After putting in the time and effort to create your favorite nail art, the last thing you want is to smear or smudge it accidentally or sit still for ages waiting for the polish to dry.
A nail dryer is a tool that eliminates such agonies. It offers the most efficient way to dry those perfectly-done nails using its LED or UV lamp.
This natural nail-drying solution also saves you a lot of waiting time, something professionals will especially appreciate.
Our nail dryer review will help you pick the best tool for fast, safe, and efficient results.
In this post:
- 10 Best Nail Dryers – Review
- 1. MiroPure UV LED Lamp – Best Overall Nail Dryer
- 2. Kedsum Nail Lamp – Best Budget Nail Dryer
- 3. Makartt B00QV035SM – Best Dryer for Regular Nail Polish
- 4. LKE B07G31SQZ7 – Best Compact Nail Dryer
- 5. SunUV SUN9C – Best Professional Nail Dryer
- 6. MelodySusie Nail Lamp – Energy-saving Nail Dryer
- 7. SunUV SUN6 – Nair Dryer with Fast Curing Speed
- 8. MelodySusie 71-7112-013 – Nail Dryer for All Gel Types
- 9. MelodySusie UV Gel Lamp – High-performance Nail Dryer
- 10. Liberex RN541 – Nail Dryer for Uniform Gel Curing
- How to Buy the Best Nail Dryer
- Conclusion
10 Best Nail Dryers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. MiroPure UV LED Lamp (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Kedsum Nail Lamp (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 3. Makartt B00QV035SM (Best for Regular Nail Polish) |
| |
 | 4. LKE B07G31SQZ7 (Best Compact) |
| |
 | 5. SunUV SUN9C (Best Professional Dryer) |
| |
 | 6. MelodySusie Nail Lamp (Energy-saving) |
| |
 | 7. SunUV SUN6 (Fast Curing Speed) |
| |
 | 8. MelodySusie 71-7112-013 (For All Gel Types) |
| |
 | 9. MelodySusie UV Gel Lamp (High-performance) |
| |
 | 10. Liberex RN541 (For Uniform Gel Curing) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. MiroPure UV LED Lamp (Best Overall)
|
2. Kedsum Nail Lamp (Best Budget)
|
3. Makartt B00QV035SM (Best for Regular Nail Polish)
|
4. LKE B07G31SQZ7 (Best Compact)
|
5. SunUV SUN9C (Best Professional Dryer)
|
6. MelodySusie Nail Lamp (Energy-saving)
|
7. SunUV SUN6 (Fast Curing Speed)
|
8. MelodySusie 71-7112-013 (For All Gel Types)
|
9. MelodySusie UV Gel Lamp (High-performance)
|
10. Liberex RN541 (For Uniform Gel Curing)
|
1. MiroPure UV LED Lamp – Best Overall Nail Dryer
Photo: MiroPure
- Maximum Power: 48 Watts
- Size: 8.3 x 7.9 x 4.7 inches
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 365nm+405nm
Starting us off is MiroPure UV LED Lamp, the best overall nail dryer on our list. This versatile tool is powerful, spacious, offers multiple timer settings for convenience.
The 48-watt lamp is equipped with dual light-source (365 nm + 405 nm) technology. Its 33 LED bulbs produce near-white light, which preserves the color of your gel while preventing harm to your skin and eyes.
Speaking of bulbs, the light beads in this dryer have a lifespan of 50,000 hours (of nonstop use), which translates to about 5 years of reliable service.
You get 4 versatile timer settings: 10, 30, 60, and 99-second, which are displayed on a large and clear LCD screen. You can choose a setting that is most comfortable or convenient for you. The 99s is a low-heat mode that is gentle on your fingers or toes.
Also, the dryer has an auto-sensing function. Simply slip your hands into the spacious lamp and it automatically turns on, through infrared induction. You don’t have to press any button.
The MiroPure UV LED Lamp will, however, cure gel polish only, and won’t support regular nail polish.
