Best Nail Polish Top Coat of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Nail polish top coat is the ultimate finishing touch to any manicure. This clear, glossy layer is applied on top of colored nail polish to protect it from chipping and extend its wear time. It also gives nails a high-shine finish that makes them look polished and professional. Some top coats even contain special ingredients like UV protection or quick-drying agents to make the manicure process even easier. Whether you're looking for a simple, no-fuss top coat or a high-tech formula, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

OPI RapiDry Top Coat Cover #TOP 1
OPI RapiDry Top Coat
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat Cover #TOP 2
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
ftb score rating icon 9.8
OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat Cover #TOP 3
OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Nail Polish Top Coat

OPI RapiDry Top Coat

OPI
99399000019
0.5 Fl Oz
OPI RapiDry Top Coat Cover
OPI RapiDry Nail Polish Top Coat | Quick Drying Top Coat | Quick Dry, High Shine & Glossy, Protects Nails

OPI Quick Dry Top Coat is designed to help you achieve a flawless manicure in no time. This quick-drying formula seals and protects your nail color in just 30 seconds, saving you valuable time. You can enjoy up to 7 days of wear without chips when you use it as part of a three-step system. The pro-wide brush ensures smooth and even application, eliminating streaks and bubbles for a professional finish. Plus, its salon-quality formula delivers a brilliant shine that enhances the look of your nails, making your manicure stand out.

What We Like
Long-lasting shine
Fast drying time
Works with various brands
Plumping effect on nails
Durable and non-peeling
What We Don't Like
Slightly thick consistency
Improvement needed in bottle design
#TOP 2

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat

83100
Clear
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat Cover
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat - .5 fl oz

Get salon-quality nails at home with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Clear Coat. This top coat provides high shine and a glossy finish to your manicure while protecting your polish from nicks, dullness and staining. It dries quickly without the need for UV or LED light and prevents fading of nail colors. The cruelty-free formula is safe and contains no harmful ingredients. Made in the US with top-tier quality, this top coat is the perfect addition to your nail care regimen.

What We Like
Dries quickly
High-gloss finish
Long-lasting protection
Easy application
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Strong chemical smell
Thick application may cause ridges

OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat

OPI
4064665114935
OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat Cover
OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat | Long Wear Nail Polish Top Coat | Protects Nails, High Gloss Shine, Prevents Scratches

The OPI Top Coat offers a gel-like finish that lasts up to 11 days, giving you a salon-quality manicure at home without the need for a UV lamp. You can easily remove it like regular nail polish, sparing your nails from harsh treatments. The application is straightforward; just use the OPI pro-wide brush for a smooth, streak-free look. Plus, it provides a high-gloss shine, ensuring your nails look freshly done for longer. With this top coat, you can express your style through vibrant colors that resist fading and chipping.

What We Like
High shine finish
Long-lasting durability
Quick drying time
Easy application
Protective qualities
What We Don't Like
Slightly pricey
Shine diminishes over time

Modelones Gel Nail Polish Top Coat

MO-DA0011
0A-Gloss Top Coat
Modelones Gel Nail Polish Top Coat Cover
modelones Gel Nail Polish Top Coat- 15ml No Wipe, High Gloss Shiny Long Lasting Top Gel for Clear Nail Gel and Acrylic Nails, for Home DIY and Nail Salon

Get a long-lasting, high-gloss shine with Modelones Gel Nail Polish Top Coat. Made with natural resins and ingredients, this no-wipe top coat is non-toxic, non-yellowing, and skin-friendly. With proper application, it can make your gel nail last for over 28 days. The smooth and easy application is perfect for beginners to DIY nail designs at home. Use with the same brand of nail gel polish for the best effect, and be sure to do a skin test before use.

What We Like
Long-lasting performance
Easy application
Sleek matte finish
High gloss shine
Strengthens nails
What We Don't Like
May peel after several days
Air bubbles possible
#TOP 5

Orly Top Nail Coat

OJ0400E
Orly Top Nail Coat Cover
Orly Top Nail Coat, Won't Chip, 0.6 Ounce

Orly Top Coat offers a stunning sparkle that enhances your nails. Its smooth application ensures that you can achieve vibrant colors without any hassle. You will appreciate the long-lasting wear, which keeps your manicure looking fresh for days. This professional salon formula provides a flawless finish, making it perfect for at-home use. With its beautiful re-packaging, it not only performs well but also looks great on your vanity. Enjoy the benefits of a salon-quality finish right at home with this top coat.

