Aprés Mini Nova vs Nova: Which LED Nail Lamp to Buy

By Edmond Lin, M1 Nail & Beauty Supply, Markham, Ontario. Last updated 9 October 2026. Specifications are taken from Aprés's own product pages (apresnail.com) for both lamps.

The Aprés Mini Nova is a compact, corded 36 W LED nail lamp with 45 dual-wavelength LEDs and a Low Heat mode. The Aprés Nova is the larger, cordless rechargeable lamp with three light modes (Blue, Pink and Red) and fold-out legs for pedicures. Both have 30-, 60- and 90-second timers and start automatically when a hand goes in. Choose the Mini Nova for a station that always has an outlet and needs only to cure gel. Choose the Nova if you need to work away from an outlet, cure toes, or want the Pink and Red light modes.

Mini Nova vs Nova at a glance

Corded or cordless

This is the biggest difference. The Mini Nova has no battery: it runs from its included adapter (24 V / 1.5 A output, 100–240 V input), and Aprés describes that as steady 36 W output with no pauses to recharge. The Nova is cordless. It has a battery indicator that shows blue when the lamp is charged and blinks when it needs charging, and Aprés says to charge it only with the supplied charger and to unplug it once charging is complete.

In practice: a lamp that stays on one desk next to an outlet does not need a battery. A lamp that moves between stations, goes to the pedicure chair or travels to clients benefits from one.

Light modes and wavelengths

The Mini Nova does one job: it cures gel, at two wavelengths. The Nova has a MODE button that switches between three light settings. Aprés says Pink mode cures as strongly as Blue mode while exposing only the nail tips to blue light, and that Red mode has no curing function at all: it is a red-light setting for hands and feet, and the timer buttons work only in Blue and Pink modes.

The two lamps list different curing wavelengths, so check what your gel maker asks for. Whichever lamp you use, follow the cure time given for the gel product.

Heat control: Low Heat vs upswing

Both lamps have a setting for clients who feel heat spikes, but they work differently. On the Mini Nova, press LOW HEAT and then a timer: the display shows L30, L60 or L90 and the lamp runs at 65% less power for the whole cycle. On the Nova, the 90-second button is an upswing setting that Aprés says is there to minimize heat spikes; the 30- and 60-second settings have no such feature.

Aprés notes that Low Heat is a comfort setting, so the gel still needs the cure time its maker specifies.

Manicures and pedicures

The Nova is the one built for both. Aprés's directions for pedicure use are to remove the bottom plate and pull out the hidden legs on both sides, which raises the lamp so a foot fits underneath. The Mini Nova also has a removable metal base plate, but Aprés presents it as a cleaning feature and gives directions for hands only.

Which lamp to buy

• A manicure station with an outlet: the Mini Nova. It cures gel, takes up less desk space and costs much less.
• A second chair or a new technician: the Mini Nova, in Black or White.
• Manicures and pedicures with one lamp: the Nova, for its fold-out legs and cordless use at the pedicure chair.
• Mobile work, events or desks without a free outlet: the Nova, because the Mini Nova only runs plugged in.
• You want Pink mode or the red-light setting: only the Nova has them.

Care and warranty

For both lamps, Aprés warns against using them with wet hands and against looking directly at the LEDs while they are on. Both are for professional use only.

Mini Nova vs Nova questions

New to the system these lamps are sold with? Read the Aprés Gel-X guide, or see every nail lamp we stock.

This guide summarises Aprés's published product information as of 9 October 2026. Prices change; the product pages show the current ones. The manual in the box is the final word on use and care.