The 6 Best At-Home Gel Nail Kits of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Morovan Poly Gel Nail Kit

4.8

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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 eight gel colors, including two ombrés and six solids, plus a nail dehydrator, a primer, a base, and top coat, various grooming tools, and a drying lamp. You'll also get extension gel and foil for shaping your nails. Once our tester got the desired shape and length, the drying process was a breeze.

She said her nails were a little tacky after placing them under the lights for the recommended two minutes. However, they were definitely cured and felt durable. She used the purple-to-white ombré hue and loved the overall results. With some practice, she thinks they'll continue to look even better.

With the exception of two extensions falling off, our tester's nails looked just as good two weeks later—still shiny and vibrant without any cracks or chips. She said the removal process was a piece of cake too. After soaking them in acetone, the gel scraped right off. And while her nail plates were somewhat brittle, they weren't completely wrecked.

Price at time of publish: $49.99 for All Seasons Kit

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

Best Budget

SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit

4.2

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On a budget? The SensatioNail Starter Kit might be your best bet. Since the directions are somewhat confusing, you'll want to read through all the steps before getting started. But while this wasn't the most user-friendly set we tested, we think it'll be easier after the first go-around.

Our tester said the gel dried quickly with the included lamp and was satisfied with the finished results. (And she thinks her manicure would look even better if she used thinner coats of lacquer and took her 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 with regular polish.

Price at time of publish: $29.99

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

Best Portable

Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set

4.4

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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. Our tester called it a "little party in a box," explaining that it's fun and user-friendly, even for a beginner like herself. 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 tester's 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.) Her nails weren't damaged afterward, though, and while the longevity was disappointing, we still think Le Mini Macaron is a great choice for travel.

Price at time of publish: $60

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

Best for Beginners

Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish Gel Nail Color Starter Kit

4.2

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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 tester said her 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 not entirely damaged. 

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.

Price at time of publish: $59.99

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

Best Value

Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit

4.2

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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, our tester found that leaving her nails in a little longer allowed them to fully harden without any tackiness.

She was pleased with the results of her gel nails, commenting on the stunning color and smooth, exceptionally shiny finish. Unfortunately, they didn't last the full two weeks and ended up chipping after about six days. While we wish it had better staying power, this feature-rich set is an excellent value.

Price at time of publish: $33.99 for Classic Nudes Kit

Included Shades: 12 | Dry Time: 90 seconds