What We Like
Long-lasting manicure
Fast drying
High shine finish
Effective chip prevention
What We Don't Like
Thickens over time
Some found it less effective
#TOP 6

KUPA GelFinity Top Coat Glossy Finish

GEL-CLRTOP-HLFZ
Glossy
KUPA GelFinity Top Coat Glossy Finish Cover
KUPA GelFinity - Soak Off Gel - Top Coat Glossy Finish (No-Wipe) 0.5 Fl Oz

The KUPA GelFinity Top Coat Glossy Finish is a high-quality nail polish top coat that provides a long-lasting and shiny finish to your nails. With a curing time of just 90 seconds in your KUPAMANI Pro Glo UV or LED Lamp Light, or 2 minutes in a standard UV Light, you can quickly achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home. The high gloss shine of this top coat ensures that your nails will remain vibrant and glossy for an extended period, without fading, chipping, or peeling. This top coat is perfect for those who want a professional finish and durability without the hassle. Upgrade your manicure routine with the KUPA GelFinity Top Coat.

What We Like
Long-lasting shine
Self-leveling formula
Easy to work with
Stain resistant
Highly recommended by professionals
What We Don't Like
Can be goopy at times
Shipping issues reported
#TOP 7

Beetles No Wipe Top Coat

BT-FK026AU
2 Pcs Top Coat
Beetles No Wipe Top Coat Cover
Beetles Gel Polish 2Pcs 15ml No Wipe Top Coat High Gloss Shiny Long-Lasting Clear Gel Top Coat, Soak Off Nail Lamp Nail Gel, Home DIY Professional Manicure and Nail Salon Valentines Day Gifts

The Beetles Top Coat is designed for both beginners and professionals, offering a long-lasting shine for over 28 days. Its flexible formula helps prevent nicks and chips, ensuring your nails stay beautiful. The application process is smooth and user-friendly, making it easy for you to create stunning nail designs at home. Plus, this top coat dries quickly under UV light, saving you time during your manicure routine. With its low odor and harmless ingredients, you can enjoy a healthier nail care experience without worrying about harsh chemicals.

What We Like
Long-lasting results
No wipe formula
Easy application
Glossy finish
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Limited scent options
#TOP 8

Seche Vive Gel Effect Top Coat

10002913
Dark Blue
Seche Vive Gel Effect Top Coat Cover
Seche Vive Gel Effect Top Coat 0.5oz, boxed

Seche Vive Gel Effect Top Coat is a fast-drying top coat that protects your nail colors from fading, provides a prolonged, intense shine, and has a durable gel-like finish. It doesn't require UV/LED light and is self-leveling. This top coat is also safe, cruelty-free, and doesn't contain harmful ingredients. With just one coat, your nail lacquer maintains its shine for over two weeks!

What We Like
Quick drying
High glossy finish
Long-lasting protection
Easy application
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Strong smell
Not effective on bare nails
#TOP 9

Nail-Aid Quick Dry Glass Shine Top Coat

08949
Clear
Nail-Aid Quick Dry Glass Shine Top Coat Cover
Nail-Aid Quick Dry Glass Shine Top Coat, Long Wear, Scratch Resistant Color, Clear, 0.55 Fl Oz

Nail-Aid Glass Shine Top Coat is a multi-benefit top coat that offers fast drying and high glass shine with a super hard, smooth finish. It dries instantly to an anti-chip, long-lasting finish, which dramatically extends the life of any nail color with no chipping and no retouching for up to 16 days. The top coat goes on smoothly, doesn't smudge and results in a smooth, hard as glass, shiny clear surface. You can apply it over dry nail color and apply another coat every 3 days for longest-lasting protection. Remove easily with polish remover.

What We Like
Long-lasting shine
Strengthens nails
Fast drying
High-quality ingredients
What We Don't Like
Longer drying time
Some chipping issues
#TOP 10

L.A. COLORS Fast Dry Top Coat

CBNT536D
Fast Dry Top Coat
L.A. COLORS Fast Dry Top Coat Cover
L.A. COLORS Fast Dry Top Coat Treatment CBNT536

The L.A. COLORS Top Coat is designed to strengthen and safeguard your nails against breakage and damage. With its high-shine finish, it gives your nails a polished look that enhances their appearance. This top coat not only protects but also adds a glossy layer that makes your manicure stand out. Additionally, it dries quickly, allowing you to get back to your day without long waiting times. Enjoy beautiful, resilient nails with this effective treatment.

What We Like
Strengthens and protects nails
High-shine glossy finish
Quick-drying formula
Enhances manicure appearance
Buying Guide Image

Find Your Fit: How to Buy the Right Nail Polish Top Coat

Introduction

Choosing the right top coat for your nail polish can make all the difference in the longevity and overall look of your manicure. A top coat is a clear or colored polish that is applied over your base coat and nail polish to provide a protective layer and give your nails a glossy finish. In this article, we will discuss some important factors to consider when choosing a nail polish top coat.

Consider the type of finish

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a top coat is the type of finish you want. Some top coats provide a glossy finish, while others have a matte finish. If you want a glossy look, look for a top coat that is specifically labeled as glossy or shiny. If you prefer a matte finish, choose a top coat that is labeled as matte or satin.