Pros:
- Powerful LED lamps
- Long lamps lifespan
- Multiple timer settings
- Automatic start function
Cons:
- Does not cure regular nail polish
2. Kedsum Nail Lamp – Best Budget Nail Dryer
Photo: Kedsum
- Maximum Power: 24 Watts
- Size: 7.1 x 4.9 x 2.56 inches
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 365nm+405nm
Coming in second is Kedsum Nail Lamp, the best budget nail dryer. This affordable unit is easy to control and is great for curing both fingernail and toenail gel polish.
The dryer is designed to cure all kinds of LED gel nail polishes. You will love how easy it is to operate because it offers a single-button operation. It comes with 4 preset timer controls of 10, 30, 60, and 300 seconds for your convenience.
Also, its auto-off feature comes in handy by shutting down the dryer when not in use, thus promoting power conservation.
You can use it to cure both fingernails and toenails suing is UV+LED dual-light feature. 14 low-power LED beads to support this function and will last for 5000 hours (of nonstop use).
We noticed that Kedsum Nail Lamp is best suited for small hands. People with large hands may find the curing space a bit limited.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to operate
- Conserves power
- Cures both toenail and fingernail gel
Cons:
- Not ideal for large hands
3. Makartt B00QV035SM – Best Dryer for Regular Nail Polish
Photo: Makartt
- Maximum Power: 400 Watts
- Size: 11.8 x 10.6 x 7.5 inches
Makartt B00QV035SM is the best dryer for regular nail polish. It is a unique dryer, which cures nail polish using air, which is safe for you and your skin.
This dryer is the only one on our list that supports the curing of regular non-gel nail polish. It is also the most powerful model we’ve reviewed, clocking 400 watts. It dries nail polish in record speeds, without even the slightest discomfort.
Because this dryer uses air, instead of UV or LED light to cure nail polish, it will not harm your eyes or skin. In fact, it is safe for children as well, allowing your entire family to enjoy the tool’s benefits.
It is also very spacious and will, in fact, support drying of both hands or feet, simultaneously, making it a great companion for professional nail artists.
The high-performance Makartt B00QV035SM is, however, the most expensive nail dryer on our list, and won’t favor buyers on a budget.
Pros:
- Dries regular nail polish
- Powerful and fast dryer
- Safe for all-family use
- Spacious
Cons:
- Pricey
4. LKE B07G31SQZ7 – Best Compact Nail Dryer
Photo: LKE
- Maximum Power: 40 Watts
- Size: 3.9 x 2 x 2 inches
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 3.9 x 2 x 2 in.
LKE B07G31SQZ7 is the best compact nail dryer. This lightweight unit is the ideal travel companion because it requires minimal storage space.
Measuring only 3.9 x 2 x 2 inches and weighing only 7 ounces, you can move around with this air dryer even during your vacation. Also, it supports 110/240V input voltages, meaning you can use it to cure your gel polish even when vacationing overseas.
It features a strong ABS housing, which is easy to clean and uses its curved design to protect your eyes from UV. Also, the soft white light will prevent your skin from browning as the gel polish gets dried.
You can activate the dryer using its automatic sensor function, which eliminates the need for constant hand operation.
We noticed that the LED beads of LKE B07G31SQZ7 tend to heat up with extended usage of more than 2 hours. It may not be the best nail dryer for professionals.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Dual voltage support
- Strong plastic housing
- Automatic sensing function
Cons:
- LED beads heat up with extended use
5. SunUV SUN9C – Best Professional Nail Dryer
Photo: SunUV
- Maximum Power: 24 Watts
- Size: 8.4 x 4.8 x 3 inches
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 365 nm + 405 nm
SunUV SUN9C bags the spot for best professional nail dryer. It is a versatile tool that offers the features every professional nail artist would need from a dryer.
This nail dryer is equipped with a 24-watt dual LED/UV light source, which supports the curing of almost all nail gels. The dryer will cure LED gels, hard gels, UV gel, gem glue, sculpture gel, builder gel, and many more.
LED/UV light is produced by 18 LED beads, which have a superior lifespan on 50,000 hours. They will provide you with reliable service for years before needing replacement.
It is easy to use. An auto sensor allows the unit to turn on automatically when you insert your hand/foot, and also turn off when you withdraw them.
We did notice, however, that the auto sensor feature of the SunUV SUN9C works for the 99-second timer only, and won’s support the 30s or 60s setting.
