I tested over 25 pairs of press-on nails to find the best ones — and my top pick lasted 18 days

Best overall: Olive & June

Pros: Large range of nail sizes, affordable, long-lasting

Cons: Not a totally seamless fit at the cuticle

When it comes to the best press on nails, Olive & June takes the prize for longevity and size inclusivity. They offer a whopping 41 nails in 21 sizes, the largest range on the market by a longshot. These nails are incredibly thick and durable, had no chipping, and stayed put for 18 days — the longest amount of time press-ons have ever lasted on me. They did start to lift a bit at the cuticle after about a week; they still looked just as good, but I found my hair sometimes getting caught in them when I ran my fingers through it. Olive & June also boasts an affordable price range, with many sets costing around $10.

Best natural-looking: Mani Muse

Pros: Natural-looking, lightweight

Cons: Not long-lasting, limited shape/design options

These nails are so comfortable and lightweight. They're also incredibly natural-looking; I had one friend even mistake them for my real nails. Founded in 2020, Mani Muse is a newer brand, so they have a more limited selection of designs and currently only offer round and almond-shaped nails. They only lasted a few days on me, but I would still repurchase them as they look so natural and are a great option if you need a quick manicure for an event.

Best fit: Glamnetic

Pros: Natural-looking, large assortment of nails/sizes

Cons: Higher price point, some chipping

Glamnetic has the best press-on nails for a natural, comfortable fit. They fit so well at the cuticle and the application process is seamless. Glamnetic also has a great assortment of designs and offers shorter lengths. I found this set to be very durable and lasted a full two weeks with no lifting, though there was some chipping of the polish after about a week.

Best for classic styles: Static Nails

Pros: Great for French manicures and unfussy designs

Cons: Instructions a little misleading

Static Nails are reusable pop-on manicures in five shapes: round, coffin, square, almond, and stiletto and are known for their approachable styles in solid colors and multi-colored French manis. Static also comes with light pink glue, which was helpful, but I thought the directions called for too much nail glue. I followed the directions, which said to apply a thin layer of glue to the back of the Static Nail and then a "generous" layer of glue to the natural nail, but I ended up with glue all over the place and on the top of the nail which damaged it.

Best designs: Chillhouse

Pros: Trendy designs, comfortable fit

Cons: Higher price point, some lifting, pattern availability changes

Thanks to the eye-catching designs, these are the best press-on nails to wear if you want to receive tons of compliments. Chillhouse press-ons strike the perfect balance between being trendy and fun while still being wearable enough for everyday. This particular set is also shorter in length, so they are a great option for those who don't like the feeling of wearing long nails. While these nails did last me 10 days, they're not the most durable set I've worn. I experienced some lifting/cracking around the cuticle of one nail around the 7-day mark, but it never fully lifted or fell off.

Easiest to apply: imPress Press on Manicures

Pros: Super easy to apply, lots of options for short manicures

Cons: Adhesive system doesn't last as long as glue

imPress nails don't come with glue but instead have their own adhesive built in, so these are perfect for the person who is new to press-on nails. I found that the Impress adhesive is much stronger than the adhesives that come with brands that offer glue as well. Also, I noticed Impress has a wider variety of designs for short nail manicures, which is something to consider if you're not used to wearing longer styles.

Best from the drugstore: KISS Salon Acrylic

Pros: Inexpensive, available at the drugstore, durable

Cons: Some bubbling

These nails fit very seamlessly at the cuticle, making them look extremely natural and feel comfortable. I also appreciate the thickness and durability of these nails. I didn't experience any chipping or lifting throughout the 7 days I wore them. They really do feel and perform like acrylic nails. Because this particular design is sheer, I did notice some slight bubbling of the glue underneath (the packaging claims "no bubbling"), but that could have been due to my application technique or the ridges/uneven texture on my nails.

