Best Nail Files & Buffers of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Nail files and buffers are essential tools for achieving a perfect manicure. These small, handheld tools are used to shape, smooth, and buff the surface of the nails. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures to suit different nail types and preferences. Nail files can be made from materials such as glass, metal, or emery board, while buffers are typically made from foam or sponge. With the right nail file and buffer, you can achieve a smooth, polished finish that will make your nails look beautiful and healthy.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

10 PCS Professional Nail Files for Home and Salon Cover #TOP 1
10 PCS Professional Nail Files for Home and Salon
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Manicare 4 Way Nail Buffing Block for Shine Cover #TOP 2
Manicare 4 Way Nail Buffing Block for Shine
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Manicare Curved Nail Files for DIY Manicure Cover #TOP 3
Manicare Curved Nail Files for DIY Manicure
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Nail Files & Buffers

#TOP 1

10 PCS Professional Nail Files for Home and Salon

Half moon 100/180
Purple
10 PCS Professional Nail Files for Home and Salon Cover
10 PCS Professional Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board(100/180 Grit) Nail Styling Tools Pet Grooming Tools for Home and Salon Use

The CANVALITE Nail Files are essential tools for anyone looking to achieve professional nail care at home or in a salon. With a size of 17.7 x 2 x 0.4 cm, these files come in a pack of ten, allowing you to effortlessly trim or shape acrylic nails to your desired length and style. They are also effective for removing nail gel from extended or fake nails, making them versatile. Made from premium quality materials, they are quick and easy to clean, ensuring hygiene and convenience for every use.

What We Like
Quickly shapes nails
Water-resistant and easy to clean
Versatile for nails and pets
Great for home and salon use
Perfect gift for nail art lovers
#TOP 2

Manicare 4 Way Nail Buffing Block for Shine

10G11294
Multi
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Manicare 4 Way Nail Buffing Block for Shine Cover
Manicare 4 Way Nail Buffing Block, Multicolor

The Manicare Nail Buffing Block offers an easy way to achieve a stunning high gloss shine on your nails. It features four simple steps that guide you through the buffing process, making it accessible for everyone. The block effectively removes ridges, leaving your nails looking smooth and polished. Additionally, it adds shine, enhancing the overall appearance of your nails and boosting your confidence. With this handy tool, you can enjoy beautifully buffed nails in no time.

What We Like
Instant high gloss shine
Four easy steps
Removes ridges
Adds shine
#TOP 3

Manicare Curved Nail Files for DIY Manicure

10G11284
Black
2 Nail Files
Manicare Curved Nail Files for DIY Manicure Cover
Manicare 2 Pack Curved Nail Files, Boomerang Shape For Ease of Use, Black Emery Boards, Natural And Artificial Nails, Double Sided Medium Grit, For At Home DIY Salon Professional Manicure Or Pedicure

The Manicare Nail Files come in a convenient pack of two, perfect for achieving a salon-quality manicure at home. Their curved, boomerang shape makes them easy to handle, allowing you to gently shape your nails into your desired style. You’ll find that these double-sided medium grit emery boards work well with both natural and artificial nails. Always remember to file in one direction for the best results, making your at-home manicure or pedicure simple and effective.

What We Like
Perfect for home manicures
Curved shape for easy use
Suitable for natural and artificial nails
Double-sided for versatile filing
#TOP 4

Elegant Touch Professional Emery Boards for Nail Care

OA4030070
Other
2 Count (Pack of 1)
Elegant Touch Professional Emery Boards for Nail Care Cover
Elegant Touch Essential Implements Professional Emery Boards

The Elegant Touch Emery Boards are essential tools for your nail care routine. Designed for professional use, these emery boards feature a tough grit that effectively shapes and smooths your nails. You’ll find that this durability makes nail care easier, providing you with a salon-quality finish at home. With their focus on nail health, you can achieve well-groomed nails that look and feel great. Elevate your nail care experience with these reliable implements from Elegant Touch.

What We Like
Professional quality
Tough grit for effective shaping
Enhances nail care
Convenient for home use
Durable design
#TOP 5

12PCS Double Sided Nail Files by BREEZO

UK-NAIL
Gray
12PCS Double Sided Nail Files by BREEZO Cover
12PCS Professional Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board 100/180 Grit Washable Nail Files, Fingernail Buffering Files Manicure Tools Nail Styling Tools Pet Grooming Tools

The BREEZO Nail Files are crafted from environmentally friendly wood, ensuring a comfortable nail care experience. Their ultra-thin design makes them lightweight and easy to handle, allowing you to achieve results quickly with minimal pressure. Featuring double-sided emery boards, these files offer a rough 100 grit for efficiently removing nail gel, and a 180 grit that is perfect for shaping the edges of natural nails. Additionally, they are washable, making them simple to clean and maintain for repeated use.