Check for long-lasting formulas

Another important factor to consider is the longevity of the top coat. Nobody wants their nail polish to chip or peel after only a few days. Look for top coats that are specifically designed to provide long-lasting wear. These top coats often contain ingredients like polymers and resins that help to seal and protect your nail polish.

Consider the drying time

Nail polish top coats can vary greatly in terms of drying time. Some top coats dry quickly and can be touch-dry in minutes, while others can take much longer to dry completely. If you are someone who is always on the go and doesn't have a lot of time to spare, look for a top coat with a fast drying time. This will save you time and prevent smudging or smearing.

Check for added benefits

Many top coats have added benefits beyond providing a glossy finish and protecting your nail polish. Some top coats contain ingredients like vitamins and moisturizers that can help to nourish and strengthen your nails. Others have UV inhibitors that can prevent your nail polish from fading or yellowing in the sun. Consider what additional benefits you would like your top coat to provide and look for a product that meets your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right nail polish top coat can make all the difference in the overall look and longevity of your manicure. Consider the type of finish, long-lasting formula, drying time, and added benefits when choosing a top coat to ensure that you get the best product for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the top coat of nail polish do?

The top coat of nail polish serves multiple purposes. It helps minimize chipping, extend the life of your polish, and provides protection to your nail beds. Some top coats, like Essie Nail Care - All in One, also have strengthening properties that can prevent breakage of nails without polish.

2. Do you have to put top coat over nail polish?

Yes, it is recommended to apply a top coat over nail polish for long-lasting wear and shine. The typical nail polish application involves a base coat, two coats of color for full coverage, and a final coat of top coat to seal and protect the color.

3. How often should you apply top coat?

To maintain your manicure, it is advisable to reapply top coat every 2-3 days. This helps to ensure that your nails stay protected, shiny, and your polish lasts longer.

4. Is it really necessary to use a top coat?

Yes, using a top coat is highly recommended. It serves as a protective layer for your manicure, shielding the color from environmental factors like sunlight and water that can shorten its lifespan. Additionally, the top coat seals in the color and enhances its staying power.

5. How long do you leave top coat on nails?

When applying a top coat, it is important to allow for a drying time of approximately 2 minutes. This applies to all layers of a manicure, including the base coat, color coats, and top coat. Patience during the drying process ensures a well-set and long-lasting manicure.

6. How long after nail polish should I apply top coat?

After applying the second layer of color, it is recommended to wait at least two minutes before applying the top coat. This allows the color to partially dry and prevents smudging or smearing. Once the top coat is applied, it should be allowed to dry fully before engaging in activities that may affect the manicure.

Editor's Notes

During our nail polish top coat research, we found 48 nail polish top coat products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 397,244 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nail polish top coat list. We found that most customers choose nail polish top coat with an average price of $7.77.

The nail polish top coat are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nail polish top coat, including OPI, Seche, modelones, Orly, KUPA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Nail Polish Top Coat Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand OPI Seche OPI modelones Orly KUPA beetles Gel Polish Seche Nail-Aid L.A. COLORS
Liquid Volume - 14 Milliliters 15 Milliliters 0.5 Fluid Ounces 0.6 Milliliters 0.5 Milliliters - 14 Milliliters 0.55 Fluid Ounces 38 Milliliters
Special Feature - Quick Dry, Long Wearing, Fade Resistant, Chip Resistant, Peel Off Long Wearing, Quick Dry, Chip Resistant Long Wearing Chip Resistant Travel Size - Quick Dry Long Wear,Quick Dry, Chip Resistant Smudge Proof, Long Wearing, Quick Dry, Chip Resistant
Item dimensions L x W x H - 0.79 x 0.79 x 1.57 inches 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.19 inches 1.57 x 1.02 x 3.31 inches 1.6 x 1.6 x 3.9 inches 2 x 2 x 3 inches - 1.5 x 1.5 x 3 inches 1.2 x 2.88 x 5.5 inches 1.5 x 1 x 3.19 inches
Item Form - Liquid Liquid Gel Gel Liquid - Gel Liquid Gel
Finish Type - Glossy Clear Glossy Glossy Glossy - Clear Glossy Clear
Color - Clear Infinite Shine Top Coat 0A-Gloss Top Coat - Glossy - Dark Blue Clear Fast Dry Top Coat
Type - top_coat base top_coat top_coat top_coat - top_coat top_coat -
Material Type Free - Alcohol Free Gluten Free Formaldehyde Free Formaldehyde Free - - Aluminum Free Dibutyl Phthalate Free, Phthalate Free, Toluene Free, Paraben Free, Formaldehyde Resin Free -
Model Name - Dry Fast Top Coat for Nail Polish and Manicure Top Coat modelones Gel Nail Polish Top Coat - - - Seche Vive - Instant Gel Effect Top Coat - 14ml / 0.5oz by Seche Vive Nail-Aid Quick Dry Glass Shine Top Coat -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy