The 6 Best At-Home Gel Nail Kits, As Tested by Byrdie Editors

Best Overall At-Home Gel Manicure Kit

Morovan Nail Kit

View On Walmart $50

Included Shades: 8 | Dry Time: 2 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Morovan Poly Gel Kit earned perfect scores in most categories, including drying time, finished appearance, longevity, ease of removal, and nail integrity after removal. We only marked it down for ease of use since there was a slight learning curve to applying the gel nails. That said, the directions were thorough yet concise, so we knew what to do each step of the way.

This manicure kit comes with nail dehydrator, a primer, a base, and top coat, various grooming tools, a drying lamp, and eight colors. You'll also get extension gel and foil for shaping your nails. Once we got the desired shape and length, the drying process was a breeze.

Our nails looked just as good two weeks later—still shiny and vibrant without any cracks or chips. The removal process was a piece of cake too. After soaking them in acetone, the gel scraped right off. And while our nail plates were somewhat brittle, they weren't completely wrecked; nothing a little cuticle oil couldn't solve.

Best Budget

SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit

View On Amazon $50 View On Walmart $20

Included Shades: 1 | Dry Time: 3 minutes | Cruelty-Free: No

While this wasn't the most user-friendly set we tested, we think it'll be easier after the first go-around. Since the directions are somewhat confusing, you'll want to read through all the steps before getting started.

The gel dried quickly with the included lamp, and we were satisfied with the finished results. (And we think our manicure would look even better if we used thinner coats of lacquer and took our time with the application.) Though the brand promises up to 14 days of wear, it began chipping after about seven days. While it may not last as long as a salon mani, you can expect it to hold up longer than classic nail polish.

Best Portable

Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set

View On Amazon $48 View On Nordstrom $68 View On Leminimacaron.com

Included Shades: 2 | Dry Time: 1 minute | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Need something for on-the-go use? This portable kit earned perfect scores for ease of use, drying time, overall look and nail integrity post-removal. It's like a little party in a box—fun and user-friendly, even for beginners. Since the lamp is so small, you'll need to dry your thumb separately. Still, we were pleasantly surprised by how quickly the gel dried and hardened.

The smooth, shiny results exceeded our expectations. However, the gel started peeling within a couple of days, and it was entirely gone shortly after. (You might get better results if you properly prep your nail plates and apply thinner coats.) Our nails weren't damaged afterward, though, and while the longevity was disappointing, we still think Le Mini Macaron is a great choice for travel.

Best for Beginners

Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit

View On Amazon $42 View On Ulta $42 View On Target $42

Included Shades: 1 | Dry Time: 30 seconds | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For gel nail novices, we recommend Sally Hansen. The brand's beginner-friendly starter set clocked a perfect score for ease of use, thanks to the exceptionally simple three-step process and 30-second dry time.

Once cured, our nails were hard and smooth without any tackiness. The pro-level polish and top coat deliver extra-shiny, streak-free results, though she noticed one small bubble. While it promises up to two weeks of wear, the gel started peeling when our tester cleaned her kitchen. Her nail beds were slightly brittle after it all came off but an extra dose of hand cream was enough to correct the damage. 

The other thing to note is that the set comes with only one shade, but you can buy more individually. Although it might not be ideal for folks who work with their hands, we still think it's a good choice for those interested in exploring at-home light-cured nails.

Most Shades Included

Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit

View On Amazon $40 View On Walmart $40

Included Shades: 12 | Dry Time: 90 seconds | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For a more comprehensive set, go with Gellen. The brand's starter kit earned a perfect score for ease of use, thanks to the straightforward instructions. It comes with a base coat, 12 bottles of gel lacquer, a top coat, several grooming tools, nail embellishments, and a UV drying lamp. While it says to dry each coat for one minute, we found that leaving our nails in a little longer allowed them to fully harden without any tackiness.

We were very pleased with the results, specifically the stunning color and smooth, exceptionally shiny finish. The manicure did end up chipping after about six days, however this feature-rich set is an excellent value.