All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
It's that time of the year when all of life’s biggest events may have you wanting your nails in tip top shape, and press-on nails might just be the answer. Prom, weddings, graduation — you name it, one thing is clear — you want to nail it. Our bank accounts, however, just can’t commit. After all, going to the nail salon every two weeks can really add up. Luckily, press-on nails are the kind of pressure we can thrive under.
The year kicked off with navy blue nails and, more recently, milk nails have stolen the spotlight. As with most nail trends, there’s often a celebrity giving their stamp of approval – think Hailey Bieber's glazed donut nails, Selena Gomez’s butter nails, and Jennie Kim’s French tip twist nails, to name a few. And now, we’ve moved into pressed-on territory. These aren’t just a budget-friendly, time-saving option—they’re also celeb-endorsed. Even Olympic gymnast Suni Lee wore press-ons when she nailed both her look and her landing during last year’s preliminaries. In short, they come in handy — for any reason, in every season.
Before you say yes to the press, you'll want to know which press-ons are actually worth it. We've tested them to bring you the intel on quality, durability, and style. There are a few key factors to keep in mind when choosing your set—like what tools are included. Pro tip: when it comes to application, glue is king. And safe and easy removal is just as important as the application. Got a bit of glue residue left behind? A quick buff with a nail buffer usually does the trick!
Anyway, press on for our best press-ons list:
Best overall: KISS Bare But Better TruNude
Most cost-efficient: KISS imPRESS
Most adorable: Glamnetic x Hello Kitty®
Longest wear: KISS Gel Fantasy Allure
Best luxury: Ersa Nails Fairywood Whisper
Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Add a little glam with these pink, semi-transparent base “Honey Moon” short, almond press-on nails. While these are pretty durable overall, the color faded after a week, especially around the edges of the nails. Saying that, these are all about the prep — even if the actual polish chips, they stay on longer if you take more care in the prep stage.
Overall rating: 8/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Short almond
Includes: 30 nails, nail glue, nail file, cuticle stick, and alcohol pad
KISS imPRESS
Probably the best press-on nails for your buck! These press-ons are made to impress - and while they do so, they are also easy to apply with the adhesive already on the nails. So, no glue and no mess! They don’t break the bank either, so you can find yourself going wild.
Overall rating: 7/10
Durability: 7 days
Shape: Short squoval
Includes: 30 nails, prep pad, mini nail file, and manicure stick
KISS Gel Fantasy
Aim high with these press-ons. If you usually opt for gel at the salon, KISS Gel Fantasy may be your style. These press-ons have a glossy finish and feel more natural like you’ve just been to the salon.
Overall rating: 8/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Squoval
Includes: 24 nails, pink gel nail glue, mini file, manicure stick and instructions
Olive & June Chrome Press-Ons
Made from 94% recycled materials with a UV-cured top coat, these are pretty durable, but they are also known for being a little heavier than other press-on offerings.
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Medium oval
Includes: 42 nails, glue, wooden cuticle pusher, 2-in-1 file and buffer, and prep pad
Olive & June Chrome French Instant Mani Press-Ons
Here is a French tip press-on twist we can back. The chrome finish gives these press-ons a donut glaze feel – chic and classy. While there are some complaints of curvature, overall, they are the best for damage free removal.
Overall rating: 7/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Medium oval
Includes: 42 nails, glue, wooden cuticle pusher, 2-in-1 file and buffer, and prep pad
Olive & June Mod Flowers Tab Press-Ons
These are the glue-less super stick press-on option that are perfect for an event or to put in your purse in case of a glam emergency. Lightweight and stylish! Known for their florals, Olive and June’s nail designs are fun for every occasion.
Overall rating: 7/10
Durability: 7 days
Shape: Short round
Includes: 32 nails, patented tab wheel with non-damaging tabs, wooden cuticle pusher, 2-in-1 file and buffer, and prep pad
DIGI Beauty Digits
Great price, cute styles. These are great for different sized nail beds which means less lift overall when pressed on. These are pretty easy to apply and are great if you are just starting to press!