Pros:
- Supports multiple gel types
- Energy-efficient dryer
- Long LED bulb life
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Auto sensor feature is limited
6. MelodySusie Nail Lamp – Energy-saving Nail Dryer
Photo: MelodySusie
- Maximum Power: 6 Watts
- Size: 5.9 x 3.2 x 2 inches
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 365nm+400nm
MelodySusie Nail Lamp is an energy-saving nail dryer that is very power-efficient, especially for personal use.
It consumes only 6 watts of power, making it the ideal tool for regular manicures and pedicures at the comfort of your home, without ever having to worry about increased energy costs.
The mini nail lamp is compact and lightweight. You can slip it in your bag and carry it to the office, school, or even travel with it during your vacation.
This nail lamp is also very gentle on your hands. It cures many types of gels with low, painless heat. It is easy to operate the dryer because it adopts a one-button design and has a built-in timer.
An issue we noted with the MelodySusie Nail Lamp is that its small size is not suited for large hands. You may need to cure the thumbs first then cure the other 4 fingernails if you have big hands.
Pros:
- Power-efficient dryer
- Compact and lightweight
- Gentle on the hands
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Not ideal for big hands
7. SunUV SUN6 – Nair Dryer with Fast Curing Speed
Photo: SunUV
- Maximum Power: 48 Watts
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 365nm+405nm
SunUV SUN6 is a popular nail dryer among individuals and professionals because of its impressive gel curing speed.
The dryer promises to shorten the curing time of many gel polish types by up to 50% compared to standard lamps. It boasts of 21 LED beads strategically positioned so that there is no dead zone, and all the space is optimized for curing gel.
For efficient operation, this dryer comes with a smart sensor, which activates it when you slip your hands or feet in. You can halt the curing process by slipping them out.
You can use the 3 timer settings to choose between the 30s, 60s, or 99s (low heat) curing, depending on your gel’s requirements. Also, the timer is displayed on a large bright LCD screen for ease of monitoring.
We did notice, however, that if you run the SunUV SUN6 continuously for long, then it tends to get uncomfortably hot.
Pros:
- Fast gel curing speed
- Automatic sensing
- Preset timers
- Digital timer display
Cons:
- Gets hot during extended usage
8. MelodySusie 71-7112-013 – Nail Dryer for All Gel Types
Photo: MelodySusie
- Maximum Power: 36 Watts
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 365nm-405nm
MelodySusie Nail Lamp is a reliable nail dryer suited for the curing of all gel types.
The 36-watt LED nail lamp packs enough power to cure all kinds of LED and UV gel nail polish, including UV topcoats, UV builder gel, LED nail gel, and many more.
It utilizes 19 LED beads, which are harmless to the eyes, hands, and effect. The light they produce helps prevent skin browning during the curing process.
3 timer settings make the tool easy to operate. You can select between the 15, 30, and 60-second timer settings. The last one (60s) is especially recommended for painless curing.
Also, this lamp is lightweight and portable. You can carry it to the salon, or even take it with you while traveling.
A disappointing issue we noticed with MelodySusie Nail Lamp is that it has an odd angle of thumb placement, which means they sometimes don’t cure well when the whole hand is inserted.
Pros:
- Supports all gel types
- Powerful and safe LED lamp
- Multiple timers for convenience
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Thumb gel may need to be cured separately
9. MelodySusie UV Gel Lamp – High-performance Nail Dryer
Photo: MelodySusie
- Maximum Power: 36 Watts
- Size: 9.7 x 8.6 x 4 inches
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 365nm
MelodySusie UV Gel Lamp is a high-performance nail dryer that supports the curing of many custom gel designs, especially in professional applications.
The first thing you’ll notice about the lamp is its long timer settings of 120, 180, and 1800 seconds. These robust timers allow the lamp to accommodate sophisticated gels including 3D prints, CND Shellac, rhinestone gems glue, and other professional styles.
It comes with a sliding tray, which is absent in all the other models we have reviewed. The sliding tray is especially suited for curing UV resins, acrylic, and 3D prints. It also helps simplify lamp cleaning.