Largest variety: The Nailest

Pros: Big selection of shapes and designs, thicker than other brands

Cons: Some reviewers say that they run small

The Nailest has the largest variety of nails of all the brands I tested. Of their instant acrylic sets (read-to-ship) they have pretty much any shape, length, color, and finish you can imagine, and they also offer handcrafted sets painted with at least 5 layers of gel polish. They're thicker quality and way sturdier than most press-on nails. As with other brands, I'd recommend not following the directions to apply glue on the faux and natural nails because it results in excess glue, making the nails messy/sticky.

Best with crystals: Marmalade Nails

Pros: Lots of variety in shapes, designs, and crystals

Cons: Certain styles may discolor

The Aria is a short, matte, square white mani with a sparkly accent nail of Swarovski crystals, which makes them perfect for summer, but I noticed that the white nails became discolored to a light brown over time. You may want to opt for a different color, but I think Marmalade has some of the most creative and dramatic styles (I've got my eye on Mosaic and Ice Queen). I also like the light pink nail glue, which makes it easier to gauge how much glue you're applying. That said, the glue did feel stronger than most, and I damaged one of my natural nails when removing the press-ons, so take caution and give yourself some extra time when you're ready to remove them.

What to look for

Length: When choosing a length of press-on nails, consider your day-to-day routine. Do you prefer shorter nails, or are you looking for a more elongated style? If you're not used to having long nails or you often work with your hands, for example, they may not be the right style for everyday use. You can file or clip press-on nails, but definitely proceed with caution, as it may cause damage if you're too aggressive.

Shape: There are many different shapes of press-on nails: oval, round, almond, square, stiletto, and coffin. The shape of the nail will certainly impact the comfort level. For example, a stiletto shape is far more likely to get caught on an open knit than an oval shape. The best part is that press-on kits likely come in a shape that excites you and is incredibly easy to interchange, so if you find you don't like one, you can always try another.

How long do press-on nails last?

Most press-ons last about five to 10 days, depending on the adhesive used and how well they're applied. Glue usually lasts longer than adhesive tabs, and proper prep (like cleaning and buffing your nails) can also help.

Do press-on nails damage your natural nails?

When applied and removed properly, press-on nails are less damaging than acrylics or gels. The key is to avoid prying them off, no matter how tempting. Instead, soak them in warm soapy water or use an oil-based remover to loosen the adhesive.

Are press-on nails reusable?

Yes, a lot of press-ons can be reused; you just have to remove them gently and clean off any remaining glue so they can be reapplied later.

What's the difference between adhesive tabs and nail glue?

Adhesive tabs are gentler on nails and allow for shorter wear (a few days), making them ideal for temporary use. Nail glue creates a stronger bond for longer wear but requires more careful removal to prevent damage.

Can you shower, cook, or do chores with press-on nails?

Yes, but keep in mind that water, heat, and heavy use of your hands can shorten their lifespan. If you want them to last, wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes, and avoid prolonged soaking in water.

How do you apply press-on nails correctly?

1. Clean your natural nails with soap and water.
2. Push back cuticles and lightly buff the nail surface.
3. Wipe nails with rubbing alcohol to remove oils.
4. Apply adhesive tab or glue.
5. Press the nail firmly for at least 10-15 seconds and longer if needed.

How do you remove press-on nails safely?

Soak your nails in warm soapy water or cuticle oil for 10-15 minutes. Once they start to feel loose, you can gently wiggle them off. Avoid ripping or forcing them off to prevent nail damage.

What sizes do press-on nails come in?

Most sets include multiple sizes to fit different nail beds, and you can file or trim them for a better fit. Some brands offer customizable or "universal fit" nails that may require a bit of extra trimming and shaping.

Are press-on nails better than acrylics or gel manicures?

It depends on your needs. Press-ons are faster, cheaper, and gentler on nails, while acrylics and gels last longer. Press-ons are great for occasional use or quick style changes, and they're typically healthier for your nails.