What We Like
Environmentally friendly materials
Lightweight and easy to use
Double-sided for versatile use
Washable and reusable
#TOP 6

Metagio 10 Pcs White Nail Buffer Blocks

$({@:)@6011
White
Metagio 10 Pcs White Nail Buffer Blocks Cover
metagio 10 Pcs White Nail Buffer Block, White Buffer Sanding Block Professional Salon Nail Buffer Block, Nail Art Tips Tool Finger Manicure Pedicure Tools for Home and Salon Use (95*25*25MM, White)

The Metagio Nail Buffer Blocks are designed for both home and salon use, ensuring that your nails receive professional care. Made from durable and safe materials, these blocks offer excellent elasticity and grit for fine sanding, giving you a wonderful nail art experience. Their lightweight and compact design makes them easy to carry, allowing you to fix chipped nails anytime, anywhere. Additionally, they are suitable for all types of nails, whether acrylic, gel, or natural, making them an essential addition to your manicure kit.

What We Like
Durable quality material
Professional design for easy use
Lightweight and portable
Suitable for all nail types
Comes in a pack of 10
#TOP 7

Rnitle 5 Pack Double Sided Nail Files

R-Nail-Files-211231
Black
1.Noir
Rnitle 5 Pack Double Sided Nail Files Cover
Rnitle Professional Nail Files,5 Pack Double Sided Emery Board for Natural Nails,Styling & Pet Grooming - Home & Salon Use,for Acrylic and Gel Nails(100/180 Grit)

The Rnitle Nail Files are excellent tools for anyone looking to achieve perfect nails. They are designed to file nails effectively before treatments or extensions, making your manicure routine easier. Their strong and durable construction ensures they won't break or bend, providing long-lasting use. With double-sided grit, you can shape your nails with the 100 grit side and refine them with the 180 grit side for a polished finish. Additionally, these files are washable, allowing for easy cleaning after use and ensuring hygiene during your nail care regimen.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Double-sided for versatile use
Washable for easy cleaning
Great for nail art enthusiasts
#TOP 8

12 Pcs Double Sided Nail Files Set

12pcs
Grey
12 Pcs Double Sided Nail Files Set Cover
12 Pcs Nail Files Double Sided 100/180 Grit Half Moon Professional Nail File Washable Emery Board Nail Shaping Manicure Nail Styling Tools Pet Grooming Tools - Professional Salon & Home Use

The Sasha Nail Files offer a versatile solution for your nail care needs. With 12 double-sided files, you can choose between 100-grit for shaping and 180-grit for smoothing, ensuring your nails look pristine. The durable emery board material guarantees long-lasting use, whether at home or in a professional salon. Their ergonomic half-moon design provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to shape and style your nails with precision. Additionally, these files are washable and reusable, making maintenance a breeze and promoting eco-friendliness.

What We Like
Versatile for nails and pets
Durable emery board material
Comfortable ergonomic design
Washable and reusable
#TOP 9

Smukdoo 12PCS Professional Nail Files Set

File-12
Black
File-12
Smukdoo 12PCS Professional Nail Files Set Cover
Smukdoo Nail Files Set,12PCS Professional Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board,Fingernal Buffing Files for Home,100/180 Grit

The Smukdoo Nail Files offer a complete set of 12 professional-grade files, perfect for all your nail care needs. Made from high-quality materials, these durable files feature a double-sided emery board with a round end, ensuring ease of use. You can easily shape your nails to your desired look, whether at home or in a salon. Additionally, the washable design allows for simple cleaning, keeping your tools hygienic and ready for use whenever you need them.

What We Like
Durable and sturdy materials
Easy to shape nails
Washable for easy cleaning
Suitable for home and salon use
Great value with 12 pieces
#TOP 10

URAQT 16PCS Professional Nail Files Set

U4-ZY82C-U19121806-FBA
A-white
URAQT 16PCS Professional Nail Files Set Cover
URAQT 16PCS Professional Nail Files, 100/180 Grit Double-Sided Emery Board, Professional Nail File Set Curved Fingernail Files for Nail Grooming and Styling,Hairdressing Salon, Pets (White)

The URAQT Nail File Set includes professional-grade tools designed for both nail grooming and styling. With a 100/180 double-sided grit, you can easily shape and polish your nails without causing damage. The comfortable semi-circular design ensures ease of use, making it ideal for both home and salon applications. Additionally, these durable and washable emery boards enable you to maintain your nails effectively over time, ensuring they remain in perfect condition.

What We Like
Double-sided grit for versatility
Comfortable semi-circular design
Durable and washable materials
Multi-purpose for various uses
Great gift for nail enthusiasts
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are nail files and buffers the same?

Nail files are used for grinding down long or broken nails whereas nail buffers are best designed for polishing the surface of your nails and cuticles. Nail buffers are more commonly used over the flat front of the nail rather than to trim down the point.

2. What's the difference between buffing and filing nails?

Nail buffers have numbers too, just like files, however, they are made with sponge which makes them more delicate and softer than a hard file. Use buffers to bring the shine to acrylic or natural nails. To make acrylic nails shiny start with the lowest number of your buffer and work towards the highest one.

Editor's Notes

During our nail files & buffer research, we found 306 nail files & buffer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 233,989 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nail files & buffers list. We found that most customers choose nail files & buffers with an average price of £3.47.

The nail files & buffers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nail files & buffers, including CANVALITE, Manicare, Elegant Touch, BREEZO, metagio. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 203 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.