Gel nail polish has become hugely popular in recent years for its ability to deliver salon-quality nails that last 2-3 weeks without chipping or peeling. As someone who loves having beautiful-looking nails but hates spending hours at the salon and paying high prices, I’ve tried just about every gel polish brand out there.

After much trial and error, I’ve narrowed down the 10 best gel nail polish products that give me flawless at-home manicures every time. I’ve summarized the key pros and cons of each in the table below:

My Top 10 Picks for At-Home Gel Manicures

If I had to choose only 3 gel polish products to use at home, these would be my top picks:

1. OPI GelColor

Hands down the Cadillac of at-home gel polish. With their vast collection of trendy and timeless shades, salon-quality glossy finish, and long wear of 3+ weeks, you simply can’t go wrong with OPI. It applies like a polish but wears like a gel. The price tag is high but it’s worth every penny.

2. Red Carpet Manicure LED Gel Polish

This gel polish has an array of beautiful shades and dries quickly under an LED lamp. It leaves nails ultra glossy and is very resistant to tip wear, nicks and smudges. The key is using their Platinum LED top coat to lock in the color. More affordable than OPI but still delivers brilliant results.

3. Sensationail Gel Polish Kit

For an all-in-one kit, Sensationail can’t be beat. You get their highly-rated gel polish, primer, top coat, lamp, and everything else you need to achieve a perfect gel mani at home. The colors apply smoothly and cure quickly under the included lamp. Easy to remove too with their soy-based remover. A great gel system for beginners.

4. Modelones Gel Nail Polish Kit

The Modelones kit is an affordable at-home gel option that doesn’t compromise on quality. You get their popular gel polish in 6 trendy shades, base and top coat, UV lamp, nail tools, tips and instructions. The gel polish provides a glossy, long-lasting manicure for up to 2 weeks. While the wear time is a little less than premium brands, the smooth application and vibrant color choices make Modelones a great budget buy for getting salon-style results at a fraction of the price.

5. Gellen Gel Nail Polish

Gellen makes an easy-to-use soak-off gel polish that delivers a durable, chip-free manicure for up to 14 days. Their formula applies in one step so it’s quick and easy to get a flawless pro-looking finish. The polish has a nice high shine and good color selection including glitters and French white. While the quantity per bottle is lower than some brands and the price is on the higher side, Gellen is a quality gel that rarely chips or wears down before two weeks. It’s a great choice for hassle-free application and long wear.

6. Beetles Gel Nail Polish Set

This complete starter set from Beetles includes their popular gel polish in 20 colors, top coat, base coat, UV lamp, tools and instructions. The gel formulas provide a shiny, durable manicure that resists tip wear and chips for 2+ weeks. While the finish isn’t quite as glassy as the salon, Beetles offers great quality for an at-home system at an affordable price point. With the huge variety of colors and finishes, you can achieve any look from nudes to glitters. I find this kit to be a complete but budget-friendly gel system.

7. Makartt Polygel Kit

The Makartt polygel kit lets you sculpt your own acrylic-like nail extensions or overlays that are naturally thick and durable. The odorless gel applies smoothly and cures under UV to create strong, protective nails that can last 3-4 weeks with proper application. There is a learning curve to getting the right shape but the result is long, structured nails that are like acrylics without the damage. It’s ideal for extending your natural nails or filling out weak spots with the strength of gel.

8. Bio Seaweed Gel

For a more natural gel polish option, Bio Seaweed is a great choice. This 5-free formula contains seaweed extract and vitamin E to nourish nails as it colors. The gel polish applies easily and cures under UV light to a glossy finish. While the color selection is limited to lighter nude and pink shades, the eco-friendly ingredients make your manicure healthier. Bio Seaweed gel can last a full two weeks without chipping or peeling. If you want safer, more natural gel polish, this brand delivers.

9. LeChat Perfect Match Gel Polish

This gel polish is specially designed to precisely match LeChat’s Dare to Wear nail lacquer line for the ultimate manicure pairing. The long-lasting gel formula delivers up to 2 weeks of chip-free wear and a shiny, eye-catching finish. Colors range from solids to shimmers, glitters and French whites. While it can be prone to shrinking if not applied correctly, the Perfect Match system lets you get LeChat’s trendy lacquer looks in durable gel polish form.

10. KIARA SKY The System Kit

Developed by celebrity nail artist Kiara Sky, this professional complete gel system lets you achieve flawless salon-worthy manicures at home. The kit includes base gel, color gel, top gel, primer, dehydrator, lamp and prep tools. The gels deliver ultra-glossy color, long wear and easy removal. With versatile nude and bold shades to suit any style, this higher-end kit provides everything you need for sophisticated gel polish results.

Gel Nail Care Tips

To get the most out of your at-home gel manicures and avoid damage to your nails:

• Always prep nails properly with a dehydrator and primer
• Apply thin gel coats and cure fully under the light
• Wrap tips to prevent chipping and peeling
• Use gel or acetone weekly to remove, avoid peeling gels off
• Give nails a break between sets for health
• Moisturize and massage nails and cuticles
• Take gel-free breaks now and then

With the right prep and removal, you can enjoy long-lasting gel polish results at home without compromising the health of your natural nails. Invest in a quality gel system and remember – less is more when applying. Happy polishing!