Overall rating: 8/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Short almond
Includes: 24 nails, cuticle stick for prep and removal, dual-sided file and buffer, alcohol pad, and nail glue
Glamnetic x Hello Kitty®
Who doesn’t love Hello Kitty? These press-ons have us smitten. Points for cuteness alone. Glamnetic has nailed their collaboration. However, while these were supposed to be thicker nail tips than the usual collection press-ons, that actually didn’t feel like the case. Saying that, they are still durable overall and lasted around 10 days before popping off.
Overall rating: 8/10
Durability: 10 days
Shape: Short coffin
Includes: 30 nails, storage box, nail glue, double-sided nail file, cuticle stick, and alcohol pad
KISS Bare But Better TruNude
“When it comes to press-ons, I would recommend the KISS brand the most,” says Teen Vogue Editor-at-large, Sara Delgado. No doubt these are a fan-favorite too with most fans loving the fact they are sturdy but not thick. Another notable mention is the brand’s glue quality being hailed one of the best in the press-on nails market right now. Fashion and beauty associate editor Donya Momenian say, “These got me through my first fashion week.” And who doesn’t love a classy nude vibe? It is bare but better!
Overall rating: 10/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Short coffin
Includes: 28 nails, pink gel nail glue, mini nail file, and manicure stick
KISS Gel Fantasy Allure
3D nails are all the rave! These press-ons feature a unique layering process giving the on-trend special 3D effect. Teen Vogue’s Mandy Velez says, “These lasted me the longest without a single nail falling off or needing to be reapplied. This included both in-office and home working as well as a few workouts – about 16 days or a little over 2 weeks.” When it comes to the glue, Velez confirms that KISS has the “most resilient” but in case you get the glue on the nails themselves or fingers, it washes off within 24 hours.
Overall rating: 10/10
Durability: 16 days
Shape: Short oval
Includes: 28 nails, pink gel nail glue, cuticle stick, and mini nail file
Chillhouse Chill Tips
These Midnight Magic Chillhouse press-on nails are magic. Not only are they cute, but they seem to keep in tip top shape and are reusable. “When I posted these to my Instagram, I got so many DMs asking about how these fared, because they are just too cute,” says Velez. “They lasted about two weeks, but I did have a nail or two pop off two to three days after the first application. However, this was impressive to me since I wore these and worked out three to five days that week, both lifting and HIIT cardio (meaning lots of weight grabbing and floor burpees or push ups).”
Overall rating: 9/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Medium almond
Includes: 28 nails, pink gel nail glue, cuticle stick, and mini nail file
KISS Voguish Fantasy
In true KISS fashion, these press-ons have the best of both worlds! Both dreamy and durable.
Overall rating: 10/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Short oval
Includes: 28 nails, pink gel nail glue, mini nail file, and manicure stick
The Instant Mani Press-On Nails
“[These were] my first ever press-ons and the gateway to me falling in love with them,” confirms Velez. “They were a bit long (they are size long after all) and made typing difficult for a few days, so buffer that in if you have a computer-based job. But I did get used to them after that.”
Overall rating: 7/10
Durability: 7 days
Shape: Long almond
Includes: 42 nails, cuticle pusher, prep pad, and nail glue
Xpress/On Iconic Shades Short Press-On Nails
Where there are nails, of course there is OPI. This household name meant the expectations were high, but we’re pleased to confirm that the press-on nails lived up to the hype. They are lightweight, comfortable, durable and stylish. In fact, they are so durable that you can cut them down and shape them. The glue, however, didn’t get a standing ovation.
Overall rating: 9/10
Durability: 14 days
Shape: Short round
Includes: 30 nails, cuticle stick, dual nail file and buffer, OPI prep pad, and nail glue
Ersa Nails Fairywood Whisper
Luxury press-on nail category? Undeniably, Ersa Nails takes the crown. While they are a little on the pricier side, they have the most intricate and detailed designs that are handcrafted by nail techs using gel. If you aren’t into the maximalist nail designs, Ersa even has a more affordable Ombré Series. They come in different sizes ranging from XS - L and there is a size chart to help you match your fit. You can even customize your set further by length and shape.
Overall rating: 10/10
Durability: 4 weeks & reusable
Shape: Short almond
Includes: 10 nails, 2 sheets of sticky tabs, 2 alcohol wipes, wooden stick, sponge buffer, and nail file
