These Press-On Nails Look As Good As a Professional Mani for a Fraction of the Price (2024)

As a beauty editor and self-proclaimed press-on princess, I've tried every press-on nail brand I've found. Trust me when I say they've come a long way from the original drugstore press-on manicures that barely stayed on for an hour. Now they're chic and durable, and they come in an incredible array of designs—from classic, neutral colors to bold, trendy patterns. They're also more versatile, available in a variety of lengths and shapes, from exaggerated stiletto nails to short and rounded options that you can still wear while typing.

Another reason I love them: Press-on nails aren't just an easy at-home option that offers a professional-looking manicure in minutes; they're also a healthier alternative for your nails. They don't require any maintenance or heavy-duty removal like gel or acrylics (just soak them in warm water to remove), and they protect your natural nails from external aggressors. In my case, press-ons have stopped me from biting and picking at my nails. (I'm the problem, it's me.)

If you haven't tried press-on nails yet, consider this your sign to give them a go. To help you choose the best of the best, I tested and gathered my favorite picks.

These look so realistic, are very durable, and have a classic neutral style that's perfect for any occasion. The Bare but Better collection comes in small, medium, and long sizes, so you can choose a length depending on your preference. I like the medium length, which comes in seven chic, neutral colors, because it gives just the right amount of extension without feeling like you can't do basic activities. Each kit contains everything you need for a long-lasting style: 28 nails, pink nail glue (which matches the nail hue), a mini file, and a manicure stick.

The Sally Hansen press-ons come in so many colors, designs, shapes, and lengths that there's an option for everyone: bold and long, short and square, monochrome colors, and fun patterns. The nails come in an innovative box that allows you to slide your fingertips underneath the plastic-encased tips so you can see how they'll look on you before buying. Each kit comes with both glue and adhesive tabs, along with a nail file and a prep pad.

Beauty editor Genesis Rivas wearing Sally Hansen Salon Effects Perfect Manicure Press in Beet Pray Love.

At first, putting on press-on nails with glue is tricky; things can get sticky quickly. This option lets you forgo the glue. Instead, you peel and press the included two-sided stickers onto your natural nails then place and press-on the tips. I find that this short length doesn't feel restrictive or make it difficult to get things or type. Admittedly, the stickers aren't as long-lasting as the glue, so I like to reach for these when I need a quick fix for a special night out or event.

Beauty editor Genesis Rivas wearing imPRESS manicure in Reddy or Not.

Want a trendy manicure with intricate designs but don't want to spend hours getting them done at a nail appointment? Chillhouse has you covered. The brand offers the cutest designs on the market, from this neutral yin-yang option to checkered patterns and swirly prints. Each kit contains 24 nails, a dual-sided file and buffer, a cuticle stick, and nail glue (and this nail glue is so good, I use it with other brands, too).

Beauty editor Genesis Rivas wearing Chillhouse Chill Tips in Wavy Baby.

If you have tiny pinkies or wide nail beds, then you'll appreciate this inclusive kit, which comes with 32 press-on nails in 16 sizes (most nail kits only offer around 25). It comes in a ton of manicure options, from solid colors to mixed sets, but what's the most impressive about these nails is their long-lasting wear. I've tried a ton of press-ons that use sticker adhesive, and none have lasted as long as this kit. It has a unique application process because instead of the adhesive tab already in the nail, it comes separately in the brand's patented wheel. You first apply the tab to your nail and then slide the corresponding nail on top.

Beauty editor Genesis Rivas wearing Olive & June Super Stick Manicure in Tutu.

For those who love length: These PainLab press-ons give extension like acrylics or gel-X nails without the maintenance or price tag. They also come in bright, bold, and unexpected designs that are sure to boost your mood whenever you look at your mani. While I personally prefer a shorter manicure, I appreciated that these were very long-lasting and easy to apply.

When you're in a pinch and need a cute but simple manicure in minutes without sacrificing your ability to do regular things (like type, open up a soda can, etc.), these press-ons have you covered. They come in 15 solid colors, from bolds to neutrals. Fun press-on nail hack: Feel free to customize your manicure by applying a glitter topper or stickers, which is a trick I'll do when I want to switch it up.

Beauty editor Genesis Rivas wearing press-on nails with a glitter topper.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best beauty products and formulas. We researched and tested tons of top-rated and brand-new press-on nails to help you find the best picks.