusiasts: some dryers just take too darn long!

For best fast-drying nail lamp, we’d recommend Easkep’s Faster Nail Dryer. This lamp has 120 watts of power—that is two times or more than others we researched.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to use—and fast!

• Perfect size for hand or foot.

• No dead zones. This lamp has more LED beads than others, which prevents dead zones.

• Base to rest hands on is comfortable.

• 4 timer settings.

What Needs Work

• Can get hot. The unit itself can heat up when in use.

• Cord could be longer.

Best Budget-Friendly Nail Lamp: SUNUV Gel Nail Light

This brand got the most mentions from our mom readers when we asked them for nail lamp recommendations—SUNUV makes a wide variety of good quality nail lamps in different sizes.

We liked this 48 watt unit for its overall performance, at a price that doesn’t break the bank. If you want to try out do-it-yourself manicures, this is an affordable lamp for newbies. 

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Sets polish well.

• Auto-on motion detector.

• Lightweight.

• Easy on the wallet.

• Works with UV gel and LED gel polishes.

• Good brand reputation.

What Needs Work

• 48 watts = longer drying time. 

• No countdown clock.

Best Nail Lamp + Polish Kit: Beetles 12 Colors Home DIY Gel Nail Polish Starter kit

We liked this bundle as a good bet for beginners or as a gift: this kit includes a nail lamp plus polish, top coats, nail tools (filer, buffer, tweezers), brushes and more. 

Yes, it is a bit pricey . . . but we liked the overall value, when you factor in all the supplies. The 48 watt nail lamp is well designed. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Good bang for the buck. Besides the basics (lamp, and polish), this kit includes tools like tweezers, clipper, separators and brushes, plus glitter, nail art designs and nail art decorations. 

• Beautiful colors. 12 colors included.

• Lamp works well.

• Easy to use.

• Good for beginners who don’t know where to start—this kit covers all the bases.

What Needs Work

• Nail polish bottles are rather small. 

Best Portable Nail Lamp: Oakitec Mini UV LED Nail Lamp

If you need to do your nails while traveling, a portable nail lamp is most helpful. After looking at several suggested by our readers, we think Oakitec’s Mini UV LED nail lamp is the best bet for most folks. Here’s why:

What We Liked

• USB powered.

• Folds compact. 

• Easy to throw in a bag or backpack. This lamp is just 5″ by 2.7″ wide—and less than an inch thick.

• Affordable.

• Compatible with most gel nail polishes.

What Needs Work

• 12 watts = long dry time. Some folks think this lamp is underpowered and we see their point—but we still think it works well as a portable solution.

• Small area can’t fit entire hand. The maker suggests during your thumb first and then drying your other fingers.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, surveying our readers for their favorites. Then we do additional work, comparing brands with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!