This lamp takes your health into account. It is made using non-toxic and odorless ABS plastic, which is also sturdy to prolong the unit’s life. You also get 1 free replacement bulb.
An issue we didn’t like in the MelodySusie UV Gel Lamp is its short bulb life. You may need to replace the UV bulbs every 3-5 months to maintain optimal performance.
Pros:
- High-performance dryer
- Robust timer settings
- Convenient sliding tray
- Uses safe material
Cons:
- Short bulb life
10. Liberex RN541 – Nail Dryer for Uniform Gel Curing
Photo: Liberex
- Maximum Power: 54 Watts
- Light: LED/UV
- Wavelength: 365nm+405nm
Liberex RN541 a unique nail dryer known for its efficiency and uniform gel drying. Efficiency and uniformity are made possible by the lamp’s 36 LED beads, which are the most we have recorded in a single unit.
These beads are responsible for even light distribution, which helps to cure gel polish faster and uniformly. They also help to solve the problem of dead ends for the thumbs and little fingers, which is common in most nail dryers.
Thanks to this dryer’s smart automatic sensor, you can activate the lamp by simply sliding your hands or feet in it. The light goes off when you withdraw the hand/foot.
Also, it has 4 robust timer settings with 10, 30, 60, and 120-second options to choose from. Whatever timer setting you choose will be counted down automatically on the large LCD display.
Because the Liberex RN541 is a large unit, it occupies a lot of desk space and is not ideal for use where there are space limitations.
Pros:
- Uniform gel curing
- Superior light output
- Automatic sensing
- Robust timer settings
Cons:
- Not ideal for tight spaces
How to Buy the Best Nail Dryer
1. Power
Most nail dryers utilize LED/UV lamps, which are electric-powered. When choosing a nail dryer, it’s important to consider the power it draws, in watts.
Energy-efficient nail dryers, such as the 6-watt MelodySusie Nail Lamp, are great for personal use, especially because they will barely alter your power bills.
Sometimes high-power nail dryers are necessary, for instance, in professional applications, or for accelerated nail polish curing. The Makartt B00QV035SM is a high-power dryer, but it only cures regular nail polish.
2. Size and Portability
Most people appreciate compact tools that can perform as well or even better than large ones.
Nail dryers are no exception, especially if you want one for personal use. A compact-sized nail dryer is great because it does not demand a lot of desk or storage space.
Also, you can carry a nail dryer with you wherever you go, if it is small and compact enough to fit in tight spaces, such as pockets, and bags. A compact model such as the LKE B07G31SQZ7 is highly portable and especially great for travel.
3. Light Exposure
Because most nail dryers rely on LED/UV lamps to deliver the heat required for the gel curing process, then light exposure becomes a key consideration.
UV is not safe especially with prolonged exposure. Thus, LED/UV nail dryers operate within the 365nm+405nm light wavelength, which is considered safe for your eyes and skin.
It’s always advisable to limit the time you spend exposed to the nail dryer light, as a safety precaution. Most nail dryers have soft light to protect your eyes, and hands from darkening during gel curing.
4. Time Settings
Nail dryers are designed to simplify the process of curing our nail polish, and they achieve that by eliminating the need to constantly touch it especially during switching on and off.
Most will come with preset timers, which support multiple run time. The most common timer settings for nail dryers are 30, 60, and 90 seconds, but some high-performance models such as MelodySusie UV Gel Lamp have longer timer settings for custom gel curing.
Timers are great especially if the countdown is displayed on an LED screen.
5. Category
While most nail dryers are designed for curing gel nail polish, you can get one for regular polish, such as the Makartt B00QV035SM.
Also, while most nail dryers use LED/UV lamps, some use other drying technologies such as air, which is equally effective and often considered safer.
Conclusion
Our best nail dryer review demonstrates the value these tools offer in reducing nail polish curing time, smears, and smudges.
If you’re looking for the finest of them all, pick MiroPure UV LED Lamp, our best overall nail dryer. It is powerful, spacious, and has an impressively long bulb life.
If you’re on a budget, but still desire a good-quality nail dryer, you can’t go wrong with Kedsum Nail Lamp, which is also easy to operate.
We recommend SunUV SUN9C for professional nail artists. It is versatile and has a long bulb life.